Who’s missing at Wednesday OTA
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am in Oakland Raiders.
As the Raiders completed stretching and broke into position groups for drills, the following players were not present:
P Ricky Schmitt, QB Jeff Garcia, P Shane Lechler, PK Sebastian Janikowski, WR Arman Shields, QB Andrew Walter, RB Justin Fargas, FS Hiram Eugene, S Mike Mitchell, FB Oren O’Neal, DE Derrick Burgess, WR Javon Walker, DT Terdell Sands, DE Jay Richardson.
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) was on the field running through drills with the receivers, and DT Gerard Warren (pectoral) was also suited up.
This doesn’t preclude the possibility of some players appearing from the locker room after this post . . . will check in later.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
June 10th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Where’s Garcia?
June 10th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Heard he’s anticipating the birth of his child
June 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am
What’s Garica’s problem? Why isn’t he there? So, this is what JRock is supposed to emulate? Also, I think Jerry’s going to post more often now that D. White is tweeting.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Bo, nice comments about Cable on the last thread…I don’t think those things will translate into winning seasons, but I understand grasping at any and all positive steps…that is how far the mighty Raiders have fallen.
Statistically we have to come out of this sometime right? That probability and our young players on the team are the only things that still give me hope.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Eugene us in according to David White twitter.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I think we can put a fork in Shields now!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Good job Jerry, keep it up sir.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
He’s done!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Has Walter taken a single snap yet? How long until we finally send the dude packing?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Arman will be gone!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I wonder what’s going on with Mitchell? There’s no way that classes are still in session back in Ohio.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
REPOST
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Dakota Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Raider O,
That’s what people probably said in Idaho after his first season. After 4 full seasons he was 11-35 (and lost 4 games to schools in lower divisions, lol). I know Al didn’t know any of this when he hired him as HC, but hey, Al isn’t big on logic.
I have a feeling that when all is said and done in the Tom Cable era people will be saying Tom Cable was who we thought he was! (Dennis Green). Nice guy in over his head.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More telling than his Idaho gig is his time as OC at UCLA. Better athletes and competition there, and since his playcalling is a huge worry, we should look at his stats:
2004: averaged 410 yds./game on offense; total rushing yards nearly doubled over 03, going from 1,195 to 2,219.
2005: averaged 431 yds./game; fifth in nation in scoring (39.1); 23rd in nation in passing yards per game.
AND as OC at Colorado in 1999, his offense was ranked 14th nationally at 424 yds./game
One can cherry pick his Idaho record and remain pessimistic. But at Idaho he ran a West Coast offense (yards were still 400+). I’d say his playcalling skills are reflected much more accurately in the instances listed above.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Mario at LT and wade at C!! Where is Barnes??
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
We should of let Walter leave a long time ago
June 10th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Why isn’t Mike Mitchell there? Is school still not out? It’s June 10th, is he is summer school with Chainsaw and Dave?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Terdell Sands is missing? Doesn’t sound like the actions of a guy who SHOULD be fighting for a roster spot.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Bo, that would give me comfort had we simply hired Cable as OC.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Great post BSJ.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Let’s cut the Turd already!!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Any tweets?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:10 am
YoungAmerican Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Has Walter taken a single snap yet? How long until we finally send the dude packing?
________________________________
Al is terrified that if he releases Walter the Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, or Patriots will pick him up and turn him into the next Montana. Yeah, crazy I know, just ask Lamont Jordan and Michael Bush!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
DMAC Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Let’s cut the Turd already!!!!!!
=======================================================
Would Terdell Sands be here if BJ Raji or Ron Brace or Tank Johnson were on the roster
June 10th, 2009 at 10:15 am
SinceFrankYouellField Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:21 am
I think it is inappropriate to call J Russell a bust after what was basically his rookie season as a starter under extremely dysfunctional circumstances. It is also inappropriate to refer to Tom Cable as a “dipschit” after his rookie season as a head coach under the same circumstances. He tried some bonehead stuff to make something happen…and learned from it. Just like J Russ, he got better as the season progressed. He LOVES being a Raider, can work with the Owner under the “Raider” system, is apparently a good motivator. I anticipate improvement, not miracles, on both sides of the ball. Get ready to be impressed.
^^^^^^
Pisses me off that the old man didn’t pick Brace or Gilbert when he had the chance.
I like Mitchells skills and lets hope he ends up being productive.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Not picking Gilbert hurts me the most
June 10th, 2009 at 10:21 am
What the F**k, is everyone tweeting?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Al is terrified that if he releases Walter the Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, or Patriots will pick him up and turn him into the next Montana. Yeah, crazy I know, just ask Lamont Jordan and Michael Bush!
———————–
Yeah, and the absurd part is, Al might even have a point. God knows how many of the players on our roster could be Pro Bowlers on other teams.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:23 am
A lot of starters missing. I wish I could decide to not show up at work and still get paid.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Who knows with Walter he is younger than Warner in his SB yr and same age as cassel, Al must believe he is worth a certain amount of picks and won’t take anything less,
June 10th, 2009 at 10:29 am
What is Arman Shields waiting for? Does he not realize this is it man. If he does not perform he is out of there!!!!
