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Hook Shots – Post 2012 season
By: Hook
Hook Shots
Slam the book shut on 2012
1.) Who knows what the Raiders plan to do with Terrelle Pryor at this point. They chose not to play him until the last game. I thought he looked good in that start, despite getting no help from his receivers. He had the offense moving as well as it did all year.
2.) Did the Raiders really have to wait all year to fire their offensive coordinator and special teams coach? How much worse could it have been? Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie lost their credibility by preaching patience week after week in the face of such crap. Everyone could see that the ZBS was just BS, and that our coverage and return teams stunk.
3.) I want to hear a defensive-minded head coach explain our atrocious tackling. How about “Our players aren’t that good, but we’re not helping any with our weak schemes and poor adjustments.” When you turn a blind eye on inept play it means players are not accountable, and that leads to more inept play. There were whole games this year where it seemed like we didn’t have a defense on the field.
4.) These two inexcusable acts should always get you benched for a series: Lining up in the neutral zone, and False Start after a time-out. These weren’t our only dumb fouls this year. How about Defensive Holding on a field goal attempt? Or an old classic, and my all-time favorite: Delay of Game after you used a time out. And let’s not forget the legal-but-totally-stupid Icing your own kicker. Any of these will land you in my Bonehead Hall of Fame.
5.) Al Davis was the king of making jaw-dropping NFL draft picks. Here’s how his son Mark can carry-on that tradition: 1) The Raiders use their top pick on South Carolina’s Jedevian Clowney, a freshman who is not eligible for the draft until 2014. 2) The NFL, NCAA and Mel Kiper laugh ‘till they’re blue in the face. 3) Clowney and the Raiders lawyer-up and challenge the NCAA, whereupon a judge rules that Clowney is too dangerous to play college football. 4) The Raiders get their man, Kiper turns red, and thirty-one NFL owners turn a sickly green.
Recapping the preseason predictions
Well, the Raiders’ 2012 season came to an end (mercifully). Before the season began, I made some bold 2012 predictions. How wrong was I? Let’s take a look.
Overall record
Preseason prediction – 9-7
Actual record – 4-12
Oops. I knew going into the year that I was giving the Raiders a bit too much credit, but at worst, I would have put them at 6-10. Not too many of the Raider hopeful saw this season going as badly as it did. Missed the mark by 5 games. Not too good.
Raiders’ MVP
Preseason prediction – Darren McFadden
My 2012 Raiders MVP – 1. Carson Palmer, 2. Philip Wheeler, 3. Sebastian Janikowski
I was a big Palmer supporter all year, though towards the end, once the season was lost, I wanted to see what Terrelle Pryor could do. Still, Carson Palmer had a very strong year for the Raiders, only behind the great Rich Gannon in terms of passing yards in a season. However, this pick is somewhat by default; there wasn’t much going on besides Palmer, though Philip Wheeler was a pleasant addition. Darren McFadden was a non-factor in 2012, surely a big reason why Greg Knapp won’t lead the offense next year.
Offensive player of the year
Preseason prediction – Darren McFadden
My 2012 Raiders offensive player of the year – Carson Palmer
Just as I said in the preseason, see above for details.
Defensive player of the year
Preseason prediction – Lamarr Houston
My 2012 Raiders defensive player of the year – Philip Wheeler
I wasn’t too far off from this. I would place Houston as the runner up for this, but Wheeler played with more heart, energy, and passion than anyone else on the defense this year. Oakland needs to lock him up before Wheeler reaches the open market in 2013.
Offensive rookie of the year
Preseason prediction – Rod Streater
My 2012 Raiders offensive rookie of the year – Rod Streater
I got one! Streater had one of the best receiving years ever for an undrafted receiver. He was arguably the Raiders’ most reliable receiver, next to Brandon Myers. In a year when the receiving corps seemed shakier than hoped, Streater emerged as a legitimate threat.
