Groves: You gotta tune in and see
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, September 5th, 2010 at 2:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders won’t come out and say it, but if they open the season in their traditional 4-3 defense, the starting weak side linebacker will be Quentin Groves.
“We’re just kind of experimenting with some things right now to make sure we get the right 11 guys on the field,’’ coach Tom Cable said. “That’s the most important thing to us.’’
Trevor Scott opened warm-ups and drills working with the defensive linemen Sunday, and said afterward he’s been exclusively as an end in recent days and noted Groves has been working with the first team at weak side linebacker, although he said he didn’t know who would actually start.
Groves smiled when asked if he was the starter.
“You never know. You just gotta tune in and see, right?,’’ Groves said. “One game I might be the starter, the next I could be a third string guy. I just have to come in and prepare myself as the starter.’’
Acquired from Jacksonville for a fifth-round draft pick, Groves, like Scott, was predominantly a defensive end.
“Now I’m a standup will linebacker and it’s kind of different,’’ Groves said. “Got to make checks and audibles and gap fits, things like that.’’
The same adjustments that Scott, who took over the position last season from Thomas Howard, apparently struggled in making.
The difference, according to Cable, is Groves showed the ability to play the pass in college at Auburn.
“There were some things that we asked him to do the last couple of weeks and he was able to do that, and one of them was play in the pass defense with a little more instinct and a little more break on the ball and keeping the ball in front of him,’’ Cable said.
Groves said in the last two games he started doing more playing and less thinking.
“I think I just let it go,’’ Groves said. “Started playing football. The first two games I was thinking, `I’ve got to fit here, where do I have to be?’ I just said, `Man, see ball, get ball.’’
Scott shrugged off the position shift, saying, “I’m playing pretty much where they send me. That’s the NFL for you. It could change week to week.’’
With the release of Jay Richardson and Richard Seymour playing mostly on the inside, Scott has been working in a three-man rotation with Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy and against the Seahawks played on both sides.
With Scott playing end, the other weakside option would be Thomas Howard, who has started 62 of 64 games since being drafted in the second round in 2006 but moved to the strong side to make room for Scott in the last six games of the season last year.
Besides the challenge of facing the NFL’s leading rusher in Chris Johnson, the Titans feature a quarterback in Vince Young who poses a run-pass dilemma for linebackers who must decide whether to come up and play the run, potentially leaving an open receiver.
More news, notes and quotes from Sunday’s practice session and media availability:
— Cable went ahead and made official what looked obvious against the Seahawks after incumbent left cornerback Chris Johnson gave up four catches for 120 yards _ Stanford Routt will be the starter.
“I just see a guy that has a real focus about him right now,’’ Cable said. “He has gone out and shown it. We’ve asked him to do some things to improve his game and he’s done those things. That’s just a matter of going out and doing your job and playing well.’’
Early in training camp, Johnson was enjoying far better practice sessions and appeared to be on track to be the starter. However, Routt played better in preseason games and then in practice as well. Then Johnson injured a hamstring, returning to get torched against the Seahawks.
The Raiders raised a lot of eyebrows when they tendered Routt, who has started just 23 of 78 career games, at a first- and third-round rate _ a salary of $3.268 million.
—The center position, a model of stability for the franchise through the Jim Otto-Dave Dalby eras, will have its fourth different starter in four years. Jared Veldheer, the 6-foot-8 rookie out of Division II Hillsdale, follows Chris Morris (2009), Jake Grove (2008), and Jeremy Newberry (2007).
Quarterback Jason Campbell said it’s the first time he’ll open with a rookie center.
“We’ve just got to work together, work together, do what we have to do to make our calls and make sure everyone is on the same page and do as much as we can to help him,’’ Campbell said.
Veldheer was putting in extra time following practice working on shotgun snaps.
– Cable on the cutting safety Stevie Brown, who spoke the media the pervious day believing he had made the 53-man roster:
“I told you all along there was going to be some tough cuts,’’ Cable said. It is what it is. Unfortunately, he went out and practiced and you guys got a chance to talk to everybody – which, you’re doing your job. And so that’s on us to get those decisions made. I am not surprised it took as long as it did, but it was tough for the kid, definitely.’’
Brown declined comment.
– Seven players were officially added to the practice squad: Brown, defensive tackle Kellen Heard, linebacker Slade Norris, fullback Manase Tonga, cornerback Joey Porter, wide receiver Shaun Bodiford and offensive lineman Alex Parsons.
“We’ve got one more to add and we’ll do so here in the next day or two,’’ Cable said. “We’re keeping our options open and looking at everything, the waiver wire, who’s available, who has practice squad eligibility, all those things.’’
– Injury updates in some form will be on Wednesday, Cable said. That’s the day the Raiders are mandated to turn in an injury report to the league. Running back Michael Bush was going through some agility drills following practice with his left hand either casted or heavily wrapped to protect his thumb.
Bush declined comment.
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September 5th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Stevie Brown in the house!
September 5th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Checking in from NOLA…where you at 504?