Get that bum leg going man. Maybe he is waiting for the real deal practice and they are just holding him out. Who knows?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Shields is done!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Walter never stood a chance once he was drafted by us and subjected to the Al Davis-Art Shell treatment. He is done…PTSD from that year.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:31 am
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
REPOST
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Dakota Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Raider O,
That’s what people probably said in Idaho after his first season. After 4 full seasons he was 11-35 (and lost 4 games to schools in lower divisions, lol). I know Al didn’t know any of this when he hired him as HC, but hey, Al isn’t big on logic.
I have a feeling that when all is said and done in the Tom Cable era people will be saying Tom Cable was who we thought he was! (Dennis Green). Nice guy in over his head.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More telling than his Idaho gig is his time as OC at UCLA. Better athletes and competition there, and since his playcalling is a huge worry, we should look at his stats:
2004: averaged 410 yds./game on offense; total rushing yards nearly doubled over 03, going from 1,195 to 2,219.
2005: averaged 431 yds./game; fifth in nation in scoring (39.1); 23rd in nation in passing yards per game.
AND as OC at Colorado in 1999, his offense was ranked 14th nationally at 424 yds./game
One can cherry pick his Idaho record and remain pessimistic. But at Idaho he ran a West Coast offense (yards were still 400+). I’d say his playcalling skills are reflected much more accurately in the instances listed above.
———————————————————
BSJ is exactly right. Criticizing Tom Cables head coaching record at Idaho is a bit ridiculous. When was Idaho ever on the map?? It’s not like he took over a vaunted USC like juggernaut and ran it into the ground. Gruden did that. Gruden took over a world championship team that had a multi year playoff run, and did not even have a winning record the next year. Or how’s about maddenraider saying Kiffin would win more games than Tom Cable. Actually, after going 2-2 in his first four games, Kiffin compiled a 3-13 record before being thrown in the dumpster. Cable was 3-3 in his last six. And Kiffin is somehow better?? Give me a break.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:32 am
we shouldn’t mind the vets not being there,it’s learning time,not competition time.this way the younger guys get more reps and more 1 on 1 coaching.there will be plenty on time for competition during training camp.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Andrew Walter should have been traded/released after they drafted Russell and brought in Culpepper AND McCown.
Walter deserves a chance to continue his career somewhere and the Raiders are foolishly tying up a roster spot on this guy.
Did the Raiders need 4 QBs in 2007? Could the Raiders not have used a veteran prescence last year to help Russell through the regular season?
Davis pulled this similiar b.s with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. Afraid they were going to a division contender when the Raiders themselves were way out of contention. Could have given Bush a few starts at teh end of that season…who knows…could have changed the draft strategy in 2008.
Davis has to focus on winning games. I don’t see how keeping Walter in pergatory helps that.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
These OTA’s are pretty weak if you ask me. I have read them all on that dudes twitter page, and it’s no wander we suck so bad. My pop warner practices were about 50x more hardcore than this crap. We’re in the 3rd OTA or 4th OTA this year and Cable is still “teaching them how to do the position drills in slow motion” according to david white. WTF is that about? Do some drills, run a few plays and call it a day, weather we get the plays right or not? That doesn’t sound like a very professional way to conduct things, especially if your goal is to win games. I don’t buy this crap about “oh, it’s only OTA’s, there’s plenty of time…” F that! Now is the time! That’s what this time is for, it’s for working out the kinks, and hammering away until you can do it perfectly every single time. If we keep dogging it like this it will be just like last season. We get blown away in the first half of the season, get a little better in the 3rd quarter of the season, and then, by the time we get it right, the season is over. We need to be working as hard as we can to get those things right RIGHT NOW. That way we can be the team the comes blazing out the gates blowing other teams away for a change. I would think that would be common sense to all coaches and players, but apperently not in Raiderland.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:34 am
lol, Oakglenn, how did you manage to bring Kiffin into that Cable conversation?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Lefty,
Terdell Sands needs to be there. He should be fighting for his roster spot right now.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Team drills and DC John Marshall a yeller: “(bleep) we’re too soft!” after run play
1 minute ago from mobile web
_______________________________
Already a major improvement over Rob fukin Ryan! Ryan would have said hey, we are great!…and then he would have bought them all pizza for almost making the play.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Explain this rediculous line to me will you. “Nnamdi Asomuaga, is covering Randy Moss…or the player they got for him, John Bowie.” Again I must ask, WTF?! Is this guy telling me that a CB is somehow covering another CB? Are they trying to convert John Bowie to a reciever, or are they just being extreemly foolish? I guess it comes to the same either way.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:38 am
http://twitter.com/bydavidwhite
Team drills and DC John Marshall a yeller: “(bleep) we’re too soft!” after run play
less than a minute ago from mobile web
FS Hiram Eugene getting checked on, Michael Huff with the first team defense. welcome back.
10 minutes ago from mobile web
Nnamdi Asomugha covering Randy Moss … or the player they got for him, CB John Bowie.
