Integrity.........

I would think in this day and age, the word Integrity would mean something to so many. To be honest with you, I don't think a majority of the population really understands what Integrity means anymore. I remember growing up, there was a time when people would say, a man with integrity is a true man. He has a life of purpose and a life of true sound morals and judgement. These were the people who stood out above the rest.

Those days are long gone and the evidence of it is clear as day. Last night, I, as well a many of you watched a show on ESPN called 30 for 30. It went on and on about these STAR athletes who lost their entire worth because of bad management of their money. Well, I don't blame the man for losing the money. I blame his morals. He/She has lived a life with no Integrity. They lived as if tomorrow would never happen. And then to top it off, they make excuses as to why they are where they are and when no one is there to hand them the golden spoon, they complain and say it is everyone else's fault.

So let me introduce you to the true definition of Integrity. 

in·teg·ri·ty

[in-teg-ri-tee] 

noun

1.adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

2.the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition.
4. Integrating one's words with their actions.


What does this mean to the Raider Nation? You knew there was some tie in here, right? Well there is. I will ask you, who was your favorite Raider of all time? Would you say Tim Brown? Rich Gannon? How about Marcus Allen? Kenny Stabler? Jim Otto? George Blanda? Otis Sistrunk? Warren Wells? Art Powell? Ben Davidson? Art Shell? Gene Upshaw?  Phil Villapiano? Daryl Lamonica? Mark Van Eeghen? George Atkninson? Jack Tatum? Rod Martin? Todd Christensen? Dave Casper? Mike Haynes? Lester Hayes? Jim Plunkett? John Madden? Fred Biletnikoff? Cliff Branch?

Do you notice something here? It's very obvious. Let me refer back to the first paragraph of this blog......  " there was a time when people would say, a man with integrity is a true man. He has a life of purpose and a life of true sound morals and judgement. These were the people who stood out above the rest."

These MEN who I listed all had something in common. It was a key element that brought to the team a mindset of Championship football. It was called...... wait for it...... INTEGRITY!!!!!!!!!!! It was the message that Al Davis created when he said "Commitment To Excellence" & "Just Win Baby". It was the cornerstones that this team was built on. It is why so many of you who are new to the Nation can gravitate to the players of old. You believed in them. You believed in their message, because they had the integrity to back it up!

You ask, how is that? Remember the "Criminal Element"? For some of you younger Raider fans, you see tapes of it. I lived through it. The Criminal Element I am referring to is  what this defense was labeled by one Chuck Knoll of the Pittsburgh Steelers, because our defensive backfield was considered rough and dirty players. Guess what? That's what they wanted you to think. They wanted you to be scared as fuck to come over the middle of the field. They wanted you to challenge them and try to make a catch in THEIR backfield. Know why? Because they were going to knock you the fuck out. And when they had their chance to do it, they took it. They didn't say it and not follow up with the game to back it up. THAT'S CALLED INTEGRITY!!!!!!!!

How about Gannon and Brown? Gannon came in before Jon Gruden would get in. Sometimes 4:30 or 5 AM. While the other players were pulling buggers out of their eyes getting out of bed, these guys were breaking down tape and putting in the effort that would bring a Championship. Why? BECAUSE THEY HAD INTEGRITY!!!!!!!!!! Brown caught just about everything his way. Why? Because he said he would and he backed it up. Marcus Allen was one of the greatest of all time. Why? Because he said he was going to be the greatest and he backed it up.

Who do we turn to now Raider Nation? Who? Darren McFadden? How about Carson Palmer? Tommy Kelly? Lamar Houston? Rolando McClain? Shawntae Spencer? We are looking for ONE guy to show some integrity and that's where the problem lies. One guy doesn't win the entire game for you. It's a team game. Its an attitude that we are going to say something and back our shit up! Who is going to do that for us this year? I see guys trying. I see Marcel Reece doing HIS JOB. I see Wheeler and Burress doing their job. I see Carson play steady football. But I don't see the extra effort that it takes to bring the Lombardi back to Oakland.

I hate that these guys earn tons of money, they love being in the spot light but they hate criticism. I said it on my twitter account, these guys have no accountability or integrity and the acceptable culture is that we, the Raider Nation, should just endure the growing pains of this turnover of the team. I'M CALLING BULLSHIT ON THAT! I don't accept that culture. I don't accept losing. 

Simply put, I hope somehow based on 6 degrees of separation that Dennis Allen gets this message..... Dennis..... DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go back and look over schemes and this and that and try to reinvent the wheel at this point. It's ride or die with the choices and decisions you made before this journey started bro. To go back now shows that you do not trust the system and in turn your players will not trust you. Fuck that. You need to get these guys in a room and you need to ask every single one of them why they are there. You need to ask every one of them why they play. You need to have them tell you, the coaches and the rest of US why they deserve to wear that jersey with those colors. Their careers will come and go, but our LIVES as the Raider Nation is loyal to the team. The name. The colors. So while their careers may be over, our fan hood is still there and we deserve better. We deserve something from each and every one of those 53 roster players, an individual note to the Raider Nation as to why they deserve our continued respect and fan hood. We deserve it from you too Dennis.

