“Derek Carr Struggles With Loss; Why He’s Still The Answer In Oakland; All The Video Highlights of Raiders v.s. Cowboys”

Derek Carr struggles to come to grips that he fumbled out of the end zone

“No Excuses; I should have went out of bounds”.

Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr

On a cool winter bay area night after a 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Derek Carr grasps hands with players from both teams on the field. He leads them in prayer thanking God for all that they have been given in life and for their continued safety. His disappointment though is obvious. Carr had fumbled out of bounds in the end zone on the Raiders last play of the game for a touchback. With that, a bad season officially got worse. Less things have to happen to make Justin Bieber win an Oscar than for the Raiders to make the playoffs. And in reality they don’t deserve it.

As he walks off the field Carr hears the manic responses that are so prevalent after an NFL game, win or lose. Some fans are cussing, and there is the occasional you suck, mixed in with a supportive word. As he leaves the field, two young fans ask for his autograph and he obliges instantly with a grin. Just like the times when he visits children in hospitals or does some of his charity work, he always does it with a smile. The life of Derek Carr has it’s up’s and downs.

History of Domination:

It was a history lesson for some and a reminder for others. Two of the most storied franchises in history were meeting in Oakland. It wasn’t Stabler v.s. Staubach but it still meant something extra.

Derek Carr Fumbles out of the end zone in the final seconds of the loss to Dallas

The network showed that for 2 ½ decades, the Raiders and the Cowboys were NFL royalty. They always topped the NFL in tv ratings and they were must see TV. The goody America’s team with the cheerleaders and the too much makeup Texas look, against the bad boy Raiders and the cheerleaders who looked like the girls your mom warned you about. The NFL world stopped when the Raiders or the Cowboys played. When it looked like the Raiders and Cowboys were destined to play in the Super Bowl in 1978, the Raiders were derailed by several key injuries and a little event called the Rob Lytle fumble in Denver in the AFC Championship game. When the Broncos won, the network and the nation groaned. They wanted to see Oakland v.s. Dallas. The Cowboys dominated Denver 27-10 in a boring Super Bowl. What might have been.

(below are the condensed highlights.  Click on the YouTube Icon on the bottom or double click on the video.  The NFL will only allow viewers to watch it on YouTube)

What Do the Raiders Have in Derek Carr:

Four years ago some of us said the truth about Derek Carr. He’s got a good arm, is accurate when not rushed, and is a good leader. He also has limitations that may not improve with time.   Even the melodramatic Chris Collinsworth said the same thing. He showed a shocking statistic that Carr’s QB rating was a whopping 60% less when he was rushed. He’s been that way since his Fresno St. days. I remember him literally imploding against USC. His psyche is a little fragile at times and he has to become more Brett Favre and Ken Stabler and less Bert Jones and Alex Smith. He needs to be a little more confident and borderline cocky but that isn’t in his makeup.

Even with the rules making breathing around a WR a penalty, the QB situation in the NFL is at an all time low. With this in mind, the Raiders are lucky to have Carr but they also have to realize he has limitations. Just look at the over-hyped Dak Prescott. He was the media darling last year but rarely did the game fall upon his shoulders. When they won though, he got the credit often. Cowboy fans fought with me online when I said how overrated he was. Well, with Ezekiel Elliott out for 6 weeks, the games were put on his shoulders and he failed. Even when they won, he struggled. People don’t think he’s elite anymore. It shows the Carr’s of the NFL world are very valuable.  When you ask people who want to get rid of Carr what their choice is to replace him, many shrug and say I don’t know.  One guy said just keep looking.  This is why “geniuses” in the social media world will never run an NFL team.

(below are the game stats)

http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400951814

The Raiders Identity:

If I were the head coach or GM, I would go back to the Daryl Lamonica tapes and show Carr and the Raiders who they should be. The more things change the more they stay the same. This zone blocking scheme was created for a quick, fast OL and needs to be trashed yesterday. The Raiders ran for 122 yards last night with 47 of them coming from Carr’s scrambles. The Raiders are not a zone blocking team.

What they are is a huge, physical, bruising OL and they need to go back to being that. Collinsworth pointed out something I’ve been writing about all year. They have no offensive identity.

They need to go back to being a physical power rushing team that throws deep.   During their glory days, often the Raiders would throw deep on their first offensive play of the game just to let teams know that Warren Wells, or a Cliff Branch or a Tim Brown was going to beat them some time that day and they better not forget it. You send a message that you will throw deep at any time and from anywhere. In one year the Raiders were in the top 5 for rushing and passing. That’s balance.

