Starting rookie WRs a failed experiment _ so far
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Starting one rookie wide receiver, given the complexities of the position, is reason enough for concern.
Starting two, particularly with a quarterback struggling to find his own game, is a recipe for disaster.
Which goes a long way toward explaining why the Raiders have the NFL’s worst passing offense.
The re-entry of Chaz Schilens into rotation Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs should help, but it’s clear the Raiders have paid dearly through eight games for their decision to start both first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and fourth-round pick Louis Murphy.
Some of it was borne of necessity, with Johnnie Lee Higgins struggling after taking a huge shot from Eric Weddle in Week 1, combined with the broken fifth metacarpal sustained by Schilens on Aug. 18.
But a lot of it was by choice. For reasons known only to the Raiders (he could be washed up, in the doghouse or simply put on ice while the rookies play), Javon Walker is little more than a spectator, collecting $2.3 million this season and next season under the terms of his renegotiated contract.
Todd Watkins had a 28-yard reception in Week 2 when the Raiders beat the Chiefs but had done little else of consequence.
No effort was made to bring in a veteran receiver with a history of getting open who could pick up some first downs and mentor the younger wideouts.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell confirmed Thursday what Cable said about the bye week _ one of the primary goals was to get the ball to outside receivers.
The plan is to “just get some guys open and put the ball in their hands and let them run with it. Show what they’re capable of. That’s the thing we’ve been emphasizing this week in practice, just trying to let those guys make some plays.’’
According to NFL game books, Russell has completed 25.7 percent his passes attempted to Heyward-Bey and Murphy (16-for-63) for 248 yards, one touchdown and five of his nine interceptions (three intended for Murphy, one for Heyward-Bey). That’s a 15.7 passer rating.
Murphy, who caught a 57-yard touchdown pass in the opener against San Diego, has fallen out of Russell’s sights. Over the last four games, Murphy has caught a single pass for two yards, with four other catches for 58 yards coming from Bruce Gradkowski after Russell was benched against the Jets.
“I think in certain situations it just happened that way,’’ Russell said. “But now it’s a thing of spreading the ball around, trying to get everybody involved, so that we can become more deadly, different guys touching the ball, no telling what might happen.
“ That’s one of my jobs this week, to put the ball in each of the guys’ hands.’’
Heyward-Bey has never been a factor, catching five passes for 74 yards in eight starts. He’s been the intended receiver for 26 passes, 25 of them by Russell.
By contrast, Russell is completing 62.8 percent (27-for-43) of his passes for 414 yards, a touchdown and two intereptions when throwing to tight end Zach Miller on routes primarily in the middle of the field for a passer rating of 82.8.
Russell thinks the return of Darren McFadden, as well as Schilens, will open up the offense for the rookie receivers as well as everyone else.
“A lot, man. Just knowing that going up against those guys you have to mark ‘em down in your game plan, or what’s going to happen if McFadden goes out wide, or he’s in the backfield,’’ Russell said. “He’s a guy that’s going to have to be accounted for, just as well as Chaz.’’
Asked to assess his first half, Russell said, “I did OK, but it could be a lot better than what it was. Got some bad breaks, but other than that I think I can do a lot better.’’
He said he was happy with his checks from pass to run and vice-versa, and needs to work on ball security and getting a better feel for a pass rush.
PRACTICE UPDATE
Previously injured players such as Schilens, McFadden, Robert Gallery and Cornell Green are all on the field and appear on schedule to start.
No sign of defensive end Greg Ellis, who had arthroscopic surgery both his knee and shoulder. Nick Miller (tibia) and Ricky Brown (ankle) also remain out.
Glenn Pakulak, another left-footed punter who has spent some time with the Raiders practice squad, was spotted at the facility and will likely do as Ricky Schmitt did Wednesday _ go through an official “workout” which will help Higgins and practice squad returner Shaun Bodiford prepare for the Chiefs’ Dustin Colquitt.
More to come following Tom Cable’s post-practice press briefing . . .
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November 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have been saying this for how long! I must of posted this 20 times to spread the ball around bublle screens, screens etc. to let them win. LMAO!!! Jerry please tell them to read your blog more. Why did it take that long to think about it as a game plan?
—————————————————-
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell confirmed Thursday what Cable said about the bye week _ one of the primary goals was to get the ball to outside receivers.
The plan is to “just get some guys open and put the ball in their hands and let them run with it. Show what they’re capable of. That’s the thing we’ve been emphasizing this week in practice, just trying to let those guys make some plays.’’
November 12th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
“ That’s one of my jobs this week, to put the ball in each of the guys’ hands.’’
