BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
http://www.raidernews.com/article.php?stor...070729061755988
From Napa:
It Feels Like the First Time
I can't say that this was my first trip "inside the fence" at camp. It has been a while though, and I was outside waiting for the okay with everyone else, just itching to get in, knowing the boys were on the field.
A couple of people that know me were laughing. I just kept mumbling , "C,mon let us in..." as I shifted impatiently from one foot to the other.
Then I heard those magic words... "Ok you can come on in."
I wanted to run in just like I used to run in the parking lot of the Coliseum when the gate opened to stake the prime parking spot.
No can do. Must be cool. I just walked in. Okay so I walked in really danged fast.
Yeah, I was looking and acting like a pro. Kirby was there with his 8 million pound camera and lens, a red shirt and a hat that referenced he was at the Pro Bowl. Monte was there in a blue polo shirt. Mike Wagaman was sporting a floral shirt. I was wearing my "Commitment to Excellence " cap, my Raiders Chick t-shirt under my Raiders Starter jacket. Yes, I am the consummate, objective professional. NOT!
The guys were everywhere. They were in pads with white (some a little yellow) jerseys for the offense, black jerseys for the defense.
Coaches were striding amongst their men, barking at them, and I found myself scanning for Kid Kiffin. Was that him? The slender guy over there in the visor? Oh yeah. The stride, the hands on the hips, looking everywhere at once, looking like he was taking everything in at once.
Of course the big news was 2nd round pick Zach Miller was there. "Zach is back!" was what was being passed around.
That, and of course, Michael Bush was pupped. That was disappointing. I wanted to see him. But Rhodes was there, so that was good. I wasn't really sure with the suspension if he would be able to work out or not.
Before we could see any drills though, the guys had to stretch and warm up.
Coach Fish was in the middle of the squads, acting as drill sergeant, ordering what exercises and stretching to do, and when. "Left leg over!" Coach Millard, Coach Ryan, Coach Cable... all walking around making sure the guys weren't slacking. This isn't a game. This will help prevent injuries.
After warm ups, the team huddled around a single player. I can't see who it is, possibly Kirk? He starts a chant. I can't hear everything, but after everything he says, the teams says "Oh yeah" in unison. The last lines "Let's hit grass" "Oh yeah" and "Kick some a--!" 'OH YEAH!"
The rest is what I observed, heard and noted, but in no particular order as to the order for the drills or practices.
There were some offense on defense line drills.
When the whistle blew to stop one play because the defense was offsides? The one offsides was subject to some razzing. Throughout this, shouts to one side of the line to step it up. Encouragement. Reminding the players they only have one shot. There is no second shot. Bring it on every play.
Coach Millard tells his squad they are doing a good job.
The special teams drills were something else. Guys fighting each other for a few yards, one playing the receiving team, one playing our guys. After fighting the blocker, the special teamer has to wrap up the return man. The goal here: to turn out the blocker, and still get the return man. Sometimes we win, sometimes not. One player fails the first time. Second time around for this player, a rookie, Oren O'Neal, learned what was expected.
They have to stop the "opposing team" from crossing.
Thomas Howard shows how fast he is and Stewart Schweigert gets praise. Another player that does well? Adimchinobe "Joe" Echemandu. Joe is listed at 5'10" and 225lbs. It's showing this is his 4th year in the game on the roster provided. What I noticed, not just on this drill, but others? He has hands and he has some speed.
Another rookie gets told to NOT [block] his team mate in the back, after being told he was too soft.
The players get told to keep their feet working towards the "returner", played by running backs.
Wide receiver on defensive back drills: This is interesting because whomever is playing defense gets to cheat...they can hold. The "receivers" have to break it and keep moving forward. Each squad plays both sides. The defense learns how to get away from wide receivers that have to act as defenders for an errant pass, or that just want to get some separation. The receivers make sure they get their separation in spite of holding.
More drills for the team. Quentin Moses is so hyped up, he starts before being told to go. Miller is holding to prevent the defense from getting to the QB. Albert Toeaina gets too high too fast. The defense can control him easily from under his pads.
I know everyone has read about how Zach Miller hit the ground hard. It was more than hard. It, first of all, was great catch, with Darius having some good coverage. The sharp intake of breath, and then the exhale by the coaching staff when Miller jumped back up were audible.