10 minutes ago from mobile web
OL coach Jim Michalczik seems pretty quiet, hasn’t raised his voice once in the offseason when media is out here.
12 minutes ago from mobile web
everything so far has been position drills in slow motion, lots of teaching and explaining going on.
21 minutes ago from mobile web
It’s official: Darrius Heyward-Bey is back practicing for the first time in a month with no-longer sore hamstring.
31 minutes ago from mobile web
John Wade still working first team center, rest of the unit is the same with Mario Henderson at LT.
33 minutes ago from mobile web
Hiram Eugene is now in the house, manning first team TE.
35 minutes ago from mobile web
and lastly, no DT Terdell Sands. Tommy Kelly and Darren McFadden back after week off.
about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Injured list remains DE Jay Richardson, WR Javon Walker, WR Arman Shields, FB Oren O’Neal. All knees.
about 1 hour ago from mobile web
Usual missing suspects add up to 11 noshows for voluntary workouts.
about 1 hour ago from mobile web
No RB Justin Fargas, QB Jeff Garcia, FS Hiram Eugene not here.
about 1 hour ago from mobile web
we’ll start with roll call: DT Gerard Warren back from pec injury, CB Nnamdi Asomugha back from offseason.
about 1 hour ago from
June 10th, 2009 at 10:38 am
that is your opinion,not the team’s.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:40 am
One can cherry pick his Idaho record and remain pessimistic. But at Idaho he ran a West Coast offense (yards were still 400+).
__________________________________________
Who cares about the Idaho record if any body followed that close would no his first year as a head coach was their first or second year in A DII Divsion or what ever they jumped up to from JV….look it up!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Do you people read?
“This doesn’t preclude the possibility of some players appearing from the locker room after this post . . . will check in later”
June 10th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Voldemort,
I don’t know man…it is only June and we have an almost entirely new coaching staff….but I wish each team had to televise one OTA each offseason, and then we could sit back and compare a Patriots OTA to the Raiders OTA to get a better idea if our HC has any idea what he’s doing.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Voldemort, They are OTA’s (Organized Team Activities)! lol
What did you expect? Nothing but teaching goes on at these things. The only people that put so much stock on OTAs are reporters. And by the looks of it, you.
Main thing that goes on at OTAs is kicking the tires, intros to scheme, bringing up FAs and Rookies to speed.
What did you expect to hear?
You’re comparing this to pop warner? LOL!!! I remember how disorganized kids are when they are learning to play. The only thing they can do is learn to hit, take a hit and catch. These are pro’s buddy. It’s all about timing and exact route running.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:46 am
DHB caught a ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wasn’t from Russell, but still!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:47 am
J-Rock: 8 handoffs no passes, and over to the bench.
Gradkowski: first play is a pass to Z Miller.
I must say, when you have a QB that is badly struggling to hit the broad side a barn, not letting him throw in practice is a very intiresting and unique way to adress the problem. What do you think about this approach Dakota?
June 10th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Voldemort….Russell’s new pot belly may take a few OTAs for him to get used to when handing the ball off to the RBs…one step at a time baby!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
There you go Voldemort, he just threw two TDs from the six yard line…
June 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
bydavidwhiteRussell throws consecutive TDs from 6 yd line, high 5s all around. Laser to Reece at back of end zone perfect
June 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Now a 25 yard TD to Miller….uh-oh…is our defense that bad? lol
June 10th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I’m calling it right now…based on this OTA, Russell is going to the HOF!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:56 am
and a TD to Michael Bush underneath. 4 straight Td throws, best red zone drill of the year. By far.
David white TWIT
June 10th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Jerry Mac….get with the program and start Twittering!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I’m calling it right now…based on this OTA, Russell is going to the PLAYOFFS in ‘09!!!!!
you heard it here first!!!! Double shot of Kool-Aode this way!!!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Good, Michael Bush got a catch. Hopefully we hear more Michael Bush exploits this year.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:00 am
“Russell throws consecutive TDs from 6 yd line, high 5s all around. Laser to Reece at back of end zone perfect”
You guys can stop panicing for OTAs. lol
June 10th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Fumbled snap….you are fired Wade!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:00 am
I wonder where’s Huggy Bear??
June 10th, 2009 at 11:01 am
http://www.sfgate…
June 10th, 2009 at 11:02 am
Barnes still playing second team LT? Bummer.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Kool-Aode this way!!!!!!!
………………………….
maybe I should just have a sinlgle!!! LOL
*Kool-Aide
June 10th, 2009 at 11:04 am
maybe I should just have a sinlgle!!! LOL
*******************
Maybe I should quit drinking or hit spell check!!!
*Single
June 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Go McFadden!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
get him Ricky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Oak your already drunk off kool -aid….that a boy
June 10th, 2009 at 11:07 am
not really,Dakota.let Barnes and Henderson both get reps there before deciding who starts and who might have to move.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Lefty, you might be right…keep the pressure on Henderson until the preseason and then move Barnes to RT?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Branch cant keep up with Dmac!?!?!?!?!??!!?!??!?!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I always try to get David white to talk to me along with a bunch of other people twitter sucks no one ever talks to us raider fans!!!!!!! any one know how to use this thing?????
