The Raiders have a commitment to excellence, and it shows because they go through coaches faster than Kim Kardashien does boyfriends/husbands. Like Kim, they just can't get it right. The latest victim is Hugh Jackson, fired after just one year, and leading the team to an 8-8 record. Not great by any stretch, but still better than what they were just a few years ago, which is why the move was a little surprising to me.
But it was a move they had to make. He lost his players down the stretch, and the team lacked discipline...they were most penalized team in the NFL, and may have even set a record for most penalties in a year.
Whoever comes in is gonna have to change the culture. I hope he can. The league is much better when the silver and black are relevant.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Oakland-Raiders-Hue-Jackson-fired-Reggie-McKenzie-reports-011012
Although I don't necessarily agree with the Raiders firing Jackson at all. He had made some progress and their problems were more with having to go with Palmer after Campbell got hurt when they were in a rhythm and winning. I felt he deserved another year. As far as the penalties are concerned the Raiders pride themselves as an organization in being a penalty leader every year.
ReplyDeleteTo his credit, the Raiders were hit with some injuries in losing McFadden and Campbell, but from what I've heard (and it's not like I'm close to the situation but being on the West coast I get a lot of bay area sports coverage) some of the players did stop responding down the stretch. And it seemed as if he went from taking the blame after a loss, to throwing his players under the bus. And to your other point, I agree that is the Raiders trademark, but it needs to change somewhat. If you're winning and committing those penalties that's one thing, but if you're losing, and the penalties are part of the reason why you're losing...probably means you need to stop.
ReplyDeleteJust watched the Raiders press conference. The new GM sounds good, he's saying all the right the things. Although he mentioned his "gut" a lot! One thing I thought about that Michael Wilbon also brought up, you have a black GM, firing a black head coach...thought that was interesting. A sign of progress?
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