Tag: steelers

Recaping the Donkeys and Keys to Beating the Steelers

The Raiders got smoked last week and gave up their first lost to the Broncos since moving to Las Vegas. Denver pretty much controled the game the entire time. Now, they jump ahead of .500 and hold a valuable lead over the Raiders in the AFC West.

Gardner Minshew threw two interceptions. He got yanked for Aidan O’Connell. The Broncos defense looked elite with Riley Moss and Patrick Surtain both getting picks.

Brock Bowers was the most reliable target and caught a touchdown. Jakobi Meyers was by far the best receiver on the outside with Davante Adams out.

Reports indicate Adams could play for Vegas again as soon as his hamstring gets right. Either way, a trade probably still makes sense for both sides.

Otherwise, the Raiders did do so much on the ground. Ameer Abdullah popped off for some bursts but Alexander Mattison was largely ineffective as the starting runner.

Maxx Crosby ended up playing and registered two sacks. Christian Wilkins also got his first solo sack of the year. Unfortunately, Wilkins is now hurt and slated to miss the year. That’s a huge loss given all the money they spent on him in the offseason. He really helped the whole defense. Now, John Jenkins and Adam Butler need to step up again. Vegas needs Tyree Wilson to develop ASAP as well.

Regardless, Bo Nix still played one of his best games as a pro. Nix threw two TDs, over 200 yards and only had 8 incompletions. The Raiders needed to capitalize on a Nix mistake but it never came. Denver also got over 100 scrimmage yards from Javonte Williams. He averaged nearly 5 yards-per-carry on the ground too.

Now, they play a tough Pittsburgh team off two tight losses. The Steelers narrowly lost to the Dallas Cowboys last week. Rico Dowdle popped off for 87 rushing yards while Dak Prescott threw for over 300 passing yards. It really could have gotten uglier if the Steelers did not get two interceptions and a couple of sacks.

Offensively, Justin Fields was again the team’s biggest playmaker. Najee Harris barely averaged three yards-per-carry. Fields rushed for 27 yards and threw two touchdowns, despite only throwing for 131 yards. Look for him to try and find George Pickens early and often. Pickens was held to just three catches last week.

The previous week, Pickens caught 7 balls for 113 yards. Fields put up over 50 rushing yards and 300 passing yards. He added three total touchdowns in that one-score loss too. That is still the kind of performance they want from them versus the Raider.

Otherwise, the Raiders have been a mixed bag at home. One week they looked great versus the Browns and the other week they got smacked by the Panthers. It is still unclear who this team is given how much drama and injuries have impacted the team.

A win over an old-school rival could help the Raiders steady the ship at 3-3. A loss here could also bury either team’s Wild Card hopes in a loaded AFC. Remember, Vegas lost in Pittsburgh last year. That ended up making a huge difference at the end of the year. Jimmy G, never recovered and the coaching staff never recovered from some bad calls.

Ultimately, the Raiders are tasked with both applying pressure to Fields and keeping contain. That will be harder without Wilkins pushing the pocket.

Pickens and Calvin Austin will challenge the Raiders’ speed outside. Both teams struggle to make big plays. The Raiders defense must play discipline and not give up anything easy. A turnover from either team could also be the difference.

The Raiders defense get s back Divine Deablo this week. He should help them defend the backfield against Harris. Harris might not be elite but he is big and strong. The Bay Area native loves going after a team he watched growing up.

These games are also always really close. Expect both teams to try and establish the run. Whatever unit can control the clock, will control the game. A big running play always means momentum in a physical game like this. An effective running game could keep the Raiders out of unmanageable third downs. That is a big key considering the struggles the team has at QB.

Again, if the Raiders can run the ball and play stout defense they have a shot. Big plays and/or turnovers will be the difference maker for both teams. The Raiders have a shot if they can establish their identity and fhe running game. Otherwise, they’re looking at falling to 2-4 with no QB and franchise receiver that wants out.

In some ways, this game could be our Super Bowl. Just Win Baby!

Raiders vs Chargers: Lessons from Week 3 and How to Avoid Losing at SoFi again

The Raiders need to make some turnovers this week. They threw three interceptions and allowed four sacks. Vegas’ offensive line failed their first real test of the season.

There’s a lot of talk about Josh McDaniels’ choice to take points late in the fourth instead of trying to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion. However, the real tragedy is how the Raiders gave up the ball. They are not a team that can afford that many turnovers. Plus, if Kenny Pickett tore up the Raiders wait til Justin Herbert gets his hands on us. We have not beat Herbert at SoFi.

