When the Raiders concluded what looks, on paper, like a solid draft, I noticed a strategy change. Granted, Jon Gruden’s approach differed from his predecessors. Despite being known for his strait-laced, overbearing approach, Gruden and Mayock decided to take a different tact in assembling a draft class. The 2020 draft class possess something, through film and interviews that previous classes lack: The Dawg Mentality
What?
The Dawg Mentality is an internal drive, confidence, and aggression that resides within certain players. These players go that extra mile to make a play. Whether shedding a block with no regard for the opponent or manhandling a corner in the open field. That mindset sets apart the solely talented from the uniquely hungry. Dawgs show absolutely no fear of anyone, anywhere at any time on the field. This renovation of the roster started with the drafting of Johnathan Abram and Maxx Crosby. Young cornerstones that will make their presence felt. Although Abram missed the last fifteen games of the season, he set the tone early. These gestures don’t show up in the stat sheet but on film. Look at Amik Robertson’s eyes as he becomes a Raider. That focus is indicative of someone intent on making opponents pay.
Isn’t Every Player a Dawg?
No, many will make business decisions to avoid contact. The Raiders endured years of sloppy tackling cornerbacks that would throw an arm at the ballcarrier, unwilling to initiate force. In 2019, the Raiders’ secondary missed 49 tackles. While we all understand that coverage takes precedence over tackling, defensive backs still need to make stops. Damon Arnette prides himself on the ability to stick his nose into the fray and make the play. Likewise, Amik Roberston enjoys hitting targets. Additionally, each will attempt to jam the soul out of a receiver. That willingness to inflict legal pain isn’t a common trait.
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Ep 102: Chiefs, Eagles Advance To The Super Bowl
by Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 11:26 pm
Was Burfict a Dawg for the Raiders?
Yes and no. While Paul Guenther vouched for his signing, Vontaze Burfict ultimately disappointed the team. Whether you agree with his suspension or not, you knew it was coming. Outside of heart and passion, the best ability to be a Dawg is availability. Can’t help the team, if you’re not playing. In the end, the Raiders suffered due to his signing.
Chemistry and Influence
The Dawg Mentality and approach is contagious. Players see that aggression and begin to elevate their game. When teams embrace the aggression, they bond. Teams will come together over a similar thought process. Remember when the Raiders added Donald Penn and Kelechi Osemele? The talent and mood of the offensive line changed. When Las Vegas drafted Lynn Bowden and Bryan Edwards, the toughness of the receiving corps increased. In all honesty, I think the selection of two other wideouts helps Henry Ruggs. While he’s confident, Ruggs isn’t loud. Edwards muscles corners, using his size and strength. When Tanner Muse gets downhill on the ballcarrier, he will not show a scintilla of hesitation.
Unlike years past, the Raiders employed a tough-minded draft strategy. Teams will arrive in Vegas chirping. Yet, from the starters to the special teams gunners, this team, will bring a physical presence and arrive angrily.
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Ep 142: Former Washington Quarterback And Super Bowl Champion Doug Williams Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2023 at 10:19 pm
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Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
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Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
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Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
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Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
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Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
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Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
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Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
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Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
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Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
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Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
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Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
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Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
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Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
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(Episode 3.2) Offseason Talk with the "Command This!" Podcastby Full Press Coverage on February 1, 2023 at 3:04 am
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Ep 167: Super Bowl LVII Previewby Full Press Coverage on February 1, 2023 at 12:33 am
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2/3 - Tom Brady Retires... For Goodby Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2023 at 2:20 pm
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1/31 - Tom Brady and the 49ers, Aaron Rodgers Futureby Full Press Coverage on January 31, 2023 at 9:00 am
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1/30 - Conference Championship Recap: Eagles, Chiefs Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 10:35 am
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1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
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Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
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Hawks at Nuggetsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 10:00 pm
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Mavericks at Warriorsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 9:00 pm
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Rockets at Thunderby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 8:15 pm
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Heat at Bucksby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 7:30 pm
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Trail Blazers at Bullsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 6:45 pm
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Clippers at Knicksby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 6:00 pm
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Suns at Pistonsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 5:15 pm
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Wizards at Netsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 4:30 pm
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Lakers at Pelicansby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 3:45 pm
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Ep 150: Owen Hart Part One - Young Gunby Full Press Coverage on February 4, 2023 at 3:00 pm
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1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
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Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
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1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
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1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
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12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
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Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm