Can You Say: Class Action? Raider Fans vs. NFL Officials

Let’s say you spend your hard-earned money on an expensive car—advertised to get 60 MPG. You fill the gas tank, drive around for a day, and the tank is empty much sooner than you expect.

Your calculations say you averaged five MPG. You take the car back to the dealer, and they tell you that they reviewed the odometer, and the ruling in their garage is that you are getting 60 MPG. They will not take the car back. Get over it.

Do you have recourse?

You have both physical and visual evidence. Do you sit there like a chump and do nothing, or persist until justice is served? Do you think an honest jury would rule in your favor?

Now, what if that expensive car was an NFL team that you have spent hard-earned cash on, while investing numerous hours of time, resources, and emotion?

Week after week, you are told that what you see visually has been reviewed and has not really happened, so get over it. Does this cause you emotional anguish? Do you have recourse?

I need to ask this question because I have spent a great deal of money, time, and emotion on my team. I have physical and visual evidence that will show weekly injustices levied against my NFL team for years now.

It is very easy to prove these injustices with or without the rulebook.

What if your team were playing and they clearly benefited from an injustice, such as a call that was reviewed but still favored your team? As a true fan do you feel good about this? Do you want your team to win a fairly called match?

Who’s directing the officials? Why is this happening? I am certain, if one of these squirmy zebras were on the stand, they would squeal like a pig.

Does anyone reading this feel the same?

If so, leave a comment and include the team name that gets jobbed the most by the refs. You can leave an estimate of how much you spend on your team on an annual basis. For me, I can’t really put a specific number on it as of this writing.

If this experiment works, this type of dialogue can lead to investigations as to what exactly is going on under the hood.

At the very least, maybe a fairly called game.

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The Future of the Oakland Raiders, JaMarcus Russell, and Bruce Gradkowski

In my opinion, there are some who really pay attention to what goes on around the QB position. All the little things that must go right to simply execute a single play:

A) A good play must be called
B) Receiver(s) must run routes correctly
C) The O-line must give the time to throw to the first read if open
D) RB’s and O-line must pick up blitzes
E) The QB must deliver a catchable ball
F) The reciever must catch the ball

Yes, JaMarcus did throw a handful of bad balls during games but the reason why he is on the bench right now is because (A, B, C, D, F) did not happen when he was in there.

Then there are some folks who only base their opinions on results (Stats, Completions, Rating, Wins) or take the even easier route of repeating what some idiot wrote in the daily paper. They do not fairly take all things in to account (see A-F).

For those who cant see or understand, there is no changing their opinion, they are bottom-line people and there is no penetrating their mind-set. They often directly quote the latest popular media opinions about JaMarcus. (He is not dedicated—lazy, he is inaccurate, he does not fire his team up, etc.)

Instead of acknowledging the fact that Russell had no time to throw, they will say he had no pocket awareness. Instead of admitting that the young receivers didn’t start getting open and catching balls til a few weeks ago, they will put that all on JaMarcus. Rather than bringing up the fact that we were the only team in the NFL to start two rookie WR’s, who both struggled and pretty much defined our season, they will say JaMarcus should have found a way.

Let me give you a good example of where I am coming from.

If Bruce G started against Pittsburgh in Week Five, where we had two O-Linemen out and started two rookie WR’s with four games experience (DHB and L. Murphy). I can guarantee you that we would have been smoked by Pittsburgh. No, we would have been annihilated.

The reason why Bruce G. has had success:

* The offense as a whole is getting used to this new system (installed this year).
* He can scramble for his life when our O-line Collapses.
* He has had a healthier O-line.
* He has a better grasp of the offense (more familiar with Hacket/Tolner’s Offense).
* Chaz Schillens is back (Higgins also started against Pitt).
* Rookie WR’s now have 12 games expedience.
* The most important: The receivers are finally coming around (catching and getting open).
* He has heart and will (Yes, I believe JaMarcus does, too).

Throughout the season, everyone would say idiotic stuff like, “JaMarcus has regressed,” “He has no pocket awareness,” without acknowledging that these rookie WR’s are being sent on deep routes and the O-Line is collapsing. Play after play after play after poorly drafted play. When JaMarcus was given a fist read to a shorter route, it almost always worked out. Hmmm, I wonder why???

What I say to you is, give JaMarcus an O-line like (Dallas) and two experienced (WR’s) and he would be on top of the league at least in yardage and TD’s.

With all this said, we very much appreciate the job Bruce G. has done. Given our current personnel, it would have been very difficult for JaMarcus to win the game Bruce won at Pitt. Simply because of Bruce’s escapability to keep drives alive. If Bruce continues to improve and wins, he will have a long and prosperous NFL career.

The throws? JaMarcus can make all those throws. The ability to get away from pressure and run, JaMarcus needs to work on this. Unfortunately, JaMarcus will need to add this to his game if he want to extend his time to throw—given our O-line.

I would focus on this, JRUSS. Get lean, and run a lot during the offseason. Run sprints until your legs fall off.

Forget about everything else, the focus in the draft should be Offensive linemen. Whatever we need to do, trade a good player, trade up or down in the draft, we need to solidify the O-line to achieve pass protection.

Of course, with great linemen should come a great run game. People can talk Defense all they want. The bottom line is, our defense is good enough to keep us in games. Our O-line is not.

As far as demeanor goes, did you ever see the Snake get fired up? If you don’t know the Snake, then go back to Raider school. The Snake was the coolest, most poised QB I have ever seen. He never got too high and never too low but always got it done.

I loved this approach and the same goes for JaMarcus. Some lead with fire, some lead with poise.

