Preparation for 2012 Season is More than Meets the Eye for Oakland Raiders and Reggie McKenzie

Damali Binta – Apr 13, 2012

A cautious and careful approach to the media is displayed in an recent interview with GM Reggie McKenzie. He had a quietness about him. He was careful in his use of words to explain the present situation with the Oakland Raiders. He did smile, but not often.

McKenzie indicated that a number system is used to rate the players. He revealed that both off the field and on the field behavior are looked at, including the medical data for a player.

He did say that he tries to not make the process a "rocket science" but he continued by saying that he tries to figure out if a guy will be able to play the game. Coachablity is another factor that is in the equation for the selection process of members of the roster for 2012.

He admitted that quite a bit of adjustment had to go on in order to get ready for the 2012 season. Spending time together with the coaches and team have helped to expedite the process.

McKenzie added, "It is better than I expected." His focus at that time was the adjustment and improvements of things like the computer system and those things related to viewing film.

He indicated that "a lot of work got done to get it the way we needed it."

He sometimes seems belabored and in deep thought before responding to the media. He was candid and indicated that there is a need for depth.

He seemed more relaxed when he indicated that Mark Davis was excellent in allowing him to do what he needed to do.

It is clear that McKenzie is a powerful thinker and manager because of the decisions that he has been making since he took the job as the Oakland Raiders' general manager. His quietness may be deceiving because behind that cover of caution and quietness is apparently a man who is capable of making tough decisions and formulating a plan for success and victory.

His interviews are not exciting or explosive in content, but rather slow-moving and smooth. If you know the saying about a book and its cover, then you may realize that the veil or cover in the nonverbal behavior of McKenzie is not easily correlated with quick, decisive moves he has made as the new GM of the Oakland Raiders.

His decisions have caused a quiet storm. Once the storm has passed over, the Raider Nation is expecting an explosive and powerful team for 2012.

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