Falcons Hammer Raiders

Final Score: LV 6 ATL 43 [L] (6-5)

Expect a short recap today. The Raiders looked like poo poo today. There's no way around it.

What the hell did I just see today? This game was unbearable to watch. Damon Annette going down early on this game should've been a microcosm of how this matchup was going to go down.

The offense went from hanging with the Chiefs last week to being absolutely atrocious this week against the Falcons. Gotta give credit, the Falcons have been playing better since moving on from Dan Quinn. And they're pretty much on pace to rebounding to a strong finish.

I wouldn't put too many details on the offense's negatives. The running game was stuffed. Carr and the receivers didn't look like they were on the same page. Fumbles, pick 6, poor play calling overall, and penalties swamped this team. We can discuss time zone differential. But, it was a pathetic display overall.

The only positive I can think is that the Raiders' defense forced two INTs. I'm not sure if you can call that a positive because both times, the ball ricochet off a Falcons receiver. That's how bad this game was.

The game was essentially over when Nathan Peterman took over in the 4th. And you know it's even more bad when they switch over to the Colts-Titans game at the 4:15 mark of the 4th quarter for us here in the Bay Area. Yeah, this was the game in a nutshell. If the team puts up this effort again next week against the Jets and lose, no playoffs. It's as simple as that. I'll see you guys next week.

Lakers Free Agency Day 3 + Markieff Morris Announces Return

A "Gasol" on the Lakers seems right, feels right

What a weekend it has been for the Lakers! I don't think you can ask for a better offseason than the way Rob Pelinka and company handled free agency to strengthen the team even more to better their chances at a repeat. Yes, we lost some fan favorites along the way. But, the NBA is a business first and foremost. Some necessary sacrifices are needed to become champions once again as the entire league is trying to play catchup. The Lakers know very well that they have a huge bullseye behind their back and needed to do what they can to stay ahead of the arms race. Let's break down the most recent transactions.

(-)

JaVale McGee --> Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jordan Bell and Alfonso McKinnie

Comment: JaVale picked up his player option prior to the start of free agency. Personally, I had McGee as a sign-and-trade candidate as we all know the Lakers are shopping Kyle Kuzma around in case he shows no signs progress in the upcoming season. Maybe throw in McGee as an additional player in the package to free up some cap room. When rumors that the Lakers were interested in Marc Gasol swirled up, that was a microcosm that the Lakers are likely to move JaVale elsewhere. And they needed to do that to make cap room for Gasol. Outside of shot blocking, JaVale doesn't provide much value. We already expected this as soon as he found himself out of the rotation in the NBA Bubble. Ultimately, the Lakers lose a hype man and a locker room personality on their team. I was an avid watcher of his "Life in the Bubble" vlogs on YouTube just to have that all-access look on how this team bonded in the Bubble. But, McGee looks good only on short spurts. You're not going to get a lot out of him if you give him more minutes. The Cavaliers do get a decent backup for Andre Drummond.

As for the Lakers' acquisitions in this trade, both Jordan Bell and Alfonzo McKinnie are on non-guaranteed contracts. I heard Bell already got waived. They were most likely going to get cut as they were just excess pieces to make the money work to get JaVale to Cleveland. McKinnie is actually going to remain with the team for the time being. He saw some extended action during his time with the Warriors and did decent for the most part. I think he'll provide some value as a wing defender that the Lakers got in return for cheap.

(+)

Marc Gasol (TOR) - 2 years, $2.5M

Comment: A "Gasol" on the Lakers sounds so nostalgic. As soon as the Lakers traded JaVale, this move was inevitable. Real Laker fans know that the team drafted Marc Gasol in 2008 and traded his draft rights to Memphis to get big brother Pau. Looking back at that trade, it was ultimately a win-win. The Lakers won two more titles out of three finals appearances and Marc blossomed into a 3x All-Star and DPOY winner for the Grizzlies. Life comes full circle as Marc will finally don the purple and gold. 

