Camp questions: Can Gradkowski start?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 10:36 am in Oakland Raiders.
Ninth in a series analyzing questions and issues as the Raiders report for training camp in Napa next Wednesday:
Is Bruce Gradkowski really competing to be the starter?
Bruce Gradkowski went from Jon Gruden’s golden boy to the depths of the NFL to a miracle worker in his hometown in short order.
Once Tom Cable got the OK to bench JaMarcus Russell, Gradkowski hijacked a season seemingly headed for 2-14 and helped make it a slightly more palatable 5-11.
(I’d argue that even though Russell emerged from the bench to lead an improbable win in Denver, the momentum generated from Gradkowski’s insertion in the lineup before being injured kept the team together).
He guided the Raiders to an upset win over playoff-bound Cincinnati at home and a come-from-behind win over his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers in what might be the Raiders’ most stirring win in the last seven years.
Don’t forget that in the Chiefs game in which he took over for Russell, Gradkowski had the Raiders deep into Kansas City territory when one of his passes bounced off the hands of Darrius Heyward-Bey and ended up an interception. The Raiders lost, 16-10.
Keep in mind Gradkowski was fighting with Charlie Frye for a roster spot in training camp, with Russell the anointed starter and Jeff Garcia brought in to be the veteran backup. If Garcia didn’t take a look at Russell and surmise, “No way I’m playing behind this guy” and ask to be released, there’s no guarantee Gradkowski even makes the roster.
Before coming to the Raiders, three teams had given up on Gradkowski _ Tampa Bay, St. Louis and Cleveland _ teams playing at a level at or worse than Oakland.
Yet Gradkowski played better than he ever had, even as a rookie starter in Tampa, and played a hugely important role in giving the offense a spark after the listless tenure of Russell _ something that contributed to Russell’s eventual exit.
When Jason Campbell was acquired from the Washington Redskins, he immediately said in an NFL Network interview it was his impression after conversations with Cable and Al Davis that he’d be the starter.
Cable said that no, Campbell would compete for the starting job. By the time Campbell met the media in Oakland, he had softened his position considerably.
Meanwhile, Gradkowski suffered a torn left pectoral muscle lifting weights. That left most of the work with new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to Campbell, with Gradkowski starting light throwing as the Raiders finished organized team activities. Both Cable and Gradkowski expect the quarterback to be ready to go by the first practice a week from today.
So is it really a competition?
Doubtful.
Not when Gradkowski is under for contract at around $1.8 million per year after being tendered as an unrestricted free agent, and Campbell was brought in at more than $3 million and extended an additional year to over $4 million.
Campbell is a veteran of 45 starts, has a 61.2 completion percentage with 55 touchdown passes and 38 interceptions. He wasn’t brought in to “compete” with a spunky underdog.
Not that what Gradkowski did was all for naught. He caused the Raiders, as well as every other team in the league, to give him serious consideration for a roster spot as an ideal backup quarterback.
Gradkowski would never look at it that way, nor should he. He wants to start, but his enthusiasm, mobility and skill set make him ideal to come in for a starter who is either injured or struggling and still give his team a chance to win.
Still only 27, Gradkowski could have himself a long and fruitful career as an NFL backup, and given attrition at the position, get another chance to work the kind of magic he did last season before one day becoming a coach at some level. I’m guessing that’s how the Raiders envision him, anyway.
Previous camp questions:
Can the starting linebackers hold up in coverage?
Can Higgins return to ‘08 form?
Where is Seymour’s ripple effect?
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July 22nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
1st!
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
Just Fire Baby (Vegas) will love this one. haha
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:42 am
Wow… you guys cant help but find something ANYTHING to complain about… we could have gotten someone better in the 4th round? How do you even know? THEY HAVENT EVEN PUT ON PADS YET! Can the man please play ONE SNAP of NFL football before we annoint him a FOURTH round bust…
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
yo
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
Deciding on who is the starter and who the backup based on their salary and not their results on the field is a recipe for disaster, a 7 year going on 8 year distaster.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
Can the man please play ONE SNAP of NFL football before we annoint him a FOURTH round bust…
***
BCZ: sure
all i’m saying is, I don’t expect much from him
he was a wasted pick imo
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:48 am
TW: go jump in the lake
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
We need a new topic, like will the Raiders win against tenn in week 1? Will we be able to stop C. Johnson? All I know is I hope it’s not like week 1 last year where we were so close to winning and did not. It took the air out of our tires for a good part of the beggining of the season. (except Philly game). A week 1 win is a must for the Raiders for so many reasons!
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:55 am
BTW Jerry, to answer your question: the QB position is not really up for grabs unless campbell gets injured.
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
We need a new topic, like will the Raiders win against tenn in week 1?
***
Hairy: but that wouldn’t be considered a “camp question” … in Jerry’s series as we approach training camp
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
with respect to campbell, half of raidernation (or at least half the fans i know) are rooting for gradkowski. even if grads doesn’t start, he’ll at least push JC and keep him looking over his shoulder.
i think we’re in a win-win situation. plus neither of these dudes sips on the sizzurp OR wears cosby sweaters.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Wouldn’t you call getting a player who was projected to go in the top 20 of the draft in the 4th round a good pickup?Some would call that a steal.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
neither of these dudes sips on the sizzurp OR wears cosby sweaters.
***
LOL. hopefully thats not the norm for NFL QB’s
JaMarcus was an Ob@manation!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 10:59 am
We need a new topic, like will the Raiders win against tenn in week 1?
***
Hairy: but that wouldn’t be considered a “camp question” … in Jerry’s series as we approach training camp
———————————-
I know, I can only discuss so many of these camp questions so many times. questions like the qb “battle” are a forgone conclusion IMO
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
Wouldn’t you call getting a player who was projected to go in the top 20 of the draft in the 4th round a good pickup?