Oakland needs that identity.  With a solid running game they now can use the play action pass and look downfield.  Carr can excel in that type of offense.  Carr is a solid B to B+ quarterback and in today’s game, those are getting harder to find.

I’d also tell Carr I could care less if you throw 4 interceptions. Stop worrying about reactions on social media, in the media itself, as well as perceptions and stupid stats. I want that ball going deep.  Use those speedy WR talents to the limits. No one respects the Raiders deep throws anymore and it’s obvious Carr is playing not to make a mistake. Carr has been lucky the last 3 weeks. He’s thrown 6 passes literally right in the hands of defenders who just dropped the balls.   He did it again last night with 2 more passes that defenders dropped which were thrown right at them.

It’s comical to have 3 super fast WR and not throw deep. And stop blaming everything on OC Todd Downing. I agree he’s not the answer but Carr wanted this guy as OC and the Raiders did it for Carr.

In regards to play calling, Carr can change the play any time he wants.   Even an average fan can see when the two safeties are crowding the line that you don’t go with a run play; you throw the ball. Unfortunately on a few occasions last night, again no audible was called. The QB is the coach on the field and Carr needs to be that. Right now sometimes he’s not.   Carr is the highest paid player in the NFL and the excuses have to stop and he needs to get to the next level.

Do you think John Elway, Brett Favre, or Ken Stabler ever worried about an interception or would ever let a play happen if they didn’t like it? Gunslingers in the NFL have one thing; a short memory; and a whole lot of wins. They are control freaks who play the game like they are playing chess.   Carr needs to have that mentality.   When he gets flustered he looks like Alex Smith at times, hoping something bad doesn’t happen.  Carr works hard and he’s a good NFL QB but if he wants to be very good he has to improve his control of games.

Were the Raiders a One Hit Wonder?:

No, but they also weren’t as good as their record last year. At 12-4 the Raiders played the second easiest schedule in the NFL; and 7 of those wins were last minute or even last second games.   They beat a lot of bad teams, with a lot of effort. This year they have the 2^nd or third hardest schedule and it shows.   You can’t just get by against good teams. You have to beat them. The Raiders had improved last year but no where near as much as their record said they did.

Jims Jamz:

Teams have adjusted to the Raiders and now they have to adjust. OC Todd Downing will almost certainly be gone but Carr still has to evolve and improve. As Marshall Faulk said, you want the big boy money then you have to play like a big boy. Next year Carr will be 27 and in the prime of his career.  Many teams would love Carr but due to his huge salary and guaranteed money, he’s their quarterback for the present no matter what.  John Elway often had little talent around him and even without a consistent run game, he was one of the all time greats.  Derek Carr is not going to be at that level.  What he is though is a solid QB who struggles against a rush.  Not an uncommon problem but it means that a good running game is imperative to his success.

In reality the Raiders have a long way to go.   They still need a lot of help on defense and their drafts outside of the 2014 draft have been borderline train wrecks.   Until they have a consistent pass rush and can stop the run on a daily basis, it doesn’t matter who plays in the defensive backfield. And on offense the Raiders have to be tougher. Carr has to have more of a killer instinct and just let the ball go.   It’s hard to see that happen though with his personality. He needs to know you can be a good guy off the field but a different one on it.

*******************

As Carr answers the last of the mundane and never ending questions of the media last night, he leaves with an obvious disappointment on his face. He looks forward to seeing his wife and kids I’m sure.   And when they are fast asleep he will still be awake and fumble over and over all night long in his head with the outcome always being the same. And with the next game being against a tough Philadelphia team in cold weather and a slight chance of snow on Christmas day, he’s gone to bed with better thoughts. The life of Derek Carr has it’s up’s and downs.

“Chyna’s Last Video; In Death She Get’s The Respect She Always Deserved In Life”

Chyna’s last words on her Youtube video from Sunday was “Love Y’all and Peace.”  As is seen so many times; in death she sadly finally is getting the respect and appreciation that she always longed for in life.

Here is an update of “The Reconstruction of Chyna which will be out in 2017”

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/angra/the-reconstruction-of-chyna/posts/1511550

Yesterday when it was announced that WWE/WWF 45 year old legend Joanie “Chyna” Laurer died at her place in Redondo Beach from a possible prescription drug overdose, the collective heart of wrestling fans and present and former wrestlers was broken.  If there was ever a wrestler who fans felt so much love and sympathy for it was Chyna.