No one should have a mentality of entitlement. No one. You have not earned it. You don't deserve it from the lack of Championship football you have displayed, and you are not going to get it from the Raider Nation.

Get some fucking Integrity, then we can talk!!!!!!!

Chaotic View

Is It In You Part 2?

I GUESS NOT!!!

Chaotic View

Is It In You?

Friday....... Early AM........ Plane ride to the Donkey City to face off with one of the most hated rivals in the Division.......... so I ask...... Do you have it in you?

Huffy, do you have it in you to play more press coverage? To make the solid tackle? To not get caught in the pick route? To play with passion and intensity for 60 minutes? To make a difference? Is it in you?

Seymour, is it in you to be the leader you were brought here to be? To pressure the shit out of Peyton Manning? To put him on his ass? To be an effective team mate and guide that D-Line to victory? Is it in you?

Kelly, is it in you to play your ass off on every down and stay the fuck onside? To protect your defensive backfield by containing the run? Is it in you?

Rolando, is it in you to play smart and be the king of the second level as you were brought here to be? To play from sideline to sideline and to stay in your fits? To put the hurt on the Denver running game and any wide outs that come accross the middle? Is it in you?

O-Line, is it in you to OWN the line of scrimmage? To make holes big enough for a mack truck to drive through and allow your running game to be explosive? To keep Palmer on his feet and not allow any sacks? To play with the same heart and intensity you did against the Steelers?

Palmer, is it in you to play with poise and stand in the pocket and deliver the ball on time to your receivers? Is it in you to play with heart and passion and make good sound decisions? To play effective football for 60 minutes? To protect the ball in our possession for the duration of the game? Is it in you?

D-MAC, is it in you to put your foot in the ground and run North and South with thundering power and no regard for your opponent? To pound that bullshit Donkey defense into submission? To slash and gash that secondary on your way to a 150 yard game? To put that rock in the end zone and show who we are? Do you have it in you?

Coaching staff, do you have it in you to call a smart game? A game plan to puts us in the best position to succeed, but not so vanilla that you take any momentum out of the players? To allow our skilled players to get the ball with enough time to make big plays? To call a smart mix of plays on offense and a strong relentless game on defense with hidden blitz packages and good solid rotation on the line?

I'll make this simple.... we are going up against one of the best. He got there because he understands how to break a teams will. He is relentless. He is dominant. He is smart and poised. He knows that he is not to let his foot off of the gas until the final bell rings. He will tear you apart and keep his foot on your throat as you bleed to death. Going into this bye week, I and the Raider Nation will accept nothing less than 2-2. Just because we beat a good team in the Steelers does not mean that everything is fine. That's bullshit to think that. We expect greatness every week. Not one week on and one week off. EVERY WEEK!  That's what it takes to be champions. That's what it takes to be great.

DO YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO BE GREAT?

Do something about it! Whoop that ass on Sunday! Prove the Raider Nation right! 

Chaotic View

Heart......

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am impressed. On a day that boys became men, our team pulled out an improbable win against one of the best teams in the NFL. We beat the Steelers.

Carson Palmer showed why all of the pundits who say the trade was not worth it  can stick their foot in their mouth and shut the fuck up. How about 23-33 for 209 and 3 TD's you bunch of haters? Kiss his ass and move on to Tim Tebow. Carson showed why his leadership will take this team to the promise land.

How about McFadden? 18 for 113 and a 64 yard TD! He ran hard. He ran tough. He ran with authority. He ran with a purpose. Great job learning on the fly.

The biggest key, the O-Line. They kept Palmer on his feet against a tough scheme from the Steelers. You know Dick Lebeau was going to mix it up on the blitz scheme, but our players moved together and held strong to control the line of scrimmage.

There was a somber moment when an illegal helmet to helmet hit to DHB in the chin brought out the stretcher and took the wind out of our sails for a moment. Please Nation, pray for him and send him a tweet to show him you are thinking of him ......  https://twitter.com/theDHB85



















A special moment pre game for Al Davis and the Nation, Marcus Allen officially ended the feud. Thank you Marcus. Always a Raider!

And just as Al would always hope, Jano, his prized possession, did what Al brought him to Oakland to do..... Put it between the cross bars!

Thank you to the players for answering my call. Thank you for answering the call of the Raider Nation! You came out and fought to come back down 10 into the 4th quarter and never took your eyes off the prize.

It was a war but you made plays. You got the ball on turnovers. You showed the Heart of a Champion. I and the Raider Nation are proud of you!


On to Denver!

Chaotic View

My Message To The Players......

