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2011 Oakland Raiders In-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

massraider

massraider

Footballguy
Let's start with the worst kept secret in N.Cali, we have a new coach:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raider...?entry_id=80719

The Raiders have started the interview process ... for assistant coaches. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who the Chronicle reported last Tuesday would be named head coach, has called assistants around the league who he might want on his staff, two league sources said Monday.

Oakland owner Al Davis chose not to pick up the option on former coach Tom Cable's contract after an 8-8 season, informing Cable Tuesday night. While Jackson has not formally interviewed for the head coaching job since then, he did sit down at length with Davis last offseason.

Davis hired Jackson, handed him the play-calling duties from Cable and watched the Raiders score more than twice as many points (410-197) in 2010 as it did in 2009. Jackson already is under contract for next season as an assistant. He interviewed for the San Francisco job last week before the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh, but Jackson is not a candidate for the other three remaining head-coach openings in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who was with the Raiders from 2004-08, could be a candidate to potentially replace Raiders defensive coordinator John Marshall, with the added title of assistant head coach.
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Don’t expect to see Asomugha and Revis join forces

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 11, 2011, 11:18 AM EST

Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha made some waves last offseason when he talked about joining forces with Darrelle Revis in New York at some point “in the future.”

Now that Asomugha is headed for free agency, speculation has picked up in New York about pairing the best two cornerbacks in football. Fortunately for the rest of the AFC, it’s unlikely to happen.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News has sources that says a marriage is unlikely. Asomugha will surely look to match Revis’ big contract, which makes a deal very tough to imagine. The Jets are expected to focus more on keeping their own guys, like free agent Antonio Cromartie.

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote on Twitter Monday that he believes Asomugha will end up with the Jets or Packers.

“I know him well. . . . Mark it down, White said.

So those are apparently the teams Asomugha wants to play for. Considering the money Packers G.M. Ted Thompson has invested in Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, it doesn’t appear likely Asomugha will get his wish.

 
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massraider said:
Let's start with the worst kept secret in N.Cali, we have a new coach:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raider...?entry_id=80719

The Raiders have started the interview process ... for assistant coaches. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who the Chronicle reported last Tuesday would be named head coach, has called assistants around the league who he might want on his staff, two league sources said Monday.

Oakland owner Al Davis chose not to pick up the option on former coach Tom Cable's contract after an 8-8 season, informing Cable Tuesday night. While Jackson has not formally interviewed for the head coaching job since then, he did sit down at length with Davis last offseason.

Davis hired Jackson, handed him the play-calling duties from Cable and watched the Raiders score more than twice as many points (410-197) in 2010 as it did in 2009. Jackson already is under contract for next season as an assistant. He interviewed for the San Francisco job last week before the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh, but Jackson is not a candidate for the other three remaining head-coach openings in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who was with the Raiders from 2004-08, could be a candidate to potentially replace Raiders defensive coordinator John Marshall, with the added title of assistant head coach.
Click to expand...
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:shrug: Happy to see the new thread start off with the right foot. Instead of being the last team to make a move the Raiders "have" their coach selected and are working towards putting the rest of the staff together. Unlike in years past where they were the last to come out of the gate...

 
kaso said:
massraider said:
Let's start with the worst kept secret in N.Cali, we have a new coach:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raider...?entry_id=80719

The Raiders have started the interview process ... for assistant coaches. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who the Chronicle reported last Tuesday would be named head coach, has called assistants around the league who he might want on his staff, two league sources said Monday.

Oakland owner Al Davis chose not to pick up the option on former coach Tom Cable's contract after an 8-8 season, informing Cable Tuesday night. While Jackson has not formally interviewed for the head coaching job since then, he did sit down at length with Davis last offseason.

Davis hired Jackson, handed him the play-calling duties from Cable and watched the Raiders score more than twice as many points (410-197) in 2010 as it did in 2009. Jackson already is under contract for next season as an assistant. He interviewed for the San Francisco job last week before the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh, but Jackson is not a candidate for the other three remaining head-coach openings in the NFL.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who was with the Raiders from 2004-08, could be a candidate to potentially replace Raiders defensive coordinator John Marshall, with the added title of assistant head coach.
Click to expand...
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:thumbup: Happy to see the new thread start off with the right foot. Instead of being the last team to make a move the Raiders "have" their coach selected and are working towards putting the rest of the staff together. Unlike in years past where they were the last to come out of the gate...
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Like to see a comprehensive list of potential free agents we have.
 
