Why the Oakland Raiders Should Trade for Brandon Marshall

Let me start by saying that I can imagine people will either love this idea, hate it passionately, or just wouldn’t count on it, but I had to find out what people think.

The Denver Broncos have a predicament with their star receiver Brandon Marshall, who has stated that he wants out of Denver.  His rookie contract expires this year; however, if no CBA is signed, Marshall will be an RFA , while the Broncos can still opt to tag him.

Nevertheless, the decision to bench Marshall for the final game of the season—a game that had postseason implications—would suggest that the relationship is over and the Broncos will seek to trade him.

I started thinking about this.  As much as I like Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens at receiver for the Oakland Raiders, Marshall would be a huge upgrade. 

And I took into account several things: quarterback situation; Darrius Heyward -Bey; and the Raiders position in the 2010 Draft.

I also realize that the relationship between the Raiders and Broncos has long been icy at best, and that divisional rivals usually don’t trade star players to each other.

That said, the Raiders have something to offer and could hypothetically offer to trade down with the Denver Broncos in the NFL Draft, which would put Denver in a better position to fill a big need at linebacker or defensive line, but the Raiders could also offer Heyward -Bey and a third round pick.

Before you immediately object, consider the impact that Marshall has had on quarterbacks.  In 2007, 2008, and 2009, Marshall topped 100 catches on the season with the likes of Jay Cutler and Kyle Orton.

Frankly, I think Marshall could make Ryan Leaf look good.  Well, perhaps that is too hyperbolic, but the point is, Marshall clearly makes a quarterback look better.

That leads me to the Raiders’ predicament.  That being most fans and critics would agree that JaMarcus Russell is not ready and that Bruce Gradkowski turned in better performances with the same team that Russell had.

I, however, am still convinced that Davis remains firm in his support for Russell, because I still believe that the trade of Randy Moss in 2007 during the draft in which the Raiders selected Russell was an act of sabotage and subterfuge by former coach Lane Kiffin and then outgoing personnel director Michael Lombardi.

Whether that is true or not is not the point because I do believe that Al Davis believes that to be the case.

Thus, I have not seen enough to believe that Davis has been dissuaded from his commitment (pun intended) to JaMarcus Russell.  We have begun to believe this because of the seemingly imminent termination of Coach Tom Cable, likely resulting from Coach Cable’s decision to bench Russell.

If that is the case, then Davis should not wait around for Heyward -Bey, while the Raiders would need a consistent go-to receiver, if Russell is still numero uno .

You might say then: Why would Denver want Heyward -Bey?  The answer is simple. 

Josh McDaniels is from a New England system that prefers low-key receivers, because the receiver is seen as just a product of the system.  Jabbar Gaffney, for instance, recently recorded over 200 yards receiving for the Broncos.

Thus, if Russell is still the man in the Davis plan, then I would hope Davis does something aggressive in the offseason to support Russell.

With that said, often times the scenarios that make perfect sense in the NFL, don’t happen.  Regardless of that, that is something I would like to see.

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Looking Ahead: What Should The Oakland Raiders Do In The NFL Draft?

It is that time of year again. You know, the time of year when technically the days are getting longer and brighter, while the bulb in Al Davis’ head never seems to change?

That, and it’s also the time of year when fans of teams on the outside of the postseason start looking ahead to the Draft and what may come from free-agency.

If no CBA is signed with the Players Union, free-agency will be much different than it has been.  Any player that signed as a rookie less than six years ago but has an expiring contract, will not be a UFA, but rather an RFA.

Meaning that, an NFL player is required to play six years with the team that selected him before becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent.

Moreover, NFL clubs will have three franchise tags instead of one, while clubs that finish in the Final 8 (24-32) will have stiff restrictions on their ability to sign or resign free-agents.

Nevertheless, with three franchise tags in hand, the chances of an impact starter getting loose in free-agency is slim to nil.

Already, I have seen “Mock Drafts” which think that the Raiders could target a quarterback or linebacker, such as Ryan Mallet and Rolando McClain. 

