In 1999, missed field goals were key in seven of the Oakland Raiders eight losses. What was Al Davis’ response? He selected Sebastian Janikowski with the 17th overall pick in the 2000 draft. Janikowski’s powerful leg had gained notoriety while at Florida State. The Polish place kicker amazed scouts at the combine, and at that point, then Raiders coach Jon...
A Look Back: Derrick Gibson (2001 1st round draft choice)
The Oakland Raiders addressed an area of need in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. But they failed with the selection, as Derrick Gibson never materialized into the dominating safety they envisioned. In 2000, the Silver & Black finished first in the AFC West with a 12-4 record and made it to the championship game. The Baltimore Ravens manhandled Oakland...
Al Davis talks about Gruden, whether he is demanding & more
Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis had an intimate briefing with local beat writers and SBReport.net was there to capture audio of the owner talking candidly about other musings. Davis was candid about many topics; here are some of the highlights… On Jon Gruden and trading him to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: “Oh no….no I don’t. Not at all, because…look, Jon...
Raiders’ punter Shane Lechler rips Al Davis’ decision to let Cable go
Oakland Raiders All-Pro punter Shane Lechler blasted the Silver & Black management and their handling of the Tom Cable situation. The six-time pro-bowl selection was shocked by Oakland not picking up the option on Cable’s deal on Tuesday night. “I just looked at my wife,” Lechler said during the phone conversation with CSN Bay Area reporter Kate...
Raiders QB Gradkowski talks about Cable, his job & more
Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was on KNBR on Tuesday and spoke openly about his position with the club, wanting to get a fair shot to start in 2010, the return of Tom Cable and other topics. Here’s a transcript of his chat. About being on the air and disseminating information: Anything I can do to get to the fans out in this area and a lot...