Training camp, Day 4 (P.M. practice)
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, July 27th, 2008 at 9:37 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Sunday night’s Raiders practice:
– Tackle Mark Wilson, a practice squad player signed to the active roster following the season, sustained a left leg injury, was taken off the field on a cart, and was sent to the hospital for X-rays.
– Left tackle Kwame Harris (lower back) returned to practice after missing the previous two sessions. He moved well and at one point fared well in a pass blocking opportunity against Kalimba Edwards.
– For the first time, no offensive or defensive lineman had to run laps for committing a false start or jumping offsides.
– Wide receiver Ronald Curry and center Jake Grove took the workout off, as scheduled. John Wade got the majority of the snaps with the first team offense in Grove’s absence. Defensive end Fred Wakefield, battling a stomach ailment, did not practice after practicing in the morning session. Safety Greg Wesley (back spasms), who returned to practice in the morning, missed the evening session. Grant Irons is still out with a hamstring pull.
– Al Davis made his first appearance at practice, watching from a golf cart between the two fields.
– During kickoff drills early in practice, running back Darren McFadden was deep and running kickoffs hard up the middle. Kiffin mentioned McFadden as a possibility for return duty on occasion.
Interesting McFadden would get his most work in that area in a practice Davis attended. Whether or not McFadden returns kickoffs will almost certainly be a decision made at the top. Davis resisted the idea of having Charles Woodson play offense or return punts, although part of that probably had to do with Woodson’s history of nagging injuries.
– Expect McFadden to be utilized only in crucial situations, in games where the Raiders need a strike at the end of a half or game, or when they are struggling on offense and need a momentum switch. To use him at all in that role in the preseason would be a questionable use of a major investment.
– McFadden had a much better practice catching the ball out of backfield than he did in the earlier session, when Kiffin expressed concern over his “hand placement.” Guess he figured out they had to be somewhere near the ball.
– Other players returning kickoffs were cornerback Chris Johnson, wide receiver Jonathan Holland and safety Tyvon Branch, who Kiffin said earlier in the day is the current leader for that role.
– Rookie wide receiver Chaz Schilens was taken to task by receivers coach James Lofton for not coming back hard enough to catch a pass.
– The offense spent one session running plays apart from the defense, meaning the opposing “defense” consisted of second- and third-line offensive players. McFadden, fortunately, looked to be a rock when it came to pass blocking against blitzing Ivy League quarterback Jeff Otis.
If the 49ers play their second-line offense as a defense against Oakland, the Raiders look to be in business.
– Johnnie Lee Higgins would seem to have a roster edge since he is the leader to be the punt return specialist, but in terms of catching the ball and making plays as a receiver, Holland appears to be staying right with him or even outplaying him.
– Nnamdi Asomugha perfectly diagnosed a JaMarcus Russell slant pass in a 7-on-7 drill, jumped the route and ran for a would-be touchdown.
– Linebackers Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are so adept at pass coverage that the defense they refer to as the “dime” _ which in most cases utilizes one linebacker and six defensive backs _ has both men on the field. It is distinguished from the nickel by the positioning of the backs.
– Wide receiver Todd Watkins had one drop of a Russell pass over the middle and later a juggle which he managed to retrieve, but ended practice on a strong note, catching a deep out from Marques Tuiasosopo with an impressive leap and grab as three horns sounded to end the session.
– Following Watkins’ grab, the team met in the center of the field, but Kiffin dispatched Janikowski to attempt a 57-yard field goal. Usually in those instances, something is on the line _ extended curfew, reduced meeting time, etc.
Janikowski, who had nailed a pair of 43-yard kicks in an end-of-game drill earlier in practice, this time missed wide right.
– The Raiders practice once Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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July 27th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
1st!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
1st?
July 27th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Damn you SCRaid!!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
You guys that love to first on a blog are frickin’ retarded!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Go Raiders
July 27th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
i’m an idiot
July 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Sounds like o-line is making improvements
July 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Shut your face Sheeit Head!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
MHR Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Shut your face Sheeit Head!
MHR: How about adding something constructive to the comments section instead of acting like a child?
Good write up, Jerry. All the adults who read your blog appreciate it.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
ASO is looking real good. Sound like we have one of if not the best secondaries in the league
July 27th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Sheeit Face: Constructive?? You mean like your post #4? Very constructive.
Calling people retarted is very “adult” Sheeitforbrains!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Thanks, Jerry.
I can hardly wait for preseason to start.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Nail the dam fieldgoal Seabass!!
JLH better not ‘ole another punt. He’s on thin ice in my book.
Kiffin better take it easy on McFadden before he hurts himself.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
For those that have the widely held belief that Big AL should die or remove himself fron any rganizational dealings. Think about this, Hall, Wilson and maybe Walker would not be here if he were to listen to the likes of KK and Dakota as well as several others who fancy themselves organizational overseers.
It was Big Al who convinced Wilson to come here and Gibril Wilson had to convince Big Al to bring Hall. As a result we have what is widely held as the best secondary the game has to offer. Yes that 80 year old fool with a walker, has had tremenduos impact on the team you’l watch for the next 5-6 years. Eventhough COW, Koolkel and Dakota would lead you to believe he is useless.
IMO this defenseive secondary is the best that Russell will see on any team, and he’ll see it every practice. Aso is playing his butt off and Russell can’t get away with a single mistake. This alone will make him great. He will see a defense that IMO has it really going on pass defense. Edwards has looked good so far and Dburg has been an absolute beast. He’ll be ready a lot sooner this way because few teams offer the same speed in their back 7.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
on behind the shield kwame harris seemed pretty educated and bright. i really hope Cable knows what hes doing with this kid… i really hope it works out
July 27th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Cant wait for the preseason to start, blackholepriest, im behind you on your reference on Al
July 27th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Mark Wilson, eh? What an unfortunate name…
July 27th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Kwame had a decent practice from the sound of this evenings drills. Keep it up Kwame!
July 27th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
BHP add me to the list of Kool Aid drinkers I have always believed that Al would sell his mothers soul for a great player.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
nfalls75 Says:
Mark Wilson, eh? What an unfortunate name…
And thank God he’s not a Quarterback.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
JMAC IS THE F’N MAN!
The line about McFadden getting his hands near the ball, and the blitzing Ivy League QB are tasty. Well played.
Love the insight- I remember back in the day when I couldn’t even get my hands on what the preseason schedule was, but now daily updates from training camp!!!