Al Davis generally doesn’t use top picks on linebackers and if anything, Davis is still committed to JaMarcus Russell, while the progress of LB Trevor Scott seemingly suggests that linebacker is no longer a priority, anyway.

After that, safety Taylor Mays has been mentioned as a possibility, because of his measurables. Mays would help a secondary that has been burned deep and has had trouble with running backs going long.

Picking Mays would allow the Raiders some options in the secondary, such as giving more time to Michael Huff at corner, which is where he played in college. 

I note that, because Nnamdi Asomugha played safety from 2003-2005 before returning to his college position of corner, where he has dominated, and so I wonder if Huff could do the same.

Yet, the progress made by former top pick Huff, former fourth round pick Tyvon Branch, and 2009 second-round pick Mike Mitchell, would seemingly suggest another direction than safety.

That said, I would not rule out Mays as possible, considering the selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey in 2009. It seems that every year, mock drafts pick wrong with the Raiders (good or bad), and when some started saying Heyward-Bey, I didn’t believe it.

Live and learn.

The most pressing needs for the Raiders are right tackle, nose tackle, defensive back depth, and guard depth. 

The Raiders need to get better in run support at the line and need stability on the right side of the offensive-line, where the retread Cornell Green has been both injury and penalty prone.

I’d say that a defensive-tackle is a safe pick in the first round. If the Raiders can’t find a right tackle in free agency, then the second round or later should have talent available, while guards can be found in the later rounds.

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Saying It Again: Why Chris Johnson Is the NFL MVP

I previously wrote a short article in which I stated that I think halfback Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans is the MVP of the NFL.

I said that in belief that Johnson would pass 2,000 rushing yards, which he has just done against the Seattle Seahawks.

Not only that, but Johnson also broke the NFL record for yards from scrimmage set by Marshall Faulk for the St. Louis Rams in 1999.

Faulk would win the award for MVP in 2000, not 1999, but clearly Johnson has put himself on the same level as a former NFL MVP.

Not only that, but Faulk was a member of a loaded offense, while Johnson seems to have done more with less. 

That is not to diminish Vince Young’s comeback, but Johnson succeeded even without Young, when the Titans still relied on Kerry Collins at quarterback.

A quarterback, I should add, who had been overrated in 2008 because of Tennessee’s running game and defense.

Had Young played from day one, the Titans would likely be in the postseason.  I don’t see why Johnson should be punished for the fact that Collins was inordinately bad at quarterback.

I say inordinately bad, because often times when a quarterback wins MVP, it was not without a good halfback.  Any backfield needs balance to succeed.

Even Drew Brees had 17 touchdowns from the New Orleans running backs.  I point that out because I think fans often give credit where credit is not due.  Some fans like to give the quarterback the credit for rushing touchdowns.

I don’t.  Because the offensive equation can “run” both ways.  Sometimes the passing game helps the running game, and other times the running game helps the passing game.

I think there are times when you can say the quarterback’s touchdowns resulted from the running game.  The halfbacks collect first downs and “slash” down field, only for the quarterback to collect a touchdown in the red zone.

Just ask Kerry Collins. 

Or Trent Dilfer, who handed off to former 2,000-yard rusher Jamal Lewis in 2000 en route to the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl victory over the Collins-led New York Giants.  Well, I figure I should mention that even then Collins had a “Smash and Dash” type combo with Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne.

Moreover, if the running back is merely a product of the passing game, why is it that the supposed greatest passer of all-time, Dan Marino, never had a running back?  You would think that if the halfback were the product of the quarterback, that logically, Marino would have created a running back.  And yet, he never did.  Thus, that axiom is false.

In the race for MVP, the three other names that stand out are Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre.

I eliminated Favre because of Adrian Peterson.  The Vikings won 10 in 2008 without Favre, and mostly on the legs of Peterson.  The addition of Favre has given the Vikes a two game boost. That is not enough for me to believe that Favre is the MVP of the Vikings.

I eliminated Brees, because I think the New Orleans offense has some smoke-and-mirrors to it.  That being the fact, most fans would not give all the credit to Brees if they realized that three different halfbacks had five or more rushing touchdowns. 

