Everyone accounted for but Schilens
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, November 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Darrius Heyward-Bey rejoined the Raiders through warmups and drills Thursday after missing the previous day’s workout with a hamstring strain.
Back out for a second day of work were cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle sprain), tight end Zach Miller (arch) and defensive tackle John Henderson (stress fracture).
The extent to which the three will cut it loose during the closed portion of practice is unknown.
Asked before practice if the Raiders would have Asomugha back for the Steelers game, Raiders defensive coordinator said, “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Rod.”
Rod Martin, the Raiders trainer, does not speak to the media.
Marshall did say Asomugha was getting better.
“He worked yesterday. Limited, but he worked. And he is going to work today,” Marshall said. “That’s a as-the-week-goes-on kind of decision.”
More to come . . .
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
November 18th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
first o_O
November 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Can’t wait for the Sunday Morning Game.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Yeah baby everyone is getting back…..watch out B_tchburgh
November 18th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I know our record on the 10 AM PT games hasn’t been great lately, but I like them because I don’t have to wait all day to watch The Raiders. Up early, and drinking Coffee and Baileys.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
aig-raiders Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
You sir has just earned another notch of respect from me. Nothing like a lib with Marine Corp cred.
……………
Most WW2 veterans were Democrats, my grandfather included. He hated Bush. He died in 2004. His last 4 years on this planet he wore a hat every day that said, “Selected, Not Elected”.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
# ELWAYs TEETH Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I know our record on the 10 AM PT games hasn’t been great lately, but I like them because I don’t have to wait all day to watch The Raiders. Up early, and drinking Coffee and Baileys.
********************************
I can dig it Elway! Jose Cuervo usually for me but it may be a special Don Julio affair this weekend
November 18th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
“It’s tough because you always want to play, especially in the big games, and this is a big game for us,” Gradkowski said Thursday. “We’re playing a good football team and you want to be a part of that. But it fell at the wrong time. But the thing I think about is it will be even sweeter and we’re playing for the AFC championship and I’m starting going into that. I’ll be prepared to play.”
=========================================================
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
November 18th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
ESPN has the AFC West standings on the screen, with the Raiders on top. Tie my ass.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
There is nothing worse than watching a crummy meaningless game and having to wait all day to watch the Raiders……….Let’s get this stuff done early.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Who the hell is Schilens? Is he the ball boy or something?
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Mark Schklaedsiofdsfrhaereth thinks we’ll be in first at end of November, Bruscchi thinks SD will.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Way to go Cable for dissing that punk Warren Sapp!
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Has anyone read this:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/index
An interesting analysis of our wide receivers.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
“It’s tough because you always want to play, especially in the big games, and this is a big game for us,” Gradkowski said Thursday. “We’re playing a good football team and you want to be a part of that. But it fell at the wrong time. But the thing I think about is it will be even sweeter and we’re playing for the AFC championship and I’m starting going into that. I’ll be prepared to play.”
=========================================================
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
******************************
LOL come on Mistical…..gonna make the whole blog go JC vs Grad crazy again
November 18th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Brien, do you honestly think that was Cable’s call to not do the Sapp interview? Come on.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Way to go Cable for dissing that punk Warren Sapp!
=========================================================
what did i miss?
November 18th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
# sec144r18 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Has anyone read this:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/index
An interesting analysis of our wide receivers.
****************************
Yeah well tell them to analyze us after our home playoff win in January
November 18th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Way to go Cable for dissing that punk Warren Sapp!
=========================================================
what did i miss?
******************************
Cable wouldnt do Inside the NFL due to Warren Crap being a co host lol…..Remember Crap has made some cold ass comments about Cable and people associated with the Raiders
November 18th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Way to go Cable for dissing that punk Warren Sapp!
=========================================================
what did i miss?
******************************
Cable wouldnt do Inside the NFL due to Warren Crap being a co host lol…..Remember Crap has made some cold ass comments about Cable and people associated with the Raiders
=========================================================
Im liking cable more with each passing day
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bauce 2 Dope,
Did you go to Carson H.S.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
Pout? Guys a class act, your tripping, these guys are football players not English Majors
November 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
# exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bauce 2 Dope,
Did you go to Carson H.S.
