Oakland Raiders’ New Motto—Wanted: 53 Men Committed to One Purpose

What Tom Cable has done in the first four days of the Oakland Raiders training camp has been great. The Raiders are focusing on the mental aspect of the game. Coach Cable has called this, “learning-intensive.”

There has been a major focus on the fundamentals, which has turned the practice field into an outdoor classroom.

The Raiders have taken a much different approach then the cross-bay rival San Francisco 49ers, who have gone full pads to start their training camp. 

Already, the 49ers are seeing the side effects as linebacker Parys Haralson hurt his right hip flexor in their morning practice.

However, in Napa, the Raiders have been in full study mode, which in return has allowed the younger players to get the mental reps, before the pads come on. It allows players to think about the task at hand and fully understand their job and role.

It has allowed players to focus on doing the right things. Once the pads are on, players tend to focus on making the team so much, mental mistakes happen.

Players are going so fast that it leads to missed assignments and injuries. For example, look at Parys Haralson of the San Francisco 49ers or Tarvaris Jackson of the Minnesota Vikings.

These four days will be vital; every single practice and every single rep is very important to the rookies. It also helps refresh the minds of the veterans.

The Oakland Raiders did an excellent job by signing all of their draft picks before training camp started. There are teams around the NFL who’s rookies still haven’t reported to camp (cough, cough Crabtree). Those rookies are missing out big time.

I was very pleased to see Darrius Heyward-Bey get his contract finished in time for camp. He has shown to be a team player as a rookie.

Today is the last day of non-contact practices. On Monday players will be in full pads, something the Raiders players are looking forward to.

I came across this photo of Tom Cable wearing a shirt that has the words:

 

 

Wanted: 53 Men Committed To One Purpose.

This got me to thinking; out of the 80 players who have reported to camp, who will make the final roster and who will be cut?

Without questions, these players listed will make the final roster:

 

OFFENSE

QB: JaMarcus Russell, Jeff Garcia

RB: Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, Michael Bush

FB: Lorenzo Neal

TE: Zach Miller, Brandon Myers

WR: Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, Jevon Walker

OL: Mario Henderson, Robert Gallery, Samson Satele, Cooper Carlisle, Khalif Barnes, Erik Pears, Marcus Johnson, John Wade, Paul McQuistan, Chris Morris

 

DEFENSE

DL: Tommy Kelly, Greg Ellis, Trevor Scott, Jay Richardson, Gerard Warren, Terdell Sands, Matt Shaughnessy

LB: Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard, Jon Alston, Isaiah Ekejiuba, Ricky Brown, Sam Williams, Slade Norris

CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt, Justin Miller

FS/SS: Tyvon Branch, Hiram Eugene, Michael Huff, Mike Mitchell

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Sebastian Janikowski

P: Shane Lechler

LS: Jon Condo

 

That, right there, is 48 players.

The Raiders will have five open spots for the roster to go between this group of guys listed below.

My questions to you; who would you add or who would you take off my list to make the final roster?

Here are the names of players looking to earn a spot on the team. Which players below do you believe can help the Raiders win this upcoming season?

Out of the list below, it only looks like five players will have a legit shot of making the final cut.

 

OFFENSE

QB: Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye

RB: Gary Russell, Louis Rankin

FB: Luke Lawton, Oren Oneal, Marcel Reece

TE: Darrell Strong, John Paul Foschi, Tony Stewart

WR: Jonathan Holland, Nick Miller, Samie Parker, Shawn Bayes, Todd Watkins, Will Franklin

OL: Jonathan Compas, James Marten, Mark Wilson

 

DEFENSE 

DL: Ryan Boschetti, William Joseph, Desmond Bryant, Derrick Burgess, Derrick Gray, Greyson Gunhiem

LB: David Nixon, Chris Oneil

CB: John Bowie, Darrick Brown, Jason Horton,

FS/SS: Jerome Boyd

 

Please comment on this; I want to hear what real Raiders fans think of this article, and your thoughts on who and who shouldn’t make the final roster.

Don’t Trip Kirk Morrison, I Got Your Back Dog, I Know What Time It Is

Real Raiders fans know what time it is, when it comes to Kirk Morrison.

Look at the picture, he is leading, he is our captain.

It makes me sick coming onto Bleacher Report seeing people trying to make the case that Kirk Morrison is soft, weak, and overrated.

Yes, I understand that he hasn’t been awarded the honor of being selected to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, and the fact he isn’t a household name.

There are many things in which Kirk Morrison isn’t, but what he is, he’s an Oakland Raider to the fullest.

The fact that he was born and raised in Oakland, Calif., puts him high on my list of current day favorite Raiders players.

If anyone knows the struggle and what it takes to succeed in the NFL it is none other than Kirk Morrison.

It’s rare that high school players get the chance to play college football, it’s even more rare for players to be drafted into the NFL; it’s a honor.

The fact that Kirk Morrison was drafted by his home-town team, that’s something that is extremely rare, not only is he playing for his team, he is playing for his city and all of the people he grew up with.

Bishop O’Dowd High School, which is located in East Oakland, is only a 10-15 minute drive from the Oakland Colisuem, a drive down MacAurthur Blvd., and a turn on 73rd Ave., and you are right there.

The reason I have respect for Kirk Morrison is because he is a hard worker, and sets the tone for the defense. When plays are called in, Morrison is the one who leads the defense; he is the captain.

The fact that some people on here are trying to accuse him of playing bad vs. Tampa Bay in the final game of the season is a joke.

Every single player in the NFL has bad games, even in that game vs. the Bucs, Morrison still had 13 tackles and the Raiders won the game.

However, players aren’t judged by single games, if you look at what Kirk Morrison has done for the Raiders defensive unit since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2005 NFL draft you will clearly see, that Kirk Morrison has 500 tackles in four seasons.

Compare that to other LB’s around the league and see what you get.

Each year he has produced solid numbers for a very bad team. It’s hard to get Pro Bowl honors when your team is 4-12, yet that hasn’t stopped Morrison.

If anything, the Raiders are overdue to start winning; everyone wants to win, Al Davis, the coaches, the players, and the fans.

So much that Raiders fans are starting to point the fingers at the wrong players, Kirk Morrison isn’t to blame, you can say that he needs to play better, which is fine, everyone needs to play better. The team needs to improve as a unit.

However, the case to say Kirk Morrison is overrated needs to stop. There are no facts, just pure bullshit which I can’t figure out. You say he misses tackles, yet he was fifth in the whole NFL in tackles.