JaMarcus, don’t go letting any fool change who you are. You don’t have to turn into a Rah!, Rah! guy to appease these idiots.

In closing, to all the Raider Fans who have not given JaMarcus a fair shake, your ignorance has contributed to this year’s demise of our soon-to-be-star QB.

JaMarcus, you have to know this. Many of us have your back. Keep fighting.

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Game Plan Week Eight: How the Raiders Will Beat the Chargers

Last week is last week. Nothing went right. Lets be real, our season lies in the balance of this next game. We have a bye coming up after this game, and will get some players back from injury. Its time to man up and leave it all on the field, or we will be looking at another lost season. 

It is important that our guys know this we expect 60 minutes of heart. You give us this, most of us are good no matter what happens.

The Chargers are flying high coming off an impressive win on the Road against another Division Rival. We cannot afford to make mistakes. We cannot turn the ball over. We must keep it close early. Do this, and the game can open up.

Its time to lay down wood, take them to the woodshed or get took. We need to go old school Raider Football on these guys, and take it to them.

We expect for those 2-4 year young Raiders who have seen this team 4-8 times to take the lead, work hard, and bring us to the promise land.

 

*****Updated Section*****

I watched the Chiefs vs Chargers game of last week to see what success the Chargers were having.

In this game, the Chiefs did not run at all.  This is why Larry Johnson was so mad.
That was the first mistake. To beat the Chargers, you have to get physical with them up front like we did in Week One.

The Chargers were running the West Coast Offense most of the game, and the Chargers game plan included a great deal of quick passes. We did not see this in Week One.

This approach, I’m sure, stems from not having an effective running game with LT not doing well. Don’t get me wrong, Sproles is damn good running. He’s just not a banger.

Both the receivers and tight ends were just taking a few steps, and the pass was there.  They were lined up in the slot often. The TE just kept the DB to the outside by positioning his big body on the inside, and caught and ran for six, or seven yards. This short passing attack opened up the long jump balls that Rivers was throwing to the tall (Vincent Jackson). Rivers knows Jackson can out jump anyone. Finally, they mixed in the run and Sproles was a first read on many short passes.

To defend this,

* It is critical that the Raiders shadow Sproles the entire game with Huff, or Mitchell

* It is also very critical that our DB’s and Linebackers bump on the bump and run.
if we do not get the bump in, it will spell big trouble. If we do get the bump in,
the whole play is disrupted, and Rivers may panic, or get frustrated when getting plummeted. Nice thought huh?

* Focus on frustrating Rivers like we did the first game. He almost lost his head during the first game. More importantly put some heavy hits on him. On Monday, make sure he knows he was in a battle.

 

When on Offense,

* Every week we have been saying: Run, Run, Run, Run, Run. Do not put our QB in a bad spot. There will be plenty of chances to throw later in the game. We have to pound the ball, soften up the line, and pull the DB’s in.

* Do not give the Chargers D a break. After a long successful run, do a hurry up offense play so they cannot substitute. Run again. Once the rhythm is established on the next hurry up, it will be time to take a shot deep. The DLine will be tired, and there should be time to throw. Send a WR to the deep post, and get him behind coverage.

* Pound with the ball with Bush early, then bring in Russell and Fargas to pound, then Dash.

* Go to Zach Miller until they can stop him. Send him on circle routes just a few yards out to start.

* The two TE set worked very well against the Eagles. Go with what works.
All the TE’s have good hands. Even send Myers in if you can for a three-man rotation.

* I don’t know if Michael Bush has dropped a pass this year. Send him out a little further, he can catch. Line him up on the line of scrimmage and try to get a LB to match up with him.

* As far as our Wide Receivers go, we all expect a better showing this week. We expect to see aggressiveness and focus. They can all catch, they just have to be more fearless, keep their focus and run good routes.

****End of Updated Section ****

 

Field Position

If you win the toss. Choose to kick off. They will not be expecting this, and it will throw them off a bit. The entire team needs to be on the same page here.

Special teams have to know the importance of this. Kick the ball and pin them back. The Defense has to focus on three-and-out. The Chargers will run on two-of-three plays for sure. If it works out, we will get the ball early at about mid field.

 

Run Hard, Run all game

Run the first three downs. Take it to them physically from the get go. The linemen must be ready to tear into the Chargers DLine. Keep running with maybe only one designed play action rollout option in the first few series. The goal here is to maintain possession, score first, and get at least a field goal. At minimum, allow Shane Lechler
to pin them back again.

Run all game long. Take no risks, and only pass once the running game is established. Run on 3rd-and-7. Do not pass on 3rd-and-long, especially in our own territory. Throw high percentage passes after the run is established.

Only then can we take a shot, or two deep.

If we get behind early, don’t panic, and do not abandon the run. Never abandon the run. Its our only chance to get on track.

Position Players

Wide receivers

You have a game under your belt already against these guys, and you have an idea what to expect. Time for you to shine. This is where the experience of that one game becomes your advantage.  Study film on their DB’s and use what you already know to exploit them. You too, must be ready to lay the wood.

 

Tight ends

You played well against these guys in the first game. Time to take what you have already accomplished and improve on this. Block like hell on running plays. Communicate with your QB in the huddle and on the sidelines when you see something that needs to be exploited or addressed.

 

Offensive Line

We have been saying this all season. This game is on you. Its always on you. You see a problem when lining up, communicate this to the QB. Let him know if he should call timeout if you see a play will not work. We out physicaled them the first game. Time to man up and repeat this. If for any reason, your guy gets free on a passing down, be ready to yell out to the QB so he has a chance to tuck the ball. Use coded signals if you have to.