RICKY BROWN 4 PREZ!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
I thought Branch was pretty fast himself?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
DT Tommy Kelly with his second offsides. Been a problem throughout offseason workouts.
*******************************************
He smells the Doughnut in Jruss’s hand warmer!!!!
Just playin we love you J-roc!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Oh oh. Time for Barnes at first team LT.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am
DAMN Twitter! Can’t get from my job!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Barnes is in….sack, sack, penalty, sack, penalty, DUI, sack…
June 10th, 2009 at 11:12 am
OAK,
“Based on this OTA”
LMFAO , you don’t need anymore KookAide!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:14 am
DMAC, Try going directly to David’s blog:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=41500#readmore
Should work for you.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:15 am
TH is doing well, I think he will have a PB year with Marshall at DC.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Barnes is in….sack, sack, penalty, sack, penalty, DUI, sack…
_____________
LMFAO thats funny shizz…DUI..LOL
June 10th, 2009 at 11:16 am
where are the panicky worry wart little girls now after hearing about those TD passes from Russell?
Is he the worst QB ever or a HOFamer now??
Which extreme is it?
Sheesh….
And now Jerry,
Don’t get involved in tweaking and tweeting….
Let David White do the leg work and act like a girl…..
LOL
June 10th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Can someone copy and paste from twitter please, I can’t!
It will be a great help for our brother DMAC.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:17 am
# Dakota Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:34 am
lol, Oakglenn, how did you manage to bring Kiffin into that Cable conversation?
————————————————————–
Dakota, I Had to take a shot at MR while I had the chance!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Thomas Frikken Howard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Thanks guys!
Good looking out!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Thomas Howard can’t hold end zone pick, second time he’s read a Russell goal line pass
June 10th, 2009 at 11:19 am
DHB is running fine. Not fast, there isn’t room to go far in red zones. Hiram Eugene still out at FS.
less than 10 seconds ago from mobile web
June 10th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Oak,
LMFAO at post 82.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Did it work DMAC?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Thank you 4eva, classy as always.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am
My Work PC just blocks twitter completely…
June 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am
DHB can’t hold onto a comeback throw with a CB on him tight. Always struggles to catch iunder pressure.
half a minute ago from mobile web
June 10th, 2009 at 11:22 am
=)
June 10th, 2009 at 11:22 am
SnB Defense Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Andrew Walter should have been traded/released after they drafted Russell and brought in Culpepper AND McCown.
Walter deserves a chance to continue his career somewhere and the Raiders are foolishly tying up a roster spot on this guy.
Did the Raiders need 4 QBs in 2007? Could the Raiders not have used a veteran prescence last year to help Russell through the regular season?
Davis pulled this similiar b.s with LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes. Afraid they were going to a division contender when the Raiders themselves were way out of contention. Could have given Bush a few starts at teh end of that season…who knows…could have changed the draft strategy in 2008.
Davis has to focus on winning games. I don’t see how keeping Walter in pergatory helps that.
——————————————————-
Well said SNB! The way the crucified Walters under the Art Shell era probably took about three years off of this kids game. It was painful to watch what that kid went through man. He is getting paid but he deserves better. You know if he was in New England, I hate to say it, he would most likely be a great back up QB.
To sthis day it sickens me to see what they have dne to Michael Bush. This guy should be getting touches every week. If we let Bush go he will get 1200+ yards a game easy on any other team except the Lions. If Bush goes to the Donkeys I will puke!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
DHB Dropped another pass!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Never miss an opportunity Oakglenn.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Cut him now!!!
He was a reach!!!
He dropped too many balls in OTAs!!
I’m playing!! Some are not!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Hey O
Was he wide open?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
2B fair DHB is going against Nnamdi or CJ man this kid is gonna be great practing against the BEST!!!,imo
June 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
“This doesn’t preclude the possibility of some players appearing from the locker room after this post . . . will check in later.”
# DMAC Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:00 am
I wonder where’s Huggy Bear??
June 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Ahh, I got it now.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:27 am
O,
Relax buddy, running fast in a straight line is the most important WR skill, catching the ball isn’t very important.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
lolololololololololololollolo
June 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Three horns, interview time.
3 minutes ago from mobile web
June 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
CJ Legend,
I am glad I am not the only one who feels that way about Michael Bush.
I think he should be the primary running back….he could be like Michael Turner…except he can throw and catch the ball….Quite frankly, Justin Fargas should be traded or benched. I don’t see how you can play 3 running backs in a game successfully.
The carries should be something like 20+ carries to Bush and 10 to 15 carries for DMAC with DMAC getting additional touches through the passing game.
Stop this B.S’n around with trying to gerryrig a way to give Fargas carries because of his loyalty to Cable.
