3
Apr
2012
New Nike NFL uniforms look pretty much the same (PHOTOS)
After much hype and build-up, the NFL unveiled new uniforms from Nike for all 32 teams today … and aside from the Seattle Seahawks, your favorite team will pretty much look the same next year.
(Photo: Nike)
There had been some concern among fans that Nike was going to redesign every team’s uniform to look like the Oregon Ducks, but in general the changes are barely perceptible.
The biggest change across the board is to the collar, where Nike added their “Flywire” design which supposedly helps keep the collar flat against the pads, and some teams have included a two-tone color scheme to go along with it. There are some other updates to the construction, fit, fabric and color shadings that I’m sure are huge differences to the uni-geeks over at Nike, but nothing the average fan would really notice.
The fine folks at uni-watch.com have a detailed team-by-team breakdown of changes to the uniform, and you can VIEW UP-CLOSE PHOTOS OF ALL 32 NEW UNIFORMS HERE.
It turns out the Packers, Raiders, Eagles, Falcons and Panthers passed entirely on the opportunity to update their unis, essentially rejecting Nike’s proposed modifications. But the Seahawks decided to go for it, re-vamping their color scheme to include neon green and updating the helmet logo for a completely new look. You can check out more detailed photos of the Seahawks uniform at this gallery, but it’s not nearly as bad as some people are making it out to be (photo below).
3
Dec
2011
Rolando McClain doesn’t seem too bummed about being arrested (PIC)
Raiders’ LB Rolando McClain was arrested on Thursday in Alabama for allegedly pointing a gun at another man’s head, threatening to kill him, then pointing it away before firing next to his ear. As he was being put into the Decatur police patrol car, McClain paused for the cameras, giving us one of the odder photos we’ve seen all year:
(Photo: John Godbey, Decatur Daily via impeccablesports.com)
McClain – who grew up up and Decatur and attended Alabama University – is now facing several misdemeanor weapons charges, but says he’s still preparing to play in tomorrow’s Raiders-Dolphins game. Something tells me Rolando doesn’t fully grasp the gravity of his situation.
5
Nov
2011
Forbes ranks the best and worst NFL owners
Johnathan Tisch, Steve Tisch and John Mara (L-R) (Photo: NYPost.com)
This week, the folks over at Forbes magazine put together their list of the best and worst owners in professional football. The rankings are based on each franchise’s change in total value and win percentage over the last five years, with each accounting for half of the overall ranking, plus a bump for post-season success. And while the results probably won’t shock anyone, it’s nonetheless interesting to keep track of which owners consistently keep their clubs at the top of the game.
The top spot goes to New York Giants co-owners, the Mara and Tisch families, who have seen a 33% growth in the team’s value since 2006 (the highest in the league). Close behind in second place is Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, who have increased their value 17% by posting the highest winning percentage of any team in the last five years. Rounding out the top five are Jim Irsay of the Indianapolis Colts, the public stockholders of the Green Bay Packers and Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.
(Photo: DetroitLionsBlog.com)
At the bottom of the barrel we find William Clay Ford Sr. and the Detroit Lions. Although the team is enjoying a resurgence this season, Ford’s team has epitomized futility in professional football for the past ten years. Reaching brand new lows in 2008 with their 0-16 2008, Detroit was the only team to actually lose money last year. While the average NFL team has seen growth of 8% over the last five years, the Lions have seen their overall team value drop by 3% in that same time period.
The late Al Davis claims the second-worst spot for his mis-management of the Oakland Raiders, with Ralph Wilson Jr (Bills), Mike Brown (Bengals), Randy Lerner (Browns), joining him in the bottom five.
