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2011 Oakland Raiders In-Season Thread (2 Viewers)

'ICON211 said:
Anyone know who the Raiders plan on releasing?
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Most of our guys already became free agents so there arent many vets left we would cut. I keep looking but cant find anything really official on the cap situation. Also it has a lot to do with Nnamdi's decision and Wimbley signing a long term deal. There arent any certain cuts. If the new rules are as flexible as they say, we could knock 10 million off our cap by signing Wimbley long term. Of course if the rules are that flexible, any team can afford to make Nnamdi a big offer. Anyway, the worst reports I've seen say that we are 10 million over the 120 million cap but that we can borrow an extra 7 million from the future. So if we shave 10 million this year one way or another we could still spend 7 million (including rookies but at least no 1st rounder). I think that's a worst case scenario.Michael Bennett is most likely cut and I could see him asking the team to get cut early if he wants to find a new team right away. Otherwise they can keep him through camp in case someone gets injured. Carlisle and Chris Johnson are possible cuts but would be more likely later in camp after we see how the younger guys look. It wouldnt shock me to see DHB get cut if he has a bad camp but I dont think that would clear cap room this year. Eugene is a possible cut if we sign a veteran safety.
 
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They need to sign Kam to a deal. Franchising him was a very dumb move.

Wish we could've sent a 2013 5th to the Skins for Albert.

 
Thought this was really interesting:

Lombardi was on NFLN talking about Vince Young getting cut by Titans today. Said when he was in Raiders war room that year, he was rated highly, and probably would have been taken by Oakland if he had been there (We took Huff).

He also said the Titans did a great job of covering up all Young's shortcomings. Missing meetings, not coming home on team plane after away games, etc. Apparently he would take off to South Beach, and so on.

I am torn on this one. I'd like to see a QBOTF behind Campbell, and if Vince gets serious after getting cut, the risk is minimal. But after JaMarcus, not sure I am looking for another party boy at QB.

 
'massraider said:
I am torn on this one. I'd like to see a QBOTF behind Campbell, and if Vince gets serious after getting cut, the risk is minimal. But after JaMarcus, not sure I am looking for another party boy at QB.
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I think the last part of your quote sums it all about VY.That said, beggars can't be choosers, so if he comes cheap and will behave, why not? Might ruffle Campbell a bit, so that is at least a consideration even though it's also a sign of one of Campbell's main deficiencies. Campbell's problem is that he doesn't believe in himself. VY's problem is that he believes in himself too much. Both extremes are bad.
 
I too have been torn on VY. It's tough to get a read on this situation. I am taking a leap of faith here, hopping off the fence. I think VY would be a good addition in the face of the putrid remaining FA QB's out there. He's got the physical tools to be great, and if he can get his head right, he may just re-invigorate his career in Oakland. I hope to hear that we sign him.

 
'LawFitz said:
That said, beggars can't be choosers, so if he comes cheap and will behave, why not?
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No reason. But those are both big 'IF's, ya know? Will he behave himself? Is he willing to be a pro now, and buckle down, study, and lead by example? Nobody knows. He's a free agent, and all it will cost is a contract, tough to really say it isn't worth a shot. We can use another QB with Campbell and Boller, and actually, from the persective of a free agent QB looking to compete, the Raiders are as attractive as any other situation.My gut tells me that character is more important to the Raiders now than most realize, and they have no interest.
 
'massraider said:
My gut tells me that character is more important to the Raiders now than most realize, and they have no interest.
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I agree with this, and their draft picks this season seem to follow that new mentality nicely. The problem is that Young's "problems" may be over looked if Davis was previously so high on him, as Lombardi states. Could be that already poured glass of whiskey on the counter that gets Al to fall back in to his old ways!I think Young has lots of potential, BUT.... does he have the drive?
 
