Common Sense......Time To Come Up...... Free Agency

After the hiring of Dennis Allen, I figured there is enough talk about who he is and what he has done so far in his coaching career and decided to stay away from telling you yet again the same Wiki information you have read about a hundred times already.

What I will do is talk to you all about what the Raiders need to do going into the next year to improve this team at the positions I feel we are the weakest at.

Here are the current Raider Free Agents:

KEY

UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

In previous blogs, here and here, I posted my comments on certain players and who balled out and who simply busted out. Well, because of the fact that the Raiders have a large amount of free agents and limited draft picks, I thought I would fill in the gaps on our glaring needs from the waiver/free agency wire.

Carl Nicks - Guard - Cooper Carslie is getting old and needs to be replaced. This guy is going to be a hot commodity this offseason. Hopefully courted by us.

Cortland Finnegan - CB - Standford Routt is not a top flight CB, but with the youth at that position, I would say we need to get rid of his 54 million contract and spend it on a guy who is tough and only commits penalties when he is punching someone in the face.

Calais Campbell - DE - Going to the 3-4...... we need some speed on the outside. Hybrid DE that can rush the end well. Has 21 career sacks at the age of 25.

Dwayne Bowe - WR - Chaz "Glass Chin" Schillins, and Louis "Cancer" Murphy are way beyond their time. We need those roster spots for people who actually want to play.

Brodrick Bunkley - DT - Going 3-4? Want a familiar face? Bring in one of your tools Allen.... No better place to start then your former team.

Reggie Wayne - WR - Wow, talk about a retread that could be had at a discount. I would love for this guy to provide a presence on this team that would help DHB and Jacoby Ford become a better squad. Paired with Dwayne Bowe, this may be too lethal of a team to have even your best day as a defensive backfield and not expect Carson Palmer to light it up.

Jon Condo - LS - Just sign him. He is a Raider for life.

Matt Giordiano - FS - Played well enough to earn and keep a starting job. He can only get better.

Tyvonn Branch - SS - Hard hitter, good blitzer and proven team member. Resign for sure.

Marcel Reece - FB - Need I say anymore? Just the name is synonymous with success. Pay him!

Michael Bush - RB - A quality backup to Darren McFadden who is often hurt. If we do not keep McFadden and trade him and make a run at Arian Foster (Who is a life long Raider Fan by the way)  in my opinion, we don't skip a beat in the backfield.

Rock Cartwright - RB - Perennial special teams player who is always around the ball and does what he needs to to finish his career with the Raiders. He is a fan favorite and one of the old goats that the team looks to for leadership!

It is yet to be seen as to whether or not Jason Campbell will stick it out with the team. Just him being in the locker room last year polarized the WR group into who their loyalty was finishing out the season. I think if he is going to stay, then Carson has to go, but if not, he can not be in the Raiders locker room next to Palmer and cause a huge separation through the rest of the offense. Guys pick their guy. Carson was Hue's guy and came in and played great ball for the limited time he was exposed to the offense. Our productivity increased and our average yards per game in the air increased. Like I said though, Jason Campbell was the QB who began the success and guys don't forget that. I would be surprised if he stayed with the team and didn't bicker about not being named the starter.

Speaking of the QB position, can we just release Kyle Boller now please? I heard TO was looking for a new QB. We should look for someone to play and compete with Terrell Pryor for the 2nd spot.

Anyhow, that's what I think we should do to get this team better. Some you may agree with, some you may not, but I would love to hear why...... Speak now, or forever hold your peace.

Chaotic View

Carson Palmer.... The Savior Or The Bandaid?

RAIDER NATION

Welcome

CARSON PALMER

AP PHOTO

I am not sure of what to make of this trade for Carson Palmer everyone. I think we all know that with Jason Campbell at the helm, the Raiders became a very managed offense, often taking very little risk downfield because Jason was making it hard for the receivers to stay inbounds, often throwing the ball towards the side lines in an attempt to make up for under throws or just flat out missing the receivers. So, as I look at this deal, I believe the Raiders are sending a message to Jason, your career here in Oakland has now been extinguished, or you will now take a back up role going forward.

I mean think about it. The Raiders sent Cincy their 2012 first-round draft pick and a conditional pick that could become an additional first-rounder in the future. That's 2 1st round picks for a 32 year old QB. Don't get me wrong, I think Carson is a very good pick up, but the facts are the facts, Carson Palmer is going to open up the offense and make better decisions when throwing the ball, but needs time to work with the receiving core on timing I'd expect him to maybe start going into the second half of the season and also look for the Raiders to IR Jason Campbell for the remainder of the year, as well as maybe releasing him going into next year, depending on how Palmer plays.

