Research on zebras is what inspired this article. You are probably thinking that this writer draws inspiration from the most unusual places. And you are right!
Years ago there was an Oakland Raider who moved so gracefully on the playing field, that someone at a college said he was like a ballerina dancer on the football field.
Well, it took years for me to make the connection between a dancer and a football player. Now it is clear: footwork, artful, quick and exact footwork.
Now since I am fascinated with zebra patterns, a little research was done on zebras. Here is something that might help the Raiders.
The ...
Many chuckled when Al Davis picked wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in the first round of the 2009 draft. He was called a "reach" and a "typical Davis track man."
Hall of Fame receiver Chris Carter said, "He can't catch the ball man!"
Carter didn't appear to be wrong from the first OTAs and minicamps. Watching then-quarterback JaMarcus Russell throw to Heyward-Bey was a comedy of errors.
Throw one: Russell drops back to pass and throws the ball off of Heyward-Bey's foot.
Throw two: Russell drops back to pass and the ball bounces off of Heyward-Bey's helmet.
This would carry into the games as well. Russell was ineffective in ...
Since Tom Cable has been named interim head coach he's been preaching the need for upgrading the trenches. Prior to the 2009 NFL Draft he was talking about wanting a Cadillac left tackle and that there were a few in the draft he had his eyes on. Prior to the 2010 Draft he stated there are really only 10 or so really good tackles in the NFL right now, and the position needed to be upgraded along Oakland's offensive line.
Other times he's discussed the need to upgrade the defensive line as well. Time and again he states the play in the ...
Oakland, in an interesting pickup, brought in John Henderson, a 31 year old veteran who was let go from the Jaguars earlier this offseason.
At first glance, this looks more like a simple pickup, give a cup of coffee and then release him in the crowd of players during the preseason. Oakland has had question marks on players like Donovin Darius, who was picked up in January but gone in the late preseason cuts.
However, some think there are possibilities for Henderson to not only stay, but contribute. Looking at his stats, getting dNicerafted in 2002 as the ninth player overall taken, ...
Have you ever planted seeds in a garden? Do you know that the word garden comes from a Hebrew word, "gan"? Well, as usual, I have been doing a lot of research on the Oakland Raiders.
Here is the thought that came to mind: Just think of a garden as a place of restoration, growth and healing. This very thought applies to what is expected to happen during the training season of the Oakland Raiders, preceding the regular season in 2010.
The Oakland Raiders need restoration, and during the training season is the time that many things are planted, transplanted and nurtured.
For ...
For years the Raiders defensive tackle position has looked bleak.
Tommy Kelly has atleast looked good on paper, but has also received criticism from fans. But regardless of whether you like him or not he is the best we have and shouldn't be asked to do it all by himself.
Now the Raiders defense will look a little more promising with the addition of John Henderson, but how much better?
One of the Raiders biggest problems at defensive tackle is they have shown a tendency to start the season with only three defensive tackles on the active roster. Despite running the 4-3 defense ...
It has been an amazing time for the Oakland Raiders this past season and in recent times.
The Oakland Raiders have been restructuring it organization and there have been successes on the field. There havent been many, but since the implementation of coach Tom Cable, the Oakland Raiders have started to look much improved.
Tom Cable was brought in when Lane Kiffin was released. Many fans felt that he was not the coach for the team and would hold the position until seasons end. But then something happened. The Oakland Raiders began to win games that analyst said they would lose.
Quite frankly, ...
For nearly 50 years, Al Davis has been calling the shots for the Raiders organization. He has been bashed in the media for his "Just win, baby!" style and aggressive decision-making.
However, it's for those exact reasons that he is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and has brought home three Lombardi trophies to the Raiders fans.
In 1963, Al Davis became not only the Raiders head coach, but also its general manager, making him the youngest person ever to hold both positions. That year as a rookie coach, Davis turned a 1-13 team into a 10-4 team, and also ...
I came up with a list of Raiders who deserve the Hall of Fame and followed up with reasons why. I'm really sick and tired of guys who spent the bulk of their careers with the Raiders getting bypassed for the Hall of Fame. The last three players to be inducted were only with us less than five years each.
P Ray Guy : Guy was the best Punter ever in the NFL. He is often bypassed every year. If Punters have no place in the Hall of Fame then they have no place in the NFL. He is a seven-time Pro ...
Is John Henderson the final cog in the wheel?
Henderson is 31, and his production has dropped over the last couple of years. It's been a while since he's made his last Pro Bowl too.
It could still mean a lot.
His pass-rushing skills have diminished a bit, but that is not what the Raiders brought him in for. He is still very stout at the point of attack and should be a big help for the Raiders to stop the run.
At 6'7", 335 lbs, Henderson is still a man that you can't block with one man in the run game. Therefore, he will no ...