****Official** Oakland Raiders 2008 Off-season Thread** (1 Viewer)

[massraider]

I said this over at blackreign.net a long time ago:

The first time we play San Diego, we need to run that HB option. LT has run it several times against us.

 

[massraider]

Kawakami: Raiders rookie has a day to dazzle

Tim Kawakami

Mercury News

Officially, it was just blah Day 2 of the Raiders' short May rookie mini-camp. No JaMarcus Russell, nobody on defense you know or will ever need to. Yawn.

But from the first time he touched the ball to the last play of practice,unofficially Saturday was Darren McFadden Day.

He took handoffs and went the distance. He practiced taking snaps as a quarterback without obvious chaos. He practiced catching passes. He lined up as a wide receiver in full-squad drills and spooked every defensive back on the field.

Really, No. 20 was practically the only jersey that mattered all afternoon.

Then, on the final play, Coach Lane Kiffin called a wide option toss to McFadden running left. There was a linebacker waiting. But McFadden exploded to the left corner, and around, and down the sideline, as the offense cheered. . . .

TWEET! End of practice. Darren McFadden Day had just come to a very successful, very emphatic conclusion.

"He brings us a game-breaker," Kiffin said a few minutes later. "Last play of the practice, it came down to one play to win it and there was a linebacker right there and he made the play for us.

"That's what happens sometimes. You can't draw 'em up perfect every time."

The Raiders haven't drawn it up perfectly in more than five years, actually. So yes, they could use a player who, at this infant stage of his NFL career, looks like he can go from 0 to a 60-yard touchdown no matter where he lines up.

We don't know if Kiffin wanted to take McFadden with the fourth overall pick, because the Raiders already have Justin Fargas signed long term, Michael Bush looking ready to rumble and LaMont Jordan around, too.

We don't know if the Raiders will end up wasting McFadden the way they messed up with Randy Moss, the last player this talented to come through the East Bay.

But, after giving the Arkansas product little to do the previous day, the Raiders began to open the whole wide universe of McFadden Offensive Possibilities.

It was as if Kiffin or Greg Knapp or James Lofton or Mark Davis or whoever runs these things decided: Hey, let's see what our No. 1 draft pick can do!

Plus, they probably wanted to show him off a little. Mission accomplished.

Before practice, McFadden met the reporters and said that, if he had to pick one prototype, it might be Minnesota All-Pro Adrian Peterson.

"Just because we're both big, fast guys," McFadden said. "He's probably a little more physical than I am. But as far as just natural playmaking and talent, I feel like I have the edge on any running back.

"Not saying it to be cocky or anything, but I feel like I'm very versatile and I can play a lot of different positions."

He's taller and less zig-zaggy than LaDainian Tomlinson or Barry Sanders. He's faster than Marcus Allen, more versatile than but not as strong as Bo Jackson.

Granted, he was going up against sub-NFL players, but McFadden looked like. . . . nobody I have ever before seen. I don't know if that'll translate to immediate production, but you have to like his chances at this point.

"Yeah, he looked real comfortable in a number of different things we did with him today," Kiffin said.

"We did some individual things actually where he was at quarterback. And we put him outside with some receivers in some later stuff. So he's picking things up real well. But at the same time, we've got to be careful."

Kiffin still says he doesn't want to throw too much of the playbook at McFadden (or invent new stuff for No. 20) too quickly. But Kiffin definitely seemed ready to get McFadden going after Saturday's display.

You can see how this might work: The Raiders are going to let Fargas stay at tailback, probably rotating with McFadden and Bush. But on many downs, they're going to have Fargas or Bush at tailback, then split McFadden out as a receiver or perhaps take a long snap as the quarterback or anything else they can dream up to befuddle defenses.

"We've got so many things to look at with him," Kiffin said. "And we want to make sure we're doing the right things with him. We're not giving him too much. Because the last thing we want to do is take away why he's here, No. 1, and that's to run the ball from the I-formation.

"We'll continue to tinker with different things. See how far we can take it."

I've a feeling that Kiffin/Knapp/Lofton/Davis are going to take this a very long way, very quickly. We all saw him and we all, I'm sure, wondered: Could every day be Darren McFadden Day?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Check this dude out...looks promising

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-ra...am-sorry-i-had-

 

[massraider]

Check this dude out...looks promising

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-ra...am-sorry-i-had-

Marcel Reese, Washington, WR/TE/FB.He has some interesting skills, but he was in the Fins camp last week, and they cut him. Hopefully he can make the practice squad, and maybe compete for a 3rd TE/H-Back spot.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Check this dude out...looks promising

http://www.raiderfans.net/forum/oakland-ra...am-sorry-i-had-

Marcel Reese, Washington, WR/TE/FB.He has some interesting skills, but he was in the Fins camp last week, and they cut him. Hopefully he can make the practice squad, and maybe compete for a 3rd TE/H-Back spot.

Your on your game massraider...you pay attention, nice job

 

[greyone]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3391687

The Oakland Raiders reportedly have found their replacement for Chris Clemons at defensive end.

Greg Spires

Spires

The San Francisco Chronicle, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Greg Spires.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3391687

The Oakland Raiders reportedly have found their replacement for Chris Clemons at defensive end.

Greg Spires

Spires

The San Francisco Chronicle, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Greg Spires.

Not that this is any big deal but Apparently Peter King likes the signing.7. I think, of all the signings the Raiders made this offseason, the one that will be most worth the money is defensive end Greg Spires, who signed a one-year deal close to the NFL minimum Saturday.

 

[Raider Nation]

Would I be off base to suggest that Oakland would almost certainly make the playoffs this season if they had a proven, veteran quarterback? All the pieces are there to make a run, but Russell is the key to all of it. A team typically goes as far as their QB takes them, but that is especially true of the '08 Raiders. If he plays well, I expect a playoff appearance. If he doesn't, it could be a 6-10 season.

Russell's development, the effectiveness of the O-line in pass protection, and Javon's health are to me the three biggest keys this season. I have complete faith in Ryan and the defense.... gonna keep my fingers crossed on Kelly, however,

 

[massraider]

Would I be off base to suggest that Oakland would almost certainly make the playoffs this season if they had a proven, veteran quarterback? All the pieces are there to make a run, but Russell is the key to all of it. A team typically goes as far as their QB takes them, but that is especially true of the '08 Raiders. If he plays well, I expect a playoff appearance. If he doesn't, it could be a 6-10 season.

Russell's development, the effectiveness of the O-line in pass protection, and Javon's health are to me the three biggest keys this season. I have complete faith in Ryan and the defense.... gonna keep my fingers crossed on Kelly, however,

Interesting post. You have a lot more faith in Ryan than I do.I think that the keys to me will be avoiding turnovers on offense, Russell's development, and the defensive tackles. If they can't defend the run better than last year, then I don't see us being able to force a 3 and out when we need it.

I don't know if this is a playoff team with a vet QB, but looking at this years draft, and the FA market, I am even happier with the Russell pick than I was last year. We would still be looking for a QB.

 

[kaso]

ESPN - Five surprise teams to watch in 2008 - John Clayton

3. Oakland Raiders

JaMarcus Russell is the wild card here. No one knows whether he's ready to be a winning starter. Last season, Lane Kiffin wisely kept him on the sidelines until late December, giving him a chance to learn without failing. Now it's time for him to prove himself.

Al Davis had the most aggressive offseason. He invested $182 million in contracts for Javon Walker, Drew Carter, Kwame Harris, DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson. He spent $62 million more to keep defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and halfback Justin Fargas. And he drafted running back Darren McFadden with the No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft.

But the biggest reason for hope for the Raiders is the schedule. They go from having a .516 strength of schedule to a projected .438, giving them optimism for a four-game improvement. The only team with a 2007 winning record that the Raiders will play in the first 12 games is the Chargers, in a Sept. 28 home game. Until December, they play a .395 strength of schedule. How can they not "Just win, baby"? They should have a winning record going into their final four games.

