Sorry for the delay, but Steve Corkran has been kicking rocks all day. Chat starts at 6 pm PT. Same stuff below applies: Go em get. guys.
It’s time for another live chat, so we can catch up on the coaching staff additions, hash over whether Derek Carr had a Pro Bowl-caliber season, discuss Carr slyly dropping his back injury on the table as a factor for his inconsistent play, whatever else is on your mind.
These live chats will be conducted on a regular basis, at least once a week. Questions can be submitted through the comments section of a post Thursday. So, just click on the link to that post, submit a question in the comments section, and I will answer as many as I can. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. PDT and will last for at least an hour.
Everyone is welcome to participate.
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Will Cable help or hinder the mammoth Raiders OLine?
Tom Cable has plenty to offer the Raiders offensive line, and beyond. Remember, he has been a head coach with the Raiders, so he is there for Gruden to bounce things off, if necessary. As for the line, Cable can help get even more from his interior studs — Gabe Jackson, Rodney Hudson and Kelechi Osemele — while identifying the best options for the tackle spots and developing young players such as David Sharpe and Jon Feliciano.
Why did Al Davis not involve Mark Davis more with the organization when he was still alive? He’s already done what his Dad couldn’t, help find funding to build a state of the art stadium.
For a few reasons. One, Al Davis didn’t want to admit to anyone, including himself, that he was going to die at some point. By grooming his son to run the organization, that would have been tantamount to admitting his mortality. Two, Al Davis wanted to run as much of the day-to-day things in the organization as long as he was capable.
Is there any info on which FAs are likely to re-sign with us or which ones Gruden and RM see as priority re-signings?
What kind of impact do you think Dave Razzano will have in the front? Draft?
He has a long relationship with Gruden, so he knows how Gruden thinks and the kind of players he covets. Overall, though. Gruden is pretty confident in his ability to recognize the kind of players he wants on his team. Razzano will be just another valued opinion for Gruden to solicit when needed.
How much prep work are you doing for the combine and draft? I know Bill mentioned it the other day on his Bites that if you get a possible sponsor it would help in you being able to attend.
Quite a bit, but we haven’t reached the point where we’re ready to share all our insight just yet. There’s too much other stuff to delve into right now, especially free agency, coaching hires, Senior Bowl, etc.
What do you think Jon Grudens most pressing issue is, as he sits in his office now, grinding into the night?
Do you think Cook has a shot as the backup or will Gruden be Gruden and sign a vet QB to help mentor and teach Carr and Cook? I think he finds a vet one way or another.
gYes, Connor Cook has a decent shot at being Derek Carr’s primary backup. With that said, Jon Gruden does prefer a veteran quarterback on his roster as a backup. Look for Gruden to keep Cook and sign a veteran quarterback as sort of a mentor to Carr and Cook.
What do you believe Grudens most pressing issue is, as he sits in his office, Grinding into the night?
Learning about all the players on the roster, especially key players who are slated to hit free agency or those who are making a ton of money and might not fit into the Raiders’ plans. Gruden needs to come up with answers sooner rather than later on players such as Marshawn Lynch and Michael Crabtree.
Have you found anyone in the organization who is less than thrilled with Gruden being back? Someone on the way out or just not pleased with the way things went down with Grudens hiring and JDR firing?
Uh, several players are about to be less than thrilled with Gruden’s return. Several assistant coaches already are less than thrilled. Beyond that, the majority of people can’t believe that the Prodigal Son has returned. Everyone is still on a high that they hope will last through the season.
I know Coach Gruden and the Raiders are interested in bringing Brian Callahan aboard now that he’s available, what are the chances this happens and what do you think he brings to the team?
I don’t know what the odds are, but the Raiders aren’t in dire need of a quarterbacks coach as long as Gruden is the head coach and Greg Olson is the offensive coordinator. Also, if Gruden signs a veteran quarterback to be one of Derek Carr’s backups, that’s even more reason not to bring on a QBs coach.
