Is Russell the leader the Raiders need?
(AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)
Related Articles
Rich Gannon, the quarterback who led the Raiders through their last success before joining CBS as a broadcaster had a recent interview with KHTK. Of course the topic turned towards the current state of the Silver and Black.
Gannon has been the target of the ire of the Raider Nation for some of his comments since his retirement in 2004. He has an insight into the inner workings of the Raider organization that few get, having been the quarterback of the Silver and Black from 1999-2004. HE was renowned for his work ethic as being the first one in and the last one out every day when it came to practice.
He does not feel any animus towards the organization, and in fact, said "I wish they had a better product on the field," and "I want nothing more than to see them do well. It’s just hard for me to watch." During his playing time, he put his heart and soul into being the leader that resurrected a franchise that had wallowed in mediocrity for over a half-decade. He was the one who locked up the pool balls to get the other players to focus on football rather than the pool table. He would get in the face of guys who made mistakes.
Gannon said, "I can’t say honestly that I’m surprised. I can’t look at it and say well gee, that’s a shocker to me. It’s really not. I can’t say that I’m surprised by anything I see or hear that comes out of that place. I just think that - listen - I’ve been criticized for being what some would refer to as overly critical, but listen, it’s clear when you look at the football team, there’s not enough…they certainly have players, but you look at each level of the organization, I just don’t know if there’s enough leadership there and I think that’s what holds them back.”
Following the loss to the New Orleans Saints, defensive end Greg Ellis made reference to players not being bale to go out the night before and perform as they need to the next day. This would seem to back up Gannon's idea that there is a void of leadership. However, according to Gannon it goes deeper. Considering Gannon's time in Oakland covered three head coaches: Jon Gruden, Bill Callahan, and Norv Turner, this was a not-so veiled swipe at Al Davis. In fact, one of Gannon's key points was that the Raiders lost Gruden, Callahan, and Bruce Allen, whom Gannon termed "great football minds" and never replaced them.
His biggest point was that he had to not only focus on himself, but he had to be the guy who got on the other guys about partying too hard, or not paying attention. He said that had taken a toll on him, becuase he didn't feel that it should be necessary for him to watch over the other guys like that. The fact of the matter is that if a player has to do that, there is an organizational breakdown. The coach should have the power to punish the guys who are late or are not doing their job.
More to come on the Richard Seymour situation and other Raider news tonight....
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Thank you to Cal Bears Examiner, Rob Calonge, for his excellent team coverage of Training Camp.
Comments
If anyone should know then it's Rich Gannon. He was the man in Oakland and I trust his word.He brought out the best in the Raiders and as a true fan I thank him for putting it on the line for the Raider nation. Now if the Raider organization is allowing guys to go out and party the night before the game then we will never get where we need to be. Dedicate yourself Raider players! Not "Just Play Baby" or "Just Win Baby" but "Be a Professional" and forget the cliches!
Rich Gannon should mentor JaMarcus, show him what a leader looks like...
Rich Gannon again bidding for the number #1 Raider-Hater position. I guess the Super Bowl was not embarassing enough. Let alone the moron tried to take on Derrick Brooks head-on in a regular season game that finished his career as a Raider. The following scenario, QB- Kerry Collins comes in and stinks up the joint! Let's remember fans that Ritchie is nothing but a hater whose clean-shaven. He was exposed in the championship game against the Baltimore Ravens in Oakland, and against Tampa Bay for record-tying 5 ints in the Super Bowl. Silence is golden Rich! Thanks for the memories.
gannon was great while he was a raider but does he forget that he was considered a journeyman football player before al davis brought him in and put him in position to succeed? and i think callahan was the coach when barrett robbins went off to party down in mexico and provided a huge distraction (distractions like that historically kill super bowl teams). there were lots of crazy guys back in madden's day. the players have to want to be winners. al davis is one of the greatest football minds in history. he's a hall-of-famer. why don't the players shut the heck and play. al davis puts people in position to succeed. what they do with it is up to them.
I love how you morons are calling Rich Gannon a Raider Hater...Grow up you big bunch of babies-That is what is wrong with the Raiders and Raider Fan (of which I am one) They hate to hear the truth!!!!! What is wrong with what Rich said?? NOTHING! Its the freakin truth, and it pi$$es you off because YOU KNOW ITS TRUE TOO!
There is no accountability with this team, most of the players collect their checks, cash them and proceed to spend their money, Its NOT about winning to them, its about being a wannabe gangsta's with million dollar jobs. If it was all about winning the Raiders would win much more often than they do, the commitment is not there and neither is the emphasis on the details, the small things that need to be done in order to win games. Until I see it, I will agree with everything Gannon says, he is a realist and so am I. Aren't you guys disgusted with what you have seen going on 7 years now? How can you say he is wrong?
Hey Mikey G, I guess you can hold Rich Gannon's coffee cup when he needs a refill. Rest assure the "Nation" and the Raider organization is tired of Gannon's negative spewing! Question Mikey G, Have you ever heard Jim Plunkett, Tom Flores, or John Madden speak so negative about the organization? Truth or no truth, you never spew information outside the organization. Maybe, your pal Rich is suffering from identity complex. Remember, he is from Delware. Ah Yes, that great state known as the first state in the union and Philadelphia's suburb. Common on Michael back a winner,not a third rate analysis with CBS
Gruden’s name should be beside that MVP Gannon received. Gimme me a break Rich.
Gruden resurrected your career…and dismantled it in the SB….enough said.
The only truth in what Gannon said is the leadership void…let’s remember, this Raider Team is getting younger by the day, and leadership is built on Wins. Ellis & Seymour van show the way…and Nmadi is not going anywhere.