******************************
Naw mayne….I aint from SoCal…..lived down there for 5 years….Pops lil bro and sis stay down by that area
November 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Way to go Cable for dissing that punk Warren Sapp!
=========================================================
what did i miss?
******************************
Cable wouldnt do Inside the NFL due to Warren Crap being a co host lol…..Remember Crap has made some cold ass comments about Cable and people associated with the Raiders
=========================================================
Im liking cable more with each passing day
*******************************
Yeah me too eventhough at times he pisses me off
November 18th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
# inonewordraider Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
Pout? Guys a class act, your tripping, these guys are football players not English Majors
===========================================================
bruce has a solid command of the language, he said exactly what he meant. It was bush league sour grapes, and selfish.
Its weak.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
# inonewordraider Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
Pout? Guys a class act, your tripping, these guys are football players not English Majors
===========================================================
bruce has a solid command of the language, he said exactly what he meant. It was bush league sour grapes, and selfish.
Its weak.
*****************************
Let’s just leave it alone mayne…….guy wants to play and is a competitor I see nada wrong with that. I’m a JC guy just like you but I dont mind a guy who wants to be the guy
November 18th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
“Choppa on da floor, pistol on da couch, hood rich so I never had a bank account……junkies going in, junkies going out, made a 100,000 in my trap house”
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brien the inside sales exec, lmao.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
# exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bauce 2 Dope,
Did you go to Carson H.S.
******************************
Naw mayne….I aint from SoCal…..lived down there for 5 years….Pops lil bro and sis stay down by that area
==============================================
My dad had a Mens Shop at 234th and Avalon in Scottsdale Ctr. Banning vrs Carson was a big Rivalry.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
# inonewordraider Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
Pout? Guys a class act, your tripping, these guys are football players not English Majors
===========================================================
bruce has a solid command of the language, he said exactly what he meant. It was bush league sour grapes, and selfish.
Its weak.
*****************************
Let’s just leave it alone mayne…….guy wants to play and is a competitor I see nada wrong with that. I’m a JC guy just like you but I dont mind a guy who wants to be the guy
===========================================================
I dont mind the fire, but you should never go to the media with this. Think of it like this, what if it was t.o that said something like this?
We know this is how he feels, just keep it in house, we dont need distractions.
It really isnt a big deal, im just talkin ish
November 18th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
“Choppa on da floor, pistol on da couch, hood rich so I never had a bank account……junkies going in, junkies going out, made a 100,000 in my trap house”
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brien the inside sales exec, lmao.
*************************************
LOL…..its a song by Gucci Mane……and I’m not an exec…..just a regular worker…I’m not a big fan of sales I can tell ya that….I’m thinking about entering the Bo Schembechler Jackson school of Comedy
November 18th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
# exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
# exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bauce 2 Dope,
Did you go to Carson H.S.
******************************
Naw mayne….I aint from SoCal…..lived down there for 5 years….Pops lil bro and sis stay down by that area
==============================================
My dad had a Mens Shop at 234th and Avalon in Scottsdale Ctr. Banning vrs Carson was a big Rivalry.
*************************
My lil brother went to Narbonne and would beat the living piss out of Banning on the court
November 18th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
# Bauce 2 Dope Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
# mistic1 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
# inonewordraider Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
Pout? Guys a class act, your tripping, these guys are football players not English Majors
===========================================================
bruce has a solid command of the language, he said exactly what he meant. It was bush league sour grapes, and selfish.
Its weak.
*****************************
Let’s just leave it alone mayne…….guy wants to play and is a competitor I see nada wrong with that. I’m a JC guy just like you but I dont mind a guy who wants to be the guy
===========================================================
I dont mind the fire, but you should never go to the media with this. Think of it like this, what if it was t.o that said something like this?
We know this is how he feels, just keep it in house, we dont need distractions.
It really isnt a big deal, im just talkin ish
*****************************
Got ya bruh
November 18th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Mistic would rather have a backup who says,
“Yeah, Jason is clearly more experienced, taller, has more talent, and can’t possibly ever lose his job. I’m fine with never playing another snap of regular season football because we all know that jason the Beast will be injury free for the rest of his career. Soup! Soup! Soup!”