Could Callahan be a coaching developmental project? Of course I know nothing about him.
Indeed. He is relatively young and could be brought in to broaden his horizons under one of the game’s top offensive minds. Gruden could lean on him more down the road, if not later this year.
He’s Bill Callahan’s soon, Gruden old OCs son. So it’s always a possibility, only snag there is Olson having that 4yr contract
Callahan could be added for cheap, unless a team such as the Titans or Jets offers him a lot more money or a more prominent position, say offensive coordinator.
Do you think JDR gets a job soon? I think he got exposed pretty bad
Yeah, if he wants one. Remember, he’s under no pressure to take a job, as he is being paid $5 million a year for the next three years by Mark Davis not to coach. It’s the ol’ Steve Mariucci gig. I find in these situations, coaches take a year off, recharge their batteries, get the bitter taste out of their mouths, explore their options, then find the best fit. So, look for Del Rio to resurface in 2019.
Do you ever get wind of a player wanting to come to a new team before the team does?
I know for years some said that players did not want to come here, they saw it as a last stop, I would think that is changed now.
Absolutely. I have broken many stories of just such happening. Funny you mention that, because the Pro Bowl week is the prime time for when players recruit players from other teams. By that, I mean Derek Carr, Khalil Mack and the other Raiders Pro Bowlers have a great opportunity to sing the praises of the Raiders to guys like Le’Veon Bell and other free agents.
But, yes, it used to be that players came to the Raiders for one final paycheck and to get more money than they could elsewhere. That changed when Gruden arrived in 1998, or soon thereafter. Look for it to change again now that he’s back. He will make the Raiders a destination team.
I know that Reggie, historically, doesn’t like to give away draft picks but do you think he’ll consider moving up into the 5th round considering that we may have a wealth of picks (6 of them I think is being predicted) in the 6th round and currently none in the 5th?
Reggie loves his draft picks. If a team is antsy to trade back, and it won’t cost the Raiders too much, I could see Reggie moving up in this year’s draft. That’s one of the benefits to stockpiling draft picks.
What is your opinion of WR Landry. Both Bill and I seem to agree he would be a very good addition.
I love Jarvis Landry. In fact, I like him better than Michael Crabtree because of his game-breaking ability, sure hands and the fact he can return punts/kicks. He’s also hungry to play for a winning team. I would go hard after Landry, especially if Gruden doesn’t want Crabtree back.
My only concern is what he is reportedly asking for annually, think Raiders could afford paying Landry $14mil per year and then still have the cap room to afford Amari in a year?
And that’s a huge concern. That’s a lot to pay Landry, but some of that could come from parting ways with Michael Crabtree. I wouldn’t play that much, no.
Where did PFT’s story about Gruden being too profane for Carr come from?
Are people just making stuff up?
I have no idea. As John Middlekauf pointed out to me a week or so ago, Derek Carr played his college ball for Fresno State’s Pat Hill, who swears like a sailor. And, let’s be realistic, Carr hears every swear word in his own locker room, on the field and during games, especially from opposing players. Heck, he hears every swear word from fans at Raiders games. This isn’t a big issue.
Seems plenty of anonymous sources were desperate to predict the worst outcome for Gruden’s return.
Yeah, if there isn’t a name attached to most stories, move on. That was one of the great things about the book I wrote, I insisted upon all names being named, no hiding behind “sources.”
Cork you still smitten for Jennifer Anniston?
Better believe it, Derek. Come on, Man. What else you got?
I know RM said he wants it done sooner than later, but any insight on how soon they could get a deal done with Mack?
If it draws out, will that affect how they pursue other teams FA?
Cork, with the #1 pick RM and JG take……
If they are picking at No. 9 or 10, I could see them going with Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, if he’s still on the board. The Raiders need an impact linebacker, and Smith fits the bill. If Smith is gone, Reggie McKenzie and Jon Gruden likely will go with a standout lineman, on either side of the ball. There are huge needs there.