 

Defensive backs

Be ready for blind jump balls from Rivers. Rivers takes a lot of chances, but they work out because his receivers know that he will throw up jump balls, and they are taller and physical. Be ready to go up and fight for these balls. That receiver starts to jump, you get up in the air an battle. If he catches it in the air, punch that ball away or pull one of his arms off. Lets go!! Time for a big game from you guys.

LT had a decent game last week, and so did Sproles. Whenever either is in the game, someone has to be assigned to shadow. Like we used to to with Tony Gonzalez, we must dedicate a body to either.

 

Defensive Line  

Time for redemption. You played hard last week in a physical game. You were on the field too long. Time to forget about it. After last week, every team you now face will try to run first. They will attempt to mimic the success that the Jets had. Be ready for this, and set the tone early.

Focus on what you did in Week One against the Chargers. You were very successful, but ran out of gas in the end. Get yourselves off the field by focusing on 3-and-outs. Bear down on 3rd down. Make sure everyone is on the same page—3rd down is yours, and the most important down. Sproles or LT will be the go to on 3rd down. Don’t allow the LB’s to play so far back this game. Slam Rivers like he has never been slammed before.

Linebackers, play to your strength. Use your speed an leverage.  Get in the backfield to disrupt the play. Position you body so you are unblockable. Get to the gap before the blocker does. Fill the empty holes on the line, many plays are designed to go one way, then cut back into the open hole after you already committed to the direction of the play and vacated the hole.

 

Coaches, put your team in position for success. Play within our capabilities first, then build on this. We have been over-extending our young guys on Offense asking them to do the impossible.

We have talent at many positions. Use Seabass, use Lechler, use Mike Mitchell. Let Darrius Heyward-Bey return kicks like Tim Brown use to. Allow Michael Bush to run and Churn all day then once they are softened, bring Fargas fresh off the bench to run through a dinged up defense.

Send the tight ends on Circle routes just behind the linebackers—allowing our TE’s to put the hits on thier DB’s. Execute that end-around to DHB, or Higgins, but they must be in motion at least one play prior. 

Trust your QB, but also do not put him in impossible situations. With our line banged up and no offensive identity, only if we run, will he have the opportunity to succeed.

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Raiders-Eagles: Keys to “Raider” Victory

Below you will find some independent analysis performed by me.
This is an effort to expose the opponent’s weak areas and how to attack them.

My approach is to not re-invent the wheel.  I looked at recent games where the Eagles were beaten. Obviously the teams that beat them did their homework.

I expose those areas in the discussion.  I expect that the Raiders game planning will at least have some of these elements. 

 

Keys to winning the game:

No. 1 Priority: keep the ball out of McNabb’s hands.
Slow the game down by any means possible.

No. 2: The Raiders defense must hold the Eagles to under 21 points.
The Eagles were 1-4 last year when held under 21 points.

No. 3: The Raiders have to run and never abandon it.
JaMarcus Russell should prepare to run a few designed sneaks: it’s all about the run.
Attack the left side when running. Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards last year; he ran to his left on all big runs.

No. 4 Play physical the whole game.
The Ravens beat them badly last year 36 to 7.
The Eagles were 2-4 in physical rivalry games in their own Division last year.

No. 5 Raiders must Feature the Tight Ends.  Look at what what the TE’s in their division did last year:
Witten 14 for 160 yards
Cooley 12 for 137
Boss 7 for 74

No. 6 Throw over the shoulder throws for big pass plays.
I noticed on big pass plays, receivers were getting behind the Eagles Defenders when one on one. When in one on one coverage, JaMarcus may be able to let the ball go early and allow DHB or L. Murphy run under it…or even Miller.

These plays are not long developing plays, just 10 yards or so off the line of scrimmage, the ball can be lobbed. Worst case is an over-thrown incomplete pass.

When looking at the Keys to Victory above, I turned to Eagles vs. Redskins last year. where the Eagles lost both games. The score of the First game was 23-17.  The second Game was 10-3.

Washington QB Jason Campbell did not have great games in either.  He managed the game and did not turn the ball over.

Keys to the 23-17 win for Washington were:
In one game, Clinton Portis 29 for 145 yards: huge runs were all made when Portis ran to his left.  Washington sealed the deal on a fourth and 1 run off the left side.

Time of possession: Because they ran the ball, Washington controlled the clock, possessing the ball for 10 minutes more than the Eagles.  In the 10-3 Loss, it was the same story, the Redskins had the ball for six minutes longer.

Playbook:

Here are some good Situational plays. 

QB sneak up the middle when the Eagles line 9 up in the box on a passing down.
Eagles use this formation on obvious passing downs and there are no linebackers behind the linemen. The Raiders center and guard must open a crease.
JaMarcus has to be ready to run his behind off.
Wide receivers have to block downfield to protect him.

Same situation on an obvious passing down – Especially third and 6 or 7.
Eagles use this formation on obvious passing downs and there are no linebackers behind the linemen. Quick hit Running play up the middle (left of center).

These two were used to beat the Eagles last year:

Designed passes to the RB in the flat on third down.
Allow the WR to take the DB’s out of the play.

Designed passes to the Tight End on third down.
The TE blocks, releases, turns, catches (maybe even on the run) the WR’s run deep routes to take the DB’s out of the play.

Miscellaneous Game notes:

Eagles Defense

* Ranked 3rd in the NFL only 272 Yards a game but do give up 21 points a game.
* Give up more yards rushing than do their opponents (110 yards/Game)
* Did not do well against the TE Winslow last week.

* Will play straight up on 1st down.
* Will play straight up on Running Downs.
* Will blitz on passing downs later in the game: this is why runs on passing downs are good.