Kirk Morrison is an Oakland Raider, if more players on our team played with the heart and focus that Morrison did, then we would be a lot better.

Some of you guys are so soft, you have no clue what it’s like to lay your body on the line to make a tackle, let alone hit someone running at full speed.

The fact that he has game after game, providing a solid wall for us without getting hurt, playing in every game for four seasons straight is great.

In 2010, the Raiders must re-sign him to a long term deal, if Morrison becomes a free agent, I promise you there will be tons of teams that will be looking to sign him.

Now, last but not least, the term “over-rated” when applied to Kirk Morrison.

What bugs me the most about the term “over-rated:”

1) Morrison was drafted in the third round; there was no major hype on Kirk Morrison when he came out, he’s earned his name through the Raiders fanbase through hard work.

2) 500 tackles in 4 season, in 2008 was fifth in the NFL in tackles (135)

3) Still is on his rookie contract, never once held out on Oakland and asked for more money or to be traded, and has been loyal to his city, team, and fans. EVEN THROUGH THE BAD SEASONS WHEN THE OFFENSE WAS GARBAGE, AND THE D LINE WASN’T HELPING THE LB’S AT ALL.

4) Has earned the respect of the coaches and players, thus being named one of the captains on the Raiders.

5) Hasn’t missed a single game in four seasons.

6) In two games where the Raiders was getting blown out, one on the road vs. the Ravens 10-29 and the other on the road vs. the Chargers 7-34…Morrison had 11 solo tackles apiece, and 25 total tackles. Even when losing he still gives his all.

7) Last, he is the foundation for us to start winning again, you guys make me sick, every single time he makes a tackle you guys sit here and clap your hands and cheer.

GUESS WHAT?

Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis, Etc.. miss tackles too. No player in the NFL is going to make every single tackle in every game. This isn’t a video game.

How can you say this guy is over-rated? The correct term is under-rated.

He isn’t a household name, he doesn’t have a overpriced contract, and yet produces more than players who do make millions more than him.

Both our LB’s on the Oakland Raiders (Morrison and Howard) aren’t getting paid for their worth. 

OTA’s and Mini Camps, those are not where postion battles are won. Tom Cable has said time after time that you shouldn’t look into where players lined up or whether they played with the starters or backups.

The real battles will happen in Napa during Training camp, where spots will be earned.

There is no one on the Raiders roster that is better then Kirk Morrison at playing LB, soon he will get his notice around the league, just like it took time for Nnamdi to get his.

Once the Raiders start winning, our players will get more respect around the NFL, as of right now, the only respect they get is from the Raider Nation because we know how good our players are.

Now look at these numbers, and tell me who’s Over-Rated.

Kirk Morrison, Oakland Raiders: 16 games played, 135 tackles, 99 solo, 36 AST. In 2008, his salary was $ 2,115,400.

Thomas Howard, Oakland Raiders: 16 games played, 97 tackles, 80 solo, 17 AST in 2008 his salary was $498,360. 

NOW LET’S LOOK AT OTHER LB’S FROM AROUND THE NFL…

Calvin Pace, New York Jets: 16 games played, 80 tackles, 62 solo, 18 AST. In 2008, his salary was $12,000,000

Keith Bulluck, Tennessee Titans: 16 games played, 98 tackles, 78 solo, 23 AST. In 2008, his salary was $6,253,720.

 

Shuan Phillips, San Diego Chargers : 16 games played, 74 tackles, 55 solo, 22 AST. In 2008, his salary was $5,700,000

Keith Brooking, Atlanta Falcons: 16 games played, 102 tackles, 71 solo, 31 AST. In 2008, his salary was $5,750,000.

Julian Peterson, Seattle Seahawks: 16 games played, 86 tackles, 65 solo, 21 AST. In  2008, his salary was $5,001,800.

Chike Okeafor, Arizona Cardinals: 16 games played, 60 tackles, 50 solo, 10 AST. In  2008, his salary was $4,504,440.

Niko Koutouvides, Denver Broncos: 14 games played, 12 tackles, 11 solo, 1 AST. In  2008, his total salary was $3,210,880.

Jordan Dizon, Detroit Lions: 12 games played, 28 tackles, 16 solo, 12 AST. In 2008, his total salary was $2,281,333.

Brandon Ayanbadejo, Baltimore Ravens: 16 games played, 19 tackles, 15 solo, 4 AST. In 2008, his total salary was $2,520,160.

Bobby Carpenter, Dallas Cowboys: 13 games played, 13 tackles, 9 solo, 4 AST. In 2008, his salary was $2,490,760.

Akin Ayodele,  Miami Dolphins: 16 games played, 75 tackles, 58 solo, 17 AST. In 2008, his salary was $2,502,640.

Brandon Chillar, Green Bay Packers: 14 games played, 69 tackles, 59 solo, 10 AST. In 2008, his total salary was $ 3,550,000

Ben Leber, Minnesota Vikings: 16 games played, 64 tackles, 47 solo, 17 AST. In 2008, his salary was $3,050,000.

Willie McGinest, Cleveland Browns: 14 games played, 56 tackles, 43 solo, 13 AST. In  2008, his total salary was $3,500,000.

AJ Hawk, Green Bay Packers: 16 games played, 86 tackles, 67 solo, 19 AST. In 2008, his total salary was $3,656,720.

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots: 16 games played, 62 tackles, 40 solo, 22 AST. In  2008, his salary was $3,150,840.

OK…So Chiefs Fans Want To Speak On The Raider Nation Huh?

Recently, I’ve seen two articles posted on the Oakland Raiders section of Bleacher Report with Chiefs fans trying to talk some booty-ass nonsense. For the last month, Raiders fans have been giving Denver Horse fans the business, but now it looks like the Kansas City fans are finally stepping up to the plate for some humble pie.

Shall we dare take a look into the Kansas City Chiefs franchise?

Last season the Chiefs went 2-14. If it wasn’t for two lucky wins vs Oakland and Denver, Kansas City would have matched the Detroit Lions going 0-16.

However, the past is the past, and things have changed in Kansas City… or so they claim.

 

OFFENSE

What have the Chiefs done this off-season? I mean, really?

Todd Haley? Before the 2008-2009 season began Chiefs fans had no clue who Todd Haley was. Will he turn around the Chiefs?

If it wasn’t for the Cardinals run, he would of never been up for a head coaching job. Besides the fact that Arizona has Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston, and a super bowl winning QB in Kurt Warner, there is a big difference in talent.