As much as we will miss Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee's shot blocking and rim protection, this is actually a solid upgrade. We know Marc is not as athletic as he once was, but he provides the Lakers a big body that can space the floor with his ability to knock down 3-pointers and can defend the premium centers like a Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Karl Anthony-Towns. So, that takes a lot of pressure away from Anthony Davis to play extended minutes at the 5. And having a big man like Marc who can space the floor and make the right plays with his high IQ, that allows LeBron and AD to have a field day inside. AD, especially will benefit from Marc's presence in the all likelihood he re-signs. Teams will have to think twice about doubling him. And centers like Rudy Gobert and Steven Adams who thrive as interior defenders will have an uncomfortable time having to defend outside the paint with Marc's ability to stretch the floor. 

I hope the Lakers do not retire #16 yet for Pau Gasol. Have Marc wear that number, make it even more nostalgic for us Lakers fans. It'd be a fitting way to follow in his brother's footsteps. Marc may already have a ring with the Raptors, but the Gasol brothers winning rings as Lakers from different eras? That's gonna be quite a story for that family.

Markieff Morris Tweets Return

Earlier today, Markieff announced on his Twitter that he will return to the Lakers. "Run it back!" He says. Nothing else to say. Unlike Dwight's deleted tweet, this is for real as the Lakers are finalizing to bring back 'Kieff for the veteran's minimum. The Lakers getting 'Kieff off the waivers and not having to give up anything unlike the Clippers trading everything for brother, Marcus, was a huge steal. They get a true stretch 4 who can play the 5 in small ball situations. But, I think with Trez onboard, we'll see 'Kieff almost exclusively at the 4. He too was an X-Factor in the Lakers' playoff run from Game 2 of the semi's to onwards. Give it to 'Kieff from beyond the arc, it's a guaranteed bucket. And the Lakers keep a guy who represents grit and toughness. Those Morris twins, you don't mess with them. It's hilarious that the Clippers overpaid for Marcus earlier. But clearly 'Kieff has his priorities straight. Rings now, money later. Once again, Rich Paul and Klutch Sports surely had a hand in this since 'Kieff is also their client along with LeBron, AD, KCP, and Trez. 30% of the Lakers' projected roster is Klutch Sports! 

Raiders Lose the Shootout vs. Chiefs

 Final Score: KC 35 LV 31 [L] (6-4)

Well, I had a post previously. But, apparently that got deleted when I published. I'm just going to give out a condensed summary of this game.

This game was as advertised as a back-and-forth shootout. Derek Carr and the Raiders' offense did what they can and scored as many points. But, key drops were a big factor down the stretch. The defense did what they could with key players missing due to the COVID-19 protocol. In the end, the Raiders lose off a go-ahead TD from Mahomes to Kelce. Kansas City was methodical in their run game and Patrick Mahomes did what we're accustomed to seeing him doing and that's extending plays with his mobility.

I'm not going to drop stats because I exhausted my effort from my previous post that got deleted. But, the Raiders still remain in the last Wild Card spot and they're now at the softest part of their schedule. The only challenging opponents left are the Colts and the Dolphins. But, first they have a chance to get right next week against the Falcons. Matt Ryan and company had a brutal day against the Saints' defense today. Maybe, the Raider defense can pull a page out of their book for their preparation for this matchup. I'll see you guys later. 

Lakers Free Agency Frenzy Day 2

The "Pope" is back!

Day 2 of the NBA Free Agency is in the books. We expected some more key losses on the Lakers' front and we got those today. Remember, the Lakers traded for Dennis Schroder to get younger and to mitigate the big losses the Lakers will get in terms of their backcourt personnel. Despite some of those losses, the Lakers still rebounded and brought back a guy who'll be an integral piece for many years to come. Let's break down some of these transactions.

(-)

Avery Bradley --> MIA, 2 years, $11.3M

Comment: AB was the first domino to fall today. I wouldn't say I'm surprised by this. The Lakers brought him in to defend the best perimeter players and for the most part, his role was pretty consistent prior to the suspension of the NBA Season. We all know what happened regarding his decision to withdraw from the NBA restart. Again, I'm not going to hold that against him. At least he was open to come back. It's just that I don't think that the Lakers would've offered him this kind of contract that he's getting with the Miami Heat. The Heat have pretty much bolstered their perimeter defense by adding Bradley to the team. And they strengthen their scoring and shooting as he can have a knack to go off at times. But, his niche is defense and pairing him along with Jimmy Butler? That's an underrated defensive tandem right there in a franchise that instills defense into their culture.

