Well, the circus in now open. Grab your tickets and come see the amazing football team!
No, it's not that bad. Trust me, it could be worse.
First of all, Lane Kiffin, showing that there are no strings attached to his back or arms, stated it pretty plainly: There's not a lot of depth and because of this, some subpar players will probably be able to hang onto the club...because there's no one else to do the job.
Take Higgins for example. One week he is hailed, and the next week he is barbecued. Who would replace him? There aren't enough healthy bodies to fill in the CB spots half the time. Who is going to return kicks?
Ah....but that is a problem that can be fixed. First of all, you need a couple key players to get healthy, like DeAngelo Hall or Tyvon Branch. Hey, if Louis Rankin can catch, stick him back there and let him get a full head of steam.
The next sideshow is the incredible tower of one. That would be Miller, our tight end with hands of glue. If you don't believe me, check out the TD he caught last week. I've been saying it over and over, and I'm standing by it: He's the best TE since Todd Christensen played for us in L.A.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Our other WRs, with the exception of Ronald Curry, have been, well, a vanishing act. Curry had three catches for Russell, while Walker missed two for sure, and Higgins, again, looked lost, turning the wrong way on one such play.
As far as the games have gone, I've seen several good things.
First of all, we have a running game. Even if the defense puts 10 in the box and sells out to stop the run, that might not do it. After all, with Bush, McFadden, and Fargas taking turns punching, those linemen will get tired in a hurry.
Secondly, if teams are foolish enough to try and stonewall with us, it leaves a slant-pass open, or the TE can spring loose...and it seems Russell/Miller is a combo that will work for years...enjoy the sights.
Also, I need to mention that our defense, at the outset last week, looked pretty good while running blitz packages. As the game wore on, a lot of the players had to get acclimated to different run styles.
One thing that having a good running game will aid in is that our defense will only need to be out on the field for 20 minutes or so, instead of 30-35. Clock control helps in all aspects.
As for the special teams and kicking...find a replacement for the Higgins. Pure and simple. Surprisingly, our kicker might find himself without a job. Lechler, unless it's career threatening, shouldn't worry.
What, me? Worry?
Nah, they're still preseason games.
Looking forward to Sept. 8, 2008.
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3 months ago
I am not that big on getting rid of J.L. Higgins just yet. This guy has a first step and 2nd gear that only a few guys in the league have. He just needs a little more discipline. You can't blame a guy for trying to make a play. He just needs to be aware of where the ball is going to land and where the coverage team is when he is fielding a punt. If he can correct those two things I really think he can be one of the very best return men in the league.
from 3 months ago
understandable Rock.
The only problem I see, is the James Jett Problem. You can have speed, but if you can't catch it, your speed is worthless.
You can have great hands, but not outrun the pursuit, same problem. Who wants a reciever who's good for the next 5 yards, when you need 15?
I know the urge to return another is strong, but if he can figure out the difference between a smart idea, and a foolish idea, i'm all for keeping him.
But it comes down to say a close game, and he fields a punt, muffs it, and costs us a win in KC or Denver....do you still want him?
from 3 months ago
both good points, but the coaching staff told him to field the ball inside the 10 and make something happen! He tried it was a bad idea and well now he looks bad. He is much better then the lack lusture players before him and is still very young and raw. If he blows a game for us against KC or Denver? How could it ever be that close against those teams? We are so much better then them right now! If it did I would say I'm willing to stand behind this guy as he learns! Go Raiders!
3 months ago
I see where you are coming from. He most likely needs to have another big return over the next two games to make the squad. I wouldn't mind if Louis Rankin, from my hometown Stockton, Ca, takes Higgins' job returning kicks or punts or both. Rankin has shown that he can make big plays as he broke that 70+ yarder against the 49ers. He has been splitting the duties with Higgins in practice this week.
from 3 months ago
love rankin but as a punt returner?
He didn't even return punts at lincoln did he?
from 3 months ago
occasionally he would return punts at Lincoln
3 months ago
So agree with you on Rankin making this team. He's got very quick feet, and good hands. I know Kiffin seems to have something for Higgins, but they either need to whip his ass and drill into him that he needs to hold onto that damn ball and start making better decisions, or they need to cut him. We need to show people that this is a different team than the last 5 years. Higgins isn't showing that to me yet. But Rankin, we know that he won't make the team as a RB, it's stacked. So, if he can be a returner than so be it. Put him in there for a chance this preseason and see what he can do. But, let's see if Higgins can earn some respect this weekend in the Coliseum against the Cards. It's put up or shut up, 2 pre-season games left. Than it starts to count.
Good article RCA.
from 3 months ago
lori I don't care about showing people anything I care about wins when the goal is to win not try guys out in situations. They told him to field the punt in side the 10 and make something happen!
from 3 months ago
Frank, it's one thing if the coaches tell him to make something happen. But it's another thing to do something bone-headed while trying to make something happen.
If anything, heck, get sacked in the end zone, at least you only give up 2 points instead of 6....not counting the extra point. If he would have gone down on the initial point, he would have been down at the 2, instead, he got ran into by multiple players. Telling him make something happen, doesn't involve getting stupid.
from 3 months ago
Lori. i wouldnt be to worried about Higgins.. Chris Carr muffed a few punts as well when he first got here.. but he learned.. Higgins will learn too.. i think 1 bad game really isnt enough to warrent the critisism.. however.. this is the time for him to make those mistakes.. better in a preseason game then against the garbage donkies.. agree? hey we could always bring back Doug Gabriel LOL
from 2 months ago
Frank, I care about showing the Raider fans out there that this is a different team. Because I think we are different in a lot of ways. I understand that they probably told him to field that punt, because of some of the bone-headed crap that he did last year. Higgins is young and he has a lot to learn. My point is that he didn't make anything happen.
I honestly say that we try Rankin in this position. I honestly believe that he will turn a lot of heads. Maybe another Hester. Who knows?
3 months ago
I honestly belive Higgins will not make it to the regular season. He was on the bubble after last season and that TD against SF just wasn't enough.The James Jett analogy is 100% spot on.I look for either Rankin or Tyvon Branch to handle return duties. Both will probably get a long look the next two games. As for kicking, Janokowski has nothing to worry about. Aaron Elling is not going to replace him whether it would be a good move or not.
from 3 months ago
elling looked horrible at the celebration and was additioning for a job elsewhere in the titan's game Jano is safe higgins will make this team!
3 months ago
Not sure about Higgins yet. As for Rankin we should keep him if at all possible and utilize anytime games get out of hand. My thought process is that if he does real well, then we can use in a trade for WR, Oline, etc.
from 3 months ago
Fargus at the end of the year might be trade bait if rankin catches on he won't make it to the practice team, my opinion anyway.
3 months ago
No! No! No!.......Preseason is for figuring which 52 guys you want to carry into the season. Preseason is the time for the want-a-be's to show what they have. It is also time to se if the returning veterans still fit in.
from 3 months ago
It's all for process in situation you can't simulate in practice.
3 months ago
Does Usain Bolt know how to catch a football?
from 3 months ago
NO that is a NO the guy is a 160 soaken wet! no football player there.
from 3 months ago
I know,,,, it was a joke?
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