Interesting to see how favourable the Raiders schedule is going into September.

 

[Autumn Wind]

Given how quickly teams can and do improve in the NFL, isn't the SoS figure a little overrated as a predictor of success?

 

[kaso]

Given how quickly teams can and do improve in the NFL, isn't the SoS figure a little overrated as a predictor of success?

To some extent I would agree, I am sure that the numbers work out fairly close though come the end of the season. Aside from one or two teams you really don't see a lot of drastic changes year to year.

 

[massraider]

Given how quickly teams can and do improve in the NFL, isn't the SoS figure a little overrated as a predictor of success?

Probably, I know it is for fantasy.But I'd rather have the schedule look easy now, wouldn't you?

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Raiders cut Schweigert

The Raiders released veteran safety Stuart Schweigert on Tuesday, two sources close to the team said, ending his stay after four off-and-on seasons.

Schweigert lost his starting job to injury in midseason last year and never got it back from Hiram Eugene. His job security took another blow in the offseason when the Raiders signed Giants strong safety Gibril Wilson and shifted Michael Huff to free safety.

A third-round pick in 2004, Schweigert reported to Organized Team Activities last week but "tweaked his leg," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday with elaborating on the injury.

Schweigert had 69 tackles and two interceptions last season, and finished with 268 tackles and four interceptions in four years. He was often criticized for poor or missed tackling but remained the starter in 13 games in 2005, 16 games in 2006 and the first nine games last year.

Schweigert was informed of his dismissal Tuesday morning when the team returned for voluntary workouts.

(Update: the Raiders reported the news on their transaction wire later Tuesday afternoon. They also released linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, who they signed as a free agent March 28.)

http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/

 

[kaso]

Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin, pleased with the condition of QB JaMarcus Russell (SI.com reported a few months ago that Russell weighed in excess of 300 pounds), as quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle: "It's night and day. The confidence factor out here, the way he feels about his body … he looks completely different. I think it shows his commitment to the team and to the players. They see that. They notice his body being different, he's got great energy about himself and he looks really good."

From PFW's Random Quotes

 

[Raider Nation]

Would I be off base to suggest that Oakland would almost certainly make the playoffs this season if they had a proven, veteran quarterback? All the pieces are there to make a run, but Russell is the key to all of it. A team typically goes as far as their QB takes them, but that is especially true of the '08 Raiders. If he plays well, I expect a playoff appearance. If he doesn't, it could be a 6-10 season.

Russell's development, the effectiveness of the O-line in pass protection, and Javon's health are to me the three biggest keys this season. I have complete faith in Ryan and the defense.... gonna keep my fingers crossed on Kelly, however,

Interesting post. You have a lot more faith in Ryan than I do.

I apologize for the delay. I've been away.It's not that I think Ryan became a better coach overnight, but good coaches are largely a product of good players. With those two corners and Wilson at SS -- which will allow Huff to thrive and make plays at the FS position which best suits him, you could easily make an argument that we have the finest secondary in the league. Just as a team with a good pass rush will help a poor secondary, a team with a great secondary will make it easier for the to goons up front to get to the QB. That's where everything begins. Now if we only had a capable, reliable blitzer from the LB position.... whoa. Maybe next year in the draft.

 

[kaso]

Tui Returns...

Apparently, the Raiders have filled out their quarterback crew in the form of a familiar name. Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo has re-signed with the team. Tuiasosopo departed Oakland as a free agent and went to the Jets last year.

Oakland now has Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter to backup JaMarcus Russell. Oakland was also considering signing Trent Dilfer and brining back Daunte Culpepper. With Tuiasosopo back in the fold, it would be a surprise Oakland would want another veteran on the roster or that Culpepper or Dilfer would want to come to Oakland at this point.

QB Returns - ESPN HashmarksNot sure what I think. Hopefully he won't see the field, or need to. I was hoping that the Raiders would have signed Dilfer to help bring Russell along, not sure how much of a value Tui brings in that aspect.

At first I thought it was good to have somebody come back that new the system. But Tui is a year removed and that was a year that had a lot of changes. I am sure the learning curve won't be as big as it would be for somebody who has never played for the Raiders though.

 

[burd]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

if you posted this comment before the draft i would not be confused...where have you been? Thats all been squashed bro`...kiffins staying(at least this year)

 

[One]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

you're nuts man. got a link?

 

[kaso]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

if you posted this comment before the draft i would not be confused...where have you been? Thats all been squashed bro`...kiffins staying(at least this year)

Yeah, that's my impression as well. I thought all that was over with. Is there new information out there stating different?

 

[One]

Is there new information out there stating different?

Probably referring to this weak piece.

 

[kaso]

Is there new information out there stating different?

Probably referring to this weak piece.

Wow. That's is horrible writing. This guy draws the conclusion that Kiffin isn't going to be the coach much longer because of how he 'acted' (in loose terms) across the field and because his shirt didn't have a Raiders logo. Good journalism there buddy.I wish I could get the 3 minutes back that I spent reading that.

 

[burd]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

you're nuts man. got a link?

i did say "speculation" by the way ....http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9352661?source=most_viewed

 

[burd]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

if you posted this comment before the draft i would not be confused...where have you been? Thats all been squashed bro`...kiffins staying(at least this year)

this article http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9352661?source=most_viewedcame out yesterday. where have YOU been?

Disclaimer: I did say "speculation"

 

[kaso]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

if you posted this comment before the draft i would not be confused...where have you been? Thats all been squashed bro`...kiffins staying(at least this year)

this article http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9352661?source=most_viewedcame out yesterday. where have YOU been?

Disclaimer: I did say "speculation"

Based on that article I think my mom has a better idea of what's going on with the Raiders then the guy that wrote that....

 

[BustedKnuckles]

jeez .. now there's speculation that Lane Kiffin is going to be let go as coach of the Raiders. what is going on out there in Oakland? Is there no one out there willing to put some rat poison in AL Davis's daily glass of Ensure so that he can stop being a distraction to the team?

if you posted this comment before the draft i would not be confused...where have you been? Thats all been squashed bro`...kiffins staying(at least this year)

this article http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9352661?source=most_viewedcame out yesterday. where have YOU been?

Disclaimer: I did say "speculation"

Well i never would have posted that statement or article as it`s totally ######ed...no offence

 

[massraider]

“Around this time a year ago, JaMarcus Russell was a few months away from his season being ruined by a summer-long holdout and a long way from being an NFL QB in almost every aspect except pure physical skill.

I remember heading out to a Raiders off-season workout (OTA) last June, seeing Russell throw the ball in person for the first time and thinking: YOWZA. Truly Elway-level.

I also remember asking Raiders Coach Lane Kiffin back then about Russell and Kiffin pointing out that Russell is a quiet guy, so the leadership thing is going to take some time.

Flash forward to today’s OTA, one of several open to the media. It was the first time reporters could see Russell and Darren McFadden on the field together, so I was an automatic. Had to see that.

My view: McFadden is an incredible talent, obviously, but I thought Russell was still easily the dominant figure out there.

It’s only an OTA. There’s a full training camp to go (Russell’s first as a pro) and lots to learn. But he does look a lot more comfortable out there moving around, conferring with WRs after the play, joking around with Terdell Sands after the workout was over.

Although I assume if Terdell wants to joke around with anybody, that’s what you do–Sands and Tommy Kelly are the only two Raider players (possibly the only two humans in California) noticeably bigger than Russell.

No doubt, Russell has to immerse himself in the thousand things you need to master as an NFL QB–physical, mental, reads, the whole thing.

But I asked Kiffin: Is this a different personality we’re seeing on the field with Russell?