So what are the numbers behind Palmer?

Lets sum it up.....

Carson Palmer has a 62.9% completion rating. He is very accurate with his throws and is always on time. He has good instincts for the routes and with our offensive line, he shouldn't have any problems picking that percentage up quite a few points.

86.9% Passer Rating.

Palmer has started 97 games in his career after sitting out his rookie season. That delay in his work load I believe allowed him to mature into the role he has played in Cincy, a luxury he will not have here in Oakland.

Carson has tallied 22,964 yards, 154 touchdowns and 100 interceptions over his career.

Carson has 2 4,000 yard seasons (2006, 2007) and a 30 touchdown passing single season (2005).

He has been awarded as a two-time Pro Bowl QB.

He was the Heisman Trophy winner for my USC Trojans in 2002.

He was drafted first overall in 2003. 

And a bit more......... The Business

Palmer has four years and $50 million left on his current contract and stands to earn $11.5 million in 2011. Word on the streets, the contract you see him signing up above is a modified contract price.

Simply said, Carson is as proven as any of the quarterbacks in the league. Carson is a tremendous upgrade of our current roster. Carson is and will be better then any rookie coming in from college in the next few years. So why not. Take the gamble, get a vet in here and lets win this damn thing!

I AM STOKED, and you should be too!

Good move Hue, Mark and Amy!

Chaotic View

Some Recent Cant Miss Vids.........

Protecting Campbell

Our Wideouts

The Black Hole!

Courtesy of CSNBAYAREA

As always, just a



Chaotic View





Week 6..... What To Expect

Vs.

Game time 1PM PST

Here is my Analysis of the Game, based strictly on stats and film I have seen:

Offense -

AP Photo

The Raiders have a 60 yard per game average advantage. Being that the Browns are currently 4th in the NFL in defending the pass, I look to see Darren McFadden running circles on these guys. Look for Darren to set the tempo and Michael Bush to pound the rock down their throats. I am looking for minimum of 150-175 yards on the ground, based on Cleveland's commitment to contain the run. We do have close to 100 yard advantage based on season averages, with the Raiders averaging 161.8 vs Cleveland's average of 85.8. Based on this, it could be a long day for the Browns. The Raiders need to stay committed to it though, regardless of the down and distance and the timing of the game. We have been getting away from our run more and more over the last 2 weeks, and it is critical that we re-establish our dominance.



AP Photo



Passing yards are pretty similar, with the Browns averaging 235 and the Raiders 219. I don't see the passing game being something that we will push this week, because you can tell that that aspect of our offense has not gotten completely on the same page as far as timing and Jason Campbell has overthrown a lot of the routes to Moore and Ford. Putting the ball in his hands also opens us up for interceptions and I believe that Campbell is better off just managing the game, rather then having it in his hands to win it for us.

Defense-

AP PHOTO

There are way too many similarities in this game with regards to defensive match ups. Its our big boys up front against the struggling line of the Browns, who have yet to establish any sense of continuity that will make all the difference. The Browns are banged up with Joe Haden missing the weeks practice sessions, and not likely to be involved in the game, and really they have lost one of their two games to a poor team in Indy and barely eeked out a win in Miami against the Fins, who are not exactly a contender at 1-4.

So what are the keys to this game outside of stats? Well let me break it down for you.

AP PHOTO

Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour and John Henderson.

These three must keep Peyton Hillis to his season average of 50 yards. Bottom line. They must also run some disguise blitz packages against Colt McCoy in obvious passing downs. Last week, if you noticed, the Raiders ran more blitz packages and zone blitz schemes, getting burned on a few, but pressuring Schaub enough to force some throws that I am sure he wanted back. Schaub was obviously shaken in the final 2 quarters, as many of his throws ended up on the floor in front of the receivers, or hurried for fear of being sacked and minimal gains. This is obviously not the same defensive scheme that Al Davis would have preferred, but I think that now that he is no longer at the helm, Hue Jackson and Chuck Bresnehan can mix things up and start to run some unique looks that will make opposing teams think twice around staying pass happy. You should start to see our average of 299 yards in the air go down progressively over the next few weeks. Don't forget that Bresnehan established a good quality team in Cincinnati of late, and his defense was ranked in the low teens for quite some time. I see the same happening here with a little bit of freedom to call his game. The key to victory is getting off the field on 3rd down, keeping the Browns out of manageable third down situations where they have a 37% average for the season, and putting the hits on McCoy and Hillis.