November 18th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Mistic would rather have a backup who says,
“Yeah, Jason is clearly more experienced, taller, has more talent, and can’t possibly ever lose his job. I’m fine with never playing another snap of regular season football because we all know that jason the Beast will be injury free for the rest of his career. Soup! Soup! Soup!”
========================================================
No just stay down and support your teammates, like jc supported him.
I hope jc gets this blog prints that quote and tapes it to his locker
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I’m thinking about entering the Bo Schembechler Jackson school of Comedy
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
For you, tuition = double up dove, sales daddy.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Had friends who went to Narbonne and lived in I think it was leadership homes. I went for a year to Gardena H.S. Ever eat at Dominicks on Avalon Blvd or Los Tres Cochinitos on PCH?
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
=====================================================
Remember that thing about you and aig being different sides to the same coin? Well there you go.
Nope, nothing wrong with working hard to be a starter. Every good back up does exactly this. And no, saying that to the media isn’t being a cancer, it happens all the time. “i prepare to be the starter”.
Lastly, hard to say that a player who is having his mother make a homemade meal delivered to the entire team at the hotel is a cancer.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
# mizza Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Bruce’s best asset is his leadership ability. this is not leadership, this is pouting.
Bruce even randy moss is telling you not to be a cancer
=====================================================
Remember that thing about you and aig being different sides to the same coin? Well there you go.
Nope, nothing wrong with working hard to be a starter. Every good back up does exactly this. And no, saying that to the media isn’t being a cancer, it happens all the time. “i prepare to be the starter”.
Lastly, hard to say that a player who is having his mother make a homemade meal delivered to the entire team at the hotel is a cancer.
===========================================================
i wasnt serious
November 18th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
# mizza Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Remember that thing about you and aig being different sides to the same coin? Well there you go.
===========================================================
Please dont lump me in with guys like aig
November 18th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
# exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Had friends who went to Narbonne and lived in I think it was leadership homes. I went for a year to Gardena H.S. Ever eat at Dominicks on Avalon Blvd or Los Tres Cochinitos on PCH?
******************************
Naw mayne never had the pleasure
November 18th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I hope jc gets this blog prints that quote and tapes it to his locker
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I would be surprised if anything gets JC in a fury. His blood pressure must be one step above comatose.
B, tell JC I said his momma is fat, ugly and swappin curlies with Troy Polamalu and Norco Bob.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
you guys are funny today.
dang I wish Chaz Schillens was healthy. Him and Zach Miller can CATCH. With the young guns on wing with that blazing speed it’d be like 2001 all over again. Too bad Chaz is so brittle. Hope the young guys start to make more recepts. We need it.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
I’m thinking about entering the Bo Schembechler Jackson school of Comedy
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
For you, tuition = double up dove, sales daddy.
*******************************
Ah come on Bo….dont make it seem like im some sales daddy like that….i just do it to get by east some food, get some sauce and tree game…but I hate my boss….good thing sometimes i dont have to go in the office i can work from da crib
November 18th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I hope jc gets this blog prints that quote and tapes it to his locker
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I would be surprised if anything gets JC in a fury. His blood pressure must be one step above comatose.
B, tell JC I said his momma is fat, ugly and swappin curlies with Troy Polamalu and Norco Bob.
*****************************
Wow tell us how you really feel Bo
November 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
# JLofty Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
you guys are funny today.
dang I wish Chaz Schillens was healthy. Him and Zach Miller can CATCH. With the young guns on wing with that blazing speed it’d be like 2001 all over again. Too bad Chaz is so brittle. Hope the young guys start to make more recepts. We need it.
*********************************
2001? Please dont remind me of team geritol….we had zero speed on offense that year
November 18th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
#5. Props and respect. Thanks for serving…
November 18th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
44. Leading receiver? Ronald Curry
November 18th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Go Bo!Go Bo!Go Bo!
November 18th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Peace owt and enjoy the day Nation!
November 18th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Bo,
Jim Rome was about to discuss Mich and the cheater HC. Wouldn’t want you to miss out!
November 18th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
The only thing bigger than Warren Sapp’s big fat A$$ is Warren Sapp’s MOUTH! And maybe John Elway’s teeth.