Madsen was impressive as all get out. He caught anything near him and blocked successfully.
McFoy missed more than one pass he should have had.
After going clean yesterday, there were two interceptions on McCown, and one near pick. Huff jumped the route and had the ball in his hands.
In passing drills, McCown was working with the receivers. Walter was working with the running backs. Shane was working the tight ends.
These drills showed that Wakefield has taken off some weight and Fargas can turn on some burners.
Walter had a deep ball caught by Buchanon. He threw low to McFoy, but it was still caught. Parson caught another pass by Walter, slipped, and was told to get up and run. He hadn't been tagged. McCown also had a nice tight spiral to Buchanon.
Porter was getting everyone on the line when he saw players in the neutral zone.
At times, the leaner, meaner Warren Sapp was getting double teamed. Sam Williams was a little slow in covering a tight end. Shotwell missed his gap and allowed a big run.
Starks intercepted a ball that was just hanging in the air. The other interception? The ball went right through McFoy's hands. Can't really pin that one on the QB, but we had the worst turnover ratio in the league last year. Walter showed some decent moves while running on a busted play. McCown fell after his foot got stepped on.
One offensive line drill had defensive players just going up against one player on the O-line. Gallery split wins with Sapp. Newberry held his own on a Sand's bull rush. Using a windmill move, Brayton did okay, but the bull rush failed. He just doesn't have the bulk to force that issue.
Burgess was there, though he didn't work out because of the hernia surgery. He was in good shape though. I swear his arms as big as my thighs. He is just that big. Simply amazing. He didn't look stressed or unhappy either. He even took time to sign autographs for a few people.
What the coaches said:
"We are giving you the tools to make it easier on game day".
"You're too high" to Tony Stewart.
"Well he just split the seam and scored" to Oren O'Neal.
What the players said:
"Oh YEAH!" - the team.
"Get BACK" - Porter, to other players on the line.
"There ain't no rookies in that shade is there?" - Terdell Sands after another squad break out.
" They put my age in the paper" - Zack Crockett, who doesn't believe his age is an issue.
Observations:
Between drills, the coaches called for hustle. Numbers were pointed out if they were moving too slow.
Mike Williams wasn't as active as I thought he'd be. He didn't move as fast as I expected, run as crisp as I was hoping, and seemed to be taking off plays. Maybe it was intentionally easy on him today, but I have to admit I was disappointed. However, he was in good shape.
For those expecting Zack Crockett to be going out with a whimper: He's competing. He's showing the wisdom of his years in the league. That he hasn't seen as much field time as he probably should have that last couple of years could actually keep him on the roster.
The running back squads are going to be hugely competitive. There is absolutely no slowing down here.
Each player is well aware that no spot is safe, there are no guarantees and each one wants to be on the field for the Raiders come September.
McCown came out of the locker room with ice on the foot that got stepped on. Seems it happened yesterday, too. Timing is an issue.
The defensive line isn't lacking for talent.
Shotwell needs some time. He's raw. Every time I heard his name today wasn't because of something good. He was too high, too low, missed a gap, didn't stick, hit a team mate in the back....
Jordan got stopped behind the line and he made it through a couple of times.
These players were going at it. No one was really letting up.
Offensive line by the numbers:
75 79 62 67 69
63 67 62 79 75
74 66 64 76 65
Today they showed they were still learning. It was also the first time they were allowed to really hit.
After the practice, there were interviews.
From Coach Kiffin's interview: It is up to the coaches to get the players going and ready for playing, the players job is to play. Yesterday they only had the spider pads on, so today was the first time to see them full speed and really assess what they have. Protecting the football is something that obviously needs work. The four teams that picked 1-4 in the draft had the worst turnover ratios.
From Coach Cable: There is a lot of talent on the offensive line. Those that have been on the team need to let go of the failures. They have had it beat into them that they were nothing. This scheme can be grasped by all the players. He had nothing but good to say about the much maligned Robert Gallery. Cable alluded that Gallery was a round peg being fit into a square hole, and it isn't fair to be saying bad things about him. Carlisle and Newberry were brought in to provide that veteran leadership that was really missing. They are just starting over. They are learning to compete and learning to play together. He thinks that working on their mind set is more important because they already have the bodies to perform.