OK OK OK…you got a new coaching staff, that is a start.

Who do the Chiefs have at WR? Dwayne Bowe? Bobby Engram? Jeff Webb? Mark Bradley? Terrance Cooper? Devard Darling? Rodney Wright?

Other then Bowe, all of those guys are garbage. Bobby Engram won’t have the season he had in 2007, and those other five guys you have at WR are no-names. Only Chiefs fans know those guys’ names. 

I can already hear the Chiefs fans now saying, “Well, what about Matt Cassell?” There was three reasons why Cassell had minor success with New England.

First off, look at the Pats offense compared to the Chiefs offense. Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, Ben Watson.

Second, Matt Cassell knew the system like the back of his hand after being a backup for so many years, plus the Pats O-Line is better then Kansas City.

And Third, New England has a better defense then the Chiefs.

Also, the fact that the Chiefs are trying to label themsleves the Patriots West? Ya’ll are hella bootsy if you are trying to be like New England, or think because you have the GM and QB that you will win like New England.

That is the weakest shit I’ve ever heard…Patriots West. Get off their nuts.

Shall we look at the Chiefs’ other tight ends on the roster?

Last season, Tony Gonzalez had 96 catches, over 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns for your offense. Who in the world is going to replace him for the Chiefs? Let’s be honest….

Brad Cottam–last season he had seven receptions for 63 yards

Tony Curtis–spent three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.He has 11 receptions for 50 yards in his career.

Sean Ryan – six year player who has been on four different teams (49ers, Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys) for a career total of 12 receptions for 105 yards

Jake O’Connell is a rookie.

Tom Crabtree is a rookie.

All of these guys suck. Your WR’s, expect for Bowe, are garbage, and your tight end group could be the worst in the NFL. Teams around the NFL will game plan to shut down Dwayne Bowe.

Who in the Chiefs’ passing game is a play maker? Who? No one, the Chiefs don’t have a passing game.

The reason why Bowe was getting so many receptions was because so much focus was on stopping Tony Gonzalez. Now that Gonzalez is gone, so is the Chiefs’ passing game.

Not even Matt Cassell can save the Chiefs. Your offensive line is nowhere near as good as New England’s.

Your running game is up for debate. Last season Tyler Thigpen ran the ball 62 times. That is a lot for a QB to be running in the NFL. What does that tell you about the Chiefs’ offensive line? No QB in the NFL should have to run 62 damn times.

Thigpen was running for his life. Matt Cassell is slow compared to Thigpen.

You can make the case that Kurt Warner didn’t run a lot in the Haley’s offense in Arizona, so we will see.

As for Jamaal Charles? He had two good games last season. Only two out of 16, and that was in a loss to Tampa Bay and a lost to Miami.

He’s quick, but very small. Truth is, he isn’t that good as runner; he is best when he is catching the ball. If Larry Johnson gets hurt, this is your main back. Scary. I’m shaking in my boots.

As for Larry Johnson, your 30-year-old running back, he has to stay on the field this season. He has missed a lot of games in the last two seasons.

Johnson and Bowe are the only weapons this offense has. They will be game-planned for each week, and shut down. The Chiefs’ offense will be garbage this season. If Johnson or Bowe gets hurt, then the Chiefs are in major trouble.

 

DEFENSE

The Chiefs have one of the worst defensive units in the NFL. Not even a new scheme can cover the skills of their players on defense.

Last season they allowed 28 points per game, and close to 400 yards per game. Thus explains a 2-14 record.

What have the Chiefs done on defense? Switching to a 3-4? You think that’s going to help Chiefs fans? You still got the same old, washed, bootsy-ass players out there from last season.

Tyson Jackson was a wasted pick. He hasn’t even played a snap in the NFL, but out of all the needs that the Chiefs have, with the third-overall pick in the NFL draft you’re going to take a DE for a 3-4 system?

Glenn Dorsey was rated higher then Jackson. Dorsey is garbage, and now you’re trying to tell me Dorsey will be playing the other DE in a 3-4 system? Wow.

Who will be playing nose tackle? Tank Tyler? How bootsy can you guys be? Those guys will get blocked and run on all season long. Tank Tyler? WOW.

Trevor Scott, our sixth-round pick from last season 2008 draft, will have a better year then Dorsey and Jackson put together. Yes, that a bold statment, but it might just happen.

Who else?

Hali? His stats have gotten worst each season. That’s the whole reason you guys drafted another DE, because Hali wasn’t doing his job.

Who else?

Turk Mcbride? Alfonso Boone? All of those guys are garbage. I’m sorry, but they suck. You can’t be serious with that pass rush.

Next, let’s look at the Chiefs’ old, slow-ass LB’s

Zach Thomas–Thomas is old. He had a good year in the Cowboys’ system, but look at the Cowboys D-line compared to Kansas City’s. They had Ware and Ellis.

Zach Thomas will be the lone bright spot, but lets be honest, he has lost a step. He brings in veteran leadership, but this isn’t the Zach Thomas from 1996-2006. Thomas’ numbers will drop.

Mike Vrabel–Another guy whose stats have been dropping every year. That’s why New England was willing to give this guy up, because he is old.

Darren McFadden is going to juke the fuck out of either Zach Thomas or Mike Vrabel. Those guys can’t keep up with that kind of speed.

And if we use Michael Bush, Bush will run those old guys over.

Derrick Johnson is the best LB on the Chiefs, but we’ll see what he does this season. There will be plenty of chances for tackles due to the fact that the Chiefs won’t be stopping teams for first downs, and the Chiefs defensive line sucks.

Last, but not least, is the Chiefs bootsy-ass secondary. There is no way any DB on the Chiefs will be able to keep up with Darrius Heyward-Bey’s 4.2 speed, or the fact he is 6’2 and will out-jump the Chiefs DB’s.

Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Darren McFadden, Zach Miller, DHB, Louis Murphy…the Raiders are about to whoop your ass. I promise.

Jerrad Page and Bernard Pollard are the worst saftey combo in the league. How many times have these guys missed tackles, or let WR’s get behind them. I’m surprised that Chiefs fans even root for these guys still.

Brandon Carr stays getting burnt game after game.

Brandon Flowers is 5’9 and slow, and sucks at balls in the air.

Who is going to help at DB? Travis Daniels? Maurice Leggett? Jon Mcgraw? Donald Washington? Mike “Chicago don’t want you anymore” Brown? I mean, who is back there that is going to stop top WR’s in the NFL?