This is a winnable game for us, and not so much of a let down scenario as many have been saying, but we have to stay aggressive and become the bully that Hue has been talking about, riding the wave of emotion of Al's passing.

AP PHOTO

Now is our time!

Raiders 35 Cleveland 10

Chaotic View

Post Game Wrap Videos.....Oakland @ Pittsburgh

Tom Cable

Jason Campbell

Run DMC

Bruce Almighty

Robert Gallery

Brandon Myers

All Videos compliments of CSNBayArea

Chaotic View



Post Game Wrap Up Videos...Week 9 Chiefs @ Raiders

Jason Campbell

Richard Seymour

Darren McFadden

Jacoby Ford - The Games MVP!!!

Kahlif Barnes - The Prima donna

Sea Bass

Quentin Groves

All Videos Courtesy of CSNBayArea

Chaotic View

Final in Oakland, Chieft @ Raiders........ First Place Belongs To......... THE RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!

Defense

Opening up the 4^th quarter with a 1^st and 10, the Chiefs throw incomplete to Jamal Charles. On 2^nd down, the Chiefs tried a screen, but the Raiders diagnosed it perfectly. 3^rd down, the Raiders show a nickel set and force a delay of game penalty. After the penalty,  the Raiders hold the Chiefs on a 3^rd and 15 forcing the Chiefs to punt. Great secondary coverage operating in zone held them in place and gives the Raiders a first down on the 20 yard line following a touchback.

The ensuing kickoff gets the Chiefs going at the 45 yard line, that was until a penalty flag on the 29 yard line for a low block by Copper, which put the Chiefs back to the 15 yard line and into the teeth of the black hole!

First down for no gain with a nice tackle by Seymour on Thomas Jones. 2^nd down had a deep ball going to Dwayne Bowe but way overshot. Routt argued with the officials claiming offensive pass interference. 3^rd down and the ball sails out of the field of play and the Chiefs turn it over on downs. Raiders are going to get great field position! After another bulls*it call for a fumble on the return the Chiefs get the ball back on the 31 yard line. No challenge available to the Raiders, so we lose the ball. Horses*it! What the hell is Nick Miller doing trying to gain extra yards. Go down and take what you got and leave it at that. What a horrendous play!!!

A quick pass to the TE and a rush, gets the Chiefs a first down. The defense digs in deep and stops the Chiefs to a 2^nd and 7. Michael Huff gets into the backfield on the run for 2^nd down and gets a 4 yard loss. Great play. 3^rd and 11 and the Raiders give up a touchdown to Dwayne Bowe on a deep slant giving the Chiefs a 20-17 lead with 6 minutes to go in the 4^th.

After the TD, the Chiefs get the ball at the 45. Knowing they are going to try to control the clock, the run game gets going with a 7 yard pickup on 1^st down. 2^nd down Raiders defense allows Thomas Jones to gain 4 for the first down. Something needs to happen here, or we will lose this game. Timeout by Cassel. First and 10 and its getting ugly after a 5 yard gain. A holding call gets the Chiefs a 1^st and 20. Jamal Charles gets 13 on that 1^st down, with the Raiders secondary looking confused. Time out Raiders. Great play by Seymour on 2^nd down who made a tackle for a 6 yard loss on Jamal Charles. 3^rd and 12 and the Raiders hold for a punt with a missed pass by Bowe.

This is for the Marbles now Offense.   This is what you dream about. The ball with 2:06 to go on the 25 yard line. Lets see what we have.

Offense

Our first drive of the fourth quarter starts with McFadden getting 11 with some great moves to get would be tacklers to miss. The very next play, they go to McFadden on the left for another 7 yards and gets him closer to the Century mark. On 2^nd down, McFadden to the 42 yard line and keeps the clock moving and picks up the first down. Grinding it out between the tackles is playing huge right now. 1^st and 10 and a possible screen pass to Marcel Reese went into the ground. Smart decision by Campbell who did not have any chance to make any positive yards on that play. 2^nd and 10 and Campbell hits Johnnie Lee Higgins for 12 yards and a first down. What a dart on the numbers and a great catch for the first. Next play and Michael Bush gets 1 yard, keeping the clock running. The offensive line is starting to move the d line back on their heels. 2^nd down, the ball goes through Jacoby Ford’s hands. Would have been a great play, but Ford made his break and the ball was already there. On third and 8, Campbell improvises and got the ball down to Jacoby Ford on the 7 yard line. What a catch by Ford while falling down and coming back to the under thrown ball all while fighting off a defender. He should have done that earlier in the gamer, but when it counts he comes up big. Great play Ford, my player of the game so far!!!