November 18th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Those of you dissing Mr. Gradkowski are as bad Hannity & Olberman.
Bruce is acknowledging the team success (and Mr. Campbell’s contribution) and he is competing for a starting job, which is what each 2nd3rd stringer should be doing.
The Raiders in the AFC Championship game, I will not care who the starting quarterback will be.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
team geritol had coach tightass. I always thought the tuck game was actually lost when Gruden tucked his tail between his legs.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
But the thing I think about is it will be even sweeter and we’re playing for the AFC championship and I’m starting going into that
No Mistic, that isn’t a grammatically perfect sentence. You want any reason to make Bruce look bad so it makes your boy Campbell look better. I agree he shouldn’t have said that he’ll get his chance to play again this year. He should have said he’ll be ready if his numbers called or that he hopes he doesn’t have to play because that means Campbell stays healthy or something like that but once again he’s not Shakespeare and he deserves the benefit of the doubt for being a class act till this point.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Chaz Schilens,,,Who Dat?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Dakota Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Bo,
Jim Rome was about to discuss Mich and the cheater HC. Wouldn’t want you to miss out!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don’t let the facts get in the way of your hate and envy!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I must say, I agree with Mistic.
Grad’s comments were a bit strange in that it’s usually “I’m preparing as if I’m the starter and I think I’ve earned it and we have a good QB room,” etc.
I don’t know that it’s pouting, but it certainly comes off as either he knows:
A) Campbell is going to get pulled
B) Campbell is going to get injured
I like that declaration about the AFC Championship, just curious the way he said all of this. Probably jaded he had the starting job taken away.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
# Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
team geritol had coach tightass. I always thought the tuck game was actually lost when Gruden tucked his tail between his legs.
*****************************
I agree 100 pct….Gruden blew the AFC title game the year before too
November 18th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
For all you true hoop fans….make sure you pay attention from tonight on as the Missouri Tigers start their push to the Final Four in Houston….led by none other than Michael Dixon Jr……the best true PG in the nation…………….BAUCE!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Oh and who’s this Chaz Schilens character everyone keeps yammering about?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
It really isnt a big deal, im just talkin ish
got it, my bad
November 18th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
The one thing the Raiders need to ‘just cut loose’ is Schillens. That guy is a waste of a roster spot. It would be different it they could count on the guy for more than 5 games a season. And that would be a good year.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Raiders of old reunite, exult over Oakland’s recent success Story Highlights
By Peter Richmond, Special to SI.com
Glenn Beck and Keith Olbermann co-host a cooking show. Billy Joel covers Megadeath. Hell freezes over. The Oakland Raiders are a winning football team. And from coast to coast, Raider Nation, emerging from hibernation, exchanges fist bumps (with spiked gloves).
Bad is Back, thanks be to the Antichrist, as safety George Atkinson once described the dominant, ragged, revolutionary badasses of old. And like his the rest of his woolly ancestral teammates, today the Hit Man couldn’t be happier: “It’s good for football, it’s good for the uniform, and it’s good for Mr. Davis. This team knows how to win.”
True, these Raiders are only 5-4, and face a rough schedule to the finish line; the age-old hated Steelers loom next, on the road. Realistically, their chances of making the playoffs remain questionable. So how come the national press is chattering about the resurgence of the Silver and Black as if they were 9-0? Why are sports radio lines from Virginia to Visalia buzzing with Raider talk?
Because an NFL without a real Raiders franchise was like a Star Wars franchise without the Darth. Because after a seven-year black hole in Oakland — with the Raiders serving as a late-night-punchline, the owner serving as punching bag — the Raiders are not only finally competitive again, they’re a giddily exciting watch (115 points in three consecutive wins; 27 sacks thus far). Most compellingly, they’re a shout-out to the old renegade mold, manned by the perfect historic franchise balance of savvy draft pick-ups, castoffs, and under-the-radar unknowns.
“The whole country feels the rumbling again, and they’re liking it, because everyone loves to see the Raiders being the Raiders,” the old madman linebacker Phil “Foo” Villapiano told me other day, after returning to New Jersey from one of the more memorable weekends in Raider history, after the Raiders derailed the Chiefs. “We’re lovin’ it.