0-2

0-2..... I am still stung from this shitty record you have put on our Nation. Where is the accountability from each of you? I've seen the tape. I've seen the scheme. I know what you are trying to do. Please tell me why is it that you guys get lazy and take plays off? Last time I checked, Randy Moss isn't on the team?

This game, which I have played, and unfortunately due to injury can no longer play, is intense. You had better bring your fucking A game on Sundays. So if you are getting paid a huge salary to play a "GAME" why the fuck don't you bring your best when you are out there on the field? Does it feel good to lose? All of the videos I have seen of interviews this last week are excuse after excuse. Like a bunch of pussy ass grown men making excuse after excuse of why you got beat on a block. Why you didn't break a tackle.Why you DIDN'T make a tackle.

Play the fucking game the way it was meant to be played. Your don't stop until the whistle blows. You don't stop with your foot on the throat on your opponent until that clock goes to ZERO! That means intensity every play. That means playing with fundamentals. Trusting the player next to you. Trusting the scheme and DOING YOUR JOB!!!!!!!!!!

You have 2 games to fix this wrong that YOU each have created. 2 games and I will tell you, those stands will empty. Sure, us faithful will still root hard to see you finally come around, but there are some that go to see quality. Quality is expected. It's your job to provide that quality of play. Play with no regard for yourself, that's how you don't get hurt. Play with leverage. Play with heart. Hit that motherfucker across the line harder than he hits you and pound his ass into submission. Get your heads out of your ass and Play like a FUCKING RAIDER!!!!! It's no excuse that its Pittsburgh coming into town. Superbowl teams don't fear any opponent. They play their game and beat the shit out of them and move on to the next week. We are bigger and faster than these assholes. Play like it. No more excuses.

Chaotic View

Video's Of Dissapointment.... The Asswhoopin In Miami

Dennis Allen (Excuses)

Carson Palmer (More Excuses)

It's Better To Reign In Hell!!!!

I was working out yesterday morning, listening to some System Of  A Down, and I just so happened to glance at a book in the bookshelf right in front of me. "It's Better to Reign In Hell, Inside the Raider Nation" by Jim Miller and Kelly Mayhew. I had this sudden feeling come over me reminding me of something. 

Fuck Your Team! Pardon the language, all of you who are squeemish and do not think it belongs in any type of journalism, but this is my blog and I will speak how I want. Thats right, I said it, Fuck Your Team! This is the Raider Nation baby. I would rather Reign In Hell as a die hard Raider fan than to bow down and be a bitch ass fan of your sorry ass team. It may hurt to lose and yes, it has been some time since we have been to the promise land, but tomorrow will come and to the next team up, I feel sorry for you. In this case, today for Miami.

So to the Raider Nation, I say, renew your oath...... Today wherever you are........ Represent with pride and poise. Represent knowing that today is our day..... Represent knowing that we have the pride of our team that Al Davis always talked about. Let these idiots in the media talk all of the shit they want. Let these fans who think their team is better than ours talk that crap. I would rather Reign in Hell in Silver and Black than to be in Heaven in Choker Blue and Gold. 

Let's go make some noise! It's time to roll! 

 

RAIIIIIDDDEEEEERRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chaotic View

The Morning After Pill..................

I am at a loss for words.

I found myself sitting through the pain of what I saw last night like someone waiting in front of a firing squad awaiting their death. It was slow, agonizing and terrifying to think this is what we have become.

But you know what, I am not going to give our competition the benefit of the doubt to think that we as the Raider Nation will not go out without getting in our punches. I am not going to lay down and go down without a fight. Its time to come out swinging. We know what we have to fix.

I am not sure if the majority of you saw what I saw, but in the 4th quarter, even when the entire stadium was deflated and our team was on the brink of utterly abandoning ship, there was one bright spot that stung me like that asshole bee did last summer in my arm, this Killer Defense we have. Did you know that Phylis Rivers only threw for one touchdown? And he may have had a good night in way of completions, throwing 24/33 for 231 yards, but it was not a career night. We also held their offense to 32 yards rushing. If that doesn't make you optimistic, I don't know what will.

Grant it, that big loaf Kelly gave them the touchdown, single handedly, by giving them two first downs on that TD drive, but as I told you guys on Chaotic View, the Raiders have some new fire power backing up that line of ours in Miles Burris and Philip Wheeler. These two combined with Rolando McClain for 15 Solo Tackles and 7 assisted tackles. I think we have become something to be reckoned with, and what was really exciting for me is that they didn't give up. All the way through the last snaps of the game, they kept the pressure on the Chokers and forced Phylis to throw the ball.

To the bad, I had a hunch before the game the something was going to happen top Jon Condo. I have been telling my inner circle for a while now that the guy plays with reckless abandon on all of the special team plays. He is normally the first Raider on the ball down field, and he likes to go low on the blockers to get through to attack the ball. Last night was something that you don't see happen too often, where he was hit in the head by a fellow team mate with the knee, but it goes to show that there are critical positions that need to be addressed every year and as a back up (Goethel) you have to be ready to come in and do your job, which he did not.