Let’s be real.  The lack of acknowledgement over the years from the WWE about Chyna’s career and not burying the hatchet was unacceptable.  I’m not stupid.  It wasn’t a coincidence that the first WWE voice that talked about her passing was Stephanie McMahon.

From doing a pedigree off of the top rope against Chris Jericho, to gorilla pressing wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero. Chyna was indeed the 9^th Wonder of the World.

Chyna’s Big Break; How the N.W.O. Played a Role:

Chyna was trained by Killer Kowalski.  Luna Vachon; another wrestling great; tells the story of this big weight lifting woman.  “Here was this girl; cute as a button with strawberry blond hair; a weightlifters body and this squeaky little girls voice and you fell in love with her in a minute.  She was so adorable with her sweet personality.  I remember at times she got screwed out of her pay and I made sure she was paid what they said.  At times I even gave her some of my pay because they took advantage of her.  She was very naive.”

In 1996 Shawn Michaels and HHH saw her at a wrestling show and loved her immediately.  Vince McMahon originally did not want her involved in WWE.  He had always liked his women to be the Barbie doll types; (still does); big chests and pretty faces.  What changed McMahon’s mind though is their Monday night wars nemesis WCW.

WCW was fresh and exciting.  They were signing many of the stars from WWE and they were always edgy and fun the way WWE used to be.  One of their angles was to sign Chyna as the only female member of the newly formed N.W.O. which was taking the wrestling world by storm.  Killer Kowalski; who trained Chyna; stated that he went to Shane McMahon and told him about the plans that WCW had for Chyna and Shane then signed her.  Chyna originally had a verbal agreement with WCW but then went against it to go to the WWE.  The rest is history.

Changed The Wrestling World:

Chyna was unlike any female wrestler before or since.  At 5’ 10” 180 pounds, she was a physical specimen.  She was a weight lifter and a gym rat and her work outs rivaled many of the male stars of the day.  She didn’t have the smooth wrestling moves of a Madusa or Wendy Richter, or the amazing wrestling prowess of the Fabulous Moolah, but she did have a physical presence that had never been seen before or since.

She originally gained fame with Degeneration X as the body guard of HHH and Shawn Michaels.  She usually just sat back with her arms crossed looking intimidating, while DX did all of their classic bad boy stuff.  She would sometimes help them cheat in matches with her famous “low blow” so that they could win and DX became a fan favorite.

Many of the male wrestlers were very leery of letting a female get the best of them in matches thinking it would hurt or ruin their careers.  In 1999 however, Chyna became the first female entrant of the Royal Rumble by being chosen #30 to enter the match.  She was eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The Dark Side of Chyna: How She Changed:

It was obvious she would destroy the likes of Lita, Ivory and Trish Stratus (she beat Trish in 90 seconds) but this is wrestling.  Many said she refused to sell other wrestlers moves and that she became mean and seemed very insecure and troubled.

Here is the last video that Chyna ever did on April 17^th from her Youtube page.  It’s obvious she is in a bad way and possibly under the influence of something.  It’s still unclear exactly when she died but this is a sad thing to watch.

Breaking Barriers by Wrestling Men as a Singles Competitor:

No offense to any female wrestler or wrestling fan of today, but I smile wide when fans try to tell me how awesome female wrestlers of the WWE are.  With all due respect they could not carry Chyna’s gym bag.

Chyna broke away from HHH in 1999 and became a singles competitor.  She became the first woman to ever qualify for the King of the Ring series, and amazingly was the first to be the #1 contender for the men’s WWE World Championship.

Her breakout feud that launched her as a fan favorite was with Jeff Jarrett.  Her first match with Intercontinental Champion Jarrett was at Unforgiven which Chyna lost.  Jarrett’s contract was up at WWE and he was moving on so he had to give up the belt.  Chyna has said in shoot interviews that Jarrett agreed to lose to her straight up if the WWE paid him $300,000.00 dollars.  The WWE agreed and Jarrett lost to Chyna at No Mercy.  She thus became the one and only female Intercontinental Champion in WWE history!

She wrestled many men, but her most vicious feud was with Chris Jericho.  In one segment Jericho went back stage and beat up Chyna splitting her head open with a hair dryer pounding it against her head when she was down.  Jericho was great at creating heat and putting people over and it worked.  WWE fans were even more passionate about her.