“The NFL needs the Raiders. They need to hate somebody. Baseball needs the Yankees. Football needs the Raiders. Oakland needs the Raiders. And a lot of Raider fans who weren’t showing their colors in the last few years are coming back.”
It wasn’t a great weekend in the East Bay just because the Raiders beat decades-old nemesis Kansas City, with memories of the blood-spouting, fist-flying rivalry of the Seventies echoing around the (finally) sold-out old concrete stadium. Or because rookie fourth-round pick Jacoby Ford amassed an astounding 306 yards in receptions and returns (”I can’t remember the last time I saw a kid stepping up like a real football player,” Foo told me. “Not like a prima donna, like a real Raider. I can’t tell you the last time I saw someone play like that in a Raider uniform.”)
No, that weekend was memorable for the most poignant of reasons: Al Davis flew more than 100 old Raiders (and Bears, and Oilers) out to Oakland the day before the Chiefs game for an in-house tribute to the late, grizzled George Blanda — the second Raider icon, after Jack Tatum, to die within two months. And so, on that Saturday night, veterans of the glory years — Snake, Stork, the Hit Man, Pinky (that would be John Madden) — ate, drank and made merry to a backdrop of films of Blanda’s myriad historic miracles.
And then, the next day, crowded into Davis’ box, they watched their guys win a crucial game in true Blanda fashion: an overtime field goal, against a division rival, bestowing a fifth victory in Week 9 for a team that hasn’t won more than five games in an entire season since 2002.
“It was absolutely fantastic,” Foo said. “We’re a long ways from everybody not holding their breath that things might break. We’re not out of the woods yet. But we’re getting there.”
A lot of NFL teams get support from their distinguished alumni — when they’re winning. The Raiders, winning or embarrassing, play year-in and year-out knowing that the old guys regularly still flock to the East Bay to live and bleed for the colors (or, technically, absence of them). The old adage “Once a Raider, always a Raider” still rings true. And the guys from the glory age of the Seventies — the decade when the violent, hirsute, wildman Raiders won more games than any other team, and then stomped the Vikings in the 1976 Super Bowl the way a cat cuffs a mouse before tearing out its jugular — have bestowed the ultimate compliment on the 2010 team: the new guys have earned the title of Raiders.
Of course, the old Raiders, who weekly clotheslined and mugged opponents into such submission that, on the road, fans of opposing teams would ask them, as they stepped off the bus, to try and not hurt the home team — wouldn’t have lasted two weeks in Roger Goodell’s NFL; Tatum, Atkinson and Villapiano would have had to declare bankruptcy after the fourth week, just to pay the fines.
But that’s not to say that this new breed doesn’t carry the old pedigree: high-round picks, low-round picks and no-round picks who feel the magical vibe that the black jersey bestows. “It’s a mixture of solid veterans and players from big programs who are used to pressure situations, who’ve played in bowls,” Atkinson says. “These kids are attacking the football, attacking the opponent. They focus. They know exactly what it takes to win.
“And it’s especially nice to see that Mr. Davis can silence these critics who said he’d lost it. Mr. Davis has done an incredible job putting it together.”
But why, I asked George, has it taken so long? “Hey man,” the Hit Man laughed. “Rome wasn’t put together in a day, either.”
Make no mistake: if the pundits had convinced themselves (until, say, last week) that Davis has become an anachronistic relic, the Raiders of old still worship the guy who has always treated every Raider like a brother — and are delighted, and hardly surprised, that when the rest of us were convinced he’d lost the Midas Touch, Davis’ recent drafts have laid a more-than-promising groundwork.
It’s not just Darren McFadden, the first-round pick out of Arkansas three years ago, averaging more than 100 yards per game this season. Or Nnamdi Asomuga, the Pro Bowl cornerback cut in the Willie Brown mold. Or this year’s first-round-pick, linebacker Rolando McClain, already a force.
It’s safety Mike Mitchell out of Ohio University of the Mid-America Conference, not even invited to the 2009 combine, with his five interceptions this year. It’s fourth-year tight end Zach Miller out of Arizona State, leading the team in receptions. It’s undrafted Dolphin reject fullback Marcel Reece, paving the way for McFadden. It’s a rejuvinated Richard Seymour finding a new life as the anchor of the defensive line. It’s Jason Campbell, steady enough in the shadow of Bruce Gradkowski, to stabilize the team — and even help the much maligned Darrius Heyward-Bey blossom into an actual receiver.