Rajon Rondo --> ATL, 2 years, $15M

Comment: When the Lakers traded for Dennis Schroder, we knew right then and there that Rondo is expendable. Rondo was huge from the 2nd round onwards in the Lakers' championship run in the NBA Bubble. With LeBron and Rondo on the same team, it was like cheating the system when you have two guys who have unbelievable basketball IQ on the same floor. The only knack is he's not as durable as he was before, having extended periods of absence due to injury. But to get him back in the postseason was great timing and "Playoff Rondo" is as advertised. The Hawks just got a guy who can help Trae Young take that next step as a floor general point guard. It's quite surprising since Rondo was rumored that his preferred destination is to a playoff team. But, the Atlanta Hawks are on the come-up in the East and Rondo's rationale is to secure the last big payday before he declines even further. He's got nothing to prove at this point. He's won championships with two storied franchises. That's more than enough. At least he didn't go to the Clippers. Thanks Rondo for giving your all to the purple and gold!

(+)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope - 3 years, $40M

Comment: With Danny Green traded. Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo going elsewhere, the Lakers are well on their way to have a revamped backcourt. But bringing back KCP is huge for this team to bring some stability. It's a love-hate relationship with KCP since he first got here in 2017. When he does terrible, he's "Kentavious Caldwell-Poop." But the way he rebounded in the postseason after dropping a goose egg in the beginning swayed public opinion about him. KCP was the X-Factor in the Finals run, hitting clutch shots after clutch shots. I would say he's earned this contract extension after signing multiple 1-year deals and a 2-year deal with a player option. The thing about is, he's only 27 years old. He still has a lot of years left in him and he flashed potential as an integral role player and a guy who's not afraid of the big moment. Don't let the numbers fool you, he's a pesky defender as evident in his playing days in Detroit. The Lakers and Klutch Sports have done it again. We all must remember, KCP signing with the Lakers back in 2017 planted the seeds for LeBron, AD, and the unholy alliance with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports that is unfolding this year before our very eyes. 

Lakers Free Agency Frenzy Day 1

Patrick Beverly and the Clippers on Suicide Watch

The first day of NBA Free Agency has had many twists and turns so far and it is far from over. While we anticipate whether or not Anthony Davis re-signs with the Lakers, the Lakers are wasting no time in making moves by adding players who fit into AD's timeline. Not only that, but the Lakers get younger. They're more athletic. All of a sudden, they went from arguably the oldest team in the league to a younger team fresh off a championship. Let's dig right into Day 1.

(-)

Dwight Howard -> PHI, 1-year, $2.6M

Comments: I thought he was staying? He made a Tweet earlier this evening, giving us signs that he was going to come back to LA for a chance to run it back. But, that tweet was immediately deleted and he's going to the Philadelphia 76ers. From what I heard, the Lakers offered him an incrementally higher salary, which is why it was odd that he would take less money to go from a guaranteed championship team to a team with championship aspirations. Let's be real here, this is a much different circumstance than when he first left in 2013. I am bummed out. The Lakers lose their "enforcer" in the paint, but I'm not completely mad. He completed his redemption arc in the purple and gold. Now, he's a champion. He can do whatever he wants. Let bygones be bygones already. Looks like Shaq has more bulletin to make fun of Dwight more. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Shaq's  recent rants on how Dwight celebrated the championship played a part in this. 

Nonetheless, the 76ers are going to get a true backup to Joel Embiid. Funny enough, Dwight is going to reunite with Danny Green since OKC flipped Green to Philly when the Lakers traded for Schroder. The Lakers still have a shot blocker since JaVale McGee picked up his player option. But honestly, the Lakers are going to miss Dwight as he helps take off the load of McGee and AD defending the more premium centers like a Nikola Jokic. He had a huge role during that matchup against the Nuggets.