Those who thought that AD was going to cut mm34 do not know the Raiders well enough. It’s one thing for AD to cut freeagents, it’s another for him to cut his draft picks.
Wish we could pick up TJ whosyourmama asap. Later boys.
September 5th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Seahawks just cut Owen Schmitt fb a true fb man was beast in college worth a look heck who needs 7 wrs anywayor cut cartright to make room.
September 5th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
did lb gothral make it to practice today.
September 5th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
did lb gothral make it to practice today.
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negative.
September 5th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I wonder if we end up signing TJ and dropping Yamon
September 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Would love to see howard/cjohnson for v-jax..SD needs a LB behing injury prone merriman, and their secondary is garbage….I highly doubt SD will make a deal with us though…Im curious which team espn is reporting has agreed to deal with v-jax but hit snag with SD about compensation…IF we got V-jax (highly unlikely) We would win the west with ease and make that Sup Bowl run no doubt
September 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Brennan not eligible…
September 5th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
PurpleDrank81 Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I wonder if we end up signing TJ and dropping Yamon
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If cable is serious about improving the quality of the Team…TJ in Yamon out is a certain upgrade.
Problem is selling TJ on the role He plays.
Lots of moving parts in the WR group.
September 5th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Those 3rd and longs would be no more if we had TJ
September 5th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
IF we got V-jax (highly unlikely) We would win the west with ease and make that Sup Bowl run no doubt
+++++++++++
We are going to win the west anyway…
September 5th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
PurpleDrank81 Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Those 3rd and longs would be no more if we had TJ
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With the upgrades witnessed thus far in the passing game…
Between TJ and Zack, I like our chances a lot on 3rd and long.
Freddy B wasn’t fast but he could seperate.
TJ = Freddy light?
September 5th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Tj is going to cincy, as ive said days ago….Only team he will flourish on imo…He took the $$$ bait and failed, and ocho would give up dough to have his boy back, even though seattle is on the hook for his pay. Only reason he left cincy was seattle gave him the cash, it wasnt a bad split
September 5th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Really T.O,OCHO,TJ….. I dont think cincy will do it but who know’s ive been wrong before
September 5th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
I was so pizzed when the Raiders didn’t draft Leinart…now he’s likely blown his career with his Hollywood lifestyle. Just goes to show you, wait three years before evaluating a draft.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I thought I read that Cincies coach allready said no T.J.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
PurpleDrank81 Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Really T.O,OCHO,TJ….. I dont think cincy will do it but who know’s ive been wrong before
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Cincy dont give a F about chemistry.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Raiders for life Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I thought I read that Cincies coach allready said no T.J.
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i dont know, but i do know ocho said on twitter he would bend over to get tj. I dont see why not. It only makes them better.He wasnt a problem when he was there.They were gonna roll with t.o ocho and bryant.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
No matter if its Leinart/Russell/Quinn, we were screwed. I would never draft a QB in the 1st these days. You dont know what you are getting. Better off getting an established free agent qb. At least you have an idea of what you are getting. Too much $$$ for an unknown commodity
September 5th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I like groves….I dont think Scott is a good fit at LB.His skill is rushing the QB. He only fits at LB in a 3-4
September 5th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
cincy head coach on record as saying we dont want him…
September 5th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
No matter if its Leinart/Russell/Quinn, we were screwed. I would never draft a QB in the 1st these days. You dont know what you are getting. Better off getting an established free agent qb. At least you have an idea of what you are getting. Too much $$$ for an unknown commodity
++++++++++++++++=
Or draft a later round guy sit and groom…
Good example is charlie Whitehurst…
September 5th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Marvin Lewis said that TJ would not work in there new system and Brad Childress says there is no need for TJ on his team….
September 5th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
PurpleDrank81 Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Marvin Lewis said that TJ would not work in there new system and Brad Childress says there is no need for TJ on his team….
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I didnt know they had a new system….I think they are idiots not to consider him since seattle is paying his salary…Whatever though….Im all about the shield. I could care less
September 5th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Hopefully the Raiders draft O line early and often next year…looks to be our glaring weakness this year, yet again.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Yea i really hope that we make 1 more before the season starts…Pick up a Guard or pick up TJ
September 5th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Coach Cable said….We are working on a couple of things and on Wednesday those things will be cleared up.
Anyone know what he’s talking about?
September 5th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
will have to wait and see…
September 5th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
per Twitter:
Adam_Schefter – This had to be a tough one: Jets released veteran FB Tony Richardson, one of the league’s classiest players.
_________________
Our FB is now available!!!
September 5th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Yea theres Defintley some good linemen coming out next year…Dont forget that we wont be pickin until late in the 2nd round…..10-6 BABY
September 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Is there a leak inside the ultra secret Silver an Black?
http://www.raidernationstation.com/2010_off_season
I haven’t read where anyone has said Randy Hanson. Seems pretty wild but as all of you know, anything can happen in Raider Land…
I don’t even think Hansons with the team and hasn’t been since he sued right?
