Janikowski Happy With Oakland Raiders Direction Under Del Rio
By Chase Ruttig
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) reacts along his sidelines late in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
As the longest serving member of the Oakland Raiders, kicker Sebastian Janikowski has seen it all playing for a franchise for nearly 15 years now. Starting with the highs of being drafted onto a Raiders team in 2000 that quickly reached its peak for the franchise’s second stay in Oakland, making the 2003 Super Bowl before the down period of recent years with the team yet to return to the playoffs since that ’03 season it is safe to say that Seabass has experienced much of the modern history of the team.
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Enduring now nine coaches since being drafted into the league with Jack Del Rio now at the helm, Janikowski is feeling confident in his newest boss as 2015 Training Camp nears with the Raiders putting in work during OTAs so far in early June. The placekicker feeling that the former Jaguars head coach is changing the atmosphere so far. Crediting Del Rio’s laid back, but demanding approach to coaching as being potentially the right mix to brew some success in Oakland down the road.
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“I see changes,” Janikowski said last week to Jerry McDonald of the Contra Costa Times at OTAs. “The atmosphere, the way players are in meetings is totally different. He makes players relaxed but he’s demanding.
“In some other years, I wouldn’t say players didn’t care, but it’s not like it is now. Jack’s laid back but he expects the best from you.”
Offseason quotes about new coaches are almost always positive, so it is not shocking that Janikowski is excited to work with Del Rio just months into their relationship. Still the veteran has been around the team long enough to know what he is talking about when it comes to the culture of the Raiders and the pain of so many straight losing seasons. If he feels Del Rio is changing the culture that is an encouraging sign as the franchise desperately needs someone to turn around the ship so a longtime serving Raider in Janikowski can finally see a deserved winning season in Oakland. Right now, Seabass has faith that Del Rio will be able to guide a resurgence that can see the kicker get back to the glory he experienced early in his career.