The mobility of quarterback Rich Gannon is largely responsible for the upward mobility of the Oakland Raiders, who got rid of big-armed Jeff George after two seasons of futility.
Question:–But didn’t George throw 29 touchdown passes two seasons ago?
Answer–Yes, and the Raiders won four games. Erik Kramer threw 29 touchdown passes for the Bears in 1995 and they didn’t make the playoffs.
Q–Besides his mobility, what does Oakland like about Gannon?
A–“Stability,” owner Al Davis said. “Passion.” After the win in Minnesota, coach Jon Gruden said: “I thought Rich showed some resiliency and some real backbone hanging in there and staying in the game plan and making throws. He brought a lot to the table in terms of poise and confidence and the way he audibled and the command he had on the field.”
Q–So why has Rich Gannon bounced from Minnesota to Washington to Kansas City to Oakland?
A–As they say, he’s mobile. At 33, Gannon looks like one of the many quarterbacks who don’t have the great talent of an Elway or a Marino or an Aikman, or the luxury of playing for a franchise and city willing to be patient. So like Jim Harbaugh or Chris Chandler or Doug Flutie, Gannon bounces until something clicks.
Q–Didn’t the Raiders get off to a fast start last year?
A–They were 7-3 and ranked No. 1 on defense until cornerback Eric Allen was hurt. They went 1-5 the rest of the way, which makes Allen one of the league’s most valuable players.
Q–But isn’t Charles Woodson their best cornerback?
A–Yes, which means Allen’s value is magnified when teams try to pick on him and can’t.
Q–Will the Bears’ quick passing game confuse the Raiders’ defense?
A–It had better because the Raiders’ defense looks like it can overpower the Bears.
Q–Why is that?
A–Because it overpowered the Vikings in Minnesota, and the Vikings have a Pro Bowl-caliber offensive line.
Q–What are the chances of the Raiders being complacent against the Bears after their big win in Minnesota?
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A–Gruden addressed that this way: “We’ll be up for sure. We have a couple of people who we’ll have to tone down a little, me included.”
Q–Who is this skycap the Raiders have?
A–K.D. Williams starts at linebacker after a checkered career in Canada and a failure to get noticed. He worked off-seasons as a skycap in Tampa. “I think it’s a great thing about being in America, really,” Gruden said. “He’s taken advantage of his opportunity. Nobody has worked harder.”
Q–How did the Raiders find him?
A–They spend so much time in airports looking for places to play they couldn’t help it.