[Paintrain]

I've got a friend that works with the league on the business side who is a HUGE Raiders fan and knows more about football than almost anyone else I know. I asked him for a scouting report on Shanahallen.

He e-mailed me this morning with the following:
I loved Bruce Allen..... did a great job with the draft as well as signing free agents. Also a big plus.... knows how to work the cap. From what I remember the Raiders always seemed to be on the brink of going over, but he would get them under while still signing quality free agents.

As for Shanahan he is obviously a great offensive mind. He likes a mobile qb and loves to have a several running backs at his disposal. The one concern I have is his defenses were pretty bad the last few years in Denver.....they tried a lot of different defensive coordinators and personal, but nothing seemed to work. Overall if you do hire him I think its going to be a good move. He's well respected, has the rings, and is a proven winner.

Nothing groundbreaking although I was pleasantly surprised to read his assessment of Allen being so positive. I don't think the defensive issues that Shanny had in Denver will necessarily replicate here because we've got a solid core on that side of the ball..