***
projected by who? Kiper?
these draft “experts” are so wrong so often it’s hilarious!
no NFL GM wanted Bruce Campbell in the first 4 rounds except Al Davis, who loves combine freaks
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 am
MTraidernation Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:00 am
with respect to campbell, half of raidernation (or at least half the fans i know) are rooting for gradkowski. even if grads doesn’t start, he’ll at least push JC and keep him looking over his shoulder.
i think we’re in a win-win situation. plus neither of these dudes sips on the sizzurp OR wears cosby sweaters.
————————-
LOL @ cosby sweaters
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
Does anyone watch tosh.o? if not, you will have to look up his defintion of a “cosby sweater”
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 am
From everything written,Campbell seems to be in the mold of Plunkett-exellent deep pass,strong arm,some mobility(ya,Jim did have some mobility),etc.Since it is fairly obvious he will be the starting QB,lets hope he preforms Plunkett like.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:09 am
The sexual act of eating Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Trix, and Boo Berry- or any other ‘bright, colorful’ breakfast cereals- and then vomitting the tacky, dazzling mixture onto your partners chest.
The result should look similar to the incredible sweaters that Bill Cosby wore during his highly successful 1980’s sitcom “The Cosby Show”.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Watched 91′ Skins on NFLN last nite, Rypien could throw a nice deep ball.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Here is my camp question for Jerry Mac:
Is Tommy Kelly expendable ???
On February 28, 2008, the Oakland Raiders signed Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle on the eve of free agency. Kelly signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract with $18.125 million in guarantees and $25.125 million in the first three years.
now we’ve got Seymour, Houston, Richardson & Bryant who can play every position on the line except NT. Henderson is the NT, backed up by either Joseph or Heard.
since TK got that monster deal the run defense has been awful and he has done much in getting pressure on the QB either. is he worth keeping? how much different would the D-Line be w/o him ???
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
But you were all in an uproar because we took DHB and Mitchell before they were ‘projected’ last year.
BTW,EVERY analyst had him going top 20.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:15 am
hasn’t*
done much …
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Here is my camp question for Jerry Mac:
Is Tommy Kelly expendable ???
On February 28, 2008, the Oakland Raiders signed Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle on the eve of free agency. Kelly signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract with $18.125 million in guarantees and $25.125 million in the first three years.
now we’ve got Seymour, Houston, Richardson & Bryant who can play every position on the line except NT. Henderson is the NT, backed up by either Joseph or Heard.
since TK got that monster deal the run defense has been awful and he has done much in getting pressure on the QB either. is he worth keeping? how much different would the D-Line be w/o him ???
——————————–
I wouldn’t mind keeping TK for depth, but it would be nice to restructure his deal and give some of the $$ saved on his underachieving ass and spend it elsewhere.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:19 am
you were all in an uproar because we took DHB and Mitchell before they were ‘projected’ last year.
***
don’t try to change the topic here…
DHB & MM didn’t produce in college and they haven’t in the NFL (yet) either.
could have take Crabtree & Byrd if we wanted a WR & S
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:20 am
I wouldn’t mind keeping TK for depth, but it would be nice to restructure his deal
***
HB: so you’d cut his pay in half and toss him on the bench?
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:24 am
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:20 am
I wouldn’t mind keeping TK for depth, but it would be nice to restructure his deal
***
HB: so you’d cut his pay in half and toss him on the bench?
———————–
exactly!
I think TK is a good backup, better than anyone you could get in free agency. The important word here is BACKUP. In turn he should be paid on the proper scale.
I guess Warren Sapp and Bill Bellacheat were wrong when they both though he was the second coming.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
Byrd wouldn’t have started over Huff and would never have made the plays he did in Buffalo. He only started for the Bills because of injuries. Mike Mitchell was a better pick up for us than Byrd would have been. Hindsight is 20/20 on that kid, no one knew he would come up with so many picks. Crabtree would have re-entered the draft this year had we picked him. Hell he held out into October for the 49ers!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
*thought
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:30 am
Politics
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 am
Bruce Campbell was taken 106th out of 255 selections.
ahead of the following:
Joe Hawley
Jason Fox
Jacques McClendon
Ed Wang
Mitch Petrus
Chris Scott
Otis Hudson
Matt Tennant
Chris DeGeare
Marshall Newhouse
Sam Young
Eric Olsen
Shelley Smith
Ramon Harewood
Ted Larsen
Thomas Welch
Kyle Calloway
J’Marcus Webb
Reggie Stephens
Erik Cook
Selvish Capers
are you confident that he’s better than even half of these other O-Linemen?
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 am
Ford = Welker?
http://www.raidernationstation.com/2010_off_season
I’m not sure thats how they’ll use him this year. Mostly returns I imagine…
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:33 am
Wang and Olsen could be decent. The others? I don’t know…
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
Are you confident that he is not?
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:19 am
you were all in an uproar because we took DHB and Mitchell before they were ‘projected’ last year.
***
don’t try to change the topic here…
DHB & MM didn’t produce in college and they haven’t in the NFL (yet) either.
could have take Crabtree & Byrd if we wanted a WR & S
======================
Could’ve but who’s to say they would’ve done anything in Oakland with J Marc at QB and a heavy man cover scheme with out a consistent pass rush.
Success elsewhere doesn’t guarnatee they’d have had similar here.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:38 am
21. Is Kelly expendable?
Depends on Desmond Bryant and William Joseph to a degree I would imagine…
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:38 am
I just pointed out that all of the so called experts had him going high and getting someone projected for the 1st rd in the 4th round was a good pick-an excellent gamble if you will-not a terrible pick.You stated you didn’t care about projections because the ‘experts’ are wrong so often.i then said you were in an uproar because the year before we took 2 players before they were projected.That is called having a discussion,not changing topics.But that’s ok,we understand(wink,wink).
