2025-2026 NFL Season Thread

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by Konfusion1230

For the most part, successful teams don't disappear overnight. The Chiefs bad start isn't exactly shocking news. They were not a good team last year. They didn't beat anyone worth noting except maybe the week 1 win against the Chargers and they got killed in the Wild Card round. The Bears on the other hand had wins against DAL(w/Romo), GB, PHI, and NYJ plus a playoff win against SEA and a 7 point loss to the eventual Super Bowl champs in the NFC Championship game. The Chiefs bad start to the season isn't surprising, just like the Lions good start isn't surprising. The Lions lost a lot of close games last year. So yeah, last year does mean something.



Yeah, it will be interesting to see what happens in Oakland now. Who takes control of the team?

His son Mark will be taking over

[Konfusion1230]

Originally Posted by dcowboy7

Alot of times they do:

2010 bengals 4-12 --- 2009 10-6 divison winner.
2010 cards 5-11 --- 2009 10-6 division winner.
2010 cowboys 6-10 --- 2009 11-5 division winner.
2010 vikes 6-10 --- 2009 12-4 division winner.

I have 3 names for you. Kurt Warner, Tony Romo, and Brett Favre. The Bengals just don't consistently win. Was anyone surprised by them not winning in back to back seasons? You have to go all the way back to 1975-1976 if you wanna see back to back winning seasons from the Bengals. They have 2 winning seasons between 1991-today. Teams rarely just start to suck with no explanation.

[MD-Blu]

While I'm not a Raiders fan, I know how much Al Davis met to the team, and the NFL in general.

He'll def gonna be missed, R.I.P Al.

[Navster]

I cant believe the news as i wake up this morning, Al Davis has past away, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, we have truley lost an NFL legend, hes done so much for the game and what the NFL is today, R.I.P Al Davis

Thanks for all the nice comments guys, i really appreciate it

[Alexias_dad]

R.I.P. Al Davis, sad day in Raider Nation

[Waboman]

Just got home from my kids football game and read the news about Al Davis passing. Go in peace, Al.

[AlexG]

Yeah i just heard the news...R.I.P. Al Davis!

[ChadFL]

RIP Despite the last decade or so he's a legend of the game. Hopefully his successor runs the Raiders better than they've been run in recent years.

[Blu-Benny]

holy crap....RIP Al Davis.

[R3P0]

Originally Posted by ChadFL

RIP Despite the last decade or so he's a legend of the game. Hopefully his successor runs the Raiders better than they've been run in recent years.

It was the players he drafted not what he was trying to do. If you look at it trying to get speedsters that run sub 4.5 is a really smart move. Coming off the line low and Fast they would have been untouchable, sadly it just did not work out in Davis lifetime.

[ChadFL]

Originally Posted by R3P0

It was the players he drafted not what he was trying to do. If you look at it trying to get speedsters that run sub 4.5 is a really smart move. Coming off the line low and Fast they would have been untouchable, sadly it just did not work out in Davis lifetime.

I'm not talking solely about player selection, though Davis's draft picks certainly have been disasters time and time again for a good decade. He consistently tried to control every aspect of the organization at an advanced age where he clearly didn't know what he was doing anymore. His decision-making at head coach has also been a disaster - first with Lane Kiffin then Tom Cable. Then there's his freakishly bizarre press conferences following the firing of Kiffin and Cable, the former complete with overhead slide projector...

I'm not trying to dump on the deceased, but it was really sad seeing Davis's decision-making in his last decade.

[Sabotage]

You could see how much Davis meant to the Raiders. That Straight Outta LA movie really made me respect him a whole lot. R.I.P Al.

