Quick Hits

This week's tidbits focus on the pitiful Raiders, Michael Vick's return and Coach Deion.

Just win another game, baby

Right now, the Raiders are the NFL's poster child for incompetence. Oakland's commitment to excellence has been reduced to a prayer for mediocrity.

Starting quarterback and reigning MVP Rich Gannon is sidelined with a bum shoulder and bruised ego. Oakland was forced to use Rick Mirer when backup Marques Tuiasosopo got injured. And now the team has signed Rob Johnson, once dubbed as the savior in Buffalo, to provide some QB depth.

To make matters worse, cornerback Charles Woodson is spouting off about how coach Bill Callahan has "lost the team," prompting some media outlets to speculate he could get fired soon.

Oh, how quickly the mighty fall from grace.

The reason for the Raiders' on-field struggles is simple: the NFL has figured them out.

Teams don't stay on top for long in this league. Coordinators spend countless hours dissecting tape, figuring out ways to solve complex offenses or crack impenetrable defenses.

It's easy to tab Oakland's aging roster as the reason for the 2-6 start, but it's hard to believe a team with so much talent would fall apart that quickly.

The Bucs prescribed a blueprint for beating the Raiders in the Super Bowl, and in a copy-cat league, other teams simply are following Tampa's lead.

Internal turmoil aside, Oakland must go back to basics. Pound running backs Charlie Garner and Tyrone Wheatley. Mix in some high-percentage passes. Utilize the team's offensive balance.

Oakland has a winnable game at home this week against the New York Jets, but after that, the Raiders don't play a "soft" opponent until the season finale against the Chargers. Oakland could conceivably be 2-13 heading into Week 17. ...

Don't sit Vick

Amazingly, there are some experts out there who think the Falcons should rest Michael Vick for the remainder of the season, even if he's healthy.

Vick still has a lot to learn at the NFL level, and any on-the-job training would benefit him and the organization greatly. He's got the most raw talent of any player in the NFL, but that talent needs polishing -- and that can only be achieved by real game experience.

While I do agree there's no reason to rush him back until he's 100 percent, with two months remaining in the season, Vick should be healthy enough to participate in a handful of games.

Coach Dan Reeves probably hopes Vick doesn't return. Then Reeves can plead to owner Arthur Blank for one more year with a healthy No. 7 at quarterback. ...

Primetime on the sidelines

When I first heard about Deion Sanders' interest in coaching the Falcons, like most people, I thought this must be a joke. But after giving it serious consideration, I've changed my tune.

Coaches in all sports preach how they get too much credit when their team wins and too much blame when it loses. It's the players, after all, who win or lose games, not the coaches, right?

Well, using that logic, we're already de-emphasizing the coach's role once the game starts. His real impact comes Monday through Saturday in the analysis of game film, the development of plays and personnel movement.

I certainly don't think Sanders would have a problem motivating or relating to his players. There certainly wasn't a smarter athlete on the field than "Prime Time." And he'll demand instant respect since he's only been away from the game for a couple of years.

How many of today's NFL players know Dan Reeves actually played pro football?

Owners are hiring and firing coaches at the drop of a hat anyway, so Atlanta might as well bring in a guy with tremendous fan appeal, then surround Sanders with the proper coaching assistance.

Sanders, himself, said coaching largely is about "delegating authority." Let's put his theory to the test. Consider the Falcons the NFL's guinea pig. If nothing else, wouldn't it be worth the price of admission to see Sanders strutting and dancing in the Georgia Dome along with his team after the Falcons score a touchdown.

What's the worst that could happen? If Deion can't cut it, fire him and move on.

Sanders wouldn't be the first "unusual" character to roam Atlanta's sidelines. Remember Jerry Glanville? This guy left tickets for Elvis.