Jerry McDonald

Oakland Tribune

Posted: 01/10/2011 08:09:19 PM PST

Updated: 01/10/2011 10:32:05 PM PST

Bear with me a moment, because I'm about to do something that goes against the grain of every right-minded amateur and professional general manager or football expert.

The incentives that voided the contract of Raiders Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha make complete sense.

Across the e-mail, blog, Twitter and talk radio landscape, crazy ol' Al Davis has been taken to task, and the Raiders vilified, for being so incompetent as to not realize there was language in Asomugha's contract that could set him free after two years.

On the heels of the team dumping coach Tom Cable, much to the chagrin of a large part of the Raiders' roster, Asomugha will -- after a collective bargaining agreement is reached -- be able to field offers from any team willing to write a big enough check for his services.

The Raiders know all about this, because they wrote the book on writing the check. The three-year deal Asomugha signed after the 2008 season for $45.3 million was met with dismay by 31 other teams because the market had been reset impossibly high.

If you want to know why Darrelle Revis didn't show up to training camp with the Jets this year, look no further than the Raiders' deal with Asomugha.

At the time, the Raiders had both Asomugha and Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler up for free agency. Asomugha had been franchised for $9.8 million in 2008, and Lechler's contract had expired.

The Raiders reeled both in by paying over the going rate. Way over the going rate.

Within Asomugha's deal, unknown until uncovered by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday, were likely-to-be-earned incentives that would automatically void the deal if not met.

One was playing time, and Asomugha played less in 2010 than he did in 2009 -- missing two games -- because of an ankle injury. The others were performance based. If Asomugha had so much as a single interception, a single sack, a single fumble recovery or a single forced fumble, there would have been no void.

In that case, the Raiders would have to decide whether to pay Asomugha $16.8 million or the average of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, whichever was higher. In a year when Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees are in line for new contracts.

There's a famous "Seinfield" episode about a television pilot about "nothing."

That's Asomugha in a nutshell.

Because he is so good at covering receivers, Asomugha is the loneliest member of the Raiders defense. Quarterbacks simply don't throw in his direction. He didn't give up a single touchdown pass this season.

That's all well and good, but it's a bottom-line business, and the Raiders still gave up 29 touchdown passes and had 12 interceptions this season. If there's a ripple effect from Asomugha's lockdown skills, it's impossible to detect.

Over the past three seasons, Asomugha has played 45 of 48 games. In those three years, the Raiders gave up 65 touchdown passes and Asomugha had two interceptions. The Raiders were 18-30 overall but 2-1 when Asomugha was out of the lineup.

For that, he was paid $38.3 million.

Asomugha is the Raiders' most thoughtful interview, a team leader, a consummate professional and someone who thinks well beyond football in terms of philanthropic interests. His picture could go next to the word "class" in the dictionary.

When Charles Woodson was with the Raiders, he was known for late nights, sleeping during meetings and letting his prodigious athletic skills make up the difference.

Yet in the two years when Woodson was franchised, pocketing $19.3 million for 19 games (he missed 13 because of injury), he was just as ignored as Asomugha by opposing quarterbacks, managing two interceptions, 2½ sacks, 11 passes defensed and three forced fumbles.

But in those 19 games, Woodson had 103 tackles. Asomugha has 93 tackles and one forced fumble in his past 45 games. He played 14 games this season and had 19 tackles. That's three less than Hiram Eugene, two more than Rock Cartwright.

Woodson was a football player. Asomugha is an able tackler, but he's more of a cover guy. He's a specialist in the way that Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski and long-snapper Jon Condo are the highest-paid specialists in the NFL.

Lechler, Seabass and Condo actually have duties with the football far more often than Asomugha.

Even if the Raiders are at least partially at fault for scheme and not putting Asomugha in position to make enough plays, there is zero justification for paying him in the same ballpark as you would pay Brady, Manning and Brees in terms of yearly salary.

So while the Raiders are being criticized for including a contract void for no statistical production on a $16.8 million (or more) option year, I have a question: Why wouldn't they include one?

The Raiders should do whatever they can to bring back Asomugha, but they should weigh that decision against his contributions to the bottom line, how they'll use him and what the market will bear.