I hear they’re high on Marcus Davenport. He’s been outstanding on 7-on7s during Senior Bowl practice, can’t wait to see him in the game this weekend.
Raiders should keep an eye on DaeSean Hamilton too as a mid rounder, such a good route runner, great separation
Darryl, I love your knowledge of the collegiate game. The problem with players such as Davenport standing out at those all-star games is every other team has representatives there seeing the same thing. I am not as up to date on Hamilton. We’re learning more and more about these guys each day, though. Stories coming soon.
Hamilton was at the East West Shrine game (East Team) and was given an invite to the Senior Bowl. Definitely worth taking a look at tape wise from the past few days.
Thanks for the insight.
Is new DC Guenther a 3-4 guy and a clear upgrade to Pagano?
I’m still not over the fact we had del rio, norton, pagano and reggie and had such a shitty defense for 3 stinking years. How does thta happen…
Yes, he is an upgrade. Guenther has a knack for finding players who fit his scheme and who can create pressure without aid of a blitz. That is the formula for success that the Eagles used to make it to the Super Bowl this season. With that said, Guenther needs to find a bunch more impact players to go with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin. But he will get the defense rocking.
Any truth to rumors Marvin Lewis kept him from blitzing more?
I do not know that for certain. We’ll find out soon enough. I know Marvin Lewis has a heavy hand in everything that goes on with the Bengals, offensively and defensively, so I wouldn’t be surprised.
Guenther jumped at the Raiders job because Gruden told him he gets to build HIS defense from the ground up as he saw fit.
From what I’ve heard and Gruden history he fully trusts the DC to do his thing
The latter part is true. Gruden will stay the heck out of Guenther’s way, as long as things are going well. Gruden prefers to immerse himself in the offense and not have to spend too much time on the defense.
Will Guenther be successful getting Mack one on one matchups?
As much as people want to believe otherwise, Mack had plenty of one-on-one matchups this season, and he didn’t do as much with those as one might expect. Teams do a great job of rolling the flow of the play away from Mack at times, using his speed against him on screens and such, but Mack was singled up far more than people make it out to be. The tape don’t lie.
I was shocked he did not abuse Howard when we played the Ravens
Cork, I was a big chatter back in the McFadden game days, Missed the “couch” hopefully we don’t need it as much anymore
do you see Roquan Smith coming to Oaktown?
If he’s available, he would be hard for the Raiders to pass on. I’m just not sold that he’ll make it to No. 9 or 10, wherever the Raiders wind up picking — they are awaiting the result of a coin toss with the 49ers.
Is Olawale not the Gruden type FB ala John Ritchie?
Jamize Olawale could be the newer version of Jon Ritchie, yes. He didn’t play all that much, or all that well, last season, but he is the kind of player Jon Gruden wants on the field often.
I think Gruden brings in a vet FB and a rookie. jmo
Both, you say? Maybe to compete for the one spot. Olawale will get a long look, though, and the first crack. He has some proving to do, too.
Has to get Cook involved more, and I bet I can count on one hand how many crossing or rub plays this team ran. More bubble screens that didn’t work.
Love Patterson, great signing by RM
I am not sold on Patterson. He does not have reliable hands. Same goes with Jared Cook, who, though shaky at times, still is a more reliable option that Patterson and the best tight end the Raiders have. Gruden will be far more creative than Olson, Musgrave and Downing, believe me.
Will Gruden let Carr throw deep?
only if Cooper doesn’t drop em
Yes, and much of it will come off the play-action, as a result of Gruden’s strong commitment to the run game. Gruden also will break Carr of his annoying penchant for getting rid of the ball too early and throwing it up for grabs. Those days are over.
Reggie doesn’t seem to have an eye for talent when it comes to DB, this is not second guessing but should have signed Weddle, when he was FA that guy is better than Nelson
Reggie has whiffed on every QB decision, except for Carr. Even then, it’s tough to credit him for that one because, if he would have known Carr was going to be this good, he would have used a first-round pick on him. They stumbled on to Carr. Same goes for defensive backs, where McKenzie has whiffed on every one except for his claiming David Amerson off waivers. And, even that move yielded only brief success.
