Rookie minicamp report, Day 3
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Sunday, May 11th, 2008 at 12:07 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Even if Darrick Brown and Marcel Reece never make it to training camp, at least they’ll have a nice shiny Raiders helmet to put in their trophy case.
As the Raiders concluded a three-day rookie minicamp Sunday, Brown and Reece were given helmets as a reward, with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan giving one to Brown and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp handing one to Reece.
“(They were) best effort guys, one on offense, one on defense, doing what we talked about on the first day,” coach Lane Kiffin said.
Brown, who played cornerback, was signed as an undrafted free agent out of McNeese State. Ryan told the group Brown showed improvement every day. Reece, who would seem to have a good shot at being signed to a contract, was in on a tryout basis and played wide receiver, tight end and even a little running back.
Besides being award for their level of effort, Brown and Reece happen to be two of the most physically imposing rookies in camp.
A rangy 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Brown was a Louisiana long jump, triple jump and high jump chapion in high school as well as a standout on the McNeese State track team. In fact, all his college highlights listed at the Raiders Web site have to do with his track career.
Brown, who also played some wide receiver in college, had 34 tackles and a fumble recovery as a senior at McNeese State. His brother Marcus, who went to the same school, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.
At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Reece was second in receiving at the University of Washington with 39 receptions for 761 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 19.5 yards per reception.
Reece had a big gainer during practice Sunday when quarterback Jeff Otis play-faked to Michael Bush and hit him in stride with a reverse roll.
More Day 3 snapshots:
– Who says the Raiders don’t blitz? Inside linebacker Shane Simmons blew through untouched up the middle and dropped Otis for a loss.
– Wide receiver Will Buchanon broke free between Nick Sanchez and Dominic Patrick but couldn’t hold on to a slightly off-target pass from Sam Keller on a deep sideline pattern. Keller also misfired to an open Todd Watkins against the coverage of Patrick and Brian Williams.
Watkins had his second straight impressive day after struggling on Day 1.
– Fifth-round draft pick Trevor Scott beat left tackle Brandon Rodd with an outside rush and force Otis to look for room up the middle.
– Nice day for defensive tackle George Chukwu, a tryout player out of Rice. Chukwu blew up one rushing play, knifing through against running back Louis Rankin, and then pounced on a fumbled snap by Otis at quarterback.
– Otis connected on a fade pattern for a touchdown over Patrick to seventh-round draft pick Chaz Schilens.
– One new face on the Raiders coaching staff belongs to John Fassel, son of former NFL head coach and Raiders assistant coach Jim Fassel. Fassel is an assistant special teams coach under Brian Schneider.
– The Raiders have not signed veteran defensive end Greg Spires but hope to finalize a deal as soon as today. The word is they have inquired about free agent wide receiver/kickoff return specialist Koren Robinson but have had no serious talks about bringing Robinson in.
– Wide receiver Arman Shields missed practice Sunday to be with his graduating class at Richmond.
– Kiffin said he expects “97 to 98 percent” attendance when the Raiders begin voluntary organized team activities, which run Tuesday through Thursday. There is media availability scheduled for Thursday.
OTA practices are instructional in nature with no contact.
– After saying Friday that wide receiver Jonathan Holland had been held out of practice by the training staff, Kiffin said Sunday Holland actually was not eligible for the rookie minicamp because he spent last season on injured reserve, as opposed to the Physically Unable to Perform list. Holland worked out virtually every day alongside Michael Bush last year, but since Bush was on PUP, he was eligible and Holland was not.
Kiffin said Holland is expected to attend OTAs starting Tuesday.
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May 11th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
1st
May 11th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
2nd
May 11th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
lol
May 11th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
# raideralex99 Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
1st
lame
May 11th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Go to the New York Times website and the Sports/NFL/Raiders section has a good article called Just Live, Baby! about Al Davis has not been as hands on as commonly reported since he hired Gruden because of his mobility. The link is not working for me at the moment but good reading for the Davis is in control freaks that visit this blog.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I like the sound of these rookie/drafted recievers hopefully they will compete and help Jamarcus show his Big arm.The run is going to set up the Pass in old fashioned Raiders Style.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
raidering, baby…
it’s a way of life…
May 11th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Chukwu might make a nice practice squad guy. Hell, it would be great if he could even push William Joseph for a place on the 53 man roster.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
i like reece, i hope he makes the team,as a WR. he runs a 4.42.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
if not WR maybe a TE like #85 i forgot his name.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
and Hayes, i agree with you on the 8-8, anything more will be great.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Hayes, you can say that about ANY NFL team. Take Brady out on NE because of a twisted knee and they are done. If either Manning goes down so does their playoffs. Lets see how good the Packers are without Favre.
I get your point and its a valid one we need alot of people to step up including Kiffins play calling and RR adjusting his scheme from week 2 week.
HayesDaze#37 Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
O — I share your optimism, but I’ve seen and heard this “we’ve got” stuff all too often. What we’ve got is a lot of potential…potential that can be derailed by one twisted ankle, blown knee, or lack of production.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
i cant believe I’m gonna say this, BUT I AGREE WITH MISTABROWN,WOW.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Dont fight it buddy..
May 11th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Thanks for the updates and depth of info Jerry. Sure, it is scrubs beating up on scrubs (Except DMAC and Bush) and other than those two, maybe 1-2 guys will make the roster, but hey it beats the “I’m a bigger fan than you are” garbage that’s been clogging the blog of late.
Too bad only Thursday’s OTA has open time. The not-so geniuses in the marketing department should be pushing for more open time to bolster interest. Al’s outdated, “they’re going to spy on us” nonesense only throws a wet blanket on fans who want to get excited about every practice TD.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
COW, its just not “spy on us” paranoia. Al likes his players and coaches to concentrate on football and he doesn’t like the media circus atmosphere..
Its not just outdated AL its his thing going way back, its the Raider way man deal with it!
May 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
At least we have some bodies at WR this year - last year was ridiculous - if the season lasted another month, we wouldn’t have had anybody left! Seriously though, these guys are all boom/bust prospects, but all you need is one - they all have great size and great speed 6-3-6-5 sub 4.4 times and can jump through the roof - hopefully one of them pans out - I’m looking for Will Buchanon to step it up this year and push for that #3 spot or backing up Curry/Walker at the #4 spot. He’s a real fluid route runner and reminds me a little bit of tim brown the way he runs and catches the ball - he just needs some more reps in the pre-season to show what he’s learned over the past year. I’m also high on Shields, he’s got 1st/2nd round potential and has the talent to be a #1 receiver - seems like a quality guy off the field too. Chaz - well he’s got size/speed and a great name - he’s completely unpolished and may not pan out, but that’s a great pick in the 7th round - I’d rather pick the nfl tangibles (size, speed) vs. the guy who overachieved at the college level - they never seem to pan out.
Hopefully we bring in some more competition on the O and D lines and I can’t decide who I’m more excited to see take the field in August - Bush or McFadden - if they both pan out they can put my b*tt at WR and I’ll get open off the play fake with that kind of running game. That would take a lot of the pass block pressure off the o line - like I said, if this team can put up 25+ points per game and force the other team to abandon the run game to keep pace with our scoring, our D line is full of pass rush specialists at each position and our LB’s and DB’s are easily top 5 vs. the pass now that Huff is FS and we acquired Wilson and Hall. 25+ points per game = 11-5 baby!