* Raiders may try Jumbo 2 tight End Package on 3rd downs (blitzing Downs).

Eagles will be looking to make JaMarcus pass by stopping the run.
We have to be able to run to win this game.

They put 8 or 9 in the box sometimes on passing downs.  Don’t pass on these downs.
Run like hell.  If you don’t make it, you live to fight another series.  If you pass,
bad things can happen. 

If you have success running in these situations.  You got them where you want them.  You can then start passing on these downs since they will be looking for the run and this is not in their planning.

The Eagles may come out and play a base Defense to see if they can play straight up.

When we have success running, and all is going as planned, big plays will be available and it will be time to take a shot downfield.  This is a game where the speed of the rookies can come into play.

The Eagles blitz more than any team in the NFL.

Now Go Get’m Boys!

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Boo My Player , My Team, My Owner, My City?

Boo My Player, My Team, My Owner, My City?

Let’s get one thing clear up front. I don’t have the right to speak for anyone but myself.

Like all of you, I have a point of view and an opinion. I admittedly will express an extremely biased and slanted opinion. The one thing you can count on from me is that I am all Raider to the core.

You may consider me a kool-aid drinking unwavering believer in the Organization. But that’s ok because its true. I realize I am wired a certain way, but I’m okay with it.

If your Brother or Son, played in the NFL, would you ever Boo him?
What if he was not playing very well and in your mind, he didn’t work very hard?

Would you? Could you do it? Would it even ever cross your mind?
The answer would be no. Some of us consider our team an extension of Family.

My personal history of the Oakland Raiders.

I grew up going to games with my Dad, – another Raider to the core – in the late 70’s.
We could barely afford rent, but he always had his season tix.

We didn’t have a whole lot of connectivity going on between my Dad and I but we did have this one thing. This one cool, “guy” thing, where a Father could connect with his son.

The Blue Collar City of Oakland was always considered second Class to the other city by the Bay, San Francisco. We did always have that one special Jewell to hang our hats on however, “the Raiders”.

As a kid growing up, all I knew was this is my town, my team and I was very proud of both. The Raiders brought pride to Oakland and we were proud of them.

Both I and my Dad were devastated when the Raiders moved to L.A. in 82. I think what really hurt the most was me (a 14 year old kid) watching how quietly devastated he was.

My little old Grandma somehow became one of the biggest Raider Fans I knew. She would get nervous for the Raiders at game-time and preferred to listen to Bill King announce the game on her transistor Radio than to watch on TV. Like me she seemed to live and die with every play.

In my mind, it just couldn’t be true; the one thing that brought true joy to us was gone in a flash.

I immediately, began trying to convince anyone and everyone that they would be back.

I would say, “you watch, Al Davis will see just how loyal we were and they will be back”.

I would even pray at night, pleading for the return.

I rooted for the L.A. Raiders from a far, but it was never the same. I was bitter and although I rooted for them I began my own personal boycott. I refused to buy or endorse anything L.A.Raiders. When I talked about them, the attitude was like a scorned Parent talking about their runaway kid.

As the years past, I never wavered. I kept it to myself now but I always felt there was an everlasting bond between the City, the Fans and the Raiders and AL Davis knew it. Al maintained his home in Piedmont (part of Oakland) even when they were in L.A.

In his heart of hearts, he knew what the Team meant to the City and the Fans. He knew he could always count on us being there when he needed us to be the 12th man.

Along the way, I realized just how much a privilege it was to have an NFL Team in my town that I loved and when they did come back, I would show how this would never be taken for granted.

In my mind, as the years went on, the Team began to change a bit in terms of Defensive toughness. Teams began to no longer fear the Raiders Defense. They were becoming soft. In my mind, Hollywood was just not the place to be if you wanted to maintain toughness and the Hollywood lifestyle was rubbing off on the Team. I believed AL knew this too.

Al took a shot with the Iwindale deal, but I didn’t think his heart was in it really.

As the other Team by the Bay went on their run to five Super Bowls, many so called Raider fans jumped ship. As they set sail over to what I considered public enemy number one, I stood my ground. How can anyone who was ever a “Raider”, jump on that Bandwagon?

The simple answer is “they were never Raiders”. In other words, they were never truly loyal so good riddance to them all!

13 long years later, when it was announced that the Raiders were coming back to Oakland, my heart just about jumped out of my body. I told myself and others, “I knew it!!”, “I knew it!!”. You don’t understand I really knew it!! No one I discussed this with really understood.

My dream became reality. The one person that made this happen was Al Davis.
Al Davis did something that no owner in sport history has ever done. He sensed this undying loyalty and brought the team back to where they belong, their Birthplace.

This one person who places the highest value of all values to this one concept, “Loyalty”.

It’s constantly preached throughout the Organization as a core value. Al Davis is very well known around the league to treat his ex-players very well due to it. Some ask, why keep these old guy coaches like Fred Bilentikoff, Art Shell and Willie Brown around for so long?

Why do ex-Raiders play huge roles within the Organizational Structure? It all comes back to that Core belief “Loyalty will win out in the end”.

I believe in this too. Every now and again you hear people say, “once a Raider always a Raider”.

There is a reason for this; it’s not just something you say.

You think I would ever Boo My Player, My Team, My Owner, My City?
You gotta be out of your mind.

Rest in peace Dad. We will be back!, We will be back!

 

 

 

 

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Getting Back to the Basics of Oakland Raider Football

Many storied franchises have established and are identified with a style of play. Some examples:

Oakland Raiders Football—Intimidating defense, vertical passing game.

San Francisco 49ers Football—West Coast Offense.

Chicago Bears Football—“The 46” hard-hitting defense, hard running.

