tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63729855262232968732024-03-13T11:27:17.320-07:00The Raider BroadsideAll things Oakland RaiderRick Richardsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03078876429488666444noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372985526223296873.post-89932519237503625332010-11-28T12:48:00.000-08:002010-11-28T14:09:54.849-08:00Raiders Quarterback Carousel Won't End SoonBy Rick Richardson<br /><br />Start Bruce! No, give Campbell a fair shot! These are the shouts of a Raider Nation that has endured more than their fair share of turmoil. <br /><br />Neither is the answer.<br /><br />Bruce Gradkowski is the short-term band-aid. He is a spark that has been missing but ends up being reckless with his body and the ball in a desperate attempt at one final effort of NFL relevancy. His heart is limitless even if his talent in finite. <br /><br /> “The Bruce” is easy to root for; he has every thing you need for stardom except one thing…big league talent. He could be good, maybe even really good in an offense that could run on anybody and allow him to play within his game. However, these Raiders are not there yet as the Steelers demonstrated. Last weeks drubbing sent a blue print to the rest of the league. If you stop the Raiders run game it gets ugly in a hurry. <br /><br />Jason Campbell reminds you of the old 7-UP commercials touting their aversion to caffeine. “Never had it and never will”. Great guy, but even his latest comment leaves you questioning his passion for the game. As per Raidernews.com Campbell is quoted as saying, <br /><br /><em>“We’re at home, and the main thing about it is we just need to bring the energy into our stadium, no matter what’s going on. I feel like, for the most part in this season, <strong>I had a pretty good year, and hey, we lost two tough games, but that happens</strong>.</em><br /><br />After that last sentence, somewhere Rich Gannon just threw up a little. <br /><br />The Raiders and their faithful have had more than their share of “oh well, stuff happens” emanating from the leader on the field. The JaMarcus Russell experiment gave the Raiders enough lethargy and apathy to fill <strong>and</strong> empty Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.<br /><br />So don’t blame them if it seems a little quick to pull the plug on Campbell.<br /><br />Campbell brings no energy or urgency. His delivery is painfully slow and a defensive backs dream. His only redeeming feature is an athleticism that shows up only enough to tease you with potential. <br /><br />The only solution for the Raiders is a Gradkowski band aide until a quarterback handpicked by Hue Jackson in next years draft can be groomed to take the reigns. A quarterback that can match Jackson’s fire and intelligence working within his system could be the quarterback whom the Raider faithful are searching.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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An enjoyable diversion that can fit seamlessly into a Saturday afternoon's activities. After the first few picks, I usually find time to mow the lawn, and grill some steaks. Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DVR</span>! It is those first five that hold the most drama after all. Especially since the Raiders have been in one of those slots too many times in the last several years.<br /><br />Does the draft live up to its billing? Mostly no, sometimes yes. Let’s face it most teams miss. Not because the player is always worthless, but because with the money being spent and the cap ramifications, few teams have the luxury of letting a player develop. The leap from college to pro is large, and most rookies can’t create that sudden impact everyone is looking for. When picking in the top five everything is magnified. Players in the top 5 instantly vault to the top of the salary scale without playing one down of pro football. With this in mind teams picking in the top five need to look at acquiring the most bang for their buck. The immediate return on their investment. A pick that sells tickets. There is no room for a top five pick to take four years to develop anymore. If a player takes this long to season, the payoff usually is with a new team.<br /><br />Therefore, with this in mind here is a look at the potential sudden impact makers of this draft.<br /><br />Chris Long-<br /><br />Sudden impact: This kid could be special. His non-stop motor and tenacious mentality could elevate a team. His father’s lineage is also a plus, especially for the Raiders.<br /><br />Thud: His father’s legacy could pull him down. He is not huge, and the Raiders have already invested in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kalimba</span> Edwards minimizing some of the need for DE.<br /><br />Vernon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gholston</span>-<br /><br /><strong>Sudden Impact:</strong> Athletic freak. Put up wicked combine numbers. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gholston</span> had a great game vs. Jake Long and Michigan. Could potentially be the next “freak” <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ala</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jevon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kearse</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kearse</span> definitely made a sudden impact in his earliest years although he faded quickly.<br /><br /><strong>Thud:</strong> One scout compared him to Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mamula</span>! Has the potential to be the typical workout warrior. He is a better fit for outside linebacker in the 3-4. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Gholston</span> could actually be the Brady Quinn of this year’s draft, stepping on the old draft day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">slippin</span>’ slide, unless Raiders become enamored with his physical qualities.<br /><br />Jake Long-<br /><br /><strong>Sudden Impact:</strong> Could be this years Joe Thomas. Big, physical and strong. Potentially could make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Jamarcus</span> Russell feel comfortable in the pocket, accelerating Russell's growth.<br /><br /><strong>Thud:</strong> Could be this years Robert Gallery. He is an offensive linemen limiting ticket-selling value. Better off finding that workhorse in the later rounds. Left tackle is a very tough position. Might struggle if forced into action early.<br /><br />Darren <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mcfadden</span>-<br /><br /><strong>Sudden Impact:</strong> Explosive speed and athleticism. Multi-faceted player with game changing ability. Good hands. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Mcfadden</span> carries with him star potential, which would be great for ticket sales. Would play right away.<br /><br /><strong>Thud:</strong> More of a speed back than a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">pounder</span>. Is <strong>not</strong> Adrian Peterson. Most runs are on the outside, and big runs up the middle were often through big holes. Missouri shut him down in the Cotton Bowl. Raiders already have stable of capable running backs.<br /><br />Glenn Dorsey-<br /><br /><strong>Sudden Impact:</strong> Could be the next Warren <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sapp</span>. Very strong with a non- stop motor. Can force teams to game plan around him. Has moderate star potential unless he becomes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sapp</span> like, then he could marketing force. Would most likely play right away, as Raiders are thin at defensive tackle.<br /><br /><strong>Thud:</strong> Could be unhealthy. Lots of money and poor health do not mix. Might get pushed around by massive NFL offensive linemen. Recent investments in defensive line might make it cost prohibitive.<br /><br />Trade Down:<br /><br /><strong>Sudden impact:</strong> Most likely would get players of equal or greater value. Could fill more holes in a Swiss cheese filled roster. Much less impact on cap. Raiders fans <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">aren</span>’t like typical fans. Most are knowledgeable and do not need star power to fill the seats. They want to see the team building a winner. There are many good players later on, and it is a guarantee that there will be late first round picks out performing top fives any given Sunday. The Raiders are thin on picks.<br /><br /><strong>Thud:</strong> Chiefs, Broncos, or Chargers swoop in and pick the next superstar to haunt us for a decade. That is the only thud that matters to me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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