September 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Texans claimed OLB David Nixon from Raiders
September 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
We need some good news, so far no major drama for the team.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
29. Agreed.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Tony Richardson or Owen Smitt both makes sense, our starting FB Reece was a WR in college
September 5th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Raiders for life Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Coach Cable said….We are working on a couple of things and on Wednesday those things will be cleared up.
Anyone know what he’s talking about?
==================
Cryptic as usual.
Anyone else notice how Brian Schnieder kicked our azzes on special teams against Seattle?
He was a Kiffin hire but I wish we could’ve kept him. He was really really good and our ST hasn’t been the same since he left for USC with Lance.
BTW, what happened there I wonder?
September 5th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
7 new defensive starters this season, and we were supposed to have a good defense last season
September 5th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Oregon 72 New Mexico 0……I guess its safe to say that oregon covered the spread
September 5th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Man did they play New Mexico High School
September 5th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I think if we got richardson, it would be like when we got Lo Neal….We would be excited and then he would get cut
September 5th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
El Tato Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Tony Richardson or Owen Smitt both makes sense, our starting FB Reece was a WR in college
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Reece has spent some timeon the practice squad and has gotten more well rounded and better at blocking but it would be nice to have a real FB for sure…
September 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
# stoopidmike Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I think if we got richardson, it would be like when we got Lo Neal….We would be excited and then he would get cut
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If it wasn’t for John “The Terminator” Conner, Richardson would still be the Jets FB. That’s far from washed up in my opinion.
September 5th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Reece has spent some timeon the practice squad and has gotten more well rounded and better at blocking but it would be nice to have a real FB for sure…
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Yeah, if he couldnt block he wouldnt have made the team as the starting FB, but I am sure Richardson is a better run blocker
September 5th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Tony Richardson still has some gas in the tank
September 5th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
The Terminator was the best part of Hard Knocks this year. That kid just blows people up!!!
September 5th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
bad luck Oren O’Neal was a broken toy, he was a player
September 5th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Yep, a duplicate of John Ritchie would be nice.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
itzSteve Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
# stoopidmike Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 3:53 pm
I think if we got richardson, it would be like when we got Lo Neal….We would be excited and then he would get cut
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If it wasn’t for John “The Terminator” Conner, Richardson would still be the Jets FB. That’s far from washed up in my opinion.
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Im not saying he’s washed up, im just saying what the Raiders would do. We tend to cut alot of veterans that still have gas in the tank
September 5th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Were gonna make some noise this year
September 5th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Jets cut Tony Richardson. Al should jump on this
September 5th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Sorry. I was late to the discussion
September 5th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I just want some1 to take away the Yamon Figurs Scholarship
September 5th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Did you all see what Fresno St. did to Cincy last night? They always have some hitters, I heard Bear Pasco(Fresno boy) has been cut…I really wish we would have picked up Ryan Mathews (Fresno boy) in the draft and dumped DMAC. L-Neil was bad a__! @ Fresno st.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Raiders for life Says:
September 5th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Did you all see what Fresno St. did to Cincy last night? They always have some hitters, I heard Bear Pasco(Fresno boy) has been cut…I really wish we would have picked up Ryan Mathews (Fresno boy) in the draft and dumped DMAC. L-Neil was bad a__! @ Fresno st.
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Lo Neal was Gang Bangin’ in his fresno days. I knew a dude in vegas that use to bang with him….Remember when Lo Neal broke teammate RB’s jaw his rookie year…Mario Bates was his name
September 5th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
There was a possession from Fresno st. that cut by the chargers, maybe we can bring him in and get rid of bodiford.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Cable said last year when we selected TE Myers in round 6 that they were targeting either Myers or Pascoe.
I think Pascoe went a few slots before we took Myers, I think we traded up to get Myers when Pascoe was gone.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Lo Neal and Chuck Liddel are very close friends
September 5th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Yep, L Neil wasn’t exactly the perfect friend to have in the neighborhood. But he could hit.
September 5th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Cut Eugene, Williams, and Yamon!!!!
September 5th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Drop Williams and Yamon for Richardson and Housh.
Wishful thinking, probably, but still…
September 5th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Love the Way You Think ASSASSIN
September 5th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Nnamdi21- As my memory holds, Pete Carrol hired …. Kiffin was at TN. Kiffin then was hired at SC as Carroll went to Seattle and brought Schnieder with him…so Schnieder was hired by Carroll not Kiffin at SC.
September 5th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Sign Tony Richardson.
Also Al & cable have been secretive, but what’s up with Rookie injuries Goethel & McFadden (Walter’s we know is a hamstring), how long will they be out.
That actually makes 4 players of the 53-man roster, two of them were probable starters, with injuries that may be 1-6 weeks long (or longer).
which means of course we are playing with a 49-man roster going into week 1.
September 6th, 2010 at 9:46 am
[...] Bush’s hand still heavily wrapped The News Michael Bush went through agility drills yesterday, though his left hand was either casted or heavily wrapped to protect his thumb, according to the Oakland Tribune. [...]