As the 2008 NFL season nears, the Oakland Raiders are in a period of transition. Since the Super Bowl in 2003, where they were destroyed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 48-21, the Raiders have compiled a 19-61 record.
By far, this is the worst record of any team in that period, and having four different coaches won't help change that. On Jan. 22, 2007, the Raiders entered the era of head coach Lane Kiffin. A young, feisty but laid-back 33-year old (31 at the time of his hiring) was given the reins to the most storied franchise in the NFL, by one of the most influential owners in the league, Al Davis.
Davis entrusted that Kiffin, the youngest coach in the modern era of the league, would turn the franchise around. Davis hoped that Kiffin would follow the lead some of the former young coaches he had hired, specifically Madden and Flores, who both led the Raiders to championships.
Oakland ended Kiffin's first season with a 4-12 record and the fourth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
But in Kiffin's first year, the Raiders had drafted the quarterback of the future, JaMarcus Russell, who despite holding out for an extended time, played well in his limit playing time. They also established a top-flight rushing attack under offensive line coach Tom Cable, as well as splashing signs of the potential to be a contender in the AFC West, as six games were decided by seven points or less.
During the offseason, rumors floated around that Kiffin's job was on the line, either by resignation pressed by Davis or that he would leave to take the Arkansas job. The rumors were never louder than when current receivers coach James Lofton was interviewed.
To this day, the rumors are still rampant, and the reason for Lofton's interview was never found, but Kiffin is still the coach, and that’s the way it should be. Fast-forward to today, where current top pick Darren McFadden is running around the practice field with the burst of speed that Davis covets, and is giving fans a reason to expect greatness.
Also helping in the backfield is Michael Bush. The former fourth-round pick out of Louisville was a top prospect and Heisman-Trophy contender before he broke his leg in the opening game of his senior season. Bush will be featured as the "Thunder" to McFadden's "Lightning", and will send fear into the opposition for years to come.
Russell, who despite rumors of him bloating up to 300+ pounds, looks better than ever and is eager to build upon his rookie season. Coaches and players alike have said that Russell is always either in the weight room or watching film, and it excites everyone from Davis on down.
Javon Walker was brought in to give Russell a deep threat to match his strong arm, and could easily return to Pro-Bowl form and live up to the six-year, $55 million contract he received, if he recovers from a torn ACL properly.
Gibril Wilson brought his championship ring, as well as his ferocious hits and great man-to-man defense, to Oakland to help restore what was seemingly the best part of the team in recent years. He also should free up former top pick Michael Huff to roam the secondary and make plays as he did for the national champion Texas Longhorns.
Also with the addition of DeAngelo Hall in the defensive backfield, offensive coordinators will go crazy. Hall, who the Raiders received for only a 2nd round draft choice, is as talented as any other corner in the league. One of Hall's bigger strengths is his man-to-man coverage skills and he should not be misused as he was under the Falcons zone-read defense. When teamed up with the aforementioned defensive backs, as well as Pro Bowl corneback Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders arguably may have the best defensive backfield unit in the league.
Finally, with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, the Raiders locked up Tommy Kelly and brought in Greg Spires to try to fix one of the more spongy defensive lines in the league.
What does all of this add up to, you ask? Well, if I do my math correctly, from what transpired as well as adding the upcoming schedule, I figured that the Raiders should roughly be on par for a respectable 8-8 season. While that may not be great, or put Oakland in the playoffs for the first time since the disaster in Super Bowl XXXVII, it is a step in the right direction.
In turn, Kiffin would probably get an extension, the past offseason would not be looked at as a desperate spending spree, and the Raiders, the team for the decades, would make a return to excellence
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4 months ago
Good straight forward article.
First I would like to say that Kiffin would be unlikely to even negotiate an extension, almost as much as Al would be likely to offer him an extension.
My gut says he bolts for another job if the Raiders do well. Other wise he finshes the last year of his contract then leaves.
The Raiders are definitley on the right track though.
4 months ago
well fuck u kevin
kiffin is the best thing to happen to the raiders organization in the modern era other then madden.
also the raiders have an excellent chance of winning there division this year if lighting and thunder get the ground game going so russel can spread the ball around and with gibril covering respectively the 2 best tighends in the league and huff makeing amazing plays with the best corner tandem in the league and the rest covering the run.
the raiders are play off bound in kiffins second season,
raiders fan for life
4 months ago
I would say that the Raiders are due for a pretty good season. They should challenge Denver and steamroll Kansas City. That being said: "The most storied franchise in the NFL?" I would beg to differ. There are at least 4 other organizations that are just as if not more tradition rich than the Raiders. To top it off, I can name them: Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. I would say the Raiders fit into that mix somewhere, but I doubt it's at #1.
4 months ago
Kiffin knows todays football. I agree with Robbie but I think Kevin is right. Why would Kiffin want to stay around Al?
Al Davis is hurting the Raiders now. He needs to let go of control. No one of quality will want to coach the Raiders because Al doesn't back off.
I hope we somehow keep Kiffin for a real long time. He sees football but I doubt that it will happen.
Maybe he will stay for JaMarcus and his team.
4 months ago
You forgot Dallas John, and I hate to say it but if its not the Raiders number one then it would have to be Dallas.
Also I don't know if I would throw the niners in that mix. Two good decades? and thats being generous?
from 4 months ago
Winning can change everything, and it does. My view of a possible outcome.
