Raiders statement on Leinart
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 1:29 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders went proactive with regard to an ESPN report by Adam Schefter suggesting the club was interested in Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart.
They posted a denial on Raiders.com.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
September 1st, 2010 at 1:31 pm
How about JaMarcus Russell, he’s still out there?
September 1st, 2010 at 1:32 pm
2nd
September 1st, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Someone’s (finally) thinking clearly at 1220 HarbourBay Parkway.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:34 pm
yamon figurs is our #1 reciever.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
yamon figurs is our #1 reciever.
***
Who ???
September 1st, 2010 at 1:36 pm
John Henderson is far from a superstar world-class athlete…but, he isn’t missing much by missing pre-season snaps. He knows what his alleged specialty is, and he knows how to tackle…
The Raiders need all the tacklers they can get their hands on (pun intended).
***
HD: Agreed
September 1st, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Raiders call out Schefter, too
Posted by Mike Florio on September 1, 2010 2:44 PM ET
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is having an interesting day.
It started with a report that the Redskins have cut Byron Westbrook, which the Washington Post, a publication which one of its columnist recently confused with The Onion, thereafter refuted. (As of this posting, Westbrook is still on the roster.)
Then, Schefter reported that the Bills, Giants, and Raiders have discussed trading for Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart. The Bills responded by calling the report erroneous.
The Raiders, who once called Schefter a “false rumor monger” for reporting that coach Art Shell would be fired not long before, well, coach Art Shell was fired, have also joined in the anti-Schefterfest.
In a front-page item on the team’s website titled, “Schefter makes untrue statements regarding Raiders,” the team says: “ESPN’s Adam Schefter is once again making untrue statements about The Oakland Raiders, this time regarding Matt Leinart. The Raiders have never discussed trading for Leinart. The Raiders are very happy about their quarterback situation.”
The Giants have yet to publicly respond to Schefter’s report.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:40 pm
“The Raiders are very happy about their quarterback situation.”
-Nice!
September 1st, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Leinart was handed the job in AZ, and couldn’t keep it. He was bad…and at the time Warner took over, Warner hadn’t been playing well, either.
But Warner had the goods, while Leinart partied good. The prime years for Leinart to develop were wasted on his party ways. Fighting for his job this time hasn’t really gone too well, to say the least.
Even if he had the goods, Leinart’s still just another spoiled, immature kid…not ready for the bigs, even though he’s “playing” there. Kinda like Adam Schefter.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Violent Hands Says:
September 1st, 2010 at 12:51 pm
wasted last post jerry
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is once again making untrue statements about The Oakland Raiders, this time regarding Matt Leinart. The Raiders have never discussed trading for Leinart.
The Raiders are very happy about their quarterback situation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It appears Violent Hands is an insider! Could be Cable, LOL. Not likely to be Randy Hanson.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic reports that RG Reggie Wells is available, although he’s set to make $2.4 million this season.
The Cardinals have had an “extra” guard since Alan Faneca came aboard, and Wells’ availability indicates that the team wants Deuce Lutui to start. (Wells has lined up ahead of Lutui at right guard in training camp.)
September 1st, 2010 at 1:47 pm
repost
JaMarcus whoooo???
It’s time to stop comparing our QB’s to a never-was, and start comparing them to other NFL QB’s.
Except for a few (very few) superstar-quality QB’s, there aren’t too many other QB’s out there that I would swap our #1-3 QB’s with. I don’t even want to let Brennan go, without seeing him perform.
Average — or above average — QB play will get this team near .500 by itself. A little more help from other positions that have been MIA the past few years will take it beyond .500…THIS year.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Does Goethel stand a chance to make the cut??
I say we lose Williams and go with Trav.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:50 pm
trade Thomas Howard for Reggie Wells!
September 1st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I like Goethel in the event that McClain gets injured or (and I don’t think this will be the case) he ends up being a bust. Low-risk, low-salary player as a 6th round draft pick, with a whole lot of potential.
That said, Al likes Ricky Brown, so Goethel could certainly not make the 53-man roster.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:52 pm
# RaiderRockstar Says:
September 1st, 2010 at 1:50 pm
trade Thomas Howard for Reggie Wells!
———-
I like this idea.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Ted: I say Quentin Groves, Sam Williams, Ricky Brown & Travis Goethel all make it …
Howard, Norris & Nixon are out.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Sam Williams is a never was. Wasted pick, needed cutting in 04. It seems like we always have a group of solid special teamers (Ike, Williams, Condo) but no studs in the real game.
