KIFFIN vs. THE GODFATHER: Does Lane Have A Chance?

You can't help but notice that every time Lane Kiffin opens his mouth he seems to be taking a shot at the Raiders front office and of course, The Godfather, Al Davis.  Kiffin has complained about Javon Walker, the lack of depth, etc.  Some of these complaints are valid.  Javon Walker was an expensive gamble, that while very early still, shows no sign of having a payoff.  Javon only seems to excel in making it rain expensive champagne at the Tryst Nightclub.

The public tension between Kiffin and Davis isn't such a bad thing.  It actually reminds me of when Jon Gruden was coaching the Raiders.  It's good to see that the coach is asserting himself and sticking to his plan.  It was easy to see that guys like Mike White, Joe Bugel and Norv Turner had no plan and no backbone.  

Kiffin flexing his muscle will give him credibility in the locker room with the players.  He does have to avoid overplaying his hand, like he did in trying to sack defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.  Ryan ran a prideful and stout defensive squad that had to persevere through two seasons of pathetic offense.  Sure the '07 defense was not as potent as the '06 version, but the lack of defense in Oakland was not what was costing the Raiders games.

Kiffin has the potential to be a strong leader for the Raiders, but results will have to start to show.  Gruden felt heat after back to back 8-8 seasons to start his tenure in Oakland, but season three delivered an AFC West title and a home game for the AFC Championship Game.  Gruden got a mulligan for season one because of his failed experiment with Jeff George.  Season two was Rich Gannon getting oriented and then season three under Gruden, everything came together.  JaMarcus Russell is in that same spot Gannon was in his first season in Oakland.  Kiffin has to show that he can do something with Russell and his new arsenal of offensive weapons.  4-12 won't cut it for Kiffin, but 8-8 should be a secure position for him.