1^st and goal, Darren McFadden gets 2 to the 5. The offense lines up for 2^nd and goal and Campbell just misses DHB with the ball skipping off of his hands in the end zone. 3^rd down and goal, and what looked to be a pass interference on Johnnie Lee Higgins right at the end zone line forces a field goal attempt. Sea Bass puts in the 23 yard try and the Raiders go up 17-13.

On the third possession, after a 16 yard return, the Raiders get the ball moving inside the 20 yard line. First down for 12 to Jacoby Ford on the right side line. Aggressive play calling by Hue Jackson. The next play as a pump and go to Marcel Reese, gets a pass interference call which is negated by a holding call by Robert Gallery. That would have been a 30 yard pickup. 1^st down and McFadden gets tackled for a 1 yard loss. 2^nd and 11 and Campbell just missed DHB who was wide open and could have gone up field for an  easy 40 yards. 3^rd down and a sack with a loss of 5. Punt again… Chiefs get the ball on the 45 yard line.

Starting on the 25, the ball goes to McFadden for a loss of a yard and the 2 minute warning. The play calling is not as aggressive with the TE completely missing down the middle of the field. The Chiefs are going to give it to us, exploit it. We have Sea Bass who can make a 61 yarder. Hit the middle of the field. There is plenty of time to go. I can’t believe we are checking down. 2^nd and 11 and Campbell throws way too high for DHB, who was wide open on the play. Jason Campbell just isn’t making the throws. 3^rd and 11 and Johnnie Lee Higgins gets 12. No time outs lets go! 1^st down to Myers and he gets 5 inbounds. Clock is ticking and the Raiders get another quick out to Myers for 2 who got out of bounds. 3^rd and 3 from the 43, with 101 to go. Myers on the 12 yard out and gets a holding call and an automatic first down. Raiders on the 48. 1^st and 10 and a draw and the Raiders get 4. An injury to a Chiefs player forces the Chiefs to use a timeout. 41 seconds to go, 2^nd  and 6 Campbell gets the ball to Jacoby ford for 7. After a spike, the ball sits on the 41 yard line with 30 seconds to go. A big play to the 22 to Jacoby Ford but a holding call negates what could have been the changing play of the quarter. Veldheer. Idiot! Rookie. SO 1^st and 20 and Campbell rips the ball off from the defender who had a sure interception and a spike on the field with 7 seconds to go. This rookie gets my game ball! Here is Sea Bass……..and the tie!!!! The crowd goes nutts!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OVERTIME BABY!!!!!!!

The Overtime Period

Chiefs win the coin toss with Seymour trying his best to get the flip to happen again. Good try my friend. Great try. Raiders get to hold the Chiefs first. This is where the defense makes their money. After the short bouncing kick that was mishandled, the Chiefs get the ball to start on their 10 yard line. A run gets them to the 16, with the Raiders punishing Jamal Charles. He earned every yard. 2^nd down and that play action out to the TE didn’t work this time, where Quienten Groves stayed home and forced a 3^rd. INCOMPLETE on 3^rd down and a 3 and out, the Raiders get the ball back! Great blind defense on Kameron Wimbley. A false start gets the Chiefs punting from their end zone line.

Raiders offense gets the ball on the 38 yard line. First down and an AMAZING THROW TO JACOBY FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a catch! To the 12!!!!!!!! After a first down run by Darren McFadden to get the ball in the middle of the field, SEA BASS pins the ball down the middle of the uprights for the WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! EARNING THAT MONEY SEA BASS!!!!

Raiders 23 - Chiefs 20!!!!

As Always, Just A



Chaotic View



Dont forget to leave you your comments and feedback below!



3rd Quarter Chiefs @ Raiders In The Books.......

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Special Teams. Who would have knew? JACOBY FORD!!!!!!!!!!!! Need I say more. 94 yard return for a TD! This kid has some jets, doesn't he? This game just changed complexion in 10 seconds of the 2nd half.