The Raiders defense was sound against the run versus Pittsburgh. They get a hobbled Chargers rushing attack that is down their starting back. Los Angeles’ interior line hasn’t looked great either this year.

Still, the Raiders pass defense took some lumps versus Pittsburgh but a turnover or two could have helped them overcome some of those failed big conversions. Yet, Maxx Crosby once again was the only player to consistently get home and disrupt the Steelers offense.

Nonetheless, Josh Jacobs and the running attack were not much more effective versus the Steelers. Jacobs continues to cut and dodge his way but he needs more push from his interior offensive line. Some added push on those double teams will make Jacobs’ life easier. Not to mention, the Raiders can avoid some of the lapses in blitz pickup by avoiding obvious passing downs with more rushing yards on the first two downs.

Vegas will get another tough challenge at the edge this week. They can’t afford lapses in blitz pickup. Kolton Miller and Jermaine Eluemunor can both get beat by speed to power.

The Los Angeles Chargers will not be at full strength. Edge Joey Bosa didn’t practice all week. Running back Austin Ekeler and Derwin James are out. Receiver Mike Williams is done for the year. This franchise is gratefully more tragic than ours.

Raiders defensive Back Nate Hobbs, quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo and edge Maxx Crosby are all questionable. My guess is the two defensive players go and the QB sits out. Garoppolo has been in concussion protocol all week. Vegas needs Crosby to play because he is the team’s only reliable pass rusher. Both teams have key players missing practice.

Even without Williams, Los Angeles can throw for 300 passing yards. Bolts quarterback Justin Herbert has played progressively better this season. Herbert threw for over 400 yards versus the Dolphins and hasn’t even thrown an interception this year.

On offense, the Chargers rank in the top five for passing yards. The Raiders’ improved defensive backfield must create a turnover this week. This will help them overcome any big plays they allow to an explosive aerial attack. Stopping the Chargers pass attack is a lot harder to do without Crosby applying consistent pressure. Los Angeles is not strong on the right side of the offensive line. Vegas must exploit them. Of course it would be great to have a healthy and sane Chandler Jones in the mix. However, he was finally let go after an arrest topped some weird public behavior that Jones began exhibiting online.

Defensively, the Chargers have allowed the most passing yards. Vegas is closer to the middle of the pack in passing yards but that should change after this game. The Raiders have to attack the middle and deep parts of the field with James out for L.A.

Los Angeles still has former Raiders edge Khalil Mack. He has yet to get into the sack column but that could change this week. Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu has two sacks. Those two could play more together with Bosa expected to miss. That’s enough explosiveness and bend to give the Raiders’ tackles some problems. Double the trouble if Jimmy G. does not end up playing as expected. Garoppolo is pretty good at avoiding sacks by dumping the ball out.

Even without Ekeler for two games, the Chargers are in the middle of the pack for rushing yards. Vegas is in the bottom ten for rushing yards allowed per game. Joshua Kelley is not exactly consistent but he brings some burst out of the Bolts’ backfield.

There is no reason the Raiders should be last in rushing yards. The Chargers are in the middle of the pack in yards given up on the ground this season. However, some of that could be attributed to the back forth nature of their games. Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray looks better this year and they added Eric Kendricks to help them sure up the run. Kendricks may miss this game. Either way, Vegas should be able to run the ball.

Vegas should also receive another home field advantage at SoFi. Although, they need to do something with it. The team has yet to secure a regular season win versus the Rams or Chargers at SoFi. Not to mention, a win for either team cements second place on the AFC West. Plus, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is playing for his job the way the media talks.

Nobody should be surprised if the Raiders lose this game. Los Angeles is a couple of plays in close games away from being 3-0. Both teams are hobbled but the Chargers have looked more explosive than Vegas.

The Raiders will also be without their starting signal caller. Meanwhile, L.A. is down two of their impact defensive players and several key offensive weapons. Overall, the Chargers might be a bit more desperate due to their coach being on the hot seat. Then again, Vegas should be just as desperate based off how Davante Adams sounded fed up after last week’s loss.

Regardless, the Raiders will be starting a rookie quarterback. They like how Aiden O’Connell can push the ball down field versus veteran Brian Hoyer. Adams has been effective even when the offense hasn’t been effective. They should get him the ball again early and often.

