Ask a Silver and Black Dude

Let's pull the scab off quick...

Jamarcus Russell… what’s the deal? Has the fanbase lost faith in him all together? Because I’ll be totally honest, I’ve seen him play, and I think if we got our hands on him, he’d be a solid back up for us. What has the problem been? Late to camp his rookie year only goes so far. He has looked slow and lost in the pocket. Can the franchise afford to cut him cap wise?

'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin

by NYSteelersFan4 on Nov 30, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

JaMarcus has lost the confidence of a vast amount of the fanbase

Myself included. Regretting that #2 jersey I bought back in 2007.

There’s all kinds of problems with Russell. Some are not his fault, some entirely are.

I have no doubt Russell would be a better QB in Pittsburgh simply because it’s maybe the single most stable, drama-free environment in all of professional sports. They have an owner and coaching staff that brooks very little nonsense. Russell is simply not the type who can flourish in the inmate run asylum/zoo that Al Davis has created. His wide receivers have given him little to no help. He’s had 3 different playcallers in 3 years. He’s forced to play run an antiquated offense style that died out in the mid-80’s.

That being said, he does himself no favors. You look at guys like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees who are fanatical students of the game, who watch game film like most of us watch porn and who force their wide receivers to stay with them hours after practice working on routes. Then you look at Russell who never once showed up early to work or stayed late until about halfway through this season.

From what I understand, the Raiders can’t really afford to ditch JaMarcus from a cap perspective until after 2010. (This all changes if 2010 is an uncapped year, though). Regardless, it seems the the consensus that Davis is going to give JaMarcus one more year. It’s not like paying Alex Smith and Vince Young big bucks to sit on the bench for a while didn’t end up paying dividends for SF and Tennessee, so there is still hope.

Ultimately, though, despite all the problems of playing in Oakland, it’s all on his shoulders. If he takes this benching as motivation and it lights a fire, he can succeed. If he pouts and throws in the towel, he’ll be gonzos.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Is there any hope of him starting this sunday

"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach

by WVPiratesfan on Nov 30, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is how sad things have gotten

Fans of the opposing team are asking hopefully if our supposed franchise QB is starting because thatt would be better for them :-)

I’d say not. Gradkowski wasn’t very good on Thursday, but he didn’t really stink up the joint either and he did manage to engineer a nice win against the Bengals. I’d say he’s a virtual lock to start.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just saying

I think Gradkowski is the best option you all have and he should have been the starter at the beggining of the season

"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach

by WVPiratesfan on Nov 30, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

At this point, I agree Gradkowski is probably the best option

Which is Exhibit A of Why We Are Screwed

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Good old Gradkowski

I’m ready for his second start at Heinz Field. I remember the first one

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Dec 1, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If he plays like that again

You’ll be seeing JaMarcus by halftime. His two games against the Steelers were two of the worst performances in recent memory.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 2, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lol, I would love to see Russell.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Gradkowski

I got to see him play for Toledo a lot, because my cousin played ST for them, so I watched a lot of their games. From what I hear, he is one of the absolute nicest guys in the world, always polite and kind. I’ve been rooting for his success (not this week), but I was glad he got you all the W over Cinci.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How did the Raiders beat the Bengals? Will the same gameplan work against the Steelers?

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Nov 30, 2009 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Raiders have turned in their 3 best performances of the year...

…with the same gameplan: bust the opponent in the mouth early on, convert on 3rd down, and get the running game going by the 2nd quarter.

The opener Monday night against SD and the wins against Philly and Cincy all featured the defensive line winning the battles in the trenches and the offensive line opening up holes for Fargas/Bush/McFadden. All 3 also had efficient QB play where Russell & Gradkowski managed to limit mistakes, manage the game, and make the throws they had to.

It’s all about matchups in the trenches. Can Max Starks handle Richard Seymour? Can Henderson and Gallery clear out Brett Keisel and Casey Hampton for the run game? Will the Raiders remember how to tackle the opposing team’s running backs? (There’s only ever about a 40 percent chance of that happing, btw)

I’d add “Can Nnamdi shut down Santonio Holmes?” but that’s not a worry for you. Because this is the Raiders and we do things in as stupid a manner as possible, we rarely ever have Asomugha shadow the other team’s big play threat. Instead he just stays on one side of the field.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not worried about Holmes. The steelers have shown that they have enough versatility at WR that one of our WRs will be burning your defense. Think of Holmes as the sacrificial lamb for Nnamdi if the Raiders do actually assign him. I think that Holmes will like the challenge, and I’m guessing Nnam will as well.

It’s safe to say that steelers fans are concerned about defending the run. With Kirschke back in and splitting carries with our other active DE Hood, they were pushed all over the place in a way that must have had Aaron Smith shaking his head somewhere.

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Nov 30, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can already tell you how it's going to go

Holmes will spend the whole game burning Chris Johnson, Ward will carve up our linebackers/safeties who try to cover him and then Mike Wallace will outrun Asomugha on a long touchdown catch. Then I will cry and drink more beer.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Your Head Coach

Raybin, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.

Is Tom Cable the best Al Davis can do? Has that job become that undesireable? You guys were in the Super Bowl with Rich Gannon and the healm and the next season, the whole organization imploded and has not bounced back.

Would you like to see a guy like Bill Cowher take over your team? Are there rumors of Cable being out after this year with the team’s poor performance and his own off field issues?

by WARDANE33 on Nov 30, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

and the healm = at the healm

by WARDANE33 on Nov 30, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In a nutshell: yes. No one wants to coach the Raiders.

All Jon Gruden wanted to sign a contract extension in 2001 was final control of the 53 man roster and final authority to hire and fire all assistant coaches. He didn’t even care about the draft. I think at least 90 percent of all coaches in this league have that. Davis said no. We’ve been doomed ever since.

No self-respecting coach is going to want to come to Oakland where he knows he won’t be allowed to, you know……coach.

Would love to see Cowher take over the team. But he’s too smart to step into this situation. Davis could always realize that he’s wrong and hand over the keys to Cowher or whoever…but I’ve never seen any sign that he’ll do that.

And yes, short of finishing 7-9, Cable is good as gone.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dennis Dixon or Big Ben, who would you rather see this week, remember this years Ben doesn’t convert third downs like last years, he’s come back to being mortal.

Do you see any lasting benefit from the attitude Seymour brings? Is he helping the defense be accountable and play better? When they made that trade I thought if he could kick some life into the locker room and bring some leadership it would be a good trade. I know the effect Hines Ward has had on all of our receivers and if he could do that for some of your defense it could be a lasting benefit.

Lastly where do you see Al going in this years draft, I’m trying to make a mock draft and can’t figure out where Oakland will go, you have any insight?

Thanks for coming over, you beat the Bengals, and the Steelers are losing games pretty well this year, how do you view your chances? I honestly can’t say because we don’t know what team will show up next week.

by Phantaskippy on Nov 30, 2009 4:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'll say Dixon only because...

…Ben, regardless of whatever boneheaded plays he can make sometimes, has won two Super Bowls and is the superior QB. But let me tell you not to panic if Dixon has to play again….his feet will cause the Raiders HUGE headaches. The defense never seems to be able to handle a guy like that.

Yes, I see definite lasting benefit. Seymour is a winner who only knows winning (up until this year). He’s not the type to take defeatism or lackadasical attitudes lying down. He and Greg Ellis both have had good positive influences on our younger defensive players. They’re more vocal and they were needed….Asomugha is more of a quiet, intense type rather than an ass-kicker.

Trying to guess where Al is going with the draft is like lighting a cat’s tail on fire and predicting the exact spot where it will stop running. You can guess, but you can never know. If I were drafting, I’d be looking into Brandon Spikes out of Florida or Rolando McClain from Alabama. but then again I’m a semi-sensible human being who tries to do logical, rational and explicable things. Odds are good he’ll be looking into some help for the right side of the offensive line or the defensive interior.

In my dreams, we draft Ndamukong Suh, but there’s no way he’s still on the board by the time the Raiders pick since he’s gone in the top 3 for sure. Terrence Cody is a possibility as is Bruce Campbell, the OT out of Maryland.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did John Madden really tell his players to fake injury?

and do you think John Madden is the Yogi Berra of football?

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Nov 30, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No one knows that for sure but John and his players

And yes….yes he is. most definitely.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Robert Gallary

how has the RT from Iowa been? he’s been in the league a few times and when i watched the opener in SD, he looked really good. haven’t seen much of the Raiders since then so i don’t know. I liked him coming out of college.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 30, 2009 4:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

meant he's been in the league a few years

by WARDANE33 on Nov 30, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gallery is an interesting case

He had a really solid rookie year and then for whatever reason turned into a turnstile at LT. So they moved him to RT and that didn’t help things much either.