May 11th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
What about McFadden? I don’t care about those other losers.
May 11th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Coach on wheels.
Spygate. Does that ring a bell? It doesn’t only happen during games. The Raiders sent people into other teams camps. It’s professional football big money. You may say he’s paranoid, but that’s only because he has done the things that he is trying to avoid happening to Da Radahs!
May 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
mista and O — You guys are putting too much faith in every one of our “ifs” coming to be. We would be the luckiest team in the NFL for that to happen (ha!), AND we would need every one of those ifs to be the real-deal. If all those things happen, we’ll be in the playoffs for sure.
I hope you’re right, but it’s not very likely. Reach for the stars, but keep it real, people.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
COW, Im looking for us to challenge SD and win the division. Realistic goal! A SB is a pipe dream at this point.
What is your expectation ?
May 11th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
This team could turn everything around in one year — it’s been done before. And fighting for the division title is definitely do-able. Don’t misinterpret pragmatism for negativity.
And mista — the difference between those other teams you indicate and the Raiders…those others have and/or had solid foundations, where ours has been shaky at best.
This year’s team will be the foundation.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Next years draft and free agency will be all about the offence and defensive lines.
If things go well with Russell.
We will be a dominate team. For along time.
Ok! That’s if Kiff and company don’t leave town.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
What up NATION!!!!!
Just reading the info, not posting. I have been expecting us to double our production each year.
So I expect 8-8 minimum, praying for 10-6.
Other expectations:
1. we should sweep denver
2. We should sweep kc
3. we should split with sd.
Lastly I truly expect us to win a superbowl in 3 years.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
The Chukwu kid sounds impressive. Two days ago someone posted his scouting report and he sounds like a physically imposing DT. I hope that him and Joseph both make the squad, the more big bodies the better.
I am really pulling for Reece, the guy can flat out play some football. He has prototypical NFL measurables and it is great to hear that he has the effort to match the ability.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Jerry Mac -
Thanks for the weekend coverage!
May 11th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
It will be a great pre-season for us. Battles all over the field.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Actually, media access to OTA´s had to be forced upon all teams by the NFL, it started last season, here´s the deal:
“2007 Revisions to NFL News Media Access Policy.
Off-Season Program (OTAs) – To enhance publicity during the off-season and help keep the NFL in the news on a year-round basis, clubs must open to the media at least one of every three Organized Team Activity (OTA) days.
This means that on these designated days teams must 1) make players available to the media for interviews, either in the locker room or elsewhere at the club’s facility, and 2) open the OTA on-field session to the media in its entirety.
Violations – Violations of the above procedures will be considered conduct detrimental to the league and will subject the club and/or individuals to disciplinary action by the commissioner.”
May 11th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Jerry — I add my thanks for a job well-done this week!
I’m off…
Go Raiders
May 11th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Wow, Reece is a steal…
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/archives/012481.html#comments_here
May 11th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Michael Bush is the dark horse here, everyone is talking McFadden and I am too.
But Bush will be the big man on campus this year, just a hunch.
Bush/McFadden on the field at the same time with JaMarcus will be fun to watch.
May 11th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Repost from Friday, Marcel Reece´s scouting report:
Bob Marley Says:
May 9th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Hey, talk about an intriguing prospect, check out this kid:
Washington WR-HB-FB Marcel Reece,
Pro Day Results
Height: 6′0
Weight: 231
40 Yard Dash: 4.42
Verical Jump: 36.5
Overview
Blessed with the size you look for in an H-Back or motion tight end, Reece displays superb explosiveness in his running stride. With his size, he is able to shield the ball from defenders. With his sudden burst, many defensive backs have been left behind on his 29 trips to the end zone.
In addition, he has proven to be such a punishing cut blocker, that teams are also seriously considering shifting him to fullback at the pro level.
He also has outstanding leaping ability and few opponents can out-jump Reece when goes up to catch the ball at its high point.
Reece was named the team’s Most Improved Player, as he took over flanker duties in 2007. He finished second on the squad with 39 catches for 761 yards (19.5-yard average) and eight touchdowns, including a 98-yarder against Arizona.
Reece was a three-sport standout at Hesperia High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and track.
Analysis
Positives: Well-built athlete with long arms, broad shoulders, tight abdomen, thick thighs and calves … Has the frame to add needed bulk without any drop-off in quickness, for a possible move to the backfield as a fullback or to be used as a motion tight end/H-back.
Physical position blocker who has nimble feet and does a nice job escaping the jam to get into his routes … Has excellent lateral agility and uses his hands well to lock on and ride the defender wide
Catches well in the short area and has an explosive initial burst off the snap to gain advantage over a lethargic defender … Uses his upper-body power well to get a good push off the defender to escape the jam.
Shows no hesitation attacking and neutralizing linebackers and keeps his pads down while showing the quickness to hook defensive ends inside on sweeps.
Has a good feel for the soft areas in the zone, using his frame well to shield the ball from the defender in man coverage.
Negatives: Has limited starting experience at the major-college level and no experience as a lead blocker for the running game (most are on sweeps or outside runs). Not shifty running after the catch, and is really a one-cut runner, but has the valid burst and leg strength to break arm tackles.
COMAPRES TO: SHANNON SHARPE-ex-Denver: The ideal role for Reece might require bulking up a bit, but get him with a team using the West Coast offense and make him an H-Back or tight end in motion and he might be a find.
He could also be effective as a slot receiver in that offense, as his size will create mismatches against safeties and cornerbacks.
The party line is that he is being looked at as a fullback, but Reese has too much speed to be relegated to blocking duties and has never played that position.
Aligning Reese at fullback would be placing a Mona Lisa in the garage. Put him front and center, with a role in the receiving unit, and you might just unearth one of the sleepers of this draft.
NFLDRAFTSCOUT.COM
May 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Repost on George Chukwu´s scouting report´s:
Bob Marley Says:
May 9th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Forget Glenn Dorsey, we got George Chukwu:
George Chukwu DT 6′1 305.
“POSITIVES: Short interior plugger who plays hard until the whistle blows. Very quick off the snap, plays with good pad level, and doubled by opponents. Clogs the middle of the line, keeps his feet driving up the field, and shows great hustle. Instinctive and plays intelligent football.
NEGATIVES: Wears down over the course of the game and rotated in and out of the lineup. Struggles getting off blocks once engaged.
ANALYSIS: Chukwu is a high-energy defender and a penetrating tackle who’s built for a one-gap system.
CNNSI.COM
———————————————–
Another one:
“Overview:
- Playing at Rice does not afford prospects much opportunity to show their wares on a national stage. But scouts saw that Chukwu could cause problems for offensive lines without a lot of talent around him.
Positives: Would fit perfectly in a one-gap system, using his quick first step to disrupt passing or running plays in the backfield….Wide body who can keep his shoulders square to stack and shed, gets off to bring down backs coming into the hole or trying to get outside.
Uses his hands well inside, preventing himself from being locked down by guards…..Also has over and under moves to get around a guard’s shoulder…..Blocked two extra points in ‘07 despite his small stature.