Vegas needs to establish the run game. Adams and his rookie QB will have more opportunities for big shots if the offense can stay ahead of the chains. This Chargers defense can easily get carved up on the ground and through the air.

On defense, the Raiders need someone else besides Crosby to make a play. Rookie Tyree Wilson looked more comfortable last week. He is getting closer to making some plays but he needs to get home. Either way, a turnover is necessary from any part of the Raiders’ defense.

Vegas can win if they run the ball, convert a deep shot or two, protect the ball, rush the quarterback and create a turnover. They must play classic Raiders football. Otherwise, they could be looking at a tough loss in front of a home crowd in Los Angeles.

No Trap or Revenge Needed in Week 3 Vs Miami

Is it really different this time?

The Raiders are 2-0 much like last season. This time their defense is receiving a lot more praise off standout performances from Solomon Thomas, Carl Nassib, Maxx Crosby, and more. 

Also, Derek Carr is getting a lot more praise and recognition this time around. Dude is already amidst lots of MVP conversations. The Raiders are also doing it in Las Vegas and with fans in the building. Much different than last year’s COVID season. https://www.getrevue.co/profile/silverandblog

How Did We Get Here?

Listen, I’ll take beating the Steelers any day. However, we got to acknowledge that they were down two key starters with Devin Bush and Joe Haden out. Trai Turner left the game due to his own B.S.

One side of the coin, the Raiders beat two tough AFC North teams which will be critical for playoff seeding. The other side, the Raiders beat two overrated AFC teams with major injuries.

Either way, it’s clear the Steelers are a solid team. I think they took more lateral steps this year than many expected. However, many said the same thing about Baltimore last week. The Ravens just answered any questions about their contention by upsetting the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.

There were a lot of things to love about Sunday’s win. Trayvon Mullen made a crucial pick that reminded us all our DBs are actually legit now. Casey Hayward still ain’t given up a reception.

Solomon Thomas came up big with two sacks. Mad Maxx Crosby kept up his pressures and hits on the QBs. The run defense improved thanks partly to K.J. Wright. They held Pittsburgh’s key rookie rusher to under 40 yards for the game. Starting tight end Eric Ebron was a non-factor for the Steelers thanks to improved linebacker and safety play.

On offense, Carr was 28/37 with no interceptions. The Raiders quarterback earned his MVP consideration all week. More importantly, he was 4/4 on deep passes. Carr lead PFF and ESPN advanced QB metrics last week.

Henry Ruggs also eclipsed 100 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Daniel Carlson converted a game winning field goal and had his highest scoring game in his young career.

Otherwise, there were some ugly moments. The tussle between Turner and Crosby earned them both fines this week. Najee Harris stiff-armed Johnathan Abrams’ soul. The Raiders gave up some deep plays to the Steelers.

Our Silver and Black never really established the run game either. The offensive line played well enough but they were far from perfect.

Keys Versus the Dolphins

Don’t call Week Three a trap game. Yes, the Raiders are favored. Nonetheless, Vegas will need to show they can beat a struggling team without struggling. This will make Raiders Nation feel like things are finally different this time.

We also can’t forget the Dolphins lead a miraculous comeback that ended the Raiders’ playoff chances when these two teams played last year. Carr didn’t play in that game last season but this time the Dolphins will be down their starter. Jon Gruden still won’t call this game a revenge game since Ryan Fitzpatrick is long gone.

Regardless, Miami damn near got mercy-ruled last week as the Bills gave them a 35-0 loss. Tua left the game with a ribs injury and Jacoby Brissett entered. Brissett will make his first start since 2019 after throwing an interception in limited action last week. He should find himself under constant pressure as the Raiders defensive line comes to town.

Miami has not done anything too scary on offense this season. Still, Davante Parker is a big name and he brings a big body that should give the Raiders some problems in the end zone. They’ve got a phenomenal rookie and Will Fuller should return this week too. Vegas will have to respect Brissett’s legs and Mike G. at tight end. Yet, the Dolphins have yet to find a featured back.

On defense, Miami features a solid mix of young players and veterans. Corners Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are among the highest paid duo in the league. You add veteran safeties Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty, along with nickel Justin Coleman. This young Raiders receiver group will get tested. There’s a reason why some think this can be a trap game.

Moreover, Christian Wilkins is a beast. John Jenkins and Emmanuel Ogbah compromise a versatile front that could cause problems for the Raiders offensive line that features some inexperienced players due to injuries.