“No doubt. I like that that he hasn’t tried to fake it, (he’s) let it kind of come naturally and then smooth into it,” Kiffin said.

“He did it before he got onto the field. He did it by what he did this off-season, showing up in shape and his weight the way it is, the way he’s working out lifting with the guys.

“We all see this out here, but there’s hours and hours they spend lifting in the weight room together and running and meeting. I think you see the players starting to come alive around him as well.”

Russell chatted a lot with new WR Drew Carter and on one play rolled right 15 yards before zipping one to Carter. Another time they missed on a short pass and Russell made sure to go over the route right away with Carter.

You never saw Russell do that at any time last year, with any WR.

“Drew’s been here the whole off-season and working with him,” Kiffin said. “I think you’re starting to see them gell a little bit. They had a really good day yesterday, hooking up in a number of plays.

“I think you guys noticed today… you see the same thing I do: This is not the same JaMarcus we saw a year ago. The way he moves around and the way he’s zipping the ball around and the confidence he’s throwing with. It’s exciting right now.”

I didn’t talk much with Russell today. I admit, I was trying to wait and talk to offensive coordinator Greg Knapp as he walked off the field… and stone cold missed him. Never saw him coming off the field. Oops.

Saw Marques Tuiasosopo, who may be turning into the New Jeff George–when the Raiders need an extra veteran QB, call Marques! I guess Al still likes the guy after all those years of never letting him get onto the field…

Anyway, I was around Russell enough to hear him speak about being on the field with someone as fast as McFadden.

“First day he was here, we ran a play, he was going to the outside and I saw him… then he wasn’t there any more,” Russell said.

McFadden and Russell were in the line-up together in a few short-yardage situations and once or twice in the two-minute drill. Assuming McFadden’s rookie season isn’t lost to a hold out, this is going to be a lot different than before.”

Kawakami

Sorry, no link, yanked it off blackreign.net

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Low-key Lane

It was about 30 minutes or so into the Raiders’ practice Thursday at the so-called organized team activity when someone asked, “Where’s Kiffin?”

I had no idea. Hadn’t heard him, seen him or even looked for him while checking off roster numbers to get an idea of who showed up and who didn’t to the voluntary workout.

I looked harder, and there he was, standing alone, taking it all in, no more noticeable than than a member of the support staff charged with making sure there was a constant supply of footballs.

Which brings us to the column in today’s Oakland Tribune and Contra Costa Times written by Gary Peterson (misidentified initially on the Internet as having been authored by Steve Corkran).

As you probably already know, Peterson came to practice Thursday, watched low-key Lane’s act and surmised the coach knows he is on the clock and is simply awaiting the offer of a cigarette and blindfold.

Bringing up much of the tumultuous offseason as a backdrop _ the non-firing of Rob Ryan, the hiring of James Lofton, the wardrobe selection at the Senior Bowl, etc., etc., etc. _ Peterson used his license as a columnist to reach his conclusions.

I can state with certainty that less than three months ago, Kiffin really didn’t know if he would be the Raiders coach in 2008. As to what Al Davis was thinking, I would be far less certain, but can give at least an educated guess.

The owner probably thought the kid coach was being pretty ungrateful for having been given the opportunity of a lifetime, responding with a 4-12 record, and then telling the boss the best way to go about fixing his sorry franchise.

Probably not Kiffin’s best move, in retrospect.

But Kiffin, rather than quit in anger, dug in his heels and kept coming to work. He accepted his medicine, gave his input, and watched as Davis went on a spending spree to remake a roster Kiffin has said publicly was short on talent.

How much Davis listened to Kiffin, only he knows. And he’s not saying. Whether Kiffin agreed with every move, only he knows. And he’s not saying.

But there is no denying Kiffin has much more talent at his disposal, not to mention a far less daunting schedule.

He is continuing to run the offense he wants, a zone-blocking running game combined with rollouts and safe passes designed to build passing percentage, before layering in the deep strikes Davis loves.

Kiffin’s on-field demeanor has been a topic of discussion among those of us who have been at the rookie minicamp and OTAs. I’m not ready to think it’s overly significant for a few reasons.

First, Kiffin wasn’t exactly a fireball last season until training camp hit. He was similar to what we’ve seen so far _ wandering from position group to position group, supervising rather than dominating, allowing his assistants to do their work. The practice tempo hasn’t changed.

Whether Kiffin will appear more authoritative when the Raiders adjourn to Napa is anybody’s guess. He might not feel he needs to come on as strong with a program already in place. And while I may be in the minority here, I thought at times last year his enthusiasm looked forced, almost contrived, as if he were trying to resurrect Jon Gruden.

Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian used to journey to Tampa each year to study offense with Gruden, and there were times it seemed as if Lane was operating straight out of the Chucky handbook.

The problem is, Kiffin is not Gruden in terms of personality. Having done extensive background on Kiffin when he was hired, talking to old high school coaches, former teammates, coaching colleagues and family members, he is more to the Tony Dungy or Bill Belichick side of the scale than Gruden.

What Peterson sees as Kiffin “marking time” could be the coach simply showing more of his true self.

I didn’t even notice Kiffin wasn’t wearing a Raiders emblem Thursday, and while I have no doubt he was sending a message not wearing the shield during the Senior Bowl, he has worn Raiders gear publicly in recent weeks.

For now, the worst is over and everyone seems to have moved on and is concentrating on 2008.

It is going to be all about how the Raiders perform, whether they can stop the run and at the same time get an efficient performance from a quarterback in his first full season as a starter.

A poor start, and Kiffin could be shown the door before midseason, because the players will be out for themselves, knowing the coach is a short-timer. Kiffin is the only Raiders coach under Davis to survive a 12-loss season. He won’t do it a second time.

A good start and a winning season, and Davis will at some point make a public appearance and tell everyone how good he is at identifying young coaching talent.

 

[One]

Low-key Lane



I didn’t even notice Kiffin wasn’t wearing a Raiders emblem Thursday, and while I have no doubt he was sending a message not wearing the shield during the Senior Bowl, he has worn Raiders gear publicly in recent weeks.

Someone needs to give these writers a clue. NOBODY at the senior bowl wears their NFL logos. They ALL wore Under Armor this season and even the SF Niners coaches had only UA gear on without Niner emblems.

Were Nolan & Martz on their way out too?

 

[massraider]

A poster over at blackreign.net heard a Stu interview on Sirius:

I'll paraphrase as best I can about the things I heard him say. He talked to Gil Brandt and some Jabroni.

The good:

*He said the Raiders locker room is super tight and the guys get along great.

*The team and players are pumped about DMC and the general consensus was they knew he was the pick a while back

* Tom Cable is an amazing coach (Coming from a SAFETY) and he is gonna do great things with the OL in 2009

* The Kiffin 'saga' gets overblown and he still has control

The bad:

* Tons of negativity toward his playing time. Said they've been trying to replace him for years, with guys like Ward, Darius, Eugene and Wilson. He said he knew he was gone as soon as those guys were coming in. Didnt think he fit the scheme and said it is very vanilla and not set up for longterm consistency.

* Noted how things went downhill in November for Oakland and they lost confidence in December, not having won a December game in 4 years he's been there, he said.

* Thinks the main problem in Oakland is the constant shuffling of COACHES. The movement of OC's, HC's, DB coaches, ST coaches etc. leave guys confused and dissapointed in the direction

* 5 teams contacted him within 24 hours of being released. He stated Atlanta, St.Louis, Denver, Tennessee and one more I forgot. (EDIT- It was Washington, I remember now) He expects to be signed within a week.

*His biggest issue overall, was being released so late in the offseason. When they signed Wilson, they should have dumped him, he said. Everyone knew he was gone, and it was an awkward situation.

* Overall thanked the fans, and teammates and didnt single out anyone really.