Dallas Cowboys Football—Finesse and style.

What most don’t realize is that during the glory days, each of these teams was solid in all phases.

The 49ers could run up the score, but they would not have won without a very good defense. Dan Marino’s Dolphins and Dan Fouts’ San Diego Chargers could outscore anyone. But neither won the big one because their defenses were not good enough.

The Steelers were best known for the “Steel Curtain” and a long passing game to Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. However, they would have not won a Super Bowl if not for hard running by Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris.

Purist Raider fans very much believe in Raider Football. I consider myself a purist. When Jon Gruden brought the West Coast Offense to the Raiders, I was not happy.

Don’t get me wrong, I liked winning. I just did not like winning in that fashion. I never felt confident in our offense. I especially did not feel confident in the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. In my mind, it was not Raider Football and was doomed to fail.

My understanding of what REAL Raider Football is may be different than most outsiders.

During the glory years, the Raiders excelled in all phases. 

They had a Hall of Fame offensive line and could control the game by running. The defense was hard-hitting and intimidating, always showing up when it counted.

The Raiders running game is a less talked about area when outsiders refer to Raider Football. We would often run three times in a row because we could. We would run on downs like 3rd-and-7 because we knew it was as automatic as any pass play.

The Raiders were always a run-first team. This allowed the passing game to open up. The myth that the Raiders would go deep early and often is not true at all. Yes, we would go deep, but only in the right situations. We would often throw short (high percentage) sideline routes.

We relied on the run and never abandoned it.

The idea was to get the opposing defense on their heels early, allow the offensive line to establish itself and then lay down the law. Eventually, the opposing defense
would surrender their turf. This is when the game opened up to passing plays.

We would throw the three-yard pass on 2nd-and-2. We would not throw a pass on 3rd-and-7 on our own 40 yard line. It’s too risky. Since the defense expects a pass, it’s the perfect time for a run.

Currently, defenses know if we will run or pass before we run the play. The battle is half lost before the ball is snapped.

The run-first approach by default keeps the defense guessing and on their heels.
Without this crucial element of Raider Football, we would not have won in the past as we did.

If you doubt what I am saying, see the drive chart below taken from when Raider Football at its pinnacle—Super Bowl XI.

Pay special attention to which downs we ran on.

We ran 46 times and passed 19 times.

We picked our shot and went deep only once. It was the fourth quarter and that bomb was unexpected, deadly and sealed the deal for us.

Many have said, let’s get back to Raider Football.

What I say to you is, let’s get back to REAL Raider Football.

Oakland (15:00)
Cox kick to O 11, Garrett 23 return (Craig).
O 34 1–10 Davis 1 run off left tackle (Page).
O 35 2–9 van Eeghen 4 run off left tackle (Siemon).
O 39 3–5 Stabler 25 pass to Casper right (N. Wright).
M 36 1–10 Davis 4 run right (Eller).
M 32 2–6 Davis 20 run left (Krause).
M 12 1–10 Garrett run up middle, loss of 1 (Siemon).
M 13 2–11 Stabler pass to Casper incomplete (Blair).
M 13 3–11 Banaszak 2 run left (Hilgenberg).
M 11 4–9 Mann’s 29–yard field–goal attempt hit left upright, no good.

Oakland (11:08)
O 19 1–10 Davis 4 run left (Bryant).
O 23 2–6 van Eeghen 5 run middle (Siemon).
O 28 3–1 Banaszak 3 run middle (Sutherland).
O 31 1–10 Stabler 9 pass to Biletnikoff (N. Wright).
O 40 2–1 Banaszak run left, no gain (Siemon).
O 40 3–1 Davis run left, loss of 1 (Siemon). Minnesota declined holding against Oakland.
O 39 4–2 Guy 51 punt, Willis 6 return (Ginn).

Oakland (5:55)
O 26 1–10 van Eeghen 3 run middle (Page).
O 29 2–7 Stabler pass to Biletnikoff incomplete.
O 29 3–7 Davis 5 run left (Siemon).
O 34 4–2 Guy punt blocked by McNeill, recovered by McNeill at O 3.

Oakland (4:35)
O 3 1–10 Banaszak 2 run middle (Krause).
O 5 2–8 Banaszak 1 run off left tackle (Page).
O 6 3–7 Davis 35 run around left end (Krause).
O 41 1–10 Stabler 11 pass to Garrett (Blair).
M 48 1–10 Stabler deep pass to Biletnikoff incomplete.
M 48 2–10 Stabler 25 pass to Casper left (Blair).
M 23 1–10 van Eeghen 5 run off left tackle (Page).
M 18 2–5 Davis 4 run middle (Eller).
M 14 3–1 Banaszak 6 run off left tackle (Bryant).
END OF FIRST QUARTER:
Oakland 0, Minnesota 0
Second quarter
M 8 1–goal Banaszak 1 run off left tackle (Hilgenberg).
M 7 2–goal Stabler pass to Casper in end zone incomplete.
M 7 3–goal Stabler pressured, pass to Casper incomplete.
M 7 4–goal Mann, 24–yard field goal (14:12).
Oakland scoring drive: 90 yards, 12 plays, 5:23.
Oakland 3, Minnesota 0