I’m hearing Chatter that Charles Woodson wants to come back for 1 last Harrah Unfinished Business.What you think Cork? Woodson loves Gruden and He stays in great shape
not on a bet, he’s busy making wine
If he wants to coach or be sort of a player/mentor, I’m intrigued. But, as an every-down player, that ship has sailed. Sentimentality goes only so far. Woodson had his time. If he wants on board, come join Rod Woodson on the coaching staff.
does RM start looking at Penn’s replacement, he is getting long in the tooth, or is that valuable LT on the roster
They like Sharpe. Cork told me that 🙂
Yes, indeed. Sharpe is getting a long look, as are Vadal Alexander and Jylan Ware.
That process started last season. With Penn injured, the process has been sped up. Penn not only is past his prime, fresh from a season-ending injury and high-priced, but he simply isn’t that good anymore. He is getting beat more often, throwing himself at defenders’ feet, getting pushed around more than ever.
Sharpe might be next in line once penn is gone in a year or 2
Penn might be gone this offseason. There’s no guarantee that he’s coming back, especially at his age, his injury, his salary and his declining play.
Is Mark going to take the tarps off the upper deck, and let Gruden fill the O.co?
It’s possible, yes. It’s important to note that, once you opt to go that route, you have to do it for the entire season. You can’t cherry pick the games. So, it’s a decision that has to be well-thought out based upon ticket sales in advance.
Cork, thanks for the chat. Great as always.
If you have the ability to look up my email address, please send me a note or let me know an email I can send a note to, I have something to run by you but I don’t want to do it in an open setting. Thanks again.
Whats the one thing you know now career wise that you wish you had known when you started out?
Steve, if Gruden needs a back up, I am planning a comeback
Well, you probably saw this one coming. Let me do the honors for coach Gruden and everyone else on his staff: Kick rocks, Bro.
Don’t look now, but Carr won the Pro Bowl precision passing contest. Did he break any cameras?
yeah cause everyone who is good stayed home
Now if he can carry that over into games and put more zip on his passes, stand tall in the face of pressure and not take a sack instead of a hit, he has a chance of being more than a good quarterback.
Does Gruden want a piece of me and my hoodie?
He has for 16 years, if not longer. You can bet your sweet backside that Gruden would love to be the coach in charge of the team that knocks off the Patriots in the next big game and sends that team into a tailspin once and for all.
Gruden has only faced Belichick twice in his career and lost one as a Buc.
I choose not to recognize the other game other than we know they played it 😉 haha
#ItsNotEvenARuleAnymore
That’s funny. I am amazed how the Patriots have become the most-hated team by the Raiders.
people on local radio say AFC Championship or season is a failure do you concur? Me thinks year 1 playoffs year 2 AFC championshop Year 3 superbowl in the first year in Vegas. Viva Las Vegs
I wouldn’t say that would constitute a failure if the Raiders don’t stick to that plan, especially in year 1. The Raiders aren’t as talented as most people think. Also, they lack the kind of impact players on defense that the great teams have. If you doubt me, watch the Eagles in the Super Bowl. They are loaded with game-changing players. The Raiders have two.
don’t doubt it just what peeps where saying on 95.7 the game
I like Penn but it may be time to move on, that hold out didn’t help the team either.
Agreed on it being time to move on. As stated earlier, Penn is way past his prime.
don’t doubt it just what peeps where saying on 95.7 the game
Hello Steve, Think Reggie and John move up in the Draft? When will you join Bill on Raider bites?
Will you and Bill do a mock Draft for us? Think there is any truth to the league looking the other way on the Rooney rule if the Raiders sign Colin K.?
Thank you Cork, you and Bill had the nads to do this. You guys do great work much respect.
Thanks, Paul. I am going to get to the other questions tomorrow, in a separate post for subscribers. Love your support. I expect to see and hear from you in the next live chat. Take care.
Cork