Defensive rookie of the year
Preseason prediction – Jack Crawford
My 2012 Raiders defensive rookie of the year – Miles Burris
Wow. Whoops. Even with the injury to Richard Seymour, Crawford barely made an impact this year, unlike Miles Burris, who started and played pretty well throughout the season. Swing and a miss on this one.
2012 Commitment of Excellence award winner
Preseason prediction – Tyvon Branch
Raiders 2012 Commitment to Excellence award winner – Jon Condo
The rest of the NFL saw how valuable Jon Condo is in week one, when his absence contributed to the loss to the Chargers. However, Raiders fans have known his value for years. Condo is as consistent as there is in the league at long snapper, and is frequently downfield to make a tackle after snapping the ball for a punt. Congrats to him.
Sebastian Janikowski 15, Chiefs 0
Earlier in the season, I posed an article in which I attributed all of the Raiders’ points to Marcel Reece. This time around, Sebastian Janikowski really did account for them all. SeaBass extended his Raider record for most points ever, making 5 out of 6 field goals in Oakland’s 15-0 victory over the Chiefs. The Raiders sent the crowd home happy in their home finale.
While the offense was somewhat stagnant, the defense really stepped up to the place. Kansas City did not get a first down until the second half. It was the least amount of rushing yards allowed by Oakland since 1975, and the first shutout in a decade. This was a game that the Raiders really needed, even if they are long out of the playoff picture. Chief week should never be taken lightly.
Some will question whether this will actually hurt the Raiders in the long run. I don’t think so. The Raiders will still be in a prime position for the draft. However, hopefully Oakland noticed the stellar play of first-year Raiders Philip Wheeler, Andre Carter, and Mike Goodson. Wheeler has been solid all year, but this was easily the best game of the year for Carter and Goodson.
At this point, players are out there trying to demonstrate their value for the future. The Raiders will need a cornerback and defensive line overhaul, and also face the potential departure of Shane Lechler. If Lechler does choose to leave via free agency, the Raiders do have Marquette King stashed away on injured reserve.
One Raider that I pegged as a likely departure that may manage to hang around is Tommy Kelly. Kelly had a solid game, and is still a decent lineman. He’s making a ton of money thanks to Mr. Davis, and won’t command anywhere near that much anywhere else. If he’s willing to restructure his contract, maybe #93 returns next year.
Just for fun, here are some random odds for current Raiders to return next year:
Lechler 25/75 (Likely leaving)
Seymour 10/90 (Almost definitely leaving)
Kelly 40/60 (Possibly leaving)
McFadden 80/20 (Probably won’t be traded)
Shawntae Spencer 10/90
Philip Wheeler 90/10 (unless someone else signs him first)
Let’s see a youth movement in the last five weeks
Sorry for not summing up the rest of Sunday’s game. Between traveling back from hanging with the Raiders Boosters of York PA and bad calls from the refs, I was in another world! But, Sunday is a new game (yours truly and Mrs. East Coast Raider will be in attendance). But, the Raiders have been mathematically eliminated from the AFC West title. The wild card isn’t out or reach…yet. Regardless, the Raiders have to be looking at the offseason. There’s going to be a lot of dead weight to cut, and The Raiders need to get the future on the field as much as possible.
First, Terrelle Pryor needs to be on the field in some capacity in the next five weeks. In no way am I saying Carson Palmer is failing at his job. Actually, I’m not sure the Raiders would have won a game this year without him. But even if he’s just in wildcat formations, we need to let Pryor loose to show off his freakish physical skills.
After a very slow start to the year, rookie wide receiver Juron Criner is starting to come around. Two weeks ago, he caught his first touchdown pass. I’d like to see more of him and Rod Streater, though not at the expense of Denarius Moore and DHB. The four of them should be on the field as much as possible for the rest of the year.