[Navster]

R.I.P. Al Davis, you will be truly missed in the NFL



Al Davis Bio

• Born July 4, 1929 (age 82)
• Head coach of the Raiders from 1963-65 (23-16-3 record)
• Youngest man to hold title of head coach and general manager at 33 years old
• Bought partial ownership of the Raiders in 1966, became managing general partner in 1972 and became principal owner in 1976
• 1963 AFL Coach of the Year
• Named AFL Commissioner on April 8, 1966 and resigned on July 25 the same year after securing alliance with NFL with common draft and championship game
• Won Super Bowls XI, XV, XVIII
• Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992
• First to hire both a Black & Latino head coach
• First to appoint a Woman CEO in the NFL
  

Remembering Raiders owner Al Davis

Raiders owner Al Davis died on Saturday morning in Oakland at the age of 82, resulting in an outpouring of thoughts and memories from around the sports world on his lasting impact:

Here are quite of few things that people had to say about Al Davis

[Show spoiler]

• As he became older, he developed some health problems, and he just couldn't be out there each and every practice, like he used to be. That's too bad. But we all age, and things change. But he never lost his love and his fire for the game. Just sitting in the box with him, even though he couldn't speak loudly, this year, he'd get his point across, telling everyone that they shouldn't have done this or they should've done that. He wasn't yelling anymore. But he was still into it.

I sit in his box for every home game. I've gleaned so much from him. He talks about philosophies and how the game has changed, what each individual player means to a team, what they can do. An offense will huddle and come up to the line of scrimmage and right away, he can tell you what the next play is probably going to be, because he studies film so much. It was a joy being in that box. I learned so much from him, even after football.

-- Former Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett

• Al Davis' 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.

-- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell

• During this indescribably difficult time, let us all reflect upon what it means to be a Raider -- let us all reflect upon how privileged we are to be Raiders -- and let us all be Raiders.

-- Raiders CEO Amy Trask in an email to team employees

• From the earliest days of the AFL, Al's love for the game and fierce loyalty to his franchise contributed to the success and popularity of pro football. His competitive spirit helped develop the great rivalry our team and fans enjoy today with the Oakland Raiders. His contributions to the game played an important role in building the strong foundation the NFL enjoys today.

-- Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt

• What a great opportunity he gave me, as he's done over the years with so many young coaches, so many minorities, so many players with second chances that had retired and were coming back. He gave a lot of people great opportunities and I happened to be one of those. And myself and my family are extremely grateful to him and his family for that opportunity, even though it didn't end up well, it was pretty neat at first. It was just one of those deals that didn't go well at the end, but that has nothing to do with today and what this man has meant to so many people and to the NFL. ... He was so far ahead when it came to scouting, when it came to contracts, to going out on the road and finding players. He changed everything.

-- USC coach Lane Kiffin

• Forty eight years ago, I met Al, and every once in a while in your life, someone comes along that changes the direction of your life. He did that to me and changed the direction with his passion for the Raiders and professional football. He was a dear man, my mentor and most of all, my friend. I will miss him.

-- Former Raiders coach Tom Flores

• During my 28 years with the Broncos, I came to know Al Davis as one of the most influential and innovative people in the history of the National Football League. His competitive spirit and intensity grew our rivalry with the Raiders into one of the fiercest in all of sports. I respected Al for what he meant to the NFL. He was a visionary who defined the Raiders and had an enormous responsibility for the prosperity of this league. I join Al's family, the Oakland Raiders and the rest of the NFL in mourning the loss of a man who gave so much to the game we love.

-- Broncos CEO and owner Pat Bowlen

• First of all, my heart goes out to his wife Carol and his son Mark. It's a sad day. When you look at the landscape of the National Football League and what Al Davis did, it's immense. It's no secret that we didn't see eye-to-eye at times, but I've always been grateful for the opportunity that he gave me, and I'll always remember that.

-- Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen

• My sincerest condolences go out to the Davis family, Raiders organization and Raiders fans on the passing of Al Davis, one of the true NFL icons. A visionary who was ahead of the curve in so many ways, Coach Davis had a great grasp of personnel, schemes and strategy. I learned a tremendous amount of football during my six years with his organization. His sole focus and passion in life was the Raiders. He was at practice every day and very aware of what was going on organizationally. He challenged you to be your best and I will always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me as a head coach.

-- Jets assistant head coach/offensive line Bill Callahan

• Our family will always be grateful to Al for his friendship. Al is also a big reason for the strong rivalry between the Raiders and the Chargers and its popularity among both teams' fans. He personified the image and mystique of the Raiders, and that image has helped build the strength of our rivalries and the popularity of our game. There has been no one in the NFL like Al Davis. The NFL and NFL fans everywhere -- not just Raiders fans -- owe Al Davis for helping to build the game we all love so much. He will be missed.