Now, I am not going to put it all on Goethel, because he was not completely responsible for the bullshit we saw on special teams. That unit sucks all together and I think that we need to light a fire under the ass of Steve Hoffman, the Special Teams Coach. It is not too early to send his ass packing if something doesn't happen and soon. 

Offensively, we did not throw any interceptions. That's a good thing. Streater had a good game, aside from the fumble he gave up trying to do too much. We moved the ball up and down the field, but missed passes and some missed routes were the glaring issue I saw that can be fixed with time.



Overall, we need some serious work with the trip into Miami. Having the chance to win the game with 54 seconds to go was a positive, as bad as we did play, but it still counts as a loss none the less.

My Game grades-

Offense - B
Defense - B+
Special Teams - F

Your thoughts?

Chaotic View

Some voices of interest

As I always love to do..... Bring the updates:

Carson Palmer

Terrell Pryor

Coach Allen

Lamar Houston

Richard Seymour

Oh yeah, by the way, we made some cuts to the team.  Linebacker Korey Bosworth, defensive ends Mason Brodine and Wayne Dorsey, safeties Aaron Henry and Chaz Powell, cornerback Terrail Lambert, wide receivers Thomas Mayo and DeAundre Muhammad, quarterback Kyle Newhall-Caballero and fullback Manase Tonga. Fullback Rashawn Jackson and offensive lineman Ed Wang. No big names on this list, but I am sure some of these guys may get looked at by other teams.

Chaotic View

Thats Better......

I have to admit, I was starting to second guess our team going into the Official Dress rehearsal, Game 3, against the Lions. But I have to say, I have seen the light and it speaks of a great season. Let me explain.

Defense, defense defense. What can I say? The Lions may suck at running back, but they are an NFL team and those players get paid to play, regardless of draft position.  65 rushing yards allowed people. Only 65. Against any team, that's good. But so you know it is not a fluke, we rank 3rd in the Pre-Season in Team Defense, 4th against the rush with 82 yards per game allowed, 3rd in Total yards allowed and 5th in pass yards allowed at 153 per game.

I mean this is the Lions. They are a team on the up and up with star players on their team in Stafford and Megatron. Yet Stafford only went 8/10 for 68 yards and Johnson only caught one ball for 7 yards. Not to mention that the Lions only had 14 first downs, 1 by rushing and 13 by passing.

I am putting my money down in Vegas. Mark my words people......... Top 5 Defense this year.

Some of the key players to watch:

Miles Burris - He runs sideline to sideline and looks like a 3 down backer. He has good strength and plays with a very low pad position which will show in his tackle numbers.

Lamar Houston - He is beginning to play more D-Tackle at times and looks like he is going to be a severe challenge for any Guard. He is in the backfield disrupting plays and forcing runners back into his help. If he can play consistent, he will have a career year. 8 sacks min.

Mike Mitchell- He has been playing later in the game in backup for Branch and Huff. I know, you think well that's lower on the totem pole so why worry about him? Well, he will be coming in to rest these guys out and he has been showing that he has slowed down in his pursuit on the ball and is making better decisions on his angles. I like what this staff has done for him thus far, if he can pull it together, he can be the next Jack Tatum. Come over the middle punk asses, I dare you!

Philip Wheeler- This guy has to be the Pre-Season Co-MVP along with Darren. He hustles to the ball, is a sure tackler and has been playing dominant football.

On Offense, I am going against the grain and popular opinion. I think Palmer had a great game. He was on time with most of his throws, made great decisions with the ball and moved the ball up and down the field. The two turnovers were the responsibility of the wide outs who have not played very consistent all pre-season.
He only went 17/26 for 187 yards. I think with a few more games under his belt, our scoring is going to go out of the roof.

Prior finally solidified his spot on the teams depth chart as the 3rd QB. He is quick, has finally shown his touch on the ball, but he is hanging on by the hair on his chinny, chin chin.

Players to watch for:

Rod Streater - Talk about someone fighting for a position. He may have just won himself the 3rd receiver spot. Ford continuously rides the pine with one injury or another, Denerius Moore can't seem to stay healthy either, so I see this guy as the starter on the opposing side of DHB. I think Palmer likes him and I see at least 65-75 catches and 600-700 yards for this guy. Consider him the TJ Houshmenzadeh to Chad Johnson combo Palmer used to throw to in Cincy.

Taiwan Jones - Mr. Freshlegs may be exactly what we have been looking for. He is in his sophomore season and in his first game back showed some flashes of brilliance. If he can pick up 600 yards in a back up role, I would be stoked.

