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It seems like Darren McFadden was an Oakland Raiders rookie just a short time ago, bright-eyed and ready for anything. The first few weeks of pre-season in 2008, Coach Lane Kiffin was intent on discovering if McFadden could run effectively between the tackles.á It turned out he did so pretty well though not much else about his game was tested in the early going.á The fans were led to believe we would ...

Whenever we get John Herrera quotables through Oakland Raiders beat writers, it sounds like he really wants to get something off his chest. For example, HerreraÆs latest response to Rich GannonÆs offer to tutor JaMarcus Russell is, ôItÆs Rich who needs the help,ö to which we all ask Herrera, ôReally, Rich needs help with what?ö Herrera fails in keeping the prime directive of the Raiders franchise intact.á Never show your true hand.á ...

Sung to the tune of John Cougar Mellencamp's "Crumblin' Down" Some people ain't got no damn shame Sayin' I'm in Vegas Instead of with the team after the game I can't trust 'em I can't love em like I do my Bentley Tell me what else I can I do to earn your respect a third-string QB is what you'll get My legacy will not be one of greatness when you lifted ...

Following the 2008 season, James Loften was demoted from the Oakland Raiders receivers coaching position.á At the time, the media thought Loften was fired and it was theorized the reason for the termination was because he did not get the most out of the Oakland receivers. It was a tough year for the Raiders, as usual in this day and age.á Though looking at things realistically, the Raiders had gone through ...

During the 2009 preseason I was of the opinion that the Raiders were finally willing to bring in some new talent to fix some really serious offensive-line issues.á As the 2009 season closes, I realize that not only has that effort not been successful, all the moves they tried to make essentially just meant more of the same.á For 2010 it looks like a similar quandary. As a benchmark, letÆs look at ...

Maybe it was his mood but Tom Cable seemed to let his real thoughts concerning JaMarcus Russell be known in a recent press conference. á For the first time since the preseason, Cable indirectly stated Russell was light years from being a professional NFL quarterback. á There is no mistaking the inference, ôweÆd be here foreverö when he was asked to elaborate on his feelings. á In the preseason, if you recall, Cable said Russell had ...

So let's see... Norv TurnerÆs stock is surging and due a contract extension in San Diego, regardless if they win a super bowl or not. The fact is they are a solid team with or without LT. Jon Gruden is doing well in the booth and can have his pick of new coaching jobs if he chooses that path. Browns Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan beat his former team doing nothing innovative in the ...

One thing we can always count on is Rob Ryan being a ôshoot from the hipö type of guy.á He will say what he thinks and in his own way, is sort of convincing. In the media conference call as prelude to the Raiders game at Cleveland this Sunday, Ryan was asked if an Al Davis-approved defensive scheme was part of the conditions he worked under during his tenure as Raiders ...

The Cleveland Browns have struggled for most of this NFL season but have won two gamesáin a row.á Like the Oakland Raiders, the Brownsáhave beaten the Steelers and the Chiefs.á For both Cleveland and Oakland, beating Pittsburgh is a very rare occurrence.á The Browns have to be riding high after putting away the lowly Chiefs last weekend.á It does not seem to be a coincidence the Raiders are confident as well coming off ...

Who is the worst QB in the NFL? á Before this past Sunday JaMarcus Russell was everyone's immediate first choice. á Then the Denver Broncos had the indignity of being beaten by Jamarcus in the final seconds. By default, this makes him less bad than most people thought he was. Even if it was one moment of heroism, sometimes that's all it takesùat least until he plays again and has another chance to face ...