Raiders play some real football
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 1:55 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders made it through their longest sustained training camp session of full contact in recent memory unscathed Thursday morning, although there was at least slight scare when Robert Gallery fell awkwardly in a pile, only to arise and proclaim himself OK.
Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday there would be some to-the-ground tackling in the near future, and it arrived the next morning when he announced, “I don’t want any cut blocks but this is a live period.’’
What followed was about a dozen plays, mostly runs, with the rare sight of ballcarriers being brought to the ground as if in a game.
There were no big gains until the second-to-last snap, when Michael Bennett broke free on the left and ran right through an attempted tackle of Joey Thomas.
Darren McFadden and Michael Bush had some inside carries, none gaining more than five yards.
Afterward, it sounded as if the tackling will be a sporadic occurrence, rather than a regular one.
“We’ll probably have a little more tackling somewhere along the line before we go to Dallas,’’ Cable said.
Cable didn’t think the tacklers or ballcarriers looked all that crisp.
“It looked like the first time we had been tackled or tackled anybody, but that’s why we’re doing it because it’s obviously been since last January when we tackled anybody, so we’ve got worked to do,’’ Cable said.
McFadden said the full-on contact changes the way a practice feels.
“You go through one drill live and it’s like the whole practice because it’s something that you’re not used to,’’ McFadden said. “But everybody made it through healthy for the most part. A few guys got dinged up, but I think they’re going to be all right.”
Defensive end Jay Richardson saw value in the contact.
“It’s important to build those good habits and do live drills so you don’t get in th game and pull up because it’s all repetition and mechanics,’’ Richardson said. “You’ve got to have some live time, plus you’ve got to have fun, too. It gets the guys a little juiced up to get a chance to get out there and hit.’’
More news and notes following Thursday’s morning session:
– The Raiders injury list has grown, but aside from a possibly serious ankle injury to wide receiver Jonathan Holland, nothing seems overly serious.
Holland left the field house on a cart and was headed for X-rays after falling during a seven-on-seven drill.
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who Cable said didn’t practice Wednesday because he was being rested, sat out this time because he was “still sore,’’ according to the coach.
Heyward-Bey acknowledged taking a Michael Huff helmet to the shoulder Tuesday but doesn’t consider it a serious issue.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy, who had his foot stepped on by Stanford Routt Wednesday in his first day back after a concussion, said his foot was swollen the previous night but thought he would be back on the field soon.
Those who didn’t finish practice (or didn’t practice at all) were wide receiver Jacoby Ford (quad), wide receiver Paul Hubbard (hamstring), fullback Luke Lawton (headache), fullback Marcel Reece (foot), fullback Manase Tonga (knee), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (rest), cornerback Jeremy Ware (heel) and quarterback Charlie Frye (wrist).
– With the dearth of fullbacks, Alex Daniels, the undrafted free agent defensive end who is taking some snaps in the backfield, got some work in the live contact scrimmage.
He went after linebacker Trevor Scott so enthusiastically on one block that Scott warned him to “chill.’’
– The day after Cable talked about limiting pre-snap penalties, an eight-man officiating crew arrived at the Napa Marriott. On the first play with officials, Matt Shaughnessy drew a flag for lining up in the neutral zone.
Cable counted six flags on the day, although it didn’t seem like that many.
“That’s still too many. You would like to dial this thing in where you’re so disciplined and so good before the ball is snapped on offense, and defensively have the discipline to cover with your feet,’’ Cable said.
– Nick Miller, the diminutive wideout from Southern Oregon who made the 53-man roster last year as an undrafted free agent and then was deactivated for 15 weeks because of a broken tibia, is starting to look like he did a year ago.
Miller made one terrific downfield grab during Wednesday night’s session and is in the mix competing for a spot as a return specialist on either kickoffs or punts with Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Yamon Figurs.
