Camp questions: Can Nnamdi be a playmaker?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 2:12 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Tenth in a series analyzing questions and issues surrounding the Raiders with players reporting to training camp Tuesday and practice starting Thursday:
Can Nnamdi Asomugha do more than than just take a wide receiver out of the game?
There’s nothing wrong with being a shutdown corner. There are very few of them around.
But Asomugha is on an island more lonely than any corner in the NFL, and the Raiders’ defensive philosophy by and large has been to leave him there.
In Asomugha’s last 46 games since he broke out with eight interceptions in 2006, he has three interceptions, 20 passes defensed and one forced fumble.
Contrast that with the six interceptions and 31 passes defensed by the Jets’ Darrelle Revis last year alone.
Once upon a time, Charles Woodson held the job Asomugha has now. He was the guy opponents rarely tested, and although there were some wrinkles in the nickel where Woodson was allowed to do more, he intercepted 17 passes in 106 games as a Raider. In his 62 games with the Packers, he has 28 interceptions.
Woodson and Asomugha talk on the phone often, and Asomugha conceded he was a little envious of the opportunities Woodson gets to make plays, but noted, “We don’t do that here.”
Asomugha upgraded his game last year as a tackler, making some physical plays at the line of scrimmage against the run. A former safety, he has the requisite ball skills, and the amount of times he gets to the ball in practice indicate he could do it in a game if the Raiders could be more creative in some of their defensive schemes.
The last year of Asomugha’s contract is in 2011, barring a work stoppage. Asomugha is scheduled to make $16.8 million or the average salary of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, whichever is greater.
Keep in mind that both Peyton Manning and Tom Brady could be up for new deals, so Asomugha’s salary could be in the stratosphere.
Assuming Asomugha has another one-interception season and breaks up a handful of passes on the few opportunities he gets while teams avoid him, do the Raiders pick up the option? If you’re going to pay a defensive player that much, it makes sense to do more with him.
With Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston added to a defense which in theory should be better against the run, it should enhance the pass rush because of more second-and-long and third-and-long situations.
Less time to pass means more mistakes from quarterbacks, and changing things up with Asomugha, rather than have him anchored to one side, would result in more plays made by a player dying to make them.
We’ll get an idea in training camp if there are plans to unchain Asomugha.
Previous camp questions:
Can the starting linebackers hold up in coverage?
Can Higgins return to ‘08 form?
Where is Seymour’s ripple effect?
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
2nd?
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
With Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston added to a defense which in theory should be better against the run, it should enhance the pass rush because of more second-and-long and third-and-long situations.
Less time to pass means more mistakes from quarterbacks, and changing things up with Asomugha, rather than have him anchored to one side, would result in more plays made by a player dying to make them.
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good point.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
12th!
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Nothing wrong with shutting down one side of the field, but he should be used a little more besides that.
Either way, Nnamdi is a stud.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Jerry hits it on the head towards the end, there. With an improved run D, teams may be forced to pass more. More 3rd and longs and therefore more opportunities for #21.
I would add, hopefully an improved offense, that can score some damn points. Maybe even force some teams to play catch up.
Why on earth would anyone test Nnamdi, if they know they can run the ball on the Raiders all day, and probably only have to score 13-14 points to beat them?
If the Raiders O can rise to at least competant and score into the twenties on a consistant basis, and the run D is as improved as much as we hope, then opposing teams might not have a choice, but to throw at Nnamdi once in awhile.
Be forced to play into the Raiders strengths..Their secondary and hopefully an improved pass rush.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
What could help our defense is not being a historically awful offense.
Converting even the occasional 3rd and 9 would do wonders.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
He definitely should be used more creatively. It would throw more confusion in and make the QB make more mistakes if he were moving around more. For sure QBs want to avoid him so it would make them think twice if they didn’t always know exactly where to look for him.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Ahhh.. great minds think alike eh Buck?
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Marshall hopefully will be able to tweak the defense enough to get the maximum out of Nnamdi. I hope the make over of the Raiders will allow the Defense to be more creative than in the past.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
‘Sup Vegas.
When I saw Jerry’s post on Grads the other day, I thought..man, ‘ol Jerry must be tossin one of his most loyal readers a bone. Jk.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Asomugha is scheduled to make $16.8 million and maybe eligible for goverment assistance.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Yeah until he crushed my dreams lol.
