The Boys Are Back!!!

Hi All,

Sorry for the delay. Hope you missed me. Lot's of NFL off-season action, drafts, trades, news, etc. I started put it all together this past Monday and then....BANG!!! big news, today. I decided to scrap all of what I had written and go with what has taken place in the past 12 hours. Here we go.

I have had lots of questions regarding L.T.'s arrest and since he is not a Raider, nor ever was a Raider, I will only say this...it is reported, from people close to the case, that the 15 year old was a runaway working as a prostitute and it appears L.T. was being setup for money. We will have to see as the case rolls out.

Now on to the Raiders:

Back in early April, when ask about JaMarcus Russell, Head Coach Tom Cable stated, "JaMarcus is our starting Quarterback and that's that." Yet, during this years NFL Draft, Al Davis and the Raiders made a big trade for the Redskins QB Jason Campbell. People asked me "Why?". I said then, the Raiders were not going to keep Russell and it appears I was right. Everyone at ESPN, along with numerous broadcasters and odds makers here in Vegas, stated the Raiders would release JaMarcus before mini-camp, because if they did not, they would have to pay Russell $40,000,000. When they did not and they called JaMarcus to mini-camp, those same people said he would be the Raiders starter. They never bothered to ask the Raiders.

Today, the Raiders placed JaMarcus on waivers and all the reports stated "the Raiders released JaMarcus Russell." That was not quite what happened. He is on waivers. It's just that the Raiders may not be able to get the $40 mil they paid JaMarcus, because I do not know of any team willing to give up that much to get him.

I watched two former Raiders, Dominique Rhodes and Jon Ritchie along with writer Ray Ratto give their view on JaMarcus and Al Davis. Ritchie was the only one in defense of them. As the others repeatedly bad mouthed Al Davis, saying things like he is old and out of touch, and JaMarcus, calling him lazy and an over eater without a will to play, Jon Ricthie stopped them and stated "Al Davis is very much in charge and he know more about his players and football than people want to give him credit." I cheered!!! He is saying what I have been saying all along. Ricthie said JaMarcus will be a good QB, he just needs a coach who is will to work with him.

Now here is why Al Davis insisted on JaMarcus reporting to mini-camp. He wanted to give him one more chance. He wanted to see if the signing of Jason Campbell would shake Russell up so much that he began to work like he was expected to 3 years ago. On Friday, he showed up at camp, early, ready to work. He did a very good job on that day. So good, Al Davis began to think he was coming around. On Saturday, he had another good workout and looked very sharp. On Sunday, he began to slip back into his old habits. It worsened on Monday and Big Al had seen enough. It was time to place him on waivers and see what they could get.

For 3 years, the fans of the Raiders have been screaming for Big Al to get rid of JaMarcus. Well, I hope you are happy, because I am not. I, like Al Davis, refuse to believe the Raiders problems were all on JaMarcus Russell. He is a good QB and has the makings of a great QB. He just needs a coach that can teach him and guide him on how to lead. In the games he won, he looked great. The coaches needed to work on his consistency. He never got that from the Raiders, because none of the coaches wanted him. My guess is he will end up with the Saints. They are where he is from and the Head Coach is a QB coach who can take him and make him a winner. Highlight that last statement. There is nothing wrong with JaMarcus and he will get it together.

Everyone is telling me the Raiders will be great, now. I have always said that, not just in the happy times. I still think the main problem is still on the team. Head Coach Tom Cable. He is not Head Coach material and his days are numbered. Al Davis is just giving him enough rope to hang himself. The Raiders have put together, via the draft and trades, a great looking offense and beefed up the defense. Now, if they can acquirer some positive, supportive fans, they will win the 2011 Superbowl. It boils down to the Head Coach. Can he get the players to back him up? Can he make the right calls? Can he coach? He has an experienced QB and if he is not set on making Campbell the starter, you know he needs to go.

The Raiders will win the West and win the AFC and win the Superbowl and if you are not ready for that, sit down and be quiet. Yes, I am back and stronger than ever. The Chargers made bad moves in the draft and they got suckered in trades. The Broncos made stupid moves in the draft and even worse trades. The Chiefs, well they won't count for at least 2 more years. The Raiders where the only team in the division who made smart moves. I can't wait until game one, this season.

Next week, I will try to get into the players background and give you some insight into the makeup of the team.

As always, these are just my opinions. You don't have to agree with them, just respect them.

Raider-Man, out!!!