So, let's play what if....Would you have wanted the Raiders to bring in Ocho Cinco?From Twitter:

RapSheet Ian R. Rapoport by VittorioTafurSome detaila on @Ochocinco. Three teams were granted permission to trade for him, including the 49ers and Raiders. Pats win out
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'kaso said:
So, let's play what if....Would you have wanted the Raiders to bring in Ocho Cinco?From Twitter:

RapSheet Ian R. Rapoport by VittorioTafurSome detaila on @Ochocinco. Three teams were granted permission to trade for him, including the 49ers and Raiders. Pats win out
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Heck, yeah. And I woulda taken Haynesworth at that price as well. Although I do think Ocho is gonna be overrated right now. Bengals radio guy on NFLN talking about Ocho. Eye-opening. Mentions that Chad rarely knew much of the playbook, played split end, that was it, and ran the wrong route a lot, causing picks.
 
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Or, that move could signal the making of cap room for Cromartie or Gaither.From Corkran:

Sneak peek at what to look for at first practiceBy Steve CorkranThursday, July 28th, 2011 at 2:50 pm in Oakland Raiders.The Raiders first training camp practice commences in less than an hour here in Napa. Coach Hue Jackson said most of the time will be spent on conditioning and going over formations and schemes as a means of getting players up to speed.However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be much that one can glean from the proceedings. Here’s some of the things that we’ll be looking for at today’s practice and that we will report upon soon after things end:Where will second-year player Bruce Campbell line up during offensive line drills? He prefers playing offensive tackle, and the Raiders have an opening on the right side. Yet, Campbell worked at right guard for most of last season so that he could make himself more versatile.Is Daniel Loper the replacement for Robert Gallery at left guard? That’s how it appears as of now. The Raiders were quick to re-sign him before the lockout started, and they liked what they saw from Loper in four starts last season.How do the offensive linemen respond to new coach Bob Wylie and assistant Steve Wisniewski? Returning offensive linemen were coached by Tom Cable, Jim Michalczik and Chris Morgan the past two seasons. It’s Wylie’s show now, with Wisniewski in the shadows waiting to hammer home points and offer pointers.How does oft-injured wide receiver Chaz Schilens look after missing most of last season with foot and knee injuries? Teammates say that Schilens looks healthy and ready to go. One observer up here reported seeing Schilens in a protective boot just before the NFL draft.Who is lined up at free safety, Stevie Brown, Hiram Eugene or Mike Mitchell? Michael Huff is an unrestricted free agent, and he isn’t likely to be re-signed. The Raiders took steps to replace Huff by signing Eugene during the offseason. Still, this position figures to be wide open throughout camp.Is defensive end Trevor Scott fully recovered from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in his left knee against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season? He has had more than eight months to recover. Yet, such injuries can linger if there are any setbacks.Is running back Taiwan Jones as fast as advertised and how will he be used? The Raiders already have Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, along with Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett, at running back. They also have Jacoby Ford to return kicks and Nick Miller punts. There’s many ways the Raiders can use Jones, we just don’t know yet.
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'kaso said:
From Twitter:

Vittorio Tafur NFL Network says #Raiders cut OG Cooper Carlisle and CB Chris Johnson - could just be temporary salary cap move
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No, those are likely permanent. We are overloaded with young CBs and the bigger Bruce Campbell is taking over for Carlisle since we are back to the power blocking scheme. I noted these two possible cuts a few posts above, I just thought they'd come later in camp.Cutting Chris Johnson tells me we have a deal in the work with a free agent CB. I'll cross my fingers and pray its Nnamdi but it could be Cromartie or Clements.I think long snapper Jon Condo is the only offensive lineman left on the team from two years ago. A good thing but its going to take time for our guys to gel.
 
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'LawFitz said:
'UnknownCoach said:
I think long snapper Jon Condo is the only offensive lineman left on the team from two years ago. A good thing but its going to take time for our guys to gel.
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Yikes. Is this true?
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Yes. I couldnt remember if Loper signed in 2010 or 2009 but it was 2010.We could still bring back Barnes (orginally signed in 2009), Langston Walker (currently FA and could retire) or Mario Henderson. Henderson declined a contract offer earlier this year but was arrested on a weapons charge so his options will be limited. Satele could also be brought back but I believe we will end up with a cheaper option.
 