Finally he got moved to LG where he has been absolutely dominant. Don’t know why, but the guy is a total mauler. He’s a beast of a run blocker and super solid in pass protection. On any other team, he’d probably go to the Pro Bowl. He’s that good at guard.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We need to rec this or it will be off the page by tommorrow.

by Phantaskippy on Nov 30, 2009 4:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

just did it

btw – liked your post on the Rooneys and the organization, funny stuff.

by WARDANE33 on Nov 30, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Apparently even with Blitz’s warning people are taking it seriously.

by Phantaskippy on Nov 30, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It really is amazing.

You sure Ike isn’t reacquainting himself with his fingers, he certainly doesn’t use them for catching. - Brian (DaBolts) on "Face Me Ike"

by steelguy99 on Nov 30, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i said i liked it and it was funny

i didn’t say i didn’t KNOW it was a sarcastic post or was i taking it seriously

by WARDANE33 on Dec 1, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what if it's seriously funny in a sarcastic barbarian way

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 1, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

somebody could get hurt

by WARDANE33 on Dec 1, 2009 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Please do!

I’ll be gone in a little while, but probably back later tonight and then definitely tomorrow and on throughout the week until people get sick of me.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It seems quite obvious

that Heyward-bay is not your #1 receiver since he couldn’t catch herpes from a $3 hooker. Who is your #1, also what’s the deal with your secondary (other than Nnamdi)?

"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin

by SteelFever on Nov 30, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Our #1 receiver is Chaz Schilens

Who is a 2008 7th round pick out of San Diego State. I know that sounds bad, but it isn’t. Schilens has great hands, runs good routes and if he can stay healthy will be an awesome WR next season.

As for our secondary? A lot of it is the lack of CB depth behind Nnamdi. Any CB playing across from Asomugha is going to get picked on a lot, but Johnson had the kind of season last year that showed he could handle it. So Davis gave him a nice contract extension. Since then, his play has gone to crap. He got his payday and apparently doesn’t care anymore.

Stanford Routt may be the worst nickel corner in the league. I don’t even know who our #4 dime CB is, which should tell you all you need to know. Probably Jonathan Holland, but I’m too lazy to look.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What ever happened with D. Woodson?

Why/how did he get let go? I don’t recall. I know it’s been a while.

Bad Andy, Good Pizza.

by count'em_six on Nov 30, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

There have been two Woodsons on our team

Charles and Rod. Rod….well, you as Pittsburgh fans know. Charles moved on two years ago to Green Bay. He wanted out of the Oakland environment, but didn’t do anything spectacular in GB until this season. He seems to have found his old form again.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Nov 30, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Sorry I had McFadden on the brain when I posted. Meant Charles…

Bad Andy, Good Pizza.

by count'em_six on Dec 1, 2009 6:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

raider cheats

how about chain smokin freddy biletnikoff dunking his hands in glue?
how about kenny the drunk snake never quite getting the job done back in the day?

ahhh it was fun to watch

by goldfishindaheels on Nov 30, 2009 10:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I understand this was a rivalry back in the day, but I doubt we’d want any other team’s fans dragging the skeletons of our past out in a Q & A forum.

'I’ve learned to become a flat-liner. There’s a lot out there that’ll make your heart jump if you allow it."
-Coach Tomlin

by NYSteelersFan4 on Dec 1, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Man, I wish we could have had Jeff "The Hoss" Hostettler back in the day...

That would’ve been sa-WEET!! We damn sure would have won SB XXX with him. Instead we had horsey-face O’Donnell….

"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin

by SteelFever on Dec 1, 2009 12:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Heyward-Bey

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Anyway, I am a graduate of the University of Maryland and a current grad student there, so I have much interest in Hey-Bey-Bey’s progress. To be honest I have seen the Raiders play 0 times, but I can see the stats that say he is not producing. Is this because he is a rookie and gets less looks? He is not getting open? Or he does not have the QB to get him the ball?

To be honest, out of college I thought he was going to be a very good 2nd option WR. I am hoping he is still developing and can put up better numbers in his 2nd and 3rd years.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 1, 2009 9:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's a combination of things

1) Not getting open
2) Hands of stone
3) QB not getting him the ball

He’s looked slightly better as the season went on. I have hopes for next year if he works hard in the off -season. By all accounts, he is a dedicated worker, so that makes me feel a little better. I think a large part of his problem is confidence.