And I’m done with the armpit that is Fresno: David White, Sam Williams, Lance Kitten, …
September 1st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Goethel? If he plays similar to the way the vet has played, I say go with the youth and speed. Not like the team is relying on Williams to be the biggest piece of this here puzzle.
Speed, baby. Speed that tackles, that is…baby.
September 1st, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Cardinals LB unit:
57 Stevie Baggs OLB/DE
52 Monty Beisel ILB
50 Cody Brown OLB
59 Will Davis OLB/DE
53 Clark Haggans OLB
43 Chris Johnson ILB
51 Paris Lenon ILB
55 Joey Porter OLB
95 Pago Togafau ILB
56 Reggie Walker ILB
58 Daryl Washington ILB
96 Mark Washington OLB
***
Beisel, Lenon, Haggans & Porter are older than dirt and I’ve never heard of these other guys
Gerald Hayes & O’Brien Schofield are both injured
September 1st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Gotta run…
It’s a great afternoon to be a Raiders fan! Isn’t it?!
September 1st, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Porter is the ex Steeler / Dolphin.
D Washington, may have been drafted this year. TCU…Mabey
September 1st, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Anyone else see the Mooch talkin’ up the Raiders?
September 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Anyone else see the Mooch talkin’ up the Raiders?
—————-
What did he say?
September 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Darryl Washington could be a hell of a player. But after Dansby leaving and Hayes out, that ‘Zona LB corps is a shadow of its former self. They sure could use some help…
September 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Porter is the ex Steeler / Dolphin.
***
Len: I know who Joey Porter is, I meant the guys on that list that aren’t the 4 older vets I listed (below)
September 1st, 2010 at 2:03 pm
More Fresno losers: Mike Martz, Pauly Shore, David Carr, Trent Dilfer, Marquez Pope, Billy Volek, Rafer Alston
September 1st, 2010 at 2:05 pm
RR…misread.
Makes sense now.
I was suprised that You would have not known who Porter was/ is.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I’d keep Howard and Goethel over Williams, but it ain’t my checkbook.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Gruden on ESPN says he can see the Raiders on top of the AFC West. Said he liked the front seven, the off season pickups. Adding guys like Wimbley, Henderson, getting Kelly going, trading for Seymour and getting McClain in the first Round, and having Nnamdi one of the top corners in all of football. “I like everything about their defense.” They are talented fooball players.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I’d keep Howard and Goethel over Williams, but it ain’t my checkbook.
———————————–
I would too.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Goethel > McClain
September 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
# RaiderLen Says:
September 1st, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Anyone else see the Mooch talkin’ up the Raiders?
—————-
What did he say?
__________________________
http://www.raiders.com/media-vault/videos/Behind-the-Shield-Online/e42daf0b-3886-40c0-b220-d5df5d2fe01a
He said he likes Tom Cable and the Raiders, The team looks good……. and he wants to coach here. (jk about that last part)
September 1st, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Paul Hackett recruited Leinart to USC and personnel man Keith Rowan was Leinart’s first NFL coordinator.
I guess where Schefter gets his assumptions.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Goethel > McClain
—————-
Not sure about that. But if it meant that Goethel ended up in a Pro Bowl, I could live with that.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:10 pm
#33 Thanks BigTed707.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Not sure about that. But if it meant that Goethel ended up in a Pro Bowl, I could live with that.
———-
Word. Obviously draft picks are never sure things (even 1st rounders, as we Raiders fans know full well), so it’s always nice having a young backup option to coach up.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Goethel has better awareness and isnt hesitant to diagnose. He’s also more of a mauler, beats off blockers. Excels at defending the run.
McClain’s run-defense is found wanting, but his coverage skills are excellent.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Goethel, I think is a player. I was very impressed that he found the runner during that goaline stand. It was a BS call since the guy never crossed the GL. This guy is always around the ball carrier. With all that mass in there, you have to be impressed that Goether somehow found the runner Dixon.
