Kirk Morrison in trouble at MLB? (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

This just seems crazy, and it may be nothing more than Tom Cable and John Marshall stirring the pot, but it can no longer be mostly ignored.

Multiple blog posts and tweets from the Raiders' beat writers have noted that Ricky Brown has been taking a significant number of snaps in the middle. It's worth noting that there's always been an undercurrent of concern that Morrison hasn't been as physical as the Raiders would like in the middle. Also worth noting that the line this weekend was that the team was just looking at what they had and that Monday was the day things would start to take shape. Little came out on Brown yesterday, but he's back in there with the first team frequently today. It's been a similar situation with Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt.

Be interesting to see if anything comes of this or not.

 

[Jene Bramel]

What is the contract status of Morrison?

Morrison's rookie contract is up after this year. Brown was re-signed to a one year deal this offseason.

 

[massraider]

Tough to tell if they want to see if Brown is viable as a MLB, and just getting him some reps with the 1's, or if they think that highly of him.

It was strange to me for them to move Ricky to the middle anyway. He was the starting LOLB(or SLB if you like, although they don't flip-flop that I saw last year) last year, and the plugged in Jon Alston as SLB this year. Now Alston is an athlete, but he's not big. He gained weight this year, but by any measure, Alston is a little dude.

I think I will really wonder, if they give Kirk reps at OLB. If they think their best run-defending unit is Brown at MLB, and Morrison at SLB, you can forget about Kirk as a LB1.

You are right about the concerns about Kirk, no one considers him a Trotter-like thumper. I personally believed that had more to do with Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands doing their screen door impression last year.

I find it hard to believe Kirk could lose his job at MLB, but if they think the drop-off from him to Brown is minimal, he might be a substantial upgrade at OLB, and it might be a matter of getting the best 3 LB on the field. Just speculation, Morrison hasn't been at OLB (that I have heard) but this is potentially big fantasy news. BTW, Kirk Tweets pretty regularly, might be worth following him there as well.

Regarding Johnson and Routt, it's interesting that they have been in competition, it seemed Johnson was a lock, but I will add this: It's been thought for a while that Routt was a better CB on the outside, as opposed to the slot, and it surprised me that Routt wasn't more in the mix when Hall left last year. Routt has had some good moments before, he can play, but I still think it's Johnson's job to lose.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

motivation ploy?

 

[massraider]

motivation ploy?

I doubt it. you won't find a guy more positive and motivated, than Kirk. Lifetime Raider fan, and is the vocal leader of the D (Asomougha is the quiet type).

 

[Jene Bramel]

BTW, Kirk Tweets pretty regularly, might be worth following him there as well.

Noticed that this morning. Nothing of note in his tweets this week. I don't know if I'll be able to get him to say anything on this, but I'll work on it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

motivation ploy?

I doubt it. you won't find a guy more positive and motivated, than Kirk. Lifetime Raider fan, and is the vocal leader of the D (Asomougha is the quiet type).

but if Morrison is the leader on that defense and even he has to earn his starting spot, that's a wake up call for the rest of the team as well not to take anything for granted.also being the leader, benching him seems like a potential huge mistake for Cable.

 

[massraider]

What is the contract status of Morrison?

Morrison's rookie contract is up after this year.

Im willing to say that this is a MASSIVE part of the current scenario.God bless Al.

I'm willing to say that's just incorrect.

 

[massraider]

motivation ploy?

I doubt it. you won't find a guy more positive and motivated, than Kirk. Lifetime Raider fan, and is the vocal leader of the D (Asomougha is the quiet type).

but if Morrison is the leader on that defense and even he has to earn his starting spot, that's a wake up call for the rest of the team as well not to take anything for granted.also being the leader, benching him seems like a potential huge mistake for Cable.

I took it a different way. If it is just being shown that no job is safe, I am on board. But just to motivate Kirk, I don't see it. I think benching him is a mistake, if his replacement isn't better.

 

[massraider]

What is the contract status of Morrison?

Morrison's rookie contract is up after this year.

Im willing to say that this is a MASSIVE part of the current scenario.God bless Al.