What I’m hearing on these forums is that the Chiefs will be contenders soon. I just don’t see it. The Chiefs are garbage…they lost their best player to Atlanta, the offense is bad, and the defense is among the worst in the NFL.

The Chiefs have a unproven head coach, and a QB who is coming from the New England Pats’ offense. Keyword: New England.

You can’t be serious if you think Kansas City will be good this season. Have you guys seen their schedule?

 

Week 1 at Baltimore – L

Week 2 Oakland – L

Week 3  at Philly – L

Week 4 New York Giants – L

Week 5 Dallas – L

week 6 at Washington – L

Week 7 San Diego – L

Week 8 – BYE

Week 9 at Jacksonville – L

Week 10 at Oakland – L

Week 11 Pittsburgh – L

Week 12 at San Diego – L

Week 13 Denver – W

Week 14 Buffalo – L

Week 15 Cleveland – W

Week 16 at Cincy – W

Week 17 at Denver – L

 

Kansas City will go 3-13, at best 5-11.

Please look at those games and tell me where the Chiefs will win. They are going to get the shit beat out of them game after game this season. The Chiefs won’t be making any noise in the AFC West. The Chiefs will finish dead last in the AFC West.

It’s sliver and black time. It’s time for the Raider Nation to once again rise and take over the AFC WEST.

Chiefs fans are the last people on earth to be trying to hate on the Raider Nation.

The Chiefs haven’t won a damn playoff game since 1994…that’s so weak. All you guys do is get beat. The last time the Chiefs were in the Super Bowl was 1970, and most of ya’ll chiefs fans weren’t even born yet.

So before ya’ll Chiefs fans come on here with all this rah rah crap, just remember who you guys really are; losers.

Chiefs fans don’t want it with the Raider Nation. Everyone in the NFL knows the Raider Nation has the best, most hardcore, and most loyal fans.

The Black Hole. Ya’ll ain’t fucking with us. We will stomp your face until we see that red Chiefs blood, and then spit in your eye like a pirate and say “Town Bizness” while doing so. We are cut-throat and hyphy in California.

As for current day Chiefs vs. Raiders…last season was only a preview of what is to come this season. The first game ya’ll couldn’t even sell out your opening home game of the season. Week Two, we whooped ya’ll sorry-ass team up and down the field that game. Mcfadden and Bush both went off.

In the second game, man that was some bullshit, but you guys stole that win from us. We should of never done that fake FG.

Tony Gonzalez had a great game, but he is gone now. It was a close one, 20-13, but this season will be much different, as we have upgraded. We are nothing like the team you last saw. The beatdown we put on Kansas City this season will be ugly.

Ya’ll hate on the Oakland Raiders because we are better then you. I don’t care about that head-to-head six game lead you guys want to rep. The fact is, we have three Super Bowls, more AFC West Championships, a better team now in 2009-2010, and the best fan base in the NFL.

The only fans the Chiefs have are in Kansas City. Raiders fans are all over the world. If you take a Raiders’ logo to China, they are going to say, “Oakland Raiders, Town Biz.”

If you take a Chiefs’ logo to China, they are going to be like,
Arrowhead Water, you drink, you drink.”

The Tomahawk Chop, and all those other goofy-ass war chants, are so bootsy and wack. Only in Kansas City would they do that square shit.

Enter Oakland and you enter Raider Nation. We thugged out at our games. We fire up grapes, rev up motorcycles, and slap Tupac and Mac Dre before the games. We get the party cracking, Bay Area style.

And on top of that, your mascot is that square-ass wolf. Bring his ass with ya’ll to Oakland…have him walk through the Black Hole and see what it do.

Fuck the Chiefs Week One game. Just be ready for Oakland Week Two.

 

 

Raider Nation Tailgate Parties Are a Sight To See

In the 1996 classic, California Love by Tupac featuring Dr. Dre, there is a moment in the opening parts of the music video in which a sign displays “Welcome to Oakland.”

Watch it here.

(1:24 “Welcome to Oakland sign)

As the video continues, you see people dressed in crazy costumes, face paint, and there’s fire. Overall the video looks like a party for wild animals.

If there was ever a way to describe an Oakland Raiders tailgate party to someone who has never been to the Oakland Coliseum for a Raiders home game, I would tell them to re-watch California Love by Tupac and Dr. Dre.

Even though this music video was made 13 years ago, without question, this video best captures what it’s like to walk through the parking lot on Sunday mourning’s. It’s wild, dirty, grimy, and fun.

Look at the clothes Tupac and Dr. Dre and other actors wear in the video; now, multiply that by 100 and you then have what its like for a Raider Nation tailgate party.

If you are a real Raiders fan, then you must attend Raiders home games; it doesn’t matter if you are out of state or not. There are only eight regular season home games per year. Get your friends and family together and plan a trip to Oakland. The airport is right next to the Coliseum along the 880 freeway; it will be a trip well worth the travel.

For residents of the Bay Area and Raiders fans through out California who travel to the Oakland Coliseum for games, tailgating is a must—a chance to walk among fellow Raiders fans in a sea of black.

You will see men, women, and even little kids dressed just like Tupac in that California Love video. What is great about the Raiders is that we don’t have a certain mascot, we have a theme and a image; therefore, it is up to each fan to create there own identity.

You might see Gorilla Rilla walking around the parking a lot with a beer in one hand and smoking a blunt in the other, or Shield Head taking pictures with some females.

There is Pin-Head, Darth Vader, Skull Head, Fro Man, Black Knuckles, the list goes on and on.

Anyone who’s ever took BART to a Oakland Raiders game knows the routine: You and some friends wake up extra early, you then drive to whatever grocery or liquor store you go to, stock up on beers, food, and blunts.

On BART, there is nothing but Raiders fans waiting to hit the Coliseum. Before you’re even off the train you hear chants of, “Raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiders!“

For people who have never done this, your next step is to walk up the stairs to the tunnel. As soon as you hit the tunnel you will be hit by the scalpers.

“Who needs tickets?”

“Who has tickets to sell?”

Your best bet is to leave those guys alone. If you’re really about your business, then you already have your ticket.

As you exit the tunnel, always go to the right. That is the Raider Nation side; the left side is for the RV’s. Both sides are good, but the real parties go down on the right side (side closes towards downtown Oakland).

Walking down the hill around the Coliseum at first glance, you see nothing but a sea of black, tailgate parties after party.

