Archive for February, 2009

In desperate need of an upgrade at right tackle, the Oakland Raiders could once again be turning to the free agent market to try and shore up the O-line. After last season’s disastrous signing of the now departed Kwame Harris, the Oakland brass appears to be undeterred by past failures in free agency as rumors abound of their interest in a couple of possible targets. Profootballtalk.com is reporting that the Raiders are among the possible suitors for free agents Khalif Barnes of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Marvel Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to the report, the Baltimore Ravens are [...]

When Nnamdi Asomugha signed a deal that made him the highest paid defensive back in the history of professional football the backlash was immediate. According to the Summer’s Eve scented analysts on the Disney Sports Network, his mega contract caused the stock market to crash and forced a border skirmish in the Middle East. I’m speaking in hyperbole here, but you get the point. When Al Davis spends millions on the best corner in the league, he’s a fool. When Dan Snyder drops twice as much on the best defense tackle, he’s just paying “market price”. Trust me, if this [...]

If the national sports media were to assign a country for each professional franchise, then the Oakland Raiders would be considered the North Korea of the NFL. The popular view is that the Raiders are an isolated organization under the tyrannical rule of Kim Jong-Al. This is one Raider fan that is here to tell you that the rumors of Al’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. The running jokes of Al Davis sitting atop his billion dollar empire, lamenting over the NFL’s revenue sharing, speaking in an antiquated idiom that only Mr. Burns could appreciate, are in the end only [...]

The combine is in the bag and everyone’s mock draft has been shook up like a snow globe. Suddenly, the chance of two of the best prospects in the draft falling to the Oakland Raiders at pick #7 has become a very real possibility. I’m talking about Texas Teach wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Alabama left tackle Andre Smith. Both have seen their stock take a hit and now the free fall could begin. My question is simple. Are we looking at a gift or could these two be a couple of strobelite honeys? Michael Crabtree was listed at a Larry Fitzgerald-like [...]

The NFL combine has saved its best for last as today the defensive backs took the field in Indianapolis. On the schedule it reads as Groups 10 and 11, but on the field it is a show unlike any other at the combine. While the NFL scouting combine is a good way to get a handle on a player’s athletic prowess, it means little in regards to his football ability. However, for defensive backs, athletic skill is the bread and butter of the position. Yes, you have to have the ability and technique to play at the next level, but you’d better [...]

The roster trimming party in Oakland is in full swing with Kwame Harris and Justin Griffith becoming the latest casualties as Al Davis glances nervously at the countdown to free agency clock on his desk. The news of Harris being dropped is only shocking in regards to the amount of time it took to occur. Yet another one of the members of the woeful 2008 Raider free agent class has been shown the exit. Years from now many will wonder which class was filled with more duds: The 2008 Raider free agents or the class in the 1987 Carl Reiner [...]

Adam Schefter of NFL.com is reporting that the Oakland Raiders could soon be parting ways with free agent bust Javon Walker. Last off-season, Javon put his John Hancock on a six year deal worth $55 million. He then was robbed in Las Vegas, had to be talked out of retirement, caught just 15 balls, found the endzone once and finished the season on IR. Honestly Javon, Andruw Jones thinks you’re a waste of cash!  After spending nearly $200 million on Gibril Wilson, DeAngelo Hall and Javon Walker, one can only assume that Bernie Madoff was advising Al Davis. I just hope that [...]

The ever swinging pendulum that is Al Davis has once again swung across the bay taking the innocent lives of Raider players in his wake.  One day after making Nnamdi Asomugha the highest paid defensive back in the history of the NFL, and yours truly proclaimed that the Raider Rebirth was in effect, the fallout is under way. As it turns out the rebirth is looking more like it’s a stillborn instead. The official website of the Oakland Raiders has just informed the world that they’re parting ways with Ronald Curry, Kalimba Edwards and Gibril Wilson. Curry’s departure is about as much [...]

Yes Raider fans, it is official. Nnamdi Asomugha will remain in Oakland as the most prized free agent in football never even stuck a toe in to test the waters of free agency. Asomugha was a Raider when he went to bed last night and he’ll still be a Raider tomorrow while he eats his breakfast and reads the morning paper. The ink is dry on a lucrative deal. Now let the debate begin. For the average fan who only watches ESPN highlights, it is hard to grasp why a man who has managed just two interceptions in the last two seasons [...]

The Oakland Raiders and Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomuhga are awaiting the approval of the NFL before announcing that the best corner on planet has inked a new 6 year deal to remain in Silver and Black. This report comes from Jim Trotter at SI.com. The deal will pay Nnamdi $26 million over the next two years and is rumored to have a clause that will allow Asomugha to opt out after the second season. Those sounds you hear are both the sighs of relief from Raider fans worldwide and the angry pounding of keyboards as fans from every other [...]