If Asomugha chooses to join Revis with the New York Jets for bigger money or what he believes is a better chance at the Super Bowl, so be it.

As brilliant as Asomugha was at covering receivers in Oakland, it didn't begin to cover for weaknesses elsewhere. He was a luxury on a team not yet good enough to afford one.

 
massraider said:
Like to see a comprehensive list of potential free agents we have.
Click to expand...
According this this site: SB Report The Raiders FA's are as follows:QB

Kyle Boller

Charlie Frye

Bruce Gradkowski

J.T. O'Sullivan

RB

Michael Bennett

Michael Bush

Rock Cartwright

WR

Johnnie Lee Higgins

TE

Zach Miller

Oline

Khalif Barnes

Robert Gallery

Mario Henderson

Daniel Loper

Samson Satele

Langston Walker



John Henderson

Jarvis Moss

Richard Seymour

LB

Ricky Brown

Thomas Howard

Sam Williams

Kamerion Wimbley

Jon Condo

CB

Nnamdi Asomugha

Stanford Routt

S

Hiram Eugene

Michael Huff

 
kaso said:
massraider said:
Like to see a comprehensive list of potential free agents we have.
Click to expand...
According this this site: SB Report The Raiders FA's are as follows:QB

Kyle Boller

Charlie Frye

Bruce Gradkowski

J.T. O'Sullivan

RB

Michael Bennett

Michael Bush

Rock Cartwright

WR

Johnnie Lee Higgins

TE

Zach Miller

Oline

Khalif Barnes

Robert Gallery

Mario Henderson

Daniel Loper

Samson Satele

Langston Walker



John Henderson

Jarvis Moss

Richard Seymour

LB

Ricky Brown

Thomas Howard

Sam Williams

Kamerion Wimbley

Jon Condo

CB

Nnamdi Asomugha

Stanford Routt

S

Hiram Eugene

Michael Huff
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It might have been easier to list who isn't a free agent. :)
 
krsone21 said:
It might have been easier to list who isn't a free agent. :thumbup:
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Ah the QB position it would have been: Jason Campbell.Actually, same with the Oline: Bruce Campbell, Cooper Carlisle, Alex Parsons, Roy Scheuning and Jared Veldheer.
 
I have often heard Pat Kirwin say that you replace talent with talent. That is going to be very tough for the Raiders to do based on the discord expressed by many of their soon to be free agents after Cable's firing and the apparent desire of Nnamdi to go elsewhere.

 
Didn't realize Zach Miller was a free agent. I think he's a great TE when healthy. Hopefully they can keep him.

 
You got to think keeping Hue and the potential to bring back Rob Ryan would help alleviate any locker room discontent, and also keep some sense of continuity, right?

I just feel like after so much progress made this year, I'd really like to keep the same core of players around for a few more years, a lot of young talent and depth on this team. Specifically the O Line (Gallery, Satele, Henderson), D-Line (Seymour, Henderson), RB (Bush), and LB (Wimbley, Brown, Williams/Howard).

Not sure how I feel about the defensive backfield, but regardless it's a LOT of players to re-sign. Jerry McDonald has talked me into maybe giving up on Nnamdi, as it would save us a ton of money for a guy who doesn't create turnovers on a defense that has given up the 3rd highest pass TD's in the league.

 
While the Oakland Raiders are lawyering up once again, the team is reportedly going to have to figure out who will lead the team’s defense in 2011.

It is being reported that the team will not bring back defensive coordinator John Marshall. One potential candidate, Rob Ryan, is off the market. The former Oakland and Cleveland defensive coordinator will lead Dallas’ defense.

The team would not confirm Marshall’s departure, but it wouldn’t be a surprise. Oakland’s defense improved in 2010, but it still gave up way too many big plays and it allowed at least 31 points in six games.

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is expected to be promoted to replace the disposed Tom Cable as soon as early this week. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Baltimore assistant Al Saunders is a candidate to become offensive coordinator.

That is interesting because Saunders worked with Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell in Washington in 2006-07 and that familiarity would give both the player and coach a head start in their Oakland relationship.

Meanwhile, Schefter pointed out a possible reason Cable was dumped in Oakland despite leading Oakland to an 8-8 record. It was Oakland’s’ first non-losing season since 2002. Cable was fined a total of $120,000 by owner Al Davis this season and he has filed a grievance against Davis to recoup his pay. This is nothing new for Davis. Schefter reports that four of Davis’ last five coaches have had financial disputes with the team.
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That is simply awful.Why would Marshall not be back?