Speaking of Gallery: He thinks he can go back to playing his game. He doesn't care where he lines up as long as he can play his game. He thinks his aggressiveness works well where he is right now, he can be wide and "break some ribs".
Jeremy Newberry thinks Coach Cable has dialed down about 500% from his college days. He likes the scheme and stated that the group we have on the OL has as much or more talent as any other offensive line he has been part of.
Zach Miller really wanted to be in yesterday for the first practice. He was telling the agent to work his deal, but he also has to allow his agent to do his job. He's done contracts before, where as Zach hasn't.
Dave Tollefson, DE: Hoping he can catch on here. He hails from Concord, so did spend some time watching the Raiders. He came from the Green Bay practice squad. He's learning what he can from other players on the defensive line. He's listening to his coaches. On a personal note, he's a nice young man that put up with this crazy woman. When I go back to camp I'll be watching for him.
Oren O'Neal comes from a small town. He weighed 215 lbs in high school, so based on size alone, that meant he played the line. He wanted to be a running back. He was too small for a college lineman, so he wasn't able to get a scholarship. He didn't let it stop him. For those that didn't read about him, he has what was termed a grossly abnormal left lung. He says he has about 40% of normal capacity in it. He has learned to adjust and compensate for that over his college years. Being he's already dealt with some serious issues just to play ball, he knows that there won't be any off the field issues, at least not for him. He liked the idea of helping the Raiders reinstate their claim to the team of the decades. This with a huge smile on his face. He's happy he has never quit pursing his dream of playing running back and is going to give it his all to learn everything he can and make himself part of the squad.
Jerry Porter: Didn't like the way the Moss thing was handled. Thinks that Moss is better off elsewhere. He likes that we seem to be reverting to some type of WCO. He said that McCown reminds him sometimes of another number 12 recently on the team.
And this was just for the morning practice!
With roughly 6 hours to kill, I didn't stay around for the night time practice.
I'll be going back though.
As ever,
Win lose or tie, RAIDERS til I DIE!
BlitzChick
From Napa:
It Feels Like the First Time
I can't say that this was my first trip "inside the fence" at camp. It has been a while though, and I was outside waiting for the okay with everyone else, just itching to get in, knowing the boys were on the field.
A couple of people that know me were laughing. I just kept mumbling , "C,mon let us in..." as I shifted impatiently from one foot to the other.
Then I heard those magic words... "Ok you can come on in."
I wanted to run in just like I used to run in the parking lot of the Coliseum when the gate opened to stake the prime parking spot.
No can do. Must be cool. I just walked in. Okay so I walked in really danged fast.
Yeah, I was looking and acting like a pro. Kirby was there with his 8 million pound camera and lens, a red shirt and a hat that referenced he was at the Pro Bowl. Monte was there in a blue polo shirt. Mike Wagaman was sporting a floral shirt. I was wearing my "Commitment to Excellence " cap, my Raiders Chick t-shirt under my Raiders Starter jacket. Yes, I am the consummate, objective professional. NOT!
The guys were everywhere. They were in pads with white (some a little yellow) jerseys for the offense, black jerseys for the defense.
Coaches were striding amongst their men, barking at them, and I found myself scanning for Kid Kiffin. Was that him? The slender guy over there in the visor? Oh yeah. The stride, the hands on the hips, looking everywhere at once, looking like he was taking everything in at once.
Of course the big news was 2nd round pick Zach Miller was there. "Zach is back!" was what was being passed around.
That, and of course, Michael Bush was pupped. That was disappointing. I wanted to see him. But Rhodes was there, so that was good. I wasn't really sure with the suspension if he would be able to work out or not.
Before we could see any drills though, the guys had to stretch and warm up.
Coach Fish was in the middle of the squads, acting as drill sergeant, ordering what exercises and stretching to do, and when. "Left leg over!" Coach Millard, Coach Ryan, Coach Cable... all walking around making sure the guys weren't slacking. This isn't a game. This will help prevent injuries.
After warm ups, the team huddled around a single player. I can't see who it is, possibly Kirk? He starts a chant. I can't hear everything, but after everything he says, the teams says "Oh yeah" in unison. The last lines "Let's hit grass" "Oh yeah" and "Kick some a--!" 'OH YEAH!"