I am really hoping Stu is correct about Kiffin. I am looking for any signs that he is gonna stick.

 

[Raider Nation]

Shaking out the notebook from Thursday’s organized team activity availability: – One of the biggest misconceptions about JaMarcus Russell is that he is suited only for the sort of play-action, dropback passing attack as run by Norv Turner when Kerry Collins was the quarterback. It’s a stereotype which has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with size. Russell is a big, strong-armed quarterback, ergo, he should be throwing deep every play. Russell could play in that style, but he’ll be infnitely more interesting moving to his left or right and finding targets out of the pocket. He is nimble afoot, takes up huge chunks of yardage on each step of his rolls, and looks natural throwing on the run. He won’t be using his legs to run, necessarily, but to get off passes. –There were a couple of nice passes on seam routes over the middle to tight end Zach Miller, with whom Russell seemed to develop a chemistry in his two extended performances at the end of the season. – Hopefully Ronald Curry’s foot surgery is not a big deal. He will be important in sustaining drives as a third-down receiver. – As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning. Todd Watkins is the sleeper, a big, active, former BYU receiver who could make a run if he continues his progress. – Didn’t see much from Johnnie Lee Higgins, who may stick if the Raiders want to keep one smallish receiver on the roster (assuming it isn’t Drisan James _ a safe assumption) but who may need to prove he can be an explosive kick returner to make the 53-man roster. – One of Oakland’s biggest decisions heading into training camp will be whether to go with Andrew Walter as the backup or find a more experienced veteran. Jeff Otis and Erik Meyer are not a factor, merely camp arms. While Russell looks smooth on the move, Walter does not. Last year, line coach Tom Cable described the shift of Robert Gallery from left guard to left tackle as a situation of not keeping a square peg in a round hole. The same could be said for Walter. He still looks like a play-action, dropback passer stuck in a system which doesn’t suit him. The Raiders had former Arizona State teammate Sam Keller in during rookie camp, but didn’t sign him to a contract. If the Raiders gear their offense toward Russell’s ability to operate on the perimeter and then are forced to go to Walter, and in the process are forced to change the emphasis of the offense, it won’t go well. – Interesting to see Chris Morris opening up as the No. 1 center over John Wade, although it’s worth noting that the same thing happened last year with Jake Grove over Jeremy Newberry. We all know how that turned out. Morris, however, is the kind of player who occasionally flourishes in a zone blocking system. He doesn’t look like much physically, but he can move, is extremely smart, and Cable has faith in him. It was Morris who was Gallery’s backup at left guard last year. As a rookie seventh-round pick, Morris won a “game show” of sorts on everything the rookies had learned at the NFL rookie symposium in Carlsbad, getting a leased Hummer for a year free of charge. – Kiffin was downplaying the significance of Michael Huff playing deep and Gibril Wilson being closer to the line of scrimmage, but it seems clear Oakland is intent on seeing if Huff can be a playmaker at free safety. He covered tight ends well as a strong safety, but didn’t force fumbles, recover them or intercept passes. – Defensive tackle Gerard Warren seemed active and interested during the OTA practice, more than just a guy going through the motions. The knock on Warren throughout his career has been that he plays when he wants to play, and disappears in others. There was nothing to dispel that notion last year, when Warren seemed to excel against his former teams. – Offensive tackle Mario Henderson worked with the second team on the right side, and will get extensive work to see if he is up to the task of challenging Cornell Green at right tackle. No one will say it out loud, but the Raiders would like to see Henderson seize the job from Green, a cagey veteran who most any team would love to have as a reserve. – Line play is one of the most difficult things to judge to the untrained eye during no-contact scrimmages and drills. We probably won’t know about the viability of the likes of Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires as outside pass rushing threats until July and August, during full-contact training camp drills and preseason games. I watched film with Jon Gruden in the his Napa Marriott office one time where he was breaking down tape of Darrell Russell in a blocking drill with Mo Collins. Gruden was grousing about the “brother-in-law” blocks Collins was attempting, saying that both men were taking it easy on each other rather than going all out and getting everything out of the drill. I have to admit he had to run it back about three times _ juxtaposed with players who were expending full effort _ before I could tell the difference. – A relatively quiet practice from cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who did break up one pass in a goal line situation but made no sensational plays and seemed to be making an effort to blend in with his teammates.

 

[Raider Nation]

More OTA snapshots: – The Raiders are stressing the fact that safeties Gibril Wilson and Michael Huff are flexible enough to alternate, but it seems clear that most of the time, Wilson will be in the box and Huff will be playing deep safety. Wilson said as much in an interview session with the media. – Wilson sat out Thursday’s practice with a quad injury which Kiffin said is not serious. In his place, Huff played strong safety with the first team and Rashad Baker free safety. – Maybe the defensive backs are media shy. Through the rookie minicamp and now two OTA practices, not a single defensive back has broken on a ball and made an interception. Kiffin said DeAngelo Hall had two interceptions at Wednesday’s practice. Linebacker Thomas Howard nearly took one back the other way in a red zone 7-on-7 drill, breaking up a telegraphed pass by Walter intended for Darren McFadden. – Defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back LaMont Jordan did not attend the voluntary workout. Neither did cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who isn’t eligible to practice until he signs his tender. Kickers Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler did not attend. – Those who were nursing injuries or rehabbing and did not practice included defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, wide receiver Ronald Curry, center Jake Grove and safety Jarrod Cooper. Linebacker Edgerton Hartwell also did not practice. – Kiffin said Carter, who has been at the facility the most with Russell, has developed the best chemistry with the quarterback. – Defenders have made repeated attempts to strip the ball from McFadden, who was fumble-prone in college. No one has been successful during media availability, and Kiffin said McFadden has not fumbled in closed practices. – Russell continues to make minimal errors with a safe, controlled passing game. During one instance Thursday, however, wide receivers Todd Watkins and Walker failed to hold on to medium-depth routes which were too hot to handle. – Left guard Robert Gallery returned from his wedding and honeymoon and joined the first team offensive line with left tackle Kwame Harris, center Chris Morris, right guard Cooper Carlisle and right tackle Cornell Green. The second-team offensive line was manned by Seth Wand at left tackle, Paul McQuistan at left guard, John Wade at center, Mark Wilson at right guard and Mario Henderson at right tackle. – Defensive tackle Terdell Sands played on both the first- and second-team defensive lines. One first-team line included Jay Richardson at left end, Gerard Warren at left tackle, Josh Shaw at right tackle and Kalimba Edwards at right end. Sands also played inside at times with William Joseph.

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Strictly business . . . as usual

There’s a great scene in the movie North Dallas Forty where the late John Matuszak confronts an assistant coach following a playoff loss and says, “Every time I call it a game, you call it a business, and every time I call it a business, you call it a game.”

It was business in 1979 when North Dallas Forty was released, and with the NFL having developed into a billion dollar industry, even more so almost 30 years later.

Which goes a long way toward explaining why Nnamdi Asomugha isn’t expected to participate in the Raiders’ June 3 minicamp and why he is no lock to be present at training camp when the Raiders start putting together their 2008 roster.

Asomugha is doing the wise thing and playing it very low key, as is his agent, Steve Baker, who declined comment beyond saying there is no animosity between his client and the Raiders.

There’s a school of thought that Asomugha is crazy for not signing his tender as an exclusive unrestricted free agent. The moment he puts pen to paper, Asomugha is guaranteed a figure expected to be just short of $10 million. In the meantime, Asomugha is not under contract and guaranteed nothing. If he is injured while training or involved in a freak accident, the Raiders owe him nothing.

Because it was an exclusive tag, Asomugha can’t shop himself to other teams in hopes of bringing back a contract the Raiders can match or decline, receiving two first-round draft picks as compensation. No team is going to give up two first-round picks, of course, but the whole process of negotiating with someone else can be enough to spark a deal. Asomugha cannot be involved in that process.