This team is also well coached with Brian Flores. Also, shout out to former Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie who has been a part of the Miami front office since leaving Oakland.

Keys To Beating the Phins

If the Raiders want to beat the Dolphins, they have to establish their identity. That means running the ball effectively enough to get short second and third downs. It means converting downfield shots without turning the ball over. The Raiders have done that for the most part the last few weeks.

Now, their offensive line must step up and do it against a tricky Miami front. They can’t take any steps back just because they are the favorites. We can’t kill ourselves with penalties or let them hang in the game.

One-on-one, the Raiders young receiver corps face a tough matchup versus the Dolphins. They can answer any questions about the group with a solid games versus the Phins. Vegs should win if Carr can continue his efficiency while also stretching the field. Again, Carr’s success will rely on the success of his young receivers, offensive line and hobbled backfield.

This is also a prove-it game for the Raiders’ secondary and defensive line that is capturing national attention for their turnaround. Don’t let Miami find their rhythm in the run game or gain confidence with big scramble plays or pass completions.

Even if he wasn’t the Week One starter, Brissett is not a bad player. He could expose the team if they don’t play discipline. The Vegas defense can’t have any lapses versus a hobbled Miami offense that appears subpar on paper. It’s about establishing their dominance with turnovers and big hits but also playing with enough discipline to keep the Phins from having a chance.

Ultimately, the Raiders can prove they are not the same team that collapsed in the second half of the last two seasons by dominating a team they should beat at home. They can show their defense is real by a third straight strong performance from the defensive line, along with continued consistency in the secondary and increasingly improved play by the backer.

Offensively, this young group should benefit by many reps versus a stout Dolphins defense. It is up to them to prove themselves in the trenches and one-on-one from the outside. We know what Carr and Waller will bring in terms of efficiency. Kenyan Drake could also use a big game on the ground versus the team that drafted him. Drake has been a weapon in the air but the Raiders will need him to make some big rushing plays as Jacobs continues battling injury.

The Raiders handling the Dolphins should continue building playoff momentum and rhythm for the young Raiders offense and defense. It’s a chance for a statement made over a team that narrowly edged them out over some B.S. last year. A statement that says we aren’t just the same Raiders as last year. Plus, who doesn’t want to be 3-0 heading into Chargers week on Monday Night?

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Good, Bad and Other Takeaways Before Steal City.

Good news, the Raiders won their opening matchup versus the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night. It was an official blessing to the Silver and Black’s new home in Vegas.

Bad news, Vegas almost didn’t win. Even worse, Denzelle Good went down with a season ending injury.

Good suffered the injury in the first game of a new deal and role. He really stabilized the unit with his versatility the last couple seasons. The offensive line was also already a shallow group.

That means John Simpson should start again even if Richie Incognito returns. I still don’t know why Brandon Parker hasn’t gotten an opportunity to kick inside. 

Either way, the guards will be tested versus Pittsburgh veterans that include Cameron Heyward. Reviews about new starters Andre James and Alex Leatherwood were mixed. They made plays but also some curcial penalties and mistakes.

Josh Jacobs and Yannick Ngakoue both sustained long-term injuries too. Jacobs will miss this game but Ngakoue is expected to play hobbled in Week Two.

Week One Flashbacks

Baltimore nearly sealed the game after the Raiders thought they won off a play that was stopped at the one. Carr threw a pick off a receiver a few plays later. There was a lost kicker too. 

Nonetheless, the Raiders won off a Zay Jones wide open catch. I told you these games against Baltimore usually come down to one play or the finish. 

Familiar rivals like Justin Houston and Sammy Watkins made big plays for Baltimore. Raiders fans will remember them from their days terrorizing us with the Chiefs. Latavius Murray also found the end zone after signing with the team just days before Monday Night.

All week since, Maxx Crosby and Carl Nassib earned praise after the win. Crosby registered enough sacks and TFLs to earn AFC player of the week. He was a constant force against the run and pass. Nassib helped get the ball back with a strip sack towards the game’s conclusion. Finally some turnovers! 

I’ve been critical of Nassib for a while now. He flashes on a play or two but hadn’t developed the consistency. Same for Maxx who struggled last year with more teams scheming for him. Both showed out when we needed them most. Don’t take away from Nassib making big plays in what was first regular season game since coming out. Nassib got his number called and delivered on the field while making history off the field.