Negatives: Short, but not overly so…..Has some bulk, but only adequate strength and does not stand up well against drive blocking or double teams…..Plays hard, but wears down quickly so he may be regulated to a wave role….Second and third effort to get to quarterback or running back is not always there.”
CBS Sportsline.
May 11th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Hey BM, the kid is 6′3”…even more imposing, huh?
As for Bush, Bush is stronger and more elusive than Eddie George (or he was in college), faster than Christian Okyae (spelling???) and straight up scary! J-Mac, Bush, McFadden, and Miller….The Four Horsemen!
Time to reap some havoc in the NFL!
May 11th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Chukwu sounds like a stumpy version of Russel Maryland…that cat did well to plug up the middle for some years….and damn near sacked Steve Young in the End Zone in Pre-Season…..
Raiders always good D-Lineman in the the later rounds of the draft…
May 11th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Russell, Bush, McFadden, Miller …the short and intermediate game for this offense is something else. I’m still going to exercise caution though. We don’t know how Russell is going to perform. We don’t know how this all is going to mesh together. We don’t know how the Oline is going to perform. And we don’t know much about our WR corp - except on paper everything “looks” better. I’m going to exercise precaution but I can definitely see all this talent and all this potential - yes, that dreadful word potential.
Just think back to last year when Denver was on a spending binge seemingly giving Cutler every weapon he needed to succeed. It all may have looked good on paper but it still didn’t work. It didn’t translate into Ws.
May 11th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Beijing…
Reece was listed as 6′3 240 while at Washington but once they come out, players hardly ever match their listed height and weights. Scouts measured him at 6′0 231 during his Pro Day back in March.
May 11th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
BM:
Very nice posts!
I say we hurry up and sign Brown so we can waste several years trying to make the track star a football player!
Then we can trade him to Baltimore…
May 11th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
MVH….lol! One of two things…you may be referring to Washington but the real joke is James Trapp, even faster than Washington and was traded to Baltimore
However, I think Trapp won a SB Ring(???)
May 11th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Reece will be a big help to our offense!! And is definetly the steel of the draft!! If we use him out of the back field there isn’t as linebacker in the NFL that can keep up with him!! And cornerbacks are too small to tackle him, have you seen his highlights on youtube?? YIKES!!!
May 11th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Did you see the You Tube clip on Reese? The kid looks like he can play. He lloks like a good mismatch coming out of the slot.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
does anyone know how many years we got bush locked up for?i hope its at least another 4 years cause last year was a wash and this year going to be a full back field.but by next year it could be all macfadden and bush and that might just be the nastiest pair of rb in the nfl since 34 and 32 did it.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
i think Michael Bush is gonna be a monster…
i think McFadden is gonna be everything you guys who have been touting him has said…
i think we are at the dawn of a new era…
the raider era…
May 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Michael Bush will be a RFA in ‘11.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I have read 2 things that are interesting.
1. Kiffin was using Bush, and DMAC on the outside as WR’s…
I got hammered for this one last week for suggesting it.
2. Rathman stated that we would use all the backs, but the back that is doing the best that game will get the most run.
As I stated in another post we will not have a “feature back”. The back who is hot will get the most shine.
This is USC comes to the NFL. I am a BIG SC fan and this is exactly what they do.
Below is a comment from Tim Kawakami for the San Jose mercury news.
But from the first time he touched the ball to the last play of practice, unofficially Saturday was Darren McFadden Day.
He took handoffs and went the distance. He practiced taking snaps as a quarterback without obvious chaos. He practiced catching passes. He lined up as a wide receiver in full-squad drills and spooked every defensive back on the field.
This will not only be a scare for future DB’s but DCO’s are going to have a problem defending against the weapons we have. In 2 years we will have the most DOMINATE offense in the NFL PERIOD
Lik below is Tims article
http://origin.mercurynews.com/columns/ci_9224076
May 11th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Pillage and Plunder
Pillage and Motha F#Cking Plunder… NFL deal with it….
May 11th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Every team is always trying to find the next Brady, Colston, Terell Davis, etc. Perhaps we’ve found Anquan Boldin in Marcel Reese. HOWEVER, if the kid was this good how come he wasn’t on the radar? The problem with YouTube clips is that they only show highlights. It’d be interesting to see why he didn’t get much recognition during the draft.
Also, Post #36 (Terrapin) - Perfectly Said my man! I’m as excited as anybody about the new talent/potential, but temper your enthusiasm because all of these “potential” guys have to learn eachother’s styles and tendencies which isn’t going to happen in one camp. On paper we have a great team but in reality we have a ton of talent that requires a blueprint. I suspect we will see improvement based on shear talent alone, but if these new faces can learn quickly and find that chemistry factor we should be very competitive.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
“Pillage and Plunder”…I can live with that. Good one.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
If you want to see the offensive blueprint get out you USC tapes, DVD’s etc…
May 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Will do Thec…Give me your idea of the USC offense. In my opinion, their offense was very balanced (but they also had the best players at each position so they could do whatever they wanted) and they weren’t afraid to stretch the field.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
sd, kc, den look the F out we should challenge for the West title. We will ascend to greatness which is our birthright.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Assasin my brotha, you have hit it on the head the only thing i would say or add is they were very UNPREDICTABLE.
Not only that but it seemed like they could score a TD on every play, or at least every series.
We might as well cut Jano cause the only thing he is going to be kicking is extra points.
Bush/DMAC are both MONSTERS. = White/Bush.
Fargas is not the odd man out and will get some run also.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
IMHO, we have the best backfields in the NFL. When our lines catch up if they haven’t allready we will have a dynasty. I expect to see at least 2 RINGS from this group.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Gotta go guys have fun will see ltr
May 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Thec - I like your enthusiasm but you know you will be criticized for the comments made about both lines. I personally don’t have a problem with either the OL or DL as I feel the needs have been adressed. Problem is, Kwame Harris was known as a bust, Tommy Kelly is seen as overpaid, and Terdell is losing momentum with the fans due to poor play last season.
Now, my logic for not being concerned about any of this; Tom Cable is a great coach and whoever he starts on the OL I will trust. Not to mention Kiffin teaches a strategy which is to get rid of the ball quickly regardless of someone being open or not as to reduce turnovers. Thus, I’m not concerned with JR getting sacked all that much, or the play of the OL. I just don’t want to be naive and think that they will open the season ready to go as this usually takes time.
Second - The DL is fine. Everyone’s concern was in regards to stopping the run, but the true concern should be pass rush. We’re going to stop the run. Mostly because our secondary is talented enough to allow for 8 in the box. I’m more concerned with pass rush. I think TK will help in this area, as will Terdell. Terdell will help by virtue of TK lining up next to him. After two games teams will realize TK needs to be accounted for and Terdell will help collapse pockets with the extra attention TK is getting. My hope is that Burgess has an exceptional year, and we need to find a RE to fill Clemons’ role form last season. Getting teams into 3rd and long shouldn’t be a problem, but getting to the QB on the 3rd and long has me a little concerned.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
[...] Source [...]
May 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Assasin all points in your last post are valid. I guess the point i was trying to make was our backfields are great, not avg but great. If our lines can become great we are looking at dynasty.