Here is an example of giving credit where credit is not due: Some would say that those touchdowns resulted from Brees, while I would say that those touchdowns resulted from three different players.  One of them is Reggie Bush, a halfback that was supposed to play the way Johnson has done for the Titans.

I eliminated Manning, partially because: How many times does Manning need to hear that he’s the MVP?  Manning already has three MVP trophies, and frankly, I think it would be redundant to do it again. When a player such as Johnson has done something incredible he should be recognized with more than just the consolation prize of Offensive Player of the Year.

There you have it.  Regardless of whether you agree with my conclusion, at least you know how I came to that conclusion.

 

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New Year’s Resolutions: What The Oakland Raiders Must Do In 2010

The following article is about a few ideas I have pondered over the course of an non-determinable period of time.

Firstly, I have long thought that the Raiders should drop “Oakland” from the name, and just say, “Golden State,” which I think would attract more fans to the home-games.

Secondly, I might be in the minority on this one, but I think the “Back in Black” theme song should be changed. 

I once wrote that it should be changed to, “Dancing in the Dark,” but I would also support the Aerosmith cover of, “Come Together,” because it always reminds me of the Holy Roller play.  Listen to that song to know what I mean.

I resolve to tone down my egoclasm, and be a kinder-gentler fan; although I will reserve the right to occasionally eviscerate the ego of someone who deserves it (i.e. Tom Brady).

I resolve to commend Bud Selig if the MLB votes to terminate the Giants rights to the San Jose market, so that the Athletics can move out of the Coliseum.

I resolve to support Al Davis if he makes an irrefusable offer to Jon Gruden to come back as coach.  From what I’ve hear in the rumor mills, Gruden would be willing to return; for one, Gruden’s quarterback in Tampa Bay was Bruce Gradkowski.  It seems that the issue mostly is whether Davis wants to do so.

I think that Davis should do so.  With a few additions, I believe that the Raiders have enough talent and potential that the Raiders could win three Super Bowls or more, with the right coach.  Gruden is the right coach, so long as Gruden is not allowed to dump the youth for veterans.

Davis just needs to get over his stubborness and admit the mistake he made in trading Gruden, but sooner than it took him to admit his mistake in firing Art Shell.

Gruden could have field-days by using players like Michael Bush and Darren McFadden the way he used Tyrone Wheatley and Charlie Garner.  The current Raider roster is far more talented than what Gruden had to work with in 1998.

I believe that what made the Raiders great was a commitment to innovation and willingness to change.  Since 2003, it has been clear that Davis has been afraid of change, because he wants to win the way he did in the 70s and 80s.  When the reality was, the underlying reason that that the Raiders would win was by being a thumb in the eye to those who preached one way as the only way.

The other issue has been: Who should act as the go-between for Gruden and Davis, a role once filled by Bruce Allen?

I would say that current Raiders coach Tom Cable would be the perfect go-between for Gruden and Davis, and that Cable should be demoted to assistant head coach, or offensive-coordinator.

I have loved Cable’s defiant enthusiasm and optimism—which seems contrary to his portrayal on ESPN—that the Raiders have more potential than critics might claim.  But, I don’t believe that Cable was ready to design an offense, and the fact is, he has no offensive coordinator.

We saw that against the Browns when the Raiders passed five times from the two-yard line, not once giving the ball to Michael Bush, Darren McFadden, or another runningback.  Had Gruden been calling the plays, Zack Crockett would have jumped over the pile for a short touchdown.

The Raiders must also be active in free agency and draft well. The Raiders must re-sign several key free-agents (Richard Seymour, Tyvon Branch, Kirk Morrison, Thomas Howard), but also add talent.  Some have said that the top needs for the Raiders are quarterback stability, a tutor for the receivers, and defensive-back depth.

I would support the additions of CB Dre Bly and WR Isaac Bruce, both of whom are free agents.  Bly has always been a ball-hawk, but his age has slowed him.  I think he would be solid in nickel coverage though, while Bruce would be the perfect tutor for a promising group of Raider receivers.