I’m still thinking he might get a preseason start, even if it is just a token gesture.
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:50 pm
BTW,
on that topic, of course Grads should have a shot. Fair and open competition. No sacred cows. Everybody should have to compete for their roster spot and position.
That being said, JC would have to pretty much fall on his face in the preseason not to start. But the Raiders are in a good position with Grads. If something did happen and they had to go with Grads, there wouldn’t be any worries.
I think he earned his teammates trust and respect last year, the way he played and handled himself. If needbe, they would go to battle with him and play hard for him.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Careful Buckeye, you might get labeled irrational with those words, lol.
I don’t see the harm in dressing it up as a fair competition. If you have your pick between two chicks, and one is a little hotter, you don’t just let her get away with putting her hair up and wearing jeans and flip-flops.
Dammit make her spend an hour putting on make-up and doing her hair. She doesn’t have to know she had the gig all along.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Now that we have a decent QB and an OC with a brain we will put more points on the board and teams will be forced to pass against us, and they will be forced to attack Nnamdi more often than in the past, hopefully…..and I expect nnamdi will be exposed just a little bit this season…just a little bit…
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Meet the Raider rookies @
http://www.csncalifornia.com/pages/raidersvideo?PID=FRvtyfgnWJbV9xFF_vhY_PdbVeXvgWHa
Jacoby, Rolando, Travis etc.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
HayesDaze37,
re last thread – don’t know what a Double Rainbow guy is but I was wearing my “No Rain No Rainbow” Maui rules shirt today.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
No problem. I’ve already been told I’m delusional and live in a fantasy world. Oh, and called a “tool” because I had the audacity to bring up Madden after the Campbell trade. Par for the course around here sometimes. Oh well.
It’s nice to see some familiar faces resurfacing now that training camp is near…Fl. Pete, KoolKell, 4eva. Where is NorcoBob?
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
GOOOOO LAKERS!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
I hope Matt Barnes punches Kobe, and his wife Gloria goes out and hunts little Mexican girls.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
lol
Shhhhhhh, I’m hunting Mexican girls!
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Dakota,
So I take it you think Nnamdi is slightly overrated? Overpaid maybe, but not overrated. I’ll tell you is starting to be a little overhyped. Revis Island.
Watching NFLN today, and Baldinger had him rated as the best player in the NFL. His top 5 were a little surprising. Ngata, Brees, CJ2K, Peyton, w/ Revis #1.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:32 pm
teams will be forced to pass against us, and they will be forced to attack Nnamdi more
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I have a feeling we are going to see Nnamdi lined up in a few different places this year. Hopefully that translates to more ints for the guy. But with CJ and Routt opposite Nnamdi, he still may be stuck with not a lot of action.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Fisher/Blake
Kobe/S. Brown/Sasha
Artest/Barnes/Ebanks/Walton (maybe)
Gasol/Odom/Caracter
Bynum/Ratliff
LOVE IT!!!!!
Watched the replay of game 7 last night on NBA TV!!!! NEVER GETS OLD!!!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
It’s still a great day to be a Raiders fan. Isn’t it?
M — This nutty hippie-nature dude was on Kimmel last night because he has a Yosemite double rainbow vid on youtube. The interview with Kimmel was pretty funny, and I thought of you somehow.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Any top 5 that doesn’t have Ray Lewis in it is not worth the teleprompter it was written on.
I put him as the best defensive player this generation, and one of the best overall players.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
buckeyeraider,
Just slightly….I think his eye-popping “thrown at” stats are mostly simply a product of teams runing the ball down our throats and OCs simply not even having to attempt passes Nnamdi’s way. I think Nnamdi got burned a couple of times last year, and I expect to see more of that in 2010 if our offense can force teams to have to throw using the entire field…don’t get me wrong, I think Nnamdi is one of the top CBs, but I don’t think he is a HOFer.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Dammit make her spend an hour putting on make-up and doing her hair. She doesn’t have to know she had the gig all along.
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I could see that if there was some type of fire that needed to be lit under Campbell. But the guy is doing everything the coaches area asking of him and more. The WRs are raving about the guy.
Now if he falters some how, sure Grads should/willget his shot.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hopefully this season the Raiders are still relevant beyond the end of September….that will make it easier to wait until the begining of the NBA season in late October!
