Back to Basics
Everyone in the Raiders organization needs to be held accountable for the embarrassing display of jv level football against the Chargers on MNF.
The coaching staff is responsible for devising a game plan that puts the players in a position to succeed. This consists of effective play calling, in-game adjustments, and utilizing the right personnel groupings.
The players are responsible for implementing the game plan by playing with heart, passion, focus, effort, and overall execution. Dropped balls, stupid penalties, missed blocks, missed tackles, blown assignments isn't playing sound football.
It is back to the basics for the Oakland Raiders. Below are a few "Pop Warner Football 101" observations as they relate to the Charger massacre.
- The O-Line's pass protection was like a swinging door in a saloon.
Pop Warner 101: Go to maximum protection packages in obvious passing situations with 2 Tight Ends sealing the outside rushing lanes and the RB stepping up in the pocket to seal off any blitzers.
Pop Warner 102: If your O-line can't sustain their blocks long enough to go deep then have Brooks go to 3 or 5 step drops and throw short, 8-15 yard passes.
Pop Warner 103: When your opponent is blitzing, use the middle screen and delayed swing pass screen. This kills 2 birds with 1 stone. It slows down the pass rush and most importantly, picks up positive yards which leads to my next point...
- Put your offensive unit in manageable 2nd and 3rd down situations by running the football or throwing quick hitting short passes.
Pop Warner 104: If the DB is 10 yards off the line from the WR, take a 1 step drop and throw it to the WR on the line of scrimmage. This will pick up 5+ yards. The Raiders did this effectively on 2 consecutive plays to Moss. Why stop using a play until either the D can stop it or adjusts to it.
- The offense put themselves in 6 (or more) 3rd down and 15+ yards scenarios.
Pop Warner 105: Minimize your drive stalling plays; sacks, penalties, incomplete passes. I counted 3 dropped balls by TE Courtney Anderson.
- The Raiders D was gouged by LT in the 1st half playing a nickel package as their base D.
Pop Warner 106: To stop the run, you must be committed to stop the run. This means that you don't use the nickel package unless it is an obvious passing down (ie. 3rd and long). Stopping the run means 8 men in the box; 4 lineman, 3 Linebackers, and your SS. The Raiders went to a 4-3 base D in the 2nd half with SS Huff in the box. This led to 3 consecutive 3 and outs.
Football For Dummies should not be on the required reading list.
posted by Calico Jack at 9:11 PM
5 Comments:
Great points. The coaching staff needs to get their F****** act together and fast. It looks as if Art (Radio) Shell has already bigger issues in the clubhouse.
This could be a long ass season if they continue to play like this.
Lastly, Martin Lawernce as our QB pains me too!
CJ,
I am always a big supporter fo your blogs you love the Raiders but ar enot afraid to honeslty asses the team.
It is hard to come to grips with the fact that except for a few potential and I stress potential stars who are now just fast players on D the cupboard is bare when it comes to talent. Randy Moss is a wasted weapon and we have gone from a potential best wr group in the league to Alvis Whitted---please he makes James Jett look like Cliff Branch
Man it is hard to be a Raider Fan I do not what is worse when they used to loose hear brakers like the Monday nighter agains KC re Joe Bugel, or how they now just plain stink like the last three years. We really miss Gruden
What is a Raider fan to do I am loosing hope---some advice please
Regards
Florida Raider
Florida Raider - Being a Raider fan is not for the faint of heart but the true believers. I think you need to put everything in its proper perspective. Here's my general take;
(1) It is only 1 game but should be a serious wake-up call for the entire organization.
(2) The Raiders are a work in progress under Shell. It is going to take time to develop the young players, weed out the bad apples and non-performers etc.
(3) I liked Coach Gruden but he is gone. Gruden struggled his 1st 2 years with a team loaded with talent. Both years the Raiders went 8-8. In Gruden's opener the Raiders got crushed by KC 28-8. Also, to put some perspective on things, Gruden's Bucs also got shutout this week at home 27-0.
How do I get through the pain and disappointment of a game like the Chargers? If the players and coaches are making every effort to improve, I will remain optimistic of a brighter future. By that I mean, I am optimistic that the next play, the next series, the next quarter, the next half, the next game, the next season will be better. For example, how do the Raiders respond this Sunday vs. Baltimore? Are there adjustments and noticeable improved performances?
In regards to Whitted, he should be the #4 or #5 WR. I would hope that Curry starts on Sunday and Morant and Whitted are used in the 3rd WRs packages.
Sadly, my belief is that the three-and-outs in the second half were Schittenheimer running the ball thrice and then punting, happy with the 13-0 lead.
If I'm correct, there're some serious problems on both sides of the ball.
HCJ - The 3 and outs in the 2nd half was due to a combination of factors.
First and foremost it was because of field position. The Chargers were backed up inside the 20 on all 3 possessions and Shittenheimer got extra conservative.
Second, Ryan went to a 4-3 base defense and no longer monkeyed around with the nickel package.
Third, Terdell Sands replaced Kelly. Sands was one of the few shining stars for the Raiders. He played well (8 tackles) and most importantly, he played with passion.
Lastly, Shell challenged both units at half time and in the 3rd quarter (and parts of the 4th quarter) the Raiders D responded. The last Chargers TD was gift wrapped by the Jordan fumble at the 10 yard line.
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