I like you have a lot of faith in this coaching staff. We have had a year to jell with the ZBS and should be better for that. The most important thing for all these players is CONTINUITY. Give these coaches the latitude to build.
The only question I had is JRUSS cerebral enough to handle it. Based on Kiffin’s comments he is.
But to Re-iterate not putting down our warriors up front on both sides, i expect them to have great years.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
8 in the….. rivers, croyle, cutler…..should be fun.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Thec, you sure do know how to enthuse the crowd.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Day 3 camp pics are up at Raiders.com for anyone that cares. I was trying to find Reece standing next to another player to determine his true size but we have no pics of him.
May 11th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
RAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSS
May 11th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
DoeDoe Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
RAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSS
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
now that’s raidering….
give it to the nation…
May 11th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Terdell Sands will be back this season and Kelly will play well especially in the 2nd Half of the season just you watch
May 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
i just wanted to say that i have watching McF for 2 years and this kid runs his tail off week in and week out and now its my dream he is on the raiders team
May 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Terp, in all honesty Its been a long 5 years since i felt like this about this team. We are on the verge of something really special. I can feel it, touch it, and taste it. Something special is going on with this team. After this up coming season we won’t be able to hide.
I cant put it into words but this is for me what you guys would call “tempered enthusiasm”.
Right now I log what the mediots are saying, and i just smile. I hope we give them the middle finger news. You just watch all these “experts” how they are going to be jocking us after our glorious return to greatness.
The AFC West is our birthright not an opinion but a fact.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
so when are they going to drop jorden
May 11th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I think there are cap implications to dropping Jordan prior to June 1st. I expect Jordan to be dumped at 12:01am on June 1st.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
lol also arent the raiders looking at louis rankin
May 11th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
jordan is a loser
May 11th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
We have DMAC/BUSH in the same backfield with a ZBS system. Also dont sleep on our FB’s or Fargas.
DCO’s will be losing sleep when they face us cant wait to see our offense dismantle opponents.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
hey when you look at the raiders web site doesnt take long to load up for you
May 11th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Brien - who the hell are you? Don’t post on that non-sense on Jerry’s blog, he’s obviously the best writer covering the Raiders…
I for one would love to see us bring Koren Robinson into camp. So long as he’s sober, he could provide some nice competition to return kicks, as well as challenge for the 4th WR postion…go get ‘em Al!
May 11th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Stu Swiegart is the webmaster
May 11th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
i have a feel that kid we drafted in the 7th chaz i think he will be a good wr but arman he seems really cockly
i think stu should be dropped too
May 11th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I still would like us to run at Takeo Spikes
May 11th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Koren Robinson, and Chris Henry… I would take a flyer on both of them.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
ooh yea me too thec i saw some guys on that list and i was like how come we didnt go after those guys
May 11th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
i dont think i would try either one there both trouble and the new guys dont need that
May 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Koren Robinson’s bother just got busted for smuggling extacy. Now that in itself is not necessarily a red flag, the fact that his bother stayed with him in the same house IS. I don’t think Kiffin goes near him; that’s like playing with fire.
So Thec, based on your knowledge of USC who would you venture to say will be our eventual starting HB, who do you think will get the most snaps in general, not just at HB? It doesn’t have to be the same person. No one knows how it will turn out but its possible to derive a little insight based on how Kiffin utilized players at USC.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
May 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Stu is the worse safety in the history of the Raiders
May 11th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
i sure hope then keep number 21 i am not to sure how to spell his name
May 11th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
damn i waited this long just for ten pictures of mini camp
May 11th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
i think we should retire stu’s number…
really… we need to retire that jersey…
with stu in it…
May 11th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Man I just watched the Michael Bush interview, and if that guys talent can match his attitude, we have an absolute beast on our hands. I have a feeling he is just gonna punish the crap out of defenses this season.
“Pillage and Plunder in 2008″
May 11th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
To steal a line from a writer Cerberus the three headed beast gaurding the gates of hell seems more appropriate then any other nicname for our RB’s. Fargus is also capable.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hello old friends,…as I sit here,..I must admit, I am in regular season form,..being at the mini saturday made me want to tailgate,..its true that I drink too much and pop too many pills and toke too much reefer during the season,…I try and tone it down during the offseason to get ready for another season that looms… but being at the mini set me off again,..Im all F`d up,…but being around the Nation,…JT,…Spike and Howie,…Rilla…Darth,…hey we tied one on at Rickys…Im fully convinced the bad times are behind us,…the posters in here that like to be negative,..they seem to enjoy being miserable,..and they know who they are,..well theres really only one,…well hes a person who in the real world gets crapped on,…disrespected,…ignored,…so give him a break,..I see that he posts in here at like 3 in the morning,..that says it all…lets try and understand that in his real world,..well its not so good,…but alls good with the Raiders,..I was there saturday,..saw it up close…the bad times that we endured, are behind us.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I see a t-shirt in the future
May 11th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
does that t-shirt say:
RAIDERS
SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS????
May 11th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
AFC Champions first then maybe a towel.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Terp, regarding your post #80, i would give the analogy that you get in basketball, when a man is hot you get the ball to him. That is the way USC works whoever is doing the best in “that” game is the one who gets the most run.
If you look at USC Bush wasn’t even a starter but when he played he got hot.
In all honesty terp we could see Bush, DMAC, and Fargas out their at the same time.
Our fullbacks will be deployed on offense as well and not just to block. We will have a very very dangerous offense. With everyone getting touches….everyone
The league is about speed, and mismatches. We will put a lot of points on the board because of these 2 factors.
Example
I formation BUSH/DMAC
Miller at TE.
Carter wide left
Walker wide right
DMAC goes in motion
Is it a pass to DMAC, a run to BUSH a deep pass as a DCO I am like wtf……
May 11th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
We will win a SB in 3. I expect us to win at least 2 with this group.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Rbush eventually became the starter at USC U cant keep a weapon off the field as he gives you the threat every time he touches the ball.
I would imagine out of “fairness” Fargas will start. But in the end you will see DMAC/Bush getting the load and whoever is “HOT” gets the most run, but with kiffin you cant bank on that either. Its the UNPREDICTABILITY that makes it dangerous.
The days of run, run, sack, punt are over.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I see Oakland taking the west this season,…for all you posters saying you think 7-9 would be a good year,..F that,..we will win the west.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I formation:
Griffith/Bush
DMAC Slot
Walker Wide Left
Carter Wide Right
JRUSS motions Bush, griffith is now the lone back.
Who in the F is going to get the ball? could be a run up the gut with griff, thats the type of S#!t kiff does total misdirection. You cannot sleep on any weapon on the field. Greg Papa is going to lose his voice every game and you guys all know why…..
May 11th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
For every one that says the dischargers are the kings of the west don’t understand how banged up this team is.
They want our castoff newberry at center cause hardwick is out another 4 months from a surgery he had 2 months a go. Not to mention the DT williams is literally on his last legs. His knees are shot. I read on the discharger blog they were saying they have a 3 year window………..hahahahahahahaha the window and the door is closed.
We should challenge for the west, it is our birthright.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Take a look at the age of our team. Man we got young in a hurry…
May 11th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
people dont realize rivers knee will be a issue this season just you watch
May 11th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
AND YOUTH SHALL BE SERVED!!!!