(+)

Wesley Matthews (MIL) - 1-year, $3.5M 

Comments: Now, this is a move that we all saw coming. The Lakers needed to find a cheap replacement for Danny Green and Wes Matthews was their guy all throughout this process. Matthews had a pretty decent season as a prominent role player for the Bucks. His best days of averaging 10+ PPG are behind him, but he's a savvy veteran who can still knock down the three ball and defend multiple positions. He's the perfect trade-off for the departure of Danny Green and the Lakers didn't need to break the bank. Fun fact, his dad played for the Lakers in the Showtime Era. It comes full circle for the man.

Montrezl Harrell (LAC) - 2-years, $19M

Comments: I felt a great disturbance in the force as if millions of Clipper fans suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. The salt level of Clipper Nation is through the roof with the signing as Montrezl Harrell decides to join the real LA team across the hallway. Nobody, saw this coming! I never thought he would be a target! But, this mitigated the loss of Dwight a bit earlier tonight. Harrell doesn't have the physical stature and defensive prowess that Dwight has. But, what he brings is relentless energy and high motor and he can score and terrorize the boards in bunches. He was a big reason why the Lakers dropped the first two meetings with the Clippers last year. Once Montrezl and Lou Will subbed in, you just knew momentum was about to shift in the Clippers' way in a blur. 

Now, the Lakers don't have to worry about now that they have him. After further research, Harrell is a client of Rich Paul and Klutch Sports. Definitely, there was a lot of internal stuff going on that we don't know about. But, who are we to complain? Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul are playing chess while the rest of the league is playing checkers. The Lakers have the reigning Sixth Man after previously acquiring the runner-up in Dennis Schroder. I would think Harrell comes off the bench. He and the Carushow are going to be super electrifying coming off the bench. And, they just weakened the Clippers with this "pro gamer" move. Don't cry Clipper fans. If y'all sign Rondo, you better pray to the basketball gods he stays healthy all season and he can handle the egos of Paul Choke (PC13) and Kawhi LoadManagement. 

The Dennis Schroder Trade

I'm on my way out of this blog by the end of the NFL Season. But, we can still talk about the Lakers offseason while I'm still active. The NBA offseason is underway when a trade has been reported. And earlier today, league sources have reported that the Lakers and Thunder have agreed to a trade that would send Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Dennis Schroder to LA in exchange for Danny Green and the Lakers' 28th pick in this year's draft. The trade moratorium is tomorrow, so we can expect this to be official by all accounts.

Rob Pelinka isn't playing any games. This is a great deal for the Lakers. If you want to better your chances to "run it back," you make moves like these. It would be ideal for the Lakers to bring everyone from their 2019-20 championship roster back. But, the truth of the matter is that nucleus is going to get older and opposing teams are going to get better. Schroder may not be the All-Star guard that we covet, but he provides the Lakers a reliable 3rd option to go with LeBron and AD. Schroder is only 27 years old and is a consistent 18-20 point scoring guard with playmaking ability. He is also a much better shooter at this point of his career than what the Lakers currently had among that back court personnel. 

For the assets that the Lakers are giving up, they're literally giving away "peanuts." Danny Green is a solid 3 and D player, but he's slowing down. That's evident in this year's postseason run in the bubble even if he had some injuries. If you compare DG's contract to Schroder's contract, they both make $15 million a year. Obviously, Schroder is getting paid incrementally higher. But the difference is simple: Schroder is reaching his peak while Danny Green is on the decline. The 28th pick doesn't hold too much value. The chances that pick develops into a future superstar is very slim unless OKC's scouts have somebody in mind. That team is committed to a full-on rebuild, accumulating a boat load of draft picks from Houston and the LA Clippers from the Russell Westbrook and Paul George trades respectively. 

This trade is also a contingency plan to patch up the Lakers' backcourt because that unit will take a hit this upcoming offseason. Rajon Rondo is opting out and wants more money. KCP wants more money. Avery Bradley is also opting out. At least Schroder will fill that void for the time being even if it's on a one-year rental. Although we do want Rondo and KCP back, it's understandable we gotta play that game of "keep as many as you can." And there's a chance the Lakers may not get either of them back with their high salary demands, especially since they have to prioritize resigning AD this offseason. This trade is one way to keep AD in LA for the foreseeable future and pair him with a prospective young piece in preparation for the post-LeBron era. And currently, this helps extend LeBron's prime and keep him fresh for the postseason with a guard who can consistently score double digit points and create plays for teammates. 