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Teams to watch for to make to Super Bowl this year:
Vikings
Ravens
Jets
Dallas
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Success elsewhere doesn’t guarnatee they’d have had similar here.
————————-
valid point
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
DKnight007 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Teams to watch for to make to Super Bowl this year:
Vikings
Ravens
Jets
Dallas
—————————–
pretty safe picks with exception of Baltimore IMO.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
DKnight007 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Teams to watch for to make to Super Bowl this year:
Vikings
Ravens
Jets
Dallas
===================
What? No Chargers? lol!!!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
All Bruce needs is for the door to be open just a slight bit and he will bust it down.
Go get ‘em Grads!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:44 am
HairyBush Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
DKnight007 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Teams to watch for to make to Super Bowl this year:
Vikings
Ravens
Jets
Dallas
—————————–
pretty safe picks with exception of Baltimore IMO
=====================
Ravens suspect secondary. Both starting corners coming off knee surgery and Ed Reed with a hip replacement?
Hmm…
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:46 am
Grads = second best backup QB the Raiders have had in 25 years. #1 is Collins.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Vince Evans baby! yeah I said it
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:54 am
Just Fire Baby Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
All Bruce needs is for the door to be open just a slight bit and he will bust it down.
Go get ‘em Grads!!
——————————————————-
Months later and I still don’t see why you are such a fan of Bruce. And not just to be on the team, but to start for us.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
Is Kelly expendable?
Depends on Desmond Bryant and William Joseph to a degree I would imagine…
***
don’t forget that Seymour & Houston will be playing DT on occasion. In fact, either player could be a full-time starter there if need be
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:13 am
Here is my camp question for Jerry Mac:
Is Tommy Kelly expendable ???
On February 28, 2008, the Oakland Raiders signed Kelly to the largest contract ever given to a defensive tackle on the eve of free agency. Kelly signed a seven-year, $50.5 million contract with $18.125 million in guarantees and $25.125 million in the first three years.
now we’ve got Seymour, Houston, Richardson & Bryant who can play every position on the line except NT. Henderson is the NT, backed up by either Joseph or Heard.
since TK got that monster deal the run defense has been awful and he has done much in getting pressure on the QB either. is he worth keeping? how much different would the D-Line be w/o him ???
if memory serves, kelly played well along side of sapp. do i think kelly’s a superstar? no. can he compliment a guy like seymour? yep.
i think we’re finally gonna have a little bit of depth on the d-line so TK should only have to play 30 snaps a game. the open rotation should help him. i think the key to everyone’s success is houston. if he’s the firecracker he’s supposed to be, i think he elevates everyone.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
raiders play 4-3 mostly. a NT would only be used in a 3-4
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
HairyBush Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Vince Evans baby! yeah I said it
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I am a huge Vince fan. Wish we had him in his 20s and not his 50s, although he still looked smooth then too.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
if he’s the firecracker he’s supposed to be, i think he elevates everyone.
————————
exactly what I said yesterday, I think they will feed off of eachother.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Gradkowski will start only if Campbell lets him. The battle between the other QB’s on the roster will also be interesting.This is a year of big change for the Raiders.How the O-line shapes up will be very important.Also,stopping the run.Coach up the new blood, and let’s roll.By Oct., we’ll be ready for the Chargers.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Tommy Kelly is a BEAST !!!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 pm
HairyBush Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Vince Evans baby! yeah I said it
::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I am a huge Vince fan. Wish we had him in his 20s and not his 50s, although he still looked smooth then too.
——————
Who did Vince play for before the Raiders?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Vegas
Are you Polish?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Bears
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Bears
————–
thanx, it would have bugged me.
BTW Vince Evans @ 55 years old is still better than Jamarcus!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Statistically speaking, Tommy Kelly was one of the best DTs in the league. Why on earth are we even talking about getting rid of him or putting him on the bench?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
J Wiggle Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Statistically speaking, Tommy Kelly was one of the best DTs in the league. Why on earth are we even talking about getting rid of him or putting him on the bench?
———————————–
I don’t think that’s true, any links to prove it?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Vegas posted the stats several times …
I’m sure you can google them
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Statistically speaking = dollars and cents
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
J Wiggle Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Statistically speaking, Tommy Kelly was one of the best DTs in the league. Why on earth are we even talking about getting rid of him or putting him on the bench?
—————————
I don’t know if that is true or not, if it is, it doesn’t change my opinion. I go with what I see over stats. What I see is TK not beating the guy in front of him enough, ecspecially considering his salary.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Not that what Gradkowski did was all for naught. He caused the Raiders, as well as every other team in the league, to give him serious consideration for a roster spot as an ideal backup quarterback.
Gradkowski would never look at it that way, nor should he. He wants to start, but his enthusiasm, mobility and skill set make him ideal to come in for a starter who is either injured or struggling and still give his team a chance to win.
——————————————————-
And there it is …
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
JFB …
Where are you with the TK stats mayne ?!?!?!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
KoolKell Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Vegas
Are you Polish?
******
i am. AND a gradkowski fan.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:20 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:56 am
Is Kelly expendable?
Depends on Desmond Bryant and William Joseph to a degree I would imagine…
***
don’t forget that Seymour & Houston will be playing DT on occasion. In fact, either player could be a full-time starter there if need be
=====
WORD!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
IF Gradkowski beats Campbell for the starting slot it would mean Campbell is a bust and be a huge disaster for Oakland.
The job is Campbell’s to lose.
Grads was and is a back up at best and a rejected scrub at worst.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
going into the 2009 season Kelly was rated as the #10 DT in the league-source-Bleacher report.They go on to say if he had a better supporting cast he would be higher and will only get better.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I’d love to see Gradkowski get a real shot. He gave us life last season after the offense had been dead for years.