Next up: the equally hated Steelers on Sunday. The current Raiders are steeling for the chance to prove their mettle. The old Raiders, still haunted by the Immaculate Deception? Obsessed.
“Going to Pittsburgh, and kicking their ass?” says Foo. “It would be a beautiful world. Then the whole world will go crazy.”
Peter Richmond is the author of Badasses: The legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death, and John Madden’s Oakland Raiders, purchase it here.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/preview?gameId=303220142
********************************
BAUCE!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Cut the luggage. Chaz is a not cut out for the NFL. A few week injury is turning into a year long issue. C’mon, AL, what’s the real injury/issue?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I just looked at the in depth standings, only 5 teams have a better AFC Conference record better than the Raiders’ 3-2 conf rec: NE, NYJ, Balt, Indy, & Pitt ( w/ Jax the same[basically]).
Tit & Tex are 2-4 & 3-3.
Raiders face Pitt, Jax, & Indy; so not only are the Raiders in 1st place in the AFC West with a 3-0 division record, we are in control of a wild card playoff spot as well.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
55.Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Dakota Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Bo,
Jim Rome was about to discuss Mich and the cheater HC. Wouldn’t want you to miss out!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Don’t let the facts get in the way of your hate and envy!
+++++++++++++
You mean the fact that he is a cheater?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Schilens a waste of a roster spot? At least he has actually played a few downs and generated some points. Whereas Condo… never mind.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Trade Condo for a woolly ancestral teammate!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Dakota Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Raiders of old reunite, exult over Oakland’s recent success Story Highlights
By Peter Richmond, Special to SI.com………………….
———————————–
Good Job Raider PR Staff, getting Al Davis some good press. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO important.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Mitchell’s 5 INTs?
Um, what?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The only I didn’t like about what he said (Bruce) is that they are getting in later. West coast teams have trouble going to the East coast for morning games. Well documented. Getting in later seems to me to be the wrong direction. You’d want to get in earlier especially after a bye week.
Very troubling. Cable get to Western Penn EARLIER not later foo.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Condo is a special teams, um, specialist.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
I remember there being a concern about the Raiders playing the early game in TB in 08. Didn’t seem to be a problem.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Mike Mitchell has five interceptions this year?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
70.LA to TheBay Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Mitchell’s 5 INTs?
Um, what?
+++++
Yeah….say what? Does anyone on the Raiders have 5 ints?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I think Routt, Branch, Groves, and Ware all have one unless I’m missing something.
Huff and Mitchell both had one, called back by penalty.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Oh, and Chris Johnson’s pick 6 of course.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Did Mitchell have 5 ints in his entire college career?
November 18th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
You mean the fact that he is a cheater?
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rich Rod exonerated:
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2007/10/large_LouHoltz.jpg
November 18th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/big12north/LouHoltz.jpg
November 18th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Lol
GOOOO LOU!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
Rodriguez crying during a game lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzUhsngrONA
November 18th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Grat Post Dakota. JerryMac never mentioned AD bring 100 former players to the game and the national media did not bring it up. Family, that is what players are to the Raiders.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
So far we have two strong contenders for the name of our defense this year….
1) Marshall Law(courtesy of Mistabrown)
2) Blackout(courtesy of DMAC?? Armond???)
What say you Nation!
Let’s see if we can create some momentum and get one of these names to catch on beyond this blog…
November 18th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
McClain Asylum is better than those two, or maybe the No Gain Asylum…
November 18th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
inonewordraider Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
But the thing I think about is it will be even sweeter and we’re playing for the AFC championship and I’m starting going into that
No Mistic, that isn’t a grammatically perfect sentence. You want any reason to make Bruce look bad so it makes your boy Campbell look better. I agree he shouldn’t have said that he’ll get his chance to play again this year. He should have said he’ll be ready if his numbers called or that he hopes he doesn’t have to play because that means Campbell stays healthy or something like that but once again he’s not Shakespeare and he deserves the benefit of the doubt for being a class act till this point.
