Teams Las Vegas Raiders - The Black Hole

[GeeCats07]

Looked like a pretty average game for us. At least we weren't completely blown out.

I repeat my question from last week: Where is Murray?

 

[manureid]

So, who we picking at 1?

 

[andana]

Looked like a pretty average game for us. At least we weren't completely blown out.

I repeat my question from last week: Where is Murray?

 

[GeeCats07]

So, who we picking at 1?

Trade down and then take the best OL or DL available.

 

[MAGPIE2013]

Trade down and then take the best OL or DL available.

should get the best available CB's or safeties. Because that would prevent your team from giving up a lot of big plays.

 

[BeinPurplenGreen]

Looked like a pretty average game for us. At least we weren't completely blown out.

I repeat my question from last week: Where is Murray?

DeMarco plays for Dallas I think...

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Third down defense is beyond shithouse.

Mack looking good.

 

[andana]

Third down defense is

beyond shithouse.

Mack looking good.

Watching Mack, the other rookies and C-Wood are the only good things about sitting up all night to watch the game.

From Carr's presser.............

Q: Do you look at the fellow members of your rookie draft class here as a foundational class to stick together and turn this thing around?
Carr: “Yeah, absolutely. I’ve actually gotten together with a group of them and I plan on getting together with all of them and really saying, ‘Hey, they drafted us here for a reason and we’ve got to stick together and keep the positive attitude going,’ because this thing is eventually going to turn around. Hopefully, it’s this week, hopefully it’s sooner than later, but I tell them all the time, ‘Hey we’re going to be a part of it, we’re going to be a part of the turnaround, so let’s keep that positive attitude. Let’s keep that hard work going and be the examples.’ Even though we are rookies, we are playing a lot and some of us are in leadership type positions, so we do need to keep that positive mindset because it’s so easy right now to be down. That’s the easy thing to do. It’s easy to go home and feel upset and sad but the hard thing to do is to keep your head down and keep working and come to work with a positive attitude and energy. That’s what I try to bring and that’s what I try to tell those guys as well.”

 

[manureid]

Carr and Mack...the brightest spots in a steaming pile of poo.

 

[Ashman23]

It's a shame Clowney isn't in this year's draft. We have to go D and build a solid line. These guys are just giving up too easily where they have the opposition on third and longs and allowing them to stretch out drives.

 

[exe ex machina]

SI_DougFarrar @SI_DougFarrar 3h New pod up soon with former Raiders CEO and current CBS NFL analyst Amy Trask. It's a humdinger, folks.
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SI_DougFarrar @SI_DougFarrar 2h New podcast -- One-on-One: Former Raiders CEO/Current CBS NFL Analyst Amy Trask http://blogtalkradio.com/dfarrar777/201…

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

It's a shame Clowney isn't in this year's draft. We have to go D and build a solid line. These guys are just giving up too easily where they have the opposition on third and longs and allowing them to stretch out drives.

Leonard Williams goes alright.

 

[Ashman23]

Williams has been compared to the college version of Richard Seymour. Can he go as high as #1? Will Reggie still be GM to pick and if so will he trade down and 'get his guy' three years running?

Walterfootball's latest mock has us taking Williams.

Derek Carr is improving, as I predicted, and he will continue to under the guidance of quarterback whisperer Greg Olson. Mark Davis would be smart to give Carr some continuity in his scheme and keep Olson on the next coaching staff. Davis loves Carr and pushed for Oakland to draft him. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising if the Raiders go with another position with their first-rounder. They badly need to upgrade their defensive line, and Williams could help them at end and tackle.

In 2014, Williams has 45 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five tackles for a loss, one interception, one forced fumble and two passes batted. USC is moving him around this year, but he seems to be lining up more on the edge. In the season opener, the junior recorded two passes batted and an interception. He played injured against Stanford, but made some clutch plays, including a fourth-and 1 stop at USC's own three-yard line and a critical fourth-quarter sack. He had great games against Oregon State and Arizona.

Williams played well for USC in 2013. He recorded 74 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and five sacks. The sophomore generated more pass rush than the numbers indicate. Williams was the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2012 after a fabulous debut for the Trojans. He totaled 64 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, eight sacks, four passes batted and an interception that season. The 6-foot-5, 300-pounder has a big-time skill set.

 

[andana]

This week may be our last chance for a win. Some tough games coming up.

 

[exe ex machina]

We're not beating Cleveland at Cleveland.

 

[andana]

Have faith brother.

 

[exe ex machina]

What Will the Oakland Raiders Do With #1 Overall Pick?