The guy has everything you want except the big arm. But he’ll play better the more he’s out there.
I would happily watch Campbell lead the team to wins. But I’d rather see Grad do it. He deserves it.
Tommy Kelly, by the way, doesn’t have it. He’s had ample time to show that he’s more than a role player and he hasn’t shown it. The only reason he got the big contract was that Big Al didn’t want to see him go to Denver.
Desmond Bryant better be the real deal or we will be terribly weak at DT.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I like Grads and all the guy has heart and can move around but in my opinion he is a great second string QB. Does not seeme to have the arm and the “it” factor to be a play-by play starter.
He really threw up a couple of wobblie jump balls in the Pittsburgh game that happened to go our way. Murphy made a heck of an andjustment on one horrble pass by Grads but we won and he was the QB, I will give him that.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
TK was 4th in the league amongst DTs in tackles
Kyle Williams Buffalo 66 tkls
Kelly Gregg Balt 63 tkls
Marcus Stroud Buff 56 tkls
Tommy Kelly Oak 55 tkls
Mike Patterson Phi 55 tkls
TK was 8th amongst DTs in solo tkls with 37
NFL.com
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Kelly had 55 tackles, 5 TFL, and 1 sack.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
J Wiggle Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
TK was 4th in the league amongst DTs in tackles
Kyle Williams Buffalo 66 tkls
Kelly Gregg Balt 63 tkls
Marcus Stroud Buff 56 tkls
Tommy Kelly Oak 55 tkls
Mike Patterson Phi 55 tkls
TK was 8th amongst DTs in solo tkls with 37
NFL.com
——————-
As I said before, stats only mean so much to me. For instance- take into consideration how much time the Raider defense spends on the field.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Seems as if the Raiders will have a decent rotation on the D-Line this year.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
For all you bishes that don’t think Gradkowski is worth the sweat on your tiny ballz, watch this sh1t again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHHoqGFDjzw
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Grads feels the pressure, steps up, and throws a PERFECT pass. How you like them apples? I still think Campbell should be the starter though.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:30 pm
For all you bishes that don’t think Gradkowski is worth the sweat on your tiny ballz, watch this sh1t again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHHoqGFDjzw
——————–
Do u have any videos of the goober over exherting himself and tearing his pectoral? J/K Grads has heart
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Dont diss a man for tearing his t1tty mussle bro, he has heart. He reminds me a “bit” of Gannon.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
HB,
What do you need TK todo? The stats say the guy is performing.
The coaches seemed to think that the defensive issues were with the LBs, Warren, and Ellis. Especially the run defense.
Again, I’m just asking why we are talking about cutting or benching a productive player. It’s debateable whether he’s earned his salary or not. I get that. But the guy is clearly doing things on the field, or at least enough so that he shouldn’t be cut, lol!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
lefty12 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
going into the 2009 season Kelly was rated as the #10 DT in the league-source-Bleacher report.They go on to say if he had a better supporting cast he would be higher and will only get better.
*****
BAM!! exactly what i think. i think we’re gonna see a “settled in” seymour this year. i think we’ll see a trickle down effect too. seymour plays better, kelly plays better, the whole line improves, which will in turn make the secondary stronger. oh yeah, we’ve got a stud MLB. good things, my friend, good things.
if the raiders don’t improve drastically on defense i’ll be shocked. they’ve made all the right moves this offseason, and it’s gonna pay off.
the ONLY thing i didn’t like was letting morrison go. he was a team guy, a raider. morrison > ricky brown
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Dont diss a man for tearing his t1tty mussle bro, he has heart. He reminds me a “bit” of Gannon.
——————-
Gannon’s little nephew I guess. Seriously I like Grads, as a backup though. I can’t see him in a championship game or superbowl.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Remember, Grads was 20/33, 308 yds, and 3 TD that game, In Pitt nonetheless. Great game.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
He reminds me a “bit” of Gannon.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Just smarter. Grads would never try to drop his dome and run over Derrick Brooks. And if he was fortunate enough to win an MVP then sh!t his pants in the SB, he wouldn’t bad mouth the team.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm
HB
Maybe, maybe not, within time he might be something, possibly. Not a Gannon, but similar styles. Plus, Gannon wasn’t all that till late in his career. I agree with you, Grads as backup though, but worth hanging on to and investing in. Dude has the heart.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm
LOL BO, post 83. I agree, the Raiders MADE Gannon, he needs to STFU and respect the Shield.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:40 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5amyBAqGHq0
Schillens wasn’t soft this game. This is the last highlight worth watching of JaBlowhard Russell EVER again.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
J Wiggle Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
HB,
What do you need TK todo? The stats say the guy is performing.
The coaches seemed to think that the defensive issues were with the LBs, Warren, and Ellis. Especially the run defense.
Again, I’m just asking why we are talking about cutting or benching a productive player. It’s debateable whether he’s earned his salary or not. I get that. But the guy is clearly doing things on the field, or at least enough so that he shouldn’t be cut, lol!
——————-
I never said I wanted him to be cut. I would like to cut down his snaps, as well as his salary. I stated in an earlier post that I feel hanging on to him would be better than anything we could get in free agency. As I say with every player on the Raiders- I would rather they make my statements incorrect and win games then me being able to say I told you so. Raider victories are #1 priority. If TK comes out with a flame lit underneath his ass, great! He just hasn’t given me reason for excitement to date. (barring his pants coming off in the Denver game lol)
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Thanks Steven,I could watch that all day.The funny thing is all the things people say about Grads today they said about Gannon before he came here-carreer back-up,so-so arm,fiery,great competitor,etc.Not saying he should start over JC,just saying.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
lefty12 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Thanks Steven,I could watch that all day.The funny thing is all the things people say about Grads today they said about Gannon before he came here-carreer back-up,so-so arm,fiery,great competitor,etc.Not saying he should start over JC,just saying.