In the air all you smell barbeque and purp, as you have now entered the Black Hole. Welcome to Oakland.

The setting isn’t one for a team who has gone 24-72 over the last six seasons. You would think this is the home for the defending Super Bowl champions the way Oakland Raiders fans party.

It’s over the top and extreme. Now, I’m not saying every single person is like this, but you will see things in Oakland that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

As great of time is the pregame tailgating parties are, the only thing missing from the event is for the Raiders to win.

Last season I went to every home game for the Raiders from Monday Night vs Denver to getting soaked in the rain vs Houston.

I can’t think of a worse feeling off the top of my head then waking up at 8 AM, going to the game, getting drunk, getting all pumped up, cheering, rooting, and cussing at other teams fans, only to see the Oakland Raiders lose the game.

Some of my friends who are Raider haters call my phone, leave me text messages trying to make me more upset.

It’s a feeling of “Don’t talk to me; don’t call me; leave me alone; I’m drunk and don’t won’t to deal with it.” Walking back to the BART, there are thousands of Raiders fans who feel the same way. It’s quiet, almost like zombies walking back on BART.

However, when the Raiders win, it’s a whole different story. The party from inside the stadium only continues outside as you see Raiders fans celebrate in joy, or as the Bay calls it, “Going dumb, getting stupid, popping collars, and picking fights with the other teams fans.”

Last season, the Raiders only won two home games vs the New York Jets and Houston Texans.

I will be going to all the home games for this upcoming season, and hope that we can have a better home record this season.

Since I’m from the Bay, it’s nothing to go to a game, but Raiders fans from out of state this season, take the chance and come to a game this season. If the Raiders win, it will be an experience you will always remember.

Trading Brandon Marshall Away Is the Only Option Left for Denver

In one of the worst offseasons in Denver Broncos history, devastating news continues to break with Pro Bowl star WR Brandon Marshall requesting a trade. For the Denver Broncos, their only option left is to meet Marshall’s demands and place him on the open trade market.

The more time this story goes on, the worse it makes the Denver Broncos look. The franchise has become a laughingstock, as they are on the verge of trading away two young, talented, Pro Bowl players in one offseason.

The reason why Marshall is demanding a trade in his final year of his four-year rookie contract is very simple. This is Marshall’s last chance to cash out for big money and a long-term deal.

If Marshall doesn’t get the extension now and was to play the final year of his rookie contract, in 2010 he would become a restricted free agent. In that case, all Denver would have to do is franchise tag him, meaning Marshall wouldn’t get the security of a long-term deal nor the guaranteed money.

Marshall is considered around the NFL to be a top 10 WR in this league, yet there are 50 current NFL WRs who make more than Marshall’s $2 million per year.

Marshall would like to be paid the same as top WRs make in this league.

Think about this: In 2008 the Buffalo Bills signed Lee Evans to a four-year, $37.25 million dollar contract with $18.25 million guaranteed. Evans became the third highest paid WR in the NFL behind Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Smith.

Lets compare the four players’ stats for the last two seasons.

 

Fitzgerald

2008: 96 catches, 1,431 yards, 12 TD

2007: 100 catches, 1,409 yards, 10 TD

 

Smith

2008: 78 catches, 1,421 yards, 6 TD

2007: 87 catches, 1,002 yards, 7 TD

 

Evans

2008: 63 catches, 1,017 yards, 3 TD

2007: 55 catches, 849 yards, 5 TD

 

Marshall

2008: 104 catches, 1,265 yards, 6 TD

2007: 102 catches, 1,325 yards, 7 TD

 

As you can clearly see, Marshall’s numbers for the last two seasons are as good as any WR in the NFL, yet he doesn’t make anywhere close to the other top WRs.

If I were Marshall, there is no way I would play this upcoming season for $2 million. I would hold out and demand a trade.

There is a great chance that if Marshall comes back for this upcoming season, his numbers will drop, meaning his value would as well in terms of getting a long-term deal. Kyle Orton isn’t Jay Cutler, and the Broncos offense will be much different this season: new plays, new terms, new players, new everything.

Broncos fans are calling Brandon Marshall a baby and stupid for missing the mandatory mini-camps and OTAs because he is getting fined by Denver. This is the same ordeal that was going on with Cutler, as he was getting fined as well.

By Marshall going to the camps and playing and not holding out, he is losing on his last chance to gain a long-term deal and being paid as a top five WR in the NFL.

Well, you might ask, why wouldn’t the Broncos want to give Marshall a long-term extension and pay him millions of dollars to keep him in Denver?

Two words:

Risk and Gamble.

If Lee Evans was able to get a contract worth $37 million over four years, then how much do you think Brandon Marshall should get?

When things were going good for Terrell Owens in Dallas, Owens was able to get a contract worth $34 million for four years. Fast-forward one year later, and the Cowboys cut Owens, only to now see him playing in Buffalo under a one-year contact worth around $7 million. Risk and Gamble.

Marshall wants a three- to four-year deal worth $30-40 million. He feels his on-field performance should get him that type of deal, and really, if he doesn’t go for it now he won’t get it in the future.

Why wouldn’t the Broncos want to do anything in their power to keep Marshall no matter what the cost?

There are many reasons why the Broncos won’t give him that new contact. Let’s take a look at these five.

1. The Broncos want to milk every penny out of Marshall and force him to play for $2 million this season, and then next season talk about it.

2. The Broncos would like to see if he still is a top 10 WR in the NFL without Cutler and in Josh McDaniels’ new system.

3. Look at past players who signed large long-term deals (Michael Vick, Terrell Owens, Alex Smith…THE LIST GOES ON AND ON).

4. Marshall had offseason surgery on his hip and still is trying to rehab, so it’s not 100 percent certain he will be back at his Pro Bowl level.

5. The final and most important reason: Marshall’s track record with the law in the last three years as a Bronco.

* Has been ordered to get anger management counseling in exchange for having false imprisonment and domestic violence charges dropped.

* Has been sentenced to a year of probation after avoiding a likely DUI conviction by entering a guilty plea to driving while ability-impaired (after being pulled over with a reported blood-alcohol level of 0.116 in a state where the legal limit is 0.08).

* Still has two counts of simple battery charges pending due to alleged violence against former girlfriend Rasheedah Watley.

* Was suspended by the league for three games in 2008 (which was later reduced to one game after he complied with league requirements that included more counseling).

