Out Of Action-Jackson

The Oakland Raiders fired Head Coach Hue Jackson Tuesday morning after their second straight 8-8 finish. With a season that was full of tragedy and injury's coach Hue Jackson became the scapegoat.

Newly acquired Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie made the call to fire Jackson, as he says he wants to start fresh with his own guys, but is this really want the Raiders need?

Hue Jackson was a first year head coach, who had running back Darren McFadden coming into his own before his injury, made the trade for Carson Palmer after starter Jason Campbell went down, and had this lockeroom feeding of his emotion and desire to win the game. What Jackson brang to the Raiders was what former owner Al Davis had always wanted. That "just win" mentality.

In only one year with Oakland, Hue Jackson almost managed the Oakland Raiders into the postseason. If not for an injury to starter Jason Campbell. But even with that injury, Jackson did the unexpected. He traded for proven veteran Carson Palmer. Although Palmer hadn't played pro football in a little less than a year at the time. Jackson called it "The best trade in football", and frankly I have to agree with him. Palmer came in week 6, and split game time with Kyle Boller. Palmer wasn't expected to start but, after Kyle Boller had thrown three interceptions, Carson Palmer came in for relief. He pretty much duplicated Boller's success throwing three interceptions of his own, and falling to the Chiefs 28-0.

With Bollers sloppy play, Jackson went to Carson Palmer as his starter for the rest of the season. Palmer finished the season 4-5 with an 80.5 QB rating, and missed a date with the postseason by one game. Not great numbers, but how much more do you expect out of a guy who just walked out of his living room? Even before Campbell's injury the Raiders were only one game over .500, and had Darren McFadden running hard. 610 yards over a six week period was good for top three in the league at the time. McFadden didn't even get any practice time with Carson Palmer, as he went out with injury at around the same time Palmer came in. Not to mention the death of Al Davis. Owner of the Oakland Raiders since 1966. What I'm trying to say is even with all of these setbacks, coach Jackson still managed to get this team at 8-8. He even had Darrius Heyward Bey producing for this offense.

GM Reggie McKenzie did say Carson Palmer will be back, but at this point does it really matter? Can Mr. McKenzie have these guys playing as hard for whoever he decides to bring in next?

This firing just doesn't make any sense to me. None at all. This move will turn into what I think will be the biggest mistake of the off season. The Oakland Raiders were moving forward, but with this firing it definitely has the Raiders in a setback.

Hue Jackson will find a new home this year in the NFL with teams like the Chiefs, Rams, Dolphins, Bucs, and Jaguars all looking for a new head coach and/or coaching staff. Jackson can easily fit in as a potential Head Coach, Quarterbacks Coach, or even Offensive Coordinator.

I would like to see Jackson go to the Jacksonville Jaguars as I think he and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker have the potential to turn this franchise around.

Jaguars defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.