———————————
My point exactly brother. Well said!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Gruden + Gannon – Al Davis = MVP.
Frankly, Gannon was always pretty good, but couldn’t dodge the backup casting.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Remember, Grads was 20/33, 308 yds, and 3 TD that game, In Pitt nonetheless. Great game.
———————–
I agree, great game. can he do it consistently??????
Mom can’t cook for him and the team before every game to get them going lol
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
This is a bad azz video on Gradkowski as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjZGWIIPTMw
Don’t get me wrong, I still think JC should start, but Grads is a better backup then given credit for.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
LFAO HB post 91. She must have cooked up one mean azz polish sausage that day.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Hey JFB, was it Cliff Branch that you saw in New Mexico? at Wal Mart?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
KK-some truth to that statement,but I don’t believe Gruden was coach the year Gannon won MVP.Wasn’t Callahan coach that year?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I am no FN pumped up for this season I CAN’T wait for it to start. I am not drinking kool-aid or calling out playoffs, but it sure as he11 will be alot better than the past 7 seasons.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I’m out-Later
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:50 pm
The coaches seemed to think that the defensive issues were with the LBs, Warren, and Ellis. Especially the run defense.
***
Jwigg: so basically TK cost Morrison & DL Coach Board thier jobs. Kelly promised to be a key component stuffing the run and getting after the QB. did neither very well. the tackle stats are deceiving because he’s a DT and only 5 of 55 were behind the line of scrimmage. Teams ran the ball on us so much that Tyvon Branch had the most tackles of any defensive back in the league! and Kirk Morrison looks like a tackling machine too (on paper). TK is an overpaid underachiever.
several months ago you defended Gerard Warren, now you’re saying that he was a part of the problem?
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Lefty, yes. Callahan was throwing the ball 40-50 times per game. But, because Gannon had mastered Gruden’s O.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
why is there this myth one needs a great arm to play QB?
joe montana, ken stabler, steve young…
working hard, mastering a playbook and throwing accurately are BY FAR more important than being able to throw a ball 80 yards.
raider fans are the first people that should know that.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
SeyGlen checks out and KKKell slides back in? Talk about a wash out.
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
i think we’ll see a trickle down effect too. seymour plays better, kelly plays better, the whole line improves
***
MT: we said the same thing last season
Seymour, Shaughnessy, Kelly, Bryant, Richardson, Joseph, Scott, Howard, Brown, Nixon, Norris & Williams were all a part of a defense that couldn’t stop the run last year and still remain on the roster!
heres hoping McClain, Goethel, Houston, Wimbley, Groves & Henderson make all the difference …
Seymour & Kelly alone isn’t going to improve anything
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
SeyGlen checks out and KKKell slides back in? Talk about a wash out.
***
Brown: I don’t know man
I’ve never seen SeyGlenn post anybody’s so-called personal info on Jerry’s blog
I’ve never seen Kell make wild statements about the greatness of Rob Ryan
pick your poison. both dems
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
KK,funny thing is even though Gannon and Gruden were probably our best QB and HC since Plunkett and Flores,I wasn’t a huge fan of either.And after the SB when Gannon refused to take any blame and dumped on his mates,he dropped even lower in my opinion.I always thought Gruden was too conservative,but I admit they got results.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
several months ago you defended Gerard Warren, now you’re saying that he was a part of the problem?
——————————————————-
What are you talking about?!?!?
I said Warren was constantly doubled so WTF was Kirk Morrison’s issues?
And the COACHES said he was part of the problem obviously since he was cut.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
The Pack also is going to be dangerous as long as their O-Line holds up….
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Grads is like Gannon?
Have we reached a new low?
By the way Frye should not be on the team. Gym rat or not he looks weak on the field.
JC to start, Grad is the back up.
LMAO!!!!
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Lefty, I wasn’t either. Believe it or not, I like traditional Raider football.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
The O-line has to step up big this year. If the o-line does not improve we will have another loosing season.
D-line better hit hard an early we need to get a little nasty!!!
D@mn! I am so glad Russel is histroy this year. What a great feeling, he was terrible to watch. You never knew what was going to happen when he let the ball go.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
CJ-you’re correct.Grads isn’t near the a$$hole Gannon is.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Teams ran the ball on us so much that Tyvon Branch had the most tackles of any defensive back in the league!
——————————————————-
Who lines up between the DL and DBs?
Don’t you find it at all relevant that we have 3 outta 3 new LBs this year?
5 outta 7 of the front 7 has been replaced mayne …
TK and Seymour are the only holdovers.
Coaches are wrong on this one though, huh?
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
True dat, true dat!!!
—————————————————–
MTraidernation Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
why is there this myth one needs a great arm to play QB?
joe montana, ken stabler, steve young…
working hard, mastering a playbook and throwing accurately are BY FAR more important than being able to throw a ball 80 yards.
raider fans are the first people that should know that.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Months later and I still don’t see why you are such a fan of Bruce. And not just to be on the team, but to start for us.
********************************
J,
I am just not with the annointed starter stuff. Aaron Brooks, Collins and Jamarcus were just handed the keys and bombed.
I want Campbell to start, only if he beats out the others for the gig. Give him the first start in Dallas, Grads the next week, and whoever does the best starts week 3. If that guy plays well, that is your starter.