You can assume Asomugha, who participated this offseasonin the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial program at Harvard Business school, understands the business world is all about leverage. And that he has precious little in that regard. You can also assume he is smart enough to be insured should he be injured while not under contract.

Forget the total value of multi-year deals when it comes to NFL contracts. Score is kept among players and agents by guaranteed money _ the amount of cash a player will get either immediately or very soon the moment a deal is struck.

So far this offseason, the Raiders committed $24.5 million to cornerback DeAngelo Hall, $18.125 million to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and $16 million each to safety Gibril Wilson and wide receiver Javon Walker.

Last season, they spent approximately $30 million on quarterback JaMarcus Russell and very soon will have to scratch a check in the $20 million range to lock up running back Darren McFadden, assuming the running back isn’t going to press for a deal falling just shy of the $34.75 million No. 3 overall pick Matt Ryan got from the Atlanta Falcons.

There’s being a team guy, and there is being a smart businessman. If you’re the latter, and are considered a valued commodity, how would you feel at being fifth or sixth in the pecking order in a contract year? Particularly when the year’s biggest offseason acquisition is someone who plays the same position?

Asomugha could go the Charles Woodson route and sit out until training camp is over. The time Woodson signed his franchise tender early was when it became apparent to his representatives the dollar figure he was going to get was as good as anything he would likely see on the open market.

The other option, if the Raiders want Asomugha in early, would be to offer him a one-year deal which promises he won’t be a franchise player next year. It was that tactic which New England and Chicago used last year to bring in cornerback Asante Samuel and linebacker Lance Briggs, respectively.

The two sides could still negotiate and agree to a long-term deal later.

Asomugha is going to be a Raider in 2008, and will surely handle his business without ruffling any feathers. He will be back eventually, but for the time being will continue to play poker with only one card, and it’s his call to determine when to fold his hand.

Just get this guy signed already...jeez.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Its June. Time to dump Jordan and pay McFadden.

 

[massraider]

Its June. Time to dump Jordan and pay McFadden.

I'm glad the papers are reporting that we are starting negotiations early with DMC, but I wanna hear that we have signed Asomougha.

 

[massraider]

McFadden talks underway? (updated)

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm in Oakland Raiders

45 Comments »

Visitors to Wednesday morning’s mandatory minicamp practice included Graylon and Cookie McFadden, the father and step mother of Raiders rookie running back Darren McFadden.

They were accompanied by Ian Greengross, the agent who represents McFadden. While the McFaddens went to the sideline to watch practice, Greengross departed for a meeting with Raiders executive Marc Badain, no doubt getting a head start on getting a contract done.

“You always like them signed right away from my standpoint, the coaching side of it,” Kiffin said. “But you always have to do what’s in the best interest of the future of the organization. Hopefully it’ll get done and it’s something both sides can agree upon. Right now it doesn’t affect anything.

“Would we like to have a holdout? No, we wouldn’t, because there’s so many things we want to do with him right away.”

Some quick hits from Wednesday morning’s practice:

– Team sessions were mostly meat-and-potatoes, with a lot of basic running plays which will be the key to Oakland’s offense this year.

As fast as McFadden looks around the edge, and as imposing as Michael Bush looks when taking a handoff, the most effective runner is Justin Fargas, who takes one cut and then gets his five-plus yards without a moment’s hesitation.

– Wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins followed a sensational practice Tuesday night with a drop-filled session Wednesday morning _ at least four drops, by unofficial count.

Coach Lane Kiffin said the Raiders are “running Higgins into the ground,” giving him plenty of reps and also having him work with returns on special teams.

– Quarterback JaMarcus Russell continued to work at finding checkdown passes, with a favorite target being fullback Justin Griffith for horizontal sideline ropes when he didn’t see a wide receiver open. He appears less comfortable with checkdowns over the middle, passes that require more touch as well as a firm knowledge of where the defenders are.

Griffith sees a different quarterback than the one who got his first extensive playing time in the last two weeks of the season against Jacksonville and San Diego.

“Now he’s more confident. He knows what he’s doing. You can expand the playbook, you aren’t limited to one or two plays here or there, you can throw the whole playbook at him,” Griffith said. `If one guy is covered up, he knows exactly where to go. Last year, you could see where if one route wasn’t open, he wasn’t very sure about two or three. I saw some throws out there today that kind of shocked me.”

– Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, working a ropes drill along with Jarrod Cooper under the direction of athletic trainer Scott Touchet, tripped on a rope and tumbled to the ground. The Raiders $50.5 million investment ($18.125 guaranteed) got up looking more embarrassed than hurt.

Kelly, rehabbing from a torn ACL, looks heavy at the moment, but Kiffin said that is normal for the lineman this time of year and expects him to drop weight before training camp. Kiffin also said Kelly is stronger than ever.

“He is off-the-charts strong right now. His strength in the weight room is higher than it’s ever been, and his explosiveness is in there,” Kiffin said. “Now we’ve got to get him back on the field. He’s doing all kinds of stuff out here for us, but it’s not full speed yet. It’s not something we can put him in with guys around him.”

Kelly is expected to be ready for training camp.

– Defensive tackle Terdell Sands, who was a disappointment last year, is working at both the three techinique and nose tackle spots, even though the latter is his better position. He is seldom working with the first team.

– Not sure if right tackle Mario Henderson got a chance to shake hands with Derrick Burgess after practice. If he did, it was probably the only time the two made contact even though Henderson’s responsibility was to block Burgess on several pass plays. On one play, Russell rolled right into Burgess, who had whizzed past Henderson.

On the next play, tight end Tony Stewart came over to chip Burgess, and Russell was able to get off a medium deep pass to Chaz Schilens.

It’s no secret Burgess would like a contract which better reflects his production over the past three years. The $17.5 million, five-year deal was huge when he signed it, but Burgess has watched as players with fewer sacks have far exceeded his income _ including teammates such as Kelly and Sands.

“Derrick has handled himself with great class,” Kiffin said. “The fact of him being here and working and not saying anything about it, just going to work, it’s not an easy thing to do because there’s a number of players around the league making more than him and on our roster. He’s a Pro Bowl player that has played great here in the past, battled through injuries last year to get back on the field . . . he does have two years left on his contract, (it would be) more difficult with hm if it was his last year.”

– Kiffin’s take on middle linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, attempting to resurrect his career after a serious knee injury in Atlanta:

“We haven’t set expectations, we’re going to give him a chance to make the team,” Kiffin said. “He hasn’t palyed in awhile so we’ll let him take it as far as he can take it.”

– Rookie Arman Sheilds, a fourth-round draft pick, missed his second consecutive practice with a hamstring injury.

– Minicamp rules prohibit bump-and-run coverage and are supposed to be free of full-on blocking which puts players on the ground. But that didn’t stop cornerback Chris Johnson from a healthy chuck right into the face of wide receiver Jonathan Holland, with Johnson saying, “Game over,” after Holland’s route was wrecked and the pass by JaMarcus Russell sailed incomplete.

– During one drill, with cornerback DeAngelo Hall covering Schilens, a pass went out of bounds and to a nearby fence. As Schilens began to trot back to his position group, Hall snapped, “Hey, 82, get the ball!” Schilens, a rookie, listened to the veteran and retrieved the football.

Schilens later got the better of Hall on a corner route, catching a pass for what appeared to be a touchdown. He then dropped it, and it was a close call as to whether he had the ball long enough, although one coach said, “Gotta hold on to that one.”

– Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan continues to preach stripping the football, through three practices not a single offensive player has put the ball on the ground, although Adimchinobe Echemandu came close following a clumsy exhcange with Marques Tuiasosopo. Echemandu held on after a bobble and charged up the middle for a big gain.