“Nick has kind of picked up where he left off last year before he got hurt,’’ Cable said. “He’s a very quick, sudden guy that is hard to get on the ground. He’s very good in and out of cuts and catches it pretty well. We know, or we think we know, he can be a decent return guy. So let’s just keep him healthy and we’ll get a chance to see more of him as we go.’’
Miller could be forgiven for having moments where he obsessed over losing his shot last year, but said he did his best to put those feelings aside.
“You don’t want to let yourself fall back into that like, ‘That was my chance,’ because I always feel like there’s always another opportunity, and I’m still here and I’m still fighting to earn a spot,’’ Miller said. “I feel they still have me here for a reason, and I’m here to prove myself still.”
—Oakland’s goal of utilizing Zach Miller (7 career TDs in 166 catches) in the red zone was working beautifully Thursday. He caught four touchdown passes.
— Chris Mortensen, the ESPN reporter called a “professional liar’’ by Al Davis, was at practice on his training camp tour, talking with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and quarterback Jason Campbell with zero interference from the club.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
August 5th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
NATION…
August 5th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Raider NATION…
August 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
3rd!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Hells yes! Raiders!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
# bcz24 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Sorry… Jamarcus just woke up from Jamarcus nap. What Jamarcus mi…. HANDS OF MY DRANK GOTDAMMMMMIT… ss while jamarcus was sleepin’?
*********************************
What did ya miss? Life Jamarcus just life…not that you are worried…go back to sleep
August 5th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Nnamdi…..damn where the refs or umps line up…..they will screw Raiders anyway
August 5th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
At todays presser Cable said “They’re going to move the umpire behind the LOS with the referee”
Which could mean more offensive holding penalties. Glad we didn’t take Iupati and that we got rid of Green.
Wonder why they’re doing this? I thought defensive holding was going to be watched more closely last year.
Maybe its to protect the ump from getting killed or gettingin the way of quick slants and the action.
Not sure I like this move…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
6. ROG: I’d laugh if it wasn’t true… IT WAS A FUMBLE!!!!!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
I’ve been saying it for awhile, this might be the most important preseason in a long time for us.
Of course, not the final score or if we win-lose. Just how we look, how our 1sts look, how our QB(s) look, our rookie MLB, new OC….on and on.
Back in the Gannon years, preseason games were brutal to watch and you just hoped nobody got hurt. In the Russell era, we just tried to cling to anything positive. Whole different ball-game in 2010.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Damn I’m so happy football is back……My A’s are too far back to catch Texas so i gotta have the Raiders be on it
August 5th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
http://www.raidernationstation.com/camp_2010
I’m diggin Bruce Campbell’s apparent progress THAT would be good news indeed.
I bet we see him in certain packages but I’d like to see him win the starter slot out right by game one!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
# Just Fire Baby Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
I’ve been saying it for awhile, this might be the most important preseason in a long time for us.
Of course, not the final score or if we win-lose. Just how we look, how our 1sts look, how our QB(s) look, our rookie MLB, new OC….on and on.
Back in the Gannon years, preseason games were brutal to watch and you just hoped nobody got hurt. In the Russell era, we just tried to cling to anything positive. Whole different ball-game in 2010.
*********************************
Dont leave out health
August 5th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Bruce Campbell handling John Henderson.
Is that good news that Bruce is emerging, or bad news that Henderson is being handled by a rookie at a new position?
Or maybe much ado over nothing.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Man I want Tonga back in there!!! Guy would be ideal for the Raiders at FB….damn the other guys
August 5th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Raiders getting love from “professional liar” Chris Mortensen of ESPN 8 (The OCHO!)
Whoa…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
13. Could be much ado…but still better than Bruce is getting worked!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Mortenson is a tool.
Fullback is going to be an important position for us this year. Last year it was a weakness. Lawton is missing games due to susp. Is it too late to bring back LoNeal?
August 5th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
NNamdi the lil pillow biter Mort has no choice, everyone has been taking notice and the attitude with the franchise has changed immensely. People might as well get use to us being back to a real team again. All the jokes they made when come back and bite them
August 5th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Come on, Jerry! What is the hold up with your reports?