—————————————————
Oh, that’s one of your jobs this week, eh? How about EVERY week, JaBizzitch…
November 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Just around the corner. Almost there. lmfao.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
We have a whole team of 4.3,4.4 – 40 timed race horses who may catch 50% of the time and we are throwing bombs away!!!! With a bad line and a Qb with no accuracy.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
DO these guys know how stupid they are coming across to the public when they say things like –
“hey we can go undefeated for the rest of the year”
“we are looking good, looking good”
“we are going to the play-offs”
“Russel has been coming to work early”
“Russel will spread the ball around like other QBs”
“DHB caught one pass at practice”
“Murphy caught two passes”
“Cable went two weeks w/o pimp slapping anybody, he is cured”
When Chris Johnson starts to quote Lamont Jordan’s view on football, you are a bad team.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Ol JRuss just…will…not have any talk of him playing “bad.”
He did OK the first 8 weeks gotdamit and horrific stats will not sway him to think otherwise….I just wish perception really did control reality.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
thanks, Jerry. This dove-tails with what Timmie B said about the WR position. With everyone learning on the run, there isn’t the leadership.
Just remember, when JR showed up early that one day, that was more extra effort than the previous QB we drafted ever put in.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
B goes Hard Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Cable has already been told he wont be back next year……..this is fact
Al is contemplating stepping down
Now we must do these things
Hire Bill Cowher as GM/Coach
Install a 3-4 defense
Find a mid level vet QB
Get rid of Kirk,Farglass Russell, Kelly,Warren,Brown,Eugene,Green,Carlisle,Barnes and many others.
Draft Terrence Cody or Brandon Spikes with first pick
^^^^^^^^
All keys moves that must be made for the Raiders to actually get back to respectability and be a competitive football team again.
Will the old stubborn man do what he should have done 6 years ago??
He needs to hire a REAL GM/PERSONNEL MAN to make the football decisions with the GOOD coach like Cowher, Gruden, Holmgren, even Shanarat. (ShanaRat won’t come here but Gruden certainly might)
They need to trade for the next Kevin Kolb, (who is the next Matt Schaub IMO) draft a RT and sign a vet free agent RG or move L Walker to RG next year.
Drafting Brandon Spikes would be awesome….I would rather have them draft Suh ahead of Cody. Don’t know about Cody’s weight and if he would be able to play every down.
However, if they move to a 3-4 next year with the NEW GOOD AND CREDIBLE COACHING STAFF then Cody would be a good fit as a NT in a 3-4.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Kevin Cobb????? What the fu……! LMAO, twice!!!!!
———————————————–
DKnight007
They need to trade for the next Kevin Kolb, (who is the next Matt Schaub IMO) draft a RT and sign a vet free agent RG or move L Walker to RG next year
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I think I rather have Mcclain from bama at MLB.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
By Jerry McDonald – NFL Writer
Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Starting one rookie wide receiver, given the complexities of the position, is reason enough for concern.
Starting two, particularly with a quarterback struggling to find his own game, is a recipe for disaster.
___________________________
How come Al Davis was surprised by this?
And you’re going to start each game with “Verticals”?
November 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Bring back Chucky and hire Madden as a consultant.
November 12th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
CJ Legend 34 Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Kevin Cobb????? What the fu……! LMAO, twice!!!!!
———————————————–
DKnight007
They need to trade for the next Kevin Kolb, (who is the next Matt Schaub IMO) draft a RT and sign a vet free agent RG or move L Walker to RG next year
^^^^^^^^^
Kevin Kolb is the next Matt Schaub!
They should trade a 3rd rounder for Kolb as soon as they can before one of the many other bad teams in this league who need a QB get him first.
The Raiders missed out on Schaub when they had the chance…..they shouldn’t miss out on Kolb. Kolb is a good west coast style QB and he would work wonders with Gruden!
November 12th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
CJ Legend 34 Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Kevin Cobb????? What the fu……! LMAO, twice!!!!!
^^^^^^^Can’t be any funnier than who the Raiders have now as a GM, HC AND QB can it?? LOL
November 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell confirmed Thursday what Cable said about the bye week _ one of the primary goals was to get the ball to outside receivers.
————————-
Instead of what we all thought in the off-season, Develop a Run-heavy offense and develop the play-action game.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Midwest Fan Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I think I rather have Mcclain from bama at MLB.
^^^^^^^^Yeah…
I would rather McLain from Bama as well as MLB. He is a BEAST and is better than Spikes!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Kirk Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Bring back Chucky and hire Madden as a consultant.
^^^^^^^Bring back Chuckie as Head Coach and hire Holmgren as GM!
Then they should trade for Kevin Kolb to be their QB!
The team would be instantly better….
November 12th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
The plan is to “just get some guys open and put the ball in their hands and let them run with it. Show what they’re capable of. That’s the thing we’ve been emphasizing this week in practice, just trying to let those guys make some plays.’’
_________________________________
What the hell was the plan before?