Thanks man.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
“Blackholepriest Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 10:04 pm”
Fine Post! (despite your usage of “beast”)
July 27th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
last 2 nites have been a bit slow here in the comment section…
July 27th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
we most definetly have the best secondary in the league hands down only who come close are denver dallas and baltimoe and GB and philley bur we are clearly better yhan them
July 27th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
MHR Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Sheeit Face: Constructive?? You mean like your post #4? Very constructive.
Calling people retarted is very “adult” Sheeitforbrains!
MHR – Thanks for proving my point. (It’s spelled retarDed)
Does anyone have any recollection of where we were at this point during last year’s training camp? (Aside from the obvious absence of JRuss) I don’t think we heard much good news this early into the camp. At least we have a coach who has a system in place and a set started at QB. I think things will begin to look up in the coming weeks.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Jerry…thanks for another training camp update. We do appreciate all the little nuggets of gold you’re giving us. It appears you’re working overtime to fill us in on these happenings. Thanks again…Go Raiders!
July 27th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Six weeks until game 1. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr I want to kick some donkey butt.
Thanks Jerry for the best camp updates out there.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
i can always look at jerrys archives marked july and august 2007 if anyone is really curious to know
July 27th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I think B4 years end we will be in the top 5 teams in pass defense. Our speed on defense is phenomenal. Our run defense may take a while to really be good but I think we have the potential to be good. GWilson will stop a lot of long runs and i think will change the mindset of our run defense and I think that will pay huge dividends.
My earlier post was not meant to throw certain indivduals under the bus but to get fans to understand the huge asset Big Al really is to this organization.
Kiffin has the team, it’s his but the biulding of that team takes mre than just knowing college talent. You have to know how to navigate this league to your benefit and that’s where Big Al is second to none.
Dakota , COW and Koolkell I have respect for them as Raider fans but sometimes they let the media dictate to them a bit too much. JMHO
July 27th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Jerry – I take it you obviously stay in Napa? Are you at the Marriott? That would be one helluva commute…
July 27th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Ahhsheeit, brotha we are light years ahead of last year. I think we have a legit HC now. One that has real ability to be special, a running game that’s in the stratus sphere. A secondary that’s the best B4 we even touch the field. An offense that has confidence. A defense anxious to prove themselves.
This team is totally different from last year. Last year I just wanted to see Russell ……….period. This year I can’t wait to see what damage we can do in this league.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Juss a question, what makes a Head Coach good? Is it really the numbers in the Win/Lose category? I would like to think no, but then again I would be hard pressed to say other wise.
July 27th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Hope this morning was the last of the missing practices for K Harris and his lower back pain. Enough is enough, he needs to be in every practice and he needs to practice
and practice his pass blocking. I’m not impressed with one good block against Edwards. Harris needs to do it every down. Good to hear no penalties for off sides. That’s an area of deep concern. We’ll always among the top five teams, usually top 3, for most penalties. First and fifteen or first and twenty is a hard way to go and can stop a drive real quick.
Sounds like Darren McFadden knows when to turn on the after burners and when to look extra sharp…”when Al Davis” is watching. Hey, the kid is smart, he’s only “20-freaking” years old. Can you imagine all the upside ahead for him if he can stay healthy…years and years…and all for Raider Glory. Nicely done Darren!
Sounds like James Lofton is a big up grade at Wide Receivers coach. He’s getting on and staying on their butts when they slack off for even a second. Atta Boy!
Seabass missed wide right…what’s new? Nothing! Ya, it was 57 yards, but no one was rushing, no one was in his face. He need to draft a kicker next year. Although, I
hope Seabass “finally” starts to come through this year and makes some freaking kicks.
Go Raiders.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
“For those that have the widely held belief that Big AL should die or remove himself fron any rganizational dealings. Think about this, Hall, Wilson and maybe Walker would not be here …”
…….
How many wins have they brought us thus far?
July 27th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Blackholepriest Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
“I think we have a legit HC now”
..,.
I think so, too. But does Al Davis think so? Because if half of the stories the press has reported since last season are true, Al believes his wife could coach the team better than Kiffin.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
BlackHolePriest…post 31:
You just hit me with a sledge-hammer. Nice Going! You’re
so right on…That’s basically what I wanted to see, Russell and his power arm. Win a few games and see what Kiffin could do. But you’re so right, now I want to see all those wins, but I also want to see the damage we can do defensively and offensively. It’s all forward from here on out…no more stepping back. Let the damage begin.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
# Anthos Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
“we most definetly have the best secondary in the league hands down only who come close are denver dallas and baltimoe and GB and philley bur we are clearly better yhan them”
…..
That’s a pretty high ranking for them not yet having played one game together. And don’t leave out the Davis/Ryan 4 man rush, Cover 0 factor. Davis and Ryan can make a decent secondary look like the worst. And, some guys that have worn the silver and black have said the same thing.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
MR, thats funny, 75% of the stories are fictional
July 27th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
AL DAVIS IN THE CART WATCHING PRACTICE….WOW..
July 27th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
H/D, which stories are fictional?
July 27th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Mr nobody beleives in Kiffin more than save maybe his dad monte. I thought kiffin got a little lippy last year, and he was too worried about life after ad. He has a smaller target this year. He just has to run the offense. he is still the youngest hc in the league. he will be until Pats oc josh mcdaniel gets the nod which based off of his inability to run and switch up the play calling against the giants, might be a mistake. Kiffin needs to grow. He ran his mouth and he might have put himself on the hot seat. by the way, he will be good hc either way. i really hope he is here the next 10 yrs or at least 4.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Jruss is 3bills, Aso wont sign or show to camp, Walker has broken jaw and orbital socket, Al wrote up Kif’s resignation letter, Kif wants to coach college, shall I go on
July 27th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I don’t think it is a good sign or does it lend to the HCs confidence when the boss (Big Al) hires replcements for you and a few of your staff before the season starts. I am in agreement with those who think Kiff is a slow start away from packing his bags and heading back to So. Cal. I think AD’s trigger finger is itching to let Kiff go.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Los Angeles Raiders:
Ya, Al Davis misses nothing. He hears and see everything and he spends every waking minute studying charts and films and detailed notes. But, the best of all, by far, is his “willingness” to spend the money to improve the team. He’s the only owner who is more concerning in winning than in individual wealth.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
bhp, I can’t help to agree with you that this team is talented. The lines are still suspect, but if the Raiders see what they bet on in players like Kelly, Richardson, Sands, warren, Kwame, Henderson, the lines will be that much better for everyone that performs as expected.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Not going to get into it with you, but its my belief that most if not all the unabstantiated stories are just rumor inuendo and bs. forgive my spelling
July 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
H/D RAIDER FAN
You’re so right on about all the bull sh&t that comes our way. It’s never going to change. We’re a good team to hate, from our colors, our fans, our swagger and history of being the bad boys. We’ll take your out cast, your throw away, and we’ll turn him into a productive player, etc. etc. We’re also a good target for the media because many footballs fans out there want to believe anything negative about the Silver & Black / Raider Nation.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Well I disagree, I think Big Al is pulling for his young coach. I’m of the belief to the contrary.