It’s interesting. DHB has blazing speed, but for now it all seems to be in a straight line….his route running speed isn’t as fast and he isn’t getting enough separation. I’m still crossing my fingers that it’ll come, though.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 1, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Limas Sweed

Looking back at this year’s draft, and looking ahead to the future, who would you rather have? DHB or Mike Wallace? I understand that their roles are a little different: DHB is supposed to be more of a #1, or #2 guy, while Wallace is more of a slot receiver with some room to grow. That being said, both are very similar in their skill sets, and both dominated at the combine being the number 1 and 2 in the 40 at receiver and maybe overall, and both showed a great verticals. So if you got to drop kick Davis, and make the decision all over again who would you chose?

BTSC Obituaries

OldManSteeler, ominously died two days before Superbowl 123 where the Ravens are set to attempt their 7th superbowl win, facing the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He was 86. His last words are believed to be "MALOR CAN SUCK IT!!!". Like friends and family, we can only guess what this could mean.

by HighSchoolSteeler on Dec 1, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No question in my mind: Mike Wallace

Two reasons:

1) We could’ve taken someone useful with that #7 overall pick (I wanted B.J. Raji or Michael Oher) and gotten Wallace in the 2nd or 3rd round

2) Wallace has better hands anyway

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 2, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder how much less Wallace gets paid?

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Dec 2, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt a lot

Too lazy to look up specifics, but I think DHB’s deal was something like 5 years, 23.5 million. He has 9 catches and 1 TD so far this year. hangs self

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 3, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Go Terps!

I still think DHB has a very high ceiling. Do you have a vet WR there to show him the ropes? Getting picked that early might have been the worst thing that could happen for him. It probably went straight to his head.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 3, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

warning

i’m cautious,,,,i mentioned on this gossip rag that the raiders could be scarey when i first saw highlites of their eagles game where they were throwing bodies around like they were the 76 raiders and they have a franchise deep seering hatred of us

by steelswine on Dec 1, 2009 5:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If those Raiders show up, it'll be a tough game

If the team that played the debacles against the Bronocs, Giants and Jets show up, it’ll be a massacre.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 2, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hey rabin

its j-man what up i like these pitt fans a lot but i have to root for oak just in case we lose to kc noting penoral steeler fans just for tiebreaking puroures but if we beat kc go pitt my q is why dont the raiders run more

okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule

by j-man on Dec 1, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Why, oh why did Emperor Al-patine fire Art Shell after just one season?

Seriously, even one of the best head coaches of all time needs more than a year to fix what’s wrong with the Raiders.

"Chris! That's a terrible word! Pussywillows..."
-Lois Griffin

by SteelFever on Dec 2, 2009 11:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I've been in a coaches clinic that he was the headline (keynote if you will) speaker

I was an offensive Coordinator and looked forward to it. After hearing him speak and do his Q & A, I understand why he didn’t last long. His ideas were antiquated and he couldn’t understand the concerns of the numerous college and high school coaches in attendance. I got some really nice notes on hand fighting and simple traps, but that’s where it ended. Long story short; I’m not surprised he didn’t last long. I’m not hating on him. He would be a very good line coach but that’s about it IMO.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Who are you coaching Arn?

The Pop-Warner Little Giants? Haha

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No the little Cowboys

We lost. :(

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you going to raise hell in december?

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't coach anymore :(

I don’t have the time. I thought I could coach pee wee to get a fix, but I’m too much of a perfectionist. I still worked 4-5 hours a night on schemes, player evaluations, film studies (yes we had a scout), play scripting and drills. I’m so ashamed. I get my coaching fix by coaching 5-6 year olds in teeball. That is a very humbling experience and therapy for a perfectionist….trust me.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Scouting in pee-wee, I love it.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

It’s crazy. If you don’t do it you’ll get beat down by the good teams.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I see

Never played pop-warner. I was raised with soccer/lacrosse. I did not know as a kid all the money was in football/basketball/baseball.