Raiders Rebound From Slow 1st Half, Pick Lock 4 Times in Rout

Final Score: DEN 12 LV 37 [W] (6-3)

The Raiders may have moved out of my home state, but the one thing that'll never change is a satisfying win over the Denver Donkeys. And today was a beauty. The title says it all with how this game went down as the Raiders blow out the Broncos 12-37. The Raiders keep it rolling with three straight wins against teams we expected them to beat.

From the scoreboard alone, it looked like the Raiders played a complete 60 minute-game. But, that wasn't the case especially in the first half. Even if the Broncos' defense is missing some pieces (notably Von Miller), they have been decent for the most part. What was frustrating though was that the Raiders were able to drive over this Denver defense with ease on the first drive that capped off with a Josh Jacobs 11-yard TD run. After that, the offense came up empty in their possessions. There was a lot of points left out there on the field.  

The big positive was the defense. They came to play out there today and pretty much made Drew Lock's life miserable today. They started sluggish with a couple of missed tackles and giving up some 3rd and long plays. But, the turnovers gave this defense some juice. Jeff Heath especially stood out picking off Drew Lock twice. Probably the critical one was the one he made in the end zone in the final seconds to keep this game a 6-10 score in favor of the Raiders. Denver never saw a lead this game and the drive that ended with Jeff Heath's 2nd pick was the closest the Broncos would get to taking a lead. 

In the 2nd half, the defense made the job of the Raiders' offense a lot easier even though the offense did improve after sputtering in the 1st half sans the opening drive. Carl Nassib had a pick in Denver's own territory, that resulted in another field goal. Broncos had a catch and fumble deep into their own territory yet again, which capped off in a Devontae Booker TD. Nick Kwiatkoski capped off the defense's spectacular performance in the turnover category with a sick 1-handed interception. 

We can't say anything else about the running game. They have been terrific these last three games. Today, Josh Jacobs, Devontae Booker combined for 193 total yards on the ground. Derek Carr's 10 rushing yards put the rushing total to 200+ yards. What's impressive is that this is behind a makeshift offensive line. No Kolton Miller. No Richie Incognito. No Trent Brown. Yes like I said, Vic Fangio and Denver D is missing some key pieces. But, the Raiders' ground game gashed them today. Especially, this was a revenge game for Devontae Booker against his former team and he hangs 81 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries. Josh Jacobs lead the rushing attack as usual with 112 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 22 carries.

So, where do the Raiders stand in the playoff picture? They currently hold the 2nd wild card spot in the AFC. If you've been living under a rock, the NFL expanded the Wild Card teams this season to three teams and the Raiders are well within the hunt. They hold the tiebreaker over Cleveland after their win two weeks ago. They get Indy and the Miami Dolphins later in the schedule. The Colts currently lead the AFC South and Miami currently has the final Wild Card spot. Those games will be critical in the foreseeable future and those teams aren't a slouch either. But, it's not too early to talk playoff scenarios and the Raiders are well within the race. They could also be well within the AFC West race if they take care of business against the Chiefs next week in primetime. It's not going to be easy, but a 2-0 season sweep against the defending champs would be monumental for this team. The last time the Raiders swept the AFC West, it was 10 years ago. And I remember that 2010 season very well. I still think they should've gotten those two wins in Arizona and Jacksonville to break the tie for the AFC West crown. It certainly is possible they can do it again 10 years later and they have the chance to do it right this time. I'll see you guys next week. 

Because I forgot to mock the Chargers last week...

Raiders Survive Late Chargers Surge

Final Score: LV 31 LAC 26 [W] (5-3)

Of course, every Raiders game gotta have us living on edge. The Raiders come into the new SoFi Stadium and outlast a furious Chargers comeback lead by the rookie QB, Justin Herbert with a 31-26 victory.

What a game. The Chargers may be in rebuilding mode, but they kept most of the core in tact and put Justin Herbert in the right situation. The Raiders are fortunate to get away with this one. The Chargers are like the gift that keeps on giving. They historically find ways to lose. Last week, they blew a big lead at Mile High. This week, it looked like they won it. But, Isaiah Johnson stepped in and contested the catch. That slight bobble made the difference and the referees ruled it incomplete.