Bandon Myers is producing well at tight end, so keep him out there. But I’d still like to see David Ausberry used more. He seems like a Marcel Reece-styler player to me. Speaking of Reece, he cemented a spot (something many of us already knew) as a key member of the offense during Darren McFadden’s injury. I’m not quite ready to give up on Run-DMc, but I also wouldn’t be overly surprised if the Raiders see what’s out there in trade value during the offseason.
On the line, let’s start with offense. Rookie Tony Bergstrom got a few snaps on Sunday, and was horribly beat for a costly play. But, at least he’s out there getting reps. He’ll get better. Hopefully the Wiz and Jared Veldheer can get some help next year. I’d like to see Khalif Barnes and Cooper Carlisle wrap up their time in Oakland, and I’m on the fence about Mike Briesel. On the defensive line, the only person on whom I’m sold is Lamarr Houston. Everyone else should be on notice.
Linebacker was a very shaky position for the Raiders before the season. Philip Wheeler and rookie Miles Burris are solid. Rolando McClain, though part of Oakland’s youth, should either be given his walking papers or have his deal restructured. Corner and safety are a mess. Michael Huff has played corner well, and Tyvon Branch isn’t playing bad at safety. However, beyond Branch, Oakland should overhaul the safeties after the season. Matt Giordano has heart, but he’s just not good enough. As for Mike Mitchell, I’m growing tired of his act. I hear him complain more than anyone else. He’s said he feels he can start on any team in the league. He’s said he’s ready to start after feeling held back. He’s now saying how tired he is of losing. Nothing I’ve heard from him lately has been positive for grateful for his position. Darrius Heyward-Bey, an Al Davis reach, works hard and keeps his head down. Terrelle Pryor, Al’s last pick ever, has said how much he wants to validate Mr. Davis’ belief in him. But Mitchell doesn’t come off like he wants to be there. I’d let him on the field for the last five weeks. Give him the start over Giordano, and let’s see what he can do.
Let’s have some fun the last five weeks. Set the young Raiders loose to have fun, and kick a little ass while they’re doing it.
Thoughts at halftime: Free Fallin’
The Raiders are nearing rock bottom. The offense is standing still and the defense is moving backwards. Cincinnati is outclassing the Silver and Black every step of the way.
It might be time to start looking to the future. I’d like to see more of Marcel Reece, Juron Criner, Rod Streater, and maybe, just maybe, some Terrelle Pryor. What do the Raiders have to lose?
Maybe this will get better, but going into halftime, the Raiders seemingly have no answers to their never ending line of questions.
Hook Shots – Recapping Week 11
By: Hook
Three Quick Hits
More like gut-punches. Here are three nagging thoughts to tack on to all the analysis:
1- Red Zone – While the staff defends their offensive coordinator and his scheme, the sad truth is that the Raiders would have been more productive to this point by abandoning all plays except the quarterback sneak whenever they were in a first-and-goal situation.
2- Palmer/Criner disconnect – More than halfway through the season, and the ball goes one way while the receiver goes another. What’s up?
3- The team’s seemingly complete lack of interest in activating Terrelle Pryor. With their current personnel shortages, you mean they can’t find a way to use arguably the best healthy athlete on the roster? Unfortunately this looks like a “He was Al’s guy, not mine” statement from Reggie and D.A.
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EastCoastRaider’s comments:
1. Completely agree. Red Zone play has been pathetic. Palmer’s yards should be supported by a significant amount more points than the Raiders have scored. The Raiders have baffled me by being able to drive down the field, and then completely flame out near the 20.
2. Palmer’s frustration is showing more and more each week. The first few weeks of miscues, you’d see him jog off the field, no real emotion. I saw several times on Sunday where he was visibly upset at his receivers.
3. I don’t think they’re completely given up on TP yet, but I’m sure they’re getting close. I honestly just think right now, Dennis Allen sees so many weak positions on the field that he’s rather keep TP inactive so the spot is freed up for another linebacker/cornerback. I don’t know if that’s actually his thought process, but it makes sense.
