Amid the ever changing landscape which is the Oakland Raider's Coaching staff, there seem to be be only two constants. Tom Cable was interviewed to keep his position and James Lofton is the only coach on the entire staff that is still under contract for 2009.

It apears that Rob Ryan will be joining his buddy from the Ravens, Eric Mangini, in Cleveland and Tom Rathman has already signed on to reunite with the Forty Niners as their Running Backs Coach, a position that he held for 10 years prior to joining the Lions and Raiders for the past 5 seasons.

Lane Kiffin's entire staff looks to be leaving to either join him or other old acquaintances, including Greg "Gwen" Knapp, joining Jim Mora Jr. in Seattle and the assistant head coach whose name escapes me rejoining the USC staff.

The two assistants that I want to ensure the Raiders hold onto are Keith Millard, who may be a candidate for Defensive Coordinator, and Brian Schneider who worked wonders on Special Teams last season.

I am hoping that Al finds his GM and allows them to reassemble and rebuild this staff the way they want it. If he hires a Head Coach first, that would make the job less attractive to most GM candidates.

Jim Fassel is interviewing with the Rams today, so the Coach with the most experience that we were hoping for may soon be off the board as Al continues to drag his feet.

All I know is that he had better have a WHOPPER of a plan if he intends to avoid the mess that he created by dragging out the last Head Coach hiring and leaving him with scraps to fill in his Coaching ranks.

I say, good bye and good riddance.

I like the core of our defense and this guy got about 1/10 of what they had to offer.

Kalimba Edwards, Tommy Kelly, Terdell Sands, Gerard Warren, Jay Richardson, Derek Burgess, Kirk Morrison, Nnamdi Asomugha, Thomas Howard, Trevor Scott, Gibril Wilson, Michael Huff and we cannot stop the run?

My sig line by Nnamdi says it all. Rob either had no answer to most offensive scheme changes or just flat out didn't care. His brother must have gotten the good Buddy Ryan chromosones while he got the left overs.

I wish for the Raiders to add Alex Mack out of Cal in the 2nd Round.

I know that many on this board love Jake Grove, and I think that he is a great back-up, BUT, Alex Mack has all of the tools to be our Center for 10-15 years and Center has ALWAYS been the core of our offensive line.

From Otto to Mosebar to Robbins, they were the signal callers for prolific offenses and I just don't see Jake Grove as being in the same class.

If the Raiders can land Oher, Smith or Monroe in the First and Mack in the Second Round then the draft will already be a success. The line will be solidified and we will be ready to roll in 2009 as a rushing team that protects the Quarterback.

Mack is projected to go anywhere from the late first to the mid second, so he should be on our Raider Radar.

Here is another profile of Alex Mack.

And HERE is his online diary for the Sporting News Today.

By Raiderway: 

So far here are the free agents to be for this year. Any of the first three, if we sign, will come relatively cheap and will be a quality addition as well as an upgrade over what we have. The draft, at the 7th position will really come down to best available and because this years O-line may be cost effective, a defensive player may be the Raiders’ first pick.

Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers
 
Jordan Gross, UFA, Carolina Panthers
 
Mark Tauscher, UFA, Green Bay Packers

Stacy Andrews, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals
Khalif Barnes, UFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jordan Black, UFA, Houston Texans
Jason Brown, UFA, Baltimore Ravens
Vernon Carey, UFA, Miami Dolphins
Jahri Evans, UFA, New Orleans Saints
George Foster, UFA, Detroit Lions
Chris Gray, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Pete Kendall, UFA, Washington Redskins
Seth McKinney, UFA, Cleveland Browns
Jon Runyan, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jeff Saturday, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Marvel Smith, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tra Thomas, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Fred Weary, UFA, Houston Texans
John Welbourn, UFA, Kansas City Chiefs

In looking at this year's running back class, it is quite apparent that there is nowhere near the stable of backs that dominated the 2008 draft and then went on to great years in the NFL.

Outside of "Beenie" Wells, there just aren't many backs out there, that are currently slated to be impact backs in the NFL.

There are Shonn Green from Iowa, Javon Ringer from Michigan State and Knowshon Moreno from Georgia, but do either of these even project to be as good as Michael Bush? AND THAT is the point that I want to discuss.

With the Raiders having three running backs, does it make sense to trade Michael Bush or Justin Fargas in order to improve another area, IF a top tier talent is available?

In my opinion, you would need a late first or second for Bush and a second or third for Fargas.

And just think that the Raiders were "supposedly" shopping Bush for a 4th or 5th Rounder this season.

As the draft approaches there will be MANY names tossed around as possible first round selections by the Oakland Raiders.