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Seems like the Texans are out of the Asomugha sweepstakes after signing Joseph. If what was reported earlier is true that they had the highest offer at 12-14 million per year, it increases our chances. We tried to sign him earlier this year and there was a rumor it was a 4-5 year deal in the 11-12m per range. That's not a big difference but we dont know what the guaranteed money is like in either case or how many years from the Texans. Obviously Nnamdi wanted to see what other offers he could get in order to drive the price up before resigning with Oakland. Now will Oakland pony up? Does Nnamdi want a ring bad enough to play for less money with the Jets? I think the 49ers would have to offer more money than Oakland and NY to have a chance but they are in it also. Nnamdi wouldnt have to move if he played in SF amd they've already cut Nate Clements.

The fact we contacted Cromartie's agent puts pressure on the Jets to resign Cromartie first as well as giving us a backup plan. The fact we cut Chris Johnson already tells me we are going to get somebody whether Asomugha, Cromartie (Jets FA), or Clements (cut by 49ers). With the Texans out of the sweepstakes, we are likely close to hearing Nnamdi's decision. Tommorrow is the date when players can officially sign new contracts and I think everybody has their offer on the table.

 
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'UnknownCoach said:
Seems like the Texans are out of the Asomugha sweepstakes after signing Joseph. If what was reported earlier is true that they had the highest offer at 12-14 million per year, it increases our chances. We tried to sign him earlier this year and there was a rumor it was a 4-5 year deal in the 11-12m per range. That's not a big difference but we dont know what the guaranteed money is like in either case or how many years from the Texans. Obviously Nnamdi wanted to see what other offers he could get in order to drive the price up before resigning with Oakland. Now will Oakland pony up? Does Nnamdi want a ring bad enough to play for less money with the Jets? I think the 49ers would have to offer more money than Oakland and NY to have a chance but they are in it also. Nnamdi wouldnt have to move if he played in SF amd they've already cut Nate Clements. The fact we contacted Cromartie's agent puts pressure on the Jets to resign Cromartie first as well as giving us a backup plan. The fact we cut Chris Johnson already tells me we are going to get somebody whether Asomugha, Cromartie (cut by Jets), or Clements (cut by 49ers). With the Texans out of the sweepstakes, we are likely close to hearing Nnamdi's decision. Tommorrow is the date when players can officially sign new contracts and I think everybody has their offer on the table.
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Do we even have any offer to Aso? I have not heard a peep about the Raiders having any chance or even trying to retain him other than from homer sources. Also, I am not sure signing Joseph means that the Texans are out. I seem to remember that they were one of the teams that were way under the min cap and had to spend tons of cash. They want to beef up their D and basically really don't have any decent CB's now. For all we know getting Joseph might be a way to say to Aso, 'look, you want to be a winner? We got one of the best offenses in the league and we just signed another CB to help our D.' I am also not sure that us going after Cromartie puts pressure on the Jets to resign Cromartie... especially if the Jets feel they are close to getting Aso but even not there is no reason why they can't go after Clements hot and heavy. I would get down on my knees and thank God if we kept Aso but I am just not getting that feeling other than a whole lot of hope from Raider Nation.
 
The Jets dont want to miss out on both Asomugha and Cromartie. So us going after Cromartie definately puts pressure on them. If the 49ers signed Asomugha and we signed Cromartie... get it. The Jets reportably are telling Asomugha to make a decision soon. They are feeling that pressure.

We were the first team to make an offer to Asomugha earlier this year long before free agency started and both Asomugha and the Raiders have both said all along they are open to resigning. Its just that Asomugha wanted to see what the market offered first. So obviously we have the option of making the last offer if Nnamadi is still willing.