Chyna did beat Chris Jericho at Survivor Series with an amazing pedigree from the top rope cementing her as a true icon of the wrestling world.  I’m not the biggest Jericho fan but I give him tons of respect when he put Chyna over.  Jericho has also said some glowing things about Chyna.  “The only woman to ever knock me down.”

Mamacita & Latino Heat: 

This is probably people’s most fondest memories of Chyna.  Very few performers were as good as Eddie Guerrero and it was a match made in heaven.  Chyna became the on screen girlfriend of the latin bad boy who used his Latino Heat charm to steal her heart.  Behind that wry smile you knew Eddie was lying, cheating and stealing but he sucked you in every time.

It also showed fans a more feminine, vulnerable and softer side of Chyna that made people love her even more.  In one of the funniest scenes I remember, Eddie was found taking a shower with 2 other women on secret video.  Chyna was engaged to Eddie and she was crushed.  Eddie tried everything to win her back but it was a puppy that finally did it.  Their connection was very fun to watch and super entertaining.

Here is Eddie in a rare shoot interview talking about Chyna saying that it was fun to work with her but that at the end it was obvious she was in pain for things that had happened.

Her Abrupt Departure:

Chyna went in depth about her painful breakup with HHH on podcasts and shoot interviews.  She said that she heard phone messages from Stephanie on Helmsley’s phone and found a love letter from her.  All the while everything was denied.  When the cat was out of the bag, she talked about the coldness and lack of remorse that Stephanie and HHH had.  “A simple sorry would have helped a lot”.  Vince McMahon told her to go home and that they would send a proposal for a new contract.  The fax came and it said she was no longer needed.  She never entered a WWE ring again.

After that she was a mess.  She lost her job, her finances went to pot and then she got into a relationship with HHH’s friend X-Pac who was chasing his own demons.  She turned to drugs and did porn movies and sometimes gave crazed interviews or Youtube videos.  She did a reality show and went on Howard Stern and the treatment people gave her was just criminal.  Instead of helping her or supporting her many used her for target practice.

Why Isn’t She in the Hall of Fame:

Here is another let’s be real moment.  The WWE Hall of Fame IS NOT a real hall of fame.  It is a made up award for people that are in good standing with WWE and who have made contributions to the company.  No offense to some of the recipients but it’s starting to be somewhat of a joke with some of the people that are in it.  Bruno Sammartino took forever to get in due to his negative comments about the company.  The rumors of Macho Man Randy Savage and Stephanie are said to be why he never got in while he was alive.  The great Rick Rude isn’t in but I’m sure he will get in fairly soon.  He is just too talented to keep out.  I’m sure him surprising WWE by showing up on television and signing with WCW on the same day he was shown on WWE television is the reason.  Scott Steiner trashes WWE any time he can so he’s never getting in.

HHH has said Chyna shouldn’t be in because he doesn’t want his kids to do a Google search on Chyna and see what she’s done.  Talk about insulting our intelligence.  Is he kidding?  Do a search on WWE wrestlers; male and female; and look at how many did porn or naked photos to make money.  How many sleazy story lines have their been in WWE; how many drug overdoses and wrestlers have been linked to drug scandals?

Vince McMahon has always wanted to do a storyline on incest.  He wanted one where he would be the father of Stephanie’s baby.  When she said no, Vince suggested Shane.  She again said no.  He once wanted an angle with Ken Shamrock doing an incest love affair with his “sister” Ryan Shamrock (who he was actually dating).  Ken said no way and magically his push ended.

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/211209-backstage-update-vince-mcmahon-approves-incest-storyline

HHH himself cheated to get Stephanie and then lied about it.  And just try to find a wrestler over 35 who didn’t take steroids.  And while HHH and WWE is shining up their halo’s, they promoted WWE into soft porn by making huge deals with playboy for several years.  I’ve never heard ANYONE use HHH, or the McMahon’s in the same sentence that you use the word moral or ethics.

Will Chyna Get Into The HOF:

Yes; just like in anything, death erases barriers.  In my opinion in time all will be forgiven and this is now a time to save face and to look gracious.  “This went on too long and we need to forgive.”  Look for Chyna to get into the HOF and all of the people that had been blocking her getting into the HOF and trashing her in interviews will now have a chance to glowingly speak kindly of her.  It’s hard not to be cynical.

Bill Apter interviews Chyna in October of 2015:

 

Chyna really wanted to be inducted.  Three weeks ago she tweeted that she would like for one day to return to WWE so she could thank the fans that supported her so much.  “Without them I am nothing.”

Her Legacy:

NO ONE was ever as physically dominant as Chyna, but I think what people will remember most is her sweet personality during the good times.