At this point, one thing is clear to me, Al Davis wants to restock his offensive and defensive lines. At least is why he said that he released DeAngelo Hall. He wants money to keep Nnamdi and restock his lines.

If this is to be believed, then we can forget about anyone NOT named Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, Brian Orakpo and Andre Smith. At least for now.

It is also quite possible that the team can name Mario Henderson their starting LT and then go out and get a RT in Free Agency, which would allow the team to focus on adding the best receiver Crabtree, although most mocks have him going to the Seahawks) or MLB available (Laurinaitis or Maualuga). But, until that happens, let's focus on these five for now.

I'll do a write-up on each over the next week and as last year, I am pretty sure that we will be one of the most educated fan bases by the time the draft rolls around this year.

By Live Adam

Being in Tampa for the game was fantastic. A quick recognition to the Bucs fans who were seated near me and were (for the most part) very civil (as was I) throughout the twists and turns during the game.

The game itself I think was telling about the direction the Raiders are heading. There were still inconsistencies and some bad plays, but they hung in there and pulled out a road victory against a team fighting for a playoff spot. If the Raiders can start 2009 well, we’ll all be pointing to these Houston and Tampa Bay games as the starting point, if not the Denver game earlier.

The Raiders played a great first quarter. While neither team managed to do much on offense, the Raiders were consistently winning the field position battle, pinning Tampa deep in their own zone. The fact that the Raiders outfought the Bucs in the first 15 minutes had a significant impact on the momentum and outcome of the game.

In the second quarter the Raiders drove the ball well. Their first score was completely the result of great play by Michael Bush and the O-line. Unfortunately, the Bucs answered right back with a strong drive, highlighted by the broken play to Clayton then the great run by Cadillac Williams. Thankfully, the Raiders methodically drove the ball down the field, capped by a beautiful throw and catch from Russell to Schilens. Russell just barely got the ball out in time, and Schilens beat Rhonde Barber inside on the slant. The really impressive thing was that it all occurred within 2 minutes before the half. Fantastic developments.

Third quarter the Bucs got some of the momentum back, holding us while scoring the tying TD on a big Clayton catch. Initially it looked like Justin Miller was the one who had gotten beat, but the replay showed that he played it correctly, bumping at the line, and it was the safety (not sure who) that did not cover the play correctly. If we had lost, I would have been mad, but whatever.

The fourth quarter was really entertaining, if not completely unnerving. On the Raiders’ first possession Russell basically threw two INTs, one of which was called back by a penalty. The one that counted was pretty bad, and at the game I couldn’t tell if he overthrew Miller or underthrew the receiver on the outside (highlights confirm that he overthrew Miller, a tough throw to begin with.) Once Williams broke off his second TD run and put the Bucs up 10, I was thoroughly depressed. It didn’t last long though, as the Raiders marched down the field again and scored, capped by one of Russell’s prettiest passes of the day and a fantastic route run by Johnnie Lee Higgins (in, buttonhook, out). Not only that, but I was dying laughing when he went into the Robot (went along fantastic with the other two last week).

Next came the 4th and 4 play, where I thought for sure the Bucs were trying to make the Raiders jump then call a TO for a FG attempt, but instead Clayton dropped Garcia’s pass. Next play from scrimmage – ECSTACY as Michael Bush broke off a 67 yard run for a TD to put the Raiders up for good. Go onto NFL.com and look at the replay of that run, Robert Gallery puts on two massive blocks, including the one that lets Bush cut back inside just a bit and take it to the house. Fantastic.

Then, on the last drive, more hairpulling on my part, mostly because that on 4th & Goal the Raiders couldn’t decide what to do in the 40 seconds allotted to them, forcing a FG rather than the dagger TD (I blame both Cable and Russell). There was still a sliver of hope for the Bucs, but Greyson Gunheim broke through a double team to put the nail in the coffin for the Bucs.

Now that the season is over there is much to talk about in regards to player and coaching personnel, but for now let’s bask in the glory of playing spoiler even for a little bit.

I look forward to discussing free agency, the draft, and coaches with all of you in the near future.

The writers here at Sports Blog Nation Got Together and voted on the Studs and Duds for 2008
.

The List

Here is my list of Studs and Duds for the Raiders:

Offensive Line:

Stud

Interestingly enough, I have to give it to Mario Henderson. His blind or "Bling" side protection of JaMarcus Russell allowed Russell to have two of his best games as a pro. Heck, he was even able to run a two minute offense AND a four minute offense in the same game!!!

Runner up - Robert Gallery. As this ship turns around next season, I expect him to get plenty of run for the Pro Bowl. He has cut down on the penalties and is an absolute BEAST in the running game.