====================================================
Relax bra i wasnt being serious, its not a big deal, even if it is a bit tacky.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Did you know?
Raiders running back Darren McFadden leads the NFL with 108.1 rushing yards per game this season. .
November 18th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Getting close to NFL Sunday
Will be watching the game with a steeler fan, my brother. He has already started the trash talking and he believes raiders will get blown out.
I believe it is a very tough test for a improving team to win, on the road, against a team that just got embarrassed on sunday night in its home turf…
very tough test, BUT
raiders can keep it close, IF
they play exceptional special teams, AND
superb defense, especiallly the D-line…
having said that, I expec for hue Jackson to have some insights in how to play the steelers, having him being a member of the ravens staff that played the steelers twice a year, so he should be a key to this game also.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
lets go raiders!!!!!
November 18th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Raiders’ run game vs. Pittsburg’s #1 run defense.
Mr. McFadden (or Mr. Bush should we have to grind it out)gets over 100yds = Raiders Victory.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
KoolKell Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Did you know?
Raiders running back Darren McFadden leads the NFL with 108.1 rushing yards per game this season. .
————-
Psssh, guy’s a slot receiver at best, lol.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Raiders D-Line must expose and should Dominate Pittsburgs O-Line!
Raiders will sack Ben 5 times (3 in the 1st half).
November 18th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
We will have to run the ball, it is what our team does best.
The receiver core that we have is not ready fro an air it out attck 40-50 pass game. Our passing offense is a play action game. Even when we dont make yards we have to stick with the run. Alos our o-line is not very good and the pitt blitz package could give them trouble.
I think we spread the offense with 3-4 receiver sets, and throw on early downs, to keep the pass rush in check. we can run the zone read pistol, this will give the abilty to run and pass.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
592.The DirtyRaccoon Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
555.bcz24 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 11:45 am
Moonshine? Is that supposed to be some witty retort alluding to me being a redneck? I live in New York buddy, and I have never seen, let alone sampled moonshine.
*************************
Gawld Daaammm, what a miserable existence… You live in New York, AND you have NEVER drank GodsCountry Dew?
I don’t fell sorry for many people, I do fell sorry for you. The Dew is the Necter of the Earth, and New Yrok is HE!L.
Dude, back away from the ledge…. We can fix this. Let me know if you need a road map to success!
593.Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Trade Jon Condo for Gods Country Dew!
595.bcz24 Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
LoL Raccoon. I like New York. Taxes are a little high, but I dont own a house anyways. Bills fans get a little annoying sometimes but I just remind them that their team name stands for Boy I Love Losing Superbowls
**************************
I know what you mean.. I have spent some time in Syracuse…. One thing I can say is there is a LOT of football back there.
November 18th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
92.RaiderRetribution Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Raiders D-Line must expose and should Dominate Pittsburgs O-Line!
Raiders will sack Ben 5 times (3 in the 1st half).
******************
Yeah, who hasn’t? Big Ben can take that and then some.. better ramp it up to 9 plus. Big Ben’s passer rating is 133.4 outside of the pocket.
Paging Scott, Groves, Houston, Shonuff, Wimbley… get your speed cleats on, it’s gonna be a chore.
November 18th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
With Al being so loyal to his players why is Sapp such a punk? The only reason I can figure is that he was exposed to be not the player he thought he was.
November 18th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Raiderfankirk Says:
November 18th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
With Al being so loyal to his players why is Sapp such a punk?
—————————
Why don’t you ask Rich Gannon, or Marcus Allen?
November 18th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Bruce’s commets are troubling…..it tells me that he is hoping that JC either gets hurt or plays poorly. Bruce is usually such a class act, maybe the quote doesnt sound as bad with the audio.
November 18th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
No MistaBrown has best name so far…..Marshall Law
November 18th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
No MistaBrown has best name so far…..Marshall Law
——————————–
Al Davis would NEVER go for that.! (GOOD)
November 18th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
SAPP = OVERRATED FAT DUCHE
November 18th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
“Everyone Accounted For But Shilens”
Who is that?
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:50 am
[...] games with a hip injury, didn’t practice Thursday. Oakland cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha continued to make strides toward playing Sunday at Pittsburgh. Asomugha missed Oakland’s last game with an ankle [...]