Oakland (12:31)
O 36 1–10 Stabler 8 pass to Branch (Bryant).
O 44 2–2 van Eeghen 3 run middle (Siemon).
O 47 1–10 Davis 6 run around right end (N. Wright).
M 47 2–4 Stabler 2 pass to Branch (Siemon).
M 45 3–2 Stabler 19 pass to Casper left (Siemon).
M 26 1–10 Garrett 13 run left (J. Wright, Page).
M 13 1–10 Garrett 4 run middle (Page).
M 9 2–6 Garrett 3 run right (Eller).
M 6 3–3 Stabler 5 pass to Biletnikoff right sideline.
M 1 1–goal Stabler 1 pass to Casper left, touchdown (7:10). Mann kicked extra point.
Oakland scoring drive: 64 yards, 10 plays, 5:21.
Oakland 10, Minnesota 0

Oakland (5:53)
M 35 1–10 Davis 5 run middle (Sutherland, Eller).
M 30 2–5 van Eeghen 3 run off left tackle (Siemon).
M 27 3–2 van Eeghen 9 run middle (Blair, Eller).
M 18 1–10 Stabler 17 pass to Biletnikoff middle.
M 1 1–goal Banaszak 1 run over right tackle, touchdown (3:33). Mann’s extra–point attempt was no good.
Oakland scoring drive: 35 yards, 5 plays, 2:20.
Oakland 16, Minnesota 0

Oakland (1:42)
O 6 1–10 van Eeghen 11 run middle (Krause).
O 17 1–10 van Eeghen 2 run left (Allen).
O 19 2–8 van Eeghen run middle, no gain (Page).
O 19 3–8 Davis 3 run around left end (Siemon).
O 22 4–5 Guy 41 punt, Willis no return (Rice). Minnesota penalized 15 for clipping.
Minnesota (:07)
M 22 1–10 Tarkenton 26 pass to Foreman (Tatum).
END OF SECOND QUARTER:
Oakland 16, Minnesota 0

Oakland (12:07)
O 16 1–10 Stabler pass to Branch broken up (Bryant).
O 16 2–10 van Eeghen 6 run middle (Page).
O 22 3–4 Davis 13 draw middle (Krause).
O 35 1–10 van Eeghen 7 run off right tackle (J. Wright).
O 42 2–3 Davis 1 run off left tackle (Siemon).
O 43 3–2 Banaszak 1 run off left tackle (Siemon).
O 44 4–1 Guy 38 punt, Willis 8 return (McMath).

Oakland (7:28)
O 46 1–10 van Eeghen 7 run off right tackle (Siemon).
M 47 2–3 Davis 18 run off left tackle (Bryant).
M 29 1–10 van Eeghen run right, loss of 4 (Page).
M 33 2–14 Stabler pass to Biletnikoff in end zone incomplete.
M 33 3–14 Stabler 10 pass to Branch (Bryant).
M 23 4–4 Mann, 40–yard field goal (5:16).
Oakland scoring drive: 31 yards, 5 plays, 2:12.
Oakland 19, Minnesota 0

Oakland 19, Minnesota 7
Oakland (:47)
Cox kick to O 14, Garrett 24 return (Miller).
O 38 1–10 Stabler sacked, loss of 11 (Page).
O 27 2–21 van Eeghen 3 run off left tackle (Siemon).
END OF THIRD QUARTER:
Oakland 19, Minnesota 7
Fourth quarter
O 30 3–18 Davis 16 run around left end (Krause).
O 46 4–2 Guy 32 punt downed at M 22.

Oakland (10:06)
O 46 1–10 van Eeghen 1 run middle (Sutherland).
O 47 2–9 Davis 3 run left (Page).
50 3–6 Stabler 48 pass to Biletnikoff middle (Bryant).
M 2 1–goal Banaszak 2 run over right tackle, touchdown (7:39). Mann kicked extra point.
Oakland scoring drive: 54 yards, 4 plays, 2:27.
Oakland 26, Minnesota 7

Oakland 32, Minnesota 7

Oakland (4:49)
M 36 1–10 van Eeghen 5 run around left end (Bryant).
M 31 2–5 Ginn 9 run off left tackle (Page).
M 22 1–10 Rae sacked, loss of 6 (Sutherland).
M 28 2–16 van Eeghen 3 run middle (Blair).
M 25 3–13 Rae 11 run evading pass rush (J. Wright). Two–Minute Warning.
M 14 4–2 Ginn run middle, no gain (Winston).

 

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NY Giants: Exposed Weaknesses, Tendencies, Patterns of How Teams Beat Them

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New York Giants Exposed

NY Giants—Exposed

Warning, this is a biased opinionated article and is not meant to follow any
objective viewpoint but my own.

The following is an opportunity to allow us to discuss strategy and expose the opposing teams tendencies and weaknesses and how to attack them.
It would be great to provide a breakdown like this on a weekly basis for whoever the Raiders play.

When these become popular we can post them toward the end of the week so that the opponent cannot prepare against it.

If you see definite weakness or a real tendency (of the opponent) call it out here and readers can evaluate it.  Tendencies are good to know, as they can give away the play that is called.  Weaknesses are the area’s to attack.

Defensive preparation discussion.
Enemy Subject: Eli Manning (if Eli plays)

Whether or not Manning plays there is one certainty.  The Giants will be a run first / screen pass team on Sunday without a doubt.
They will look to have success running out of the gate and thier entire game plan may be based on achieving that success.

Just so happens that I have the same injury (Plantar Facitis) that Eli has.  I have had it twice and for over a year now. The most intuitive description I can give you is “Eli tore his arch where it connects to his heel”.

I will be very surprised if Eli plays.  This injury will be with him all year.
If he does play with this injury, it can become chronic and will plague him throughout the rest of his career.  Six to eight months is the minimum time to heal and guess what the rehab consists of? Staying off of your feet when at all possible.

Eli mentioned today that he would play if he felt like he could do everything he could do before.  He also mentioned that his rhythm and mechanics are very good now and did not want to jeopardize screwing those up.

