Wiz back in black.

Steve Wisniewski is back with the silver and black. He was added to Jackson's staff today(Thursday) as asst. offensive line coach.

A true Raider legend and one of the greatest guards in the history of the sport. An eight time pro-bowler named to the all decade team of the 90's. He certainly has a lot he can teach the young Raiders offensive line. It'll be great to see him work with young guys like Veldheer and Campbell.

"I'm back to my first love, the Oakland Raiders and working with the offensive line, I’m a Raider for life. I can help in technique, help in mindset and attitude and really push these young men to develop and to be the heartbeat of the team." Wisniewski said via the Raiders website. Adding "I’m thrilled to be working in the building again for the Silver and Black and helping to shape the future of the offensive line. " He replaces Chris Morgan, who was informed by Jackson last week that he won't be back next season.


DW

My end of the year Raider awards.

Offensive MVP: Darren McFadden - No brainer here. The most explosive and productive offensive player on the team. Finally living up to the hype putting up 1500 all purpose yards and 10 TD's in 13 games. Led the league in 20+ yard runs becoming the playmaker everyone thought he'd be when he was taken 4th overall in the draft.

Runner-up: Zach Miller


Defensive MVP: Nnamdi Asomougha and Richard Seymour - I couldn't separate the two. Neither put up huge numbers but both provided leadership and had a major impact when they were on the field. Nnamdi locked down his side of the field as usual, while Seymour made some big stops and drew double teams creating openings for Tommy Kelly.

Runner-up: Tommy Kelly


Rookie of the year: Jared Veldheer - He had a shaky start when it was decided he'd be the starting center on opening day even though he last played the position in highschool. But he bounced back and finished the year as a dependable starting LT. And as a 3rd round pick he's looking like an absolute steal.

Runner-ups: Jacoby Ford and Rolando McClain


Comeback player of the year: Tommy Kelly - A lot was made of his big contract and his lack of production over the last couple years. But Kelly came into training camp in the best shape of his life ready to play. And this season he didn't disappoint doubling his average sack total for the prior 6 years and play better against the run than he has since 06.


DW

Tim Brown Highlights

Great vid of Mr. Raider Touchdown Timmy Brown.

The Jackson era begins.

On Jan 18th a new chapter of the Oakland Raider saga began. Al Davis chose to cancel his cable subscription and go in a different direction. Naming Hue Jackson the 17th coach in franchise history.

Credited for turning around an offense that was at best abysmal in 2009. Jackson helped the team improve to 10th in total offense and 6th in points during the 2010 season.

The offensive production was there and Jackson has paid his dues in the league but the question asked by some is "Can he be a headcoach?". In my opinion he's shown he can lead men. And although his playcalling abilities were shaky towards the beginning of the season; He seemed to find some rhythm and mixed it up well when he got acclimated to the team and their strengths.

This was the best option in my opinion even if Harbaugh was considered a candidate. If you're gonna let Cable go then this is the direction you need to go. He was offensive playcaller and the players got to know him. As smooth a transition as you can get given the circumstances.

Along with the continuity he brings I like his fire and attitude. Watching the press conference I couldn't remember feeling that impressed or excited about a new coach since watching Gruden being introduced as head coach back in 98. He mentioned Jon as someone who shaped him into the coach he is today.

Hue also seems to share the characteristic of getting the best out of players.
Tom Cable was great at rallying the locker room and getting the players to play hard every Sunday, but that was virtually his only strength. The fact that Hue is a better tactician and a true X's and O's type of guy makes this an upgrade and a great move in my opinion.

So here's to Hue building that "bully" and putting us back atop the AFC West where we belong.



DW

The Autumn Wind is a Raider