Offseason Thoughts.. ....

Loyalty Much thanks to Shell for being a Loyal Raider and trying to bring back some of the old school tradition back to the Raiders, but no offense there was no offense. Our team in spite of the extra pre season game did not come out at all prepared for the season on the MNF against SD it was all downhill from there..

I admire the loyalty and effort but it didn’t work out..

Head Coach I wanted to see Ryan as HC. I think he earned it by keeping the defense together and playing hard despite no offense. It may be hard for him to have to report to a new guy despite having seniority. I'm glad he got a much earned raisee, but I think someone else will want him for head coach next year..

Howevere, I am very excited about bringing in new offensive guru Kiffin. If we can develop a medioocre offense next year we will win some games and be exciting again.

QB situation Brooks will and should be let go.

I think it is difficult to grade Walter since he it was his first year staring and our coaching, offensive schemes and OL play was so bad. In addition, his receiver didn't help him by dropping easy passes (Moss) and fumbling (Morant) often.

I find it peculiar that most people are rooting for us to pick up Russell with our first overall pick. I think the infatuation stems from one Bowl game, since he was under the radar prior to that game. I don’t like Quinn either, given the chance to draft V.Young, J.Cutler, M.Leinart, Russell, or Quinn, Russell and Quinn would be last. I don’t think this years crop of QB is as good or deep as last year. It is too risky (see RYAN LEAF) to risk all that money on a rookie QB, when we could trade down for more picks.

I think our best bet is to pick up a veteran QB e.g. Matt Schuab via trade or free agency..

Draft

I would rather see us trade and get more picks from somebody else and upgrade more positions such as RB, OL, FB, DT, WR, TE, than risk and overpay by drafting at the one position.

Drama Queens Moss is disinterested and Porter is disgruntled, I would get rid of both for violating team chemistry for quitting on their teamates...I rather have a roster of Morrisons, Fargas, Carrs, Burgess players who over-achieve!!!

Tailgate

Despite a horrific season, the tailgates were exciting, passionate and full of energy, music, food, beer and great people from all over... It was great tailgating on Saturdays nights besides the Coliseum and at Rickys. I encourage out-of-towners to contact me and check out Rickys and the Saturday Night Tailgaters to get the full effect of a Raiders experience.

Sundays our Raider Raza Tailgate was in full effect with DJ, Live Performances, Music, Dancing, Great Food, Plenty of Alcohol, and Great People..

I had the chance to meet many great people and former players: Shawn the man behind Raider Take, Carl, Raidernator, Blitzchick, Blitzdude, Raider Joe, Rob Shipe, Black Bart, Pat Toomay, as well hang out with many of the regulars Parking Lot Jack, GuerillaRilla, Raider Rob and the Black Hole, and all the rest of Raider Nation…