– Right end Jay Richardson jumped offsides during one play during team sessions, which is only notable because it has been such an infrequent occurence through three practices.

– It was a mixed day for wide receiver Javon Walker, who made a few plays but failed to separate from defenders on others. When asked about Walker, Kiffin immediately made reference to his weight and said he looked forward to him being lighter.

“Javon’s a little heavy right now so we’re going to cointinue this offseason to get him down by training camp or the regular season, the final thing that counts,” Kiffin said. “He’s picking up the offense fine but we’ve got a long way to go.”

Walker said he feels fast, light on his feet and even invented a new word to sum up his contributions to the cause when asked what he brought to the position.

“Probably a positive attitude, great attitude, work-hard-ability and obviously, coming out here and leading by example,” Walker said. “Whe you’ve got somebody who goes out and makes plays, it only tricles down to every receiver out there wanting to make lays, even if it’s one-on-one or seven-on-seven. I’m my own worst critic, so if I do something wrong or drop a ball, it’s pretty much self-explanatory.”

Continued:

 

[massraider]

Part two:

– Hard to know at this point exactly what the Raiders have planned at center. Chris Morris has taken almost every rep with the first team, although curiously, Kiffin said after practice reps have been split between Morris and free agent acquisition John Wade.

Kiffin says it too early to talk about starters, but Morris is gratified at getting time with the first team.

“I’m just trying to make the most of my opportunity,” Morris said. “We’ve got John, whose been around for 10 years, and Jake (Grove) who has starting experience . . . I agree with Lane, it’s too early to say I’m going to be starting.”

It could be the Raiders already have a good idea of what they have in Wade based on his experience and simply want to see how Morris responds. Last season, Jake Grove worked with the first team more often than Jeremy Newberry, but Newberry ended up the starter once he showed he could hold up physically.

“Nothing assumed by me and nothing’s been said to me,” Wade said. “I’ve been fighting for a job since ‘98, and I assumed no different coming here in ‘08. I just thought there would be an opportunity I’d have a chance to compete. Nothing else. No different than any other year for me.”

– Nnamdi, where are you? Cornerback Stanford Routt was turned around in coverage on more than one occasion, allowing big separation to receivers. Second-year cornerback John Bowie has seldom been in a position to make plays.

– Fullback Oren O’Neal sustained a leg injury of undetermined severity and his status for the second practice is not known.

– Former Raiders assistant coach David Shaw, the offensive coordinator at Stanford, was a guest of the Raiders, as was Stanford line coach Chris Dalman. Dalman worked with Tom Cable in Atlanta, where both learned under zone blocking guru Alex Gibbs, and has implemented a similar system at Stanford.

– The Raiders involvement in the NFL Youth Football Fund and Local Initiatives Support Corporation has resulted in two $50,000 grants _ one for new bleachers at Ernie Raimondi Field in Oakland, and one for new lights at Burrell Field in San Leandro.

 

[massraider]

Hall breaks through

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 6:50 pm in Oakland Raiders.

At 5:32 p.m. Wednesday, cornerback DeAngelo Hall stepped in front of a JaMarcus Russell pass intended for Johnnie Lee Higgins and ran the other way with an interception.

Not earthshaking news, but a rarity in that it was the first time I’d seen a defender step make a play on the ball and make a clean interception without help from a deflection off the hands of an intended receiver during all the allotted media availability time through rookie minicamp, two organized team activities and three practices at the mandatory minicamp.

Thirteen minutes later, it happened again. This time it was Andrew Walter throwing into double coverage, wtih Thomas Howard stealing the pass. He considered a lateral to Michael Huff, thought better of it, and kept the ball.

More quick hits from the evening session:

– Al Davis made his first appearance on the field at the minicamp.

– Visitors included former Raiders defensive tackle Chester McGlockton, who had a very brief exchange with Davis. McGlockton is working as an assistant coach with Hayward’s Chabot College and was accompanied by a few other members of the Chabot staff.

– JaMarcus Russell made jaw-dropping throw on a broken play, rolling to his right and flicking a pass that traveled 60 yards in teh air to Drew Carter, who got behind Michael Huff for a big game.

– Neither Fred Wakefield (knee) nor Javon Walker participated in the second practice. Neither did fullback Oren O’Neal, who sustained a knee injury in the morning session. That meant a busy practice for the only other fullback on the roster, veteran Justin Griffith.

Arman Shields (hamstring) missed his third straight practice, watching Todd Watkins and Chaz Schilens get plenty of work and have some positive moments.

– Practiced ended with coach Lane Kiffin calling for a two-minute drill, putting 2:28 on the clock, giving the offense two timeouts and the ball at the 31-yard line.

The first team defense responded with Gerard Warren dropping Russell for a 10-yard “sack” on first down. On second down, Russell found Johnnie Lee Higgins for 9 yards to the 30.

Blitz fans will be pleased to note cornerback Stanford Routt got to Russell for a five-yard loss on third down, with Zach Miller failing to hold a short pass far short of the first down marker on fourth-and-long, with Russell under pressure by Kalimba Edwards.

The second team offense fared somewhat better against the second team defense. Andrew Walter hit Griffith against a blitz for a 12-yard gain on first down, with Will Buchanon dropping a Walter pass on second down.

That prompted a rebuke from offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, who bsarked, “That’s three drops today! Let’s go!”

The offensive moved past midfield an another pass from Walter to Griffith. Walter had an an opportunity for a deep strike to Drisam James for a score, but Hiram Eugene made up enough ground to deflect a slightly underthrown pass.

An offsides penalty by Jay Richardson and a completion from Walter to Schilens got Sebastian Janikowski in range for a 46-yard field goal attempt. Janikowski missed slightly to the left, then converted when he got another chance, ending practice.

– Defensive tackle Terdell Sands, who has been playing both at the nose and three-technique and been working behind Josh Shaw, drew the eye of at least one sideline observer for playing with fire and emotion.

– Darren McFadden was one of several players working at fielding balls from a JUGS machine to simulate kickoffs.

– Wide receiver James Lofton throws his own passes during drills and was instructing his charges to “see the ball, feel the sidelines,” and was making one perfect pass after another on out patterns.

 

[massraider]

Minicamp: p.m. update

Raiders owner Al Davis swung by to watch the second practice of two-a-day Wednesday, and quarterback JaMarcus Russell put on quote the minicamp show.

During one team drill, Russell bootlegged to his right and threw on the run, catching Drew Carter in stride just inside the sideline 35 yards upfield.

Russell flashed his zip again with a quick out to Johnnie Lee Higgins, whose arms were nearly ripped off making the catch before going out of bounds.

He also threw an interception to Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who made a spectacular play.

Afterwards, Davis nodded his approval.

"We're doing all right," Davis said. "We're throwing the ball all right."

When talking about Darren McFadden's speed, Davis just smiled.

"Well, that was the idea."

Other notes from the evening session.

1. The Raiders' offense can use some work on their two-minute drill.

Coaches announced there was 1:28 left in the game, down by 2 at their own 30. The first-team offense, run by Russell, proceeded to go four-and-out with two sacks, a short completion and an dropped pass. Russell barely had a chance to look downfield on any of the plays

The second-team fared better, if only because they got a few first downs, but the drive stalled at the defense's 44. Sebastian Janikowski would have needed a 60-yard field goal to win. Instead, they let him kick a 46-yarder -- and it took two tries to score.

Through it all, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp was off his handle yelling at players for blown assignments and bad routes.

2. Gerard Warren has taken over as the leading nose tackle. He had a sack on one of the 2-minute drills and has left Terdell Sands on the sidelines more often that not.

Sands is getting some work at the three-technique, but that's only because Tommy Kelly won't be back until camp.

3. Fullback Oren O'Neal missed the evening practice with a right knee injury. He hopes it's just a strain but won't know until doctors check him in the next day or two.