 
Wow, that's a lot of impact free agents. We'll see how Al manages it, but in order of importance:

Seymour

Asomougha

Gallery

Bush

Wimbley

M. Henderson

Huff

Rhoutt

I would like to see all of these eight players come back. All are talents that will be missed if left without comparable replacements. We'll see how many Hue and Al are able to fish back in.

My guess is we keep Seymour, Wimbley, Henderson, Rhoutt and the rest go. That's unless Hue has a good relationship with these players as is able to be a difference maker here.

 
What are our biggest needs at the moment going into the draft? I know alot of this depends on what players we resign and free agency but I would have to think that Offensive Line is up there, along with CB if Aso isn't resigned, and also maybe a QB to groom for the future.

 
The Raiders typically miss with the 1st round pick so it is not going to hurt much to not have it. The Raiders have many other issues such as the FAs. It will not be possible to sign or replace that talent. With the Raiders poor coaching, the lack of talent is glaring on the field. For example, NE can cover up their holes most games. The Raiders cannot.

 
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Posted to Rotoword:

Raiders promoted OC Hue Jackson to head coach, as expected.

Jackson becomes Al Davis' seventh coach in the last decade. He was handpicked by Davis to run Tom Cable's offense last offseason, improving the unit from 31st to 10th in yards and 31st to sixth in points. Jackson has been credited with helping to develop NFL stars as disparate as Chad Ochocinco, Roddy White, and Joe Flacco. He's earned the opportunity to run the show, and the continuity is good news for Darren McFadden's fantasy value. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Chiefs' assistant Al Saunders will be hired as offensive coordinator. It's a sign that Jason Campbell will return as the starter, since Saunders has worked with him in the past.
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kaso said:
Posted to Rotoword:

Raiders promoted OC Hue Jackson to head coach, as expected.

Jackson becomes Al Davis' seventh coach in the last decade. He was handpicked by Davis to run Tom Cable's offense last offseason, improving the unit from 31st to 10th in yards and 31st to sixth in points. Jackson has been credited with helping to develop NFL stars as disparate as Chad Ochocinco, Roddy White, and Joe Flacco. He's earned the opportunity to run the show, and the continuity is good news for Darren McFadden's fantasy value. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Chiefs' assistant Al Saunders will be hired as offensive coordinator. It's a sign that Jason Campbell will return as the starter, since Saunders has worked with him in the past.
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Good to hear. :goodposting: I like Hue Jackson and think Al Saunders will be a good OC for us. He knows Jason Campbell so maybe he can get a little more consistency out of Cambell.
 
Man o man I was hoping for some continuity this off season. I have no ####### idea what will happen from here on out. I wil hope for the best but am honestly just at a loss as to just what the hell the long term plan is.

My sig shall remain for yet another year.

 
DA RAIDERS said:
Man o man I was hoping for some continuity this off season. I have no ####### idea what will happen from here on out. I wil hope for the best but am honestly just at a loss as to just what the hell the long term plan is. My sig shall remain for yet another year.
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I think this is about as close as we could got to maintaining some success from the 2010 season. With the reports of the of the 'fines' Cable was receiving having him stick around would have been the wrong decision.
 
Cable going was a bummer in some ways, but this could end up being the best coaching staff since Gruden.

Nobody is talking about getting Gallery re-signed. What's the situation with him?

 
Cookiemonster said:
Cable going was a bummer in some ways, but this could end up being the best coaching staff since Gruden.Nobody is talking about getting Gallery re-signed. What's the situation with him?
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Gallery's a free agent it appears, he was under contract but it was voided:
Former Raiders coach Tom Cable helped turn Robert Gallery’s career around when he moved him from tackle to guard. It sounds like Gallery will be free to follow Cable to his next job should he choose.Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune lists Gallery as one of the 25 potential Raiders free agents this offseason, depending on free agency rules in the next collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA’s website has Gallery under contract until 2014, but the deal has apparently voided.Other notable Raiders names that could be free to leave include tight end Zach Miller, safety Michael Huff, and running back Michael Bush. Defensive end Richard Seymour could go if he doesn’t get the franchise tag. (If there is a franchise tag.)We have no clue when free agency will actually start up again, but it’s going to be fascinating when it does. With more players available than ever, the best pro personnel departments will have a bigger advantage on their competitors than usual.
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From a continuity standpoint, Saunders is a good hire, having worked with both Jason Campbell and Hue Jackson. What seems troubling is that Hue is saying he is still going to be the primary playcaller. Saunders is known for his huge playbook and who knows if Jackson will let him use it or cut it down to size. The Ravens had Cameron, Saunders, Zorn all a 3 headed monster, and that offense sputtered. It seemed like too many cooks watching over the soup. Still not convinced that Campbell is the next Jim Plunkett, and the Saunders/Campbell experiment already has produced failure in Washington. Maybe Hue can govern the playbook and reign in Saunders to work to Campbell's strengths.