I would also like to see the Raiders sign free-agent RT Winston Justice or Alex Barron, and C Justin Hartwig.

Here also is a trade that I would like: Swap JaMarcus Russell (maybe something else in addition) with the Rams for DE Chris Long.  Basically, a swap of two heavy contracts that could help both teams at a position of need.  Russell would likely need to restructure his contract to make any deal work, and the Raiders would need to assume a large chunk of what Russell is still owed.

The critics have already declared Russell to be a bust, which I believe is a misconception.  Russell has shown some flashes of star ability, but has lacked focus.  I think he has fallen out of favor in the Raiders locker room, but could be rejuvenated by a change of scenary.

The Raiders could then target a defensive-tackle with their top pick in the Draft, shore-up their depth at linebacker, and add a young corner to groom.

I resolve to commend any Raider that commits to eliminating penalties.  Yes, the refs don’t give the Raiders the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time, it should force the Raiders to be tougher and rise over the penalties.  It wouldn’t hurt however, to not commit penalties to begin with.

I resolve to continue watching the NFL Network, FSN and local news, instead of ESPN, because of their blatant attempts to defame the Raiders, Raider fans and Tom Cable.  That is of course, another reason why Davis should make an irrefusable offer to Jon Gruden to come back, so that the Raiders can stick it to the hacks at ESPN.

I resolve to continue supporting the Raiders, no matter how unpopular, because it will be great justice when the Raiders start winning once again, and all the fair-weather fans and hangers on return to the fold of Raider Nation.

There’s no gray area to that: Just Silver and Black

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Why JaMarcus Russell Is NOT Comparable To Ryan Leaf

It seems to be a popular sentiment amongst fans of the San Diego Chargers that JaMarcus Russell is comparable to their goat to end all goats, Ryan Leaf.

Clearly, Charger fans are anxious to move away from the stigma of Leaf, but the reality is, Leaf is their goat from now until the end of time.

Leaf is an incomparable joke that resonates throughout time. When the Chargers selected Leaf, they traded a three time Pro Bowler, two first round picks, and a second round pick to move-up one spot in order to select him.

That second round pick could have been used to select offensive tackle Flozell Adams or corner back Patrick Surtain, amongst other star-players.

Leaf belongs in the same category “draft day blunders ” along with Joe Barry Carroll and Sam Bowie of the NBA, not JaMarcus Russell. The legacy of Leaf is not purely in his statistics. His negative impact was from what the Chargers gave-up and passed on to get him.

Moreover, had Leaf had an even temperament, he probably would have remained on the team and may have been able to rectify his career. The Chargers cut him, largely because he was a cancer in the locker room, while the public caught on to his disruptive influence.

In the case of JaMarcus Russell, Russell is a laidback slacker who has angered fans with his lackluster play, but has not done anything for Raider fans to think less of him as a person. 

Sure, like any football player, Russell has thrown money around on indulgences, but the line that says “do not cross” with fans and players is when you throw a temper tantrum because you think that everyone on the team sucks, except you.

What Raider fans have seen with the quarterback situation in 2009, is that the Raiders can win, when the quarterback is in it to win it, as terribly cliche as that it. 

Clearly though, Russell wanted to prove himself against the Broncos in Denver by coming back onto the field after an injury. As unpretty as the drive was, Russell would return to lead the Raiders to victory.

Leaf would have thrown his helmet at coaches in frustration that the offensive line allowed him to get hurt.

Another big difference between Russell and Leaf is that the Chargers mortgaged part of their future to get Leaf, while the Raiders traded nothing to get Russell.

Ironically however, then Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and outgoing personnel director Michael Lombardi would collude to trade Randy Moss and acquire QB Josh McCown and Kiffin’s friend from USC, WR Mike Williams.

One reason that Russell has struggled (not the only reason) is because Kiffin refused to work with him and even colluded with Lombardi to orchestrate trades to subvert Russell’s chances. All the while fans have pointed the finger at Russell, whom is only 24.

Read my investigative articles on that matter for more information.

Nevertheless, the Raiders have improved greatly in the draft ever since they canned the five-time loser Michael Lombardi, as opposed to the Chargers who would blow draft picks left and right after 1998 until 2004.

