The Chucky Era was the closest I ever came to rooting for those bums.
Posted on 07/22/2008 7:32:14 AM PDT by SmithL
WARREN SAPP addressed the subject, as did Jerry Porter, Stuart Schweigert and Chris Carr. Each was cryptic in describing his experience with the Raiders and an owner who hasn't achieved his desired goal in a quarter-century.
As the 2008 Raiders, with a dramatically altered roster, begin workouts Thursday in Napa, the veiled references of springtime are history. What lingers is the insinuation that the organization is its own worst enemy.
It's not that the Raiders can't succeed but that any chance to do so demands that the talent overcome a culture that is whimsical, cannibalistic and, naturally, fraught with anxiety.
In short, win despite unhealthy conditions.
No doubt owner Al Davis has added talent. That he spent more than ever speaks to his desperation.
For the first time since the 1980s, Oakland has the best cornerback tandem in football. Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall will need no more help in 2008 than Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes needed in 1983 — the last Super Bowl championship season. Indeed, the overall defensive secondary will be vastly improved.
For the first time since the 1980s, the Raiders have a running back who rides into the NFL on a vessel of hype. Darren McFadden is their most touted young runner since the Marcus Allen/Bo Jackson years.
Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly's huge new contract was presented with the hope that he will be as versatile and outstanding as Howie Long was in 1983.
JaMarcus Russell enters his second season, first as starter, as the most heralded young quarterback in Raiders history.
Such tremendous promise.
Such fragile chemistry.
Sapp spent the final four years of his NFL career in Oakland. He's one of the best defensive linemen ever. He's observant, intelligent and outspoken — often theatrically so.
He described his Raiders experience as "dark as a black hole." Sapp, in a post-retirement interview with the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, minced no words.
"Stuff went on in that organization that shouldn't go on in sports," he said. "I don't think there's anyone who knows who or what is making the call. Let's just say the Oakland experience is unique."
Carr, a return man and backup cornerback now in Tennessee, described his parting as "bittersweet" because he was fond of coaches and teammates.
"But there's just so much other stuff going on there that it makes it difficult," he told the Nashville City Paper.
Schweigert, a safety now in Washington, said being released left him feeling "like a thousand-pound bear" was lifted off his chest.
Porter said in February that there are too many detrimental forces at work for the Raiders to flourish. Shortly after signing with Jacksonville in March, he said being a Raider had become a "burden."
None of the ex-Raiders seemed especially bitter, none dwelled on the topic.
Because so many are curious about Oakland's decline, the issue is bound to come up again.
Unless the Raiders recover.
Which, considering the many subplots, will be quite the challenge in 2008.
Will there be any fallout from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's return after even he figured he was gone? Can the Raiders thrive when it's known that Davis had one desire and coach Lane Kiffin another? How many rounds will the Al vs. Lane bout last?
And then there are the persistent rumblings about certain assistant coaches being displeased (to put it mildly) with Kiffin — not unlike what Mike Shanahan faced in 1989. Shanahan was fired a month into the season.
Oakland's two best players in recent years, defensive end Derrick Burgess and Asomugha, longing for big paydays, witnessed the lavish deals given Kelly and Hall. Burgess and Asomugha are pros, but even pros can feel unappreciated.
Contract size was a factor when veteran wideout Ronald Curry, another pro, implied newly acquired Javon Walker is the team's No. 1 receiver.
It's a lot to overcome. An awful lot.
The Raiders, 19-61 since 2002, want to revive a franchise at the lowest point of its 47-year history. They have horses, so they have a chance.
But the best of thoroughbreds need luck and, moreover, the strength to hurdle any obstacles before them.
Trade Al Davis first, then work on rebuilding the rest of the team.
Oh, the Silver and Black will be back....Never Count The Raiders Out.....Just Love Them Baby!!!
LOL - that 30 y/o head coach didn’t solve anything either. I bet the players rode hard over him.
PING!!
The Chucky Era was the closest I ever came to rooting for those bums.
Everytime I see al davis in his owners box in his white track suit and glasses on a librarian chain, I get the chills!
They may be back. Al Davis can’t live forever.
BREAKING NEWS: Terror Alert in Oakland:
OAKLAND , (CA)—Oakland Raiders football practice was delayed nearly two hours today after a player reported finding an unknown white powdery substance on the practice field. they immediately suspended practice and called the police and federal investigators. After a complete analysis, FBI forensic experts determined that the white substance unknown to players was the GOAL LINE. Practice resumed after special agents decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again.
Late 70s Raiders were fun to watch but Al Davis is a very very disreputable guy.
Man...anyone foolish enough to do business with him is crazy.
You are right of course, but he thinks he can.
That's that fruity stuff that comes out of a box, right?
I just love Raider Haters
“like to sincerely thank Bill Callahan for destroying the Raiders and Nebraska Cornhuskers”
Amen! I’m a Bronco - CU Buffalos - SC Trojan fan and I’d like to second that!!!
That’s probably the oldest football joke in existence. Enough with it.
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