Another special teams play on the very next kickoff. Huge hit to get the fumble by Hiram Eugene. Put the Raiders on the 35 yard line. After a 3 and out, the Raiders miss a field goal of 45 from Jano. Huge miss to get this game square. Points off turnovers are going to be a huge issue down the stretch if we don't get that cleaned up. 

Finally on defense, Chris Johnson lays some wood on Chris Chambers who held onto the ball. On 2nd down, an illegal hands to the face gives us 9 for the day, and a first down for the Chiefs. On the next set of downs, they go right back against Johnson who knocks the ball down out of Chambers hands. 2nd down and a bootleg gets a first down, but a 15 yard penalty for a horse collar gets the Chiefs to the 26. Penalty flag again on the Raiders gives the Chiefs a 1st and 5. What the hell is going on with this team? We are killing ourselves. Jamal Charles to the 5 on the left, tackled and hurt. Looks like the wind got knocked out of him. Should be back later in the game. 1st down and goal from the 6, a huge sack by Tommy Kelly! 2nd sack of the day, and Kelly absolutely dominated his blocker. Matt Shaunessy helped get that pressure on Cassel. Jamal Charles for 11 and he is hobbled walking off the field.  On 3rd and goal, another sack by Desmond Bryant sets up a 4th and goal of 25 yards and the Chiefs go ahead 13-7 with 9:41 to go.

The Chiefs second possession starts with a run for 6. Shaunessy gets Thomas Jones on the left side of the line for a short 2 yard gain on 2nd down. Third and 1 and the Chiefs try the play action with a deep out route to the TE, who was open, beat Mike Mitchell but the ball was over thrown and the Chiefs punt. Raiders ball on the 48 but a holding penalty on Thomas Howard takes us back to the 38 yard line.

Starting on the 18, the Chiefs get 6 by Terrence Copper gets them 2nd and 4. Another offside penalty gives the Chiefs a first down. That's 14 penalties today! Wow. I am just going to shut up about that now. 1st down and a quick pass to Jamal Charles for 7 down the left side line. 2nd down and Thomas Jones gets 6 for the first down. After a false start, the Chiefs get nearly 14 on 1st down to get to the 50. Thomas Jones gets to the 44 and that's the Quarter.

Offense

Our first offensive possession begins after a 26 yard return by Ford. A roll out by Campbell gets us to the 42, a 19 yard pickup to Jacoby Ford. Our first, first down since the 2nd quarter. Darren McFadden then runs wild and makes some defenders miss to pickup a good chunk of yards and open up that rushing defense. Raiders in the Red Zone, a quick pass to Johnnie Lee Higgins for 3 yards, gets him the 4th catch of his season. With new found momentum, the Raiders keep the drive going with an outlet pass to McFadden who runs over the Chiefs safety on the 2 and knocks him back into the end zone. What a power hit by Darren!!! 1st and goal, Michael Bush gets back to the line of scrimmage. 2nd and goal,  play action to the Tackle eligible and a TD to Kalif Barnes!!!! Raiders take the lead with the Jano extra point!

The Raiders open up with a great play action play for 13 to Brandon Meyers and are starting to move the ball with consistency! The next play and there was a huge hole that McFadden tried to get through, without any luck. 2nd down and 10, play action and Campbell held onto the ball too long and got sacked by Tamba Hali. 3rd and 15, and Campbell takes another sack of 2 yards. Can not believe Campbell didn't get rid of the ball after he got out of the tackle box. Campbell was hurt, but jogged off the field. The run game needs to be used more efficiently next possession.   

14-13 RAIDERS going into the 4th Quarter! Time to amp it up!!!

 

As Always, Just A



Chaotic View



Dont forget to leave you your comments and feedback below!



First Half Of Football Done. Did they live up to the Hype? Chiefs @ Raiders

Defense


Second quarter begins on the 6 yard line. A hard slant catch ruled a TD is challenged by Tom Cable which shows the receiver was down by contact. GREAT CALL TOM!!!! That put KC at the 1 yard line and they get a holding call which puts them down to the 11 yard line. The Refs are really screwing the pooch in this game, making 2 ridiculous calls, one on the PI and the second on the 1st down by KC on the 1.


Anyhow, back to game play, 1st and goal on the 11 after the holding. Wouldn't you know it, a practice squad receiver beats Chris Johnson on a fade route. What happened to his starting potential? He held down the opposite side of the field with Nnamdi last year, now he seems to be wearing the crown of thorns that Stanford Routt has carried for the last few years.