Wall of Shame
-"I’m glad we play Pitt twice, and not Tenn this year." - Brownie's Year
-"BB is ok (slightly overated)…but he is NO Kyle Orton! I’ll take Kyle over Ben any day" - Bronco_Fan_Tom
-PIT 24 KC 27

by Johnny_S on Dec 2, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Go out and watch sometimes

I know here and in Virginia it’s cut throat. The parents are ruthless and the coaches are ultracompetitive (cheaters). It’s nasty. It’s more relaxing to coach high school and college than pee wee. Unless coaching high scholl or college is your form of income.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is ridiculous. My 4 year old is just now asking about soccer and other sports

I think he’d enjoy some sports, and wanted him to try a little of everything. Only then will I make the decision for him that he must be an all star at football so he can go to a D 1 school and then get into the nfl and then help me retire. If he can’t take the hits, Ill make sure he’s good at baseball.

(is that how it goes?)

by SteelersVT on Dec 2, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Do yourself and him a favor

Hold off on playing football. I can’t believe I’m saying this but…yes I can. If he doesn’t play football until middle or high school he’s not going to miss anything. I’ve seen pee wee mess up more kids than it’s helped. Pee wee is more for the adults than the kids. You can learn the game playing flag football and just doing grass drills to teach muscle memory. Some kids do well in trasition from pee wee to higher levels. Some are skill players in all levels. Most play a position in pee wee that they won’t play at a higher level. For example: a kid may play RB or QB in pee wee but be a lineman in high school. A kid may play lineman in pee wee and be a QB or RB in high school. A kid may never play until his junior or senior year of high school and start at RB.

Also in response to the can’t take a hit comment….If he doesn’t like contact at 6-11 years olds or so, don’t force him or he’ll never want to play. As I said before it’s not going to hurt him if he decides to play later. A kid one of my fellow coaches was going to coach in pee wee back in 2002 or so, didn’t liek the physical aspects of football so he cried a lot. Finally his parents let him quit. He is a Junior QB and was 2nd team all-district QB in the Bayrivers District this year. There is also a kid he coached that now stars for Virginia state powerhouse Phoebus High. He was a QB in pee wee now I think he’s a Safety now. Sorry If I rambled, but I want to save you some money and headaches.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 2, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow, cool reply!

About all my boy plays now is disc golf with me. He can throw a S curving hyzer shot a good 40 feet already. I was sort of kidding about him playing football, I doubt the wife would ever let him, and I’m the over protective type that sees the things most parents do and just cringe.

My boys are as cage-free organic as it gets- I am trying hard not to subject them to artificial lifestyles, hollow routines and expectations that seem to derail many a young mind. (but monster truck shows, demolition derbys, and truck pulls are excellent educational field trips)

That being said, I grew up in an area where the parents sort of have a look in their eyes when they see their kid do well at the high school level, makes the newspaper every week. The next Tebow, they see. Then I go back and visit Steubenville valley mall and see the same ol guys wearing their ’80s varsity jackets, and early stages of comb overs in the works.

by SteelersVT on Dec 2, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Arn that's excellent advice.

When my son was 8, he begged, pleaded and whined to play. Spent a bloody fortune on gear etc. to find out that he couldn’t bring himself to hit another kid. (We had a zero tolerance rule for hitting in our home) Took half a season for him to make a good hit and then he’d go back to make sure the guy he hit was ok and help him up. My hubby and I were proud and devastated at the same time!

All things change.. and when my son hit 14, he again played. This time however hitting wasn’t a problem (very aggressive TE on offense and speed demon CB on defense) Age and maturity coupled with not learning bad habits in peewee really helped him.

The confidence he gained from exceptional coaches who always, always put the kids first really made a difference. Those guys didn’t hesitate to put a parent in their place either.

He really hated the game at 8… at 14 he had a different perspective and it was all in the coaching and maturation process.

Can’t thank you guys who take the time to coach enough!

When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!

by 1BlkGldFan on Dec 2, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

I’m glad you weren’t one of “those parents”. Your son is very fortunate to have you and your husband as parents. When I say “those parents” I mean the ones that push their elementary kids because theya re the next coming. They push them through injuries and mental breakdowns.

Worse than football is gymnastics. My daughter was a level 9 gymnast at age 11. She was pushed hard but didn’t mind much. The breaking point was when she was competing at regionals for a chance to go to Nationals. She was in the top 5 and just needed a clean routine. One of the coaches from New Jersey watched her warm up her bar routine and said that would have gotten her a 9.75.

It became here turn. She was waiting for the judges to score the previous routine and was mentally ready to go. Her coach for some reason wanted her to warm up a skil she did in here routine. It was a difficult blind release from high to low bar (called a “pack” if you know gymnastics) she hit her foot on the high bar and almost feel on her head. She was a wreck.