Dont worry about what the fantasy geeks are saying. They all said DWill will leave Carolina because that's what their hearts wanted to believe so Stewart could get more carries. The real world NFL doesnt operate anything like fantasy football. Nnamdi is not a person who negotiates through the media and we all know Al Davis is the most secretive GM in the game.

 
1st day practice updates from Corkran, Chris Johnson and Carlisle both at practice:

By Steve Corkran

Thursday, July 28th, 2011 at 7:19 pm in Oakland Raiders.

Sixty five players participated in the Raiders first training camp practice in Napa on Thursday. That number will increase Friday and over the next week, as free agents are signed and those who have signed but arent allowed to practice join the fray.

Teams are allowed to have as many as 90 players in camp and through most of August. Four players who were eligible to practice, failed to take part, for one reason or other.

Rookie offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale signed his contract Thursday morning and didnt make it to the field in time. Second-year offensive lineman, wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and defensive end Trevor Scott are nicked up, according to coach Hue Jackson.

Jackson refused to decline the nature of their injuries. Scott, obviously, still is recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season. He was spotted working out on his own, away from the full-team activities. Campbell and Heyward-Bey arrived early on in practice and watched the proceedings.

Jackson said Scott is on the physically-unable-to-perform list and that Campbell might be, too.

The players absent include restricted free agent Michael Bush, exclusive rights free agents Marcel Reece, Desmond Bryant and Bruce Davis. They can sign their one-year tenders Friday and practice for the first time Aug. 4. Also missing were long-snapper Jon Condo and defensive end Jarvis Moss, who have agreed to contracts.

Free agents signed since the lockout can make their deals official as of 3 p.m. on Friday, but they cant practice until Aug. 4, either.

So much for all the reports that guard Cooper Carlisle and cornerback Chris Johnson got cut by the Raiders on Thursday. Both participated in practice. Its conceivable that one or both players restructured his/their contract(s), but we dont have a definitive answer just yet.

Jackson confirmed that the Raiders expressed interest in acquiring wide receiver Chad Ochocinco before he was traded by the Cincinnati Bengals to the New England Patriots on Thursday,

Like I said, we looked around at every guy. Yeah, we looked around at every guy thats been out there. We didnt just target one guy or another, we just looked for everybody. And, obviously, he was a guy that Cincinnati maybe made some decisions that they wanted to see if they could move him around. But we look at everybody.

Those curious as to how the Raiders defense might look, consider this alignment for numerous plays during practice:

Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson at cornerback.

Tyvon Branch at free safety, Mike Mitchell at strong safety.

Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves at outside linebacker, with Rolando McClain in the middle.

Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston at defensive end, Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour at defensive tackle.

Branch at free safety, thats corrrect. Jackson said theres a real possibility that Branch will play the spot manned by Michael Huff the past five years.

Those guys are kind of interchangeable, Jackson said. We play those guys all over the place. I know everybody is like, strong safety, free safety. For us, for the Raiders, those guys are safeties, and they can play either one. Both of those guys back there, him and Mitchell, they both have done it, they know how to do it, theyre getting very well coached. Kevin Ross does a great job. We just got to continue to keep seeing different looks, different situations that happen in practice to keep getting better.

The clear-cut standout on offense Thursday was second-year receiver Jacoby Ford. Twice he caught deep throws from Jason Campbell that turned into long touchdowns. He beat Stevie Brown on the first one. Routt and Branch fell prey the second time around.

Receiver Louis Murphy also made a nice over-the-shoulder catch from Campbell, with Routt and Mitchell unable to get there in time.

Receiver Chaz Schilens laid out head first for an overthrown pass that hit the ground before Schilens could reach it. No worries about injury. Schilens jumped to his feet in about one second and ran back to the huddle. Afterward, he said that if he is seen on the field, that means all is well with his foot and knee.

You know whats coming. Now get it stopped. get it stopped. Thats one sampling of the fiery personality Jackson displays throughout practice. And dont expect him to change now that he is the coach.