 
Cookiemonster said:
Cable going was a bummer in some ways, but this could end up being the best coaching staff since Gruden.Nobody is talking about getting Gallery re-signed. What's the situation with him?
Click to expand...
Situation is:Not as good as a LG as many believe. Personally, I think he got a bit overrated once he made the move to G, and had a little success. In general terms, I don't think we can talk about players getting re-signed, because no one knows when they can re-sign, or sign elsewhere. The longer we go with out a CBA, the worse it is for pending free agents. And in a lot of ways, the better it is for the Raiders to re-sign their guys.
 
massraider said:
Cookiemonster said:
Cable going was a bummer in some ways, but this could end up being the best coaching staff since Gruden.Nobody is talking about getting Gallery re-signed. What's the situation with him?
Click to expand...
Situation is:Not as good as a LG as many believe. Personally, I think he got a bit overrated once he made the move to G, and had a little success. In general terms, I don't think we can talk about players getting re-signed, because no one knows when they can re-sign, or sign elsewhere. The longer we go with out a CBA, the worse it is for pending free agents. And in a lot of ways, the better it is for the Raiders to re-sign their guys.
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Gallery grew on me. I think he's a top ten G, but he does have health issues. For the right price, I'd like to see him retained.I think the signing of our FAs will come down to Hue and his rapport with them much more than the timing of the CBA. The Raiders will pay $$$, it's just a matter of convincing these guys that the ship is still turning around. This FA class could be momentum based since it has so many marquee guys. If a few main names sign early, then I think many of the rest also might come back. But the opposite could happen as well if those early names sign elsewhere. Any CBA delays could give Hue extra time to convince, but it'll also give extra time to the 31 other sharks in the water.I think they will go hard after everyone except Nnamdi. Don't be surprised to see Rhoutt get a relatively huge deal b/c of the CB market - not thrilled about this. Al talked about signing three guys w/Nnamdi's $17 MM in 2011. I think Rhoutt is Nnamdi's cheaper replacement in Al's eyes. With Mike Mitchell and Tyvon Branch, Huff is also expendable, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Al sign him just b/c he loves DBs as long as they don't cost $17 MM.The riskiest, most expensive and most important signing is obviously Seymour. But how big of a deal can you give a guy at that age?
 
I always wondered what happened to Jarrod Cooper. Not one of the bigger names who ever played for the Silver and Black, but a player who stood out to me for his off field work at an Oakland Animal Shelter.

I'm disappointed to hear that his life after football has been this difficult.

Cooper's Story

 
It would be nice to get a QB to groom and Mallett might slide to the 2nd. Of course that means they need to resign most of their FAs to reduce the number of holes they have to fill in the draft.

With Campbell, Miller (if they re sign him), McFadden, Bush (if they re sign him), Ford, and Bey they seem solid on offense.

 
faulkfan said:
It would be nice to get a QB to groom and Mallett might slide to the 2nd. Of course that means they need to resign most of their FAs to reduce the number of holes they have to fill in the draft. With Campbell, Miller (if they re sign him), McFadden, Bush (if they re sign him), Ford, and Bey they seem solid on offense.
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I would rather Oakland concentrates on the O-line in the 2nd round and grab a QB later if they feel the need to grab a QB to groom. Our biggest need is O-line.
 
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This sucks:

Raiders | Michael Bush arrested

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 14:37:52 -0800

Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush was arrested Saturday, Feb. 12, and charged with driving while intoxicated, reports WLKY.com.