(super bowl rings)
May 11th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Brien Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
people dont realize rivers knee will be a issue this season just you watch
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
yeah but his mouth will keep running…
May 11th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Pete,
#85 is pretty damn funny.
Thanks!
May 11th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
florida pete, whats up ain’t seen you in a while !
2008 oakland brings the rukas baby !
i have this feelin macfadden will show he was the best player takin in the draft.
i see alot of touchdowns scored ( by ) oakland !
May 11th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
First I may not type as well as many that do here but as a fan whom has spent over 35 years of his of his 40 on earth as a raider fan I HOPE ALL IS GOOD N WELLIN RAIDERNATION N HOPE GOD AL IS HERE30 MORE YRS CAN U NAME 5 OWNERSIN THIS NFL BESIDES AL . Now have faith ngod bless us all we will make the playoffs n the afc champ game brady n manning cant stay heathly 4 ever n in our div hell jr is better then any qb there
May 11th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
B Leftwich will be the backup qb 2nd I believe that we will sighn either henry or robininson at wr hope its henry guy can be a stud or hell a punk but no money lost but he n what we have could be dang 25 plus points a game n r def wont give up on avg 17 we r a playoff team n dreams come true its up kiff n jr be mature the rest is there
May 11th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
c 1 kant tyipe butt i doos know raider fooseball
May 11th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
The raiders 2010
May 11th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Ya, Pillage and Plunder, that’s perfect.
Plus, that’s what Raiders do…they pillage and they plunder…per-fect-toe-mundo!
May 11th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Thea, post 51:
Well said: I like that…it’s our birth right. That’s so “freaking true,” and that’s what separates us from the others.
May 11th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Sure, AI.
We’re going to win the AFC West with the worst run defense in the NFL, an injury prone offense and our head coach on the outs.
Keep guzzling the kool aid. Looks like someone is still buzzing from all the propaganda they took in at Alameda this weekend…
May 11th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I really hope we do win this year, because if we don’t, MaddenRaider is going to be in here having a field day with us.
May 11th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
So MR who do you think will win the West and why?
May 11th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
“Media Circus?” Get a clue folks. A handful of media guys standing on the sidelines is not a circus.
“Spygate” - Get a Clue part 2. Who wants to spy on us? The losingest team the last five years? By the way kool aid drinkers. I understand you don’t follow the NFL but teams like the Cowboys and Packers have practices open to the PUBLIC. Letting Jerry cover practice will hardly threaten national security.
Having Jerry write that JR threw a TD pass is hardly the sort of super-secret stuff you might get say from watching the Ravens camp on NFLN. Of course all those teams actually win so we wouldn’t want to do anything they do.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
maddenraider don’t post as me. It’s lame.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Mista - My expectations? I’d love to see the team challenge for the division. What I want and what I REASONABLY expect are two different things.
This team could be anywhere between 10-6 and 6-10. Why? Everything is “potential” which means for every UDFA like Carr and Sims there are literally 50 guys who never get out of camp.
At least 90% of these “freaks”, “monsters” and such will be out of the NFL by September.
We should improve from last year and have a soft schedule. So who shows up?
QB - JR the semi-rookie. Will he be the next P Manning? (3-13 his first season), Aikman (part of the 1-15 Cowboys), Bradshaw (called a bust). If the Raiders can run the ball and play great D, Russell can take it easy ala Big Ben in Pittsburg which leads to question 2 -
Et tu Ryan? That’s Shakespeare for will our D stink again? The fact that we’re giddy over UDFA DT’s speaks volumes about how sad our D line is.
WR - Walker? Carter? JLH? Will anybody step up?
C - Somebody ripped the Dolts Center situation. Why? It’s almost as bad as ours. Williams on his “last legs” at DT still blows away Sands at DT.
Jordan, Moss, Collins, Huff, Washington, Bing, Morant, Francis, Higgins, Rhodes, are all guys (or freaks) who were going to blow people away. Pardon me if I want to see it on the field.
Paper tigers.
I expect about half of the fantasy to pan out. So 8-8 is reasonable.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
San Diego will win the west. Their GM has built a fine squad and Norv Turner is ok as long as he has a GM building him a team, or anyone building him a team, for that matter. (he didn’t have that in Washington or Oakland, obviously)
I expect KC to improve.
Denver and KC will fight for 2nd.
We have last place locked, and will for years to come, especially after what’s happened with Kiffin. Had Dysfunctional Al not screwed with Kiffin, we would be looking at playoffs next season, with a vast improvement this year. Maybe even sneaking a wild card spot this year. That’s out the window, now. Thanks to the dysfunctional one, Kiffin is gone after this season, no matter what. Al will probably can him beforehand, to scapegoat him for how bad we are.
Oh, Spires…
LOL. Another lame attempt by Davis to pick up a guy that once ate our lunch…yet only years after his prime. The circus never ends.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
#113 is not me.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
# Brien Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Stu is the worse safety in the history of the Raiders
=======================
Apparently you have not been around long enough to know about Patrick Bates. At least Stu was not drafted in round 1.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
COW, lol.
I too am amazed by the delusions of grandeur the kool aid drinkers have regarding the secrecy of the team. The Cowboys and Packers have won 4 combined Super Bowls since we won our last, and they invite the public to watch their training camps.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Im excited as hell about DMC. I keep telling myself to lower my expectations. I know DMC will eventually be great. I just want to remember that he IS a rookie and may stumble at times. The Raider nation can be brutal at times. I can see them caling for his head if he isnt a HOF on day 1.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Alameda Insider Says:
May 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I drink too much and pop too many pills and toke too much reefer during the season,…I try and tone it down during the offseason to get ready for another season that looms… but being at the mini set me off again,..Im all F`d up,…
====================================
…..
May 11th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Im not so sure SD will be all that next year. Isnt Rivers and LT both coming off of surgery.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
MR…
That is the most retarded thing I have ever read from you on this board.
Everyone considers KC to be rebuilding and they have no QB to speak of. Yet you see them improving. LOL
Denver has had the worst offseason of any of the teams in the West and showed they could not play defense last year.
The Chargers went to the AFC title game, but not without paying a price. Rivers and LT are banged up. Until someone beats them, I will concede that they are the top seed in the West.
However, you seeing the Raiders at the bottom for years to come based on rumor and your wild uneducated speculation just shows how much of a hater you really are.
Funny how you see KC improving, but not the Raiders. Well, its actually not funny, considering the your inabilty to give the Raiders any credit.
You talk about others drinking the kool aid, but you are full up on the hater aid and it is blurring your connection with reality.
Thanks for the laugh Choker fan.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Oh yeah…
F the Cowboys and the Packers. How about you guys doing all the bitchin go hang out and watch them practice and go chat on their message boards.
Last I checked, this comments section was about the Raiders mini-camp article above.
I didn’t see anything in the article about the Cowboys or the Packers.
May 11th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
People talking signing Koren Robinson and/or Grady Jackson got me thinking about our offseason moves.
In thinking about things we did do, its the thing we did not do that bothered me the most.