What would Bill Belicheck and other do. Just play the best players and be done with it.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
4evaRaider Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
2B fair DHB is going against Nnamdi or CJ man this kid is gonna be great practing against the BEST!!!,imo
———————————————-
That is a good point man. Playing aginst Nnamdi and CJ will payoff. I just have this gut feeling DHB can be a special player man. It is going to take some time!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
D-HB will have some transition time to deal with in 2009. Chaz Schilens will be the main man this year…in fact he will be the main guy for the forseeable future.
DHB will be a great number 2 option….but I believe in the long-run Schilens is your guy.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am
# SnB Defense Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
CJ Legend,
I am glad I am not the only one who feels that way about Michael Bush.
I think he should be the primary running back….he could be like Michael Turner…except he can throw and catch the ball….Quite frankly, Justin Fargas should be traded or benched. I don’t see how you can play 3 running backs in a game successfully.
The carries should be something like 20+ carries to Bush and 10 to 15 carries for DMAC with DMAC getting additional touches through the passing game.
Stop this B.S’n around with trying to gerryrig a way to give Fargas carries because of his loyalty to Cable.
What would Bill Belicheck and other do. Just play the best players and be done with it.
——————–
Ditto.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Raider O Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
DHB Dropped another pass!!
^^^^^^
OMG!!! It’s time to pull your hair out!!
Sheesh….
June 10th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Well Jerry said that Burgess isn’t at the OTA’s, but I better consult Victor Vicodin to make sure this isn’t just media spin.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am
SnB,
Who do you think should be getting the bulk of carries late in the game?
On the one hand, Bush’s two biggest runs came at the end of games in which the defenses were already worn down. Perhaps at that point, defenses don’t have the mental and/or physical will to bring down a big back like Bush.
On the other hand, give McFadden openings like the ones Bush got in the 4th quarter vs. Tampa Bay and he’ll easily take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
I really don’t know the answer. My gut feeling is to run Bush heavy early and give DMac a good amount of touches as a runner/WR, but keep DMac fresh enough to take advantage of worn out defenses late in the game. What do you think?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:39 am
D
How the hell does Kobe miss 5 free throws?! When was the last time that dude missed 5 free throws in a game? That one he missed late was painful, he was repeatedly punching himself in the forehead.
Will the Lakers just hurry up and end this sh1t already?! The Magic shouldn’t even be making this thing close. Where’s that killer instinct that all Championship teams have? Put your foot and their throat and don’t let up until every last breath of life has expelled. Or something like that..
June 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Sounds real good 2 me Chris
June 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
# Raider O Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:15 am
TH is doing well, I think he will have a PB year with Marshall at DC.
———————-
Totally agree. Howard is one of the hidden gems in the NFL. Most athletic LB in the league, IMO. Why the Raiders haven’t used him more as a blitzer is beyond ridiculous. If Marshall uses him like that a reasonable amount of the time, he’ll have double-digit sacks.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
“Russell fumbled snap, first of day, the guy is showing more fire about mistakes each week.”
Not bad for someone that doesn’t care…
June 10th, 2009 at 11:41 am
It’s all money Dogg!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
DK,
I was playing bro!!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
For those of you who can’t see twitter from home, check out this proxy page I set up: http://www.colchado.com/raidermight/twitterproxy.aspx?twitteruser=bydavidwhite
Comes from one of my domains, which your company doesn’t block and lets you see the page.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Marshall+Peterson= pro bowl
Marshall+Howard= Pro bowl
June 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
DMAC
I’m not a Laker fan or a Magic fan, but the officiating has been piss poor at best. I am so tired of officials influencing the games’ outcome.
I wish the NBA was more like the NHL in the playoffs, just let ‘em play!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:43 am
DMAC,
He was covered, but I was playing!
June 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
If Kobe or Lebron screams while going up for a basket it’s a foul automatically
June 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
DMAC Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:44 am
If Kobe or Lebron screams while going up for a basket it’s a foul automatically”
Players slip and fall and they call a foul on the nearest guy.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Chris in NY,
Preferably, you see more Bush late in the game because tired defenses will start arm tackling. you can’t bring down a guy like Bush with arm tackles. He punished Tampa and gave K.C fits.
However, I wouldn’t even get that sophisticated in trying to get a particular player more carries at any time in the game.
Just call the plays given down and distance and feed the ball to Bush and DMAC. Some games you might end up with a DMAC vs. K.C type game….the next game it could be a Michael Bush smashes Tampa type of game. Cable should always call the plays as the game dictates.
The bottom line is that both DMAC and Bush need to get 15 or more carries a game each.
This nonsense of handing out 8 to 10 carries (which is what will happen if they try to get all 3 the ball) will not allow any running back to get any traction. Which in the end leads to frustration, losses and a top 10 draft pick in 2010
June 10th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Thanks raidermight, but it still doesn’t work for me
June 10th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Does anyone know if they will be doing two sessions today?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Oh well. I guess they do a lot more other connections to Twitter.com than I thought.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Hey Dogg
It goes way back from the MJ days
Couldn’t breathe on the guy
June 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I was listening to a BSPN podcast with Mark Schlereth yesterday. They were mostly talking about the 49ers QB battle but then briefly touched on the QB situation across the bay.