Happy trails, Aaron Curry
The Raiders waived linebacker Aaron Curry on Tuesday, concluding the linebacker’s promising yet disappointing stint in Oakland. After fizzling out despite being taken 4th in the NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks traded Curry to the Raiders last year. He brought a noticeable spark to the defense, and was one of the more active and spirited players. Raiders fans, myself included (I had him poised for a breakout year) were expecting him to possibly take the reigns of a depleted linebacker corps. Unfortunately, Curry’s knees would not hold up and he only played two games this year. In Baltimore, he racked up two 15 yard penalties for blatantly late hits. Curry may find somewhere else to go, but his stint in Oakland is a microcosm of his entire career to this point; high hopes, sub-par results.
Final from Oakland – Saints 38, Marcel Reece 17
Actually, Reece didn’t even score during the game. But, he pretty much did everything else. The Raiders finished Sunday’s game with a little over 400 yards. Marcel Reece nearly had 200 of them.
The story remained the same for a 3rd straight game. The offense was average, and the defense was practically nonexistent. Carson Palmer threw a disastrous interception that was returned for a touchdown. It was in a familiar style, as Palmer attempted to force a pass that he never should have tried. Perhaps in the back of Palmer’s mind was how incredibly out of sync he appeared to be with star receiver Denarius Moore. Palmer’s frustration may have led him to throw a poor pass with terrible results. Carson’s second interception of the day was less on his shoulders. He threw a bullet into the end zone, which skipped right off Brandon Myers’ hands and into the hands of a Saint. Myers was visibly frustrated after the play, and did manage to catch a touchdown pass later. Also catching a touchdown was rookie Juron Criner. It was Criner’s first NFL TD. Congrats to him.
Palmer continued to stretch his Raider record of 16 straight games with 200+ passing yards. Who would have figured the Raiders would have a guy who is right on the heels of being the top passer in the league in terms of yards and be 3-7? And speaking of records and stats, the Raiders’ 9-game streak of scoring in the final two minutes of the first half was snapped on Sunday.
One bright, and by bright I mean it wasn’t as bad as the rest of the defense, spot on Sunday was the play of Rolando McClain. He was all over the field, and made some good, solid tackles. McClain has been baffling this year. He has a good game and then disappears for the next four. Maybe the news that his accuser dropped the charges in his Alabama case helped him clear his head. Whatever the case, McClain and Mike Mitchell, subbing for an injured Tyvon Branch, led the team in tackling.
That was about it in Oakland. Not nearly good enough. After the game, Mark Davis even spoke to reporters, expressing his displeasure. There are some pretty interesting storylines this week. Carson Palmer returns to Cincinnati to face his old team. Hue Jackson, now a Bengals assistant coach, faces his old Raiders team. If these two teams aren’t incredibly motivated to beat each other, I’m not sure what’s going on.
Where was Taiwan Jones on Sunday?
Will Taiwan Jones ever get his shot? (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many people, myself included, though Taiwan Jones was finally going to get his chance on Sunday. Fans have wanted to see what the lightning-quick Jones can do since the Raiders drafted him. However, like the rest of the season so far, Jones barely had any touches, even after the first and second string running backs went down. When you’re the third sting back, and numbers 1 & 2 go down, and you’re still the third string running back the next week, it shows the team’s lack of confidence in you.
I commend the Raiders’ coaching staff for utilizing Marcel Reece as much as possible. The X-Factor has been seen a little bit this year, but he was all over the place on Sunday, gaining over 100 total yards. Reece should continue to see significant playing time in the next couple of weeks, as Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson recover from high ankle sprains.
Back to Jones. Head coach Dennis Allen has specifically referenced Jones’ questionable durability and fumbling issues. Granted, those are two of the last traits you want to be known for if you’re a running back. Still, Carson Palmer seemed excited for Jones to be let loose. The fans wanted to see it. Yet we didn’t. The question now is, if Taiwan can’t get his shot with Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson both inactive, will he ever get one?
The East Coast Raider 