DHB - I think you can finally remove the veil of question on this Al Davis choice. He is starting to pay dividends. Love the acrobatics on the deep ball reaching over the former Raider Justin Miller. He is showing that mentality that he is going to go after the ball, and it is something we have not seen since Tim Brown. 

Criner - He is the red zone answer. Bottom line!

Special Teams-

I will leave it at this, something needs to happen in the next few weeks to get this aspect of the team together. They have played like crap and someone needs to be accountable to staying in their gaps and making tackles. We can't put the defense in the situations they have had to play in. Always backed up to our end zone.  Its bullshit and needs to be fixed PRONTO!

The last game against the Sea Chickens will be a fight for those last few players that will make the 2nd and 3rd stringers and the practice squad. See you Friday. Check back for updates and post game video.

Chaotic View

Pre-Season Game 2...... Cards Vs. Raiders

Wonder what just happened? Don't. Want to know why? Its pre-season and you can only learn so much with players who put in 80% effort because they do not want to get injured and those who have secured a starting role on the team and do not feel the need to go the extra mile in games that don't matter.

I do not put much weight on these games, and my thought is that neither should you. But, for s*its and giggles, I think I should touch on what I saw and give my two cents.

Offense-

Better, but still not where it needs to be. I saw a lot of the vintage Texans offense on display.  A few bootlegs, some misdirection and even cut backs. Inconsistencies reside at the Wide Receiver level and Offensive line, but for the most part the team was able to move the ball with some level of purpose.


Carson was able to avoid some pressure and get the ball on the hands of his wideout's, but as I mentioned, there are a lot of inconsistencies there. DHB dropped a sure touchdown in the end zone and a few other balls that should have been caught.














 Mike Goodson has his debut and subsequently failed miserably. 2 fumbles lost by him alone and looking like he had absolutely no ball control skills. Scary to think this cat could be our back up to McFadden. Not really a chance I think we should take if this keeps up.

Streater looked good at Receiver. 7 for 43 yards and could potentially be our starter opposite DHB should Ford and Moore be out for substantial time. No different than last year, early injuries derailing our hopes of having a great tandem running the sidelines.








Defense-

"That boy is scared" was something you could read from the lips of Tommy Kelly after the sack on Kevin Kolb in the end zone for a safety. That was for the most part the way the game went. The defense (1st team) stood their ground and just about put Kolb on his ass every other play. Aside from poor starting field position, thanks to our special teams and offensiv

e fumbles, the defense held their own forcing 4 turnovers, 3 by way of fumbles and 4 sacks.










Special Teams-
Sucked a big one and this could get bad. A blocked punt, huge return and some other missed responsibilities could spell disaster should this not get taken care of quickly.

What does it all mean? Work, work and more work...........Post game Vids coming soon.

Chaotic View

Post Game Videos - Cowboys Vs. Raiders

Mike Mitchell

Coach Allen

Carson Palmer

 Terrell Pryor

Matt Leinart

Post Game Recap.... Preseason Cowboys Vs. Raiders

Great to be back. First and foremost. It was a long offseason and I finished the long list of Sunday honey-do's......

So I went back and watched the tape after it was all said and done last night and I have some particular topics I would love to touch on.

Offense-

1. Mc Fadden is what he is. A Beast! I know we only showed a few things we would be doing (Vanilla Offense), but I was not really paying attention to the play calling
   or scheme. I watched the intangibles. Mc Fadden displayed the burst of speed through the hole, the patience to allow his gaps to open and the ability to break tackles. Overall if this guy stays healthy, we could have the NFL's leading rusher in our backfield.
2. Palmer is still learning the offense. There were a few pass attempts that I think he held the ball for too long as he went through his progressions, but overall, he got first downs and had to deal with an atrocious performance of Jacoby Ford.
3. I'm not going to harp on it too much but Jacoby Ford was a drive killer last night. I think he just had a bad game. He broke his route in the deep interception play, he got alligator arms on two plays, one slant that could have been a nice gain and gotten us beyond the 50 in our second possession and again on an in route that would have given us a first down in our last First Team possession. He also muffed a punt and didn't display the confidence of yester year. I hope this is just because it is the preseason and not because he is getting soft on us.
4. Terrell Pryor is not ready for the NFL. He looked like a deer in the headlights last night. We made some first downs, but his balls were thrown like a QB who was trying to make sure he didn't make any mistakes, rather then the Terrell Pryor I remember at Ohio State with the cannon arm. I would be surprised if he made the team. If so, he needs to be in the Wild Cat formation or as a tight end.

Defense

1. I was not surprised at our performance. As I mentioned in my blog yesterday, the Defense needed to establish dominance and that they did. I was surprised that Seymour was not on the field, but that's ok. He has nothing else to prove in the preseason. That line though. Tremendous. We held Tony Romo  to 3 for 6 and 30 yards and 1 sack with one narrowly being missed by Lamar Houston.. It was refreshing to get it done on the line.
2. D-Backs need more work. Bartell allowed a long pass completion and on a few zone plays, the tight end came out into the flat and was able to convert for first downs. Still preseason, but its the little things that count. Get off the field on 3rd downs!