Her friends and fans will remember her for her kindness and her good heart.  In my limited interactions with her she was a sweet fun person.  I loved her interactions with her fans.  She loved them and they adored her.

The wrestling business usually leaves few survivors.  In this sexist men’s club, she blazed trails and gained the respect and adoration of millions.  She was a beacon for many women who weren’t 100 pound blond cheerleaders to be who they were and to be the best and that you can do anything a man can do without selling out.

At worst she was a sad tale of insecure out of control pain that couldn’t find peace while leaving a trail of wreckage behind her.  I think all of us could relate to Chyna even a little bit to the times when we are/were lost and felt in pain.

At her best she was the essence of sweetness and kindness and appreciation for whatever she got, making sure a positive and kind message followed her.

Chyna’s last words on her Youtube video from Sunday was “Love Y’all and Peace.”  I think I speak for every fan, writer, announcer and wrestler in saying to Chyna that we love you too.  Thank you so much for all you did for everyone. And lastly eternal, sweet peace to you too.

“Will HOF Vote Ken Stabler In Saturday?; Answering the Harshest of His Critiques”

 

Ken Stabler & John Madden Celebrate a Super Bowl Win

Saturday the Senior Selection Committee of the NFL will vote on whether Raider great Ken Stabler gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even though it’s not life and death that he get in, it’s kind of a vindication for his family and friends and his fans all over for a career and a player that was never properly appreciated by the very sport he was so great in. For many it’s still something that eats at people for the injustice of it all, however big or small in the scheme of things.

A Year of Grief:

I’ll be blunt; last year sucked. Lots of things happened and it was so draining emotionally and physically for a lot of people. It was a very bad year for me personally as well, a year where you just want to live in a cave and not burden anyone. What didn’t help was all of the losses for the Oakland Raiders. Marv Hubbard, Charlie Sumner, Al LoCasale, Art Powell, just to name a few. And last but not least Ken Stabler. It got to be too much. Great people who helped create a dynasty of winning.

The other night a friend of mine called me and asked if I wanted to meet a friend of his. He was in the national media and he saw some of my writing and asked to meet me. Why anyone would want to meet me still blows me away but when they offered steak, all the Guinness and Bass I could drink and talking about sports, well I’m all in.

My history in the medical field with the east coast isn’t a good one, especially with New York Giants fans.

https://theforumcelebritypodcast.wordpress.com/2015/04/17/raider-fans-are-unique-outrage-over-espn-sport-reporter-britt-mchenry-a-2nd-incident-emerges-and-my-own-run-in-with-a-yahoo-reporter/

If you are a friend of mine, yes I will mess with you. I like doing ribs and jokes and sometimes I will go to extreme lengths.   Well this was payback. We met at my friends house. My favorite Michael Franks and Earl Klugh tunes in the background, a cold glass of beer and steaks on the grill; life es bueno. The guy we will call “Matt” started asking questions about me and complimenting me on my work. He then asked me, “by the way, being in the Bay Area, isn’t it kind of ridiculous people think Ken Stabler should be in the hall of fame?” I stopped eating mid fork.

Here is my article on WHY Ken deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

https://theforumcelebritypodcast.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/the-wait-will-be-over-5-reasons-why-ken-stabler-will-get-into-the-hall-of-fame-in-2016/

 

I could see my friend trying not to laugh. A wry smile coming over him. I had played a lot of jokes on him over the years and this was a payback. He knew how I felt about Ken and here was someone from the east coast; probably another mainstream media person who is clueless to any sports story west of the Mississippi; asking me a question like that?”

I took a long cold drink of a black and tan and then picked up a glass of good Napa Pinot Noir and said calmly, “yes of course he should be in the HOF”.

I’m half German and half Spanish; two countries that tried to take over the world; so even though I’m not much of a hot head, I also don’t really like to keep quiet about things.   I said lets sit down and go over why you think Ken Shouldn’t be in the Hall Of Fame. He pulled no punches & Neither did I.

Before we start for those who wonder, these are my reasons why Ken isn’t in the HOF yet.

https://theforumcelebritypodcast.wordpress.com/2015/07/23/part-csi-part-breaking-bad-the-real-reasons-why-ken-stabler-is-not-in-the-hall-of-fame/

1. Sportswriter Set-Up.

Ok this is an east coaster; going below the belt in the first round. What he was talking about was the Bob Padecky story where Bob said that Ken had cocaine planted on his car years ago. Ken vehemently denied it and most felt his friend was the one that did it.  The damage was done though.  Sportswriters around the country banded together saying they’d never vote Ken in the HOF. Paul Zimmerman, or Dr. Z; the draft guru before Mel Kiper Jr.; one of the most powerful voices in football media in the early days of ESPN, said it on air.