I'm willing to say that's just incorrect.

I am willing to say that you have a serious tilt on all the Raider subjects that contain any controversy whatsoever.

Read my stuff, brother, I am no homer.

 

[massraider]

Read my stuff, brother, I am no homer.

I like a lot of what you post... except when it comes to the Raiders. You noticeably tilt on much of the Oakland subject matter.

I am often tilt on the Steelers in a very similar fashion.

Fair enough.I'll ask you to unpack this, then. Why do you think his contract expiring is a MASSIVE part of the current scenario?

My follow-up question, BTW, will be, 'What in Al Davis' history makes you think this?' Should be easy to find previous instances of whatever you think is going on, Al has owned the team for 49 years or so.

 

[massraider]

Read my stuff, brother, I am no homer.

I like a lot of what you post... except when it comes to the Raiders. You noticeably tilt on much of the Oakland subject matter.

I am often tilt on the Steelers in a very similar fashion.

Fair enough.I'll ask you to unpack this, then. Why do you think his contract expiring is a MASSIVE part of the current scenario?

My follow-up question, BTW, will be, 'What in Al Davis' history makes you think this?' Should be easy to find previous instances of whatever you think is going on, Al has owned the team for 49 years or so.

Its not from any previous instance.As soon as Jene posted my first instinct was.... Al Davis and co. may be doing one of two things:

1) Bringing down the cost of Kirks contract/value. 2) Getting reps for the man who will be playing that position for them in the future if Kirks value is too high. So I asked... what is his contract status. That was the watermark. My instinct told me that it was going to be "proven" if it was his final year. Sure enough.

Thats why I posted "God bless Al".

Hence my folllow-up question. Al's history is overpaying his players, loyalty to a fault. Previous instance doesn't really back you up here. 'Tilt' or not, sometimes the fans of individual teams know thngs about their teams. Dismissing their opinions just because they are fans might not always be the smart move.Heck, maybe Ricky is just better.

 

[Donnybrook]

This just seems crazy, and it may be nothing more than Tom Cable and John Marshall stirring the pot, but it can no longer be mostly ignored.

Multiple blog posts and tweets from the Raiders' beat writers have noted that Ricky Brown has been taking a significant number of snaps in the middle. It's worth noting that there's always been an undercurrent of concern that Morrison hasn't been as physical as the Raiders would like in the middle. Also worth noting that the line this weekend was that the team was just looking at what they had and that Monday was the day things would start to take shape. Little came out on Brown yesterday, but he's back in there with the first team frequently today. It's been a similar situation with Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt.

Be interesting to see if anything comes of this or not.

Could it be something as innocent as the Raiders wanting Brown to get some experience in a non critical situation? It seems like people are making mountains out of moe hills.

 

[Cripster]

CBS sportsline reported that Brown is taking snaps with the first string at both MLB and SLB. Why is everyone assuming Kirk is at risk. What about the SLB position. Thats where he (Brown) started several games last year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

While theoretically every roster spot is up for grabs, we know that baring injury, Nnamdi, Lechler, Janikowski, Gallery and Zach Miller are locks to start at their positions. The rest of the roster remains an open competition, though areas like wide receiver and running back will always remain fluid due to situational demands, the focus of this story are the position battles that I think are the most intriguing:

Ricky Brown vs. Kirk Morrison: The position battle at the MIKE position now has some intriguing qualities. The Raiders have either grown tired of the inconsistent play of Morrison in the middle or they are preparing for his potential departure at the end of the season. Brown, who is a high energy player and has bulked up to 240lbs for the competition is being given every opportunity to unseat Morrison by Cable. Many have thought that Morrison has been miscast at the MIKE and would be better suited to play at SAM. Whether or not this is being considered by Cable, Marshall and Haluchak is to still be determined, but to be sure, the linebacking play last year was completely underwhelming and the Raiders are finally putting the attention to this position that is required and not accepting the status quo.

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/2009/8/...k-prides-sunday

 

[Jene Bramel]

This just seems crazy, and it may be nothing more than Tom Cable and John Marshall stirring the pot, but it can no longer be mostly ignored.

Multiple blog posts and tweets from the Raiders' beat writers have noted that Ricky Brown has been taking a significant number of snaps in the middle. It's worth noting that there's always been an undercurrent of concern that Morrison hasn't been as physical as the Raiders would like in the middle. Also worth noting that the line this weekend was that the team was just looking at what they had and that Monday was the day things would start to take shape. Little came out on Brown yesterday, but he's back in there with the first team frequently today. It's been a similar situation with Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt.

Be interesting to see if anything comes of this or not.

Could it be something as innocent as the Raiders wanting Brown to get some experience in a non critical situation? It seems like people are making mountains out of moe hills.

To be clear, I'm not saying a switch is imminent. I'd be very surprised if it did. However, it definitely warrants mentioning that there've been rumblings about Morrison's run support, notes about Brown seeing time at MLB in OTAs and now five days worth of Brown getting more than just a minority of snaps in the middle. Barring a nagging injury (of which there's been no indication in this case), most teams do not do this with their established players. There's more than enough snaps in practice and the preseason to get a guy coached up at a position he's not played in awhile.I'm hoping to get some more details today, but I think it's worth putting out there for folks to decide on their own.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/216210-...k-morrison-walk

Are The Oakland Raiders Preparing for Life Without Kirk Morrison?

Kirk Morrison is loved and adored by many Raider Fans and most Raider fans would consider him as the leader and heart of the defense because he has led the Raiders in tackles for the last few years.

At first glance, Morrison is a highly talented line-backer, often praised for his speed and coverage skills.

Kirk Morrison was born a Raider. Throughout Morrison's youth, his father owned and still has season tickets for the Raiders. Morrison attended a local highschool and played college ball at SDSU but then returned north to his home town when the Raiders selected him in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Most recently, Morrison even defended JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders 1st day draft picks on the TV show Rome is Burning, which was hosted by the fill-in -- and bumbling idiot -- Keyshawn Johnson.

Is it possible though that all this has blinded Raider fans to Morrisons' many flaws?

Lately Morrsion has received some criticism by frustrated Raider fans who claim that he isn't as good as often made out to be.

Sure he has many tackles, but on the other hand, it can be argued that he is rarely seen attacking the line of scrimmage, and that he is rarely the agressor by waiting for backs to come to him after a few yards.

Some have cited Morrisons' habits of over pursuing and an inability to shed blocks as he is often helplessly blocked from plays. Few have even asserted that Morrison is soft and overrated, and will cite his lackluster performances, one as recently as the Raiders last victory over Tampa Bay in 2008.

To make the matter worse for Morrison, recent personnel moves by the Raiders, seemingly indicate that the Raiders may lack confidence in Morrison, and that he now looks expendable.

Firstly, Morrison is in a contract year, so if he wants to cash-in next offseason, then the Raiders may defer from resigning him, especially when his on-field performance is questionable.

Secondly, there is the moving of Ricky Brown from strong to middle linebacker during OTAs. During practices, Brown has played with the second team defense, while Morrison as expected has played with the 1st team.

Thirdly, there is the signing of Sun Belt Conference standout Frantz Joseph who was second in the nation in total tackles last year with 154. Many people are very high on Joseph despite his undrafted status, which arguably resulted from play in a smaller conference. Moreover, Joseph also failed a drug test, in which he tested positive for marijuana.

Finally, Chris O'Neil has been asked to inside-linebacker rather than his natural position of tight-end, in the hope that his outstanding special teams coverage and open field tackling can transfer to the defense.

Those moves have seemingly indicated that the Raiders lack confidence in their middle-linebackers.

Let me ask you this though, if Morrison is so good: why are the Raiders clearly trying to replace him?

only reason I post this is that it mentions concerns about Morrison and also points out that the Brown move to the inside happened during OTAs.

 

[massraider]

Heck, maybe Ricky is just better.

If thats your first instinct on the matter, so be it.But I aint buying it.

Mine told me it wasnt an issue with Kirk (as he is an elite MLB), so much as an issue of the Raiders future at the MLB position and Als style of addressing it.

Well, we know he is an elite fantasy MLB. But so was Dhani Jones last year.And while I am a Kirk guy, I don't think it out of the realm of possibility that he could be replaced. The run defense was bad last year, and he's the MLB, you have to think he was at least partly responsible. And:

His size is that of a lot of OLB. Played WLB as a rookie, with Danny Clark in the middle. He is more fast than big, and stays on the field for the nickel. He moved over to MLB when Tommy Howard came on board.

It's not my instinct that Brown is better, of course not. Brown is an unknown.

I think it might be a case that he isn't taking on blocks from O-linemen as well as the coaches would like. My attitude is, if you have a speedy MLB, like Kirk, maybe you wanna protect him a little bit, like Ray-Ray in Baltimore. A DT that commands double-teams would be nice.

I don't think people are making too much out of this, Kirk is a LB1, and if a guy like that is losing reps, people need to be concerned.

 

[massraider]

David White:

** There's a real, live competition going on at middle linebacker. Honest.Kirk Morrison may be the team's returning lead tackler, but he spent a ton of time on the second team during team drills while Ricky Brown rolled with the starters.The job is still Morrison's to lose but, for whatever reason, he won't get to assume the starting position in this camp. Same goes for cornerback Chris Johnson, who ran second team behind Stanford Routt for a day."We want to push Kirk, and we want to push Ricky, and we want to get the right combination in there, so you know, we just want to give everyone the opportunity when it fits, and when they've earned it to do that," Cable said.Asked if Morrison may move to outside linebacker, Cable said they aren't ready to go there yet but he acknowledged it's been discussed

Wowzers.

 

[massraider]

Heck, maybe Ricky is just better.

If thats your first instinct on the matter, so be it.But I aint buying it.

Mine told me it wasnt an issue with Kirk (as he is an elite MLB), so much as an issue of the Raiders future at the MLB position and Als style of addressing it.

Well, we know he is an elite fantasy MLB. But so was Dhani Jones last year.And while I am a Kirk guy, I don't think it out of the realm of possibility that he could be replaced. The run defense was bad last year, and he's the MLB, you have to think he was at least partly responsible. And:

His size is that of a lot of OLB. Played WLB as a rookie, with Danny Clark in the middle. He is more fast than big, and stays on the field for the nickel. He moved over to MLB when Tommy Howard came on board.

It's not my instinct that Brown is better, of course not. Brown is an unknown.

I think it might be a case that he isn't taking on blocks from O-linemen as well as the coaches would like. My attitude is, if you have a speedy MLB, like Kirk, maybe you wanna protect him a little bit, like Ray-Ray in Baltimore. A DT that commands double-teams would be nice.

I don't think people are making too much out of this, Kirk is a LB1, and if a guy like that is losing reps, people need to be concerned.

I wasnt discussing "fantasy" in any way. So you are saying that this is an issue of Morrison handling OLinemen?

I am saying I don't know how serious this challenge is, but if you are asking, yes, no one is comparing Morrison to Levon Kirkland. And I am a Kirk guy. You will find many Raider fans that doubt him a lot more than me.

 

[Jene Bramel]

David White:

** There's a real, live competition going on at middle linebacker. Honest.Kirk Morrison may be the team's returning lead tackler, but he spent a ton of time on the second team during team drills while Ricky Brown rolled with the starters.The job is still Morrison's to lose but, for whatever reason, he won't get to assume the starting position in this camp. Same goes for cornerback Chris Johnson, who ran second team behind Stanford Routt for a day."We want to push Kirk, and we want to push Ricky, and we want to get the right combination in there, so you know, we just want to give everyone the opportunity when it fits, and when they've earned it to do that," Cable said.Asked if Morrison may move to outside linebacker, Cable said they aren't ready to go there yet but he acknowledged it's been discussed

Wowzers.

That mirrors what David told me via email awhile ago. He added a little extra flavor to the email

I think Kirk is fine, this seems to be their way of pushing his buttons and letting him know they need more out of him against the run. If Ricky were making plays out there, it'd be one thing, but he's not.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Morrison a true pro on Twitter:

Practice went good this morning. Competing at every level and position. Making each other better. Time for a nap so I can do it again at 4pm.

 

[massraider]

Morrison a true pro on Twitter:

Practice went good this morning. Competing at every level and position. Making each other better. Time for a nap so I can do it again at 4pm.

I think he's starting to feel the strain:

I'm debating on breaking in some new cleats next practice. The ones I wear now are to comfortable but my lace hole broke. Dam. I'll tape it

 

[Patsfan39]

Would switching from MLB to OLB hurt Morrison?

There's been talk about it, but nothing official has been done yet.

Do you guys think that would help him out?

 

[Gators]

So how would this impact Thomas Howard?

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Kirk Morrison, who gave way to Ricky Brown at middle linebacker for much of the first practice, was back with the first team in the second session.

http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2009...rs-catching-on/

 

[Qtip Callahan]

Heck, maybe Ricky is just better.

If thats your first instinct on the matter, so be it.But I aint buying it.

Mine told me it wasnt an issue with Kirk (as he is an elite MLB), so much as an issue of the Raiders future at the MLB position and Als style of addressing it.

Well, we know he is an elite fantasy MLB. But so was Dhani Jones last year.And while I am a Kirk guy, I don't think it out of the realm of possibility that he could be replaced. The run defense was bad last year, and he's the MLB, you have to think he was at least partly responsible. And:

His size is that of a lot of OLB. Played WLB as a rookie, with Danny Clark in the middle. He is more fast than big, and stays on the field for the nickel. He moved over to MLB when Tommy Howard came on board.

It's not my instinct that Brown is better, of course not. Brown is an unknown.

I think it might be a case that he isn't taking on blocks from O-linemen as well as the coaches would like. My attitude is, if you have a speedy MLB, like Kirk, maybe you wanna protect him a little bit, like Ray-Ray in Baltimore. A DT that commands double-teams would be nice.

I don't think people are making too much out of this, Kirk is a LB1, and if a guy like that is losing reps, people need to be concerned.

I wasnt discussing "fantasy" in any way. So you are saying that this is an issue of Morrison handling OLinemen?

I am saying I don't know how serious this challenge is, but if you are asking, yes, no one is comparing Morrison to Levon Kirkland. And I am a Kirk guy. You will find many Raider fans that doubt him a lot more than me.

Good posting Massraider in this thread. Thx for the info..

 

[massraider]

http://csnbayarea.com/pages/landing?Raider...amp;feedID=2539

Some video from yesterday, about this battle. Doesn't really add much, except Greg papa incorrectly noting that Kirk played SLB as a rookie, but in case anyone was wondering who the heck Ricky is, he's the white dude wearing #57.

 

[Larry Thomas]

I truly belive the Raiders would like to bounce Morrison outside, the only thing keeping this from reality... finding someone to fill the middle. Really wish Joseph could have made it to camp.

Morrison would still be a three down backer, going from mike to sam hurts.

 

[Tenacious]

Ricky worked out on the outside today.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Ricky worked out on the outside today.

Can't find the specific press conference comments, but this from Jerry McDonald paraphrasing Tom Cable today:– Cable once again said the Raiders have discussed moving Kirk Morrison to strong side linebacker but aren’t inclined to act on it. If that’s the case, Morrison will be relieved.

 

[Gators]

Coach Tom Cable admitted that Kirk Morrison is likely to stay in the middle this year.

For the third straight summer, the team discussed moving him to the strong side before deciding against it.

Source: Oakland Tribune

 

[Tenacious]

Raiders | Morrison continues to see time with second unit Mon Aug 17, 09:02 AM

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders LB Kirk Morrison worked with the second-team defense at middle linebacker during practice Sunday, Aug. 16.

From FBG news updates

 

[Bdub]

Coach Tom Cable admitted that Kirk Morrison is likely to stay in the middle this year.For the third straight summer, the team discussed moving him to the strong side before deciding against it.Source: Oakland Tribune

WTF? Is this actually going to happen? Did anybody watch the game last thursday against Dallas for some insight? I can't believe they'd move Brown to MLB but this story isn't going away yet.

 

[Cripster]

Remember, this is the same organization that thinks DHB is a 1.7 pick and Russell is an NFL QB.

 

[Jene Bramel]

It's vexing me to keep bumping this thread, but Morrison and Brown were again rotating at MLB during the joint practice with the Niners today.

 

[Birdie048]

This crazy stuff is still going on.... at least he has the right attitude and is driven to prove himself again.

(I picked up Ricky Brown off WW 2 weeks ago & I do not own Kirk)

http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci...?nclick_check=1

Raiders put Morrison in must-win position

By Steve Corkran

scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com

Posted: 08/16/2009 07:45:38 PM PDT

Updated: 08/17/2009 10:31:15 AM PDT

NAPA — Soon after his arrival at training camp, Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison learned his grip on a starting job he has held the past four seasons wasn't as secure as he believed.

That's not the bombshell Morrison expected on the heels of a season in which he led the Raiders in tackles and finished fifth in the league with 135. It's also not the kind of news Morrison wanted to hear as he enters the final season of the five-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2005 and positions himself for a huge payday.

"The organization is always trying to replace you, no matter what," Morrison said. "I've got to go out and prove to them on an everyday basis, regardless how many years (I've) been here or what you've accomplished in this league.

"This league is always about, 'What have you done for me lately?' I'm trying to do my part to help this team. I want to be here as long as I can."

Morrison burst onto the scene from the outset. He was inserted into the lineup during Oakland's season opener in response to a failed experiment by then-defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to use defensive ends Tyler Brayton and Grant Irons at outside linebacker. Morrison, 27, has started 63 straight games since he was pressed into duty that night against the New England Patriots. Yet he isn't guaranteed anything other than a chance to compete for a starting spot.

"He's handling the competition well," coach Tom Cable said. "He has to. He doesn't have a choice."

It's all part of Cable's ploy to create competition at as many positions as possible so that starters don't become complacent and backups are pushed to elevate their play.

"I understand that being a leader on this defense and being a guy that's been in there so long, sometimes you can get comfortable at a position and the coaching staff really wants me to push it a little bit more and lead the guys a little bit more," Morrison said.

The beneficiary of Cable's opening up numerous spots is Ricky Brown, who started at strong-side linebacker last season.

Brown and Morrison are splitting repetitions in practice at middle linebacker until Cable makes the call on which player is better suited as the starter.

The news caught Morrison off guard, according to weak-side linebacker Thomas Howard, who is Morrison's roommate and close friend. "When he first heard about it, he kind of sat back and thought about it," Howard said. "Me and him talked about it. He's taking it as a challenge, which he's supposed to. Go out there and push yourself, which is good. He's taking it like a pro. Whenever his number is called, he's ready to go out there and make plays for us."

Morrison has a penchant for making plays. He has averaged 125 tackles during his four-year NFL career, one at weak-side linebacker and the past three at middle linebacker.

He turned on the TV one night early in camp and watched a replay of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl rout of the New York Giants in 2000. It dawned on him how the Ravens ditched quarterback Trent Dilfer soon thereafter.

"It just kind of tells you nothing in this league, no matter what you do, is given to you," Morrison said. "You've got to go out there every day. The opportunity for me right now is still earning a linebacker position.

"It's keeping me hungry, keeping me focused, regardless of what they're doing, it's helping me right now focus on my position and take this training camp and elevate me as a football player. All those numbers and stats and about being fifth in the league sometimes may not be good enough."

*The Raiders signed outside linebacker Morlon Greenwood, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 2001-04 and the Houston Texans the past four seasons. Cable said Greenwood's signing came in response to Isaiah Ekejiuba sustaining a dislocated left shoulder Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.

*Quarterback Jeff Garcia is expected to rejoin the team today and practice for the first time since Aug. 1, Cable said. Garcia has missed every full-pads practice and not attempted a pass while he recovers from a strained right calf. He missed the past two days tending to a personal matter.

*The Raiders released first-year defensive end Derrick Gray to make room for Greenwood on the 80-man roster.

 

[Tenacious]

I actually hope it's not Morrison as the starter in a way, for my own selfish reasons. Most of my league will be ingnorant of the change in his status and draft him too soon.

 

[bcr8f]

Remember, this is the same organization that thinks DHB is a 1.7 pick and Russell is an NFL QB.

I think Russell would be an NFL QB with a real team.

 

[obxlegends]

Remember, this is the same organization that thinks DHB is a 1.7 pick and Russell is an NFL QB.

I think Russell could be an NFL QB, if he had a real sense of commitment.

Fixed.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

We asked McDonald about it on the show, and he indicated that this is definitely a full-blown position battle, not a look-see experiment. He brought up that the Raiders did this twice before with Biekert/Harris and then Clark/Morrison. He said the main thing is that the Raiders run defense has been poor, and the MLB is considered responsible for run defense performance.

 

[massraider]

We asked McDonald about it on the show, and he indicated that this is definitely a full-blown position battle, not a look-see experiment. He brought up that the Raiders did this twice before with Biekert/Harris and then Clark/Morrison. He said the main thing is that the Raiders run defense has been poor, and the MLB is considered responsible for run defense performance.

Which is a shame. Because their defensive tackles are the main culprit. Morrison is a smaller MLB, and he isn't good at shedding and making the play, but man, it'd sure be nice to see him take on a FB instead of a guard sometime.In the Dallas game, I focused solely on the DTs and the MLBs. Kelly and Sands were terrible, neither commanded a double team, and Leonard Davis ate Morrison's lunch. Gerard Warren wasn't much better. The Raiders were actually lining up Kelly over the C, and Warren over the RG (UT role), and the C was handling Kelly alone.The really puzzling part is, if they are serious about R. Brown inside, then it seems Morrison would be getting reps at SLB, but he hasn't. And it isn't like he has to beat out Karlos Dansby there. Jon Alston, a small backer (really small) that has gained some weight, is the main competition.Ricky Brown, BTW, hasn't done much at MLB himself. He's not much bigger than Morrison, and he's slower. So I still think Morrison keeps the role.

 

[Bdub]

For what it's worth, I listened to Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwin interview Morrison and Howard at camp this afternoon on NFL radio. Towards the end of their interview they brought up the linebacker competition in camp, and Morrison said I'm the Mike, Thomas is the Will, and Brown is at Sam. He mentioned 2-3 other guys that were in the mix as well but I didn't catch them as I was waiting to hear where Brown was at. That was Kirk's opinion though, not the coaches.

Those two guys are a riot, such great attitudes towards the game. At the end Kirk was talking about how much he liked to tweet, and even asked his fans whether he should go to Target or Wal-mart and got a kick out of all the responses.

 

[massraider]

We asked McDonald about it on the show, and he indicated that this is definitely a full-blown position battle, not a look-see experiment. He brought up that the Raiders did this twice before with Biekert/Harris and then Clark/Morrison. He said the main thing is that the Raiders run defense has been poor, and the MLB is considered responsible for run defense performance.

Which is a shame. Because their defensive tackles are the main culprit. Morrison is a smaller MLB, and he isn't good at shedding and making the play, but man, it'd sure be nice to see him take on a FB instead of a guard sometime.In the Dallas game, I focused solely on the DTs and the MLBs. Kelly and Sands were terrible, neither commanded a double team, and Leonard Davis ate Morrison's lunch. Gerard Warren wasn't much better. The Raiders were actually lining up Kelly over the C, and Warren over the RG (UT role), and the C was handling Kelly alone.The really puzzling part is, if they are serious about R. Brown inside, then it seems Morrison would be getting reps at SLB, but he hasn't. And it isn't like he has to beat out Karlos Dansby there. Jon Alston, a small backer (really small) that has gained some weight, is the main competition.Ricky Brown, BTW, hasn't done much at MLB himself. He's not much bigger than Morrison, and he's slower. So I still think Morrison keeps the role.