August 5th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Man I want Tonga back in there!!! Guy would be ideal for the Raiders at FB….damn the other guys
===================
Reece, Tonga, Lawton dinged or out. Ugh! Still no FB! Rock Cart can play it in a pinch but we got DE LAex Daniels doing it occasionally in practice?
We need a LB leveler for DMC and Bush…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
F Mort…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Nnamdi,
I heard the same thing earlier in the offseason. The reasoning given at that time was, as you say, to keep them safer and out of the way. I’m not sure I like it either, but they do seem to have been in the way of a lot of stuff lately and I don’t think the league likes it too much when receivers use them to pick off defenders, either.
Let’s be realistic, though; they’re gonna call us for stuff regardless of where they line up. It’s just the way it is.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Jlofty…..lawton not playing is a strength…guy sucks
Manase Tonga is our best bet at FB…..liked him in college…good hands and strong as hell
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
satele is on suicide watch….
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
18. Word. I sure hope so mang!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
F Mort…
***********************
Yeah he is a punk for real
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would be surpised if we dont win the west….
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
satele is on suicide watch….
******************************
So are we with uncertainty at Center…..personally i think Satele is our best bet at C……thats sad
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
satele is on suicide watch….
===============
He better break out this year or else! I can’tbelieve anyone else on the squad poses a challenge.
Veldheer I gotta belive is waaay too green to take over the most improtant O line postion in a ZBS modified or not.
Chris Morris did better than Satele…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Mort-ified that he had to say something positive about the Silver and Black…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would be surpised if we dont win the west….
*********************************
Yeah well since you are saying that you expecting more than AFC West is how I translate that
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
satele is on suicide watch….
******************************
So are we with uncertainty at Center…..personally i think Satele is our best bet at C……thats sad
+++++++++++==
Do you think the rook can step in? Seems cable is trying to get him on the field at all cost…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
# Nnamdi21 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Mort-ified that he had to say something positive about the Silver and Black…
******************************
That sissy is prolly crying right now listening to his Lady Gaga CD
August 5th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Chris Mortensen, the ESPN reporter called a “professional liar’’ by Al Davis, was at practice on his training camp tour, talking with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and quarterback Jason Campbell with zero interference from the club.
***
why would Al Davis compare Chris Mortensen to Barook Ohama ???
August 5th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
satele is on suicide watch….
******************************
So are we with uncertainty at Center…..personally i think Satele is our best bet at C……thats sad
+++++++++++==
Do you think the rook can step in? Seems cable is trying to get him on the field at all cost…
*****************************
Yeah i mean that guy has to make the line audibles….tough for a rookie who is really a tackle
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would be surpised if we dont win the west….
*********************************
Yeah well since you are saying that you expecting more than AFC West is how I translate that
++++++++++
This is going to be a sic a$$ D….real Mike finally…
JCampbell slinging it….Weapons will be used proper…
Hue Jack calling it….
Cable managing the time outs…
the suprise of the NFL will be the Raiders….
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Im just happy more power blocking will be used….gosh ZBS didnt ever have us do well vs tough dlines
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Yeah i mean that guy has to make the line audibles….tough for a rookie who is really a tackle
+++++++++
Mofo needs to be a brainiac, and make plays….Agreed…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would be surpised if we dont win the west….
*********************************
Yeah well since you are saying that you expecting more than AFC West is how I translate that
++++++++++
This is going to be a sic a$$ D….real Mike finally…
JCampbell slinging it….Weapons will be used proper…
Hue Jack calling it….
Cable managing the time outs…
the suprise of the NFL will be the Raiders….