Schlereth: I’m going to make a prediction. By Week 5 Jeff Garcia will be the starting QB in Oakland.
Which reminds me, I’d like to start a list of all the joker NFL analysts like Schlereth, Peter King, etc. who are already writing off JaMarcus as a bust, and a separate list of writers/analysts who have said it’s too early for that kind of talk (including Jerry Mac) or who are on record saying JaMarcus will be very good. This way, when (hopefully) JaMarcus tears it up, we can hold clowns like Schlereth accountable for their ridiculous comments and not let them pretend like they knew it all along as they usually do.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:49 am
DMAC
What about officials that are on the far side of the court calling inside fouls that they don’t even have a clear view of?
June 10th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Fargas has been loyal to the team not just Cable.i know you guys hate him,but don’t make sh!t up to back-up your points.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I don’t hate Huggy Bear, but there’s two backs better than him who should be touching the ball much more
June 10th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Fargas can block, DMC needs work, and I don’t know if Bush can.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I Didn’t see enough of Bush to tell if he is a good blocker or not.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:59 am
bull-all you guys either want him traded or cut.then you come back and say we don’t hate him,we just don’t want him getting any playing time.granted,Bush and Mac both have more talent but Fargas has been a great team player ever since he has been on the team.also,since all 3 have pretty much the same YPC avg.,why not let Fargas get carries early when the Def is fresh,then hammer them with Bush and Mac-that is if you are going to give Fargas any carries at all.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Lefty,
I agree that Fargas has been very loyal, and is a good leader. We have 2 young RBs that are able to help the team a lot more than Fargas, they need to play more.IMHO
June 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
lefty12 Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Fargas has been loyal to the team not just Cable.i know you guys hate him,but don’t make sh!t up to back-up your points.
=======================================================
First of all I don’t “hate” Fargas. Second, why should loyalty to the team have ANYTHING to do with who is starting in the lineup? What is loyalty by the way? Are you telling me that Ashlie Lelie wasn’t “loyal”? How about Ronald Curry battling back from several knee surgeries? Art Shell is a Raider?
Look, its business man. You have to play the best talent. To me, Bush and DMAC can be SPECIAL running backs….game changers….guys that can go in and take over a game. Justin Fargas is a decent running back. He can give you good carries, but too many of his games last year were not impact games…they didn’t dictate the tone.
I just think trying to find a way to get 3 backs enough carries will end in failure. Bush and DMAC are younger, stronger and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Get the playmakers on the field! Same with Johnnie Lee Higgins. He should be on the field more as well.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
RaiderMight Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
For those of you who can’t see twitter from home, check out this proxy page I set up: http://www.colchado.com/raidermight/twitterproxy.aspx?twitteruser=bydavidwhite
Comes from one of my domains, which your company doesn’t block and lets you see the page.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AWESOME. Thanks!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Lefty,
I don’t think they have the same YPC AVG. DMC and Bush were around 4.5, and he was under 4 as I remember sir.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Lefty
Do you want loyalty or wins?
June 10th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
The NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA are businesses
June 10th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
i too believe Bush and Mac should be the main backs in our running game,but i don’t dislike Fargas like most of you.he has been a good Raider.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I don’t dislike Fargas, but I think DMC and Bush should get more carries. Fargas can be our 3rd RB on the Depth Chart, he is still a leader and has a lot of passion for the raiders.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Kirk and Fargas grew up as Raiders Fans!! I like both players a lot based on that alone.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Lefty12,
Al Davis and the Raiders have set up Fargas’ fate. You don’t draft a running back with the 4th overall pick and then use him as a freakn role player…..Michael Bush was drafted at the top of the 4th round, nurtured back to health, and kept on the roster despite several trade offers…to have him be a goal line running back.
And as for Fargas. he can’t stay healthy. he can’t catch the ball out of the ball field and his yards per carry last year was uninspiring. If he wasnt’ 29 it might not be an issue. But at 29 he needs to be in full stride and meeting his full potential.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Bush showed he wasn’t a team player last year,IMO.Mac didn’t play more than 3 games in a row without getting hurt.while i’d love to see Mac get at least 30 touches a game,we don’t really know if he can handle it.so many on here worry about Russell,we should be concerned that Mac can be a 30 touch guy.
btw,O,Bush is a very good blocker according to Cable,hence why they wanted him to play FB last year when all our other FBs were injured.the problem with both him and Mac is they weren’t adapt at picking up blitzes last year.hopefully both will show tremendous improvement in that area this year.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Raider O,
I don’t think fans hate Fargas at all, it’s just that we have two young backs who have shown tremendous potential whereas Fargas has been pretty good and plays very hard but has never really great.
McFadden was a two-time Heisman runner-up. Bush was among the top-5 Heisman favorites the year he broke his leg in at the end of a game he ran for something like 150 yards and a few TDs. They’ve both shown elite ability in college and flashes that their ability translates very well to the NFL in the few chances they’ve had. We just think it only makes sense to see more of them out there than to keep them on the sidelines while an OK/good veteran back like Fargas takes a big chunk of the carries.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
RaiderDogg Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 11:49 am
DMAC
What about officials that are on the far side of the court calling inside fouls that they don’t even have a clear view of?