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
When a Defense is more balanced, the weak links are fewer…so Offenses will need to pick their poison. If we’re fortunate/healthy/good enough to better “stop” the run, there will be more opportunities
for ball-hawking on D.
Nnamdi’s great just the way he is. Getting the ball more often would make him the best.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Fair enough, Dakota. His stats might be a little deceiving. He did get beat a few times as well. Was it Rivers? Somebody challenged him a couple of times last year, and beat him. Went right at him.
He is an elite talent, though. And a complete corner. Jerry is right about his physicality. I love it when teams try to throw those liitle swing passes to the flats, Nnamdi(and CJ too) will come up and thump em.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Hopefully this years d-line will answer some q’s, for the same reason nfl network named saints lb’s the best in the game over pitts, lack of supporting cast. Revis had a great defence surrounding him. I say Nmamdi should have similar #’s this year to Revis, Chris Johnson should also have better #’s with more pressure and poor qb decisions, they’ve had way too much time in the pockett in recent years.
Nmamdi can’t like people saying that Revis is better and will hopefuly take back the top cb rating this year. Lets let him blitz more, bring in howard and let him cover his reciever.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Yeah Rivers and Jackson have decent success on Nmamdi
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:58 pm
The Raiders should of locked up Aso long term, that silly 3 year deal sux! I’m sure two years from now he will be playing somewhere else and we will all miss him. I would of loved to see Woodson and Aso together. Thats how our D should look right now.
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
TEs had great success against Aso.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:02 pm
It’s going to be tough for Howard to cover anyone from the waiver wire.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
yeah thats a good point lol
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I am optimistic that the RAiders will meet my expectation and be competitive. I won’t go as far as to predict records….after 7 years of atrocious football…I am just looking for a little walking before running…
Let’s also not forget that the Raiders have a lot of new faces (thankfully) HOWEVER, it will take some time for them to mesh and master the playbooks. Especially on defense. The Raiders (AGAIN THANKFULLY) replaced most of the front 7 like I asked them too. But it will take some time.
Oh, BTW…no way on earth Gradkowski beats out Campbell….just no way
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Is Grads fully healed so he can compete with Campbell in camp? If not when is he going to be ready for action?
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I could see that if there was some type of fire that needed to be lit under Campbell. But the guy is doing everything the coaches area asking of him and more. The WRs are raving about the guy.
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What’s to gain by letting him feel content?
They should be hyping out how well Bruce is playing, even if he isn’t. Put JC in as pressure-filled situation as a training camp practice can be.
The rap has been that he hasn’t been good down the stretch of games and seasons. He needs to be balls-to-the-wall mode from jump street.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
It’s going to be tough for Howard to cover anyone from the waiver wire.
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No way the Raiders get ride of Howard. He is the only LB on the roster that can defend the pass.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Vegas,
There you go again.LOL. There should be a spot on this roster for THoward. I like the move to the bigger LB’s to hopefully improve the run D. They can still use Howard’s speed and coverage ability in nickle packages,IMO.
Did you see the youtube highlights of Howard making those two plays back to back in last season’s opener vs S.D. Awesome.
The dude had six picks a couple of seasons ago. That’s a hell of a year for a CB, let alone a LB. He had a pick vs Denver last year (could’ve been Cutler the yr before) tried to hit TE Scheffler along the sidelines, TH made an over the shoulder catch Todd Christensen would’ve been proud of.
And I can still see him racing down the field in Denver with another pick, this one like 60 yards to the house.
The Raiders should be able to find a role for TH in this defense. Bring him in for Trevor Scott in the nickle. Move Scott to De. Slide Seymour inside. Utilize Howards speed and coverage.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
In the media Revis will always be rated over Nnamdi-he plays in NY.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Nnamdi’s role show that of an unselfish TEAM player.
I’m sure he’d like to shadow the X but what he’doing is effectively shutting down half the field.
According to Tyvon Branch the D is going to be more varied and will surprise alot of people…
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
lefty12 Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
In the media Revis will always be rated over Nnamdi-he plays in NY.
====================
Media.
Plus Revis is on a contender.
If more people, INCLUDING Raider fans, saw Nnamdi play he’d be given the true staus he deserves.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I’m not a fan of Howard, and I don’t think Cable is much of one either.