One of whom was Drew Brees, whom the Chargers selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, only to let walk for nothing in an exchange to the New Orleans Saints.

The Chargers also passed on Randy Moss, Alan Faneca, and Charles Woodson, amongst other star players.

Despite the negative hype around wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (2009), the Raiders have developed several very promising receivers since 2007 in Louis Murphy (2009), Zach Miller (2007), Johnnie Lee Higgins (2007), and Chaz Schilens (2008).

I realize that the Raiders passed on running back Adrian Peterson and WR Calvin Johnson in 2007, but would also select RB Michael Bush, Miller, and Higgins in 2007.  Aside from the top pick, the Raiders have clearly done well in building a foundation that is able to win, when the quarterback is in it to win it.

This by no means however is to say that Bush will be the next Peterson, but Bush has clearly shown he can be the lead runner and potentially a Pro Bowler who was able to burn future Hall of Famers in Brian Dawkins and Champ Bailey last Sunday at Denver.

Russell probably still has a future in Oakland because he has talent that Al Davis covets. I personally hope that the Raiders either restructure the contract or trade him, but down the line I do believe that Russell can succeed with the Raiders or in the NFL, while Leaf is now and will forever be the ultimate NFL burnout.

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Christmas Came Early: Raiders Run Wild On Broncos in Upset Win at Denver

Okay, so the Raiders have once again shown an uncanny ability against play-off caliber teams with a 20-19 upset of the Denver Broncos, while laying eggs against losing teams like the Washington Redskins.

More importantly, the Raiders have pulled off many upsets in Denver since 2001, despite the overall season record.  Anytime the Raiders beat the Broncos though, especially at Denver, I’m happy with the season. 

This win also served as nice payback for the rout by the Broncos in Oakland earlier this season.

Next week, the Raiders face the Browns at Cleveland, where the Browns have made explosive plays in recent weeks with returner Joshua Cribbs and running-back Jerome Harrison.

Between four runners, the Raiders piled-up 241 running-yards and a touchdown by Michael Bush against the revamped Broncos defense at Denver.  The Raiders would also hold the potent Denver pass-rush to only one sack that came late in the game.

Bush finished the day with a 7.4 average on 18 carries with 133 running yards, a touchdown, a catch for a key first-down, and a long of 40 yards. 

Darren McFadden finished the day with a 6.1 average per carry, 74 yards on 12 carries, and a long of 28 yards. 

Even Charlie Frye would have a big run of 26 yards that symbolized a change in momentum for the Raiders after Frye had thrown an early interception.

The Raider defense allowed two early field-goals by the Broncos, but then shut-out the offense of star rookie runner Knowshon Moreno, while Kyle Orton would later string together key plays in the second half. 

The Raider offense took the opportunity to take a 13-6 lead at the half.

Many Raider defenders would make key plays with safety Tyvon Branch as the lead tackler, Michael Huff with a critical play near the end of the game, and defensive-end Greg Ellis providing three tackles, two sacks, and a critical forced fumble that put Denver in quicksand before the final play of the game. 

Important of note is that two rookie defenders, Matt Shaughnessy and Mike Mitchell, would have a good share of critical plays. 

I note that, because Shaughnessy and Mitchell were viewed as reach-picks in the 2009 NFL Draft, but appear to be revelations for the Raiders to build with.  Mitchell was invisible statistically, but applied critical pressure on the offense.

The Broncos would respond in the second half with a field goal to start the half, and would score a touchdown after a fumble recovery a few drives later.

The Raider defense would come down with a key goal-line stand after a 63-yard play by receiver Brandon Stokley that put Denver within five yards of the end-zone, which was fitting after the Denver defense had stopped the Raiders on downs within five yards of the goal-line a few drives earlier.

Even when starting Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye left with a concussion, the Raiders were resilient with the much maligned JaMarcus Russell back in action for the Raiders, whom would lead the winning-drive for a final score of 20-19.