* Was arrested in March along with Michi Nogami-Campbell—just weeks after they were engaged—by an off-duty police officer who reportedly saw the pair hitting and kicking each other in public.

Really, there are no more options. The Denver Broncos franchise has taken many bad PR hits this year. If Marshall was to screw up again with the law, it would only lower his trade value. Broncos fans would just have to sit and wonder how in one offseason they lost their two best offensive players.

This is not the start new head coach Josh McDaniels wanted to get off to, but it is what it is.

What team is willing to give Brandon Marshall a long-term deal? When Marshall is one mess-up with the law from being suspended eight games, plus you add a bad hip, cuts on his arm, and the fact that his legal issues aren’t even behind him.

All in all, it spells a big headache for the Broncos, with the only option left to get rid of this guy. However, Denver won’t get anywhere near equal value.

Brandon Marshall doesn’t want to be a Bronco anymore.

The Broncos are in a very tough spot.

Johnnie Lee Higgins: Stupid, Dumb, and Hyphy

One of my favorite players to watch on the Oakland Raiders is Johnnie Lee Higgins. When Johnnie Lee Higgins scores a touchdown he doesn’t hand the ball to the ref and walk to the sidelines for some Gatorade. When Johnnie Lee scores, he’s going to let the whole stadium know what time it is.

Johnnie Lee Higgins gets stupid, dumb, and hyphy.

At age 25, coming into his third full season, 2009 looks to be a big year for Higgins. Under the radar by many NFL experts, he has made a name for himself in Oakland.

Each season he has improved, from his rookie season in 2007 to 2008. You could see Higgins becoming better each game. The 2008 season was great for him. Higgins lead the NFL in these stats for Punt returns:

Touchdowns (3)
Punt return yards (570)
Runs over 20+ (7)
Runs over 40+ (3)
Longest punt return (93 yards)

Yet, with leading the NFL in punt return stats, Johnnie Lee Higgins was denied a chance to play in the Pro Bowl. I myself still wonder how he was left off the Pro Bowl roster. We’re not just talking AFC, we’re talking the best punt return man in the NFL for 2008.

To start the year in 2008, Higgins was behind Jevon Walker and Ronald Curry in the depth chart at WR.

Before he was put into the starting role at WR, Higgins best moments were week three at Buffalo, when he had an 84 yard touchdown reception and week four against the San Diego Chargers, when he caught four passes for 35 yards.

From week six to week 13, Johnnie Lee Higgins didn’t have much of a role in the Oakland Raiders’ offense, only catching three passes for 51 yards in that eight game span.

It wasn’t until week 14 until his role on offense increased, as Higgins and WR Chaz Schilens became full time starters for the sliver and black.

When Johnnie Lee Higgins has the ball, big plays are soon to happen. In the last four games of the season, Higgins caught 14 receptions for 196 yards and three touchdowns.

Higgins lead all WR’s for the Raiders last season with 22 catches. It’s really something to think about, knowing that Higgins didn’t get much time on the field for the offense until the end of the season.

Now I understand these stats might not be eye popping, but on a football team everyone needs to play a role for the team to have success. In 2008, Johnny Lee Higgins took care of his business. If the Raiders had more players taking care of business like him, then more wins will come.

Which leads me to my next topic, in which I’ll leave it to my fellow B/R Raiders members to answer.

What role will Johnnie Lee Higgins play in the 2009 Raiders’ offense?

We all know how explosive Higgins can be in punt returns, but should he have a bigger role in the Raiders offense in 2009? Our WR’s group has much improved on paper and after last season, the WR’s can only get better, which is what us Raiders fans hope and expect.

If you look at the projected WR’s for 2009 you will see, Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jevon Walker, Louis Murphy, and about seven other guys trying to compete for a roster spot.

To improve WR stats, you’re going to need better offensive line protection, in which the Raiders addressed, a better running game, the Raiders hope Lorenzo Neal and Oren O’Neal will improve our rushing attack.

Better QB play from JaMarcus Russell, and last but not least, a coaching staff that knows how to call plays and can train their players for success.

All the signs are there for the Raiders offense to improve from last season, now its up to them to make it happen. Will Johnnie Lee Higgins have chances to play on offense? Will they use him in the slot?

I don’t know what the Oakland Raiders are going to do this season on offense, but I know that if Higgins is matched up against any team’s third or fourth CB, he will burn that guy one on one.

I would like to see Higgins have a bigger role on our offense this season for 2009. The ball needs to be in this guy’s hands more often than last season. Having him sit on the bench and only return punts needs to stop.

I’m all for seeing the running game (Mcfadden, Fargas, Bush) being the number one focus on our team.

I’m all for seeing Heyward-Bey, Murphy, Schilens, and Zack Miller having great years and putting up decent numbers. There will be a lot of focus on these guys.

In between all those guys, Higgins needs to get more touches then he had last season. He is fast, and has a nack for getting into the endzone, something our offense needs. It doesn’t matter if Higgins is in the slot or running end arounds, get him the ball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjQVBZOvhys&NR=1

Exculsive Interview With Raiders FB Oren O’neal

Yesterday,  I was able to talk some football with Oakland Raiders FB Oren O’neal. Out of nowhere, I found myself in a conversation with the third year player out of Arkansas State. It was during Robert Gallery’s cruise party, in which Gallery held a fundraiser for the Oakland Police who where killed in the line of duty.

There was old school cars, low riders, you name it. Walking around the event were players such as Robert Gallery, JaMarcus Russell, Zack Miller, Erik Pears, and a few others. I got there towards the end. Someone told me Tom Cable was there, but I didn’t see him.

Looking from the outside in, the life of a NFL player has great pros, but there are many cons just as well.

It has to be annoying going to a function, event, mall, or even grocery store and every 10 seconds a fan is asking for a picture or autograph, or calling your name out with there hand to there mouth.

I understand and really, to me, it’s no big deal. What I care about most is how you preform on the field. What’s the point getting a picture with an athlete if they aren’t any good?

I’m a big JaMarcus Russell fan, and yesterday I was able to see him for the first time. JaMarcus Russell’s swagger is through the roof. If you have seen those press conferences last season after each game, then you know what im talking about.

It’s crazy how big and tall he is. It’s a wonder how defensive players are able to bring him down. But to be honest, he kind of struck me the wrong way. I’m not hating on dude, because I really do like his game even though he got a long way to go, but I just don’t understand this dude. He walks around with an un-lit cigar in his hand, a louie bag over his shoulder and like 10 pounds of diamonds around his neck and wrist, with a crew of like five guys.