Dud

This one is TOOOO easy. Kwame Harris may be done in the NFL. His penalties were costly and his pass blocking was very "Holly Hobby" esque. He is actually leading a pretty packed group for Dud of the Year. He won't finnish in forst though, a certain wide receiver is closing in fast.

Wide Receiver:

Stud

By default, NO receiver had even a 100 yard game, it goes to Johnnie "Stagger" Lee Higgins. His play making ability led to some very exciting offensive plays in 2008 and he seemed to become a better possession receiver as the season wore on.

I'm going to have to include Zach Miller here as he led the team in receptions for the first time since Todd Christensen, back when the team was in LA. An improved offensive line will allow this kid to really work into the offense next year, because he will not have to stay in and block so much. This year, he showed talent that can make him an All-Pro as soon as next season.

Dud

The cup has to go to Javon Walker. Those of you who said we should have just cut him after he got rolled in Vegas (I was against it) were completely correct. He is a soft man with NO passion left for the gridiron. I respect Al for trying to win this year, but this one REALLY backfired on him. If not for this obvious choice, Ronald "Butter Fingers" Curry would have ran away with it.

Offensive Backfield:

Stud

It is a draw, or rather an incomplete. Bush, McFadden, Fargas and Russell all had their moments and I'd have to say that Russell's performances in the final two games give him the nod, but, they are all so young and there was no clear cut winner.

Dud

The injury bug wins this one. Imagine how good this backfield would have been with a healthy O'Neal and Griffith!?!?!

Defensive Line

Stud

I am going with the rookie out of Buffalo, Trevor Scott. In limited reps he still tied for the team lead in sacks with 5 and the sky may be the limit for this converted Tight End that the Raiders selected in the 6th Round of the 2008 Draft.

Honarable Mention: Tommy Kelly and Kalimba Edwards

Dud

It has to be Derek Burgess. He played like a man that didn't want to be here. he tallied four sacks. Four. For a man who should be in his prime he was FAR from his Pro Bowl form.

Linebacker

Stud

Thomas Howard is the REAL deal. I just wish that Rob Ryan would have unleashed him the QB more often. Whoever comes in next season needs to utilize his speed to disrupt passing offenses. His interceptions were down, but he still made MANY big plays.

Dud

Unfortunately, it was one of my favorite Raiders. I don't know if he was wearing Stuart Schweigert's underwear, or WHAT, but all of a sudden Kirk Morrison could not wrap up a ball carrier when it mattered. He still had a lot of tackles, ala Schweigert, but many of them came in the ankle wrapping variety. He HAS to fix that, because if we get a true Middle Linebacker next year, the Raiders could have a top of the line Linebacking Corp.

Defensive Backfield

Stud

Nnamdi "Scrabble" Asomugha may be the best corner in the NFL. We just don't know that yet because NOBODY threw at him. It goes without saying that "Scrabble" will need to be retained next season in order for the Raiders to be competitive.

Honarable Mention: Chris Johnson

Dud

Take your pick between former first round pick Michael Huff or the guy who cost a shot at drafting DeSean Jackson, DeAngelo Hall. They were both pathetic.

Special Teams:

Studs

Pickem'. Jano, Lechler, Johnnie Lee and Justin Miller all made Brian Schneider the pick for Stud Coach of the year.

Lechler broke his own record for Net Average, Jano kicked a 57 yard FG to win a game in OT, JLH ran three punts back for TDs and Justin returned two kicks for scores.

Duds

None

Coaching

Stud

Brian Schneider may be able to write his own ticket pretty soon here, for the afore mentioned reasons.

Dud

"Lame" Lane Kiffin gave up the chance to coach a talent laden team, that was the youngest in the NFL, and ended up being torn apart to the National Media by the venerable owner and an overhead projector.

In a weird twist of fate, which has already proven advantageous to the Arizona Cardinals, the team with the lesser record will be hosting a playoff game.

Interestingly enough, I predicted that the Cardinals would win. I also predict that San Diego will win.

San Diego has been, FLAT OUT, the best team in the NFL over the past 4 weeks. The momentum of winning the Division on the final day of the season should add some fuel to the home town fire, and I eagerly await this game.

(If LT is not a factor, due to his health, then that changes "almost" everything)

There is so much to talk about, I am stoked beyond belief, and there is MUCH to talk about, including how Cable should NOT be the choice and how Michael Bush has to have put Fargas in the backseat.

Thank you for your patience, and I hear you loud and clear AMOC, but for those of you who have been reading this for the past three seasons you know that a catastrophe had to tear me away from writing.

I'll be writing all day and night, so join me on a look back at 2008 and ahead to 2009!!!

Go Raiders!!!!!