************************************
Well the way you speaking it sounds like 11 or 12 wins and a deep run…..real deep
August 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Im just happy more power blocking will be used….gosh ZBS didnt ever have us do well vs tough dlines
++++++++++
ZBS<——-Pu$$y ball…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Cable: “We’ve gotta change who we are our identity in terms of taking the ball away defensively…we’re never gonna win the division until we get that one issue…its got to change. If we can change that we’ve made leaps and bounds…”
August 5th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Chris Morris did better than Satele…
***
yeah, Morris started at C last year Week 1 before Gallery got hurt and we dominated SD’s line
ended Jamal Williams’ season!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
40. Thec. Yards between the 20s, but could NOT get in the end zone!!!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Cant think of who said it on this blog last month but its true when turn of decade comes Raiders get it right……70,80,90 and 2000 were all at least afc title game appearances….2010 nets us?
August 5th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Jerry still Hating on the ROG Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
# Thec07 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I would be surpised if we dont win the west….
*********************************
Yeah well since you are saying that you expecting more than AFC West is how I translate that
++++++++++
This is going to be a sic a$$ D….real Mike finally…
JCampbell slinging it….Weapons will be used proper…
Hue Jack calling it….
Cable managing the time outs…
the suprise of the NFL will be the Raiders….
************************************
Well the way you speaking it sounds like 11 or 12 wins and a deep run…..real deep
++++++++++++++
This isnt Kool-aid just going by camp this team is 180 deg diffrent than last year. I expect us to do big things…
August 5th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
# Nnamdi21 Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
40. Thec. Yards between the 20s, but could NOT get in the end zone!!!
******************************
Never good
August 5th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Thec i can dig…..anyways you cats stay cool i gotta shake for a sec….JUST WIN
August 5th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Ltr ROG….
August 5th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Pitolos
August 5th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
We’ve gotta change who we are our identity in terms of taking the ball away defensively – Cable
***
does that mean we’re actually gonna pressure the QB?
I won’t use the B word!
ShoNasty, Houston, Groves, Scott, Wimbley, Mitchell
Seymour & Kelly in the middle.
question is … can we stop the run?
If not, Sey & TK will get pounded and teams won’t have to pass – making the whole pass rush thing a minor impact instead of a major one
August 5th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Of all of our FB’s the samoan dude has the best ability to actually catch a pass or take an occasional handoff.
Daniels, Lawton, Moline….these guys are just so one-dimensional they would have to be GREAT blockers to warrant them being on the field. D’s would know that it is a run, and if it wasn’t it is almost like a waste of a skill position player.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Daniels, Lawton, Moline….these guys are just so one-dimensional they would have to be GREAT blockers to warrant them being on the field. D’s would know that it is a run, and if it wasn’t it is almost like a waste of a skill position player.
***
Disagree. How many catches or carries did Jon Ritchie get or Lorenzo Neal? Oren O’Neal (if he could have stayed healthy) ??? a FB isn’t always a weapon man, it’s not a glamourous position. he either blocks for the QB or the RB’s – thats his job
August 5th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Jon Ritchie – Lorenzo Neal = great blockers, maybe best in the biz.
Luke Lawton is not, nowhere close. So if he can’t block, or make the occasional catch and maybe break a tackle, what’s the point.
If they aren’t going to be exceptional blockers, at least hold the threat of making a play over the D.
That’s my point.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
If they aren’t going to be exceptional blockers, at least hold the threat of making a play over the D.
That’s my point.
***
point taken, but without some bit of blocking you could have a turnover or a dead play instead … and who’s to say Daniels isn’t the man for the job?
He certainly didn’t make friendly with Trevor Scott in “live” drills!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Guys got to be at least good at something.
What’s Lawton good at? Moline? Daniels (probably)?
I watched some of this Tonga kid at school, and while he probably won’t ever turn into a Jon Ritchie or Lorenzo Neal, the kid can move with the ball in his hands.
At least that is something.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Larry Centers & Moose Johnston come to mind when talking about great FBs. In Raider lore perhaps Steve Smith would be the most notable…Although my raider memory begins until the mid 80s..