I do not think he is better than McClain but I do think he is better than Ricky Brown.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:15 pm
We should probably play the 3-4 often just to have Goethel and McClain on the field every snap. Scott would be more useful then as a pass-rushing OLB. Whereas as a 4-3 WLB/SLB, Scott is less effective.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Goethel > McClain
***
Agreed
Goethel plays downhill. he’s a thumper. at least as good as ROMAC in coverage too
Jerry Mac says Rolando is better against the pass than the run – something we always knew about Kirk
Kirk was good about toting the company line and loved the fans – McClain is a d1ckhead who is full of himself
doesn’t care about his media obligations as a Top 10 draft pick and doesn’t care about the fans
September 1st, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Look back thru all of Goethel’s snaps in pre-season, admittedly a lot of it was against the 2nd/3rd stringers, but he has a knack for diagnosing run-plays quickly and blowing them up. McClain has looked underwhelming in that aspect.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Part of me wonders if they’ll give him looks at OLB if Scott or Wimbley start struggling down the stretch.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:19 pm
We should probably play the 3-4 often just to have Goethel and McClain on the field every snap. Scott would be more useful then as a pass-rushing OLB.
***
great idea, but if Seymour/Kelly can’t get it done in a 4-3 line … who in the world will play 3-4 NT here ???
should have signed Jamal Williams or Maake Kemoeatu in free agency since we passed on Williams & Cody on draft day!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:20 pm
TCMA: maybe they’ll pull McClain off the field and put Goethel in for short yardage ???
same with Huff & Mitchell …
makes sense!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Yeah i still remember draft night about the NT calls. We can attempt a trade for or acquire a NT thru waivers.
What is Wauffle’s history with the 3-4? Has he any? Our DL personnel is 3-tech heavy.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:35 pm
GG: I don’t know Waufle’s comfort or skill level with a 3 man DL, but I know he’s primarily coached 4 man fronts in NY and his previous stint with Oakland
September 1st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
If cutdown anxiety is bubbling through the ranks, with Saturday’s trimming to 53 players looming, it was not evident in the demeanor of Raiders rookie safety Stevie Brown on Tuesday.
Brown walked off the practice field in Alameda and calmly reflected on his early transition to the NFL. He’s fully aware of the imminent roster cuts, but he’s also not fretting about his fate.
“I’ve been getting feedback, but you’re never safe,” Brown said. “I’m just doing what I can. … I think I have a good shot.”
Brown is one of three defensive backs the Raiders snagged late in this year’s draft, hoping to boost their depth in the secondary. Brown (seventh round from Michigan) and cornerbacks Walter McFadden (fifth round from Auburn) and Jeremy Ware (fifth round from Michigan State) all have had their moments this preseason.
Most notably, Brown grabbed one interception Aug. 12 against Dallas and another Aug. 21 against Chicago. Ware started the game against the Bears when Nnamdi Asomugha was ill, and McFadden also has made a favorable impression on coach Tom Cable.
“All three of them have done some nice things,” Cable said. “There are also some things they have to work on and some things they struggle with, but they’ve shown themselves in a positive way.”
-Ron Kroichick, SF Gate
September 1st, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Watchin’ the highlights from Sat’s game.
On that missed 49er field goal, did Huff get a hand on it to block that kick?
If so, does that negate the missed tackle on Gore? Ultimately, the drive ended in no points.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Yeah it’s a bit of mismatch — we have a Wauffle-like UT-heavy 4-3 DL, but clearly a 3-4 LB corp.
Kelly has been lifting this pre-season, but probably wouldn’t fit the 3-4 NT.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Playoff chatter: Cable was talking about the wide-open nature of the NFL, how all 32 teams furiously chase 12 precious spots in the playoffs – a prized destination that the Raiders have not reached since 2002.
Then, suddenly, the question was posed to him point blank: Do you feel like a playoff team?
“I actually believe that’s where we’re headed,” Cable said. “I have no doubt. … Our biggest opponent is us. How we handle things from penalties to discipline to tackling – all those things will kind of write the script of what we are this year.”
September 1st, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree exit practice after exchanging words
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on September 1, 2010 3:55 PM ET
This time, Mike Singletary went with Vernon Davis into the locker room after the tight end lost control of his emotions.
The 49ers coach reportedly escorted his Pro Bowl tight end and wide receiver Michael Crabtree off the field after the two players had a lengthy heated argument in the middle of practice, according to multiple reports. The three men stayed inside the team’s locker room for 10 minutes before Davis re-emerged. Then Crabtree and Singletary came out together a few minutes later.
Crabtree and Davis reportedly watched the rest of practice from the sidelines while standing apart.
“I will not talk about the issue, but they both were wrong,” Singletary said after practice.