 
Silver & Black said:
This sucks:Raiders | Michael Bush arrested Sat, 12 Feb 2011 14:37:52 -0800 Oakland Raiders RB Michael Bush was arrested Saturday, Feb. 12, and charged with driving while intoxicated, reports WLKY.com.
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Not necessarily. I can see how something like this might actually increase the odds of the team actually resigning Bush. And cherry on that cake is that it would likely come at a reduced price compared to what it may have taken prior to the incident. Boom, lemonade!
 
Raiders going in right direction, but important questions loom

By Steve Wyche NFL.com

Senior Writer

Published: Feb. 10, 2011

The Oakland Raiders don't enter this offseason as a punch line. It's the first time in a long time we can say that. This once-proud franchise finished the season 8-8 after drafting like it had a legitimate plan and operating as if there were a blueprint. Players played hard, but their performance was not always consistent. Still, things were better all the way around.

The potential for the pendulum to swing back to its dubious direction is plausible. The Raiders fired coach Tom Cable, who seemed to restore some sense of order in the locker room. They also could lose their best player, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, after triggers in his contract made him a free agent.

Conversely, Oakland could continue to improve. Cable's replacement, Hue Jackson, is a first-time head coach, but he's earned his way through the ranks and proven he's a strong offensive mind who has established a great rapport with players through his career. Jackson also has put together, to this point, the makings of a solid staff.

The Raiders will be a team to watch, because the AFC West is far from settled and they were a player last season. Will they be in 2011? Let's examine:

1. Can Jackson adjust to new role?

Like a lot of assistants who become head coaches, Jackson will have to build a wall of sorts between him and his players. Jackson is a relationship builder and sustainer. Examples: He's helped high-maintenance players like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ochocinco remain focused and productive. He also had dialogue with Michael Vick while the quarterback was in prison on dogfighting charges, helping a guy he really never had a chance to coach when he was offensive coordinator in Atlanta in 2007.

As a head coach, Jackson can't get too close to players because he could be perceived by those he's not overly cool with as playing favorites or be deemed a turncoat when he has to hold those he's been cool with accountable. It's a tough balance, but Jackson really knows how to manage circumstances and should be able to make the transition.

2. Will Asomugha be back?

While Asomugha said he wouldn't mind returning to Oakland, he's going to be at the top of the list of the free agents who could cash in, so his return seems less likely. Sure, Oakland could pony up, something it hasn't been afraid to do, especially when it comes to Asomugha. However, it could view him as a special player, but one who hasn't gotten them over the hump for the money it's paid him. He is coming off his least productive season.

In turn, he could explore situations where he could finally find out what it's like to win. Last season's .500 mark was the first time in his eight-year career that he wasn't on a losing team in Oakland. It's hard not to envision corner-needy teams like Houston, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore not being interested.

If the Raiders lose Asomugha, they'll be in the market for another corner. Whoever is among the fastest at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine could be wearing Silver and Black whenever the season starts.

3. Would Asomugha be biggest loss?

In terms of talent and impact on the opposing team's passing game, yes. As far as attitude and leadership, maybe not. Defensive end/tackle Richard Seymour -- coming off a Pro Bowl season -- also is a free agent and losing him could hurt. After being traded from New England, Seymour eventually bought in and showed a lot of players what it takes to win in terms of work ethic, production and trusting the coaching staff. Seymour said he's open to returning to Oakland and, at 31, the Raiders could be his best option. While there's been speculation about Seymour getting the franchise tag again, he has yet to be informed of any such decision.

Coaches for successful teams will tell you that they try to have a veteran leader at every position group to lead meetings and to set the tone in practice, even if those vets aren't the best player at that position. Having someone who has won before in the locker room is huge, especially for a team that's perpetually in transition like the Raiders.

4. Will Raiders stray from running game?

Jackson was the guy calling most of those running plays, so it's unlikely he'll divert from his baseline too much. Cable was a big run-first guy, though, so we'll see if Jackson was calling plays based on Cable's directive or if he knew that running the ball with Darren McFadden was best. Oakland could lose backup tailback Michael Bush to free agency and he's been a pretty solid player. While he can be replaced, the Raiders better have a solid second option with McFadden's injury history. FB Marcel Reece is a highly underrated threat in the passing game.

