What's wrong with the Raiders, & how to fix 'em (FOX NEWS)

FuggenChris · #1 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007

FOX Sports on MSN - John Czarnecki - What five worst teams need to do

Quote:

Oakland Raiders
The curious thing about this team is that they might have a franchise quarterback sitting on the bench in JaMarcus Russell, but no one really knows because he hasn't played. Yes, Lane Kiffin, the youngest-ever NFL coach, has the Raiders playing hard for the most part, but his offense has scored only five touchdowns in five consecutive losses. I mean, where's the guru?

Kiffin has preferred starting Josh McCown when he's healthy simply because he grades higher than Russell and Daunte Culpepper on the game-plan test. The trouble is the Raiders need someone who can accurately throw passes instead of being able to win some quiz show. What's scary is that Oakland is very thin at wide receiver and that Rob Ryan's defense has taken a step back from its impressive play last season. Kiffin likes Justin Fargas as a competitor, even though he may not be as talented as Dominic Rhodes or Lamont Jordan.

How to Fix 'Em: The Raiders have a bare-bones personnel department and owner Al Davis has given Kiffin and his ally, Mark Jackson, a lot of flexibility, which could be a mistake because there's a big difference between recruiting the best high school players for USC and determining who might be a great NFL player. But can Davis turn his personnel department over to anyone but himself? That seems unlikely.

Kiffin should start Russell as soon as possible and find out whether he can play and how he meshes with the current roster. Oakland needs someone like Randy Moss (oops) and if Jordan and Rhodes are sent packing, well, they need another running back, too. The offensive line needs another tackle and the secondary needs two safeties and Davis has to figure out a way to pay Nnamdi Asomugha, one the game's best young cornerbacks.

Deadman · #2 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007

I have a problem with Al Davis dead on the list even though I'm the Deadman,but if you put Rat face dead instead I might get turned on...but as it is, no vote for me.

Pyritt · #3 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007

It starts with the OL and under center.

Boom Dawg · #4 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007

We limit our sacks by running the ball a lot, and even when we do pass nine times out of ten we are getting rushed like crazy. The new scheme does work better, but our o-line is still our weakest link on our team.