If Al Davis comes and joins us, he is as good as gone.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Do you really keep a roster spot for a non-dominant coverage LB who doesn’t play special teams?
That’s a tough sell, IMO. If the other LB’s and youngsters look solid, Howard might get dealt for a 6th rounder or just waived.
The new era is upon us at LB. No more happy dances after a 7 yard tackle on 2nd and 4.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Howards fate will probably be decided by how the other younger LBs look and how much he can contribute on ST.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
—”Lions signed LB Isaiah Ekejiuba to a two-year contract. Ekejiuba, 28, should upgrade Detroit’s special teams as a gunner on kickoffs and punts, but he won’t be in the mix for defensive snaps at linebacker”—
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
With Howard’s speed and quickness he should be a good ST player.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
# lefty12 Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
In the media Revis will always be rated over Nnamdi-he plays in NY.
_________________________________________________________
He11! I rate Revis over Nnamdi, Nnamdi was the best in the league before Revis Joined. When Revis joined the NFL he was instantly a top par Cornerback, remind me, how long took it for Nnamdi to be that good, 100 years? he was a major disappointment in the beginning of his career..
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
yeah read that too, maybe “if ” howard will play special teams. Last year when Mitchell blitzed i saw bolth howard and morrison pointing the finger at him for not hitting the rb out of the backfeild, seems to me that they were bolth out of position and trying to pass the buck.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
# lefty12 Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:33 pm
With Howard’s speed and quickness he should be a good ST player.
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even though he is a terrible hitter, he at least would be better than Ekejiuba =) LOL
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Howard’s play has detoriated, he got benched last year, and they brought in a million LB’s this year.
Seems fairly obvious to me at this stage. Of course,one injury and he is back in the fold, but without that injury or major struggles….there just might not be a spot on the team.
And you know there is no way they are cutting Sam Williams, lol!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
who will lead the league in intercepetions jets or raiders?
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Nnamdi changed positions when he was drafted.It took him a couple of years to get comfortable at his NEW position.He has played for one of the worst teams in the league the last few years and DOMINATED his position.Revis stepped in to a playoff caliber team.Personally,I’d take Nnamdi over Revis.But I’m sure any team would like to have either one.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
LMN-I said he SHOULD be a good ST player not that he WAS a good ST player.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Easy one, The Raiders will.
The jets are gonna hit the wall this year.
Everyone will be waiting for them
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
We got Scott, Pain McClain, and Wimbley as starters.
Figure we have to keep Ricky Brown as our backup MLB, and ST player. Sam Williams is on scholarship, we traded a 5th round pick for Groves so he is staying. Goethel has a chance of sticking, Slade Norris is still in the fold, and they will be using some formations like last year with MM34 in the mix.
I just don’t see where Howard fits, but I guess we will get our answers in a month or so won’t we?
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Williams,Howard,Groves-if any of them are let go it wouldn’t be shocking.
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
for decades onward The Raiders now have two more awards in their arsenal…
worst defensive player that Fans want to get cut… and worst offensive player that Fans want to get cut…
From this day known as the “Sam Williams Award” (SWA) and the “Alvis Whitted Award” (AWA)…
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:01 pm
# lefty12 Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
LMN-I said he SHOULD be a good ST player not that he WAS a good ST player.
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yup, AND AGREE!
Howard was bad against the run on D, and Ekujuiba was even worse… Ekujuiba and Hiram Eugene is to of the players I hate the most. So I gladly saw Howard get a try on ST…
that said He isnt much of a tackler and that still is important on ST =)
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Williams scholarship can’t last forever, can it? Slade Norris, almost forgot about that guy. I thought he looked pretty good in limited preseason action last year.
Howard’s Int’s have declined since his big year. I still like Howard, I guess. Although I was very critcal of him in particular after the Giant debacle last year. I thought he played very soft in that game. the whole team seemed to be sleepwalking though. One of the few times I didn’t think his players played hard for Cable.
Like you said, we shall see here soon. Hopefully the competition will bring out the best in everyone. Everybody having to earn their spot.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:08 pm
It sure seemed to me last year, that whenever we had punt (often) or kick off (seldom) coverage plays. I’d hear Ekejiuba’s name called for being envolved in the play…
I don’t think Howard will take a shine to playing ST’s…
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
I still like Howard, I guess
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Too funny…..