Big Al will wont to see how this team responds to Kiffin when the going gets rough. If they fight for him or quit. That will be the determining factor.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
I like the fact that the players are being held accountable and being made to run laps instead of being fined. This team sorely needs some accountability after the previous 4 years. Lofton sounds like a good assistant coach. Hate to say it but Freddy B’s squads had been lacking in the discipline department. Lets hope we get some wins so Kiff can implement his systems and make some changes around here for the better.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
KIFFIN WAS A BETTER COACH THAN WALSH..CALLAHAN..ART SHELL..NORV TURNER COMBINED
July 27th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
CUT GRANT IRONS…HES A WASTE OF SPACE!
July 27th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
WILL HOLLAND BE A BREAKOUT RECEIVER FOR US??
July 27th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
JERRY – WHERES ZACH MILLER? Has he caught a pass or is he busy trying to block Derrick Burgess? I haven’t heard one freakin word.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
GOOD POINT HUFF..iVE HEARD MORE ABOUT MADSEN AND grant irons than our rookie bright spot from last year
July 27th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Riverside Raiders Fan Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
H/D RAIDER FAN
“You’re so right on about all the bull sh&t that comes our way. It’s never going to change. We’re a good team to hate, from our colors, our fans, our swagger…”
…..
Our swagger?!? Surely you’re joking. We’ve won 19 games over the past 5 years. We haven’t won 3 consecutive games since 2002. The media may hate the Raiders (more like Al Davis) for a lot of reasons, but being envious of a supposed “swagger” is certainly not one of them, because for 5 years now there has been no swagger to speak of.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I personally was pulling for Grant Irons to make an sleeper impact on the team, to step up in the Sam Linebacker spot, but in the recent news that there is a decent competition for the spot that causes me to withdraw my opinion. If Robert Tomas, Ricky, or Sam can take the spot and really keep it, Im all for it.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Blackholepriest:
You’re right about Al Davis pulling for Kiffin to succeed and you can “obviously” see it in the way Kiffin is handling the current situation and the team and coaches as well.
Just take his media comments to the press and their comments back about the players and the practice sessions. Kiffin is in control, he’s sharp and he comes across totally in control. Think back about the media sessions with Callahan, Turner, shell and they’re all pieces of garbage. As coaches, they were never in control, were never sharp and never had any insight.
Callahan mumbled, Turner barely talked and Shell just dribbled utter nonsense. It’s night and day. Kiffin will get us at least nine wins, I feel 11 to 13 wins.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
sam williams or robert thomas..who are we better off with ?? ( hartwelL)/
July 27th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
MR
You’re right about the swagger. We haven’t had it the last five years and I should have clarified that. WE did have a “swagger” for 35 years, from the late sixties through 2002 and I was basically referring to that. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get that swagger back. Hopefully it will be this year.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Russell will no doubt be our Leader and will help restore our Swagger
July 28th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Riverside, we had a swagger from the late ’60s to the mid ’80s. After ‘85, we had one big year with Bo and one good one with Hosstettler, everything else was a fog until Gru arrived. And, yes, by 2000 we certainly did have a swagger again. But that swagger was no match for the swagger of the guy who had the power to pull the plug on the whole thing, and he did just that when he refused Gruden a new contract after the ‘00 season.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Raider Raul:
Yes, Russell will help, along with McFadden and Bush if they play to potential. Our receivers will help as well.
Winning enough games to get us into the playoffs and the Super Bowl would help the most. But, along the way, it takes “BIG HITTERS” that will put the fear of God into our opponents. Gibril Wilson is lighting that fire, we need to learn how to spread it to the other players, we need to start breaking the spirits of our opponents.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:09 am
MR
I can’t argue with you on that. I couldn’t believe it when Al refused to give him the big contract. It cost us the Super Bowl. Gruden was a work-freak. He would be in the office working and studying film at 4:30 in the morning. Al has done a lot of good things but I must admit he’s made his share of mistakes. But, it shows he’s only human. I feel he’s done more good than bad and you must admit, he’s not afraid to spend money (if it’s well spent or not, time will tell).
July 28th, 2008 at 12:12 am
For me, the worst part bout our last superbowl apperance, besides score gap, was that we lost simply because we got out coached, players on the bucs defence callin out our plays for before the snap knowing exactly what to do and how to stop it.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I think it was the third play of the game, when Woodson intercepted the ball. He would have had six with a breakaway as the sideline was clear. After that play, the nightmare began … it’s been going on for four years.
Last year was a losing season, but we were in so many games going into the forth quarter and we had JR, Bush and a new coach, so I was hopeful. (Bush never played, JR only here and there late into the season.)
July 28th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Actually I think Cally opening up the offense and putting teams away, other than that four game losing streak, is what got us to the Super Bowl. Gru was a little conservative. He took a championship caliber team in Tampa and put them over the top with his knowledge of the Raiders O and Gannon. We were not set up to beat the Miami’s, Baltimore’s and Tampas of that day. We probably would have lost to the Eagles blitz happy D if McNabb didnt throw the game away versus Tampa in the NFC title game.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:27 am
To this day, I still can’t believe Tampa pulled out that win. We would have matched up much better against the Eagles, blitz or not. Gruden had our number, the score proved that. The alcohol, drugs and women in TJ didn’t help Barrett Robbins and that hurt our offensive line.
Lincoln Kennedy forgot how to block a defensive end all night. Gannon got sacked so many times I lost count.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:49 am
Kwame reminds me a lot of Mario Henderson as far as the interview on raiders dot com is concerned. Harris is certainly bright, having played at Stanford, and that was one of his pluses coming out of college – that and his speed. His knock was dedication and strength, also two of Henderson’s (Henderson also had limited experience). Harris did make a very well thought out decision on where to go – he had a few offers and decided on the Raiders because of the system and Tom Cable. That, along with his candid remarks about the level of dedication needed to suceed at the NFL level tells me that he is 100% devoted to making this situation work. Gallery couldn’t hack it because his arms are too short and his base is too narrow to anchor effectively. I think Harris has a better frame, and once he learns the blocking scheme he has a chance to be a strong LT – if not, he will be the same as Barry Sims, maybe even worse in the pass game, but certainly the west coast quick pass game and requirement for the tackles to get to the second level quickly will play to his known NFL strengths. We’ll just have to give him the preseason to prove himself, but we don’t have a lot of other options, so if we can get a proven vet that can hold his own when the rosters are reduced throughout the preseason, we should jump on it – Henderson is obviously another year away and if he doesn’t show something this preseason, he might not make the final 53.