Disagreements on the field happen all the time, but it’s rare when one results in a coach leaving the field with two players for such a long time. Singletary said it was not about football and it sounds like this issue had been brewing for some time.
Singletary said the team will be better off now that the “elephant in the room has been exposed.”
That quote makes us think the elephant will be hanging around for a while.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:41 pm
On Patrick Willis 2nd sack they played a game on the LT, who was Langston Walker!!!!!
Nobody noticed it?
September 1st, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Yesterday, Cable said Michael Bush’s recovery progress won’t impact decision to keep Michael Bennett on roster. I think that means he’s in
I am guessing both Cartwright and Bennett are in. Maybe just keep two tight ends (Miller and Myers) at first
-Vittorio Tafur (twitter)
September 1st, 2010 at 2:43 pm
The Patriots need CBs, we need a WR.
Routt or Johnson for Welker? And can roster Brown, McFadden, Ware not lose any trying to put one on practice squad.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:44 pm
And can roster Brown, McFadden, Ware not lose any trying to put one on practice squad.
———————-
If any one of these Guys is not on the 53 here, they will be somewhere else.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:44 pm
The Patriots need CBs
***
John Bowie & Michael Waddell are available
coming soon: Joey Thomas & Joe Porter
September 1st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Phew!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Safeties: Branch, Mitchell, Huff, Brown
CBs: Asomugha, Routt or Johnson, Ware, McFadden, Huff/Brown
WRs: Murphy, DHB, Welker, Ford, McFadden, Figurs/Miller Schilens PUP/IR
RBs: Bush, Bennett, Cartwright
September 1st, 2010 at 2:48 pm
GG: why trade for Wes Welker when you have Nick Miller ???
bwahahahaha!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:48 pm
WRs: Murphy, DHB, Welker, Ford, McFadden, Figurs/Miller Schilens PUP/IR
RBs: Bush, Bennett, Cartwright = 7-9
September 1st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Higgins, Routt & Howard for Randy Moss!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Cut Eugene!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Jerry Jones: Labor Deal Allows For 22-game Sched
Posted by Brooks on Sep. 01, 2010, 3:29pm
Tuesday Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones guested on KRLD radio in Dallas on the Jagger and Barsky show -via sportsradiointerviews.com – to talk all things Cowboys and NFL.
(KRLD audio of Jones on 22-game schedule below)
During the visit, the inevitable question of the league adopting an 18-game regular season came up, with Jones volunteering that the league in theory could actually go beyond 18 games.
I am very much for the 18 game. But I do want it to be decided inclusive of players input and that’s as it should be. We actually have in the Collective Bargaining Agreement the ability to take it to 22 games. That’s already in the agreement. That’s not the spirit of it. You want players to be buying into it.
Certainly it has the chance of enhancing the player’s financial benefits because it does grow the pie. The more the pie grows, the players get the majority of the money when the pie grows.
The players get the money – so that’s a good thing. I think the nature of how you would prepare for those 18 games would have less physical impact than we have now.
When you only play two preseason games there are things that you don’t do. Mainly has to do with the length of a preseason and the wear and tear in terms of how your body gets tired. The more you get tired, the more you’re susceptible of injuries of all kind. I think all of that is a plus factor on health.
At the end of the day I think we will be going to 18 games, but certainly with the positive input of players.”
Jones didn’t suggest 22 games was a realistic possibility any time soon, but I don’t think it was coincidence he brought up the fact that the CBA does allow for the possibility. Jones is known for pushing the envelope in every facet of his business life, so it wouldn’t surprise me if someday he led a bid to realize a 22-game regular season.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Not stopping the run and a crappy O Line = 7-9 if we are lucky.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Cut Eugene!
————-
I think they will.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Len: you’re exactly right
when you’re weak on the interior of both lines, you aren’t a playoff calibur football team …
September 1st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Btw, someone posted quite a few blogs back a question how they had observed McFadden as a RB often cant beat the first man, but when he’s split out as a receiver he often does beat the first man.
Reason is as a WR, DBs are often tackling him high (where he has great strength) as well as he has more space to work in. Whereas as a RB LBs will tee off going low on ball carriers, and Mcfadden has far less space, a lot of arms, legs, bodies around him and around where his feet are moving.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:52 pm
when you’re weak on the interior of both lines, you aren’t a playoff calibur football team …
—————–
Word. Football 101.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Stevie Brown seems to think he’s safe. he’s confident from the “feedback” he received
Hiram Eugene: you won’t be missed
time to join Stuart Schweigert in the UFL
September 1st, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Sam Williams blew it on that 49ers punt return.