4. Other dignitaries at practice included chief executive Amy Trask and chief son Mark Davis.

Former players William Thomas -- recently hired as a team scout -- and Chester McGlockton also watched.

5. The Raiders close the mandatory minicamp with a single afternoon practice Thursday.

Kiffin said the team won't have consecutive two-a-days again during training camp. Players report July 25 with the first practice one day later in Napa

 

[UnknownCoach]

Got McFadden inked now for 6 years. Needed to sign him early to get him working with Russell right away. If Walker and Curry can get healthy our offense can be good right now.

With Denver cutting Henry, it might be keeping us from cutting Jordan right now but there is no way we are going to carry that salary with our other backs healthy. We are probably hopeing some team outside the division offers a late round pick. We cant keep him off the practice field forever if he's under contract so expect the move soon. We dont want him on Denver's roster but it wouldnt hurt us as much as cutting him will help.

 

[massraider]

Got McFadden inked now for 6 years. Needed to sign him early to get him working with Russell right away. If Walker and Curry can get healthy our offense can be good right now.With Denver cutting Henry, it might be keeping us from cutting Jordan right now but there is no way we are going to carry that salary with our other backs healthy. We are probably hopeing some team outside the division offers a late round pick. We cant keep him off the practice field forever if he's under contract so expect the move soon. We dont want him on Denver's roster but it wouldnt hurt us as much as cutting him will help.

I'd love to see him on Denver's roster.Your point is right, we can let him rot, let other teams establish their depth charts, and cut him before the season. We don't need the cap room, especially if we sign Scrabble long term.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Sam Adams-DL- Broncos Jul. 4 - 2:16 pm et

Free agent DTs Sam Adams and Grady Jackson both have an interest in returning to football, according to ESPN's Bill Williamson.

Both players are near the end of their careers, but Williamson suggests that the Raiders may have interest. Jackson still has some run stopping ability and Oakland's rush defense was miserable in 2007.

Source: Hashmarks Blog

 

[massraider]

I'd love to see Grady Jackson getting 25 snaps a game with us.

 

[radballs]

So would I MR. I think whatever they can do on the cheap in terms of fortifying the OL, DL, or LB core I'm all for. We're generally pretty good at doing that and attracting decent vets that maybe have one more season in them.

 

[Sebowski]

What are the Raiders thinking with this Lamont Jordan situation? Do they really think that he would be the best RB available if they cut him and that the Broncos will turn him into a star? This has to be personal with him. That is the only thing that makes sense.

 

[massraider]

Training camp bump. Lot of stuff going on. Kiffin said Kelly and Javon would both be ready for camp, we'll see.

Arman Shields needs to get healthy and get on the field. Fell behind in minicamp.

Picked up Greg Wesley. Think Hiram Eugene may be on the chopping block.

Lamont has been asked to stay home, and presumably keep eating.

 

[massraider]

From Jerry MacDonald:

In the days leading up to the first day of training camp, I’ll review the state of the rest of the AFC West and how they match up with the Raiders, as well as all Raiders position groups heading into the first practice on July 24. Today’s entry takes a look at the offensive line:

Starters–LT Kwame Harris, LG Robert Gallery, C John Wade, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Cornell Green.

Reserves–T Mario Henderson, C-G Jake Grove, C-G Chris Morris, G-T Paul McQuistan, T Seth Wand, G Brandon Rodd, T Mark Wilson, C-G Jesse Boone.

Tom Cable did such a good job remaking the Raiders offensive line last season he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

As good as Cable is at his job, his decision to push for the signing of Harris to be his left tackle has raised more than a few eyebrows not only around the Bay Area, but around the league.

Harris, a first-round draft pick of the 49ers, was a washout at left tackle before he was moved to the right side for good in 2005. He was a decent run-blocker _ and in fact as a right tackle had a lot to do with Frank Gore’s breakout season in 2006 _ but was a veritable expressway for opposing speed rushers.

One of the more interesting and introspective players you’ll ever meet, Harris has been analyzed and overanalyzed.

It hasn’t been lost on the Raiders that Harris went through different line coaches and philosophies with the 49ers much the same way that Gallery did with the Raiders.

Gallery was moved inside by Lane Kiffin and Cable, and aside from a propensity for penalties, showed promise as a cut-blocking guard. Harris will remain a tackle, but like Gallery, is angular and almost slender by NFL line standards.

The Raiders plan to run early and often behind Harris and capitalize on his ability to get to the second level. But the most scrutinized part of a left tackle’s job is pass blocking, and it is there where Harris will either make or break the Raiders offensive line.

The break-in period with Harris will correspond with that of JaMarcus Russell. The more the Raiders run effectively, the less of a burden they put on both Russell and Harris. In theory, as Harris grows into the position, and Russell into his, the offense will gradually open up as well.

What’s to like

Gallery and Carlisle were one of the league’s better guard tandems last season. Gallery was penalty prone but showed a knack for cut-blocking in open space and blocking to the whistle. More than a few unsuspecting defensive linemen were picking themselves off the turf courtesy of a block they never saw _ much the way Steve Wisniewski used to do as the right guard.

Carlisle, in the second year of a two-year contract, came in with experience in the system having played at Denver and was the Raiders best and most consistent lineman.

Wade’s experience makes him the favorite to start at center, although Morris has gotten a long look in the offseason. The three-way competition, including Grove, should give the Raiders an upgrade from Jeremy Newberry, who was more durable than expected but was not the same player he was as a member of the 49ers.

McQuistan filled in admirably last season when Green went down with a knee injury and can fill in at either guard or tackle. Both Morris and Grove can play center or guard, and Boone, who took on Warren Sapp during one of his first training camp practices last year, also has versatility.



What’s not

Henderson should have seized the job at right tackle going into camp but has yet to do so. The possibility exists that he is a projection that simply won’t pan out. Green, by all rights, should be a backup and could wind up starting on the right side.

There is essentially no fallback if Harris doesn’t work out at left tackle. Wand has experience in a zone blocking scheme, having played in Houston, but wasn’t good enough for the Texans, who have spotty play along their offensive front.

Wilson is getting a training camp look after playing on the practice squad last year.

 

[massraider]

Jerry Mac checks in from the first day of camp (woo hoo!):

http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/

Some quick hits from Lane Kiffin’s press briefing with the media following a closed team conditioning test and preceeding the Raiders’ first practice of training camp:

– All present and accounted for except running back LaMont Jordan.

“That’s a situation that Al (Davis) is handling with LaMont’s agent,” Kiffin said. “The only thing I have for you on that is he’s not here and we won’t fine him.”

– Nnamdi Asomugha was present and accounted for, having signed his exclusive free agent tender.

“I think it’s a statement about who he is. Obviously he didn’t have to be here. He could have stayed out of camp, and for him to be here the first day to run the conditioning test with us today, shows what a team player he is.”

– While still not specifying the injuries Javon Walker sustained in his Las Vegas attack, Kiffin said the wide receiver will practice with no restrictions related to the incident and is in fact in better shape than he was before being beaten and robbed.

Kiffin said Walker has lost eight pounds, his body fat is down, and expressed hope that the receiver has learned his lesson about who and who not to trust.

– Defensive tackle Terdell Sands, whose conditioning was an issue last year, passed the conditioning test with the defensive linemen.

“I know there were some guys worried because in position groups if everybody didn’t make a certain number they had to keep going. If everybody made a certain number they didn’t have to do their final one. So a lot of guys were over there stretching Sands, giving him some extra Gatorade, they were cheering him on,” Kiffin joked. “But it was good because the position groups went at different times so guys were on the sidelines, other position groups, cheering him on. It was a good environment today and I think it was a good thing the first thing for them to come back, a good team for them to come together and for 79 players to make every rep.”