November 12th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Gee,I wish we woulda thought of that
November 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Dakota Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
The plan is to “just get some guys open and put the ball in their hands and let them run with it. Show what they’re capable of. That’s the thing we’ve been emphasizing this week in practice, just trying to let those guys make some plays.’’
_________________________________
What the hell was the plan before?
^^^^^^Exactly!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Is the game sold out yet?
November 12th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
What was Tim Brown’s assessment of his homeboy Brady Quinn?
November 12th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Go Lakers!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
you purchase your ticket yet KoolKell???
November 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’m waiting for the “Raiders Vs. Cheifs blacked-out on local TV” headline.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hehehe.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
lol
November 12th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Dakota,
Plan? We don’t need no stinking plan? That was the previous plan.
LA to Bay,
read your Rico expose on the past post. Perfectly executed.
4eva,
thanks.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Blacked out Black hole Begs darius heyward-Bey to Break a Big gainer. Brasil Blacked out Before Big game as well.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Goooo Lakers indeed!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Raiders vs Chiefs, tossup. lol.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
M,
It seems as though you alot a liitle alliteration.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I’m glad they finally realized spreading the ball around and allowing their speedy playmakers to make plays after the catch.
I’m dumbfounded as to why it took nine weeks.
Progress is progress.
Baby steps.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
M Lonetree Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Blacked out Black hole Begs darius heyward-Bey to Break a Big gainer. Brasil Blacked out Before Big game as well.
LA To TheBay Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
M,
It seems as though you alot a liitle alliteration.
__________________________
What is that, Pig Latin?
November 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Let’s all say this together:
I will not fly off the handle and declare a franchise turnaround if we beat the lowly Chiefs.
Ready?
Here we go, on three…one….two…three; I will not fly off the handle and declare a franchise turnaround if we beat the lowly Chiefs.
Congrats boys and girls! Sanity reigns in Raider Nation!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Or should I say ‘allot?’
English is a funny language.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
KK
Should have been ‘allot a little alliteration.’
My failed attempt at being a witty wordsmith.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee receiver Justin Gage has several broken transverse bones in his lower back, and he is unlikely to play Sunday against Buffalo.
_____________
Bummer…but if you are going to break bones in your back…that was the way to do it…what a catch that guy made against SF!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
The remaining 8 games have to be looked at like a new season for the Raiders. Throw out the stats, the losses, the miscues, etc.
Start fresh.
0-0.
November 12th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
ottocrat Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I’m waiting for the “Raiders Vs. Cheifs blacked-out on local TV” headline.
^^^^^^Oh….it’s coming…..LMAO!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Dakota,
a dynasty is re-born this weekend. Yay.
KoolKell,
Porkers Pig out Per Prescient Prognostications. Alliterative Pig Speak.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
# LA to TheBay Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
The remaining 8 games have to be looked at like a new season for the Raiders. Throw out the stats, the losses, the miscues, etc.
Start fresh.
0-0.
==================
Oh sure..because that’s just the way it works.
After 10 games? TOSS OUT ALL THE RESULTS…hell..You can do the same after every game, and when the Raiders win one?
Print it out…1-0.
You can put it up next to your Al davis poster.
Yeah..there you go, lol…
The bad news?
didn’t 5 of the last 6 seasons, or so, start out 2-6?
Well…if history repeats itself…..
OH THAT’S RIGHT..you have Russell..yeah..there you go.
Yeah..he’ll do it..because he’s just that strong a qb..yeah..that works.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
LA to TheBay Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
The remaining 8 games have to be looked at like a new season for the Raiders. Throw out the stats, the losses, the miscues, etc.
Start fresh.
0-0.
______________________________
So if we go 4-4 in our new season, beating the likes of KC, Browns, Redskins and the Bungholes (oh wait, they are supposedly good now lol), anyhow, if we go 4-4 by beating 3 scrub teams and one surprise team, does that mean we should waste another year on Tom Cable to prove to some of you that he is wholly inadequate to be an NFL HC?
November 12th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
# M Lonetree Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Dakota,
a dynasty is re-born this weekend. Yay.
KoolKell,
Porkers Pig out Per Prescient Prognostications. Alliterative Pig Speak.
==================
re-born?
You idiot.
Raiders NEVER had a dynasty.
Team across the bay? Sure…won more games than any other team in the NFL in the 80’s.
They also won more games than any other team in the 90’s.
Raiders? Never a dynasty…
November 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
KoolKell Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Raiders vs Chiefs, tossup. lol.
^^^^^^^Take the Chefs….the Raiders should have lost the first game and the Chefs are playing better….the Raiders lay eggs after a bye week and then a home game.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
# LA to TheBay Says:
November 12th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I’m glad they finally realized spreading the ball around and allowing their speedy playmakers to make plays after the catch.
RICHOCHET: “Finally realized and allowing”? That means it already happened..don’t you mean you Hope it allows it to happen?