Raiders have been showing something special in camp. The guys are smiling again.
Russel's on track & then some. The "D" is looking much stronger. The O-line should continue to
develop under Cable. The runners...simply the hottest news out there. Special teams is getting
special attention and should they rise to the play of the rest, it could go like this...
Raiders surprise with their relentless "D", shutting down the Bronco's & holding the Chargers
to less than 20 points. Russ finds sufficient time in the pocket due to the running game & the
raiders own the ball for 55% + of the games. Raiders become hot again, just like under Gannon,
and the Raiders by game 12 are the talk of the NFL. Most improved team and likely to be
a serious player in the playoffs.
Kiffin and Al become buddies again and the Raiders are primed for a 4 to 6 years of excellence.
I know, most of you think I'm full of shit, but I know this team, I know the NFL, and you might
not remember this post when the playoffs hit, but I will copy and paste it again just to remind you.
I reminded you when Gannon was putting it together, and I heard the same crap. It's happening
once more.
BadinBlack, reporting from the North State of California
4 months ago
First of all, calm down Robbie. But if you can't see the writing on the wall, then where have you been since the season ended.
Does the name Gruden ring a bell. He was a better coach than Kiffin and he got handed his walking papers.
Why, because both their names got tied to college coaching jobs. Where there is smoke there is fire. Gruden to the Notre Dame job and Kiffin to the Arkansas job. Al put these guys on when no one else would. Then that is how they repay him. I don't blame Al for doing this. The unfortunate part is that it is Al's hands on approach that prolly pushed them to do it in the first place.
Bottom line, Al has brought 3 rings, even being on the bad end of the immaculate reception (which it was illegal back then to catch a ball batted by your own team, and that was on camera...WTF) and the tuck game/snow job. He has put great teams on the field and is responsible for this Raider Nation, the culture the history, all of it.
So fans that want to see him gone I say this... Be careful what you wish for, you just might not like what you get...
4 months ago
Article failed to mention D-Hall....and to settle the squabble: Kiffin is great
from 4 months ago
I don't know what your talking about...........wink wink
4 months ago
by Stu
Kiffin should stay put and build a legacy that starts with turning around the Raiders. Al Davis is barely two years away from 80 years old. Get that....life expectancy is not much beyond 76 for a male. Have any of you been around a man of that age lately. Davis is going to fade fast, even if his football mind is intact he will not be the force he was in the future. Kiffin is young and needs to hold tight and he can lead this team like Madden did as a young football mind.
4 months ago
If Kiffin can turn it around in his 3 years, hopefully Al's son contacts him to stick around since he'll take over once the old man steps down. I know Al has controlling interest but you would think that the other share holders would be able to challenge him regarding his mental capability to run the organization. Miami a more storied franchise? How many SB's did they go to/win? Pittsburg, Yes. If it weren't for Pittsburg Al would have a few more SB's under his belt. I have my 09/07/08 tickets (Oak vs. KC) on the 49 yrd line 5 rows up from the Chief's bench. This should be awesome!!!!
4 months ago
Just remember Al's mother lived to be over a 100, so don't count to soon. I am more interested in seeing how good the pro personnel department did in the draft. That is where we need to improve. Let see how many make the 53 man roster...that is our future, not a team of free agents that bury you in the cap market for future years.
4 months ago
Jeff
I'll be across the field from you in sec 116 row11 seats 12&13 where I always sit!
Andrew good read iteresting take I also believe 8-8 or 9-7
the 9-7 could back door us into the playoffs with the tiebreakers falling our way!
Again enjoyed the read
please take a glance at mine I'ld like your feedback.
What did my Oakland Raiders need to do to win the West?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/26408-What-did-my-Oakland-Raiders-need-to-do-to-win-the-West-
4 months ago
With the schedule that Oakland has this year, there is no reason why they cannot be 8-8. The one thing that is really pissing me off is the media running off at the mouth on so called facts they call truth. Al has stocked the cuboards full and Kiffin has no excuses. Win or be shown the door, there is no room for mediocrity in the NFL or for the Oakland Raiders. I firmly believe the Raiders will be alot better than what the haters or the so called experts want to give credit for. The running game is going to be killer , all we need is the defense to get on the same page and the wins will come. Like history past, Kiffin is an up and coming coach who is trying to make green pastures for himself, and like Gruden will leave when the first opportunity arises and Al will not hesitate to say bubye. May seem like a crazy thought, I think that Al is grooming Ryan as a head coach and thats when I feel the Raiders will make some noise. Lofton's hiring tells me that Kiffin will be gone regardless of what happens this season. Lofton is going to be groomed for offensive coordinator so call me nuts ,but thats what my head is telling me. I do know that the Raiders are heading in the right direction and its good to see players like kirk Morrison being so positive and upbeat. The Raider players want to win badly, and the effort being shown tells me that its going to happen alot sooner than what the haters want. I so hope that when we do start dominating in the west that we show no mercy and we make several teams "eat it" I would like to see some heads stepped on and all of our swagger back that so defines "Raider Nation".
4 months ago
Good article but again, we are not #1...the simple rule is number of Super Bowls won; Dallas, SF, Pittsburgh and I hate to say it New England shoot even the Giants. I am glad that other Raider fans like myself concur that in order to bring our team back to its glory days is that Al has to let go of control...until that happens expect to lose good coached like Kiffin...
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