Im not going to change, Jackson said. I know one way. I go full speed, I go hard and I expect our players to go full speed and go hard. I dont know anything else. And Im not going to change as long as Im here as the head coach. Thats all I know. I dont know how to do it any other way, and its the best way for our football team.

Seymour made his presence felt on one play when he arrived in the backfield just as running back Michael Bennett received the hand-off. Seymour flattened Bennett with a firm left shoulder before Bennett could react. There were high-fives and slaps all around for Seymour.

Jackson said that rookie David Ausberry has been converted to tight end. Ausberry played mostly wide receiver at Southern Cal. At 6-feet-4 and 245 pounds, he likely is better suited to play tight end in the NFL.

Carlisle lined up at right guard with the first team on most downs, especially in full-team drills. Jared Veldheer played left tackle, Daniel Loper left guard, rookie Stefen Wisniewski center and undrafted rookie Alan Pelc right tackle.

Campbell said he feels more at ease this year, in part because he isnt the new guy on the block, with all the spotlights trained upon him, but also because he feels as if he doesnt have to worry about losing his job on short notice.

It makes you feel like you earned something, Campbell said. It wasnt nothing given to you. I remember when I got traded here, it wasnt automatic. Youve got to go out and earn it, and guys want to see you earn it. If something is given to you and you feel like you didnt work for it, theyre not going to respect you as much. But if they see you go out and try to earn it and respect it and to earn it the right way, it means much more, then you get more respected. This is what you expect as a player.

Wisniewski received high praise from Jackson, especially for the way he held up against veteran tackles Seymour and Kelly breathing down his neck most snaps.

That was definitely a great welcome to NFL, blocking Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly, two of the best in the league, Wisniewski said. I am excited about the challenge. They are going to kick my butt some time, but thats fine. Its going to make me better. To be honest, you want to be practicing against the best because when you get in the games its like, Oh, these guys are good, too, but theyre no Richard Seymour.

 
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Good stuff raidersfan! :thumbup: here's more on day one. I can't get enough of this now that football is back!