I almost forgot about Slade too until I started thinking about it. He did look good in the preseason, although it was against the 3rd’s and 4ths.
Seemed comfortable in space. I wonder what type of shot he will get this year.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
909,
Yeah Ike was an excellent special teams player last year. I believe he was a pro bowl alternate. So, it was recognized around the league.
I guess that is supposed to be Sam Williams strong point also. That and being a good locker room/chemistry guy.
Plus, he is one of Al’s pet projects. A surprise 3rd rd pick out of Fresno St. So, I guess he’s on eternal scholarship.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:31 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:45 pm
He will make the Pro Bowl again.
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Good article, worth reading, and remembering the “Good Ol’ Days”
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3897093
No. 2: RICH GANNON, Oakland Raiders | 34-for-38, 352 yards
Nov. 11, 2002, vs. Denver Broncos
It’s hard to imagine a quarterback playing better than Gannon did in this pivotal Monday night game against the rival Denver Broncos.
The Raiders represented the AFC in the Super Bowl that season. But on this November night, they were reeling. Losers of four straight, the Raiders came out firing in Denver, and Gannon was a near-perfect triggerman.
The veteran signal-caller completed 29 of his first 30 passes and finished 34-of-38 for 352 yards and three TDs in Oakland’s 34-10 victory. In one memorable stretch, Gannon completed 21 straight passes, a single-game record at the time. On a 96-yard scoring drive in the third quarter, Gannon was 9-for-9 for 94 yards. Talk about an efficiency expert.
Gannon’s performance looks even more impressive when you consider the opponent. Not only had the Raiders lost seven straight in Denver, but the Broncos also entered the game at 6-2 and in first place in the AFC West. (They also finished the season with the sixth-ranked defense.)
The Raiders used their convincing victory as a springboard. It sparked a six-game winning streak as Oakland went on to capture the division title and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Gannon was also able to carry the momentum. He ended up leading the league with 4,689 passing yards and was rewarded with league MVP honors.
Postseason victories over the Jets and Titans put Oakland in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1983. But without Gannon’s superlative effort in Denver, the Raiders’ memorable season could have easily fallen apart before it ever really got on track.
Quote/unquote: “They came into our backyard and kind of kicked us all over the field.” — former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan
July 23rd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Man, I LOVED Gannon, but why did he have to turn into such a little b1tch after he retired?
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Al DAvis found Gannon and gave him the change to be great. Gannon became the same old KC/Minn loser after he tried to steamroll a LB. He was grudging for his tank job in the SB.
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Glenn Beck calls Brian Urlacher a neo-Nazi
Posted by Evan Silva on July 23, 2010 6:16 PM ET
Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun Times passes along word that FOX News television personality Glenn Beck recently referred to Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher as “a neo-Nazi” when analyzing a website-created list that Beck and Urlacher both appeared on entitled “The Blackest White Folks We Know.”
We’d prefer not to generate the slightest bit of traffic for a website that came up with such a ridiculous topic. Thus, the website’s name will not be mentioned here.
According to Jensen, Beck made the comment “presumably because of [Urlacher's] shaved head.” Beck’s ignorance, across the board, is stunning.
He doesn’t know sports, and he has no tact.
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
T.O. to Bengals report dismissed
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on July 23, 2010 8:46 PM ET
The burgeoning sports staff at TMZ came out with a report Friday night that Terrell Owens was “very close” to a deal with the Bengals.
A league source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that the report is untrue. Then again, there was misinformation circulated about Owens’ signing with the Cowboys just before it actually happened.
The Bengals hosted Owens for a visit earlier this offseason, but signed Antonio Bryant instead. They’ve since drafted Jordan Shipley in the third round and coach Marvin Lewis recently called receiver Andre Caldwell the most improved player on the team.
We don’t doubt the Bengals are just wacky enough to make the move anyway, but it’s an awkward fit.
UPDATE: Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer also says sources on both sides say the report is “not true.Looks as though T.O. is getting closer to wearing the Silver&Black.
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Barring injury it ain’t gonna happen-hopefully!!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
72. Word. The mans a turd propagandist for the Neo Con (con being the operative word) multi national monopolies that own the Government.