I showed him my story and told him that even though Padecky still believes it, he’s told others to tell writers he would have no problem if Ken Stabler got into the HOF.

For those who want to know, here is my article on the incident with Bob Padecky.

https://theforumcelebritypodcast.wordpress.com/2015/07/23/part-csi-part-breaking-bad-the-real-reasons-why-ken-stabler-is-not-in-the-hall-of-fame/

 

2. Last 4 years; Interceptions:

I love it; the guy knows his stuff. In his last 4 years Stabler had 42 touchdowns and 74 interceptions. He played for a Houston team that was not talented and who played the power I. It was conservative and based pretty much on giving Earl Campbell 40 carries a game. (and people wonder why he is in a wheel chair at times). For the Saints the years before Ken got there, they were 41-106; almost all of those years was with media darling Archie Manning. The Saints were the doormat of the NFL. Ken in his second year lead them to their best record ever.

Ken’s first year in Houston was his second best year as a pro leading the Oiler’s to their best record in their history up to then.  After Ken left Houston, their record the next 5 years (one is strike shortened) was 16-57. These were 2 terrible teams that Ken made much better with his skill, something no sportswriter ever talks about.

3. Longevity:

Some of his detractors say Ken wasn’t good long enough, which is a crock. Roger Staubach only had 85 wins in his career. Terry Bradshaw 107. Bob Griese only had 92. Ken was 100-50 but his career was too short? Not long enough? Sure didn’t bother committee voters to vote those players in. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.

Ken was the fastest QB to get to 100 wins and in his first 62 games he was an inhuman 50-12 as a starter.   In their first 20 Monday Night Football games the Raiders were 18-1-1; many with Ken as QB. My only question to my east coast friend when asking why Ken isn’t a HOF is why are we even questioning this?  The 1970’s was the greatest era of football and Ken had the most wins as a starter and was the best QB in that era with a Super Bowl win and a league MVP.

Ken remains the ONLY QB in NFL history that lead his team to playing in 5 straight conference championships.   He was probably the greatest 2 minute drill QB in history. I don’t even know why I have to say these things really. Even writing this I’m getting frustrated.  “I was not the best QB of the 1970’s”, stated Pittsburgh Steeler great and HOF QB Terry Bradshaw. “It was Ken Stabler; Ken was better than I was.”

Amends:

As most men do when they get into their twilight years, they patch up differences. Frank Cooney; former San Francisco Examiner writer who covered the Raiders during the glory years, is in charge of presenting Ken’s case to the members of the Senior Selection Committee. He said in 2009 that Ken met with Raiders owner Al Davis.   They buried the hatchet and Al admitted that he was one of the main reasons Ken was not in the HOF. Al’s venom to players like Ken and Marcus Allen; players he felt crossed him; was of legend and was vile and vicious and Al actually spoke against Ken. In the end, it was a good thing they met with all of the bad blood that they had ever since he traded Ken to the Oilers for overrated but strong armed Dan Pastorini.

The last time Al was at the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony, he was interviewed and admitted that one of his big regrets in life was not doing more to get Raider players in the HOF. Many teams actually hired advertising and PR agencies to promote their players. Al admitted they didn’t do anything and it was a wrong that needed to be righted.

Also to their credit, Ken met with Bob Padecky, the sports writer that to this day feels Ken had him set up. They did make up though when Ken was @ Infineon Raceway in Sonoma when Bob covered the event which Bob wrote about years ago.   In a recent article, Bob has said he also reached out to Frank Cooney and again said to tell the sportswriters that if they want Ken in the HOF that he was all for it.

Two Minute Drill:

For Ken Stabler’s family and friends this week seems like an eternity. I’m so glad though the younger daughters have seen who Ken was and what he meant to so many.  I’m sure they don’t want to build up their hopes up too high. Let’s be honest; the Raiders are the Doc Holiday of pro football and no one ever cries over the bad guy. We don’t need vindication from the NFL HOF to tell us what we already know, but it would be nice.