Practice Notes Day OneQB Jason Campbell looked rusty as the day began.WR Darrius Heyward Bey and 2nd yr O lineman Bruce Campbell watched from the sidelines. Coaches later confirmed they are injured with DHB expected to return first.*UPDATE: HC Hue Jackson said Bruce Campbell may be joining DE Trevor Scott on the Physically Unable to Perform or PUP list. No word on his injury. Wow...Despite being reported by USA Today, Rotoworld that CB Chris Johnson and RG Cooper Carlisle had been cut, both men were reported on field for today’s practice.They may have been cut in order to simply restructure their contracts but NFL Network reported the "news" too.Raider DT Tommy Kelly looked to be in great shape. The 6-6, 300 lb Kelly had 57 tackles and 7 sacks last season.WR Chaz Schilens was rumored to be wearing a walking boot last March. He looked good running routes this afternoon.MLB Rolando McClain looks good and indifferent to the press as usual. We love it. ;) DMC like he always does in camp, looked sharp.WR's Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford earning praise from hyper active new Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders. Murphy, for an over the shoulder catch and Ford for down field blocking.Though 64 yrs old, Saunders could literally run many of these players into the ground. He runs 5 marathons a year. Three for "practice" and two competitively. Yikes!In 11 on 11 no pads drills DT Richard Seymour blasted rookie RB Taiwan Jones. "Say hello to my lil' fren..." Coach Hue Jackson loved it.Big John Henderson limped off the field. We'll keep you posted. Doesn't appear major but neither did his foot injury against the Rams and it turned out to be broken.QB Kyle Boller was picked off by CB Stanford Routt. He's the man in line to replace Nnamdi if he departs. He was quickly scorched twice in a row by speedy Jacoby Ford.Nnamdi, please stay...Second year DE Lamarr Houston visibly disappointed when practice ended. "Was just starting to have fun!"Us too... :yes:
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Out with the Old in with the New (From yesterday)Big day for the Nation as it took care of business and got down to practice. Rumors swirled all day and while some, like Zach Miller had been traded to the Bengals proved false, several others had the ring of truth.Tackle Mario Henderson reported gun charges acquired March 17th would be dropped.C Stephen Wisniewski, T Joseph Barksdale, CB Chimdi Chekwa and TE Big Richard Gordon all signed today.The Raiders are "deep" into contract negotiations with Franchise tagged LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley. Odds makers would say it's not only because Oakland’s over the cap limit, but may be to free up money for a certain Cornerback of interest.We can only hope.Many think the Jets are a lock as Asomugha’s landing zone but Houston is apparently cutting deadwood and building up cash to make a run at the 4 time All-Pro. Update: Houston signing Johnathan Joseph to a $48M deal takes them out of the running for Nnamdi.San Francisco did nothing to dispel rumors they may be in the hunt as well by cutting CB Nate Clements earlier today.Vince Young was cut by the Titans today and rumors quickly began about Oakland as a destination but they've worked long and hard to purge distractions. Oakland may look at a QB in FA but Mr Davis is high on Charlie Frye.We're not sure if Frye's wrist is completely healed.Oakland said it was in the market for Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson but the Patriots landed him instead.Does this mean they'll look for another WR in FA?Reserve LB Thomas Howard went to the Bengals. He accepted his demotion to Special Teams last year with professional grace and aplomb.He was rewarded today with a 2 yr $6.5 million dollar contract.We reported starting Right Guard Cooper Carlisle was released today. We think the information is legit but if you've been a fan of Oakland for any length of time you know how secretive they are.If Oakland’s clearing cap space the 11 yr vet would clear at least $2 million off the books. Add that to the fact he's a Zone Blocking Lineman and that we no longer run that scheme and things begin to add up.Oakland may also have released CB Chris Johnson. Though often injured throughout his career Johnson was seen as a decent CB and a part of next year’s secondary. A secondary many think will be devoid of Nnamdi as well. Interesting move. And yes, it could mean that someone might stay. It could also mean the Raiders may shop free agency.Let’s hope they don't treat the secondary like they've done their receiver corps and throw a bunch of young guys to the wolves.Rod Woodson is there to advise but unless he actually suits up, some veteran presence on the back half seems like a necessity. No word on Safety Michael Huff's status. Last rumor was Dallas had an eye on him, and they did release two Safeties of their own today.More to come...
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"Running back Michael Bennett looks as though he's put on many pounds of muscle -- an audition to be the team's fullback? -- but it did not help him when Richard Seymour crashed through the line and bounced him with ease. It was about as hard as you could hit someone without pads on."

I found this but I cant picture him winning the fullback job. Bennett and Jones together could put pressure on Cartwright but Bennett still seems like the most likely casualty.

 
Day One Surprises There seemed to be a general lack of interest in Oakland Free Agents yesterday including CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Houston was supposed to be the front runner at one point but signed CB Jonathan Joseph for $48 million instead.TE Zach Miller, S Michael Huff and RB Michael Bush seemed to generate little attention and that may bode well for Oakland when it comes time to write checks.Of course things can change at a moment’s notice. Just ask Cooper Carlisle and Chris Johnson.LB Bruce Davis, FB Marcel Reece and DT/DE Desmond Bryant are restricted Free Agents and like Unrestricted Free Agents Nnamdi, Zach Miller, Huff and Bush all sat out yesterday’s practice.Running backs Michael Bennett and rookie Taiwan Jones wish they had. Both were knocked to the ground by Big Richard Seymour.Second year Lineman Bruce Campbell, the chiseled Adonis, reportedly failed his physical and was placed on the non football related injury list. With Campbell's status in question one wonders if Oakland will pick up the contract of one of its many unsigned Linemen from last year. That list includes Tackles Khalif Barnes, Langston Walker, Mario Henderson and Center Samson Satele. Oakland did draft Center Stephen Wisniewski and Tackle Joseph Barksdale but one has to think the Raiders wanted to see what Bruce Campbell could do. It may be something minor with Campbell, we just don't know. If it is serious and or season threatening at least the Raiders have options, but likely not the one they'd hoped for.
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49ers no longer after Asomugha?

