Hayes On The Raiders' Ruins



Jerry Rice is a Seahawk, Rich Gannon is out for the year and despite having a game against New Orleans later today they should win, the Oakland Raiders look at this moment, to be a playoff longshot. The Contra-Costa Times' Nate Hayes surveys the wreckage.

This is not the world's most talented team. Nobody is disputing that. But they are still playing far below their talent level. Davis himself defended the performance of players such as Warren Sapp and Ted Washington on a conference call with reporters this week even though our eyes tell us these players have been ineffective and uninspired.

What message does that send in terms of accountability?

These Raiders are searching for an identity. What do they do well? What does the organization stand for? Is their performance in last week's humiliating loss to the Denver Broncos what they expect of themselves? Is that the standard?

What has worked well in the past isn't working lately -- the Gruden era notwithstanding. The Raiders have personnel issues but that's the least of their problems. This team is coming apart at the seams. They're playing awful football. Players are complaining.



(it's all been downhill for this guy since 'Divine Intervention' came out)

Fans can even begin to question effort after last week's debacle.

Nobody, least of all Turner, seems to be in charge.

It's like a bad movie that we're forced to watch again and again. The problems aren't with X's and O's. It's more fundamental than that. The lackadaisical play, the lopsided losses and all the complaining are symptomatic, environmental.

There's still time to turn things around. If a playoff berth proves unrealistic, respect and pride can be earned. Unfortunately, what this team needs most -- a strong leader, accountability and, yes, discipline -- is not forthcoming.

Davis made it clear that he didn't want a disciplined environment before he hired Turner. That's precisely what he has got.

Posted: Sun - October 24, 2004 at 12:09 PM      

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