One last stat......... only 5 penalties for 37 yards compared to 12 for 97 on the Cowboys. I would say that is a victory in itself!

Overall, not bad for the first game.  Still much to do and only a few weeks to work the bugs out, but I think with discipline and a good work ethic, this team can be a playoff contender.

Chaotic View

A New Era.......... The Autumn Wind

RAAAAAAAAAAAIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RAAAAAAAAAAAIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can hear it now. Deep in the Black Hole, the sound resonates through my head gear, vibrates my chest and stings my eardrums. It lingers like a good vintage wine for hours after. The call of Victory!

Back in February, I thought time stood still. Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes to hours and hours to days. It was like a bad case of separation anxiety. The team went their way and the fan base was left with so many questions and no answers.

Well, the waiting is over. The 2013 season is upon us and a new desire and hunger for the pinnacle of achievement hangs in the balance. Its time for answers. But those answers come at some expense that we knew was inevitable. The Autumn Wind blew across the surface of our bow. Change was upon us. 

It all started with the hiring of Reggie McKenzie. It was obvious from the start in his introduction with Mark Davis that it was going to be his direction. A new Era of Raiders football. With the subsequent hiring of Dennis Allen, a defensive minded coach and the first since John Madden, the Raiders began to remove themselves from the Al Davis era and tonight into the Reggie McKenzie era of 21st Century NFL Football.

I know that its hard to place expectations on the team this early, but its the typical routine we go through as fans. Win the Super Bowl. My fears are that we may have taken 2 steps back to make the leap after this year. All of that can change with a great showing tonight against the Cowboys. Which Raiders team will show up? The New or the Old?

Keys to tell........................

Offense

1. Small steps. We were pretty good last year and with a full off season under Carson Palmer's belt, I am hooping that the players can get going together on the common path.I am looking for a touch down on our opening possession. No 3 and out.
2. Maturation of our Wide Receivers. I hope that they can continue on the path they have been going, Yards after the catch. With the west coast offense now being implemented, I can almost assure you that there will be more 5-10 yard routes and more inclusion of the tight end to move the ball and focus more on the first down rather then the home run ball.
3. Stability at Running back. We need to stay healthy and build a good running game. We are going back to the Zone Blocking Scheme and establishment of our dominance will start today on the offensive line and backfield. 
4. 65%-35% mix Run/Pass. Although Carson Palmer is a proven vet, I think he should only be called on when it comes to putting the final dagger through out opponents heart. We have to be balanced at first to get our opponent off guard and then run them into the ground.

Defense

1. D-Line dominance. We need to establish ourselves as a run stuffing defensive team. We have some new vets in the backfield with returning rookies, but it all starts with the D-Line protecting us from the runs. In addition to this, they have to make quick pursuits to the QB. Nothing new here.
2. Line backer pursuit. Has to be there. These guys need to be all over the ball and filling their gaps. The hardest part to this is to be patient and trust the guys in front of you to do their jobs. Ray Lewis is not who he is because he alone is great. He has a trust for the down 4 that allows him to be patient and flow with the play and attack the ball.
3. Minimize penalties. Our biggest offender, Stanford Routt, is gone. Thank the Lord. He stunk it up last year with 17 penalties alone. This group needs to play disciplined football and get off the field on 3rd down. No exceptions. 

It should be interesting to usher in this new era of thinking. I am excited to see the growth of Dennis Allen from his days in Denver into something we have needed for a long time. A leader of the team. Only time will tell and tonight our journey begins.

Its good to be back Nation. Good to be back!

Chaotic View

 

The Offseason.... Or Lack There Of

Whats going on Raider Nation? I am fried from a long work week and thought I would drop by after a month or so from my last post.

How interesting a month can change the entire culture and dynamic of the NFL.

You have "Bounty Gate" that took the New Orleans Saints from NFC Super Bowl potential to NFC Cellar for a year or more depending on the severity of the fines imposed on the players involved ...... to Tim Teblow being traded to the New York Jets, and then on hold, then traded again and then not and maybe by this weekend finally signed. What a circus that will be, now that he is saying he went to actually compete for the starting job. Oh yeah, there was that one guy too..... coming to the AFC West. What was his name? Ahhhh who cares. No factor right?

But nevertheless, its the Silver and Black that is on my mind and the only thing I feel right now is a void. A huge void made by the sudden departure of almost the entire free agent player roster we had on the books. Interesting that we freed up so much cap space by restructuring Seymour and a few others that they would not have gone and just done the rest. Instead players like Michael Bush, Wimbley and a host of others are now on other teams to make their impact and we are left with players that have some stuff to prove. With the obvious exception of McFadden (If he stays healthy), Palmer, Lechler, DHB, Ford, Jano and a few others this is going to be a team of players who really need to prove their worth. After reading the Oakland Tribunes article the other day when they caught up with Reggie McKenzie, it didn't seem that we were going to be much more aggressive in free agency and will try to build out through next year. The money we do have available will be used to sign whatever unselected draft players enter into free agency to league minimum contracts and other drafted players we pick up next month.