Playing the guy who gets paid the most and looks better in shorts and a red-jersey is asking for trouble, IMO.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
KKKell is the recession still over? The unemployment extension is because all that mope & change has the economy jamming right?
lol
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
RaiderRockstar Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
i think we’ll see a trickle down effect too. seymour plays better, kelly plays better, the whole line improves
***
MT: we said the same thing last season
Seymour, Shaughnessy, Kelly, Bryant, Richardson, Joseph, Scott, Howard, Brown, Nixon, Norris & Williams were all a part of a defense that couldn’t stop the run last year and still remain on the roster!
heres hoping McClain, Goethel, Houston, Wimbley, Groves & Henderson make all the difference …
Seymour & Kelly alone isn’t going to improve anything
****************
true. i just gotta believe that seymour wasn’t comfortable last year. he didn’t get to oakland until like 3 hours before openning kickoff, right? and played his best game flying by the seat of his pants. downhill from there. this year, with a full training camp, i think we’ll see what patriot fans already know.
playing d-line is not nessecarily about beating the guy in front of you, but rather filling the gap(s) in front of you. i think we can all agree, LB play was and has been very average over the last few years. it’s not the d-line job to make EVERY play. it’s their job blow up running lanes and let LBs tee off. i think what we’ve seen is 2(TWO) units playing poorly, not just the dline. when LBs aren’t making plays, the dline looks bad
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
The way I size it up, the choice is between a good backup and a not very good starter.
It should be a toss-up and an actual competition, Jerry Mac be damned.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
JFB is gonna ride this Grads thing till the bitter end just like tj rode Russells ball sack. At least no racial bigotry from JFB.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Gawddamn, is training camp really less than one week away? Unbelievable.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
JFB,
I hear you, but even if we go with your description JC is a level above BG.
I don’t really think BC is a pro bowler or anything, but I think he has a better chance to be successful than Grads because of his “tools”. Bigger, stronger arm, plus all the intangibles than Bruce brings.
I don’t think he’s been anointed, so to speak. It may be unfortunate that Bruce got hurt, but BC has gotten all the reps and the WRs and folks are raving about the guy.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:21 pm
TK was good when he played along with Sapp after he left well not that good
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:22 pm
So far Campbell has done everything you can ask of him. I have been real happy with reports of him taking the offensive line to a BBQ, and going to lunch in the city with the WR’s.
I raved all last year at how important that stuff is, in regards to Bruce, and was laughed off, with people telling me the only thing that matters is between the strips and talent.
Bunch of BS, IMO. QB’s jobs are to date the hottest girls, be the coolest guy, and a hard-working likable dude. That’s just the way of the gig.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Gruden + Gannon – Al Davis = MVP.
::::::::::::::::::::::::
More like: Gannon + Trestman – Gruden = MVP
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm
I’m in the car office, but you can go to NFL.com and look at defensive line stats year-by-year.
TK is always in the top 10 in tackles, and even got third one year I think. And when you wittle it down to just DT’s he is suprisingly more productive than most pro bowlers.
Now do I think he is better than say a Pro Bowler? Of course not. But it does go to show that the guy is an average to above average player, and able to stay on the field.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
HairyBush Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
DKnight007 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
Teams to watch for to make to Super Bowl this year:
Vikings
Ravens
Jets
Dallas
—————————–
pretty safe picks with exception of Baltimore IMO.
*************************************
Sorry im so late on this, I have already placed my money on Baltimore as the AFC Super Bowl team. Solid QB, much improved WR’s, top 3 rushing attack, and outstanding OLine, on the offensive side. We all know about their D. Adding Mt Cody to that line was huge (no pun intended). Their weakness is their secondary, but realistically their front 7 dont offer a lot of time for opposing QB’s to exploint the weak secondary. The Ravens also have the best Red Zone D. IMO… Ravens = Super Bowl
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Rookie Salary Cap?
Congrats Raiders Fans we have the highest paid Athlete in the Bay Area for 2010: DHB
Dude better be the most improved player.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Salary-Shocker-Heyward-Bey-Highest-Paid-Athlete-in-Bay-99027374.html
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
*Exploit it either
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
CJ Legend 34 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 pm
D@mn! I am so glad Russel is histroy this year. What a great feeling, he was terrible to watch. You never knew what was going to happen when he let the ball go.
**************************************
Whenever it was a 3rd and long, I just cringed when he dropped back. Anything that let Shane trot onto the field was a major plus. And a 3rd down conversion? It felt like a miracle.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
DutchRaider77 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Rookie Salary Cap?
Congrats Raiders Fans we have the highest paid Athlete in the Bay Area for 2010: DHB
Dude better be the most improved player.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Salary-Shocker-Heyward-Bey-Highest-Paid-Athlete-in-Bay-99027374.html
*************************************
He’s also the highest drafted athlete in the Bay area who hasn’t already faced being cut…
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Ravens are my super bowl pick as well. One last hurrah for Ray-Ray, and Boldin is going to be huge for them.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 pm
LOL… I hope Shane keeps it parked on the bench a lot this year… at least let Seabass attempt more than 8 FGs this year!
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Are the Vikings on the list of SB contenders list w/o Favre?
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:31 pm
On the theory that anything advocated by President Ob@ma and the Democr@ts must be resisted, if only for partisan purposes, Senate Republ!cans are applying their patented obstructionism to a bill to expand an array of tax breaks to small businesses.
“I think Senator McConnell knows and believes this bill could actually create millions of jobs and doesn’t want to give the president and Democr@ts credit for doing what we do, which is standing up for the middle class,” Ms. Landrieu said.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Don’t forget about Stalworth. While teams are busy focused on Boldin and Mason Stalworth is going to be picking on some LB’s or NB’s. He is a very good #3 in the slot.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Watching the Ravens game last week, if Jamarcus wasn’t such a rockhead, teams would be kicking down the door inviting him to camp. Not for a starting gig, but to see if they could foster his talent.
He looked good and made some pretty good throws. Too bad he is a complete tool.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
IMO no the Vikings are not contenders without Favre. I think they are 8-8 with Jackson/Rosenfels, on a side not, I think without Favre, AP wins the rushing title this year.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Best NFL gig had to be the Colts Punter when Manning broke Marino’s record!