For fans,  it’s hard to get close enough to even ask for pictures. But when you do ask, he gives off vibes that your are bugging him and he doesn’t want to. As I sat back and watched this, I could understand, picture after picture why it could take a toll on someone.

But man, you are the face of the franchise for the Oakland Raiders, you are the QB. If you come to an all Raiders event, then you should take as many pictures and sign as many autographs as you can.

Or just don’t come at all. I saw JaMarcus reject a few people. It was funny, Even when he rejects he talks in such a smooth low key vocie, he isnt trying to be rude but the attitude he gives off is, but hey, what can you do? You can’t please everyone. Either way, it doesn’t really matter. There are some NFL players who just think there are better regular humans.

Everything about this guy is flashy, thugged-out, straight baller type, dude looks like a BET un-cut music video rapper. It’s hard to think this guy is only 24. End of the day I just want him to play well and rep the Oakland Raiders correct meaning wins.

As I walked around, I seen Oren O’neal standing by himself watching the events unfold. Oren was so casual that he blended in with the Raiders fans. Far different then some of the other players.

Oren O’neal was in a plane white T-shirt, grey shorts, and Jordan slippers. All these Raiders fans walking around and yet few even recognized Oren. I thought to myself, what are the chances of being able to talk Raiders football with a real life Oakland Raider?

Oren O’neal is the type of dude you would want to take with you to a fight. 5’11 and 245 pounds, he looks like a blowing ball with dredlocs. What I thougth was cool about Oren was how down to earth this guy was. I was able to ask anything I wanted as we talked for about 10 mins.

Here is the questions/interview I asked Oren O’neal  of the Oakland Raiders

SR: What college did you come out of? What Conference?

OREN: I went to Arkansas State. (laughs) Not to many people know about Arkansas State, it’s in the Sun Belt conference.

SR: How did you come up with the No. 46?

OREN: In college I was No. 47, but when I was picked by Oakland, 47 wasn’t open so I changed to 46. Be on the look out for 46 this season.

SR: What do you think about Ted Tolliner

OREN: The passing game will be much better this season. You’ll see.

SR: Everyone knows about DHB, being the seventh overall pick in the draft. Which under the radar players will have surprise seasons? who has looked good in the Mini-Camps and OTA’s?

OREN: DHB looks good, he is quick. The surprise player will be the guy from Florida, Murphy, Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens is looking good. He will have a good year far better then last season.

SR: Better fans, Arkansas State or Oakland?

OREN: Oakland. The Black Hole. No question. There is this one guy who always sits right by the tunnel who wears shoulder pads and a jersey with number 57, that guy is crazy.

SR: Other then the Knee issues, what else have you had surgery on?

OREN: See this scar? I had laser eye surgery. It’s a trip because your awake the whole time with your eyes open. They take this black light and flash it and you lose vision for 20 seconds.

SR: So tell me? Whats it like on the road? Are there alot of groupies?

OREN: Naw man, it aint even like that, im married.

SR: What do you think of Lorenzo Neal? I think ya’ll will be a great FB duo.

OREN: Neal is a great pro, he is solid. I just can’t wait we put on pads, and for Monday Night Football vs the Chargers

After the short talk with Oren O’neal, I headed back to the bar area for a few beers. I seen Robert Gallery knocking down a few beers as well. Overall,l I had a good time. Not a bad day at all. Oren O’neal is a real dude, I look foward to seeing him back on the field.

Michael Huff or Hiram Eugene?

Who would you rather see be the starter at Safety for the Oakland Raiders for the 2009-2010 season? Michael Huff or Hiram Eugene? If you had to pick between these two guys only.

Last season Michael Huff started the first five games of the season at FS after 32 games, 32 starts at strong safety in 2006 and 2007.

Once Tom Cable become coach Huff was benched for Hiram Eugene, Huff role on the team became a spot backup and special teams player. Now that Gibril Wilson is a Miami Dolphin there is also a chance that Huff could return to strong safety in 2009 in which he played his first two season as a Raider, and for Hiram Eugene to remain at FS.

From the outside looking in, it looked like Micheal Huff was in the dog house all season under coach Tom Cable.

Cable who has been on record saying that it doesn’t matter who you are on this team, he wants players who produce, the players who produce will be the one’s who play.

Not only where moves happening on defense, but on offense as well as Chaz Schilens and Johnny Lee Higgins where inserted into the starting lineup for Ronald Curry and Jevon Walker.

If Tom Cable is a straight forward non BS type of guy, will Michael Huff have the chance this off-season to win back his starting role at FS or SS for the Oakland Raiders?

It’s hard to get a solid read on Michael Huff, coming out of Texas the same year they won the National Championship his stock may have been a tad bit overrated. However you can’t deny Huff has talent, but what good does it do us if he’s sitting on the bench?

Is it fair to say that the Raiders made a mistake by drafting him seventh overall in the 2006 draft? I just find it hard to label the guy a “bust” this early in his career.

To me there is a difference when judging players with less then four years experience, there are great players, average players, and the lowest would be “bust.”

Is Vince Young a “bust?” is Veron Davis a “bust?” is Donte Whitner a “bust?” With first round players making so much money and all the hype around there names, its so easy to label players who don’t preform great in the early stages of there career, bust. I consider them to be average players, this is a make or break season for Huff.

Hiram Eugene became a instant favorite of coach Tom Cable due to his hard work in practice and the effort he showed on Sunday’s, Eugene was able to steal Huff’s starting role and never looked back.

Going into the upcoming season there isn’t a clear cut starter at either FS or SS for the Oakland Raiders.

To add to the battle for a starting role in the secondary is the second round draft pick Mike Mitchell, who the Oakland Raiders are very high on considering they drafted him with the 47th overall pick out of 256 draft picks in the NFL draft 

If Mitchell proves to be what the Raiders think he can be, the there will be a battle for starting roles in the secondary.

Here are some ways it could play out

FS Hiram Eugene, SS Michael Huff

FS Hiram Eugene, SS Mike Mitchell

FS Mike Mitchell, SS Michael Huff

FS Michael Huff, SS Mike Mitchell

Although there are alot of different combo’s in which could happen, my question to you is, who would you rather have playing safety if you had to pick between Micheal Huff or Hiram Eugene?

Center of Attention: Samson Satele

How much do you really know about Samson Satele, besides the fact that he has long hair and will become the new center on the Oakland Raiders offensive line?