Bad weather wasn't a factor this week. It won't be as long as you're in an indoor stadium. The offense did work today. It was the ground game in the 1st half. The passing game took over in the 2nd half. But, the Raiders still ran the ball to churn out some clock. They may have well found their "Thunder & Lightning" in the back field with Devontae Booker and Josh Jacobs. Booker lead in rushing with 68 yards and 1 TD on 8 carries. He has been the perfect complement this season to Josh Jacobs and it allows Jacobs to stay fresh. Meanwhile Jacobs rushed for 65 yards and 1 TD on 12 carries. 

As I mentioned, the Raiders shook it up in the 2nd half with some pass plays. The most notable one is Derek Carr's 45-yard bomb to Nelson Agholor to recapture the lead 21-17. We continue to see shades of 2016 Derek Carr today. He took a dive in the red zone in the 3rd quarter, very reminiscent of the dive he took to get the first down out of bounds in the opening game against the Saints back in 2016. That set up a 3-yard pass TD to Darren Waller to put the Raiders up 28-17.

The Raiders did not make this win easy at all. The defense had an up and down game tonight. We saw the pass rush get going as they were able to get pressure on Justin Herbert. Carl Nassib and Maxx Crosby each got a sack. The defense was able to stop the run on early downs. But, it was 3rd and long plays that kept the defense on the field a little too much. Every time, Paul Guenther calls prevent, the Chargers responded by throwing underneath to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry and their YAC abilities just took over. Carr fumbled the ball at the end of the first half to allow the Chargers to retake the lead. That was more on coaching's part. Jon Gruden got too greedy to put some points on the board when they had the ball to start the 2nd half. And in that 4th quarter, it felt like an eternity for the defense to be out there as the offense moved the ball a bit, but couldn't anything going besides a Carlson field goal. As mentioned, Chargers looked like they came back. But a great contest by Isaiah Johnson and an extra camera angle showing the ball being bobbled was the difference.

It's not always easy, but the Raiders somehow still found a way to win. This stretch is not too difficult by all means. The fact that they're taking care of business against the teams they should beat is more than enough. The Raiders get another plus matchup next week against the Broncos. They are within striking distance with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. The Chiefs got away with a win against Carolina. A win against the Broncos next week should set up a crucial AFC West rematch with the Chiefs on Sunday Night. It's astonishing despite some of this team's flaws. But, if they can get it done, they can get it done. I'll see you guys later. 

"The Autumn Wind is a Raider" in Win vs. Browns

Final Score: LV 16 CLE 6 [W] (4-3)

First day of November, windy & wet weather conditions, now football season has started. Not much to say, but the Raiders got it done in sloppy weather conditions. They outrun the Browns in the ground game. When you're in a bad weather game and the running game is your strength, it's a no brainer to run the ball down the defense's throat.

Cleveland's rush defense is respectable, which makes this more impressive. It was literally the Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker show today. Jacobs rushed for 128 yards on 31 carries. Booker when subbed in, gained tough runs after contact and finished with 29 rushing yards. The key phrase is the yards after contact. The running game plowed through the Browns' D-line at will and it chewed up a lot of the clock for the most part of the game.

The Browns tried to be a little too cute on their first drive. Rather than running the ball with Kareem Hunt, they started with some play action to get the pass game going. Probably the riskiest game plan when the elements are not in your favor. The Raider defense didn't have to do much with the poor game planning on the Browns' part under the elements.

Derek Carr can still use his legs. We all know his track record in cold weather games. It was an ugly game on both sides, but Carr did just enough to win. He got pressured, sacked all game long. But, he made the right plays at the right time. The crucial one was the go-ahead TD throw to Renfrow. 

There have been so many passing TDs that were waived off today. I thought that Renfrow TD was gonna get called back since the ball moved a bit. We'll take it regardless. The officiating hasn't always been kind to the Raiders, but that was a huge break and the play of the game. 

The Autumn Wind lead the Raiders to a win today. They only have 2 more cold weather games to deal with at this stretch, which is very favorable. Great win today in the midst of ugly weather conditions. Nothing more to say. I'll see you guys next week.