Of course he was blocked in the back…
September 1st, 2010 at 2:54 pm
when they expand the season raiders will be first team too go 22-0
September 1st, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Hiram Eugene: you won’t be missed
———————
Yep. Mitchell is in His 2nd season. He knows the drill.
No need for the “veteran presence” of Eugene.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Sam Williams, Ricky Brown & Travis Goethel are all good special teamers
they’re safe.
who else would replace Ekejiuba, Alston & Stewart on ST ???
September 1st, 2010 at 2:56 pm
DMAC = Raiders version of Miles Austin if he were full-time WR
September 1st, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I can’t wait for McFadden to play for a team that has a clue about the importance of the offensive line.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Len: Mitchell could learn a lot from Huff & Branch …
if MM can learn to cover like Huff and hit like Branch he might be the next Rod Woodson!
September 1st, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I can’t wait for McFadden to play for a team that has a clue about the importance of the offensive line.
——————–
It sure would be nice to see what He could do behind a line that was slightly above average, let alone dominant.
Having said that, DMAC has to do his part and stay on the field for an entire season.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:00 pm
DMAC looked like our best WR on Thanksgiving against Dallas. better than Schilens & Murphy even!
be actually made plays on the ball. he didn’t wait for it to come to him. he went out and grabbed it. nobody else showed that passion or aggressiveness, outside of Zmiller
September 1st, 2010 at 3:00 pm
5pm in Podunk. later gents!
September 1st, 2010 at 3:02 pm
if MM can learn to cover like Huff and hit like Branch he might be the next Rod Woodson
—————–
Mitchell still has a lot to learn for sure. He now knows enough that Eugene is expendable.
I hope he maximizes his potential. Whatever it may be.
I’m sure he is willing to put in the work.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Dakota…it’s also true what you say. It’s been a consensus of opinion in Raiders forums and here for years that our OL has been neglected. A focus on drafting/acquiring OL talent (instead of WR/RB/etc) is what’s needed for a number of years and it would improve our RB/WR output far more.
But i still McFadden isn’t a natural RB. What you need in a RB is a low center of gravity, great balance, and has great cutting/juking lateral movement, and powers thru tacklers with his legs.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Go Raiders! (1-0)
September 1st, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Oakland Raiders’ Offensive Success Starts Up Front by Jeff Little
Posted on August 30, 2010
Training camp has begun for the Oakland Raiders. The silver and black are working hard preparing for a successful 2010 season. The Raiders had one of the best offseasons in recent memory. The offseason has provided the team with much-needed momentum. Two of the bigger acquisitions for Oakland were offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and quarterback Jason Campbell.
These are just two of the many additions brought in to upgrade the offense that ranked 31st in the league and scored 17 touchdowns. The NFL is a passing league and the Raiders ranked 29th out of 32 teams; only the Jets and Browns had fewer completed passes.
The Raiders ranked 21st in the league rushing in 2009, posting seven rushing touchdowns and allowing 49 sacks.
A significant amount of the blame for the above-mentioned rankings needs to be placed on JR’s doorstep. JaMarcus was a man who never got it. He seemed to be more taken with “purple drank” than he was at improving as a football player. The Raider offense will improve with a renewed commitment to the running game and an improved passing game with Jason Campbell at the helm.
Offensive improvement always starts up front with the offensive line.
A successful offensive line needs to be based upon having talented athletes and providing them with solid coaching. Tom Cable is a solid offensive line coach. There are coaches who teach the scheme and coaches who teach technique. Cable learned from Alex Gibbs, who taught both.
For those who do not know, Alex Gibbs is seen as the godfather of the zone blocking scheme when he coached the Raiders offensive line in 1988-1989. Wherever he goes, that team is successful offensively. Oakland’s road to redemption starts behind the five guys entrusted to move the crowd.
The Raiders have completed the walk-through version of training camp that head coach Tom Cable calls “learning intensive” sessions. The Raiders are focusing on fundamentals. The zone blocking scheme is widely used and highly successful. The zone blocking scheme creates a called “hole” to run in.