-- Chargers chairman and president Dean Spanos

• I am deeply saddened with the news of the passing of Al Davis. Al and I were very good friends for many years and I admired his innovative approach to the game of football. Al had a great impact on the American Football League that carried over to the National Football League after the merger and his competitive spirit embodied our sport. Al's Raiders may not have won every game, but you knew that you were in for a tough, hard-fought contest every time you played them, regardless of the score. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Al's family, friends, the Raiders organization and Raiders fans everywhere.

-- Bills owner and president Ralph Wilson Jr.

• Al was a pioneer whose passion was deeply rooted in the game of professional football that he helped to shape at every level. A unique man of conviction, Al had a profound impact on the National Football League as we know it today and will forever be identified with the team he loved so much -- the Raiders.

-- Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson

• Our condolences go out to the Davis family. Al Davis has long been a pillar of professional football and a leader of one of our most legendary franchises. His contributions, dedication and foresight changed the game for the better. The league has lost one of its all-time greats.

-- Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay

• In my eyes, so much of his legacy will be defined by the loyalty he had for the men who played for the Raiders and the love that they had for him. That was a bond that extended beyond the playing years and lasted lifetimes. His contributions and expertise were inspiring at every level--coach, general manager, owner and commissioner. There was no element of the game of professional football for which Al did not enjoy a thorough and complete level of knowledge and passion. He welcomed me and my family to the NFL 23 years ago and was a trusted friend for all of our time in professional football. We will miss him deeply and we are thinking of Mark and Carol at this difficult time.

-- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones

• While I am saddened by the news of Mr. Davis' passing, I will forever be heartened and enriched by the many personal interactions I had with him over the years. His winning, his football knowledge, his passion for his team and contributions to the league made him one of the all-time greats. By striving for the highest level of excellence with our respective teams and the game itself, we will be honoring the memory of Al Davis.

-- Patriots coach Bill Belichick

• Al Davis was a pioneer in the American Football League and National Football League. He was a dynamic force in merging the National Football League and American Football League. He built a great tradition with the Raiders. We are going to miss his innovative thinking. Our condolences go to his family and the Raiders organization.

-- Texans founder, chairman and CEO Bob McNair

• Al was a fiery individualist, an important part of pro football -- the AFL and NFL --for almost 50 years. His teams had times of great success, and he was heavily involved both on and off the field. I admired the achievements the Raiders attained under Al. Personally, I was fond of him. He battled with the NFL, and a lot of us wished that had not been where things went, but under all that was a person I respected. It saddens me to hear that he is gone.

-- Bengals president Mike Brown

• He was an icon, a legend, a pioneer. I'm honored that he chose to draft me. It was a great pleasure being a part of Raider Nation, part of all the great teams and players that put on that Silver and Black. You don't know what it means to be a Raider until you are a Raider, and that was his team. He spoke to you not just as an owner but as a coach. He was very hands-on. You felt his presence, and he really cared for you and your family.

-- Bengals linebacker Thomas Howard

• This is a sad day for Raider Nation and the NFL. But it's a day to think about all Mr. Davis did for football. He was truly one of a kind. I respect him for the way he approached the game, for how much he loved it. I'm fortunate to have worked with Mr. Davis for a short period, and I thank him for giving me the opportunity. Playing in Oakland was a great experience for me, something I'll always remember.

-- Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski

Via verified Twitter accounts:

[Show spoiler]

• What a thrill it was when I played to have Al Davis sitting courtside at the Forum. ... A leader, an innovator & a friend. Al Davis marched to his own drum & will be missed. RIP AL Davis 1929-2011.

-- Magic Johnson

• Thoughts & prayers go out to the family & friends of #RaiderNation. Al Davis was a man who's impact on the #NFL will never be forgotten.

-- Jerry Rice

• Al Davis, the most unforgettable person I've had the pleasure of meeting in 31 years in the business, dead at 82. RIP.

-- Peter King

• Just spoke to dear friend Tom Jackson, ex-Bronco great, Raider-hater who says people under 30 can now learn about greatness ofAl Davis

-- Chris Mortensen

• Rest in Power to The Al Davis win baby win . U will be missed.

