Head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have done a solid job of making the Raiders offense into a formidable unit. There’s still work to do on that side of the ball, but it’s the defense that is worthy of the bulk of their attention next offseason. Again. We broke down where the
Raiders’ offseason to-do list figures to lean heavily on defense once again
Gruden needs to hire a DC that will put players in position to succeed. I just don’t know if Gruden can think in those terms because he seems very set in his ways. I am really tired of players not doing well here and going to other teams and seemingly playing better. It can’t be all the players’ fault. Also, if the DC can’t get the defense to perform at a much higher level as a team, then the team needs to find a difference maker (ala JJ Watt, Aaron Donald, or the like). Having a guy or two that can take over a game when necessary really would help this young defense.
Michelle, I think we have both often raised the issue of players coming to us and failing but also that many move on and do well elsewhere. The rosters of several playoff bound teams are littered with defensive players we let go – in addition to high-profile, misguided, trades like Mack. Ironic we are still looking for a game changer on defense!
Anyway, looking ahead we need a proven DC. I’ve made clear my preference for Wade Phillips as far back as the last off-season and he is still the man for me – although I’m intrigued by the possibility of Matt Patricia coming in. Unfortunately, both might be too much their own men for Dictator/Supreme Ego Gruden.
If we get a good DC, significant changes are needed in personnel. I’d say goodbye to: Key, Hankins, McMillan, Lawson, Harris without much hesitation as I don’t think they leave significant dead money.
I’d explore a new, team friendly deal with Joyner based on him moving full time to Safety. Amik Robertson to step up as slot corner, whether we resign Joyner or not.
I’d shop Abram for pretty much anything I could get in this year’s draft.
Ferrell to stay but to have a defined role against the run – maybe even moving inside to help Hurst in the middle.
We have Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley to evaluate and Kwiatkowski and Littleton have promise and cost too much to cut respectively so we must roll with them.
That is a long-winded way of saying we need yet more change in FA and the draft – a big time pass rusher to pair with Crosby, a stud coverage linebacker, interior lineman to rush the passer, at least one starting safety and CB as I have very little faith in Arnette.
Not much of a wish list is it, folks?
Thanks, Andy, I try not to bring up the Mack fiasco (he was my favorite player and I really miss him in silver and black AND we probably make the playoffs this year if he was on the roster), but his presence covered up alot of the defensive ineptitude.
I wouldn’t give up on Abram just yet. He is essentially a rookie, and frankly, I like his fire (no one else seems to have it).
I don’t know if I am sold on Wade Phillips, but honestly, I am not well-versed in coaching candidates. Are there any young defensive gurus in the coaching ranks? I know Cal’s coach, Justin Wilcox, (yes, I am an alum so probably not the most unbiased there) has a reputation as a defensive minded guy. I think that Dennis Allen (who would NEVER come back the Raiders) would be the type of guy I’d like to see. What about Leslie Frazier currently with the Bills? I agree that we need someone who can create a scheme to put players in position to succeed. I also *slightly* disagree with your willingness to part ways with several young players in that I would like to see what the new DC has to say and whether he can turn the likes of Arden Key and others into a more polished product. Also, those guys are good depth guys IMHO.
As always, thanks for your insight. I enjoy the e-conversation!
Hi Michelle – always good to “chat”.
I’ve posted below on getting sound fundamentals into the young players we keep.
Just wanted to address the Mack point. Like you, he was my favourite player we picked for many years. I know the trade is done and is history but it still defines the second era of Gruden and the returns on trading a playmaker hood enough to mask the failings of those around him are not that hot, on first evidence.
I’ve posted elsewhere on the impacts on the franchises involved. For Mack and a 2019 #2 pick, we got a good running back in Jacobs – but at a first round cost – and two players who have yet to make a real impression in Arnette and Edwards – I do have real hopes for the latter!
I’ve accepted the trade happened but still don’t like the outcome based on what’s been done with the draft capital.
Add in the trade for Cooper which brought the hot-headed Abram in to replace Karl Joseph and the brains trust doesn’t look to be doing very well with its top picks.
I am not going to forget the trade until Gruden shows he has a plan that works to build a contender – the players he chose will really need to step up to make that happen!
On young DCs – I’m always a bit nervous about these young geniuses like Jason Tarver who we had a while back – doesn’t inspire confidence and I’d rather the experience and proven track record of someone like Phillips.
Cheers
Good Points, Andy!
Yes, I totally agree with the fundamentals issue you raise. Guys try to get that “Big” hit so that they can see themselves on ESPN highlights rather than wrapping up the ball carrier. I sure don’t remember Jack Tatum missing many tackles and he still walloped guys.
I also see your point about young DCs, but Dennis Allen has turned around the Saints Defense during his time there.
Oh, and on the Mack trade, we would still have gotten Jacobs (our record would have been higher, lower draft position still nets Jacobs), the player we would not have drafted would have been Ferrell if the team had kept Mack.
So, since you are in the UK Andy, I have to ask, which futbol team do you support? We are an Arsenal household.
3 years into Gruden’s regime, and still major additions needed. Unbelievable. This an indictment of their talent evaluations.