One thing is certain, this year will determine our next two drafts – we either need a bunch of pieces on the o and d line we or will just have a couple more holes to fill (RT, DT, SLB). Arguably we may still need LT, G, C, RT, DT, DE, MLB, #1 WR, SLB, all of which need to be round 1/2 quality – that could take 3-4 more years to get through the draft because I think we’re tapped out on high priced FA’s.
For the Al haters (and I don’t agree with him on more than 50% of what he does), he did a great job this offseason – he should not have paid Kelly that much money because even if he turns out to be one of the best, he isn’t yet and coming off an ACL, shouldn’t have gotten a much better deal than Sands did a year ago. Other than that, We had to have a legit #1 WR with a good attitude – Walker is a gamble, but when he is the guy and getting paid like it he doesn’t complain. Porter didn’t care to work hard enough (other than on his abs), didn’t have the ability to stretch the field, and just wanted money. He made some nice plays, but they were schoolyard “wow” plays, not the product of good route running, reads against zones, etc. Other than his off the field incidents (where he did nothing illegal, by the way), everyone seems to live Javon and we should expect some great things from him this year – as with most of Al’s contracts, if he stinks it up the deal is backloaded so it’s effectively a three year deal, which will give our young WR’s a chance to develop. Shields in particular looks like he has the skills to be a #1 guy, and Carter has put up good numbers considering he was stuck behind Steve Smith in Carolina.
As far as Jamarcus is concerned, it’s great that he’s getting to face one of the best back 7’s in football with Howard and Morrision being two excellent pass defenders at the LB position and arguably the best secondary in football. My concern with him is not facing man defenses like ours which his talent should be enough to torch with decent pass protection, but rather the sophisticated zones that the majority of the rest of the league uses that Rob Ryan has never been able to implement here – we may have the top man d with our new acquisitions, but it’s at the expense of teaching the ways to beat zone schemes which requires film study, practice repitition, and game experience. JR may be able to beat the vanilla stuff that Ryan runs and the “scout team” looks he’ll face on a weekly basis, but come game day, what worked in practice against poorly executed schemes operated by the scout team is not going to work at the same speed and quality of the real opponent. Kiffin should no doubt know this, and hopefully Ryan will give some serious attention to practicing zone schemes at a high level, not only for JR’s sake, but for the sake of the D because we can’t run man to man or man/zone combos against 4 and 5 wide – there’s just too many ways to beat a man D with those alignments.
Anyway, that’s my pre-pre-season take for training camp. At this stage there is no going back from a Man Scheme. Al has acquired two of the top 10 cover cb’s in the league and paid big money. A #7 overall pick is at FS, and we now own the leagues 3rd highest paid SS. Add in pash rushers at strong DE, DT, NT (Warren), and Edwards at rush DE, and this team is the reincarnation of the 80’s raiders in terms of personnel styles. Rob Ryan may be fired if he fails this year, but we’re not paying Aso and Hall to be cover 2 or zone scheme corners. We will see if this outdated scheme can still work as an every down base D, and if so, Al gets the credit.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Lincoln did suck big time in that game. Barret usually knocked his man down or chipped them then helped whomever needed help. We missed that but that was a long time ago now. Time to move on. We still haven’t found good lineman. I think we still miss Bruce Allen and whoever the heck he had working for him. Al should throw some money at him to bring him back. I doubt he would come back though. I thought he would take over the reigns one day.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:01 am
JediRaider:
Good nite and have a super Monday. Loved your input and insights…interesting read and very convincing. Nice post.
Good nite to all of Raider Nation. Go Raiders.
July 28th, 2008 at 1:22 am
If we can rack up some points with our new offensive weapons and make teams throw…look out!
Posted some new stories at http://www.raidernationstation.com if anyone gets bored.
I love these from camp blogs from Jerry.
Awesome stuff…
July 28th, 2008 at 2:25 am
Let’s all let the loss in the super bowl to Tampa go and move on…..
July 28th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Thanks Jerry,
As usual, second best thing to being there.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:54 am
Aw BHP are you still being Al’s athletic supporter? Man get over it. It’s obvious you are on the payroll specifically to propaganda Al. Nothing’s been won yet so let’s reserve the praise you throw at him at the end of the season.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Great! love your article,Go Raiders
July 28th, 2008 at 4:17 am
Riverside Raider – Good posts – It would be impossible for anyone to argue that Al’s worst character flaw is his inability to work with coaches – he gives them so little credit and I think he really believes games are won and lost on his ability to judge talent. He is probably never wrong in his own mind and it’s the coaches job to make the players live up to thier potential. Trading Gruden was a terrible mistake during a superbowl run and punking Kiffin like he did was really just obnoxious. You’d have thought he’d learned his lesson hiring yes man Art Shell and the personality-less retread Norv Turner, among so many others that tell him what he wants to hear. Al is a great judge of talent, but NFL teams have evolved in player scouting to the point where there are no more hidden gems. In today’s NFL, finding a good coach, maintaining continuity in scheme, and drafting players to fit that scheme with the salary cap in mind are the most important keys to winning.
What I do like about this offseason is that Al went after young FA’s and traded for a young probowler in Hall. That’s a far cry from the salary cap killer deals for vets on their last leg that we’re used to. That’s what got us into the losing streak for the last 5 years – we have nobody left from 2002 with the exception of our K and P, so we essentially were worse off than an expansion team because we had so much dead money against the cap. Add in 4 coaches with different schemes and we couldn’t even establish a consistent draft/FA strategy to rebuild. All that considered, we played to the level of an 8 and 8 team last year and acquired Franchise players at all key skill positions.
The one thing nobody can contest is that Al will do whatever it takes to win, especially when it comes to paying players. I just hope Al realizes that coaches are important too and he’s got a good one in Kiffin – we don’t know what Kiffin’s ultimate motives are (e.g. go back to college as a HC) and it’s possible that he took this job just to further his career and intended to move on as soon as he got a better deal. In that regard I don’t blame Al for going after Lofton and Hackett, and especially Lofton because he will have a lot more respect for Al than Kiffin just due to the history between the two.