-- Snoop Dogg

• I grew up a Raiders fan. My deepest sympathies to the @raiders and Davis Family. Truly a sad day for football. RIP Al Davis

-- Barry Sanders

• visionary, pioneer, warrior. rough day for me.

-- Bill Romanowski

• Al Davis had a brilliant football mind and his teams set a standard for excellence for many years.

-- John Mara

• As I sit on the set of @CollegeGameDay, I am very sad to hear thatAl Davis has passed away. R.I.P. Al Davis.

-- Desmond Howard

• Heres hoping that Al Davis will be remembered for the forward thinking visionary he was.

-- Trey Wingo

• RIP Al Davis. Prayers go out to his family/friends and all raiders fans out there

-- Larry Fitzgerald

• I will miss Al Davis. He did as much for the NFL as anyone I have known. It was great to deal with a living legend over the years. R.I.P. ... I was fortunate to have had many discussions with Al Davis and I learned something every time I dealt with him. He was driven & undaunted.

-- Drew Rosenhaus

• I would like to send my condolences to the Davis Family... Al was a great guy and will always be remembered around the NFL!

-- Vince Young

• Al Davis of The Oakland Raiders has passed away today. big loss to The Raider NATION!! Go out and win on Sunday for Big Al Davis!! R.I.P.

-- Bill Bellamy

Link

[DVDFreaker]

Rest in peace Al Davis

The Raiders is going to get better now

[brettallica]

RIP, Al! We'll pull out a dubyah for you tomorrow.

I agree with what many have said about Davis in more recent times: he hasn't been in touch with reality in at least 10 years. We (meaning all my buddies and I) always joke about how Al always picks speed, as if it's THE most important attribute in an NFL player. We've seen time and time again that this isn't the case. One needs only have a look at two of the best ever, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, to know that being the fastest on the field is not what makes you a great player.

While many of his picks in recent years have definitely turned out to be huge busts (Jamarcus Russell, Robert Gallery, just to name a couple), he's had some gems, too. Think of Marcus Allen, Charles Woodsen, Shane Lechler, and of course Janikowski.

I am sad at the loss of life of a human being, as well as the man responsible for the Raiders badassness and many things we see in the NFL today; however, I am ready for a new chapter in our history. I've been a die-hard Raider fan since I was a kid and they were in Oakland the first time, so I've been through thick and thin, to say the least.

[nolfoc]

Originally Posted by NavsterKing

I cant believe the news as i wake up this morning, Al Davis has past away, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, we have truley lost an NFL legend, hes done so much for the game and what the NFL is today, R.I.P Al Davis

Thanks for all the nice comments guys, i really appreciate it

His pic is epic... I hope they have a ceremony for him before every game this weekend.... Radier nation will prevail

[filmnut5]

Originally Posted by NavsterKing

R.I.P. Al Davis, you will be truly missed in the NFL



Al Davis Bio

• Born July 4, 1929 (age 82)
• Head coach of the Raiders from 1963-65 (23-16-3 record)
• Youngest man to hold title of head coach and general manager at 33 years old
• Bought partial ownership of the Raiders in 1966, became managing general partner in 1972 and became principal owner in 1976
• 1963 AFL Coach of the Year
• Named AFL Commissioner on April 8, 1966 and resigned on July 25 the same year after securing alliance with NFL with common draft and championship game
• Won Super Bowls XI, XV, XVIII
• Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992
• First to hire both a Black & Latino head coach
• First to appoint a Woman CEO in the NFL
  

Remembering Raiders owner Al Davis



Here are quite of few things that people had to say about Al Davis



Via verified Twitter accounts:



Link

Rest In Peace Al. You were a true visionary of the game and a maverick. The NFL is what it is today because of old schoolers like yourself.

[Chordata]

I know this is college, but since you were all talking about it last weekend, Georgia had a 2nd and 56 yesterday. It eventually punted on 4th and 57. lol

[Moviefan1203]

I'm pretty nervous for our game today against the Eagles. Coming off a loss, we really need to respond to show the first three games weren't a mirage. What scares me is that the Eagles have their backs against the wall, and a desperate team is never an easy task to take on in football.

Let's go Buffalo!!!

[Blu-Benny]

sure hoping for a repeat of last years playoff game in the Packers/Falcons game 2nite!!