Now the draft is over, mock and otherwise, it's time to take stock, time to ask a question. If the Raiders and 49ers, as currently put together, played now which team would win?
I say the 49ers. The Niners would play better against the run than the Raiders -- just about anyone would. If you can't stop the run, you're dead. The Raiders must show they can stop the run.
The Niners will run at least as well as the Raiders, probably better. They have a better offensive line than the Raiders, and until further notice they will have a superior passing game. Shaun Hill may not be a big deal but JaMarcus Russell still is an unknown. And Al Davis did him no favors by taking that wide receiver Heyward-Bey in the first round. Davis needs to surround Russell with good receivers -- and he's yet to do that.
Hill will connect with Michael Crabtree a lot and the 49ers simply will have a more efficient offense than the Raiders. Plus with the Raiders something you never thought of goes wrong -- that's their wildcard.
Will either team actually be good? Hard to say. But the Niners might win 8 or 9 games. Doubtful for the Raiders.
I won't admit you're right. I will say you could be right. But I definitely say you're wrong about Hill connecting with Crabtree alot. It's not that I'm bitter about the draft, even though I am, I just think #21, that guy we have at corner that's pretty good named N-nahm-dee, will shut him down all day. If your right it's because Frank Gore does what all RB's, good and unknown, do vs. the Raiders--run through them.
To Loneraider,
I hope you take this the right way -- I intend it the right way. Often Raiders fans are kind of rude. If they don't like what I write I'm the worst bum imaginable. You always are so considerate and polite and you weigh what I say and if you disagree you do it in the spirit of open dialogue. Loneraider, I really appreciate that. Thank you. And you may be right about that terrific Raiders corner shutting down Crabtree.
Lowell
You've either forgotten or forgiven because I know I've responded rudely to your columns on more than one occasion. I apologize for that. Maybe it's because I'm a new parent, or because I just turned 30 and I'm getting soft in my old age, or maybe I finally realized that it's not your fault that there's nothing good to write about the Raiders lately. Whatever the reason, I feel lighter. When they start playing like an NFL franchise I'm sure you'll treat them like one. Until then, I sure I'll find something to give you grief about. Take care.
Lowell,
I enjoyed your column in today's IJ ( just kidding ), I know that you work for the PD.
You have great knowledge on Al Davis, and it is pretty accurate.
You like to provoke people and I know that you expect to get all sorts of reactions.
Now it's my turn...The late great Bill Walsh certainly was an innovator & a better head coach than Al Davis. It's pretty obvious that Walsh was also a better pyschologist than Davis.
Now there are a few things that Davis has over Walsh;
AFL League commissioner
Instrumental in the NFL league merger.
Davis gave Walsh his first job in the NFL.
Davis discovered John Madden.
I believe that Davis was named the top Bay Area sports figure from the 20th Century (by some local newspaper).
Davis broke color barriers.
Davis is a team owner. It used to be all good when they were the "winningest team in professional sports".
Did Bill Walsh ever own an NFL franchise ??
I totally agree that Al Davis has lost his mind, and it's really sad to see the Raiders in their current state of affairs.
It would be awesome to see Davis channel what is left in his mind towards a plan that see the Raiders succeed in the future. He should be laying a structure for teamwork in the front office, so they can restore their commitment to excellence.
Ok, I have rambled enough...one last shot at the theme of who wins a game between these guys. I will dip into the past & state that the 1983 version of the Raiders could beat any Super Bowl version of the 49ers.
You were actually making some sense! That is until your last sentence! Now I think you and Al Davis have something in common! You are BOTH out of touch with reality!
Toolguy,
Llike Al, you are stuck in the past. The Raiders were fine until Al fired Grudden after 2001, but even that was 8 years ago. The Raiders are a mess because Al can't/won't let a strong figure come in and help him to run the organization. You can't tell me that ANYONE except Al was on board for the DHB pick, despite what they might say publicly.
Al has achieved a lot and helped the league immensely. It is sad to see him tarnish his legacy with these ludicrous shenanigans that are now taking place.
im sorry to say tool guy, but the 83 traiders would have lost 2 the 89 niners. O yea and bill walsh has twice as many super bowl rings than al davis will ever have..
Toolguy,
The only 49er Super Bowl team that the'83 raiders MIGHT have beaten is the "81 version.
Hey Niner00, Thanks for your 2 cents worth. Your idea would be the best match-up between our SB squads. It would still be a close game. That was an awesome year for your team. I am leary of who they beat. The Broncos were equal to the Buffalo Bills at that point in time ( being a perrenial SB loser ). The 1983 Raiders beat the Redskins, and the Redskins were a record setting team for most offensive points scored. They were held to 9 points. They were also a budding dynasty that got throttled. + They also beat your team in the NFC Championship.
+ I would like to set the record straight. Bill Walsh won three SB rings & so has Al Davis.