This is going to be an exciting year, and there should be no excuse for not competing for the playoffs.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Yo fellas I am as scared as any Raider fan out there, but I think this years team is different. Lets give everybody the benefit of a doubt, and that includes Kwame Harris. Let the past with the winers be the past. No he is having problems with our ends but if you look at it from our stand point, that’s a good thing. It shows us that Brad Roll has had a impact on this team and the opposing QB’s will have hell to pay. Trust in Kiffin! We will be prepared for the season. I am willing to bet my salary on that. Get ready for some exciting football RAIDER FANS!!!!! We will be better than everybody’s expectations. Shock the World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Jediraider, good post. I believe that the rumors about Lane Kiffin looking for employment elsewhere are true. I dont think Al woke up one morning and just decided to fire Lane. He knows that would be the begining of the end of this young team. Now Im not saying Lane has no reason to look elsewhere, because we all know that Al runs his team they way he wants,always has. My point is Al is a extremely successful business man,thats why he brought in Lofton and Hackett, just in case. Anybody who owns their own business on any scale, knows the #2 man is there to replace the #1 man. What worries me is the raiders may be caught in a limbo year. Lane has to have a quick start this year, if not the merry go round begins again. With all this talent and money invested it would be a mega blunder.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Lol funny…………im beyond words right now about how I feel about our team a lot of good new comming from camp its great to see our secondary making plays out there. Jruss won’t face many teams with our type of speed in the secondary so that’s helping him big time. I just hope RR mixes it up and show and throw different things at jruss so he can make the correct reads when we play the exotic zone blitz defenses like one poster pointed out. I can’t wait till preseason begins!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Nothing new on Jamarcus’s blog since June 14th. I know he’s been busy but… lol
July 28th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Although a lot of us feel that we will reach 500, and some think we’ll make a run at the playoffs, we are not getting any love in the ESPN power rankings.
I will go on a limb and say that YEAH, we WILL win at least 8 games this year.
We have to be aware that us in the Raider Nation are more optimistic than the rest of the NFL community.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I’ll bet MR an Eastern European hooker, that we win at least 8 games….but you have to come to Copenhagen to collect if you win ha ha
July 28th, 2008 at 7:07 am
No laps ran this practice. Kwame looking better on pass protection vs Edwards this practice. I smell progress (sniff, sniff). And JR will benefit greatly as a result of the unbelievable talent in the secondary.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:08 am
So would these WRs. It makes them all better.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:09 am
First!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Hey whats up with Zach Miller and Javon Walker not a peep out of them, thats scary.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:24 am
During our latest stretch of loosing seasons, the only thing that we had to look forward to was training camp. How can you look at the roster this year and think we aren’t at least an 8 win team. Last year we won 4 and 3 of our losses were by a combined 7 points. We should have been at least 7-9 last year. The weak link was the inability of the D to hold a lead.
How can you compare last years group of WRs, RBs, and DBs to this year’s from a talent aspect? I don’t see Mike Williams on this preseason roster. I don’t see the cancer that is known as Jerry Porter on the roster. I don’t see Lamont “I hurt my back gorging twinkies” Jordan on the roster anymore. I don’t see bowling pin Stu on this roster. I don’t see Fabian “my play fades like bleached blue jeans” Washington on the roster. I don’t see Daunte “limited playbook” Culpepper on the roster. The only player we lost that I was hoping we could retain was McCown as he would have been a better back up that Walter or Tui.
I see new faces in Hall, Wilson, Walker, Harris, Edwards, and McFadden who are all upgrades in talent over player that were cut, traded, and not retained.
I see a young QB in Russell who will make his share of stupid mistakes, but who has the potential to be our best QB in a while.
As my name states, I’ve not been the biggest Al Davis fan, but you have to admit, he spent his geriatric heart out this offseason. Hopefully, it pays dividends.
All those that bemoan the team and insist we are a 4 win club again, I just don’t see where you are coming from. Admittedly, we still have a lot of unknowns (run D, OT play), but we are headed in the right direction.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Don’t worry bout zack miller ya boi is gonna be a monster this year no doubt! With the attention of them tall fast boys on the outside and the punishing run game in the trenches the middle will be an open playground for him! Just put the words miller time in the end zone cause that’s where he will be. Lets go raiders!!!!!!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:35 am
BHP,
Okay, Al signed a bunch of players with knee injuries and attitude problems, while ignoring the d-line, but you want to declare his current experiment a success after 4 days of training camp, lol. You really are viewing life through S&B colored glasses aren’t you!
Where has this genius Al Davis been the last 80 games?
You are right though, AD is responsible for the team we are going to be watching for the next 5-6 years…all those coaching changes and organizational instability has allowed us to draft in the top ten several times and to get J-Russ and McFadden. Whether or not Al will do something with them is certainly up in the air. If Al’s grand plan was to tank the last 80 games to get talents like Russell and McFadden, like you seem to think, well, I give him all the credit.
Way to lose all those games Al! I trust you completely now! We don’t need Kiffin, go ahead and fire his azz if we go 8-8 or 7-9, I mean, with this juggernaut you have built we should certainly go 10-6 and win a playoff game!
July 28th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I used to worship Al, until he traded in his bedpan for a pair of Depends.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:54 am
We need off. lineman of the likes of Steve Wisenski again. Mean, nasty, and most important he was tactical and smart. The defensive line, well I dont want to beat a dead horse, but IF we could almost stop the run this year, we could, shall I dare to say 9-7 and maybe a playoff game.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:59 am
BHP, this is just a bold faced lie. Who are you trying to fool other than yourself? Nice try..
Blackholepriest Says:
July 27th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
For those that hold the opinion that we don’t blitz, or have a blitz tendency. I’ve said this B4, you just don’t have a real undertsanding of our defense.
The truth is we bitz prob. 35% of our defensive plays. The problem is we weren’t that good at it, certainly not as good as I would like us to be
July 28th, 2008 at 8:01 am
its going down!! NATION our return to glory has begun.. & all you haters try the Kool-Aid or stay negitive its up to you… Glad to see Harris back on the field If Cable works his magic look out NFL THE BIG BAD RAIDERS are comming with something to prove..
Im so pumped!!!!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:05 am
No surprise here.
“Janikowski, who had nailed a pair of 43-yard kicks in an end-of-game drill earlier in practice, this time missed wide right.”
Cut Jano!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Calm down 408, lol, we will be big and bad once we get some decent offensive tackles and DTs…right now let’s shoot for respectable.
7-9 or better this year,
10-6 or better next year, w/ a playoff win
Super Bowl contender in 2011!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:17 am
A lot of our players were hurt last year. Most positions were revolving doors. kiff had a real rough first year and he didnt get any breaks at all.
