Oakland Raiders Are The Worst Run NFL Team
Alameda, CA
What has happened to this storied franchise which possesses 3 Super Bowl Championships, has 17 inductees in the Hall of Fame and some of the most loyal fans in the NFL? What happened to the organization with a .500 or better winning percentage vs. 26 of the 31 other football teams? What happened to the Oakland Raiders “Commitment To Excellence?”
Our insiders tell us a major problem is the lack of experience of the Head Coach Lane Kiffin. He has stuggled with gaining the respect of his veteran players due to his youth, decision making and perceived aloofness. What has surprised many is his poor communication skills. There have been awkward pregame speaches and other moments that were less than impressive in addressing his team. There’s also been rumors running through the organization that he was quietly interested in going back to the college game. UCLA, LSU and Arkansa were tops on the rumor mill for a few weeks.
The defensive coaches and their position players don’t even watch game film collectively like every other football team (pro, college, high school) in America. Individual breakdowns and meetings of the different positions are stressed in this organization and it shows on gameday. It impossible to be a cohesive unit without assembling in a room and making your calls and checks to insure that everyone is on the same page. The classroom is vital and where teams make their greatest improvements during the course of a week. It’s amazing that they’ve won 4 games this year with this sort of preparation.
The players are not being coached up on the basic fundamentals but are taught to focus mainly on the opponent’s tendancies. This is flawed and has resulted in their players guessing causing them to be out of position leading to big plays.
As has always been the case with the Raiders, the same undisciplined behavior exists with their players. For example, the real story behind Dante Culpepper’s latest injury is that he strained a quad muscle challenging a defensive back to a 100 yard race after practice. Of course it wasn’t a friendly competition but a 5 figure wager that motivated the two would be sprinters. Dante pulled up lame a short distance into the race… this was just days after he had his best game of the year leading the Raiders to a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Just as a fish rots from the head down… so has the once proud Oakland Raiders. Owner Al Davis is calling all the shots and even the plays. To this day, he watches the practice film of his players and has great input to what is being done on gameday. He doesn’t even allow his defense to play zone coverages. The buck stops with Al and he has all the power to change the course of his franchise is he decides to give up his power.
“Commitment To Excellence?” You are so right, i know this is about running backs, but look at thier JR situation.
I am not sure why Jamarcus Russell hasnt started yet. I was looking on
JamarcusRussell.org and it doesnt even mention the fact that he isnt playing much. The raiders season is done, what the hell are they waiting for? This is so typical the Raiders and getting so old.
Its a commitment to another losing season thats what it is.
Chris,
You will get your wish this weekend as J. Russell makes his first start against the San Diego Chargers. He is physically gifted but has a long way to go to master the position. I just hope that he is “The Goods” because the Raiders are awful.
My Raiders contact called me today to breakdown the horrible loss this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars. One of the things he shared is that several players were late to the field for pregame stretch and warmups. He also told me that Coach Kiffin finally remember to lead the team in prayer this week, but when he asked the team to come together to breakdown half of the squad ignored him.
The Raiders are a mess.
I have been a Raider fan since I was 10 years old. 1st and biggest problem, Al Davis, simply put…Leave already. 2nd offensive line, or get used to seeing Jamarcus on his duff. 3rd draft a couple of wide receivers/tight end. Suggestion: Peyton Hillis, Arkansas or Jeremy Shockey, Giants. Last RB Darrin McFadden or Felix jones, Arkansas. Changes are due, because whatever it is you’ve been doing the last 5 years ain’t working.
I DON’T CARE WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT MY RAIDERS…I’M FROM OAKLAND AND THE RAIDERS HAVE BEEN MY TEAM SINCE BEFORE I COULD WALK. THEY WILL ALWAYS BE MY TEAM, IF PEOPLE ARE UPSET WITH THEM LOSING TOO MUCH THEN GET ANOTHER GOD DAMN TEAM, YOU AIN’T NO REAL FANS IF YOU DIS THE RAIDERS LIKE THIS, WHATS WRONG WITH ALL YOU GUYS!?!?!?!
Its just football.
I say enjoy the game for what it is…a “game” . If not, get a shrink or something. Your gonna need it because up and downs are part of it. chiiiiillll.
Eks,
A game… just a game?
The NFL is a multi-billion dollar industry. Kids on the sandlot or at the park play a game, not billionaire owners and million dollar athletes.
EA Sports is a game Eks… not the NFL.