Lookie here, another challenge, another over turned call. The receivers left foot came down and his body went out of bounds before a second foot or body part came down, but again a screwed up call by the zebras. What a ridiculous call. He was clearly down. Time for this damn offense to get something moving! Whats the deal??? 

Wow, fumble picked up by Seymour and he fumbled again back to the Chiefs. GET ON THE BALL!!!!!!!! After a 2nd and 17, the Chiefs throw a quick pass for 2 yards. On 3rd down, the Raiders step it up and hold KC to just 6 yards on a run, giving the Chiefs a field goal attempt of 43 putting the Chiefs up 10-0. Great job defense holding them, but Seymour could have had the ball back for us!

More on the defense, as the Chiefs get the ball back on the 35 yard line. Good old Stanford Routt plays off of Dwayne Bowe for 7 yards. 2nd down, and Seymour absolutely demolishes Thomas Jones. Huge stop on 3rd down and the Chiefs go three and out. Lets see what the offense can do getting a present  of another possession.


Seems like the Chiefs have had the ball thew whole game leading up to now. KC gets the ball back on the 20 yard line, with a deflected pass by Matt Shaunassey, but it doesn't mean anything because the Raiders were lined up offside. Just stupid penalties.So on first and 5, another marker against the Raiders for offside. We just gave the Chiefs a first down for free! 10 yards without them doing anything! On first and 10, a clear holding on Kameron Wimbley gave Jamal Charles the corner, but doesn't matter. Its coming back. 1st and 20, and a run to the right gets 3. Great movement by the line to the ball. 2nd down, and a 28 yard gain by the TE. First down they get one and whats this on 2nd down? A Blitz? Wow, what a concept. Great pressure forces a 3rd down. Just like the team, guess who, Chris Johnson allows 19 yards for a first down on the 34.  Short gain by Thomas Jones. Literally inches. Bowe gains 9 on the first play after the 2 minute break, to guess who's side? After a for sure first down, missed by the TE, the Chiefs attempt a 41 yard field goal and just get it inside the right upright. The 2nd attempt of 51 was a fake and a pooch punt that goes into the end zone for a touch back. Raiders at the 20.

The last possession for KC ended the half after some great play and some not so great play by Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson who gave the Chiefs the ball inside the 5, to then have the ball intercepted by Jeremy Ware, who could be the hero of the game, keeping the score at halftime at 10-0.
 Michael Huff also came up with a huge sack.







Offense


Offense starts out with a quick out route by the FB, Marcel Reese. We seem so stagnant so far. Another run by McFadden and a holding call speak to the way this team is playing. 4 freakin penalties so far. Just undisciplined play! On 2nd and 19, the ball spits loose out of McFaddens hands and the Chiefs get the ball on the 25 yard line. WOW!!!!!

After getting the ball on the 29, the Flea Flicker was wide open but Campbell under threw the ball. Jacoby Ford has got to get back to the ball. Jesus Christ. Now Bush with a first down and then some, we get a bulls*it penalty calling that run back! Illegal shift by the center? Another fumble and the boos are starting to rain down like the weather. The Raiders are sitting on their hands this game so far. What a huge disappointment so far for this sell out crowd.

Starting it out on 1st down, the Chiefs contain the rush to the right, with Darren getting 3. Deep throw by Campbell was absolutely dropped by Jacoby Ford. Right in his hands. Any other receiver would have made that play and we needed that one. Just let the air out of the drive and after a short screen try, time to punt again! Someone needs to step up! Cough Cough!!!

 

First down and an pick.

Here are the first half stats....

Jason Campbell
4 of 10 18 yards 1 INT.

Darren McFadden
7 for 28


 As Always, Just A



Chaotic View



Dont forget to leave you your comments and feedback below!

First Quarter Recap Chiefs @ Raiders

Offense


Just like CBS to show no respect and show the game on time. Raiders opened up the game lethargic on offense, unable to really move the ball, and early penalties is hurting any chance of gaining consistency. You can tell the offensive line is going to get great push today in the run game, as the first McFadden run went for only 5, but if he would have avoided the hit,m he could have had a long one. Pass protection looked a little shaky with the pass rush getting to Campbell.