He told Al his team sucked and Al said I will show you you little snot nosed punk.
Al believes in keeping all his employees living on the edge of a razor blade.
He hates complacenty with a passiion.
Turmoil is Als middle name.
Love him or hate him he owns this team and he loves it more then any of us snot nosed punks.
He promised to take us back to the SB and I believe in him with all my heart.
Kiff has something to prove and I think he is up to Als challenge. He has the team right where he wants in year two of the plan.
Best year ever!! Its not always about the SB.
By the way I’m a f in Raider fan
Any questions?
Dont waste your time.
Brett Favre must be someones bitch.
Or else he has been popping vicodin again in which case I forgive him
Thats stuffs tougher to kick then a jano field goal.
Our O line isnt renting any space in my head.
Thats for people who just cant roll the dice and go all in.
In Al we trust
July 28th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Jordan exit gets juicier
So, former Raiders running back LaMont Jordan got his wish — his release Friday — and signed for the Patriots. End of story, right?
Wrong.
It seems Raiders owner Al Davis is none too happy about his signing with New England, according to two sources — one close to the team, another within the league.
According to them, Davis told Jordan’s agent, Alvin Keels, that he would only release Jordan if he didn’t go to one of two teams.
Team No. 1: the Denver Broncos, for the obvious reasons.
Team No. 2: The New England Patriots, who Jordan signed with Saturday.
The reason? Davis felt burned by the Randy Moss trade last year, with the Patriots getting a record-setting season out of the wide receiver and the Raiders getting little-used draft pick John Bowie.
They say Davis does not want to see Jordan experience a similiar renaissance that comes back and bites the Raiders, particularly when the Patriots visit The Coliseum on Dec. 14.
David White
______________________________________________________
WTF? Why worry so much about an oft-injured, lazy, fat azz backup running back? Al, you are too worried (paranoid) about making mistakes.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Dakota,
We don’t need no stinking OTs or DTs. Just ask Al, lol.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:21 am
From Raidernationstation.com:
Al Davis has a plan that started 2 years ago with the selection of Jamaracus Russell and will end with a Super Bowl in 2010.
At least, thats the hope.
You see, in 2010, the teams lease expires.
Oakland Alameda is a smaller venue by some NFL standards and even with roughly 63, 000 seats, it rarely fills to capacity anymore. Piss poor performances by the Raiders have seen to that, as well as the deterioration of areas surrounding it.
Its not beyond the realm of possibility that Oakland could move again in 2010 or at least force a decision over whether to build anew.
If the Raiders are a play off team. or, football gods willing, Super Bowl Champions, the incentive and money would likely be there to entice them away.
Whether the City of Oakland could or would pony up the cash to keep them is another matter.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Jerry,
How about your opinion where this training camp team compares to last years and the year before. Do we look like a much improved team or a team still facing more adversity and lack of cohesion? Thank you.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Exla,
Are you hoping for a move back to LA???
July 28th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I have a feeling that AD will not deal with a player repped by Alvin Keels again. Keels is the agent that got Larry Johnson his big money contract with the Chiefs.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:31 am
Rapid City Raiders has a certain ring to it…
July 28th, 2008 at 8:32 am
lol
July 28th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Dakota
I’m not hoping for a move to L.A. I just want the Raiders to have the revenue streams to compete with the deep pocket teams. Unless they move to N.W. Ohio,(lol) I could care less where they relocate to or whether they remain in Oakland.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:36 am
The Rapid City Raiders could hold their training camp in conjunction with the Sturgis Rally. lol. That would toughen them up. lol
July 28th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’d like to see Jevon Walker try to spray the crowd at the Buffalo Chip with Champagne, lol.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Sturgis.com for 2008 info. August 4th-10th.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Dakota,
You been following the sale of our beloved Cubbies?
Price is over $1 bil… I’ll need another job ot two.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:47 am
BSJ,
Report over the weekend that Mark Cuban has the highest bid but the Commish is trying to put another group together as he fears the impact Cuban would have.
Cuban is 1 of 3 finalists. http://cbs11tv.com/sports/mark.cuabn.cubs.2.779814.html
Coulnd find the anti Cuban link.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Found it. Selig trying to manuver associate as he fears impact on White Sox.
http://www.sportsbusinessradio.com/node/1249
July 28th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Bo,
I would love to see Cuban as our owner. The Tribune Co. screwed us for years and the only reason they have been spending $$$ over the past 4 years is because they wanted to boost the sales price and it looks like it is going to work. The sale includes Wrigley Field doesn’t it? For 1.3 Billion I would hope so!
Cuban + no salary cap = spending spree…probably will not win us a WS, but it will be exciting.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Exla,
John Canning Jr already missed the cut…he is out of the running for the Cubs.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:58 am
waaaaaaaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaa
My rant didnt get any attention
I guess it isnt near as witty as I thought.
Maybe I best go back to the top ten QB’s of all time
July 28th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Give it time Andrews Mom, BHP isn’t awake yet.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Dakota,
I’m pulling for Cuban too. Can’t stand the Mavs and his whiny act, but for some reason I think he would be great for the Cubbies. An owner that cares about wins? I wouldn’t know how to act…
July 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Down but not totally out.
“The Canning group could return to the process, especially if baseball finds Zell’s recommended owner objectionable. Some insiders saw the rejection of the Canning bid as Zell trying to preclude a dictated choice by Major League Baseball.”
http://www.suntimes.com/business/1075311,wrig072508.article
July 28th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Interesting that Jordan signs with NE. What does NE see that most here can’t? Hopefully not the same thing they saw in R. Moss that none saw here as everyone here wanted Moss gone only for him to leave for nothing and go to NE and set records and lead the league.
After being burned like that it’s good that Big AL took his time and hopefully made the right choice. The last thing I want to see is another former Raider return to the top of their game after leaving the Raiders because the coaches couldn’t get the best out of the player.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:18 am
I can see it now. Cuban gets the Cubs then signs $900,000,000 in free agents in the first year he owns the team. THAT would be good for baseball. Another owner that can compete with the Yanks for every big name FA. With all his money, he’ll petition MLB to institute the DH in the national league so he can spend more monet to get Manny!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Money, not monet, unless Cuban is an art afficianado
July 28th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Raider training camp one-liners @ PFT.com
July 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I am sure Moss would have dominated with McClown throwing him balls in 2007, lol.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:26 am
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/raiders/home.htm
New post from USA Today.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Exla,
If Cuban wins the bidding and then FrankenBud and his cronies reject him as an owner and force his little Brewer’s buddy on the Cubs I will be pissed…I don’t know what I will do but I will be pissed!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Kiffin has alot of work to do and alot to prove this up coming season. Unless Kiff is a complete disaster early he will be given this season to prove his worth. We’ve been re-building throught the draft for the past 5 years like so many fans have wanted and losing like young inexperienced teams do and all fans can do is complain about AL.