So what will the starting line up look like after all of this? I put my nose to the stone for a few minutes to think about this and came up with the following:

Offense:

Carson Palmer

Darren McFadden

Jacoby Ford (Slot)

D. Moore

DHB

Barnes (RT)

Brisiel (RG)

Wiz (Center)

Carslie/Campbell (LG)

Veldheer (LT)

Marcel Reese 

Defense:

Bartell (CB)

Branch (SS)

Huff (FS)

McClain (MLB)

Curry (SLB)

Goethel (WLB)

Shaunnessy (DE)

Seymour (DT)

Bryant (DT)

?????? (DE)

Van Dyke (CB)

 I mean the team can win, but it all depends on the depth behind these guys. I hope that Coach can get the best out of this talent. We won't be the same offense and for sure wont be the same defense, so if we can get a more even playing effort from the defense, it should make up for the loss in play calling we lost with Hue's departure.

Just my thoughts. What are yours? Oh yeah, glad to be back!

Chaotic View

Contracts Contracts Contracts!!!! Who is next?

The Wicked Bitch of our Secondary is dead!!!!! Goodbye Liability, hello Football Discipline!!!! We are not in Kansas anymore Toto.... Time to clean house!!!!

Just In Case you wanted to see our contracts and liabilities to play the GM..... Here they are!!