While you’re at it, also hope JR grasps the “get the ball to different receivers” bit..because..well..obviously that’s new to him.
======================================
I’m dumbfounded
RICHOCHET: Good of you to grasp that which everyone already knows.
Good for you, Mental Midget.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
The only “check” Russell is happy with is his paycheck.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Rico,
gradeschoolspeak and taunts belie and belittle distinctly only yourself. given that as the truth, continuance is complete unawareness.
yes, yes, yes, I know, a cry for help in the darkness. perhaps another life you will choose differently.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I can just see Richochet SCRAMBLING 4 a translator
November 12th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
No team is better at analyzing what they need to do – and then not doing it. My favorite was when Art Shell said “We just need to play better”.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Did we ever get a sellout notification? or did Jerry just take it for granted it’s blacked out?
November 12th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
[...] articles today…… from Jerry McDonald…… Starting rookie WRs a failed experiment _ so far – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the wo… Starting one rookie wide receiver, given the complexities of the position, is reason enough for [...]
November 12th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
[...] Read more. [...]
November 12th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Al Davis…Mr. expert draft picker…Just take a look at our last 5 picks. Robert Gallery, Michael Huff, Jamarcus Russell, Darren Mcfadden, Darrius Haywerd-Bey (so insignificant I cannot remember how to spell his name!!). WOW!! Could have had Ben Roethlisberger, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Ryan, Adrian Peterson, and Michael Crabtree, who is already appearing to be a future STAR receiver in the NFL. WHAT A MOTHER PHUCKING JOKE!!!! I HATE YOU AL DAVIS…..
November 12th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Russell said. “But now it’s a thing of spreading the ball around, trying to get everybody involved, so that we can become more deadly, different guys touching the ball, no telling what might happen…. so we can become MORE DEADLY..LMAO.. Has he not been watching the game tape!!!! He’s so stupid!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Gutted there are blackouts! I’d love to come see a Raiders game! I hope they come to England soon for the NFL International!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:40 am
[...] McD: Starting rookie WRs a failed experiment _ so far Starting rookie WRs a failed experiment _ so far – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the wo… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
November 15th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Random thoughts on this deal: Starting the two rookies has in fact been a disaster, Jerry’s right.I think, despite last season,Javon should be starting in place of DHB. With DHB as the 3rd wr.I also think everyone’s expectations are way too high for Schillens.His return is a very good thing, but he’s not going to be the savior fr the offense that we have painted him as.It’s too much to expect for the caliber of player he is at this point.He may be the best we have at that position, but he’s not a game changing wr. Yet. So I don’t know how big an effect his return will have.Russell and his accuracy will still be the biggest issue. Obiviously the o-line hasn’t helped. Robert Gallery can’t play LG and RT at the same time.Someone mebntioned Brady Quinn, sarcastically, and I am with you. The big controversy in that draft was if wee took a QB (forget Calvin Johnson)should it be JR or Quinn. It looks to me,like it didn’t matter. It looks like we’d be in the same boat with Quinn at the helm as we are with Russell. Finally, I haven’t heard anything about Al Davis contemplating stepping down aside from the post above. But knowing that the ,man is 81 years old it isn’t that outlandish an idea.Despite his public denials, everyone knows Al has been in poor health for several years. I would say it isn’t that far fetched ti think he might no longer physically be able to run the team in the capacity he does now.Thinking logically, I also can’t believe he can’t see, by now, that the way he’s been doing things the past 6 years is not working. He’s changed basically every element other than himself acting as GM. And the results are always the same.No matter who is coaching and trying to do things Al’s way, it fails.Change skilled players, no difference. His drafting skills have diminished,as we all know.I do think McFadden is a good RB and will be great,we just didn’t need him at the time.By all accounts, Al knew Russell would be a project needing big time coaching and mentoring. Something the Raiders have never been good at when it comes to QB as Al has admitted.Because it doesn’t fit in with the ;win now’ philosophy.Hence Plunkett, LaMonica, Hostetler,Gannon.He drafted Stabler, and that worked out, but he’s one guy. And a major talent anyway. Yet he drafted Russell #1 anyway.Which means he didn’t listen to his scouts.So, I think is entirely possible Al is looking at hiring a GM.He loves football and wants to be involved, but maybe he’s realized his time is past as the mad football genius that dominated the NFL for so many years.Hopefully he’ll show that genius and bring in a GM and coach that will lead his team back to doamination.
February 5th, 2010 at 7:19 am
the piano…
[...] Good piano performance. Thanks heaps for this!… if anyone else has anything it would be much appreciated. Great website http://www.en.Grand-Pianos.org Enjoy!…
November 16th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
klebsiella oxytoca…
[...]Starting rookie WRs a failed experiment _ so far – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…