Big AL gives this virtual nobody with no HC experience in Kiff a chance to coach a pro team. Well excuses aside, Kiff only won four games and we didn’t have a passing game nor a run defense. This year Big AL has added a few peices and both Kiff and Ryan will be closely evaluated as we should not have those same problems at least not to the same degree.
Warm and fuzzy personal feeling aside about Kiff, Norv Turner to date is still the most successful Raider Head Coach since the 2002 SB.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
McClown was Kiff’s choice and R. Moss has proven that he can produce with different QB’s throwing him the ball. lOl!!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Goon,
Ever wonder why Al had to give a “virtual nobody” a chance to be the head coach of the Oakland Raiders?
Al made his bed, now he has to sleep in it….wet behind the ears coach and all.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:41 am
BIG AL’s GOON Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
McClown was Kiff’s choice and R. Moss has proven that he can produce with different QB’s throwing him the ball. lOl!!
______________________________________________________
Like Aaron Brooks and Kerry Collins?
July 28th, 2008 at 9:44 am
If Al didn’t want to move Randy Moss, Al should not have traded Randy Moss. Remember, Al is the General Manager, not Kiffin.
If Al allowed himself to be manipulated into trading Moss by a 33 year old college assistant coach, against his better judgment, then he should retire from the game immediately.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Dakota,
It won’t let me post about the Curse of the Billy Goat on the Cubbies. I’ve eaten at Billy Goats under Michigan Ave., the basis of the cheeburger, cheeburger skit on Sat Night Live with Buluchi and Ackroyd.
http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html
July 28th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Let’s try it again: http://www.dacurse.com/
July 28th, 2008 at 9:50 am
The Raiders have not won for 25 years…is it time we announce a curse?
I nominate: The Marcus Allen curse. (can only be cured if Marcus Allen signs a one-day contract with the Raiders and re-retires a Raider)
July 28th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Big Al is the decider.
Moss wasn’t worth two Bowies.
Pride and Poise.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Lamont jordan will have issues just making the patriots team. If he does he will be low on the depth chart
July 28th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Dakota,
Careful what you wish for. With the hatred between AD and Marcus, we won’t win for 100 yrs. lol
July 28th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I think the curse has more to do with Bo and the freak leg injury.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:04 am
The curse on the Bengals continues:
“Defensive end Antwan Odom, the biggest-money free-agent acquisition the Bengals have ever made, emerged from the first training-camp practice with what appears at first blush to be (per Bengals.com) a “major injury” to his foot.”
July 28th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I think the curse has more to do with Bo and the freak leg injury.
_____________________________________________________
The Kevin Walker curse?
July 28th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Bo Jackson college highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVgfE_65Y8w
HD#37, even you should click on this one…
July 28th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Dakota,
MR could relate to that! lol
July 28th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Lafat Jordan should never have been allowed to desecrate and defile the #34.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:15 am
the only way Lamont gets a ring even as a Patriot…
is if someone hands it to him…
cause he damn sure won’t catch it…
July 28th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Al’s Bedpan
Post # 87 was just great and funny, great observations and promise for this upcoming season.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:17 am
For LaMont’s sake, I hope he does’t get a ring. He’ll eat himself out of the NFL on the banquet circuit,
July 28th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Lamont Jordan’s hands:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/2219727176_aeb51c43ba.jpg?v=0
July 28th, 2008 at 10:27 am
http://www.robertcomptonpottery.com/images/05-Bricks-Overfired-DCP_032-B.jpg
THESE are Jordan’s hands…
(okay, they’re replicas, still)
July 28th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Dakota Says:
July 28th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Calm down 408, lol, we will be big and bad once we get some decent offensive tackles and DTs…right now let’s shoot for respectable.
7-9 or better this year,
10-6 or better next year, w/ a playoff win
Super Bowl contender in 2011!
……………………………………………..
you dakota stop raining on my sunshine unless its with Kool-Aid LOL
July 28th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I found Al Davis’ senior picture:
http://www.flowerseast.com/Originals/PYKE/32224.jpg
July 28th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Sorry 408:
http://iris.nyit.edu/~tcappell/kool-aid.gif
No kool-aid found here.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I found this pictures of MR on his wedding day!!!
http://i5.tinypic.com/14acsqp.jpg
July 28th, 2008 at 10:41 am
S&B,
LMFAO! I wish I had found that one!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:48 am
good 1 dakota!!!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:51 am
666…..#150…
Always can use a good laugh, on a MONDAY.
Will have a smile, for the rest of the day. Thanx..{:
July 28th, 2008 at 11:00 am
909raiderlifer
How did the brisket taste? after 4 hours I sure hope is was good.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I need more news!
July 28th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Dakota — You got me with Bo. His career would’ve been compared to Jim Brown’s, had he stayed healthy just a few more years. It was sad to see the way that clip ended. I can happily say that I saw many of those pro plays in-person, including two of his longest runs. Two of those longest runs were against Cincy — in one, he leapt over the guy who eventually ran him down from behind — Bo said it was the first time he remembered that happening after he had reached full-speed. He was just tired after the hurdle and 80-yards of dust.
Bo Jackson was the greatest athlete of his generation, and should be remembered for the great running back he was more often. I’ve had the pleasure of telling him that personally. Career-ending injuries should not keep a player from the Hall Of Fame, if in a relatively short period of time that player has proven to be as special as Bo was. They’re so rare, and it’s sure nice to have been witness to what he did while he was healthy.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Traning Camp Baby!!!! So much good news…it’s been a long off season!
July 28th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Dakota — You got me with Bo. His career would’ve been compared to Jim Brown’s, had he stayed healthy just a few more years. It was sad to see the way that clip ended. I saw many of those pro plays in-person, including some of his longest runs. Two of those long runs were against Cincy — in one, he leapt over the guy who eventually ran him down from behind — Bo said it was the first time he could remember that happening after he had reached full-speed. He was just tired after the hurdle and 80-yards of dust.