We signed DeAngelo Hall to a 7 year 70 mil (24.5 guaranteed) contract, but did not take care of Nnamdi. I have an issue with that for numerous reasons…
1) He is better (right now) than Hall. It took awhile for things to click with Nnamdi, but he should probably have two pro bowl starts at this point in his career (2006/2007). Bottom line, he got ripped due to playing on bad teams.
2) We drafted the guy, he has been with us his whole career
3)QBs were so afraid of him that he was allegedly thrown at only 31 times ALL SEASON with only 10 passes completed. According to Pro Football Weekly, this would be the fewest times a CB has been tested in over a decade.
4) His charity work. I mean, a star player who puts his personal time to the community. To me, time is far more valuable than cash. Any NFL player can afford to drop some cash to their favorite charity, getting out and doing means far more (to me anyway).
Anyway, signing him to a long term deal seems like it would make sense. How much is his franchise tender for 2008 again? Getting him a long term deal may free up some cash so that we can more easily go out and get guys like Grady Jackson, Koren Robinson and Takeo Spikes (who I think has some gas left in the tank).
May 12th, 2008 at 12:05 am
who is still here i wanna talk more about my raiders
May 12th, 2008 at 12:09 am
well we signed 2 old farts one OLB and RE will this guys be health in the game
May 12th, 2008 at 12:46 am
K-Rock.
A lot of Raider fans like to hear or read updates from Jerry about the Raiders. If you have no interest in what the team is doing beyond game day why would you be on this blog?
By the way K-rock the Raiders play in the NFL. The Cowboys and Packers are part of that. Comparing what other teams do is a way of measuring our effectiveness.
Besides, bitchin about closed practices is directly related to this blog entry and directly related to the Raiders activities. YOUR bitchin about blog entries has far LESS to do with the Raiders so it sounds like YOU are the one not talking about the team.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:48 am
you wait for a hour to respond wow u are good
May 12th, 2008 at 12:51 am
LOL It’s a blog - not IM. He’ll read it.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:53 am
ok i am new to blogs and bored off my ass and wondering what the raiders will do with all those weapons now
May 12th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Well that’s the big question.
If Bush and DMAC are half as good as everybody hopes, we should have a running game. Beyond that the question is - Do we really have any weapons?
JR - A rookie QB
Miller - The top receiving weapon so far
Curry - A #2 or 3 WR
Walker - Coming off another injury the guy has had two good seasons out of what 6?
Carter - A third string nobody we hope is suddenly great
Higgins - Does he make the team?
Sheilds, Chazz, Foy, Buchanan, and the rest of the gaggle at WR - All but 1 (maybe 2) of these so-called “freaks” get cut. The Raiders will only carry 5-6 WR’s. Likely 5 if they carry 2 FB’s.
Our passing game has more question marks than certain weapons.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:03 am
well it sounds like that kid louis rankin is good that they signed as a RB
May 12th, 2008 at 1:11 am
I hope the Charger flop but I wouldn’t put too much into their injury issues considering -
HB - M Bush, Fargas
RT - Green
SLB - Williams or Hartwell
DT - Kelly
DE - Burgess
WR - Walker
All potential starters (or guys who will contribute) coming off injury.
Our two games with Denver will probably decide who takes 2nd in the west.
AFC West
Dolts 11-5
Raiders 8-8
Donkeys 7-9
Chefs 5-11
Then in 09 IF WE KEEP Kiffin, the Dolts get older and our youngsters start coming together.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:15 am
Rankin could be good. It’s hard to say in rookie mini camp because he’s going up against scrubs in non-contact. If DMAC, Bush and Fargas take the 3 HB spots though, and we keep 2 FB’s, where does he go? May end up on the practice squad but barring a coupe injuries I don’t think he’ll be around too long.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:16 am
yea i hear what you are sayin cause when players break they break like Shawn alex. he got injuried and now he is know good now LT is showing signs off injury
May 12th, 2008 at 1:18 am
true that
but he will be in the pratice squad like you said and theres alot of people talkin about this reese kid too
May 12th, 2008 at 1:25 am
Yeah, it’ll be interesting who steps up in camp and preseason. Reese beating guys like Nick Sanchez is a long way from beating Asomough in camp or Champ Bailey in a game.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:27 am
who is that kid that that plays three wr hb te
May 12th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I hope he does. We need a go-to WR. Haven’t had one since Brown retired.
Well, I’m out for the night.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:28 am
late
May 12th, 2008 at 5:29 am
it’s a brand new day in Raider Nation…
anyone who does not think the front office is doing everything conceivable to put a quality team on the field is … retarded…
that especially goes for Maddenraider…
i read that stupid crap upstairs and it is nothing short of delusional drivel…
if you don’t believe in the possibilities then go away… this team is not for you…
i have always admired cubs fans… they stuck with their team no matter how bad…
MR and the rest of the naysayers, Davis haters, and closet donkey fans can piss up a rope…
and if you have any friends…
they can piss up a rope too…
May 12th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Well put Florida Pete.
It’s a great day in the Raider
Nation.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Denver will surprise us this year. They couldn’t play defense last year because they were injured. And their offense will have another year of seasoning with a young QB. I suspect we will be challenging them for 2nd in the west. Not that I’m pointing out something unique as it’s quite obvious. But I just wanted people to think the way we’re thinking, other teams get better/worse too in the offseason. Denver is getting better and mostly because of health and a QB with more experience. We’re not sure what we have in JR yet and it would be foolish of us to think that he’s better than Cutler. We will only go as far as JR can take us.
I don’t see SD getting stronger in the offseason. They lost a key Safety and the best blocking FB in the game. The loss of Lorenzo Neal will be huge and LT will take a pounding for it. If LT goes down they will not have Turner to rely on. Most importantly, their overall core is a health risk (Rivers, LT, J.Williams, Gates, etc.).
There isn’t going to be one team that runs away with the division like last year. I see first place separated by one game.
May 12th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I look at SD as a normal Norv Turner team. With the key injuries leading to second stringers playing a bigger role, Michael Turner gone, LT going downhill because of wear and tear like Shawn Alexander, I see a possible 6-10, not the 12-4 that others predict.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Actually, I feel Shanarat will turn around Denver and Turner will ruin the Dolts.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Marley
Thanks for the breakdown on Reese and Chukwu. any more?
May 12th, 2008 at 7:03 am
WR is one of the three most open positions on the roster. The ranking order is probably:
1. Walker
2. Carter
3. Curry
4. Higgins
5. Shields
6. Schilens
7. McFoy
8. Holland
9. Watkins
10. Buchanon
11. James
12. Reese
I suspect that the final fivr or six will prove very different. Providing everyone stays fit, I would wager that the following might make the September roster:
1. Javon Walker - has the most talent and necessary big play ability.
2. Drew Carter - not the best hands but has the speed and size to complement JaMarcus Russell’s arm.
3. Arman Shields - would have been drafted higher if not for injury. Has good size, real speed and could become the go-to for JR.
4. Johnnie Lee Higgins - super quick and elusive after the catch. Isn’t the biggest WR and needs to regain his confidence, but Lofton could make a star out of JLH.
5. Todd Watkins - He is 6-2, good hands and was John Beck’s favourite target. Under-rated and could be the surprise package in camp.
6. Marcel Reece - a real long-shot and might not make it beyond June. But, this kid is a play maker and his on-field performances are so much more impressive than his off-field stats. His size, strength and versatility could be very useful.
