Rocky Landing

Raiders win the tank??? No way!... well, maybe... (better them than the Dolphins...)

In case anyone is still following this sordid affair. https://sports.theonion.com/robert-kraft-agrees-to-take-voluntary-leave-of-absence-1835123086

I can only speak for myself, but I don't agree with this. By this time, I don't think anyone gives a damn about where Zay was drafted. I think that Zay is a lock because he has improved from year one, to year two (and from all accounts, to year three), and has turned into the WR that he was sold as in the draft-- which is to say, that he is a solid #2, with a complete route tree, who can get separation, has reliable hands, and is utterly consistent. I don't think he has reached his ceiling, yet, but I also don't think his ceiling is as a true #1. I don't think he has yet shown the ability to bring down the contested ball, and I don't think he has an enormous catch radius. But, he is a reliable receiver who can make a play on any spot on the field. He might be our most versatile WR. I put Zay above Foster (which is, essentially what makes him a lock). I see Foster as a dynamic talent, but limited in his role on offense. I think that a lot of Bills fans have built him up in their minds to be greater than the sum of his parts. He had some great plays towards the end of last season, and they're easy to find, but he also had some really poor routes, as well. At the very least, he showed a difficulty in tracking the ball in his earlier games. That's a pretty big deal when your biggest asset is as a sideline receiver with the speed to get separation from the corners downfield. To be clear, I assume that they're both going to make the team. I also think that Foster is a much more exciting receiver for the fanbase. But, I think that Zay is the more valuable commodity, especially with the acquisition of Smokey Brown.

That's a pretty good point. I was all on board for Barkley to start the following game based on his performance vs. the Jets. In hindsight, I'm very glad they didn't. But, given the circumstances, they're damned lucky their decision panned out. And, man... one of the things I am most thankful for this season is: no quarterback competition. I can't even remember the last time that happened.

That would be a huge mistake to dump a proven backup based upon the preseason performance of a UDFA rookie. They dropped AJ based on Late Nate Peterman's preseason performance, and look what happened. I would lose an enormous amount of confidence in McD, and Beanie if they failed to learn from that error.

What are your thoughts on Duke and Nsekhe?

I think it would be enough. I believe that Roberts' return ability is the primary reason they acquired him. He may barely see the field on offense. I agree Zay to black. I certainly wouldn't put him above Foster on the depth chart.

Really? Is Kroft all that? I didn’t know much about him before he was signed, but it seems like he has had one good season, and a few mediocre ones. Now, with a recurrent foot injury, is he really above average? TJ Yeldon? Please ‘splain?

Absolutely. A lot of the players who were active on special teams last year don't seem to get projected to make the final roster this year. Pitts, and Neal come to mind. Between D. Williams, and Sills, Duke seems more like a ST fit to me-- strong runner, and a good blocking WR. Sills looks lanky to me.

I don't know. But, he laid down some hard hits on defenders in the CFL!

I hope he gets his shot-- one of my favorite off-season stories. But, it sounds like he has been struggling in OTAs. Although, obviously, too early to read into such things...

Is it a given that Duke Williams can't play special teams? He's big, strong, and physical, and highly motivated. I would think he would be a natural for ST.

I believe he was ranked second in the NFL in returns last season.

I think they will keep four DEs. I would think Murphy, and Lawson both make the 53, but are rotated quite a bit. I think Yarbrough would be the most likely fourth DE.

Feliciano was the Raider's primary backup at center, also. I think Bodine is outside looking in. As far as the starting five goes, I think the only lock at any given position is Morse at center. Everything else is TBD.

We seem quite stacked at guard (Dawkins can even play guard, as well). Waddle seems like a bit of an unknown quantity. We could do a lot worse than Dawkins/Nsekhe/Ford at tackles, even if Ford is initially put at guard. But, Waddle has to better than Sirles!

I see him as an insurance policy that was purchased before they drafted Singletary.

This is the thread I have been waiting for! Thoughts: - This list seems rather spot on. - I think that whether Tyree Jackson makes the team depends largely on how well he plays in preseason. If he shows even a little promise, I would think that McD, and Beane would not feel comfortable putting him on the practice squad. A 6'7", athletic QB, with a cannon for an arm, who shows any amount of potential would get snatched up pretty quickly off the PS, I would think. In fact, he may end up as a lock well before TC is done. - Is Patrick DiMarco still relevant? - This list shows our lack of depth at LB. Also at Safety. But, man, we look deep at CB. - I would hope that we carry seven WRs, assuming that Andre Roberts is primarily special teams. Also, there's a few of those guys in red that I really hope get a shot!

It's not unreasonable to assume that our O-line will be much improved from last year. But, that will have to be a reality, IMO, before we see a no-huddle on game day. I still remember Dick Jauron's no-huddle/no-Oline offense, and what a disaster that was.

Still a fair point, though. It's hard to argue that the collapse of our O-line wasn't a primary factor in the collapse of our run game. And RI was surely a big part of that, along with the departure of Wood.

I'm right there with Ty Nsekhe, as well. There was a great interview with him where he very articulately, and honestly described his style of play, and why he is physically more suited to the left side. He came off as professional, intelligent, and humble. Plus, he is 6'8" with the wingspan of a bull moose's antlers. I would love to see Dawkins get bumped in to LG, with Nsekhe at LT. I'm also on the Duke Williams bandwagon. Love his story, intensity, and blocking ability. It's early, but it's disappointing to read that he's been struggling in OTAs. I'm also a big fan of McKenzie. I love his energy, and intensity, and he always has a smile on his face. And, I love his skills. He has great acceleration, and gets open. He also seemed pretty clutch last season, iirc. I hope he isn't supplanted by the combo of Beasley/Roberts, who both fill the role that McKenzie filled at the end of last season. And one last fave, although he is such a long-shot to make the 53, it's ridiculous: Christian Wade. I know that highlight reels are very deceptive, but I recommend watching his rugby reel. He also has incredible acceleration and is so strong! I would love to see what that guy could do with pads on. yes.

Not for a Bills fan...

I could be wrong, but wasn't it "Most Hated Player" he was voted? There's a difference. Be that as it may, the situation at the Raiders is becoming hilarious, in a gawking-at-an-accident-by-the-side-of-the-road sort of way.

He has a library card.

Whatever may be said about Ritchie, I don't ever recall him playing dirty on the field. Burfict, of course, is another story.