Bo Jackson was the greatest athlete of his generation, and should be remembered for the great running back he was more often. I’ve had the pleasure of telling him that personally. Career-ending injuries should not keep a player from the Hall Of Fame — if in a relatively short period of time that player has proven to be as special as Bo was. They’re so rare, and it’s sure nice to have been witness to what he did while he was healthy.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:30 am
You got me with Bo. His career would’ve been compared to Jim Brown’s, had he stayed healthy just a few more years. It was sad to see the way that clip ended. I saw many of those pro plays in-person, including some of his longest runs. Two of those long runs were against Cincy — in one, he leapt over the guy who eventually ran him down from behind — Bo said it was the first time he could remember that happening after he had reached full-speed. He was just tired after the hurdle and 80-yards of dust.
Bo Jackson was the greatest athlete of his generation, and should be remembered for the great running back he was more often. I’ve had the pleasure of telling him that personally. Career-ending injuries should not keep a player from the Hall Of Fame — if in a relatively short period of time that player has proven to be as special as Bo was. They’re so rare, and it’s sure nice to have been witness to what he did while he was healthy.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Wow — sorry about that triple post — somehow it got lost in the ether for awhile. Thought I was banned for a minute!
July 28th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Al’s Bedpan…post 87:
Many of us feel as you do. Great post on your part. I’ve been claiming 11-5 with a possibility of 13-3 depending on our first three games. We should go 3 and 1, but maybe 4 wins for us into the bye week. We play the dischargers in game 4 at home, and if we’re coming off three wins, we’ll be hard to beat at home. LT has lost a step and crys over an little injury. The dischargers have Turner for a coach, and that’s an automatic step downwards for them, year after year, until he’s gone.
Yes, don’t be surprised if we go 4 wins, right out of the gate, and then these same “sport media jerks” will start jumping on the Raiders band wagon, the same team they all hate and they always rag on.
Go Raiders…4 and 0 to start and then relax and regroup during the bye week…for what: For a run at our division and onward.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Read an article on Jay Richardosn from sfgate.com..
For some reason we seem to think that the Richardson we saw last year is the same guy we´ll get this season, as if young players don’t usually get better with experience.
Here´s a guy with ideal size at 6′6 280 to play both End spots and maybe even move inside on certain (passing) situations. He could bring a lot to the DL if he keeps improving, as he should.
“Last year at this time, (Richardson) was just trying to get lined up,” coach Lane Kiffin said, “Now he’s recognizing things and seeing different things around him…”
On the flip side, I´m pretty certain Tyler Brayton made all-rookie team and that didn´t turn out so well. Of course, Richardson is not being asked to play OLB.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Dakota,
Like Aaron Brooks and Kerry Collins. How witty, but no. How about Randall Cunningham, Gus Ferrotte, Bubby Brister, and D. Culpepper. Moss posted numbers with all of these QB’s while in Minny. Also while Aaron Brooks turned out to be a wash out Kerry Collins has been the best post-Gannon QB to date.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Also, some encouraging comments from Kiffin yesterady about Sands:
“Q: You talked at the mandatory camp about Terdell [Sands]. What do you see now? He looks fairly enthusiastic out there, and he’s bouncing around a little bit more. Does he look like he has kind of turned the corner in that way?.
Coach Kiffin: Terdell [Sands], two years ago before I was here, had a good year and did some really good things. His weight was down, and he was going the right direction.
(Now) His weight is down. It is as low as it has been since I have been here, but not as low as it was two years ago. He has a good bounce to his step and he is practicing harder. He is focused on football.
We need him to play and we need him to help because he is a dominant run player at times and if we could get him to do that at a consistent level then it would be an exciting thing.”
July 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am
new post
July 28th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Jediraider you are a dumbell……………period
July 28th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Jediraider you are a dumbell……………period
July 28th, 2008 at 11:59 am
New post NATION
July 28th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Dakota,
Big AL has always given “Virtual Nobodies” a chance that he feels has the talent and ability to do the job. The list of people that Big AL has given opportunities to is vast. But if your a Raider fan of more than 5 years you should know this.
As for that bed thing, Big AL is one of the winningest owners in the NFL historically and currently. That’s a pretty nice bed to lay in.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I wouldn’t call Big AL trading Moss after the HC expresses that Moss won’t fit into his plans as manipulation or Big AL being manipulated; for me it’s more of Big AL giving his coaches what they want/need to succeed.
After the season was over and Moss broke records and lead the league Big AL was rightly upset that he let an elite player/talent go for basically nothing.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
The Super Bowl. The reason we lost to Tampa was simple. Gannon did not throw the ball over three yards. We ran the West Coast offense and Tampa is a Cover 2 D: in other words they were made for it. We beat the Bucs two or three years prior to the Bowl
(45-0) and two years later.How? We ran Wheatly down their throats! The Bucs could never stop the run! We should have played smash-mouth Raider football and we would have destroyed them. Instead we played right into their hands. Not true? When Norv was the coach we beat the stuffing out of them in Oakland, because we ran the ball. Gruden is not that good, we just handed it to him.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
#166
I hope you are the troll because that is a very ignorant statement. I can count on one hand the number of posters whom seem to have exceptional Raider football wisdom and jedi is at the top of the list.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Madden ratings…
Oakland is looking absolutely FILTHY!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
BHP – Why am I a dumbell in your book? Constructive criticism and discussion is a good thing – go after the post, not the poster – just win baby!
July 28th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Jery, please get rid of all of this idiots submitting comments about their response time than cogent statements. I read your column because of its depth and knowledge not because you publish first.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
My dad actually worked on the preliminary naming rights deal with the potential stadium at Hollywood Park in L.A. in the 90’s (could have been Home Depot Stadium, or simply “The Depot”) and a couple other advertising deals. Al doesn’t care about money above and beyond what it takes to win – he can afford to pay his players because the of the salary cap and revenue sharing deals, but he can’t really afford top flight personnel guys and some of the other perks that players like. A dedicated football stadium is absolutely necessary as a recruiting tool and revenue stream. If Al can get a new stadium to keep the team competitive, he’ll move it to Mars, pure a simple. The money isn’t for him, it’s for the team, pure and simple. The same guys that were working on the stadium deal back then, are the same guys that are trying to lure a team back to L.A. The Raiders, Rams, Panthers, Saints, and Vikings are all close to the end of their leases, and all are good candidates to relocate. The situation in Oakland is really good to keep the Raiders here. The A’s are moving which means the stadium can be converted into a dedicated football facility, and with a relatively cheap remodeling job (compared to building a new stadium), I think a deal can get done.
June 18th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Tamiflu warning….
Tamiflu for prophylaxis. Tamiflu warning. Tamiflu thiemerosol. Tamiflu….
April 28th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
cell fix educational institute found in Hubballi-Dharwad…
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