Again, I really doubt he will play.

By chance, If Eli does play, here is some helpful info.
The injury took place on a seven step drop when Eli dropped back and used his normal technique, six steps and a hard plant on his right foot at the 7th step.
He often uses an exaggerated hard hop on the last step on drop back passes.
This exaggerated hop is and a tight calf is what caused the injury.
To generate power, he relies on that hard-planted right foot on the last step.

It will be extremly difficult to plant this way with the injury he has.
Look for a modification to his technique as the game goes on or even early.
Look for passes to not have as much zing on them, instead using more touch then power.

Eli likes a rhythm game and very often goes to the first read.
Meaning the ball is often on its way out a after that that exaggerated hop onto the last foot is planted.  Like his brother, he is a master of disguising the play but (believe it or not) Eli still does at times stare down his read and fails to check off the safety.

The bump and run is perfect to disrupt his rhythm and the first read.
If the route is not disrupted with a bump, we will get burned.  It is critical to get that bump in.

It is very difficult to change direction or cut side to side when you have Plantar Facitus. I would not expect Eli to rollout much if at all.
Going straight ahead is not as bad. 

If Eli does play, the Raiders should focus pressure up the middle (early in the game) and force him to him move to either side.  That is easier said then done
against the 2008 NFC Pro Bowl Center (O’Hara).  The left side of Snee is the weakest of the Giants O-Line giving up 9.5 Sacks vs only 5.5 on the Right in 2008.

2008 Stats
Left Tackle—David Diehl (Giants) 6.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)
Left Guard—Rich Seubert (Giants) 3.0 sacks allowed (16 starts)
Center—Shaun O’Hara (Giants) 2.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
Right Guard—Chris Snee   (Giants) 1.0 sacks allowed (16 starts) *PRO-BOWL*
Right Tackle—Kareem McKenzie (Giants) 4.5 sacks allowed (16 starts)

To attack this weakness, on Pass Plays, Play Seymour on the Left side.
If we do Blitz, it should also be on the left side.

With this injury, Eli would rather get rid of the ball before throwing on a (undesigned) forced rollout.

The above strategy will leave gaps open if the play turns out to be a run and you guessed pass.

The Raiders I’m sure will study the tendencies and alignments over past games on film and focus  on guessing if the play will be a run or pass.  Also find which downs the Giants historically run on.

Good preparation would be good to play film several times and before the play, ask each player to guess the call.

Dream Play (just for fun)

Have Mike Mitchell in on Nickel creep up and find a gap on the left side of the line of scrimmage after the Giants Offense is already set. The Giants do not know who he is yet.
Mike Mitchell is hungry. 

Send him into the middle of that line, he will find the QB and quick. Worst case, is that he can lay the wood on one of their big running backs and set the tone.  I can imagine Mike Mitchell putting on a hit on Brandon Jacobs like Tatum on Campbell.
Something that would be replayed forever and would jump start his career.  As long is Mike is ready to plant the hit of his lifetime and RB (preferably Jacobs) is not, Mike can light him up.

Of course any blitz is a very risky play.  If Eli see’s you, he will likely audible and it could be seven points.  It would be good to be in the same area covering the slot for a few plays before attempting.

NY has been successful with designed screen passes.  With the injury, look for these to be a big part of the gameplan.

Look for any play that does not require the QB to move much.
NY sometimes sets up a screen with a single back to the Eli’s right while in shotgun.

To minimize aggravating the injury, look for the Giants to be in shotgun more often then usual.  Manning may not rollout this game even though designed rollouts are very much a part of their game.

Whether or not Manning plays there is one certainty.  The Giants will be a run first team on Sunday without a doubt.

They will look to have success running out of the gate and thier entire game plan will be based on achieving that success.

Stopping the Run

I noticed that many of the big run plays executed by the Giants were done by Pulling both Guards.  Where both Guards get out and take on the the LB’s. We should do our best to gameplan against this.  Keeping an eye on the Guards and knowing what to do when they pull up.

Here is a play that the Giants are very successful with.
Bradshaw running with Pulling Guards.

They try to sell the play as a handoff to the left with with the Fullback heading that way as a decoy.  Bradshaw will take (one) big step to the left to try and sell the play to that direction.  Both the Left and Right Guards pull out and head right into the clear to the right side to take on linebackers. 

The Right Tackle and Tight End (Kevin Boss) seal the right as much as possible not allowing the D-Linemen over to the right. The Right Guard takes on the Middle Linebacker and the Left Guard takes on the Left Outside linebacker creating a big wide open hole.
Much of the Defense is over-committed to the right and the back has a full head of steam.

The Linebackers may want to try to get to the hole before the Guards do.
A key to defending this play would be to not focus on the Fullback since he is mis-directing.  React to the Running back and where he goes.

Again, Bradshaw will take (one) big step to the left to try and sell the play to that direction. His second step is to the Right following the Guards. Don’t commit your pursuit until the Running Back makes his move.

The Guards always start pulling well before Bradshaw gets the ball in his hands.
As soon as the Guards start pulling, you will know this is the actual direction of the play.  All three linbackers will have to get over to that left side before the Guards do and disrupt the play.

As for the D-Linemen, the  Giants Center, Tackles and Tight End will try to seal the right side and push you right. As soon as you see the Guards take off to pull, if possible spin off to the left and pursue—they will have to hold you in order to stop your spin.  Do whatever you can not to get sealed off. Backfield troops may want to keep an eye on those guards too, allowing them to head left with run support.

The Giants may never run this play in the game but it is important to know that many of thier long runs have resulted from pulling guards.  It would be handy to know on which downs and which situations they pull guards most often.