Second possession starts with a smart slat pass to Marcel Reese. The shifty Raiders run their version of the wildhog with McFadden to Bush to get a nice first down.getting us to the 50. Chiefs have great pursuit so far ands seem to be containing McFadden with 3 hats to the ball at a time. . I love the fact that the Raiders are keeping up the pressure up on the defense with the run game though, pounding the ball and wearing them down, just not to leave a third and long scenario.  Inconsistency in the WR depth will hamper us today and we need DHB to step it up!

Ok, wildhog to start out the next drive and I don't know who McFadden was throwing it to, but there were 3 defenders covering DHB. Not a good choice. Again, more issues with the pass protection, with the Chiefs getting pressure at will. Raiders need to shore this up quickly. After a dumpoff to Darren, the Raiders gave Kansas City a taste of their own medicine with a fake to Rock Cartwright for a gain of 1. This limiting of our time of possession is going to be big should this horrible play on offense continue, which as was discussed earlier this week, was a huge key to the game.


Defense

After 2 quick possession of 3 and out, the Chiefs punt to the Raiders, the defense is looking like a strong surprise on the game. Play action didn't fool the defensive line, but Cassel made a smart lob throw with no one picking up the FB out of the backfield for an easy first down.  Lets hope penalties are kept to a minimum. Kansas City seems to be picking up momentum on this possession, moving the ball for chunks of yards on the run, not taking a chance against the pass defense for a possible interception. The Raiders need to stop over pursuing the ball so much and make the play, after allowing Cassel a 9 yard run, with 6 tacklers missing him. With great push into the backfield, the Raiders were able to stop Thomas Jones short of the first. On 4th down, the defense steps it up and forces Kansas City to false Start. Great job Nation making some noise. The Chiefs actually had the nerve to go for it on 4th down and 6, practically at midfield, running their version of the Wildcat, getting held short by one yard! Turnover on downs!

After putting the defense in a disadvantage, the secondary steps up and forces Cassel to take another blow from Shaunassey. Penalty on the PI? I say bulls*it. Hand fighting is not pass interference if they are both going for the ball. . Defense steps up on 1st and 2nd down to push the action to the 2nd Quarter with the Chiefs threatening.

We need a stop!!!!! Come on Nation, maker some noise!!!!!

 

As Always, Just A



Chaotic View



Dont forget to leave you your comments and feedback below!



Gradkowski or Campbell???? The Burning Question!

After hearing Tom Cable in his press conference on Monday so confident that Bruce Gradkowski is our quarterback for the team once he is healthy, I can completely understand his stance.

He made the change when Campbell wasn't playing to the expectations of the team. So I ask myself, as a football junkie and someone who understands the game, why would Cable answer that question with so much confidence for a hurt quarterback, when this team has put up back to back 500 yard games, the most points in team history with 59, and almost blanking the Sea Chickens 33-3 at home.

My simple answer - The Playbook.

Its obvious that Gradkowski has more of the coaches ear because he understands the expectations of  Cable more. He has been in this system for 3 years now, and knows what Cable and Davis expect from the quarterback position. Campbell, doesn't. Its evident in the play calling and execution of the plays and the consistency they play with. Tough thing though is I am not on the field to see what is going on during practice, so we don't see the progressions like Cable and the staff do.

After digging through the teams throwing attempts trying to find the answer I may have found it.

The Vertical Offense.

 Gradkowski has thrown more balls beyond 20 yards versus Campbell, who came from a west coast system of dinking and dunking and has the arm  but not the mindset to get the ball down the field. That is until recently.

Simply put, Campbell doesn't understand the entire concept of stretching the field vertically which will open up more lanes for the running game to smash through to the second level, because opposing teams can not keep 8 in the box.

I know for a fact that this type of West Coast Offense frustrated the hell out of Davis during the Gruden era, because you can tell based on the fact that Gruden was traded to the Bucs for a draft pick, even with his success.

Ahhhh These were the days!

Some input from the Raider Nation:


BSPN-

"Well deserved. 27-47, 514 yards, 4 TD's & 0 INT's last 2 weeks. Lets hope he can continue this great play vs KC."


Inside the Oakland Raiders-

"Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
I trust Cable/Hue/Hackett to choose the correct starting QB. I also trust Cable to stick to his tagline about Grads so that the topic does not blow up in the media. Smart."

"inonewordraider Says:
Grads didn’t even get snaps in last weeks practice so Campbell should go this week, if he continues to play like the last two games ride him, Grads is the kind of guy that could step in at moments notice and Campbell has the higher ceiling and let’s not stop him from possibly reaching it"


Twitter-

CCRaiderNation Oakland Raiders News

Jason Campbell. He has proven himself after the lull. Bruce is a perfect backup. Bruce is a player J Cam is the QB

BuckTaylor64 Andy Buckley-Taylor
Campbell, has more tools. He reads the defense better. Greater accuracy. Better game brain, 5 different offense schemes in 5 yrs.