August 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Larry Centers & Moose Johnston come to mind when talking about great FBs. In Raider lore perhaps Steve Smith would be the most notable…
***
NICE!
JFB: Reece can move too, according to some media guys he looks like a WR out there :[
August 5th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Was able to catch J.Campbell talking to the “Profesional Liar” on bspn. Among all of the praise Campbell has been getting from his teammates, I’ll bet they’re ecstatic over the fact that they have a QB that can understand and SPEAK the King’s english!!
August 5th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Its been a while since we’ve seen a camp be run in such a diligent manner. I don’t know if we’re gonna win 10, but it finally feels like we are laying a solid foundation to build on instead of being sold a bunch of dreams.
August 5th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
They just had a WILD police pursuit in South Central L.A. Very lucky no one got killed, one cop crashed into a palm tree, hurt but o.k.
Guess dude walked into the cop shop and said he was going to kick a certain officers ass. (called him by name.) Dude then runs out, jumps in his car and the chase is on..
August 5th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
1st preseason game (Hall of Fame game) is this Sunday night.
woohoo!
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL ???
August 5th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Oakland at Dallas next Thursday.
booyah!!
August 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
They just had a WILD police pursuit in South Central L.A. Very lucky no one got killed, one cop crashed into a palm tree, hurt but o.k.
Guess dude walked into the cop shop and said he was going to kick a certain officers ass. (called him by name.) Dude then runs out, jumps in his car and the chase is on..
++++++++++++++++=
Disturbing, and funny at the same time…glad no one was injuried….
August 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
NoLuv4Hoes Says:
August 5th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Pitolos
================
No luv 4 hoes?
C’mon, man, sluts need love too…
August 5th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
We keeping 7 WR’s…???
August 5th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
No way 7 WR’s, couldn’t see that.
But 5 or 6 with one or two on the PS seems about right.
DHB, Chaz, Murph and Ford are the only locks.
JLH, Miller seem like the likely next two, but maybe only one stays. Yamon Figurs could make a case with excelling on his returns in the preseason, but anything other than that he is probably toast.
August 5th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
All I can say to Jason Cole is Ha ha ha ha ha!
He’s annoyed at the Raiders! Hmmph!
Coles the one not making sense.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AmNeAKh.EuwVIL1TQMbSSTdDubYF?slug=jc-mailbag080510
Accused of spinning stories….
“Honestly, I don’t agree. There is no possible way to spin something to what people want or need to hear because there are too many opinions out there to consider.”
So basically, he “can’t” spin a story because so many people have diff opinions?
Please…makes no sense…
August 5th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
BTW, Denver loses Elvis Dumervil for at leat 4 months…Hate to see a guy get hurt, but if you’re going to, you might as well do it right after you get $43 million GUARANTEED!!!
August 5th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
“Nick has kind of picked up where he left off last year before he got hurt,’’ Cable said. “He’s a very quick, sudden guy that is hard to get on the ground. He’s very good in and out of cuts and catches it pretty well. We know, or we think we know, he can be a decent return guy. So let’s just keep him healthy and we’ll get a chance to see more of him as we go.’’
——————————————————
My boy Nick the Quick!
Let’s go mayne!
August 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
VittorioTafur 2nd team: Bruce Campbell holding his own with John Henderson
about 6 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
——————————————————-
Let’s go BIG Bruce !!!!!!
August 5th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
I don’t think we should hold our breath for a 10 win season. But, I do think we should be working towards 8-8. Not that that’s something to be proud of but, way better than we have been the last 7 years. Go Raiders. Glad to see a functional oakland training camp.
August 5th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
nick miller is from southern utah thunderbirds and not southern oregon univ
August 5th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
wasnt daniels a rb in college? dudes like 275! tell me that guy couldnt blow a lb!
August 6th, 2010 at 6:59 am
[...] McD: Raiders play some real football Raiders play some real football – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly… __________________ RaideroftheSith aka [...]