^^^^^
Directly from JOEY CRAWFRAUD….one of David Sterns THE puppetmasters hand picked PUPPETS!
Crawford was making shady weird calles all game long yesterday!
It was a joke and he should be FIRED!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
yea,we sure saw how Macfadden could stay healthy last year.how many RBs stay healthy for all 16 games a year?i’d guess not many.Fargas isn’t any more injury prone than other RBs.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Fargas? He is the perfect guy to come off the bench and be ready at a moments notice. And he’ll make millions being prepared to come in. But thats his role this year (I hope) and nothing more.
Its not like we’re talking about the second coming of Vance Mueller:
http://www.raiderdrive.com/vance_mueller.htm
June 10th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Chris,
I agree. I was very happy with the Bush pick, so I didn’t want DMC.
After a few games, I understood why we drafed him. It wasn’t just the speed, in one game he had 3 tackles!! He wants to win, he can catch, run, and he can score on every touch. Amazing talent!!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
True O,
Although, I’ve gotta say I hope he never has another 3 tackle game again. LOL.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
DMC, Bush, DHB, JR, and Thomas H are amazing talents.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Chris,do you read the comments on here?most of those that post on here hate on the guy,then say they don’t.comments like -we should trade him for whatever we can get;he should’ve been cut yesterday;we don’t need him,we’ve got Rankin.as i said,i agree Bush and Mac should be the 2 main RBs,but team players like Fargas are what makes winning organizations.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Dogg, Kobe choked last night big-time…might cost them the title. Even Stan Van should be able to see that the Lakers can’t handle guard penetration, which they used to win game 3 and were winning game one until they went away from it…
As to the refs…plenty of bad calls both ways…
June 10th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Fargas again? Has such an irrelevant player ever garnered this much attention from a fan base before?
June 10th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Chris,
Agreed. LMAO
Bush: 6′2 250, and runs a sub 4.45. He played QB at HS.
DMC: 6′2 215, and runs a sub 4.3!! He played the WC a lot in college, can catch, and he can return.
TH: 6′3 235+, runs a sub 4.4 and has good hands.
DHB: 6′2 215, and runs a 4.3!!
JR: 6′6 unknown, runs a sub 4.85, and has a cannon for an arm.
We need an Oline now. IMHO
June 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
# lefty12 Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Chris,do you read the comments on here?most of those that post on here hate on the guy,then say they don’t.comments like -we should trade him for whatever we can get;he should’ve been cut yesterday;we don’t need him,we’ve got Rankin.as i said,i agree Bush and Mac should be the 2 main RBs,but team players like Fargas are what makes winning organizations.
————————
I hear you, but I think people really just say that stuff because they want an assurance that DMac and Bush will be the primary ball carriers. The only way to get that right now is for Fargas not to be around. Not saying I agree with trading Fargas for that reason, but I think that’s the mentality of the fans who appear to be hating on Fargas rather than true Fargas hate.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
First play of afternoon 7 on 7 drills and Russell is down clutching his knee
less than one minute ago from mobile web
June 10th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Just play the best players. Young players need reps if they are ever to develop into anything more than role players themselves.
Perhaps if Fargas was given the ball earlier in his career, he could have really exploded. But the Raiders kept yet another young player under raps behind a string of old veterans….
Bush in particular would be a starter, or get significant carries, right now on several teams (Bengals, Browns, Eagles, Texans, Packers, Lions, Broncos, Chiefs, SEAHAWKS, Cardinals, Saints, Bucs, Colts, Pats)…..Oakland has to get this guy on the field. And not just as some Goal Line back. Bush is a 20 carry back
June 10th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
If nothing else, this should be fun in Madden!!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hell yeah O
Can’t wait
June 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
OTAs: first thoughts
The Raiders wrapped up OTA practice today in Alameda. Here are my initial thoughts and observations with more to come later.
** Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is at voluntary OTAs for the first time in two years. He missed the first three weeks taking care of personal stuff but decided to join the team this week.
He must be wondering why he bothers, at least on the practice field. Not a single throw went his way.
When rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey lined up against him on the left sideline, JaMarcus Russell never looked to that side of the field as he dumped a swing pass to fullback Lorenzo Neal on the right side.
It isn’t like the defense is that tough to learn under new defensive coordinator John Marshall. If nothing else, the highest-paid player in the NFL is being a leader by being here.
“We know the game plan, pretty much know how to play,” Asomugha said. “On defense, it’s going to be the same stuff. And on offense, it’s going to be what they were doing last year.”
So much for Marshall really changing things up. Tom Cable wasn’t kidding when he said the defense would stay the same, only it will be taught better.
** Heyward-Bey is back after missing a month with a sore hamstring. He caught one pass against the defense and could not hold onto two other attempts when the cornerback was all over his case.
Because they ran so much red-zone defense, he never got to test his speed with a deep route. He’ll have to keep working on going after the ball in coverage instead of waiting for it to get safely in his chest.