Schilens and (maybe) Holland will settle on the Practice Squad.
The biggest casualty could be Ronald Curry. I think he needs a strong camp to survive. Kiff will not forgive or forget all the drops from last season. Unless Curry shows his 2006 form, I think he won’t make the final roster.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I actually think the Broncos are going to be pretty good this year. They may even finish ahead of the Chargers. Shanahan is too good of a coach to not make the playoffs year. I think the Broncos are going to surprise us all and beat the Raiders pretty handily in the opener.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Insider, unless Shanahan has rebuilt their defensive line, re-energised their running game and beefed up their pass rush, the Broncos are not going forward. They had lots of weaknesses to address and haven’t done much in FA.
I think we are going to beat them comfortably on opening day - they won’t stop us running the ball and controlling the clock, Cutler is less assured throwing at a man-2-man defense than he against the zone/Tampa and we have seriously upgraded our weaponry (McFadden, Bush, Walker, Carter plus Miller and Russell.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:15 am
AI
I think we will do well in the opener as Denver usually is slow out of the gate and Shanahan gets rolling by game 3 or 4. We are lucky to catch them in game 1.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:15 am
That honky Cutler can throw the hell out of the ball. I just think we should not be so confident.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Anyways, I am going to go sit in my car, take some norcos, and pleasure myself. Talk to you chumps later.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I live in Denver & watched the donkeys every yr for 28yrs. (forced to). This is the worst team they’ve had under Shananny. Their def. hasn’t improved & Shanny fires the Def coach when they don’t make the playoffs because he can’t take resposibility for losing. The Raiders had them twice last yr. & will this yr. They have NO WRs yet, Marshall falling thru a entertainment center. No RBs to speak of. Looking at their schedule I bet a donkey fan $10 each of the first 7 games. They will be lucky to go 1-6. Seriously look at this team, no coaching by Shanny will help when you have no kicker & no receivers & no defense. Their Def is worst than ours this yr.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:34 am
unless Shanahan talks Elway out of retirement… the donkeys won’t be going anywhere except down toward the cellar…
look for Shanahan to be cut loose after next season…
May 12th, 2008 at 7:37 am
i don’t think JaMarcus needs to be that great…
i’m not even sure he needs to be particularly good…
i think he needs to not fumble…
i think he needs to not trip over his own feet…
i think he needs to hand the ball off cleanly…
May 12th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Against the Broncos:
First half: Run, run and run some more. Pound Mr Pain and Griffith into those Broncos LBs, rely on Fargas and Bush to make enough yards to control the clock and field position. Throw in some play action, some options - just to keep the DBs honest. Play conservative keep up the pressure and just try and demoralise the Broncos defense.
Second half: Keep up the ground attack. Make Shanahan choose whether to bring 8 or 9 into the box - in which case JR will have some downfield targets in single coverage, or keep the Safeties back - in which case their LBs are going to have to try and contain Bush and Fargas. When the D starts tiring and spaces start appearing, cry havoc and release the dog of war, Darren McFadden.
Kiffin has got to play hard-nosed, relentless, power-running football. No fancy stuff, no dink’n'dunk, no soft WCO imitations. We have an Oline built to run, two excellent FBs and three class RBs. Just pound that Bronco Dline - again and again and again - until they start to break. And then bring on McFadden and let the slaughter commence.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Scottish Raider Says:
May 12th, 2008 at 8:22 am
Against the Broncos:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
now that’s game planning…
raider on…
May 12th, 2008 at 8:33 am
The Raiders aren’t going to stop anyone. Shanahan could put someone from the stands back there and they will run all over the Raiders. As long as the forty niners win, I’m happy.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:46 am
But MR, we don’t give them the ball. We need to focus on keeping the ball for seven, eight, nine minutes. We know we can run against the Broncos. We must have the nerve to keep pounding away - sap their strength, eat the clock. No mercy. No let up. We don’t need to be pretty, we don’t need to be flash. We just need to keep smashing out the hard yards.
Imagine you are a Bronco Linebacker - you’re on your own 22 yard line, the Raiders have had the ball for seven minutes, fifteen plays and Mr Pain is ready to charge straight at you, followed by a fired-up Michael Bush. You’re tired, you’re hurt, the Black Hole is screaming and it is not even haf-time yet. And the Raiders haven’t even taken McFadden’s coat off.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
run the ball, no turnovers, pound the opponent into submission. Scottish, you have been a fine talent scout and now you have the perfect idea as O coordinator. please submit game plan to Knapp.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:53 am
You see things going that smoothly Scottish…what, no adversity? You know damn well that’s not the Raiders way. They’ll shoot themselves in the foot at least twice. How they come back from that is the question.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:55 am
MR Says:
May 12th, 2008 at 8:33 am
The Raiders aren’t going to stop anyone. Shanahan could put someone from the stands back there and they will run all over the Raiders. As long as the forty niners win, I’m happy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i am shocked… shocked i tell you… that you are not a raider fan…
i just don’t understand… here i was thinking you were a true blue raider supporter and now this…
somehow… i am sure someone here will be able to explain it to me…
in the meantime… try the forty niner blog…
hey… girls softball is entering playoffs about now…
oh… sorry… forgot… you like manly men…
May 12th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Scottish Raider,
I was with you until: And the Raiders haven’t even taken McFadden’s coat off.
What are you afraid that if we put McFadden in, he’ll break a long one and ruin your game plan. lol
May 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Florida Pete,
good afternoon,
the negativity shown by various contributors shows their fear of Raider success. they won’t know how to handle the good times a-coming in Raiderland because they prefer to whine and moan and spread pessimism.
some of them will attempt at a later time to rationalize their nay-saying, others simply are haters and always have been.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:08 am
ExLa, I just think we can use Fargas and Bush to soften up the defenses. Why waste McFadden, when BM and JF are very capable of making the hard yards? We should hold DMC back until the gaps start appearing.
And psychologically, how is a defense going to feel when they are already suffering but the Raiders main weapon is still fresh and ready to pile on the misery.
We have assembled one of the best ground attacks in the NFL. Lets use it.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:10 am
The 49er’s will loose and loose and loose some more. They don’t have the athletes, the coaching, or the ownership to compete with the Raiders for years to come and I love it. Good riddance MR.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
1977 Raiders ( I believe it was), league record 687 rushing attempts (in only 14 games!) 48.7 attempts per game (with Snake at QB). Van Eeghen, Davis, Banaszak. Bush, Fargas, McFadden… go for the new record boys!
May 12th, 2008 at 9:15 am
grind it out….
then grind some more…
force them into submission…
i love it… that’s raidering…
May 12th, 2008 at 9:18 am
I see the kool-aid drinking has already started
May 12th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Quagmire’d,
perhaps you can figure out a way to help subsistence farmers to find something to eat other than bio-diesel. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about us kool-aid drinkers.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Quag, don’t be cyncial, Mr Pain will lead block us to victory.
As Kiffin said last season: “We have given O’Neal a little bit more and a little bit more and every time he has taken it and really done a great job. It’s fun to watch him play. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around, opposing linebackers are not excited to go against him on the lead plays because he is so physical.”