VIEW THE 10 BEST AND WORST OWNERS AFTER THE JUMP
19
Oct
2011
Raiders-Browns Week Six (Pre-Game) Photo Essay
ReadAndReact’s intrepid reporter, TheDarkHorse, ventured into the Black Hole on Sunday to take in the Week 6 Raiders-Browns contest. A devoted Browns fan, we’re just glad he made it out of Oakland alive to share these pictures with us:
The Autumn wind is a Raider (Photo: TDH)
The gameday program honors the Raiders fallen owner (Photo: TDH)
The afternoon served as a tribute to Davis, with many former Raider greats - Like Rich Gannon and Bo Jackson here - returning to pay tribute (Photo: TDH)
10
Oct
2011
Watch Hue Jackson’s emotional locker room speech to the Raiders (VIDEO)
(Photo via blacksportsonline.com)
Yesterday, the Oakland Raiders took the field against Houston just one day after the death of their longtime owner, Al Davis. And after his club pulled out a 25-20 victory on a final-play endzone interception by Michael Huff, head coach Hue Jackson fell to his knees and wept, overcome by the emotion of the day. But when he addressed his team in the locker room afterwards, it was even more clear how much Davis meant to Jackson, his team, and the entire Raiders organization.
We’ve certainly had our share of fun at Davis’ expense in recent years, but you can’t deny the impact the man had on the game of football, and people who played and coached under him.
WATCH JACKSON’S POSTGAME SPEECH AFTER THE JUMP
8
Oct
2011
RIP Al Davis, 1929-2011
Raider nation is in mourning today, as the Oakland Raiders’ iconic owner Al Davis has passed away at the age of 82.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released this statement:
“Al Davis’s passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary. He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL.”
(Image via reddit/r/nfl)
For all of his outlandish behavior and questionable managerial decisions toward the later part of his career, Davis’s impact on the game of football is undeniable. His rebellious persona defined the Raiders organization during his 48 years with the team, and he brought a defiant attitude that helped launch the NFL into the stratosphere. Davis’ “Commitment to Excellence” and “Just Win, Baby” are forever part of our sports lexicon.
Love him or hate him, Al Davis was a force of nature, and there won’t likely be another like him in our lifetime.
Rest in peace, Al.
27
Sep
2011
Week 3 “C’mon Man” Lowlights (VIDEO)
I don't think Falcons DC Brian Van Gorder said "C'mon Man" (Image: 30fps.com)
The weekly “C’mon Man” segments on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown have become a favorite here at R&R, mainly because they allow us to catch any funny moments from each weekend’s games that we might have missed. And although it’s clear that Berman, TJ and the boys are continuing their downward slide into cartoon territory, we don’t mind pulling these lowlights from the worldwide leader for your viewing enjoyment.
This week’s edition includes a few moments from Sunday that we would be remiss not showing you, in particular the Chicago Bears pulling off the best trick punt return in NFL history (negated by a phantom holding call), Matt Cassel struggling to put his hat on, and a ref taking a tumble during the Raiders-Jets game:
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
13
Sep
2011
Sebastian Janikowski Ties NFL Record with 63-yard Field Goal (VIDEO)
(Photo: Getty Images via ShutdownCorner)
Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski tied an NFL record last night with a 63-yard field goal that proved to be the difference-maker as Oakland Raiders beat the Denver Broncos 23-20 on Monday Night Football.
The moment came with just seconds remaining in the first half, after Oakland managed to put themselves just within Janikowski – who had just drilled a 70-yarder during pre-game – range. Here’s video of the kick, including the warm-up shot (via INSTNTRPLY.com):
Afterward, Janikowski said he had dreamt about tying the record the night before, but that he wasn’t all that impressed with the history-making kick itself:
“To be honest, I didn’t hit it very well … I just saw the replay. It barely made it.”
Either way, the rotund kicker known as “Sea Bass”- whose previous career high was 61-yards – is now tied with Jason Elam and Tom Dempsey in the NFL record books. Congrats, Jason.
12
Mar
2011
LOCKOUT LETTER FROM AL DAVIS TO OAKLAND RAIDERS PLAYERS: MARCH 11, 2011
Al Davis projects lockout letter on the big screen from his underground lair (photo: AP)
OAKLAND RAIDERS
1220 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502
March 11, 2011
Dear [Player Name]:
This is to inform you that the Oakland Raiders (“Club”) will institute a lockout of its players (“Peasants”) as of 12:00 a.m. Eastern time on March 12, 2011.