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
And game management is about as foreign as a ceaser salad to him.
14-13, all the momentum on his side, first and 10 and…..he throws into triple coverage.
Did the guy ever throw a ball away? He would sprint towards the sidelines and throw shyt up for grabs.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
BsJ are you still talking about JaMarcus Bobam@? The biggest failure since Jimmy Carter!
lol
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Did the guy ever throw a ball away? He would sprint towards the sidelines and throw shyt up for grabs.
********************************************
Couldn’t grab the Triple Whopper with a football in his hands… and lets not call that lumbering gait “sprinting”… briskly walking maybe, not sprinting.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
DutchRaider77 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Rookie Salary Cap?
Congrats Raiders Fans we have the highest paid Athlete in the Bay Area for 2010: DHB
Dude better be the most improved player.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Salary-Shocker-Heyward-Bey-Highest-Paid-Athlete-in-Bay-99027374.html
————————————————–
That reminds me of the two year period where Eric Dampier was the highest paid athlete in the BA. More than Bonds, Young, or Gannon. Oh well, at least DHB might end up being useful…maybe.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
with people telling me the only thing that matters is between the strips and talent.
——————————————————
I wasn’t talking about the BBQs and bowling, lol!
The WRs are talking about on the field stuff clicking along with the new OC.
Still could care less about what goes on off the field. As long as it isn’t negatively impacting what you do on the field, obviously.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Bmore, Colts, NATION, Jets….
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
JFB,
Why are you still talking about Russell?
Who cares ???
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
MistaBrown Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 pm
BsJ are you still talking about JaMarcus Bobam@?
+++++++++++++++
ROFLMAO…. Jamarcus Brobam@….
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Jimmy Carter > Ronnie Bonzo
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Middle class > Billionaires
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
sheeple class < millionaires < Billionaires < Controllers
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
You want your O-lineman and WR’s to be your boys not your co-workers.
You can get these guys to give you 110% and make your job easier, or they could give 98% and wait until you prove something to them and than they go 110%
What, you don’t think the boss taking you out to lunch makes you work harded, if even just for that afternoon? Management 101 my friend, and QB’s jobs are to manage the guys, from Zack Miller down to Sam Williams.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Baltimore ????
Because they added Boldin?
Flacco was one of the worst if not the worst QB down the stretch. The guy was terrible.
I think they finish 3rd in their division and miss the playoffs.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
J Wiggle Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Baltimore ????
Because they added Boldin?
Flacco was one of the worst if not the worst QB down the stretch. The guy was terrible.
I think they finish 3rd in their division and miss the playoffs.
++++++++++++++++++++++++====
Very Solid draft.
Flacco Still growing, will be expected to do more.
D is not going anywhere…
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Boldin is cream…
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
The Oline will determine what the NATION does….
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 pm
John Elway thinks Tim Tebow “has plenty of arm”
Posted by Michael David Smith on July 22, 2010 4:30 PM ET
Broncos Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway thinks far too much is being made about the question of whether rookie Tim Tebow is an NFL-ready passer.
“The thing about Tebow is they’re focusing too much on his release,” Elway told the Denver Post. “As long as he can get it in a timely manner, I think he has plenty of arm there. . . . He’s not going to change his release. He may get better. Obviously, by throwing you get more accurate and more accurate and you may shorten it up as time goes on but if it’s long and quick, that’s OK.”
Overall, Elway sounds like he’s sold on Tebow and on the direction the Broncos are heading in. But he cautioned that people shouldn’t expect too much from the team because “they are so young.”
“Maybe they make eight, nine, 10 wins would be a good year I would think,” Elway said. “But show a little more consistency and finish the season out.”
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
F elway….
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
JaMarcus Ohbombah and S P@lin are neck in neck in a head 2 head poll. P@lin isnt even running and Pres Purple lips hasn’t stopped campaigning. Pretty funny!
m0pe & ch@nge
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
F tebow…
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Fat Runts playoff predictions.
NFC:
Cardinals, Cowboys, Lions, Cubs
AFC:
Raiders, Mariners, Browns, Astros
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:50 pm
You want your O-lineman and WR’s to be your boys not your co-workers.
——————————————————
Ideally, yes …
At the end of the day, it’s all about production on the field though mayne. That’s all I’m saying.
The icing ain’t no good without the cake!
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Flacco was one of the worst if not the worst QB down the stretch. The guy was terrible.
I think they finish 3rd in their division and miss the playoffs.
***
LOL @ Jwigg!
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Thec,
I think the division is there for Cincy to take.
The question is the battle between Pitts and BMore for #2 in the division.
Not a fan of Flacco though. And I think Ed Reed and Fabes coming off MAJOR surgeries as well as Rays advanced age are going to matter.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Rob Ryan would like to coach the Raiders
Is the NFL ready for another Ryan as head coach?
Rob Ryan hopes so, and he made it clear that he hopes to be considered for the Raiders job if Tom Cable is let go.
“Hell, yeah, I’d have interest,” Ryan told USA Today. “I haven’t talked to Mr. Davis because he has a coach. Let’s see what happens.”
The Browns defensive coordinator doesn’t lack for confidence. No surprise there.
“I will be a head coach in this league, and I will be damn successful, too. . . . There are a lot of good coaches out there, but there are only so many Ryans.”
The words are a small surprise because Ryan seemed eager to leave Oakland a year ago. But he reportedly didn’t burn any bridges and even had kind words for JaMarcus Russell a few weeks back.