What fans and loved one’s of Ken’s doesn’t want is charity. We don’t want you to vote Ken in because you feel bad that he’s no longer here. We don’t want sympathy; we want sports justice. Ever since Al Davis was blind sided by the AFL & NFL during the merger, the Raiders have been the pirates of the sports world. As Al Davis, Ron Wolf, John Madden & Ken used to always say; we don’t take what the opponents give us, we take what we want. And what we want is for Ken’s amazing career to finally be rewarded.

As Saturday’s vote is looming, it’s down to the wire. I picture in a video Bill King’s voice booming loud and poetically describing the scene like a piece of art.  Ken is giving us one last two minute drill; a miracle drive against the Patriots in the Playoffs. Picture John Madden losing his mind during a time out, while Ken is looking into the crowd seeing who is actually at the game and viewing what the fans are doing.   The enclosed Oakland Coliseum as loud as a freight train. While others are anxious with stress Ken is the Snake. Cool as ice.

One more Sea of Hands game; another miracle in San Diego with a Holy Roller; one more last second come from behind drive where no one but Raider fans and players gave them a chance. Ken used to say to his teammates, just leave time on the clock and I’ll take care of the rest. Throw deep.

And as the final vote is tallied maybe it’s right that it goes down to the wire; with so many on pins and needles, I believe they will Vote Ken into the HOF. And as we all celebrate with bittersweet laughter and tears, I picture Ken with a sly smile jogging off the field giving us all a wink.   With a southern smile he tells us we had this all along but in reality it doesn’t change any of us or diminish anything that he accomplished, or lessen the relationships that were made.

But in reality the Pro Football Hall of Fame Voters still don’t get it. But we get it in Alabama. We get it in Phoenix Arizona. We get it in Oakland and everywhere else that the average football fan resides. And every peer that he played with or against that is supporting Ken for the highest honor gets it. In reality the HOF pales in comparison to why so many love him and that is something you can never take away.   Ken Stabler; Hall of Famer in the greatest game of all; life.  How innocent were those times; how rich we are to have known them.

“Final Oakland Raider Grades v.s. Arizona Cardinals; Week 7:”

Arizona Cardinals  24 (5-1)

Oakland Raiders  13 (0-6)

Quarterback:

Derek Carr had a so so game missing on a few passes that he should have hit.  He also had a couple of drops that hurt.  He was unable to hit many long passes as he did against San Diego.  His weakness in college was handling a pass rush and he had mixed reviews with the blitz happy Cardinals.  He was 16-28 for 173 yards and no TD’s or interceptions.  Arizona is near last in passing defense so this was disappointing.  I HATE the Raiders routes.  The middle so often is wide open and they don’t utilize it.  They have to get the tight end involved to help out Carr.

GRADE:  C+

Carr seemed reluctant to go down deep and when he did he either missed or the Raiders weren’t open.

Running Backs: 

Again, another team that is making the Raiders throw the ball.  For much of the game Arizona had 7-8 men on the block daring Oakland to throw.  They took away the running game and the Raiders were unable to take advantage of this.  McFadden was banged up, and the Raiders didn’t have the injured Marcel Reece which hurt them.  Maurice Jones-Drew wasn’t a factor.

Grade C

Arizona’s game plan was to take away the run and they did.  Unfortunately the Raiders were unable to hurt the Cardinals with the pass, which was disappointing.  The Raiders running backs blocked fairly well picking up the blitzes.

Offensive Line: 

They had a lot to deal with today with Arizona doing everything to rush the passer and take away the run.  Arizona blitzed on almost every play and the line overall did well protecting Carr.  With Arizona crowding the line there wasn’t much of a chance to run.  The Raiders line gave up only 1 sack.  Overall not a great game but they also didn’t get much help from their teammates.

Grade C+

They did a good job picking up the blitzes but the Raiders just didn’t have the passing game to win.

Wide Receivers: 

Andre Holmes had his weekly drop which is frustrating because he has so much talent.  He has to concentrate.  Brice Butler had a long 55 yard catch that needs to happen more.  James Jones is Carr’s favorite receiver.  He had 8 targets but caught only 4 for 35 yards.  The Raiders really had chances to go deep and they have to spread the field like they did against San Diego.

GRADE:  B

They had a few more drops and that can’t happen.  Butler and Holmes are inconsistent and Carr threw to the tight end twice all game.  The Raiders have to go to the tight end and utilize the middle of the field with slants as well instead of just fly patterns and deep outs.  I really hated some of the routes today, and the game plan overall.