The rest is what I observed, heard and noted, but in no particular order as to the order for the drills or practices.
There were some offense on defense line drills.
When the whistle blew to stop one play because the defense was offsides? The one offsides was subject to some razzing. Throughout this, shouts to one side of the line to step it up. Encouragement. Reminding the players they only have one shot. There is no second shot. Bring it on every play.
Coach Millard tells his squad they are doing a good job.
The special teams drills were something else. Guys fighting each other for a few yards, one playing the receiving team, one playing our guys. After fighting the blocker, the special teamer has to wrap up the return man. The goal here: to turn out the blocker, and still get the return man. Sometimes we win, sometimes not. One player fails the first time. Second time around for this player, a rookie, Oren O'Neal, learned what was expected.
They have to stop the "opposing team" from crossing.
Thomas Howard shows how fast he is and Stewart Schweigert gets praise. Another player that does well? Adimchinobe "Joe" Echemandu. Joe is listed at 5'10" and 225lbs. It's showing this is his 4th year in the game on the roster provided. What I noticed, not just on this drill, but others? He has hands and he has some speed.
Another rookie gets told to NOT [block] his team mate in the back, after being told he was too soft.
The players get told to keep their feet working towards the "returner", played by running backs.
Wide receiver on defensive back drills: This is interesting because whomever is playing defense gets to cheat...they can hold. The "receivers" have to break it and keep moving forward. Each squad plays both sides. The defense learns how to get away from wide receivers that have to act as defenders for an errant pass, or that just want to get some separation. The receivers make sure they get their separation in spite of holding.
More drills for the team. Quentin Moses is so hyped up, he starts before being told to go. Miller is holding to prevent the defense from getting to the QB. Albert Toeaina gets too high too fast. The defense can control him easily from under his pads.
I know everyone has read about how Zach Miller hit the ground hard. It was more than hard. It, first of all, was great catch, with Darius having some good coverage. The sharp intake of breath, and then the exhale by the coaching staff when Miller jumped back up were audible.
Madsen was impressive as all get out. He caught anything near him and blocked successfully.
McFoy missed more than one pass he should have had.
After going clean yesterday, there were two interceptions on McCown, and one near pick. Huff jumped the route and had the ball in his hands.
In passing drills, McCown was working with the receivers. Walter was working with the running backs. Shane was working the tight ends.
These drills showed that Wakefield has taken off some weight and Fargas can turn on some burners.
Walter had a deep ball caught by Buchanon. He threw low to McFoy, but it was still caught. Parson caught another pass by Walter, slipped, and was told to get up and run. He hadn't been tagged. McCown also had a nice tight spiral to Buchanon.
Porter was getting everyone on the line when he saw players in the neutral zone.
At times, the leaner, meaner Warren Sapp was getting double teamed. Sam Williams was a little slow in covering a tight end. Shotwell missed his gap and allowed a big run.
Starks intercepted a ball that was just hanging in the air. The other interception? The ball went right through McFoy's hands. Can't really pin that one on the QB, but we had the worst turnover ratio in the league last year. Walter showed some decent moves while running on a busted play. McCown fell after his foot got stepped on.
One offensive line drill had defensive players just going up against one player on the O-line. Gallery split wins with Sapp. Newberry held his own on a Sand's bull rush. Using a windmill move, Brayton did okay, but the bull rush failed. He just doesn't have the bulk to force that issue.
Burgess was there, though he didn't work out because of the hernia surgery. He was in good shape though. I swear his arms as big as my thighs. He is just that big. Simply amazing. He didn't look stressed or unhappy either. He even took time to sign autographs for a few people.
What the coaches said:
"We are giving you the tools to make it easier on game day".
"You're too high" to Tony Stewart.
"Well he just split the seam and scored" to Oren O'Neal.
What the players said:
"Oh YEAH!" - the team.
"Get BACK" - Porter, to other players on the line.
"There ain't no rookies in that shade is there?" - Terdell Sands after another squad break out.
" They put my age in the paper" - Zack Crockett, who doesn't believe his age is an issue.