Zone blocking in the running game usually relies on technique, as well as smaller, more athletic lineman sacrificing size for mobility and runners committed to the one-cut-and-go system. The majority of the running plays, due to the movement of the linemen, always have the appearance of a stretch play to the weak or strong side of the formation.
The center, guard, tackle, tight end, and fullback work in unison to combination block an area with an emphasis on double-teaming a few defensive linemen, first or second level threats at the point of attack. The double-team block will provide movement at the line of scrimmage as well as cut back lane for the runner. Getting movement is the key.
Typically people think of the levels as first level—defensive line, second level—linebackers, and third level—secondary, as you will see in your game day program. The reality is that things are a little different on the field.
Facing a 3-4 defensive front, for example, causes a lot of confusion for offensive linemen. A blitz or pressure can come from several different players. It is all about threat level the linemen need to be able to read the defense and never leave a first level threat unblocked. A defensive lineman, linebacker, or defensive back could be a first level threat.
The Raiders will face 10 opponents that utilize a 3-4 defensive front as their base defense. Oakland will put the pads on August 2. The competition to be one of the starting five or depth begins. The guys who will receive snaps on the first-team are as follows:
LT Mario Henderson, LG Robert Gallery, C Samson Satele, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Langston Walker.
Depth: (T-G) Khalif Barnes, (T) Erik Pears, (C) Chris Morris, (G) Brandon Rodd
New Additions: (G-T) Bruce Campbell, (T) Jared Veldheer, (G) Daniel Loper, (G) Allen Smith, (T) Elliot Vallejo, (G) Alex Parsons
The Raiders best lineman, Robert Gallery, returns healthy after only playing in six games last year due to a series of injuries. In Gallery’s absence came Henderson, who had a decent start faded down the stretch.
Cooper Carlisle’s performance has dropped off over the last two years and competition at right guard is required. Langston Walker returns as the surprise starter at right tackle. Cornell Green has left the building. He will be “false-starting” in Buffalo in 2010. Samson Satele was slow to adjust to the zone blocking scheme, but came on late.
The smartest thing is that there will be competition at every position. The battle for playing time on the offensive line will provide some of the best positional battles of training camp. The best possible scenario for this group in five parts:
1) No serious injuries or games missed, with substantial success and growth as a unit.
2) Robert Gallery not missing a game.
3) Rookies Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell rapidly getting up to speed, making an immediate impact, and challenging for playing time at left tackle and right guard.
4) Langston Walker showing improvement as a run blocker while continuing to be solid as a pass blocker.
5) A few unexpected lineman playing well and challenging for playing time such as Daniel Loper, Allen Smith, or Elliott Vallejo.
With this said i will have to move the raiders from 29th overall up to 7th.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:07 pm
RBs right around the league and the greats too, all worked their leg strength up each season, bulking up there, and forever pushing their length strength up during off-season/pre-season. McFadden is top heavy and keeps getting that way. He’d be a good receiver, upper body strength fighting off a CB draping over him, and pushing off a CB after the catch.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:08 pm
With this said i will have to move the raiders from 29th overall up to 7th.
———————–
Serious Kool Aid.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
RBs right around the league and the greats too, all worked their leg strength up each season, bulking up there, and forever pushing their length strength up during off-season/pre-season.
———————-
Actually, Tiki Barber is a great example of this process.
Fumble issues that get talked about aside, this is an area he improved in significantly.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
new post
September 1st, 2010 at 3:26 pm
GG Says:
September 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Dakota…it’s also true what you say. It’s been a consensus of opinion in Raiders forums and here for years that our OL has been neglected. A focus on drafting/acquiring OL talent (instead of WR/RB/etc) is what’s needed for a number of years and it would improve our RB/WR output far more.
But i still McFadden isn’t a natural RB. What you need in a RB is a low center of gravity, great balance, and has great cutting/juking lateral movement, and powers thru tacklers with his legs.
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McFadden simply needs to have an o-line that blocks like they did in 2007. The o-line regressed badly with the aging of Cooper and the additions of Kwame, Barnes, Satele and the rest of the castoffs.
September 1st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I was the source…lol.
I posted as a hypothetical on this paper’s Raiders Forum a couple days ago regarding the Raiders trading a way Mr. Boller for a draft choice, as it appears the Cardinals are going to unload Leinart and they will need a quality backup with veteran experience as they have two rookies.
Schefter ran with it stretched it into another Raiders rumor. Now we know hat he does with his blackberry all day, reading our posts.