The Oakland Raiders and the NFL Draft.What a confusing topic. For years now, Al Davis and the Raiders have been criticized for more than questionable selections in the NFL Draft, particularly in the first-round.See, Oakland tends to make their decision based more on measurables than actual statistics from actual football games.Well that's the cliche here. I, for one, beg to differ. The Raiders do look extremely hard at measurables, but they also strongly rely on the position of need and raw talent (A.K.A future potential).That's why the Raiders have done so well after the first round in the NFL Draft. ...
In 2010, the Oakland Athletics took strides in the right direction, posting an 81-81 record to snap a streak of three consecutive losing seasons. Though Oakland's pitching kept them competitive, lack of offensive production counteracted a solid rotation and kept the A's out of the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.Though the A's have potential to continue their progression, the American League West is a competitive division, highlighted by the recent resurgence of the Texas Rangers. But with perennial powerhouses crowding the AL East, the A's only route to the postseason may be a division crown. ...
The beat goes on. The temptations and challenges continue in the lives of young Oakland Raiders and other NFL players.
For example, Rolando McClain is young and already he has been sued and shot at during offseason. It would be nice to see what good things he has done to let us know that he and others are going to be better and more responsible citizens and Oakland Raiders.
Of course, our expectation is a postive and productive career for this generation of players, yet we know that we all fall short, one way or another.
This article is inspired by Vaden's fine article. ...
Brett Anderson had a bit of a coming-out party in 2010, though injuries didn’t allow him to fully put his talents on display. You can see by his numbers what could be possible:
Seven Wins 112.1 Innings 2.80 ERA 1.19 WHIP 75 Strikeouts (6.01 K/9) 22 Walks (1.76 BB/9) .294 BABIP
It was problems with his elbow that caused him to miss significant time, but it is extremely hard to argue with the results. The most impressive number is probably his control, and that is something that is extremely realistic. In his rookie year, he posted a ...
Much like our maligned quarterback position, the safety position (both free and strong) have been in flux for a very long time: no Pro Bowlers, and no consistency.
Take a look at our starters from the 2010 season. Both Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff had overwhelming confidence and support from both the coaching staff and fans during the 2010 offseason.
But at the end of the 2010 campaign, there is a need yet again for change in the Raiders' last line of defense.
Coming into the year many (including myself) thought that after an impressive '09 season, Branch was set up to have a breakout ...
The 2011 NFL Draft is quickly approaching and the Oakland Raiders need to have another solid draft to be in playoff contention next season. Last season the Raiders had a strong draft that produced immediate results. Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston were starters and made plays on defense. Jacoby Ford and Jared Veldheer played a big role on offense and special teams. Oakland does not hold a first round pick this year because of the Richard Seymour trade. It doesn't appear that the Raiders have many holes on their team that need to be filled. Oakland has ignored the offensive line ...
We've been waiting on Chris Carter's prodigal power for years now and it finally appears as though Oakland will give him an extended look at the big-league level once camp breaks this spring.
The A's have such a need for a power bat in the middle of their lineup that they cannot afford to ignore Carter any longer. This big man is far enough out of the fantasy radar to be a steal in the later rounds.
But what about all of the strikeouts? Which position will he play? All of these questions and more are answered in the latest installment of ...
I entered a computer center on Oct. 21, 2009. The clock was ticking. The computer was slow. I noticed a man next to me. His work was going smoothly. There was an "hour-glass" turning, round and round on his screen. His computer was fine. The man and I started talking. He is a historian. He is the cousin of Eldridge Dickey, a man drafted as quarterback with the Oakland Raiders. "Eldridge Dickey," I asked the man, "Isn't he the first African American quarterback in the NFL?" The cousin answered, "Yes." Immediately, I requested an interview with the man. After all, his account ...
How about some rare good news after a player visits Dr. James Andrews?
Normally, when a player visits Dr. Andrews, the end result is some sort of surgery—usually Tommy John—and we don’t see that player again for at least another year. When Bailey left Monday’s game after grabbing his right arm as if someone hit him with hammer, it looked like Bailey blew out his arm and his season was over. Then when it was announced that Bailey was going to visit Dr. Andrews, I thought he was toast.
However, Oakland A’s pitcher Andrew Bailey won’t be needing surgery any time ...
All I've heard around the football media is how Nnamdi Asomugha will not be an Oakland Raider in 2011. Many have said the signing of Stanford Routt means they are preparing for life without Asomugha.
Some have even gone as far as saying that Al Davis overpaid Routt to throw it in Asomugha's face. Kamerion Wimbley was franchised for $11 million for 2011 and many cite that as more of a reason for Asomugha's departure.
Relax, Raider Nation!
None of that means Asomugha is leaving.
In fact, there are plenty of reasons to believe he's staying.
Turn the page to see what those reasons are.Begin ...