** JaMarcus Russell had by far the best red-zone practice of the offseason, throwing touchdown passes on four straight plays — two to end 7 on 7s, two to start team drills.
More on that in tomorrow’s paper.
** New quarterback Charlie Frye did not play in any team drills. Bruce Gradkowski ran the second team with Jeff Garcia absent for a second straight Wednesday for personal reasons.
Justin Fargas and Terdell Sands were also absent.
** Center John Wade remains with the first team. Left tackle Khalif Barnes split snaps with Mario Henderson on the first team, something Tom Cable said started last week to ensure they got equal snaps.
** Free safety Hiram Eugene hurt his back during practice and was replaced by Michael Huff in team drills.
** One more note on Asomugha, comparing Marshall to Ryan.
“It’s definitely different. They are two completely different people. Rob is fired up all the time. John takes a back seat a lot of time and lets his other coaches do the entertaining. He’s still a good coach. I like what he’s doing now. Right now, we’re still playing man. That’s not going to change. But, as far as his philosophies and teaching the game, teaching us to play better as a unit, I like what he’s doing.”
Posted By: David White (Email) | June 10 2009 at 12:14 P
June 10th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
you are right Dakota.way to much time spend discussing him.but i wouldn’t call him irrelevant.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Huggy Bear has been good to the Raider Organazitaion, but I think it’s time to move on with DMC and Bush
June 10th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Nothing on twitter about JR!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
There are no “afternoon 7 on 7’s” practice is over. The JR post was a goof.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Just kidding about Russell Raider O.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Was Ronald Curry loyal? Didn’t Ronald Curry give his all to the team?
June 10th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Is the 2nd session closed to the media?
June 10th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
“but as far as his philosophies and teaching the game,teaching us to play better as a unit,…”-now that’s what we’re talking about.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I would like to keep Fargas on the roster, he’s a great insurance policy, but we can’t because Cable will script the first three series for Fargas and we will be down 21-0 before Cable decides it’s time for McFadden and Bush.
Fargas has naked pictures of Cable and Herrera making out in a closet at the teams HQ…only explanation for Fargas ever taking a snap when those other backs are activated.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Dakota,
Dude!! You are an …! I need to relax!!
That’s not funny!!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
actually the team was more loyal to him.what other team would have shown a 7th rd. pick the patience the Raiders did after 2 blown achilles tendons.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I hope the lakers lose.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
lol
June 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Karma: Kobe goes down with a knee injury. Orlando wins.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
if our def. played worth a damn under Ryan,we wouldn’t have been down 21-0 in the 1st qtr.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I spit in the eye of Karma!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
GO DUBS!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Lefty,
All I am saying is that Ronald Curry was loyal to the Raiders. He fought back from those ligament injuries…he was a hard worker, never complained….yet the Raiders still let him roll on out the door.
My point being, is that loyalty should not trump talent when it comes to setting the roster/starting lineup.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Dakota,
“Karma is a Biotch” remember?!
LMFAO
You have to learn the hard way, don’t you?!
June 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Dakota Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
First play of afternoon 7 on 7 drills and Russell is down clutching his knee
less than one minute ago from mobile web
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He wasn’t clutching his knee, he was pulling an unlit stogie out of his sock…
June 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
If Karma is real, then in my next life I am going to be a tree that is cut down and turned into a waterboarding device.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Dakota Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
First play of afternoon 7 on 7 drills and Russell is down clutching his knee
less than one minute ago from mobile web
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He wasn’t clutching his knee, he was pulling an unlit stogie out of his sock…
——————————————————-
No, he was reaching for his curly fires that had dropped out his pouch
hahhaha
June 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
new post
June 10th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Raider O Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Karma: Kobe goes down with a knee injury. Orlando wins.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are you suggesting Kobe/Lakers have a karma deficit? If karma did actually play a factor in the NBA, Paul Pierce would have blown out both knees soon after faking an injury and getting carried off the court in last year’s Finals. What a non-man.
June 10th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
BSJ,
No wonder he is calm all the time, it’s not a Stogie. It’s a blunt!! lol
June 10th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
S&B-i agree.i also agree Fargas should not get playing time over the other 2.but i don’t agree with all the negativity thrown at him.he has done what has been asked of him to the best of his ability.
i don’t know if i’d say Curry was so loyal.sure he fought back,he had to so he could continue his career.but last year when he was benched because he was dropping everything thrown at him,he biotched,whined and moped.if Bush and Mac start getting all the carries(like they should),i’d bet Fargas doesn’t act the way Curry did.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
and a DOH nut
June 10th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Calm down Dakota we never would win 4-0 with Magic a lot of jordan bulls series would go 6+ , Kobe should have relied on gasol more win game 4 and it all good.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!
June 10th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Dakota…post 171:
Good point. Something doesn’t make sense. Just like Sam Williams still around? Also, why do we waste a rooster spot for a long snapper, Condo? Ya, I know, he plays on special teams. Big deal, he does nothing on special teams.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:52 am
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