The key will be between the ears of JR…my understanding is that his mire presence exudes leadership…that’s impressive…beginning on Monday, he needs to walk the talk. I also believe that Gallery will lead the 0-Line..and should be a pro-bowler this year. The biggest void is on the WR crew….Mr.Murphy could very well led this young group…2 National Championships will do that.
So Gannon…if you want to help….leave CBS, and become our QB Coach…or stick to the color at game time.
Once again, all fingers point to the top (Mr. Davis) as the biggest problem. At one point it was an honor to wear the silver and black. Now the organization is so conisstently mis-managed that nobody wants to be sentenced to play for the Raiders. Consistent bad draft picks, over paid free agents that nobody else wants (Javon Walker, Tommy Kelly etc) and a revolving coaching staff that is not picked by the head coach, but by the owner. When things go wrong and they always do, it is the head coach's fault & he's fired. At some point the NFL should remove Davis from runnig the team. Al Davis is harming the NFL by mismanaging a team and making a mockery of a once esteemed franchise. It's related to lost NFL sales revenue due to the Raiders being consistently horrible.
Rich Gannon is right!
In any organization, business or sport, you are only as good as the person at the top of the organization who makes all the meaningful decisions. It is not about a coach or middle manager
To SmileyZoso - About your comments about Gannon showing his true colors against Baltimore & TB, it wouldnt have mattered if Joe Montana was behind center for the SB, Jon Gruden knew the team inside\out. Their defense knew everything before the offense
lined up, a well documented fact. As for the Raven game, lets see how fast you get up after a 300LB tackle crushes you to the ground. Mikey G's comments are dead on & I agree with him 100%. Gannon is also correct, this team lacks more than leadership, it lacks character & discipline. Gannon shouldnt have had to babysit
like he did, but it was his passion & will to win that drove that team to the heights they acheived, and he was the heart & soul of that team during his tenure. Thanks for the memories indeed Rich, your time in Oakland was too short.
To SmileyZoso - About your comments about Gannon showing his true colors against Baltimore & TB, it wouldnt have mattered if Joe Montana was behind center for the SB, Jon Gruden knew the team inside\out. Their defense knew everything before the offense
lined up, a well documented fact. As for the Raven game, lets see how fast you get up after a 300LB tackle crushes you to the ground. Mikey G's comments are dead on & I agree with him 100%. Gannon is also correct, this team lacks more than leadership, it lacks character & discipline. Gannon shouldnt have had to babysit
like he did, but it was his passion & will to win that drove that team to the heights they acheived, and he was the heart & soul of that team during his tenure. Thanks for the memories indeed Rich, your time in Oakland was too short.
I can appreciate Gannon's spin on discipline after hearing about McFadden's party before the NO game,that's unacceptable as a fan.I have been a Raider fan since the early 60's .I understand the character of the previous teams but in this day and age with the money these guys make it's totally unacceptable and unprofessional to act in this manner.They make huge money,they are not college kids anymore,they are supposed to be professionals. So Gannon with his work ethics and knowledge of the game would be perfect to help create a better environment around these players. They could learn professionalism and proper work ethics and how to show up for every game.And that means everything. I can appreciate the old players playing with just heart because they didn't make much money but that is not the case in this day,you have to play with heart . Get off your chair Gannon ,Talk to Big Al ,this organization is a great one but needs some help.Al's 80 years old and can't babysit kids .Go Raiders
Gannon needs to watch the tape of the Super Bowl. WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HIS PERFORMANCE IN THAT GAME. He has got a pair to say anything after that game.
Why did Gannon always throw a five yard dump off pass on third and long. The punter didn't need an extra five yards. It did nothing but pad some stats.
Having a couple solid leaders on the team would be nice. Or some expierenced vets that can help guide the young guys. But come on!!! There is not one person in the NFL that shouldn't be held accountable for their own actions. If you can't keep your partying to a minimum for 5 and a half months a year, if you don't have the will to win, if you don't care about anything but a paycheck, then you are a TURD. You should be fired, not baby sitted.
Plus, Gannon was big for the Raiders, but it sounds like a lot of you guys (and himself) thinks he was some huge deciding factor in the Raiders being good those few years. Must I remind you that this dude couldn't even win a starting job for like ten years and didn't win anything untill joining the Raiders. Sounds like we did more for him than he did for us.
Gannon speaks the truth,and its sad to see so many Raider fans ssssooooo clueless on the state of this team!!! JR is a loser and will NEVER lead this team,maybe from the bench!!! JR is slow minded and slow footed,again,thats the truth!!!!
JR is slow minded and slow footed,again,that's the truth!!!!
He can never be a starting QB. Take a look around the league...there are guys like Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Tom Brady in the same league. How can a slow dummy compete?
Until Al Davis is gone there will never be a winning team known as Raiders
How well did Gannon play in his second season!! Russell might be a bust,but it is to early to tell.Give him a line and lets see what happens
I think that JR is a different sort of leader and that is fine. This man is not Rich Gannon, he isn't some white dude from the Delaware Blue Hens or whatever T.F..He is a big country strong dude that stomped more than a few skulls at LSU..I am more than willing to give my guy some time to develop. All I want from my leaders is to back up their Verbal desire to win, with their Physical desire to win.
When JR says, Im going to get this done, and then goes out and DOES it, then all the Rich Gannon's in the world aren't going to seem more appealing than our guy from L.S.U. He just needs to get it done on the field.
What Rich said in this article is all absolutely true.
It is up to the Players, Coaches and the F.O to look into the mirror and decide that winning is more important to ALL of them than any single thing in this entire galaxy. Once winning takes precedence over getting chicks, booze, and money will we have turned the corner....
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!