Moss1212 Curtis(Yung Swag)

I Say Campbell,Go With The Hot Hand.He's Playin Turnover Free Football.If He's Playin Bad,Throw Gradkowski In At Halftime.

 Thanks for the great insights, Raider Nation. Always look forward to hearing back from you. Don't forget to leave a comment or two.

As always, just a

Chaotic View

Kyle Boller - A better choice?

3rd string Quarterback or starter under our offense?

Who is Kyle Boller and why isn't he under center today against Denver? Is he a better fit then Jason Campbell? I'm sure you all watched the same preseason games I did this year, and if my memory serves me right, Kyle moved the ball and made the throws. Well, lets look a bit closer and figure this out.

Kyle Boller was signed April 15, 2010 by the Raiders. Coming off a short stint of 1 year in St. Louis in 2009, Boller played 6 years (2003 -2008) for the Baltimore Ravens after being drafter 19th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. Boller appeared in 2 of the Raiders' preseason games, going 12-of-21 for 148 yards and a touchdown against Dallas on Aug. 12 and 7-of-9 for 55 yards and a rushing score against Chicago.

The Raiders won both games.Sure it is preseason, and most likely against the 2nd and 3rd teamers, but football is football. Those 2's and 3's are on the field because they were better then the rest, which means they play ball.

Look at his career stats

Season	Team			Passing										Rushing				Fumbles
				Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Avg	TD	Int	Sck	SckY	Rate	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	FUM	Lost
2010	Oakland Raiders			-	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	0.0	--	--	--	--	--	--
2009	St. Louis Rams			98	176	55.7	899	5.1	3	6	17	117	61.2	13	76	5.8	0	2	2
2007	Baltimore Ravens			168	275	61.1	1,743	6.3	9	10	24	159	75.2	19	89	4.7	0	5	4
2006	Baltimore Ravens			33	55	60.0	485	8.8	5	2	3	16	104.0	22	34	1.5	0	3	1
2005	Baltimore Ravens			171	293	58.4	1,799	6.1	11	12	23	146	71.8	23	66	2.9	1	8	2
2004	Baltimore Ravens			258	464	55.6	2,559	5.5	13	11	35	247	70.9	53	189	3.6	1	11	7
2003	Baltimore Ravens			116	224	51.8	1,260	5.6	7	9	17	92	62.4	30	62	2.1	0	9	5
TOTAL				844	1,487	56.8	8,745	5.9	48	50	119	777	70.6	160	516	3.2	2	38	21

So why not use him against the Broncos? My fear is that we start Jason Campbell and Cable tries to prove a point to Al Davis showing him that Campbell is not the next coming of Jim Plunkett, but maybe the next coming of Jawalrus, I mean Jamarcus Russell.

You remember this guy.

Look, you put an injured Quarterback out there against an injured , but experienced defense, there is even more of an opportunity for Campbell to injure himself further, either physically or mentally. Not to mention ruin the teams psyche even more. Please don't forget that Campbell was just 8-of-21 passing for 83 yards and two interceptions–good enough for passer rating of 10.7 against the Niners.

Look at some of these quotes from the Raiders players after the heartbreaking loss to San Francisco:

“After that San Diego win, it was like, let’s get this ball rolling, let’s get the momentum going. And then to lose like this . . . I mean, we were in the game the whole time . . . it really hurts,’’ Asomugha said.

“The game really comes down to opportunity. We had a ton of opportunity, offensively to score,” head coach Tom Cable said. “We did not score, we’re not very good in the red zone. We let them hang around. We really played decent run defense and then gave up two runs just like that. I’m very disappointed, too many opportunities to win a game and we didn’t get it done.”

“I don’t know. I’ve got to see the film,’’ Murphy said. “The game was just going so fast, I don’t really know what was going on. I felt I was getting open against their coverages.’’


“There goes the story of the Raiders,’’ said Kelly, who acknowledged he had a shot at the tackle. “Play good, play good . . . Boom. There goes something.’’

 Thank you Tommy. My sentiments exactly. This is the last damn thing we need to hear from players on the team. Makes it seem as if nothing has changed.


As always, just a Chaotic View

Chaotic View