After being sacked six times in Oakland by the ‘Skins, Russell responded with a long nail-biting drive that was capped off with a touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens. During that drive, tight-end Tony Stewart emerged with three critical catches to keep the drive alive.

Of course, Denver is the site of Russell’s two most brilliant wins, of his few wins as starter, when Russell and the Raiders upset the Broncos at Denver in 2008.

The future for Russell in Oakland still seems uncertain, nevertheless, this could be a valuable moment for the Raiders and Russell, as this performance could either enhance Russell’s chance of future success with the Raiders…or his trade value.

The Panthers, Bills, Rams, Seahawks and possibly others could be interested in a trade for Russell at the right price.  I would say that if Russell is unwilling to restructure his contract that the Raiders should trade him, or keep him with a better contract.

I think that the big picture of Russell success today is that the Raiders can contend when they have a quarterback who’s in it to win it.  Russell seems to be seeing the light on this issue, but since other quarterbacks have performed highly for the Raiders, it would suggest that the Raiders should restructure Russell’s hefty contract or trade him.

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No Longer the Wizards Of Oz: Why the New England Patriots Suddenly Look Ordinary

All the talk lately has been about the state of the New England Patriots, which have struggled in the latter half of the season.

The Patriots have lost to the Saints, Colts, and division rival Dolphins.  The Colts and Saints are undefeated, so those losses are understandable, while the Dolphins only squeaked out a win, thus the media and fans have declared that the sky is falling.

The Patriots decided to plan ahead after Tedy Bruschi retired and clean house of its veterans, so that younger defensive players are compelled to eventually develop into leaders, such as Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather, and Vince Wilfork.

None of whom has done so, while one of the most veteran defensive players on the team, Adalius Thomas, has shot back at the tactics of coach Belichick to keep everyone under his thumb.

Unlike years past though, in which we were force fed the idea that the Patriots locker room is filled with rainbows, sunshine, magic frogs with funny little hats and that a troll kept watch for the gates to Oz at the end of a yellow brick road to the NFL promised land.

Instead, the Patriots locker room is in revolt.  Had the Patriots been named the “Raiders” Thomas would be named Charles Woodson, and ESPN would have already declared an insurrection a-brewing in Beantown.

Belichick, however, is not the “Dumbest Coach in America” as was Bill Callahan in 2003.

Some have questioned whether this is the beginning of the end for the Patriots from perennial contention.  Maybe so.  Tom Brady has been banged-up, and has not been the “Tom Terrific” that has led 28 fourth quarter comebacks. 

Instead, the Patriots have buckled under in crunch time, and have been unable to orchestrate the gutsy plays we have come to expect from the Patriots.

People point to the defense, but more importantly, Brady has “willed” the Patriots back in years past, even when the defense struggled, but that has not been the case.

And the question is, why?  Is it age, the injuries, no more Spygate, or that his teammates like Randy Moss have given up?

Probably a combination of all of the above, which is the complete opposite of what we’ve been force fed to believe in years past.  Even though the defense is rebuilding, I do believe that these times are not ordinary for the Patriots, because it is evident to me that the Patriots have been unlike the team that stayed “cool” under pressure.

We have learned that behind the smoke and mirrors of the Patriots legacy, is really just a group of mostly the ordinary that somehow were able to ride a gravy train since 2001 that has come to a sudden and abrupt stop.

In other words, we are now seeing the truth that has always been the truth.

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The Challenge: Why The Oakland Raiders Can Win Out To Finish 2009

Earlier this year, newly acquired defensive-tackle Richard Seymour guaranteed that the Raiders would be in the postseason.

Barring an extraordinary change of events, that is unlikely to happen for the Raiders.  However, I do believe that the Raiders can still finish with eight wins, and I believe that the Raiders should expect that from themselves.

The Raiders have Washington and Baltimore in Oakland, and Denver and Cleveland on the road to finish the season.

At this point, losing to Washington or Cleveland would be inexcusable, while I think the Raiders can upset Baltimore and Denver.

What’s that you say? Play for draft picks?

That is no way to build a team.  Winning is how you build a team. 

Strangely, the Raiders have done better with lower round draft picks anyway.  So I could not care less about top draft picks.