During the lockout, the following will be in effect:
1. You will not be able to enter any Club facility or the stadium. Mr. Davis will be monitoring you via satellite from his secret underground lair. If you are even seen in the parking lot, you will be immediately incinerated with either a laser beam fired from space or a cannonball blast.
2. You will not receive any compensation from the Club. Contracts, however, will be honored for those bringing Mr. Davis the severed heads of either Lane Kiffin or Jon Gruden.
3. The Club will not pay for or provide health insurance. You will receive additional information about options to continue your current coverage through COBRA. Please note that COBRA is in a pitched battle with G.I. Joe and it might be some time before you hear from them. If you need assistance, please contact the plan administrators, Zartan or Serpentor, through the Hasbro Corp. via sealed diplomatic pouch.
4. You will not be able to perform any duties under your Player Contract or otherwise perform any duties for the Club. Those of you who made extra money digging up graves seeking fresh bodies for Mr. Davis’ cloning experiments may continue to do so, as that is considered an Outside Contract and essential for his plan of world domination.
5. Testing and treatment obligations under the Policy and Program for Substance of Abuse and Policy on Anabolic Steroids and Related Substances will cease. Gamma (Dr. Banner), Cosmic Ray (Dr. Richards) and Super Soldier (Dr. Erskine) treatments do not fall under this category, and will continue unabated.
6. The Club will not give you further instructions or guidance as to workout or trainings. This will not be any different from how we do things normally.
7. Club security and player development staff will not assist you with legal or any other problems. If such services are needed, Mr. Davis recommends any of the following: Matt Houston, Thomas Magnum, Simon and Simon, or the fictional comic book characters Luke Cage and Iron Fist.
8. During the lockout, the explosive tracking chips that Mr. Davis installed in your neck will be deactivated. Please be aware that extreme temperatures and moisture can result in chip malfunction and explosion. We apologize for any inconvenience or anxiety this may cause.
9. You are free to engage in any alternative employment during the lockout. Any services provided to Communist, Socialist, Mormon or Werewolf organizations, however, will not be tolerated and you will be hunted down and killed by Mr. Davis’ loyal band of ninja assassins (“The Autumn Wind”). Once a new labor agreement is reached between the NFL and the Union you may be expected to join the Club immediately. Therefore, you should structure any alternate employment so you can return to the Club promptly after a new labor agreement is reached.
If you have any questions, please contact the blood-sucking stooges that run the NFL Players Association.
Sincerely,
Al Davis
Owner/General Manager
Oakland Raiders
19th-Level Warlock
P.S. Please remember that if an agreement is reached, the first Thursday of each month is Hawaiian shirt day, and I expect 100 percent participation this year. Davis out!
14
Feb
2011
Raiders Hire Hall Of Famer Rod Woodson as Cornerbacks Coach
(Photo: SteelersOnly.com)
The Oakland Raiders brought in some Hall of Fame talent today, hiring Rod Woodson as their new cornerbacks coach. Woodson – an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team – spent the majority of his 17-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing his final two years with the Radiers before retiring in 2004. As one of the most respected players in the modern game, Woodson automatically adds some street cred to new Raiders’ coach Hue Jackson‘s staff.
“It’s an honor to be back with the Raiders and be able to talk to Raider players about true football,” Woodson said in a statement released by the team. “I’m looking forward to working with the organization and the challenges of the 2011 season.”
For all the big-name recognition that Woodson brings to the Raiders, the simple fact is that he doesn’t have any real coaching experience. Since his retirement, Woodson has primarily worked as a studio analyst for the NFL Network, with a little dabbling as a youth sports coach on the side. But at least he won’t be asked to do too much as a position coach, and with Woodson’s track record, you have to like his chances.
But let’s face it: this is a classic Al Davis hire. He brings in a former Raider player – guy that he believes exemplifies the “Raider Mystique” (whatever the hell that means anymore) – and hopes everything works out for the best. And even though this is already being hailed as a great move for the organization, since the Raiders still don’t have a defensive coordinator in place yet, doesn’t it seem a little cart-before-the-horse? Like I say, classic Al Davis.