Fear machine.
Divide and conquer when the real foe sits on Wal mart shelves…
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Fat kidd says…
UPDATE: Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer also says sources on both sides say the report is “not true.Looks as though T.O. is getting closer to wearing the Silver&Black.
============================
Negative.
NFLN just had T.O. on last hour saying he wants to play for a contender and besides, we don’t want him…
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Nnamdi21 Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Fat kidd says…
UPDATE: Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer also says sources on both sides say the report is “not true.Looks as though T.O. is getting closer to wearing the Silver&Black.
============================
Negative.
NFLN just had T.O. on last hour saying he wants to play for a contender and besides, we don’t want him…
…………….raiders are a contender……..
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:24 pm
mcfadden or jacoby ford in the wildcat?
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
As excited as I am about the upcoming season and our chances this year, I wouldn’t say the Raiders are a SuperBowl Contender (I’m sure that’s what was meant by a contender). I think we are a contender for the division, a contender for the playoffs – as long as the pieces fall in place the way we need them to. But let’s not get too carried away now with this “contender” talk. 9-7, possibly 10-6 would be a wonderful season for us, but A LOT of things need to go right to get there (lack of injuries, improved run defense, improved o-line play, 3rd down efficency, ect…). Lets’s get into camp and see where we are before you start making superbowl reservations, please?
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
yeah and i am excited because we officialy have a kick returner!!!witch cant hurt are chances
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:30 pm
fat kidd Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
yeah and i am excited because we officialy have a kick returner!!!witch cant hurt are chances
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We do who? If you are referring to Jacoby Ford as our “official kick returner” then you are a fukn retard.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:30 pm
How bout no wildcat? How bout 2 back sets with Bush wearing down opposing defenses for 4-6 yds a clip & then DMC breaking a toss for 50+ yd homeruns? Smashmouth Raider football. Play action to our track star recievers for BIG plays. None of these new-fangled copycat schemes. Keep it fundamentally sound, winning football. To hell with the wildcat….unless it works for us, lol.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
jacoby ford,yamon figurs,michael bennett,rock cartwright pick one if you were happy with a fullback returning kicks like last year than your a tool…!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
its a lot better starting a drive on the 45 then being backed up against your end zone all the time we always had poor field position last year.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
fat kidd Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
jacoby ford,yamon figurs,michael bennett,rock cartwright pick one if you were happy with a fullback returning kicks like last year than your a tool…!!
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Yeah, because everyone of those in your “list” are proven and stellar return men. Jeezuz H fatty, setting the bar a bit low are you?
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:44 pm
jacoby ford returns kicks chris berhman on espn it goes like this……..he……….could……go……all…..the……wayyyyyy!!!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm
fat kidd Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:44 pm
jacoby ford returns kicks chris berhman on espn it goes like this……..he……….could……go……all…..the……wayyyyyy!!!!!
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Go to bed already.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm
chris berman there goes jacoby model t ford for a touchdown!!!!!!!!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
isnt steven spelled stephen dr.hawking??
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Yes fat kidd, it’s a slam on Semour Bush Oakdork. He spelled Dr. Hawking as Steven, not Stephen. SO I spell it this way because it pisses him off, and because he is a fkn moron.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Dr. Steven Hawking Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:47 pm Agreed, Fk the wildcat. How bout some good old north and south down the field smash mouth football……………………………………if you can figure out how to keep mcfadden from tripping over the yard markers we could play smash mouth!!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
seymour bush got pissed off the other night says he is not coming back..
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
fat kidd Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
seymour bush got pissed off the other night says he is not coming back..
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Yeah right, he will be back, he is addicted. He is the biggest troller on this blog, he never left, he never will. He might retire the lame azz name “Seymour Bush”, but he will NEVER leave this blog. THis is his only life, his only socialization in life, be it negative, he still thrives on it, for him, it’s better than nothing.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden is poised for a breakout year in my mind, but he might also be heading for a break up year. According to Mediatakeout.com, McFadden is supposedly in a current relationship with a woman who is the mother of his child. However, yesterday a different woman who has been doing the endzone dance with McFadden started circulating photographs of a rendezvous with the Raiders running back in a hotel room. She has circulated the pics, and you can see them here. I’m sure we haven’t heard the end of this one yet. What’s next? A lawsuit because she’s pregnant? A possible shot for a reality show? Money for more incriminating photos? Don’t these athletes realize by now there is an entire culture of women wanting nothing more than to get freaky with the athlete and then profit from it? Start thinking with the big head.
