One of the positions that has Raider Nation entirely on edge is space linebacker. To be clear, space linebacker for me is a linebacker that is not considered a pass rusher. Each scheme whether it is a 3-4, or a 4-3, or any of their variations, utilizes these linebackers differently. Most importantly, small differences in …
The mark of head coach Jon Gruden on the 2018 Oakland Raider’s roster is starting to come to fruition. The free agency frenzy has taken full-form around the NFL and the Raiders made an alarmingly big change at the wide receiver position. Michael Crabtree was released to make way for the signing of former Green …
The Wide Receiver Switch: Nelson Replacing Crabtree Read More »
As if you needed proof Jon Gruden thought the Oakland Raiders roster was littered with “basura”. The new head coach is making sure the roster is to his liking with the quickness, isn’t he? In just over a week, the Raiders jettisoned wide receivers Michael Crabtree, Cordarrelle Patterson, offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse and cornerback Sean …
Re-signing Justin Ellis and inking special teamer and reserve wide receiver Griff Whalen unsurprisingly set Raider Nation aflame with unbridled fury when NFL free agency opened last week. But at week’s end, the Oakland Raiders added 14 players to the roster while jettisoning three. Oakland wasn’t going to be a big player in a high-priced …
Quick Slants: Raiders’ Patient Approach in FA is Proper Read More »
So far in my short stint with The Ramble, I have used the VEGAS Archives as a way to sort draft prospects. This week, I will be modifying the acronym to make a case for why the Oakland Raiders should trade for Martavis Bryant of the Pittsburgh Steelers. March 15 was a big day for …
The VEGAS Archives: The Case For Martavis Bryant Read More »
Jon Gruden, the traditionalist?
“Man, I’m trying to bring the game back to 1998,” the Oakland Raiders head coach said with a huge smile this past Wednesday at the NFL combine. “I’m not going to rely on GPS and all that. The old-fashioned way is the good way.”
Immediately came the barrage of backlash. Talking heads and pundits lambasted Gruden saying his second go-around with the Raiders is already a failure. They spoke of an evolved game that’s left the bitter old Gruden behind. Some even brought up Gruden using Al Davis’ infamous projector when he outlined why Lane Kiffin was no longer head coach. The dismissive nature of Gruden’s supposed anti-analytics mentality was asinine.
The Oakland Raiders’ defensive personnel remains a huge concern heading into the 2018 season. The new defensive coaching staff is headlined by former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Guenther takes aim to mend a struggling group as a whole. There’s one player Guenther and the Raiders won’t have to worry about and that’s Khalil …
Coming into the 2018 NFL draft, some of the biggest needs the Oakland Raiders must address are on defense. More specifically, however, it’s the holes in the secondary that need immediate attention. Oakland has since cut cornerback David Amerson and fellow corner Sean Smith is still dealing with legal troubles and T.J. Carrie is currently …
The most existential group of Jon Gruden’s Raiders, special teams, are in a flux position heading into these busy months ahead. Sebastian Janikowski is a free agent who wanted to stay a Raider for as long as he could, but that day has finally come to an end. Giorgio Tavecchio is also on the market …
Will the Oakland Raiders make a splash in free agency? One side emphatically blows the “yes” trumpet. “Jon Gruden needs more pieces” they banter while pounding the table. The other side defiantly voices the “no” opinions. “Reggie McKenzie didn’t spend last year, it won’t be different this year” is the mantra. Free Agency: High-Priced And …
Free Agency: High-Priced And Bargain Options for Raiders Read More »