Denver has been erratic this season. The Raiders split the series with the Broncos in 2007 and 2008. They upset the Broncos in Denver last season, which symbolized the beginning of Denver’s historic collapse.

After that game, I wrote an article that asserted that the Raiders could win out and make the playoffs. 

At this point, the goal should be just winning, baby. 

Eight wins would be a great achievement for this franchise. It will be the first time they’ve accumulated eight wins since 2003 and it would give the Raiders momentum going into 2010.

That many wins would also improve the Raider appeal amongst free agents, in an offseason that is slated to be loaded with talent.

It’s just win baby, not just draft baby.

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Raider Receivers Emerge in Wild Fourth Quarter to Upset Steelers

Wow. What a fourth quarter that was! 

After a defensive struggle between the Steelers and Raiders for three quarters, both offenses exploded in the fourth quarter for a combined five touchdowns, with the Raiders upsetting the playoff hopeful Steelers 27-24.

The winning touchdown went to Raiders receiver Louis Murphy to cap an 88-yard drive led by quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

In possibly the best quarterback performance since the days of Rich Gannon, Gradkowski would finish the day with 308 yards passing, three touchdown passes, three runs for 20 yards and much elusiveness to avoid pressure despite two sacks by LaMarr Woodley.

After a blowout loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, the Raiders responded with quite possibly their most exciting game since 2002 when the Raiders outdueled the Buffalo Bills in a shootout.

It is important to note that Dallas has a tendency to win big at home on Thanksgiving. I say that because, despite the Dallas game, the overall trend of the Raiders has been upwards since the switch at quarterback to Gradkowski.

I also have a new nickname for Louis Murphy; “Murphy’s Law”. Except instead of decreeing that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, it’s anything that can go right will go right. In the fourth quarter, Murphy caught four balls for 128 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yarder.

Murphy, however, was not alone amongst Raider receivers. Chaz Schilens would also catch a touchdown in the wild quarter, while Johnnie Lee Higgins would make big plays all game. Todd Watkins brought a key first down in the fourth quarter.

This performance is important because the Raiders were uber-maligned for selecting Darrius Heyward-Bey instead of Michael Crabtree in the 2009 draft. Heyward-Bey was deactivated for today’s game. In the same draft, the Raiders selected Murphy in the fourth round. 

In retrospect, it would have been nice if the Raiders had taken a player at a different position, but clearly the pick of Heyward-Bey will not impede the development of the receiver corps.

It is important to note that Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was inactive for today’s game, which hurt Pittsburgh in deep pass protection. Nevertheless, had this performance resulted solely from the absence of Polamalu, it seems that the Raiders would have scored long touchdowns all day.

Thus, it was great to see the Raiders respond the way they did in the fourth quarter. We haven’t seen this much life from them in quite some time, and it is another reason why the Raider future looks bright.

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Saying It Now: Why Chris Johnson of Tennesse Titans Should be NFL MVP

At this point in the season, NFL fans have certainly started to question who will be the NFL MVP.

The three names heard most often are the usual suspects: Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, and Drew Brees.

At this point, Manning or Favre winning MVP is redundant.  Moreover, I cannot ignore the presence of Adrian Peterson in the same Minnesota backfield as Favre, while Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne have long been underrated in Indianapolis.

The question of who deserves to be MVP is all about which player is doing the most with the least help.

The Saints don’t have one player that stands out around Brees, but they do have a large quantity of legitimate starters instead of quality starters around Brees.

In Tennessee, however, we saw running back Chris Johnson’s electric play without Vince Young.  Johnson thus is clearly not the product of the quarterback.

Johnson could be on his way to a 2,000 yard season for a team that once looked like an afterthought.  Collins appears to have been holding back the Titans, when people had questioned whether the Titans were struggling from the loss of defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in free agency.

I don’t believe that this argument needs to be complex, but it seems quite simple that Johnson has done the most with the least amount of help.

Regardless of quarterback, Johnson’s numbers have been above average and potentially great.   Johnson looks like the second coming of Bo Jackson.

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