Like every game the Raiders have played, look for all the media outlets to try to put you in your place and say that you do not belong on the same field with the Giants. 

They will ignore all the Raiders positives and dwell on the Negatives.  As for the Giants, they will do the opposite.

The Raiders are underdogs.  When I was a young Raider fan, even in SB years, the Raiders seemed to always be the underdog each week. This made it all the sweeter when we won. 

Shock the world?  No not to the Raiders.  Expect to win, play your asses off, focus
on your responsibility and you will win!  We are fast in all three phases. Showcase your speed, the time is now.

This game is on our Offensive Line.  Specifically to get the run game going. It is tough to lose our under-rated pro-bowl caliber leader Gallery (only 1.75 sacks allowed in 2008 and the best run blocker around).  He obviously is the heart (and QB) of the O-line. You will have to get nasty from the first snap to the last. Dig Deep and win this game for us. Think about how you manhandled San Diego, it will take this type of effort to win.
Find thier weaknesses on the DLIne (on film) and attack them relentlessly.  You do that, we win.

When in the heat of battle, when the refs take away the momentum with bad calls, do not allow this to take the wind out of your sails.  This is what that bad call is designed to do – believe us, we have seen it for too long and we are not idiots.  Sometimes I feel I like am watching a WWE Pro Wrestling match out there with these clowns who call themselves refs.

Something has been going on for years now and my best guess is that refs are betting on games and the Raiders are where they can lay thier money without too much heat. 

Since the beginning, its been the Raiders vs. the NFL, if you didn’t know that before, I’m sure you know it now.

A bad spot (ah no big deal), a blatant no call (no biggie, its just one play), an instant replay that reverses a call on the field when the ref is standing two-feet away (oh that shouldn’t determine the outcome), an instant replay initiated by the refs in the last two min?

I take the term “game of inches” literally.  Also, football is all about momentum and rhythm. Any call that disrupts the offensive rhythm or changes momentum can determine the game.

Take the Murphy vs San Diego play, that was a critical turning point in terms of momentum. Take the Murphy overturned catch in Houston—we all saw the foot drag, the whole world could see, the ref called it a catch.  That drive was looking like
one of our best of the year before the momentum was stolen.  Literally stolen.

The everyday fan or even so called experts and  reporters will say, oh you would have never beaten Houston anyway.  Those who have played sports and “been there” no nothing could be further than the truth.

There were two horrendous non calls last week.  Both by Cushing.  One where he snapped JRuss’s head way back after the play and the ref was standing and watching.
The other that caused the concussion on Zack Miller where Zach went up in traffic and on his way down and defenseless, Cushing did the same thing, a blow under the
chin that caused Zach’s head to bang off of the turf.

When the bad call, no call, bad spot, clock overrun, clock under run happens and it will, this is the most critical time, momentum is gone and you have to find a way to overcome.  I truly believe it will help if Coach would get really animated.  Get furious!! Hell, get kicked out the game if that’s what it takes.  Maybe this will help straighten the refs out?

The old school would say, ok cool then, if you are going to “let us play”, it is a given that everyone understands that when Shaub drops back, he is going to get the same blow to the head or worse.  Also, on the next pass, your best receiver (Andre Davis) is going to experience similar pain that Zach did. It is very important that this happens during the very next Offensive series.

At minimum we need to get even more focused—get even more nasty but without room for a ref to throw another flag. The other team has to know what they say about payback.

If the bad calls continue, I would seriously consider a walk-out.  Walk off of the field and into the locker room.  Let the world know that the BS has to stop and an demand an investigation.  Forfeiting one game may end this nonsense.

In my view,
The Raiders can play with any team provided they run the ball, not turn the ball over and play good special teams.

The Raiders can beat any team handily provided they run the ball, not turn the ball over and play good special teams and the passing game comes around.

The Raiders can dominate any team handily provided they stop the run, not turn the ball over, play good special teams, the passing game has a very good outing.

I didn’t mention the Defense.  I have been very proud of the D this year.
Imagine what they could do provided they have rest and the other team must throw – enough said.

Our game plan—Always have a plan B waiting in the wings.

Again, the media will attempt to minimize who you are and prop up the Giants.  Don’t even read the paper unless it is required reading. It is all B.S.

Here are some facts that will not be stressed in the media.

This is your teams Legacy.
The Raiders are 7-3 all time against the Giants.
The Raiders won three Superbowl’s before the Giants ever won their division following the 1970 merger.

 

This is your Defense

The Raiders are playing better against the run then the Giants.  Don’t believe me?
Here’s the proof.

Raiders D
147 Rushing attempts
Rush Yards Allowed per rush attempt: 4.0
Longest run given up: 34 yards
TD’s given up:four

Giants D
85 Rushing attempts
Rush Yards Allowed per rush attempt: 5.5
Longest run given up: 56 yards
TD’s given up:four

Despite having to play 62 more rush plays, the Raiders D has outperformed
the Giants D.

Passing Defense
Even though the Raiders have been on for 70+ more Defensive plays, both Teams have the Same number of Passing TD’s given up (four).

The Raiders have more sacks (nine) than the Giants (eight)

Keep in mind, the Raiders have had tougher QB opposition thus far.
Raiders: Cassell/Rivers/Schaub//Orton
Giants:  Cassell/Romo/Campbell/Leftwich

Giants have only one more interception (five) than the Raiders (four).

Giants have not faced a great Defense yet:
Dallas, Chiefs, Redskins, Tampa Bay

The Giants have given up only three sacks.  When the Raiders stop the run, this number will rise.

Make no mistake about it, the Giants are a top notch team.
Now get out there and show them who you are.

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