More bad news came from the running game with Josh Jacobs getting hurt. He is ruled out versus the Steelers. That is a huge loss as the Raiders need to control the pass rush and clock with the run game.

Either way, Kenyan Drake earned a big contract for this exact reason. It wasn’t just to be an explosive, change-of-pace and gadget player. We knew a time would come where Jacobs needed rest and getting Drake was great insurance. It’s not like the Silver and Black haven’t employed multiple great rushers at the same time.

I don’t think any of us expected to need Drake this early but it is better than not having him. Hopefully, Jacobs doesn’t turn on too much McFadden PTSD with these lingering injuries. 

It wasn’t a particularly good game for either rusher. The best run play of the night came with Marcus Mariota earning 30 yards from his sub-package. The good news was Jacobs found the end zone a couple of times. 

On the other side of the ball, Yannick Ngakoue also sustained an injury. Many thought it would limit him this week and further. However, he practiced this week and he is expected to play versus the Steelers. 

If Ngakoue can’t go, the Raiders will need Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell was a healthy scratch versus the Ravens. 

The Raiders will need him and Solomon Thomas to prove those top-10 draft grades. Gerald McCoy also went down with injury last week. The vet was just gaining momentum and a role in the rotation. Ferrell and Thomas will be needed both inside and out moving forward.

Old School Rivalry

Every one reading this knows the ball hit the ground. However, many of these players in this week’s Steelers and Raiders showdown won’t remember the Immaculate Deception. In fact, there aren’t many familiar faces since the two franchise faced off in 2018. The most prominent returns are the two quarterbacks.

Derek Carr played well enough last week. He had one part where he had seven in completions. He almost sparked a riot on Raiders twitter after that INT. Carr redeemed himself with the winning TD. Otherwise, it was rewarding to see him take and convert shots down the field. I still don’t think the Raiders will win a Super Bowl if he is forced to through the ball 50 times.

That’s why the loss of Jacobs is pretty huge. The Steelers want to run the ball too. They didn’t complete many big shots versus the Bills last week, despite their slew of explosive receivers. Their offensive line is reloading. Big Ben Roethlisberger played well enough last week. At this point in his career, is Big Ben a game manager?

We will see versus the Raiders. Baltimore isn’t exactly loaded at any skill positions, yet they found success through the air and running the ball. Look for Pittsburgh to try and get their offense in rhythm with the run game and some more deep shots.

If the Steelers can contain the Raiders’ rush, that could spell some confidence for the Pittsburgh passing game. However, they’ll only go as far as the offensive line and run game goes. This should be an old school game with both teams trying to establish the run and dominate the trenches.

Versus the Steelers, the Raiders defensive line faces a cast of new faces. Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro and Andrew Villanueva once held down this offensive line. All those names are gone from Pittsburgh’s roster. 

Insert Trai Turner, Joe Haeg and JC Hassanauer. All experienced players written off by their former team. The Steelers swung last year’s starting right tackle to the left side. Point is, the Raiders should make Roethlisberger uncomfortable. He was sacked by the Bills twice last week. 

Najee Harris caught the attention of many fantasy owners before the season. However, he underwhelmed in his first game. Harris averaged less than three yards a carry. Pittsburgh should look to get him touches early and often. The Raiders surrendered rushing yards last week.

Pittsburgh rush defense wasn’t much better. They surrendered 65 yards to Devin Singletary. Again, Drake is going to be huge this week. Whatever team can establish the run will win this game.

The Steelers did sack QB Josh Allen three times. Pittsburgh also kept Stefon Diggs and the Bills receivers from scoring or completing a deep pass. This means the Raiders could have trouble completing the deep passes they converted on Monday Night.

The Vegas offense completed several passes over 20 yards to a variety of receivers. Can they do that with TJ Watt rushing on every play? 

The Major Key Versus Pittsburgh

Both teams should make big plays as both defenses can bend. The real test will be which defense lasts the longest and doesn’t break. Double critical that both defenses find a way to create turnovers and get stops in the red zone.

Ultimately, the deciding factor will be the run defense. Both teams have a slew of receivers they want to feature. However, the pass rush from both teams should neutralize that. Both secondaries seemed improved although it is early.

Regardless, the team that can get the run going will get the opposing defense on their heals. That also controls the clock and forces these offenses to take big shots. Well both teams want to convert big plays, I’m not sure either will be comfortable if they find themselves in a situation where they must force big shots if either one is down big.

