There have been questions floating around the Raider Nation for quite some time as to what was wrong with the Oakland Raiders defense. Some answers came very clear in recent comments from Tom Cable and defensive players.
Cable chalked up the defensive difficulties to "communication problems." The question is how does this happen to a unit where the vast majority of players have been playing together for multiple seasons? This is a further sign of the team's lack of heart. This also shows that the coaching staff is not doing their job properly, as it is their job to ensure that the players are on the same page at all times.
This team is a complete disaster. There can no longer be any question about that at all. These are NFL players. They have reached the pinnacle of football players, but they are not communicating the basics to one another about where they need to be on the field. That explains the continual blown coverages. That explains how LaMont Jordan is able to rip off a 50-yard touchdown run.
Rob Ryan must be fired. It is his responsibilty to make sure that these guys are playing fundamental football. Derrick Burgess said, "Ryan doesn't call blitzes because the players dont execute them." WHAT? If players are not executing, isn't it the job of the coaching staff to get them to keep running plays until they get it right? If players are not communicating on the field, is it not the job of the coaches to rectify that problem?
Frankly, this communication breakdown shows exactly how the Raiders have developed a loser mentality. This shows that the coaching staff is not doing their job in getting their players do their jobs and win games. Until this changes, the Oakland Raiders are going to continue to flounder.
Comments
Unfortunately I doubt very seriously that Ryan is going anywhere. He's outlasted several head coaches and will probably continue to do so. Being a "yea man" has its advantages in Oakland.
Ryan's D has always sucked!!! The problem is I really think AL is not letting Ryan do what he wants to do as far as scheme and players..His brother runs a gr8 D in Balt and he talks to him every other day,One would think they could fugure something out!!! Plus,Morrison is NOT A REAL MLB,he has a mic in his helmet and we still can't get the right plays in??? Look at morrison in the picure above and u will see he's the only one out of position,nobody is blocking him and he still has no chance at the play,and contrairy to some he is slow as hell!! I have seen people,fans,media, write and report that he is one of the fastest LB's in the NFL..not true!!!! Move morrison,get rid of ryan,bring in some quality DT's,sands is not-and,and I think this D could work.. Biggest problem is coach and Morrison,and please don't start talking tackles in Defence of morrison, 2% of his tackles are with in 6 yards from scrimmage!! Hew might as well play saftey with those stats!!
Mr.Patterson, I love the articles, keep up the good work!...I've always thought that Rob Ryan is coaching with 1 arm behind his back. Its been like this for years on the D,.."4 great d-line man and mediocre line backers is all you need"..thats Al's philosophy...Ghst2thepost,...I totally agree with you...its never been good,...our "good" stats in some areas throught the years have been statistical mirages.....Ryan must go...we need dynamite to fix this team.
yawn---stretch. um is there any new news here ? there are about 4 NFL level players on the defense. why whip on ryan when he is working with sub par performers. move him to another team and you will see him excel and come like all the other talents that were fortunate enough to leave. Ask Randy Moss and Lamont Jordan.
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