5. Can Jackson get most out of Campbell?

Getting the most out of quarterback Jason Campbell is a relative term because, even after six seasons, we still don't completely know what he's capable of doing. What we do know is that he can throw the ball downfield and Oakland has some vertical threats in Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Chaz Schilens is also reliable when healthy. Ford is the type of game-breaker that can take a short pass and go the distance. If the offensive line improves, Campbell could have one of his best seasons in a play-action based system. We'll see if he can remain the starter ahead of Bruce Gradkowski. Cable was committed to him but didn't see the consistency that he wanted. Committing to a quarterback and him earning that commitment are two different things.

 
I would like to think that bringing Woodson in to coach the DBs would increase the chance of Asomugha being retained...

 
Faust said:
Raiders going in right direction, but important questions loom

By Steve Wyche NFL.com

Senior Writer

Published: Feb. 10, 2011

The Oakland Raiders don't enter this offseason as a punch line. It's the first time in a long time we can say that. This once-proud franchise finished the season 8-8 after drafting like it had a legitimate plan and operating as if there were a blueprint. Players played hard, but their performance was not always consistent. Still, things were better all the way around.

The potential for the pendulum to swing back to its dubious direction is plausible. The Raiders fired coach Tom Cable, who seemed to restore some sense of order in the locker room. They also could lose their best player, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, after triggers in his contract made him a free agent.

Conversely, Oakland could continue to improve. Cable's replacement, Hue Jackson, is a first-time head coach, but he's earned his way through the ranks and proven he's a strong offensive mind who has established a great rapport with players through his career. Jackson also has put together, to this point, the makings of a solid staff.

The Raiders will be a team to watch, because the AFC West is far from settled and they were a player last season. Will they be in 2011? Let's examine:

1. Can Jackson adjust to new role?

Like a lot of assistants who become head coaches, Jackson will have to build a wall of sorts between him and his players. Jackson is a relationship builder and sustainer. Examples: He's helped high-maintenance players like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ochocinco remain focused and productive. He also had dialogue with Michael Vick while the quarterback was in prison on dogfighting charges, helping a guy he really never had a chance to coach when he was offensive coordinator in Atlanta in 2007.

As a head coach, Jackson can't get too close to players because he could be perceived by those he's not overly cool with as playing favorites or be deemed a turncoat when he has to hold those he's been cool with accountable. It's a tough balance, but Jackson really knows how to manage circumstances and should be able to make the transition.

2. Will Asomugha be back?

While Asomugha said he wouldn't mind returning to Oakland, he's going to be at the top of the list of the free agents who could cash in, so his return seems less likely. Sure, Oakland could pony up, something it hasn't been afraid to do, especially when it comes to Asomugha. However, it could view him as a special player, but one who hasn't gotten them over the hump for the money it's paid him. He is coming off his least productive season.

In turn, he could explore situations where he could finally find out what it's like to win. Last season's .500 mark was the first time in his eight-year career that he wasn't on a losing team in Oakland. It's hard not to envision corner-needy teams like Houston, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and Baltimore not being interested.

If the Raiders lose Asomugha, they'll be in the market for another corner. Whoever is among the fastest at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine could be wearing Silver and Black whenever the season starts.

3. Would Asomugha be biggest loss?

In terms of talent and impact on the opposing team's passing game, yes. As far as attitude and leadership, maybe not. Defensive end/tackle Richard Seymour -- coming off a Pro Bowl season -- also is a free agent and losing him could hurt. After being traded from New England, Seymour eventually bought in and showed a lot of players what it takes to win in terms of work ethic, production and trusting the coaching staff. Seymour said he's open to returning to Oakland and, at 31, the Raiders could be his best option. While there's been speculation about Seymour getting the franchise tag again, he has yet to be informed of any such decision.

Coaches for successful teams will tell you that they try to have a veteran leader at every position group to lead meetings and to set the tone in practice, even if those vets aren't the best player at that position. Having someone who has won before in the locker room is huge, especially for a team that's perpetually in transition like the Raiders.

4. Will Raiders stray from running game?

Jackson was the guy calling most of those running plays, so it's unlikely he'll divert from his baseline too much. Cable was a big run-first guy, though, so we'll see if Jackson was calling plays based on Cable's directive or if he knew that running the ball with Darren McFadden was best. Oakland could lose backup tailback Michael Bush to free agency and he's been a pretty solid player. While he can be replaced, the Raiders better have a solid second option with McFadden's injury history. FB Marcel Reece is a highly underrated threat in the passing game.