You are correct in regards to the tackles... Ive had two people (Raider folk) tell me the rush defense issue is along the DL.As far as puzzling? Not really puzzling if you will at least consider that Morrison would still rack up starts and stats at the SLB. <_<

It is puzzling to me that if they are serious, then it seems they'd want Kirk at SLB, but he's gotten no action there, AFAIK.Of course, the day I say Ricky has done nothing at MLB, he apparently had a good day vs. the 49ers in their joint practices today. I can't find the link, there's been a ton of info I have been going over today, but yeah, Ricky looked good today.

 

[CaptainCrunch]

We asked McDonald about it on the show, and he indicated that this is definitely a full-blown position battle, not a look-see experiment. He brought up that the Raiders did this twice before with Biekert/Harris and then Clark/Morrison. He said the main thing is that the Raiders run defense has been poor, and the MLB is considered responsible for run defense performance.

Which is a shame. Because their defensive tackles are the main culprit. Morrison is a smaller MLB, and he isn't good at shedding and making the play, but man, it'd sure be nice to see him take on a FB instead of a guard sometime.

In the Dallas game, I focused solely on the DTs and the MLBs. Kelly and Sands were terrible, neither commanded a double team, and Leonard Davis ate Morrison's lunch. Gerard Warren wasn't much better. The Raiders were actually lining up Kelly over the C, and Warren over the RG (UT role), and the C was handling Kelly alone.

The really puzzling part is, if they are serious about R. Brown inside, then it seems Morrison would be getting reps at SLB, but he hasn't. And it isn't like he has to beat out Karlos Dansby there. Jon Alston, a small backer (really small) that has gained some weight, is the main competition.

Ricky Brown, BTW, hasn't done much at MLB himself. He's not much bigger than Morrison, and he's slower. So I still think Morrison keeps the role.

You are correct in regards to the tackles... Ive had two people (Raider folk) tell me the rush defense issue is along the DL.As far as puzzling? Not really puzzling if you will at least consider that Morrison would still rack up starts and stats at the SLB.

Seems as though Morrison is continuing to lose ground to Ricky BrownNotes from yesterday's practice vs the 49'ers

It is puzzling to me that if they are serious, then it seems they'd want Kirk at SLB, but he's gotten no action there, AFAIK.

Of course, the day I say Ricky has done nothing at MLB, he apparently had a good day vs. the 49ers in their joint practices today. I can't find the link, there's been a ton of info I have been going over today, but yeah, Ricky looked good today.

 

[jsharlan]

anything new on Morrison?

 

[Patsfan39]

I was looking at that thing on nfl.com where you watch the games. I saw Kirk Morrison got a tackle or two early in the game. Ricky Brown didn't till later in the game. Did anyone actually see the game? I didn't get it, I got the Pitt vs Wash game. Was Morrison starting at MLB?

 

[CaptainCrunch]

I was looking at that thing on nfl.com where you watch the games. I saw Kirk Morrison got a tackle or two early in the game. Ricky Brown didn't till later in the game. Did anyone actually see the game? I didn't get it, I got the Pitt vs Wash game. Was Morrison starting at MLB?

Not sure, but looking at the box score, it seems like Ricky Brown did pretty well 3 solos, 2 assists, and an INT.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

I was looking at that thing on nfl.com where you watch the games. I saw Kirk Morrison got a tackle or two early in the game. Ricky Brown didn't till later in the game. Did anyone actually see the game? I didn't get it, I got the Pitt vs Wash game. Was Morrison starting at MLB?

Not sure, but looking at the box score, it seems like Ricky Brown did pretty well 3 solos, 2 assists, and an INT.

returned the INT for a touchdown to boot

 

[massraider]

I was looking at that thing on nfl.com where you watch the games. I saw Kirk Morrison got a tackle or two early in the game. Ricky Brown didn't till later in the game. Did anyone actually see the game? I didn't get it, I got the Pitt vs Wash game. Was Morrison starting at MLB?

Not sure, but looking at the box score, it seems like Ricky Brown did pretty well 3 solos, 2 assists, and an INT.

returned the INT for a touchdown to boot

On a tipped pass.Those two assists must have been when he high-fived Glen Coffee as Coffee ran by him.