– The Raiders will work out with the 49ers Aug. 4 in Napa, the Monday preceeding their preseason game. Sorry. It’s closed to the public.

– If you’re expecting Kiffin to glide past any issues with Davis as hype or fabrication, guess again. Any offseason turmoil was regarded as simply part of the job description of coaching the Raiders.

“I wasn’t worried that I wouldn’t be here. I think as we’ve discussed before, when you take this job you realize who the owner is and you realize most guys don’t last really long so that is what it is,” Kiffin said. “If you sit there and worry about that and you think about that you’re not doing the best that you can for your team.”

Responding to comments made by Warren Sapp and Stuart Schweigert about how strange the organization is, Kiffin didn’t deny the Raiders have their own way of doing things that comes straight from the top.

“What they’re discussing I can’t change so that subject is what it is,” Kiffin said. “I go about and I control what I can control and get us as good as we can get with what I can control. I don’t have control of that.”

Kiffin was asked if he ever tried to change those things, he said, “I think you try to change anything as far as what you can do to be a better team. I’m always going to find the best way to do things that I can and th ebest way to put our players in the best situation to win. That doesn’t necessarily provide a smooth environment or a smooth relationship but that’s my job to our staff and our players.”

His relationship with the owner?

“We have a working relationship, and I think we have the same goal, and that’s to get this team to win.”

– Players other than Walker who won’t participate in both workouts during two-a-days included wide receiver Ronald Curry, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, safety Jarrod Cooper and center Jake Grove, all rehabbing from offseason surgeries.

Kelly, recipient of one of the NFL’s biggest offseason contracts with $18.125 in guaranteed money, apparently passed his conditioning test but has a ways to go to be ready to play.

“Tommy’s come in a little bit heavy to where he wants to be and where we want him to be by the time we play our first game,” Kiffin said. “We were kind of anticipating that. He has done that in the past. I don’t foresee it being an issue, hopefully.”

– Kiffin conceded his demeanor in Year 2 will be different than as a rookie coach. The reason? He has already implemented a program and now he has veterans to help him carry it out.

– Bringing in former Chiefs safety Greg Wesley was a no-brainer considering the cost.

“He was a veteran-minimum contract. We’ll give him a chance . . . I love competitition. Anything I can do to throw guys in regardless of who’s at that spot, I love bringing them in,” Kiffin said. “I just think competition makes people rise to the top, true competitors. So he’ll get a shot to play for us and see if he can make the team.”

– Kiffin said quarterback JaMarcus Russell has maintained the weight and conditioning level of previous offseason camps, when the quarterback said his weight was 269 pounds.

“He weighs more than everybody else in his group that he has to run in — he’s 50 pounds heavier than the other quarterbacks — so it’s a disadvantage for him, but he still made everything,” Kiffin said.

– The Raiders will open with a padded practice in less than two hours. I’ll file a report on that practice and some notes from interviews following that practice later this evening.

 

[massraider]

8:33 PM (5 hours ago)

Kelly talks, so do others

from Inside The Oakland Raiders by Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Maybe it was the added responsibility of one of the NFL’s offseason contracts or that Tommy Kelly was in an agreeable mood.

Whatever the reason, Kelly chose Thursday after practice to end a polite and pleasant four-year silence with Bay Area beat writers.

“I guess I got to talk to you now,” Kelly said as he pulled off his headphones when inquiring minds wanted to know if he would answer a few questions.

Kelly is coming off off-season ACL surgery which didn’t prevent the Raiders from investing $18.125 in guaranteed money in a deal which could reach more than $50 million over seven years.

I feel good,” Kelly said. “The knee feels real good. Nice to get hit for a change, get back into some contact.”

Some more comments from Kelly follow.

– On his newfound responsibility as a team leader considering the contract: “Responsibility only messes you up when you (aren’t) ready for it. I’ll be all right.”

– On playing his preference for playing inside at the “three technique”: “I’m more comfortable inside because everything happens inside. All the plays get run inside. It’s cool to get to the quarterback inside. I’d much rather be inside, but as long as I was on the field, I didn’t care.”

– On the difference in his style of play with predecessor Warren Sapp: “Sapp is more of a finesse guy, he danced … I’m a little more aggressive, try to get into my man.”

– The day he was injured: “It was a rough day. My son was born in the morning time and then I went and played. That was my first game my grandma ever seen me play in the league. It was rough when Dr. King told me your knee is gone. But everything happens for a reason.”

– What it felt like for the Raiders to invest that kind of money in him: “(It) surprised me, but you know, but kind of makes you feel like you’re wanted. Somebody really wants you as a player and thinks a lot of you and that type of player you can become for them.”

– The reason for his silence: I understand a lot of things come with being a professional athlete, but I just like to play. I don’t like to be bothered with all the other stuff. I’m not saying the media is a nuisance or anything. I just like to go to work and come home. Now you know you have to be a leader and everything, you got to take on stuff you probably don’t want to do in the past but you have to do it.”

Walker reveals little

Wide receiver Javon Walker declined to go into details about his Las Vegas escapade which left him beaten and robbed, but appeared none the worse for wear. His face was unmarked, indicating police reports which included a broken orbital bone and a fractured jaw were incorrect.

Walker pretty much is as advertised as an interview subject _ he is agreeable and not contentious at all. He also doesn’t always put words together in ways that make gramatical sense, even if you have a general idea what he’s trying to say.

“Everybody just go into speculations of what they heard and what they think they know . . . when I get ready to come out and tell what really happened, I’ll clear it up then,” Walker said.

Thursday was not that day.

Walker did talk around the issue when discussing his reputation and the public perception of him.

“I don’t have a record. I don’t have a rap sheet,” Walker said. “You don’t hear about Javon Walker getting arrested. People’s (perception) of me is like, he just leaves different teams because he’s not happy. Well, like any other American, that’s my right if I don’t like a job, that’s people’s perspective of me. But, outside the field, I mean, you talk to people anywhere around this country, they say I’m the nicest person off the field.”

Russell in charge

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell joked that teammates were wondering if he really knew the way to Napa, having missed training camp with a contract issue last year. A year later, he is the unquestioned starter and appears to be building on a strong offseason.

“Today was the first day, and I kind of felt like I was 1,000 pounds out there,” Russell said. “That’s your first day in shoulder pads, as a team we all did pretty good. Just come out here in the morning and try to keep it going.”

Relax. Russell isn’t anywhere near 1,000. He said he is 269 _ the same as he was during minicamps and OTAs. He says he is shape becasue he is responsible for the welfare of a lot of people.

“Just knowing that you’re able and capable, it’s pretty good to keep the body in shape,” Russell said. “Just by being a quarterback, you got to look at it: Everybody on the team gets paid off of what I do and the rest of the team does. I hate to say it but I’m accountable for a lot of the guys’ families.”

Why Asomugha reported

Nnamdi Asomugha trotted out the two-dollar words to explain his decision to come to training camp.

“I had heard all the apocryphal stories during the offseason of what was going on so I wanted to put everything to rest and just show up . . . It went both ways. I had a lot of people saying don’t show up and I had enough people saying show it up so it helped me out. I sought out the counsel that was needed in this situation and I was able to come and be here.”

Did Asomugha seek the counsel of Charles Woodson, by chance?

“I spoke to him early on,” Asomugha said. “ I’m not going to tell you what he said, but you can probably figure it out.”

Asomugha conceded some players he were surprised he would risk injury and future millions by reporting to camp.

“When I was talking to a lot of the players, that they were surprised that I came,” Asomugha said. “ But at the same time they weren’t because they know it’s not about money for me. I really want to win games. That’s a big part of why I’m here. It’s putting that on the line, that you could get hurt, and those types of things. But it’s in the name of being a cohesive unit and coming together and trying to win football games.”