Observations:
Between drills, the coaches called for hustle. Numbers were pointed out if they were moving too slow.
Mike Williams wasn't as active as I thought he'd be. He didn't move as fast as I expected, run as crisp as I was hoping, and seemed to be taking off plays. Maybe it was intentionally easy on him today, but I have to admit I was disappointed. However, he was in good shape.
For those expecting Zack Crockett to be going out with a whimper: He's competing. He's showing the wisdom of his years in the league. That he hasn't seen as much field time as he probably should have that last couple of years could actually keep him on the roster.
The running back squads are going to be hugely competitive. There is absolutely no slowing down here.
Each player is well aware that no spot is safe, there are no guarantees and each one wants to be on the field for the Raiders come September.
McCown came out of the locker room with ice on the foot that got stepped on. Seems it happened yesterday, too. Timing is an issue.
The defensive line isn't lacking for talent.
Shotwell needs some time. He's raw. Every time I heard his name today wasn't because of something good. He was too high, too low, missed a gap, didn't stick, hit a team mate in the back....
Jordan got stopped behind the line and he made it through a couple of times.
These players were going at it. No one was really letting up.
Offensive line by the numbers:
75 79 62 67 69
63 67 62 79 75
74 66 64 76 65
Today they showed they were still learning. It was also the first time they were allowed to really hit.
After the practice, there were interviews.
From Coach Kiffin's interview: It is up to the coaches to get the players going and ready for playing, the players job is to play. Yesterday they only had the spider pads on, so today was the first time to see them full speed and really assess what they have. Protecting the football is something that obviously needs work. The four teams that picked 1-4 in the draft had the worst turnover ratios.
From Coach Cable: There is a lot of talent on the offensive line. Those that have been on the team need to let go of the failures. They have had it beat into them that they were nothing. This scheme can be grasped by all the players. He had nothing but good to say about the much maligned Robert Gallery. Cable alluded that Gallery was a round peg being fit into a square hole, and it isn't fair to be saying bad things about him. Carlisle and Newberry were brought in to provide that veteran leadership that was really missing. They are just starting over. They are learning to compete and learning to play together. He thinks that working on their mind set is more important because they already have the bodies to perform.
Speaking of Gallery: He thinks he can go back to playing his game. He doesn't care where he lines up as long as he can play his game. He thinks his aggressiveness works well where he is right now, he can be wide and "break some ribs".
Jeremy Newberry thinks Coach Cable has dialed down about 500% from his college days. He likes the scheme and stated that the group we have on the OL has as much or more talent as any other offensive line he has been part of.
Zach Miller really wanted to be in yesterday for the first practice. He was telling the agent to work his deal, but he also has to allow his agent to do his job. He's done contracts before, where as Zach hasn't.
Dave Tollefson, DE: Hoping he can catch on here. He hails from Concord, so did spend some time watching the Raiders. He came from the Green Bay practice squad. He's learning what he can from other players on the defensive line. He's listening to his coaches. On a personal note, he's a nice young man that put up with this crazy woman. When I go back to camp I'll be watching for him.
Oren O'Neal comes from a small town. He weighed 215 lbs in high school, so based on size alone, that meant he played the line. He wanted to be a running back. He was too small for a college lineman, so he wasn't able to get a scholarship. He didn't let it stop him. For those that didn't read about him, he has what was termed a grossly abnormal left lung. He says he has about 40% of normal capacity in it. He has learned to adjust and compensate for that over his college years. Being he's already dealt with some serious issues just to play ball, he knows that there won't be any off the field issues, at least not for him. He liked the idea of helping the Raiders reinstate their claim to the team of the decades. This with a huge smile on his face. He's happy he has never quit pursing his dream of playing running back and is going to give it his all to learn everything he can and make himself part of the squad.
Jerry Porter: Didn't like the way the Moss thing was handled. Thinks that Moss is better off elsewhere. He likes that we seem to be reverting to some type of WCO. He said that McCown reminds him sometimes of another number 12 recently on the team.
And this was just for the morning practice!
With roughly 6 hours to kill, I didn't stay around for the night time practice.
I'll be going back though.
As ever,
Win lose or tie, RAIDERS til I DIE!
BlitzChick
Thank you. This is the kind of information I needed today.
, so take it FWIW.