Defensive Line:

If you take out Khalil Mack out of the DL equation, they really are non existent.  Lamarr Woodley got his weekly 1 tackle and the leading tackler on the DL was Pat Sims with 2.  They are too easily blocked and just aren’t getting to the quarterback.  The Cardinals ran for 123 yards and during two drives, the Raiders literally could not stop the run.

Grade:  D+

The Raiders DL is just not a factor and this has to be fixed this off season.  The Raiders have 5 sacks all year.  Detroit leads the NFL with 20.

Linebackers:

The linebackers played their best game of the year.  Khalil Mack had his best game by far with 11 tackles and 3 for loss.  He still doesn’t have a sack in 6 games and that is troubling.  He got beat twice on passes as well but overall, a very encouraging game.  Sio Moore had a controversial penalty but he also had a good game with 5 tackles with one being for a loss.  Miles Burris had 5 tackles but missed big time on a couple of runs including a touchdown run.

Grade B-

This unit has struggled big time in the past but they are getting healthier and it shows.  Not a bad game and it’s good to see Mack finally making a difference.

Defensive Backs:

These poor guys are playing their hearts out.  They are on an island due to the terrible Raiders pass rush and they are trying to hold their own.  TJ Carrie has his good moments and he has potential.  Usama Young and Charles Woodsen are taking a beating on running plays and they are having  to make too many tackles in the run game.

Grade C+ 

The Raiders struggled at times getting off the field on 3^rd down and it killed them.  Several times Carson Palmer hit key passes for first downs.  These guys are not going to last long physically having to make so many plays.  Even though he’s healthy DJ Hayden is not a factor which should tell you something.

Coaching:

Greg Olsen encouraged me last week, but this week it was same old song, different dance.  The Raiders have to start using the middle of the field and start using the running backs and tight ends more.  The offense is too wide receiver heavy.  There are some routes that show the wide receivers just running down the field and I really don’t get it.  Carr needs safety valves for help.

Greg Olsen seemed to go away from throwing deep against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.  The Cardinals were next to last in pass defense but the Raiders could not exploit it.  Arizona is using 3^rd stringers so they have to blitz but the Raiders still could not shore up their passing game.

On defense, the Raiders just don’t have a good defensive line and they had another 1 sack game.  There just isn’t much of a scheme that you can use when your defensive front isn’t good.  The Raiders are next to last in sacks in the NFL with only 5 all year and their DL is probably the worst in the NFL.

Grade C

I felt the Raiders were too conservative.  They have to throw deep, if just to keep the defense honest.  Do a no huddle when you get a couple of completions, especially playing against the Cardinals who have a thin defensive line.  The Raiders are limited talent wise on defense, and I didn’t expect them to win, but this was a little disappointing.

Special Teams:

Sebastian Janikowski must really hate Marquette King.  Whenever he misses, King catches flack.  Matt Schaub now holds for Janikowski.  He was 2 for 2 for field goals and hit a 53 yard kick.

TJ Carrie is a good return man.  You wonder if it’s smart having him return though.  He is taking a beating at times trying to stop the run as a defensive back and you wonder how long he can last.  He did have a bone head play that looked like a punt hit him but the refs ruled it didn’t.

Marquette King was solid as ever punting.  Not a great day but he was solid.

Grade B-

Special teams didn’t play a huge factor in this game but the Raiders did a good job.

Next Opponent:  @ Cleveland Browns (3-3; last game, loss @ Jacksonville Jaguars 24-6)

Outlook:

This week was one of those games that the Raiders needed to show their fans that they are really back on the right track.  Unfortunately this loss really makes the mood dark in Oakland; again.  The Raiders are now 53-129.

In their next 4 games the Raiders will play at Cleveland and at Seattle, and then come home to Denver before flying to San Diego.  Not many teams have a tougher stretch.

The weather will be a typical cool, fall day in Cleveland with no rain and temperatures in the 50’s.

The Browns are very inconsistent with big wins at home over the Saints and the Steelers but they’ve also lost big to Jacksonville on the road.  They are playing much better at home than they are on the road.

Brian Hoyer had a terrible game against Jacksonville and so did the defense which gave up 183 yards rushing.

Look for the Browns to play much better at home.  This is a game the Raiders have to win.  From this point on the Raiders play one team that has a losing record, and the rest are at least @ .500.  The Raiders will also have games in Kansas City and Denver in mid to late December respectively so cold weather is ahead; maybe snow.

The nightmare continues and another high pick will probably be seen by the Raiders.  Hopefully the NFL will show mercy and hide defensive backs NFL combine 40 times to help the Raiders pick a good 1^st round draft pick.