Instead, I suspect both teams will setup their shots strategically of the run game. Both teams will benefit from protecting a lead and allowing their pass rushers to just get up field and create havoc.

Vegas is on the road though. They’re also down their best back. That means they will rely on big play passing game a bit more.

In the end, we’ll take beating the Steelers no matter what. Let’s protect that 16-13 all-time record. Plus, this game could have potential AFC Wild Card implications given the strength of both divisions and the added game this season.

Whatever quarterback can make a play without costing their team usually wins this game. Big Ben and Derek Carr have both had their shares of comebacks and big plays. They’ve also come up short or turned the ball over in big spots. None of that got anything to do with Sunday so whatever quarterback can balance the game managing with occasional gun slinging will win.

Whichever quarterback can use their run game to control the clock and pass rush will find themselves more easily converting downfield plays too. Coincidentally, an opposing offense playing catch up usually makes it easy on the leading team’s defense.

Bottom line, the Raiders need a win here to make everybody feel a little bit better about barely beating the Ravens. The world was watching and Vegas barely squeezed one out. This time a decisive win over an old rival could get all the haters to see the new commitment to excellence.

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Tuck and Woodley’s meaning for Raiders

Woodley signs with Raiders via Raiders.com

Just around twelve hours ago, Raidernation was ready to jump ship when the Rodger Saffold deal was botched. Apparently, depending on whose side you believe, Saffold had a previous shoulder injury that caused him to fail the Raiders physical and voiding the contract.

Fast Forward a few hours, and Raider Fans were excited to hear the team signing Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley to two year contracts. Sure Woodley and Tuck are not the marquee players they once were a few seasons ago, but the signings are still significant boosts for the squad.

Veteran Leadership
Tuck and Woodley both come from two other storied franchises in the Steelers and Giants. Both hoisted the Lombardi trophy in their tenure with their former teams. Championship pedigrees are not cheap in this league and a team that has done a lot of losing needs to learn how to win, and these guys know how. As Fans we seen the Impact Woodson made when he came in purely from a leadership perspective, and these guys can do the same

Pass Rush
Between the two of these guys, The Raiders added over 100 career sacks to a struggling front four.Woodley
is a versatile rusher capable of standing up or putting his hand in the ground. Tuck is capable of rushing from the end or 3 technique. That versatility should be utilized by the Raiders. D-Coordinator Tarver should be stoked to have two new toys.

Affordability
Raiders got Tuck and Woodley for what it would have cost to franchise Lamarr Houston. Not to mention, the two year deals do not hurt the team in the long run. Around a 6 million dollar salary for these guys is a good deal considering they have more sacks then Houston.

Recruitement
These Two guys are about as respectable as you can be in the league. If they can buy into Reggie’s plan then I am sure they can get other Veteran Defensive Players to buy into what the Raiders are selling. So far free agency has proven Raiders are going to have to offer more then just playing time and money. Having Woodley’s and Tuck’s influence should help other free agents buy into the francsise.

Reggies Plan
These two moves signify Reggie’s plan of patience and not over spending. Fans lost beloved Houston and Veldheer and the Raiders needed to provide some hope for its fans. The Saffold drama can now be put behind us, and fans can buy into the big picture again. Reggie is not going to overspend or lock up players, he wants to build through the draft. Tuck and Woodley are the servicable stop-gap players for fans to be excited about, but they also could be the mentors to Raiders young players. Moreover, these are signings the Raiders can build on as they continue Free Agency and into the Draft.

Something To Prove
I mean really, When was the last time Raider Fans actually had something Legit to be excited about? Reggie McKenzie actually has something to prove to the fanbase which pays his pay check. Same could be said for Tuck and Woodley. Both were intricate pieces of their former franchises, yet were not coveted by their former teams. As they enter their 30’s(Woodley 29 Tuck 31) both players can prove they still have plenty to offer a team. Woodson dispelled the myth that 30 year old players can’t impact games, and Woodley/Tuck will look to do the same.

Sure Woodley and Tuck are not exactly the marquee names anymore. However that is no reason for Raidernation to not be excited, as they are better then anyone else currently on the roster. Sure the Raiders have a lot more to do in Free Agency and they have a huge draft coming up in May, but signing Woodley and Tuck is a step in the right direction.Singularly, neither is the kind of pass rusher to command double teams anymore, but paired offensive QBs have something to fear for the first time in a while.

] Tuck signs with Raiders [\caption]