July 24th, 2010 at 3:30 am
As far as addressing the blog question, Nnamdi can be a playmaker anytime he choses to. Playing that position is somewhat restrictive true. But if you can anticipate and peel off your coverage you can victimize some QB’s. I used to watch Lester Hayes and Mike Haynes do it. I used to watch Willie Brown do it. But you have to gamble some which means you will expose the defense integrity. You have to cheat. Nnamdi is a by the book player who plays his position to the “T” he blankets his man and denies him the ball. Which is great it’s what the coaches are asking him to do. BUt if he wants to get picks he has break his assignment and cheat to make plays. It’s up to him if he has that kind of confidence in his safety and his ability to make the play.
Ed Reed for the Ravens does it all the time. he cheats up and gambles in order to make plays. But those plays in most cases are game changing and game winning plays. Nnamdi has that ability but des he have that kind of confidence?
So the answer to the question will Nnamdi be a playmaker? Sure if he wants to.
July 24th, 2010 at 4:33 am
Condolences to Bill Cowher, cancer is a b1tch..
July 24th, 2010 at 5:26 am
[...] Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha shuts down his side of the field, but can he be a play-making corner? [...]
July 24th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Bruce Campbell is a BEAST …
Let’s see what happens now that the pads will be on!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:14 am
Walker at RT and Campbell at RG = a lot more 3rd and 2’s converted!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:16 am
Is there a FB on the roster?
Getting kinda close to camp starting for that position to still be open.
Marcel Reese maybe ??????
July 24th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Fatt Kidd, if you know anything about Glenn Beck (which I know you don’t) he knows NOTHING about sports…he doesn’t even know who Urlacher is. Ridiculous. Guess what? He doesn’t really think James Carville is a space alien either.
Get back and peel them taters, ya rube!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:27 am
A lot of 2 TE sets maybe?
A lot of Miller and Meyers?
Bush and DMac in the backfield together?
Hmmmm ….
July 24th, 2010 at 7:29 am
A lot of 3 WR sets maybe ????
July 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am
AIG, hey kid, I have been a Raiders fan longer than you been alive.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:20 am
Dakota Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
buckeyeraider,
Just slightly….I think his eye-popping “thrown at” stats are mostly simply a product of teams runing the ball down our throats and OCs simply not even having to attempt passes Nnamdi’s way. I think Nnamdi got burned a couple of times last year, and I expect to see more of that in 2010 if our offense can force teams to have to throw using the entire field…don’t get me wrong, I think Nnamdi is one of the top CBs, but I don’t think he is a HOFer.
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WORD…OC’s don’t go in Nnamdi’s direction because they don’t have to….not because they can’t.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Well we will certainly find out this year. I expect a much better run defense and pass rush, not to mention an offense that is going to put up some points.
A lot of CJ fans out there, but the fact that other teams pick on him exclusively is telling. ZERO fear of the guy? Pretty much knows there guys is going to beat him more often than not.
And let’s not forget about Branch in coverage. Only his first year starting at SS EVER.
I would throw Nnamdi’s way either.
I would throw it Nnamdi’s way either.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Maybe 3rd time is the charm …
I wouldn’t throw it Nnamdi’s way either
July 24th, 2010 at 11:16 am
I always thought CJ would play better when the game was tight, but if we fell behind he got either disinterested or would get caught looking in the backfield.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Man those stories of Jeremy Green are sickening. What is wrong with people?
July 24th, 2010 at 11:20 am
JFB,
Did you notice Routt’s play against Baltimore?
Didn’t miss CJ at all.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I’m actually just rooting for decent CB play opposite Nnamdi, and I don’t care who it comes from. CJ was pretty good year before last, but not last year. To your point, got caught peeking way too often. I know there was an injury too, so let’s hope there is some type of bounce back.
With that said, Routt should NEVER play against the slot WR. If he’s going to be on the field, it needs to be against one of the outside WRs.
July 26th, 2010 at 8:32 am
[...] McD: Camp questions: Can Nnamdi be a playmaker? Camp questions: Can Nnamdi be a playmaker? – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]