There will be huge shakeups this offseason. The Raiders wasted no time in canning Rob Ryan and allowing our defense to slip from the top to the bottom of the league in only 12 months. Here is a list of things I think will happen: 1. New D-coordinator. The rumor mill is churning with reports that Kiffin will make an attempt to hire his father, Monte when the Buc's season is over. Monte's contract is up this season. We are all aware of Monte's grasp of defense, and has put out great units every season since he's been in Tampa. Kiffin also has a ring for his efforts. 2. Warren Sapp will retire tomorrow. He is a leader on defense, and his presence will be missed. With Warren leaving I really think we need to draft one of the premiere DL's coming out this year, and we have a high enough pick where it will make an immediate impact. Rushing D was at the bottom of the NFL, and we need more plugs in the middle. 3. Jerry Porter will become and UFA. I hope he finds work elsewhere, but we have a glaring need at Wideout. Javon Walker? 4. Justing Fargas will become an UFA. The guy had his first 1000 yard season, but his career is pock marked with injuries. 5. Lamont Jordon is not likely to be back next season. Jordan has a nagging back injury, and Kiffin ended up just benching him in favor of Fargas half-way through the season. The plan worked, and the Raiders still have Dominic Rhodes, Michael Bush, and possibly Fargas going into next sesaon. 6. Barry Sims and Robert Gallery should be traded or something. Whatever we need to do to get better pass protection on the backside. I did see flashes of improvement from 2006, but overall these guys still suck. What makes me want to go crazy is when I see Sims jumping offsides at home, when their is no noise, and he has so many years of experience. Same goes for Gallery. I say chop them. 8. Stuart Shwiegart can't tackle anyone. I expect he will be gone when the new D-coordinator arrives. 9. Jamarcus Russell will put in a full training camp, complete with voluntary workouts. He never did camp last year. This is essentially his "rookie" season in many ways. When the playoffs where no longer available to Oak, Kiffin did the smart thing by throwing JR into the fire for a couple games. We are all expecting huge improvements for him next season.
1. We can scratch this one off the list! Apparently, Ryan is going to keep his job, and reports of his dissmissal were grossly exaggerated. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Coach Lane Kiffin said Monday he would evaluate Ryan's status quickly. There were reports that Ryan would be fired, but team spokesman Mike Taylor said Friday that Ryan would return for a fifth season with the team. "The recent conjecture regarding the removal of Rob Ryan is incorrect and the constant barrage of rumors is irresponsible," Taylor said. "The Raiders organization stated that the speculation that Rob Ryan will be relieved of his duties should stop."</div> The good thing about this is that this defense likes this coach, and can be the thing that sways our UFA's to remain in Oakland.
The Raiders defense has been pretty good the last two seasons. Coaching alongside his dad must be a childhood dream, but it sends a bizarre message to your players for firing a guy who did job well enough. If Monte comes back do you think he can talk Sapp out of retirement? What are the odds of Derek Brooks ending his career in the Silver & Black?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (o.iatlhawksfan @ Jan 4 2008, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I don't follow the Raiders much, but I curious to know how Robert Gallery turned out?</div> Gallery is still making rookie mistakes. Although, he has found his niche in left guard. Tom Cable's coaching has helped him out a lot this year, and he may stay employed but not as the left tackle that we had thought he could be.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Shapecity @ Jan 4 2008, 07:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Raiders defense has been pretty good the last two seasons. Coaching alongside his dad must be a childhood dream, but it sends a bizarre message to your players for firing a guy who did job well enough. If Monte comes back do you think he can talk Sapp out of retirement? What are the odds of Derek Brooks ending his career in the Silver & Black?</div> Well, the Raiders just quashed all those rumors this afternoon. Ryan is staying, Monte is not joining us. I think that with the aging Warren Sapp retiring, this opens up a spot for a legitimate run-stopper. Pass defense is going to be fine next season, as long as we can get some push up the middle. We'll take Derek Brooks.
Looks like we'll be drafting 5th. If Chris Long is there, Al will take him. The remainder of our draft picks should be used on O linemen. I'll tell you how Gallery is doing. He couldn't block me! With 5 guys who can block (and count to 2) all the other problems will take care of themselves. The only problem with our D was they were on the field way too much. I think Michael Bush may be the diamond of last years draft.
offseason related: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>* The reason the Raiders “overpaid” is because these guys found out how much it cost to fill their SUVs in the Bay Area.</div> Ha ha ha ha more gems like this can be found here: http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/2008/03/19/rand...eason-thus-far/
