A few months ago, the owner wanted to get rid of the head coach. However, instead of firing him and having to pay him, the owner wanted the coach to resign. The coach more or less acted as if he never thought his job was in danger. Welcome to the world of the Oakland Raiders, where the only thing ordinary is well, nothing. Although, maybe those kick-the-Raiders while they're down cracks (Boy, have they been down) is about to partially subside.
They have spent a lot of money in the offseason. That is not a guaranteed quick fix model in the NFL but with a roster so depleted of talent, any upgrade, even moderately, perhaps with even an eyebrow-raising amount of cash, will help.
The contract given to Javon Walker (Six Years, $55 million) says it all. This is a guy who when healthy can be a force, however, when hurt, is not only a hindrance on the field but a nuisance in the locker room. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, over the years a quiter voice than usual, even came out and while not naming Walker, indicated, attitudes inside had to change. Is Walker worth the deal? He was for one year in Green Bay and for one full season in Denver. In Oakland, he might be able to emerge again partly due to of all things, a running game. A wide receiver aided by running backs? Sure. If Oakland's backfield-Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush produce- it will put less of a burden on quarterback JaMarcus Russell, putting less pressure on the pass game that will be led by a second year player. Keep in mind, even if the Raiders are winning, there is no guarantee it will make Walker happy. He wants passes coming his way, wins are complimetary, it seems.
Oakland also came to terms with Gibril Wilson on a $39 million contract. From the Super Bowl Champions to the Raiders? I guess you have to pay more if you are Oakland in order to compete and the way their defense struggled last season after a soild 2006 season, they had to do it. They also wanted to make a splash and just like with Walker, they did. However, much like Walker, this is a guy who has been great, though not consistently. A team like Oakland just can't make mistakes of this magnitude because they are so behind the NFL curve to begin with, they have to hope Wilson delivers in a really big way. Really, to me, anything less, will be a big problem.
Also, Tommy Kelly, a member of that defense last year got a $55 million deal. A move that seemed a bit odd considering many do not consider him one of the best at his spot. Then again, if they did it the normal way, they would not be the Oakland Raiders.
A second year quarterback with issues concerning his weight. A second year head coach. An owner that plays second fiddle to nobody. Will it lead to another second fiddle year in Oakland. We will have to wait to see.
-"z"