5. Can Jackson get most out of Campbell?

Getting the most out of quarterback Jason Campbell is a relative term because, even after six seasons, we still don't completely know what he's capable of doing. What we do know is that he can throw the ball downfield and Oakland has some vertical threats in Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Chaz Schilens is also reliable when healthy. Ford is the type of game-breaker that can take a short pass and go the distance. If the offensive line improves, Campbell could have one of his best seasons in a play-action based system. We'll see if he can remain the starter ahead of Bruce Gradkowski. Cable was committed to him but didn't see the consistency that he wanted. Committing to a quarterback and him earning that commitment are two different things.
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:kicksrock: I thought that this deserved some props.
 
Seymour, Raiders agree to terms on two-year, $30 million contract

Richard Seymour said late last season he wanted to retire as a Raider. The 31-year-old Pro Bowl defensive tackle took a step in that direction Wednesday when he agreed to terms on a two-year, potential $30 million deal that includes $22.5 million in guarantees, according to a league source.

Seymour, who is entering his 11th season, is expected to receive $15 million each of the next two years, including a guaranteed $7.5 million bonus in 2012. His signing was critical for the Raiders not only because it locked up a talented player and locker-room leader, but also because it gives them the option of using the franchise tag on free-agent tight end Zach Miller.

Seymour and the Raiders tried to work out a multiyear deal last offseason but couldn't come to terms. He played under the franchise tag and finished with 5.5 sacks, his second-highest total in seven years.

Teammates credited him with playing a key role in Oakland finishing 8-8 and surpassing five wins for the first time in eight years.

"Big Rich brings the example," defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said. "He don't talk it; the résumé talks it. You already know what he means because of the Super Bowls and Pro Bowls. He commands respect, and he gives you respect. So it's easy to follow the example of somebody like that."

Seymour was acquired from the Patriots before the 2009 season, in exchange for Oakland's 2011 first-round draft pick -- which turned out to be No. 17 overall. The Raiders had 32 sacks the year before he arrived, but climbed to 37 in his first season and 47 in 2010, tying for second-most in the league.

Seymour could not be reached for comment today, but last November he told SI.com he believed the sides would come to terms on an extension, adding: "I'm optimistic things will shake out. I see myself retiring a Raider. I don't see myself leaving. I'm comfortable with it, I've got peace with it."
Click to expand...
 
One said:
Seymour, Raiders agree to terms on two-year, $30 million contract

Richard Seymour said late last season he wanted to retire as a Raider. The 31-year-old Pro Bowl defensive tackle took a step in that direction Wednesday when he agreed to terms on a two-year, potential $30 million deal that includes $22.5 million in guarantees, according to a league source.

Seymour, who is entering his 11th season, is expected to receive $15 million each of the next two years, including a guaranteed $7.5 million bonus in 2012. His signing was critical for the Raiders not only because it locked up a talented player and locker-room leader, but also because it gives them the option of using the franchise tag on free-agent tight end Zach Miller.

Seymour and the Raiders tried to work out a multiyear deal last offseason but couldn't come to terms. He played under the franchise tag and finished with 5.5 sacks, his second-highest total in seven years.

Teammates credited him with playing a key role in Oakland finishing 8-8 and surpassing five wins for the first time in eight years.

"Big Rich brings the example," defensive tackle Tommy Kelly said. "He don't talk it; the résumé talks it. You already know what he means because of the Super Bowls and Pro Bowls. He commands respect, and he gives you respect. So it's easy to follow the example of somebody like that."

Seymour was acquired from the Patriots before the 2009 season, in exchange for Oakland's 2011 first-round draft pick -- which turned out to be No. 17 overall. The Raiders had 32 sacks the year before he arrived, but climbed to 37 in his first season and 47 in 2010, tying for second-most in the league.

Seymour could not be reached for comment today, but last November he told SI.com he believed the sides would come to terms on an extension, adding: "I'm optimistic things will shake out. I see myself retiring a Raider. I don't see myself leaving. I'm comfortable with it, I've got peace with it."
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Very happy to see this!

:confused:

 
Sounds like the Seymour deal is similar to how the Aso deal was, essentially paying him franchise tag money but without having to use the actual franchise tag and saving that for another player.

I think it's a good step for Oakland, keep him for a few seasons and see if he can keep up his level of play and yet not locked into him as he advances in age if things go bad.

 
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