It will be vital that Jamarcus Russell and Satele create chemistry while on the football field.

Before Darren Mcfadden can make his game-changing runs, or Zack Miller can make down-field catches, every play will start with Samson Satele. There will be no room for error, as fumbles on the exchange will change the outcome of games.

But how much do you really know about Samson Satele?

Samson Satele was born November 29th, 1984 in Kailua, Hawaii. While in High School, Satele was named Kaliua High School athlete of the year as a junior, when he played football, basketball, and track.

In Satele senior season at Kailua High, he earned honors as a first-team all-Hawaii offensive lineman.

When it was time to go to college there was no doubt in which school he would go to—the University of Hawaii.

After redshirting his first couple of seasons, Satele’s college career took off as a junior and a senior—when he served as the team’s captain. He also earned first-team ALL-WAC both years, and lead the No. 1 offense in the nation as a senior (559.21 YPG).

After a great college career, Satele was then drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started all four preseason games, and all 16 regular season games at center. In 2008, Satele played all 16 games, as well. For his career he has played in 32 games, with 32 starts.

Which leads us to 2009.

“The Tuna” felt like the Miami Dolphins needed an upgrade at the center position, this off-season they dished out a fat contract to free agent and former center Jake Grove, which the Raiders had no intentions to match.

Oakland was able to work out a deal, however, in which we were able to trade a sixth-round pick in the 2009 draft and swap fourth round selections with Miami for the services of Satele.

Without question, this might turn out to be one of the best off-season moves for the Oakland Raiders, a move in which was way under the radar.

Satele came out in 2007, the same year as Jarmarcus Russell, Zack Miller, Mario Henderson, Johnny Lee Higgins, Micheal Bush, and Oren Oneal. If anything, this could be a major upgrade over Jake Grove.

Samson Satele will be a perfect fit in Oakland, he will be healthy and ready to go. I look forward to having him on our offensive line. This was a smart move on Oakland’s part, even with trading fourth round picks with Miami, the Raiders weere able to grab WR Louis Murphy.

Check out this video of his draft day party, his family was so happy for him—I can’t wait to see him in the Sliver and Black.

Welcome to the town cutty

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8qEkOq8Jh4&feature=related

 

Dear Mike Mitchell: You Are The Last Line Of Defense

Dear Mike Mitchell:

You are the last line of defense

Also known as a safety, a position for the most savage players on the football field. You are the last player between the other teams offense and the endzone.

To play safety, you must have great range with the ability to see the whole field. You must be a student of the game always watching videotape on opponents quarterbacks, you are the eyes of the defense, nothing gets past you, you must be able to stop the run when needed, as well to cover man on man, you are the vocal leader on the field.

Your hits must strike fear in opponents to the point were they hear your foot steps. Your hits are like thunder coming from the sky. Quarterbacks who throw balls over the middle of the field will pay. Helmets will be cracked, bones will be broken, chin straps will be knocked off. Players will be hurt.

Show no mercy. You are a play maker, you force fumbles, intercept passes, stuff the run. It’s not a game, this is your job.

You are a Oakland Raider, Welcome to the Black Hole.

The Raider Nation has had there eye on you.

Mike Mitchell, you are the last line of defense.

When your name was called in the 2nd round of the 2009 NFL draft, the so called draft “experts” didn’t even know who you where.

Mel Kiper Jr. had you rated as his 73rd best safety not 73rd overall on his draft board but 73rd at your position. Total disrespect.

ESPN didn’t have video highlights on you when you were selected, yet ESPN had video footage for alot of the 7th round picks. The “experts” said that you where at best a 7th rounder and most likely would of been a undrafted free agent if not selected by the Oakland Raiders.

They where wrong.

The “experts” sat around a table and laughed at you, they said the Oakland Raiders had no clue on what they where doing when they picked you with the 47th overall pick.

They where wrong.

The “experts” said you where the reach of the draft. The “experts” said you would be an automatic bust. The “experts” disrespected the Ohio football program.

The “experts” are full of crap

Mike Mitchell, you are the last line of defense.

The Raider Nation needs you, don’t worry what “experts” think they know, if they where on top of there game, then they would have known who you are. They would have seen you play, then would of been aware of your pro day and how many teams wanted your services.

The Oakland Raiders believed in you more then any other team in th NFL, and that’s why we selected you. We did our homework on you, we see your potential to be an elite hard hitting play-maker in this league. We know what type of player you will be.

You have the support of Owner/GM/NFL Legend Al Davis, Head Coach Tom Cable, Hall of Fame player Defensive Back and our current Defensive Back coach Willie Brown, Defensive Coordinator John Marshall.

All of the coaches on our staff had some say in this, the whole Raider Nation believes in you.

In these upcoming months, I hope you work out and get into the best shape of your life. Take the gym more serious. You must train as hard you can every single day, eat right, sleep right, and take care of you body. For the NFL season will take a toll not only on your body but you mind as well.

Study your playbook every second you are not on the football field. You must be the master of the building, the more time you put in the better the results will be. Learn techniques from Willie Brown and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Mike Mitchell, you are the last line of defense.

Every single time you lace up football cleats remember how the “experts” disrespected you, every single time you pull those shoulder pads over your head, be prepared to knock someone out. The Raiders need you to be an enforcer, we need you to be the backbone of our defense.

I heard an interview in which you said, you model your defensive game after Jack Tatum and Ronnie Lott. You said growing up these where your favorite players to watch on NFL Films, these are two great role models, study how they handled themselves and the mentality it takes to be an elite player…

=================================================================

Jack Tatum is one of the hardest hitting players to ever play in the NFL. “The Assassin” Mr. Jack Tatum himself. When I think of safety, I think of Jack Tatum. If you model your game after these two players, that is the kind of safety I want watching my back.

(Jack Tatum Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tuyLhBa8d8

 

Ronnie Lott was so savage just looking into his eyes made you weak, Ronnie Lott once broke his finger in the middle of a game, instead of leaving the game and going to the locker room, Ronnie Lott had his finger cut off, he then wrapped it with tape and continued playing the rest of the game. This is the attitude needed to be an Oakland Raider.

(Ronnie Lott Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYVvQ6-9ZGk

=================================================================

If you prepare yourself correct, learn from the Raiders coaching staff, and handle yourself like a professional on and off the field, then success will come your way.

You are now apart of the Sliver and Black, you represent the Raider Nation. Let your game be all the proof needed to your doubters

Mike Mitchell, you are the last line of defense.

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