Oakland Raiders

I ain't even gonna talk about the overturned TD, but I thought Oakland played a hell of a game last night. They looked better in that loss than they have in most of their wins over the past 5 seasons. Time may prove or disprove the theory that Al Davis wiffed on the selection of Heyward-Bey, but Louis Murphy looks like the real deal. If they get any contribution at all from Walker or Schiellens when they come back, I think the passing game will improve dramatically...and IMO Schiellens is the real deal as well. So for all the Al Davis bashing that goes on, I really think he's drafted 2 quality WRs in the past 2 drafts....and I also think the decision to bypass Crabtree was correct (SF can't even get him to negotiate). The additions to the defense during the offseason seem to be just what they needed as well. And Zack Miller will soon be regarded as the best TE in the AFC...just gotta hope Russell develops into a decent QB...which I think he'll never be a superstar, but at the same time I think he'll be pretty good. All in all, I saw last night what I thought I would see from Oakland...sure they lost, but they busted some heads in the process. With the confidence boost from last night combined with some of their younger players coming into their own, I don't think the situation in Oakland is hopeless anymore. I really believe Tom Cable is the right man to call the shots on the sideline as well. I know Oakland overpays for players and makes some stupid trades from time to time, but it seems Al has learned that the quick fix doesn't always work and has instead tried to develop young talent. And finally, last week there was alot of buzz over the Seymour trade...here's my take on it: If Seymour can perform at a high level for 5 or more years, I think Al made a good trade. All ya have to do is go back and look at all the first rounders from the past 5-6 drafts to realize that as many first rounders flop as those that become superstars. With Seymour, Oakland got a proven player who still has alot to give...kinda the same boat Lyle Alzado was in when he came to the Raiders. With the weakness of the AFC West, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Oakland won it this year...but at the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if the team kinda fell apart due to dysfunction either tho... Who knows..I'm just happy the Raiders left Chargers layin all over the field last night..even if they didn't win on the scoreboard.

Isn't Seymour and unrestricted free agent after this season? I doubt Oaktown will pay him what he will want.

Yeah..but I'd say he'll have a deal before this season is over. He'll get what he wants..but I'm thinkin I read somewhere he was restricted and could be franchised next year.

From ESPN:
AFC West - ESPN


Brian Clark from Modesto Calif., wants to know if the Raiders can give Seymour the franchise tag after this season.

BW: Yes, sir. Seymour is a free agent at the end of this year and he can be given the franchise tag by the Raiders. That could be a real possibility. The Raiders gave the franchise tag to Nnamdi Asomugha a couple of times and they are not afraid to use it. The bottom line is this: the Raiders don’t want to lose Seymour after giving up a first-round pick for him. But on the flip side, if he is given the franchise tag, it will be a monster deal for a 30-year-old defensive lineman. Seymour would probably be thrilled to get tagged.

(That's from a continual blog or something...it's on page 5 right now..was page 1 yesterday)