He must really want that job.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:13 pm
the way i see it is this way:
there is at the very least a quarterback competition. no one is being handed the keys, ala ja-quarter-pounder-with-cheese last fall. if gradkowski doesn’t start, he will no doubt challenge JC on a weekly basis AND will be prepared in the event of a JC injury or drop-off. BG will make JC better, or visa versa.
i don’t care who starts as long as we win and the guy is a professional i.e. staying awake in meetings, showing up on time, not wearing 50 extra pounds of body wieght AND jewelry. also, don’t blame your receivers for your piss-poor play.
also, who wears a ski-cap when it’s 80 degrees. what a clown.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Chris Paul to the Lakers sound niiiiiice.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
CP3 can’t play in the triangle
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Josh Powell to the Hawks for 1.1 million …
Wasn’t going to play or dress in front of Caracter.
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Dakota, would you trade Bynum for Paul? I think Paul would be hampered by the triangle, but is the triangle still gonna be the Lakers system in 2 years?
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
53 man roster prediction:
Quarterbacks 3
Starter: Jason Campbell
Reserves: Charlie Frye, Bruce Gradkowksi
Running backs 5
Starter: Michael Bush RB, Chane Moline FB
Reserves: Michael Bennett, Rock Cartwright, Darren McFadden
Tight Ends 3
Starter: Zach Miller
Reserves: Brandon Myers, Tony Stewart
Wide Receivers 6
Starters: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens
Reserves: Jacoby Ford, Todd Watkins, Nick Miller
Offensive Line: 10
Starters: Mario Henderson (LT) Robert Gallery (LG) Samson Satele (C) Cooper Carlisle (RG), Langston Walker (RT)
Reserves: Khalif Barnes, Bruce Campbell, Daniel Loper, Chris Morris, Jared Veldheer
Defensive line: 8
Starters: Desmond Bryant (DT), Lamarr Houston (DE), Tommy Kelly (DT), Richard Seymour (DE)
Reserves: John Henderson (DT), William Joseph (DT), Jay Richardson (DE), Matt Shonasty (DE)
Linebackers: 7
Starters: Trevor Scott, Rolando McClain, Kamerion Wembley
Reserves: Thomas Howard, Quentin Groves, Travis Goethel, Rocky Brown
Defensive backs: 8
Nnamdi Asomugha, Tyvon Branch, Michael Huff, Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt, Mike Mitchell, Hiram Eugene, Walter McFadden
Special teams: 3
Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski
Punter: Shane Lechler
Long Snapper: Jon Condo (grrrr)
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Watching the Ravens game last week, if Jamarcus wasn’t such a rockhead, teams would be kicking down the door inviting him to camp. Not for a starting gig, but to see if they could foster his talent.
He looked good and made some pretty good throws. Too bad he is a complete tool.
=====================
Like I’ve said, talented football player with massive potential.
Just got rich, fat and lazy with his entourage eggin him on.
What a massive waste…
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Dakota, would you trade Bynum for Paul? I think Paul would be hampered by the triangle, but is the triangle still gonna be the Lakers system in 2 years?
++++++
I struggle with this….if Bynum didn’t have injury problems it would be a resounding no because I think he has great potential and you never trade size…but Bynum and some picks and garbage (Sasha, Walton) to make the money work for Paul and Okefor’s bad contract….I might do that deal. Chris Paul could play in any offense.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Looks like Matt Barnes is using the Lakers to get a better offer from the Cavs, but I would be glad to see him added to our bench.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
A week away!!
Interviews and twitter updates……..life doesn’t get any better.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
We will start to see if we have a competition or not.
See if Bruce or anyone else gets any above normal reps with the firsts.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Sure, Garbagekowski can compete to start….against Russell….in Omaha maybe….but not for the Oakland Raiders.
Sorry Garbage Man!
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
See ya! CP3 in LA…..I like it….if N.O. will take Sasha, Walton and Fisher or Blake!
Chris Paul
Kobe
Artest
Gasol/Odom
Bynum/Gasol
YEAH BABY!
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Reserves: Jacoby Ford, Todd Watkins, Nick Miller
No JLH????
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I think some of the posts on here about players and their salaries and how players should take pay cuts. Who cares its not our decision of who to pay. By stating TK should take a pay cut cause he has underperformed is pointless. Who knows maybe he will by the end of camp if it is proposed to him, but dont say I wouldnt mind keeping him for depth and him taking a paycut like you are the GM and its your budget to run. Gimme a break
One another note what I think is our biggest overall concern on defense this year is linebackers covering RB’s and TE’s.
Offense JC will start and improve the efficiency of the passing game however he will miss plenty of throws too. DHB will be key to the season if he can make some big plays and actually hold on which i have faith he will doo
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
JT52,
Playing arm-chair GM is what we do.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
I guess this board is not a place to post comments on the article. It’s a message board where you can talk about anything you want or insult another poster. Enough said.
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
i agree with bentley..
can we discuss RAIDER FOOTBALL?
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:01 pm
MiamiBornRaider86 Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
i agree with bentley..
can we discuss RAIDER FOOTBALL?
……………….NO………
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Dakota Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Chris Paul to the Lakers sound niiiiiice.
^^^^^^^
Oh yeah!
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
we all saw what Schilens Murphy and DHB did last year. Even with all of them improved, do you think that’s a playoff caliber corps?
July 22nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
DHB <——- Will Improve
Murphy <——- Bad A$$
Schil <——- Good when active
JFORD <——- Rookie to have biggest Impact
TO <——- Will continue to be productive, and draw dubs
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I was watching the auburn northwestern game last night and even though walter mcfadden reminded me a lot of namdi in body type, intelligence, and willingness to defend the run.
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
If the Raiders don’t win with Campbell…we have no QB
If Dmac, Bush, et al don’t succeed we have no RB’s
If Schilens, Murphy, DHB, Zach Miller don’t succeed, we have no Passing game.
All the rest is supposition.
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:02 am
[...] McD: Camp questions: Can Gradkowski start? Camp questions: Can Gradkowski start? – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the … __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]
February 9th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Turbotax…
[...]Camp questions: Can Gradkowski start? – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…