Jettison Joyner, Collins, Key, Heath and Harris. I’d keep Hankins as a rush stuffer.
Address the Defensive Coordinator Position. Marinelli is not the answer.
Need a DC that can get the most out of his players by putting them in situations to be successful.
We need better defensive coaching; tackling, covering, communicating, and an attitude and vibe that we will not give up one more yard. Be it run blitzing or bump and run coverage.
Candidates- Wade Phillips is solid. Why did he get let go by McVay in LA?
Matt Patricia is overrated I believe- I think Belichek was the master there. Look at Romeo. Okay
Lovie Smith- That man can coach a defense.
As far as who to move on from……. Collins, Harris (does not understand angles at all), McMillan, Lawson, Heath
Build upon and coach up- Arnette, Abrams, Robertson, Morrow, Kiawakowski, Littleton, Joyner, Crosby, Hurst, Ferrell, and Mullen. Now focus on drafting best overall Defensive Player available. Perhaps Parsons LB Penn State could be available. These Alabama D-lineman always seem to be good options.
Don’t give up on a dynamic players like Bowden. All because he was not right fit to blow up a blitzing LB in pass coverage. Many teams wanted him for just the roll Miami is using him in, this is just the beginning for him.
It is about taking a player and developing their talents into your system not forcing them into your system. look at HRIII. They drafted him at 12. Develop his skills and utilize him into the game plan. Get him 8 to 10 touches minimum per game. Otherwise why did you take him at 12???
Play calling in Red zone. – That is on coaching. 3rd down and Goal from the 5. Realize that a 2 yard out is not a high probability of getting into end zone, especially when it is your tendency.
Not throwing the ball in the end zone when you are in red zone- not one time on two different drives.
Sorry for the long post- Raider Fan since 1970. Little bit of frustration built up.
Todd, please don’t apologize for long posts!! I’ve been a fan about as long as you and long for the glory days when the Raiders were perennial SB favorites (if only their greatness did not coincide with that of the Steelers!).
I would argue that the coaches tried to make Bowden a RB when they should have let him be a WR who could be the Swiss Army knife they envisioned. I think you (and Andy) agree that is part of the problem, namely, not putting players in positions where they can be most successful. Not only that, but drafting “character” guys over “playmakers” exclusively is probably not a great strategy. The team needs a bit of both. This team, especially, needs the type of leaders who can get it out of a funk when things go bad. I haven’t seen any of those recently (I hope Abram can develop into that type of player).
Thanks Michelle! A very loyal Raider fan. I remember the days of the Snake or Blanda coming in relief to help the Raider pull one out late in game. Also the O-line and the aggressive defenses. Picking up good established veteran players- Hendricks, Chester, Robinson, Alzado, Romanowski, Haynes, Plunkett, Chandler, etc…..
Need some good teachers to get these guys taught the proper techniques and hold them accountable.
Take the right guy to make an impact to this team.
You need high quality talent with team first not me first attitudes.
If you cant get high quality FA’s to come here without over paying them- example Weddle, Mathieu, Suh, Brown, C Harris.
Hope Mayock and Gruden can have an A+ off season.
Wow, you guys make me feel like a rookie as I’ve only been following the Raiders since the early 80s – there wasn’t much opportunity to follow the NFL in the UK before the coming of satellite/cable TV and the internet. First exposure for most of us over here was when a new TV network called Channel 4 bought highlight rights cheaply to fill schedule time and showed a 90 minute programme every Sunday with a featured game and highlights from around the league. Needless to say the then outstanding team of Allen, Plunkett, Long, Alzado, Haynes etc was often on our screens… great days!
That’s the standard I measure against and the way I want to see the team run – bringing in the players who fit what you need and making sure they have the skills and techniques to succeed.
One thing that really bothers me with a lot of young defensive players (not just on our roster!) is an apparent inability to tackle. This reared its head on Sunday with the 50+ yard catch and run a glaring example. Game film from any game this year will show plenty of this, though.
Beside the plays given up though, there is also the injury factor. Abram always tries to overhit guys, rather than tackling – just like Karl Joseph. Arnette tackles with his head in the wrong position, exposing himself to neck injuries and concussions, Arden Key misses large numbers of big plays by taking the wrong angles and simply waving his arms about. This damages the team on the field and wrecks any chance of continuity of development.
Michelle has asked about why we have so many injuries and I have an idea – thoughts welcome!
We need our new DC (note the view on Patricia, Todd, but he should at least be on our list and he must have learned something from Bellichik!) and his position coaches to get the fundamentals in place, as well as scheme.
I think NFL coaches could do a lot worse than study a few tapes of Rugby Union games to see how guys tackle properly in that game – the rules are you must wrap with the arm, not just hit with a shoulder. It protects both players and means more effective stops while making players think about head and neck angles… that kind of thing might significantly improve Abram etc, to make them better overall players, worth keeping on the squad.
Sorry for the long ramble but you guys brought back some great memories for me!
Happy New Year to everybody in the Snakepit – 2021, here we come!
GO RAIDERS