Just then the judges gave her the ok. Her routine was bad because she was mentally a wreck. We moved to Ohio and she said she was done. We pushed her because she had invested all those years. reluctantly she continued. Long story short she broke her back and is no longer in gymnastics.

Bad parent. I had become what I dispised as a coach.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 3, 2009 6:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hindsight is 20/20

Don’t be too hard on yourself. I understand all too well the “woulda, coulda, shoulda”. It’s our job to inspire (push) our kids to maximize their potential~ especially after they’ve not succeeded. That’s where the tricky part comes in though. Are they quitting merely because they didn’t achieve this time and lost a little of that edge, or did they genuinely lose the mental ability to hang on and compete safely and with confidence.

It’s the eternal question. Do you encourage them to get back on the horse or do you not? I don’t want my kids to think one failure is the end of the world. I also don’t want to see them doing something “for me” that in their heart, they really dislike.

None of my kids competed at the National level and I can only imagine the stress they endure when they do. There’s such a fine line between being supportive and encouraging of our kids and pushing them, it’s easy to watch the line blur. I can’t imagine you encouraged your daughter to try it again without it being from the very best part of your heart.

My 11 year old daughter tests for her 2nd degree black belt in March. She likes karate “ok” but her LOVE is soccer. I see karate becoming a thing of her past within a year or two. That’s fine by me.

When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!

by 1BlkGldFan on Dec 3, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I try but.....

Anyhow…she’s a cheerleader now and I really hate that! I’m trying to get her to quit.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill

by PixburghArn on Dec 3, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nice

i am a pefectionist also if u want to exance ideas e-mail- me

okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule

by j-man on Dec 2, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"Are you going to raise hell in december?"

Come on man, that’s an instant classic Tomlinism

“We will unleash hell here in December because we have to. We won’t go in a shell. We’ll go into attack mode, because that’s what’s required.”

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Dec 2, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mcfadden?

Hey Raybin
I watched a bit of the Raiders game against the Chargers earlier this year, and it seemed like Mcfadden was ready to emerge as a workhorse in this league. What happened to him?

Bruce Arians for Notre Dame head coach!! Kill two birds with one stone

by syracusepittfan on Dec 2, 2009 9:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I watched that game too

And I got an overwhelming feeling …finally i thought, Mr. McFadden is going to dominate like he did in college, he’s running like a beast!

But, it was a one game thing….besides the point, i’m glad its Mendenhall that is running like the beast now :)

Should have, could have, but didn't

by SunshineSteeler on Dec 3, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Who knows about McFadden

He’s been injured for a significant part of his first two seasons and has only had one truly game-breaking, dominating performance. That was last year against Kansas City, which is also the game he suffered his first injury.

DMac has been heavily criticized in Raider Nation for going down too early, but I’ve been very encouraged by his couple games since returning for injury. He’s not h itting and fighting defenders. It’s a good sign and I hope he builds on it. If he ever puts it together, watch out.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 3, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What, all sorts of fail on my part

He IS hitting and fighting defenders now.

And returning FROM injury.

Ack.

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 3, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You know it’s a Raiders fan when he references being crazy, drinking too much, porn, lighting cats tails on fire and suicide. lol. Enjoyed the read and answers Raybin. Good luck Sunday!

by raven on Dec 2, 2009 11:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

+100

I thank you :-)

"'Tis a bird I love, with its brooding note, And the trembling throb in its mottled throat; There's a human look in its swelling breast, And the gentle curve of its lowly crest; And I often stop with the fear I feel-- He runs so close to the rapid wheel." Nathaniel Parker Willis, "The Belfrey Pigeon"

by Raybin on Dec 3, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I have a question

Why is our Q&A on your site getting such a poor response? I’m assuming your readers must have participated in such things before?
I’ve been cruising on Silver and Black Pride, trying to get a feel for how the Raiders are viewing the upcoming game, and I’m getting quite a barren and dysfunctional vibe over there. It puts me in mind of the Simpson episode where Marge tries to improve morale at the Springfield power plant. They zoom out to show one employee sobbing at his desk, another one obsessively cleaning a rifle, and so on. I get the feeling that Raiders fans are absent and/or eating their livers.

by Weirtonite on Dec 4, 2009 3:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs