Oakland Raiders: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Nov 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) makes a catch against New York Giants corner back Prince Amukamara (20) during the second quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I know it’s already been reported and said, but I have to add my two cents in about the acquisition of Wide Receiver James Jones.  This was, by far, one of the smartest and best moves made by General Manager Reggie McKenzie during free agency.  From the moment I learned that Jones would be a free agent I said, “Sign him up!”  Jones will enter a Raiders team that is definitely in need of a solid veteran who has been to the show.  He will be able to convey to Rod Streater, Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, and Denarius Moore his way of doing things.

Wow, looking at the names on paper is awe-inspiring; James Jones, Rod Streater, Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, and Denarius Moore.  Speed, agility, high motor, route running, and a will to win.  This will be the message Jones will impart upon this stellar group of wide receivers.  I said it, stellar.  This group of wide receivers has the ability to be one of the best groups in the National Football League.  The leadership is in place to make that happen.  Leadership comes from not only the management and coaches, but it is necessary to have that leadership among the players in the locker room too.  That leadership is being put in place by the man everybody is hailing as a money monger, GM Reggie McKenzie.

Call him what you will, but I believe that this free agency period is going as planned for RMac.  Let’s face it, he knew how much money the Raiders would have under the Cap for 2014.  His plan to better this team began when he took over the team at the end of the 2011 season.  Exiting the 2013 season, the Raiders needs were defined.  They needed better and more consistent offensive linemen, defensive linemen, defensive backs, a quarterback (or at the least stick with one), and a philosophy.  Now, the philosophy for a winning organization is finally adding the cogs it so desperately needed to bring back the winning attitude.