Dallas now in on the bidding? I said months ago I expect them to be the biggest competition for Nnamdi.

Jets probably offer little better chance of winning superbowl which could be more important to Nnamdi than money or staying in California. If that's what his heart is set on our chances are dimming. Still hanging onto hope that the 49ers just werent willing to pay much more than us.

 
As FA opens, I would like to officially declare that I fully expect the Raiders to do all of the following in short order:

Restructure Kamerion Wimbley.

Sign Zach Miller.

Sign Jared Gaither.

Sign Nnamdi Asomugha.

 
'UnknownCoach said:
49ers no longer after Asomugha?Dallas now in on the bidding? I said months ago I expect them to be the biggest competition for Nnamdi. Jets probably offer little better chance of winning superbowl which could be more important to Nnamdi than money or staying in California. If that's what his heart is set on our chances are dimming. Still hanging onto hope that the 49ers just werent willing to pay much more than us.
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Jets now out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Eagles swoop in and steal Nnamdi :cry: Insanity reigns in this shortened pre season and the true madness wasn't what happened but what DIDN'T.Several teams were reportedly in the running suddenly dropped off the map almost as soon as the clocks clicked 3pm PAC.First it was reported the New York Football Jets were all over the Nnamdi train supposedly restructuring contracts of "star" players to bring him on board but when push came to shove, Pro Bowl CB Darrelle Revis wasn't one of them. Dallas was the next landing spot for Nnamdi and almost as soon as New York cried Uncle so did they. At least those were the reports leaking in from "sources" in Dallas.Fact is, no one but the old man and his immediate posse knew exactly where the best CB in the game was going to sign.Then out of the blue the Philadelphia Eagles schedule a press conference for the top of the hour...A huge move that caught everyone by surprise. Philly was mentioned in the early running but the signing caught everyone off guard.Nnamdi, we hardly knew ye.Nnamdi will be missed especially considering the youth now left on the Oakland roster. Lets not forget, Free Agency JUST opened. 3 pm was not the cut off, it was the start.Oakland could still make some moves but look for either Michael Huff or Zach Miller to be signed sooner rather than later.Farewell Mr. Asomugha. We wish you nothing but the best...except when you play Oakland...Nnamdi's contract $60 million $25 million guaranteed.
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'UnknownCoach said:
I like Vince Young and would love to see him a Raider but not at the expense of yet another QB contraversy. Its hard to say at this point who the better QB is. Campbell's contract tells me the Raiders are going to give him 2011 to prove himself. If Campbell fails and Young only signs somewhere for one season, yes we should go after him. I'm not worried about missing the chance at getting Young though because Vince still has an abundance of weaknesses to work on before being considered a franchise QB. There are new prospects with just as much hope every year. Young may or may not work out this year but he'd definately create another year of contraversy in Oakland. The musical chairs need to stop so this young team can grow.
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Young signed a one year deal with Philly. He'll be a FA again next year so if Campbell doesnt do it and Young matures in Philly, we could go after Vince next year. Its exactly the type of situation I was thinking about.
 
Gaither update:

*UPDATE: The simple answer to the question "Gaither Go or No" is "Go."And No.Our sources who spotted Gaither at a local hotel (He's pretty hard to miss) were right. Gaither is in town but no, he isn't a Raider...not yet.While Gaither was at practice today he was there as an observer and Jackson indicated that Gaither has NOT signed a deal with the Raiders as of the time of this writing.Indications are Oakland is going to be as thourough as they can with gaither's medical exam before signing him.Shrewd move since Gaither's missed alot of time the last 2 yrs.Reports are though, short of a "twisted spine" Gaither's as good as signed.Coach Hue Jackson hinted Gaither might play Left Tackle which could mean last years rookie Left Tackle Jared Veldheer may slide over to the Right side.
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Practice Notes Day Two

Aside from front office distractions and departures, the Raiders had business to attend on the field.