Too early? Perhaps. Still, based on the running trend it’s clear the Oakland Raiders are a favorite to land the top overall draft pick for 2015. What should they do?

Maximizing Derek Carr must become top priority

At 0-4 the writing is on the wall. Barring a major turnaround, which is unlikely, the Raiders are once again destined for an ugly season out of the playoffs. If they do end up with the #1 overall pick, their strategy of course will depend on whether they have a new head coach and even a new general manager. However, the simple reality is that their focus must be on doing everything possible to ensure the development and success of quarterback Derek Carr.

He is their future now. That is why they drafted him in the second round. He has the ability but as proven over the first four games, he does not have the supporting cast. To date he hasn’t logged more than 300 yards passing in a game or a 100 quarterback rating. It’s easy to chalk that off as him being a rookie but the reality is the Raiders offense isn’t good enough. That is clear from the fact they haven’t scored more than 14 points in a game.

So based on this situation, here are some possibilities for the Oakland Raiders front office to consider with the #1 pick in the 2015 draft next April.

Cedric Ogbuehi – OT – Texas A&M

There is no such thing as too many good blockers for a quarterback. Cedric Ogbuehi started the college football season as the highest rated offensive tackle in the country and nothing has happened to change that. His size-speed-agility combination makes him a premium pass protector who also boasts some power in the run game. Donald Penn has done well at left tackle for the Raiders, so they could easily slide Ogbuehi over to right tackle where Carr could end up having bookends to keep him upright.

Amari Cooper – WR – Alabama

Outside of James Jones, the entire Oakland receiving corps has been a colossal disappointment in 2014. It merely proves Carr needs another reliable weapon to look to. Alabama star Amari Cooper is proving exactly that. While not huge like a Calvin Johnson, he’s fast, shifty, smart and has that ability adjust his routes and find openings in a defense for big plays. He also knows how to make the tough catches.

Trade Back: Todd Gurley – RB – Georgia

Knowing Reggie McKenzie, in all likelihood the Oakland Raiders may end up trying to deal the #1 pick were they to land it next year. One trade scenario they could consider is moving back towards the 8-12 range and then using their subsequent pick to add Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Granted, running backs haven’t been going in the first round lately but Gurley is an exception. He’s big, strong, fast, boasts great vision and doesn’t go down easily. He’s as close to an Adrian Peterson type back as it gets, and the Raiders have nobody like that on the roster.

How much easier would life be for Carr if they did?

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Pick Williams.

 

[Ashman23]

I would have to D first pick like Williams unless Ogbuehi is a can't miss prospect (and haven't we all heard that before) and then get Carr a top WR in the second. The O-line hasn't be that bad and has gelled as the season has progressed so maybe look at a third round on some depth but if it was me I'd still go D in the third. Fourth through seventh just go BPA.

 

[Burzum]

Andrus Peat

 

[andana]

After todays effort I would still go for Ogbuehi. We have a lot of needs but priority is to keep the QB from getting injured.

 

[Ashman23]

I'm not into betting, however I can't find any markets to bet on losing out the season and ending 0-16. Seattle next week are $1.07 and that's being generous I reckon.

There will be major changes and I'm starting to think that because things have been so bad any good that has been will we washed away. I really hope we don't blow things up completely. I hope Mark Davis can speak to someone outside that can help him but after reading about Wolf giving Reggie a big wrap which actually helped out Wolf's son being promoted I'm not sure whom he can trust with the Raiders best interests at heart.

Things that might change the perception/stink around the organisation.

Gruden or his ilk HC
Use pick #1 on a game changer
sign quality and young FAs (this will be hard because we'll have to overpay to get players here).

the Raiders need a massive culture change.

 

[Chewy316]

There are some very good prospects this year: Leonard Williams, Randy Gregory, Amari Cooper, DGB, Ogbuehi, Peat etc. We need playmakers on both sides of the ball. I'm inclined to build around Carr. Give the kid as many weapons as possible. Imagine Carr slinging it to Amari Cooper every Sunday...now that would be an exciting combination.

 

[exe ex machina]

We HAVE TO draft as many offensive playmakers as we can. Gotta build around Carr otherwise we're dead. Need an inline TE who is also a wicked pass-catcher. Not a 'move' TE. Need a bonafide #1 WR a la Andre Johnson in his prime. That should suffice. Draft a few tackles and guards and centers LATE in the draft and UDFAs. Spend the 3rd-6th rounds building up the D. (MLB, DE, FS, SS, CB).

 

[Blacky]

Only the few holes then?