David Ausberry	Tight End	7/27/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.086 million contract. The deal included a $45,900 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent
Joseph Barksdale	Tackle	7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.579 million contract. The deal included a $539,800 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent
Rhett Bomar	Quarterback	1/7/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Kevin Boss	Tight End	8/5/2011: Signed a four-year, $16 million contract. The deal contains $8 million guaranteed, including a $3 million signing bonus. 2012: $2 million, 2013: $3.5 million, 2014: $4.5 million, 2015: Free Agent
Jerome Boyd	Defensive Back	2012: Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Tyvon Branch	Defensive Back	2012: Free Agent
Mason Brodine	Defensive Lineman	2012: Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Desmond Bryant	Defensive Lineman	2012: Restricted Free Agent
Michael Bush	Running Back	2012: Free Agent
Jason Campbell	Quarterback	2012: Free Agent
Bruce Campbell	Tackle	7/9/2010: Signed a four-year, $2.312 million contract. The deal included a $522,000 signing bonus. 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent
Cooper Carlisle	Guard	3/3/2009: Signed a five-year contract. 2012-2013: $3 million, 2014: Free Agent
Chimdi Chekwa	Defensive Back	7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.490 million contract. The deal included a $450,000 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent
Jon Condo	Linebacker	7/29/2011: Signed a three-year, $3.225 million contract. 2012: $1.175 million, 2013: $1.2 million, 2014: Free Agent
Jamie Cumbie	Defensive Lineman	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Aaron Curry	Linebacker	2012: $5,757,500, 2013: Free Agent
Hall Davis	Defensive Lineman	1/7/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Hiram Eugene	Defensive Back	3/3/2011: Signed a four-year, $10.25 million contract. 2012: $2.25 million, 2013: $2.75 million, 2014: $3.25 million, 2015: Free Agent
Jacoby Ford	Wide Receiver	7/19/2010: Signed a four-year, $2.225 million contract. The deal included a $510,000 signing bonus. 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent
Travis Goethel	Linebacker	7/15/2010: Signed a four-year, $1.893 million contract. The deal included a $103,000 signing bonus. 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent
Richard Gordon	Tight End	7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.145 million contract. The deal included a $105,000 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent
Quentin Groves	Linebacker	2012: Free Agent
John Henderson	Defensive Lineman	2/24/2011: Signed a two-year, $8 million contract. The deal contains $5.5 million guaranteed, including a $1.5 million signing bonus, all of Henderson's first-year salary, and $1.5 million of his second-year salary. 2011: $2.5 million, 2012: $4 million, 2013: Free Agent
Stephon Heyer	Tackle	2012: Free Agent
Darrius Heyward-Bey	Wide Receiver	7/30/2009: Signed a five-year, $38.250 million contract. The deal includes $23.5 million guaranteed. Another $15.75 million is available through incentives. 2011: $1 million, 2012: $1.605 million, 2013: $2.21 million, 2014: Free Agent
Lamarr Houston	Defensive Lineman	7/26/2010: Signed a four-year, $4.33 million contract. The deal contains $2.505 million guaranteed. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent
Michael Huff	Defensive Back	7/31/2011: Signed a four-year, $32 million contract. The deal included $16 million in the first year. 2012: $4 million (+ $4 million roster bonus due 3/16), 2013-2014: $4 million, 2015: Free Agent
Zach Hurd	Tackle	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Carl Ihenacho	Linebacker	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Travis Ivey	Defensive Lineman	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Rashawn Jackson	Running Back	1/10/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Sebastian Janikowski	Place Kicker	2/16/2010: Signed a four-year, $16 million contract. The deal includes $9 million guaranteed. 2011: $2.6 million, 2012: $1.7 million, 2013: $3.8 million, 2014: Free Agent
Chris Johnson	Defensive Back	2012: $3.5 million, 2013: Free Agent
Taiwan Jones	Running Back	7/27/2011: Signed a four-year contract. The deal included a $405,000 signing bonus.
Derrick Jones	Wide Receiver	7/26/2011: Signed an undisclosed contract.
Tommy Kelly	Defensive Lineman	2/28/2008: Signed seven-year, $50.5 million contract. The deal contains $18.125 million guaranteed, including a $13 million signing bonus and a $4.5 million in-season "signing" bonus in the second year. Another $2 million is available through incentives. 2011: $5.5 million, 2012: $6 million, 2013: $6.5 million, 2014: $7 million, 2015: Free Agent
Terrail Lambert	Defensive Back	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Shane Lechler	Punter	2/18/2009: Signed a four-year, $16 million contract. The deal includes $9 million guaranteed. Another $3 million is available through incentives. 2011: $3.2 million, 2012: $3.8 million, 2013: Free Agent
Bryan McCann	Defensive Back	2012: Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Rolando McClain	Linebacker	7/29/2010: Signed a five-year, $40 million contract. The deal contains $23 million guaranteed. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $970,000, 2013: $1.535 million, 2014: $2.1 million, 2015: Free Agent
Darren McFadden	Running Back	6/5/2008: Signed a six-year, $60 million contract. The deal contains $26 million guaranteed, including a $6.4 million "log" bonus and a second-year roster bonus of $5 million. 2012: $5.65 million, 2013: $5,856,250, 2014: Free Agent
Eddie McGee	Wide Receiver	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Lonyae Miller	Running Back	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Michael Mitchell	Defensive Back	7/27/2009: Signed four-year, $3.778 million contract. The deal contains $2.028 million guaranteed, including a $1.6 million signing bonus. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent
Denarius Moore	Wide Receiver	7/27/2011: Signed a four-year contract.
Jarvis Moss	Defensive Lineman	2012: Free Agent
Louis Murphy	Wide Receiver	7/28/2009: Signed a four-year, $2.198 million contract. The deal included a $448,000 signing bonus. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent
Brandon Myers	Tight End	7/16/2009: Signed a four-year, $1.840 million contract. The deal included a $90,000 signing bonus. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent
Carson Palmer	Quarterback	10/18/2011: Signed a four-year, $43 million contract. The deal contains $7.5 million guaranteed, including all of Palmer's first-year salary and $5 million of Palmer's second-year salary. 2011: $2.5 million, 2012: $12.5 million, 2013: $13 million, 2014: $15 million, 2015: Free Agent
Alex Parsons	Guard	1/3/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Terrelle Pryor	Quarterback	8/25/2011: Signed a four-year contract. The deal included a $586,000 signing bonus. 2011-2014: Under Contract, 2015: Free Agent
Raiders QB	Quarterback
Marcel Reece	Running Back	2012: Restricted Free Agent
Stanford Routt	Defensive Back	2012: Free Agent
Samson Satele	Center	2012: Free Agent
Chaz Schilens	Wide Receiver	2012: Free Agent
Trevor Scott	Defensive Lineman	2012: Free Agent
Richard Seymour	Defensive Lineman	2/16/2011: Signed a two-year, $30 million contract. The deal contains $15 million guaranteed -- all in the form of Seymour's first-year base salary. 2012: $7.5 million (+ $7.5 million roster bonus), 2013: Free Agent
Matt Shaughnessy	Defensive Lineman	7/25/2009: Signed a four-year, $2.602 million contract. The deal included an $852,250 signing bonus. 2011: $480,000, 2012: $565,000, 2013: Free Agent
Curtis Taylor	Defensive Back	1/7/2012: Signed a reserve/future contract.
Manase Tonga	Running Back
Demarcus Van Dyke	Defensive Back	7/27/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.63 million contract. The deal included a $591,376 signing bonus. 2011-2014: Under Contract, 2015: Free Agent
Jared Veldheer	Center	7/9/2010: Signed a four-year, $2.685 million contract. The deal included an $895,000 signing bonus. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent
Kamerion Wimbley	Linebacker	8/1/2011: Signed a five-year, $48 million contract. The deal contains $29 million guaranteed.
Stefen Wisniewski	Center	7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $4.135 million contract. The deal included a $1.507 million signing bonus.

Chaotic View