And attend they did.

What followed today after the signing of Nnamdi Asomugha to the Eagles was one the most intensive non-padded practice sessions Oakland has held in years.

RB Taiwan Jones is getting a crash course on the NFL. Make that a crash test dummy course.

He was decked again, this time by 2nd year MLB Rolando McClain.

Jones took the clocking in stride.

"Yeah, I took another hit today but it's football. It happens. Also, that's credit to our defense they competing makes me better."

We like that...

Oakland worked on the long ball today without alot of success. Some near misses but still misses. Looks like it will come though. Denarius Moore is going to be a force.

After we reported (and everyone and their dog jumped on board) Chris Johnson was cut yesterday, he played in his second practice and looked good doing it.

We'll need him this season especially if we don't pick up a vet DB in FA and especially if Huff leaves too.

Cooper Carlisle (the other "victim" we mentioned yesterday) took out some of his aggresion on a team mate, leveling him into the turf. Surprising for being a non contact practice but a good sign...

Speaking of signs Raider Free Agents are biding their time and even if signed can't practice until the 4th. Expect RB Michael Bush and FB Marcel Reece to be there.

Bush, a pretty good bowler has taken up golf between 2 a day work outs and study.

Speaking of unsigned, DT/DE Desmond Bryant was seen spectating today too. He's one of our favorites and we hope they look at tape of him on the edge at DE. Spelling Shaughnessy or Houston would be a very good thing. He made big plays in the season closer against KC and is going to be good...

DE Jarvis Moss was seen too. He's signed but still won't be fieldable until the 4th same as the others.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey watched casually. G Bruce Campbell sat with his right knee iced. Yikes...

Gaither's going to be a Raider.

Speaking of O line...Yesterday O line Coaches were tentative and mostly watching. Today Assistant O line Coach Steve Wisniewski went hands on and man handled several defensive players. Lets get physical...

"WR" David Ausberry struggled to catch the ball today and was moved from WR to TE. Not sure of any significance but a team mate said Zach Miller is not a guaranteed return. Again, Yikes!

The other TE drafted recently is Richard Gordon who also had passes thud off of him.

We better sign Zach...

One guy catching passes is WR Louis Murphy. He's clearly standing out amongst receivers.

DMC looking good and Coach Jackson wants people to know it.

McFadden almost caught a long ball down field but an alert Stevie Brown playing Safety shut it down.

LB Kam Wimbley is working out the kinks on a long term deal that will help Oakland who was, at one point $14.9 mill over the cap. Not as bad as it sounds. Room to wiggle.

Vet Richard Seymour's statement when asked about the departure of Nnamdi was misinterpreted in print when he said "I'm concerned about the Raiders."

He didn't mean "We're in trouble." He meant "I'm concerned with who's right here, right now."

Practice ended with 2nd yr terror DE Lamarr Houston coming off the edge to "sack" QB Jason Campbell.

Houston's quickness, power and short field burst are beyond impressive.
Click to expand...
 
Too bad about Gaither. I was looking forward to having the two mountains on the edges. It may be for the best, as Veldheer was just getting his footing as the starting LT. And we can't risk a perpetual injury risk in Gaither, (if it's true his back is a corkscrew). After being out of football for a year, Gaither's career may be in jeopardy. I hear that Barnes is talked about as our starting RT. It's been a very quiet FA period for the Raiders.

:tumbleweed:

 
I'm not listening to any more reports on who we cut or sign until its official.

Too bad about Gaither but it was the right move not to sign him. Looking like we wont be signing anybody big until Wimbley signs. I'm forcing myself to settle for the guys we got now plus Miller and our RFAs. If we get someone else we do, if we dont we dont. Barnes back at RT for a year with Barksdale maybe getting some reps while he's groomed like Veldheer did last year. Hopefully Campbell recovers soon but at least we still got Carlisle. Chris Johnson at corner until one of the young guys can beat him out.

 
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