And Justin Griffith said of O’Neal: “In years to come, this guy is going to be really good. I mean I see him as a Pro Bowler consistently, year in and year out,”
May 12th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I hope so, Scottish…i just try to look at things objectively. When have things ever gone so smoothly as you described them in post 159? Rarely does that ever happen on our end.
M, didn’t mean to rub you the wrong way man. I just try to keep a balanced mindset when it comes to the Raiders….you know don’t get too high or too low, at least until we start dominating again.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Quag, no offense taken - and I agree that we need to keep a balance and realistic perspective.
I just think that we have taken the 6th best running game in the NFL and seriously upgraded it. A trio of Fargas, Bush and McFadden is potentially much more destructive than Fargas, Rhodes and Jordan. John Wade is younger and more dynamic than Newberry. Harris, at least in the run, will be an improvement on Sims. Gallery will be even more effective this year and O’Neal and Griffith could be the best FB duo in the league.
If Kiff really commits us to the running game and has the patience and persistance necessary to wear down defenses, I think we can move from No6 in the league and into the top 3 running games.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:56 am
So when are they going to convert Bush to TE?
May 12th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Judging the season before it starts is too hard. We just have so many question marks. I am fairly confident we will have a running game but I can’t say for certain how our passing game will look. Can Harris perform? How is JR going to perform? Walker ..can he stay healthy? Carter, JLH, et al? We have just too many questions that needs answering and that’s just the offense.
Some questions will partially be answered during preseason when we actually see them go up against somebody. But still, I wouldn’t take that and run with it and project into the regular season.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Why are people so down on Ron Curry?.
Curry´s numbers the last 2 seasons are decent considering the circumstances:
2006: 62 for 727 and 1 TD while starting just 4 games for the NFL´s worst offense, where the collective QB Rating was 52.5, to give you an idea how bad that was, consider the NFL Avg. was 78.5
2007: 55 for 717 and 4 TD´s with limited opportunities in a run heavy team that finished 29th in passing attempts, not mention a collective QB Rating of 68.5, again way below the NFL´s Avg. of 80.9.
For comparison´s sake, Jerry Porter finished 07 with 44 for 705 and 6TD´s and landed a multimillion dollar deal with Jax.
Point is, you can´t really judge Curry´s production accurately due to the QB situation last year and the overall offensive mess that was 06.
Of course, Curry could have played better, he had some unexpected drops but that´s never been a big problem for him.
Go back to what Kiffin said about Curry when last season ended then and consider the fact he´s gonna have a clear cut starting QB to work and develop some chemistry with.
“Just got done meeting with Ronald and we have a good plan on how he is going to improve and what he needs to do to get better because we expect him to have a big year next year.”
I´m expecting Curry to have the best year of his career in 08.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Hey Scottish, if they do that then they should take a page out of the Steelers book, when they initially drafted Big Ben- a run-heavy offense that was predicated on Big Ben just managing the offense without making the costly turnover.
It’s more smash-mouth than anything else.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Provided the offense as a whole continues to improve.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Bob, I hope you’re right about Curry. I just think he has a few points to prove and faces the strongest competition he has yet faced on this roster. I am worried that the injuries have caught up with him and that we have seen the best of Ronald Curry. And he must cure the habit of dropping crucial passes - if you can’t catch a McCown lob, you won’t catch a Russell missile.
Curry needs to start camp well and keep the likes of Higgins, Watkins and Shields firmly down the depth chart.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Quag, totally agree. The Steelers used Big Ben very sparingly. Didn’t overburden him, made sure he was never having to force the game and built the offense on a clock-eating, yard-making running game.
We have the players to play smash-mouth football. Does Kiff have the discipline and nerve to play Steeler-esque football?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Its hard to say how Kiffin will use JRs talents this season. Its easy to assume that we will use the run game to protect JR, but at the same time Kiffin didn’t exactly call a run heavy offense vs SD last year when JR was in. As the game went on Kiffin opened up the passing attack a little more and JR found his friend in ZM. As I remember it, SD really couldn’t stop us; we stopped ourselves. That was definitely the impression I left with. JR performed very well that game. If he continues to progress, we have a real gem.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Quagmire’d,
accepted. objectivity has its place. schemes, injuries, turnovers, dropped ints, any and all things considered can always go wrong, so why speculate about what can go poorly? objectivity can also project an unparalleled running attack, a fine young QB, a pro bowl tight end and a vastly improved defense. Either outlook can be termed objective, subjective or pure speculation. skepticism and objectivity are not the same thing.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Morning Nation
Well heres how I see it. Our offensive success comes down to 3 key points. Can JR minimize mistakes? Can we pass Block? Do we have 3 wideouts? We all know we will be able to pound the ball. JR has had the playbook since pre camp last year so it should come down to execution with him. I have faith in cable, the leap our line made last year was great, if we can improve some, we will be fine there(simms, addition by subtraction) Wideouts, looks like we got boom or bust there, can only hope for the best.
On D I think we will have a serviceable run d(ranked somewhere between 20-27) but we will have a top 5 pass D. Yes I do realize that 20 -27 rank is a big swing, but there are just alot of questions there. Do we stack the box, does turd play well? Is Kelly 100%?Spiers effectiveness? Does richrdson improve? Do the LB’s improve against the run?
I just can’t see us going any less than 7-9 with the upgrades we have made. But there is also the potential for a good 10-6 season with our schedule. Beating the Donkies week 1 will be huge for this young team, will give us confidence and brings a winning attitude. If we some how lose that game, it will not bode well for the season. Thing is, I just don’t see us losing that game.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:18 am
COW..
Do you really think Al Davis owes you open practices just to satisfy your curiosity?
What I was upset about was the reference to the Cowboys and Packers having open practices and a better record like the two somehow went together.
The Raiders have always had closed practices. Win or lose Al Davis does things his own way.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Scottish, I think he does…but the fans, and at some point AD, will be clamoring for Russell to show off that multi-million dollar arm with more downfield throws. I think those plays will be part of the gameplan, just not as frequent as many would like them to be.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Question Nation,
Remember back in the days, when we had Garner. We would utilize the shovel pass. Do you think with DMAC and Bush, both exceptional pass catchers, we can use the old shovel effectively again?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am
What is up with the term “drinking the kool-aid”? Seems that certain people think if you are optomistic about the upcoming season or refuse to bash the Raiders you are somehow bad and blindly buying in. Isn’t that what a fan does. Believes against all odds. Loves their team no matter what.
The only people accusing others of drinking kool-aid seem to be full of hater-aid.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am
LOL. Should be optimistic.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Man, this board was cool for awhile. Now it is filled with a lot of negativity and hand wringers.
This season could be crap, but it could be the best season the Raiders have had in 6 years.
Where are all the true believers?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
K-Rock
Blind Faith, one of the best albums to ever come out of the sixties.
I drink the kool-aid only mine is concocted of hops, barley, yeast and water.
Raider on.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Gonna love seeing this Bush and Dmac tandem in action!
Glad my vision of seeing these two in the backfield with JMarc has a great chance at becoming a reality!
May 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
K-Rock,
perhaps it is a societal thing. People seem to associate agnosticism and skepticism with intelligent observation. Enthusiasm and positivism are relegated to lesser forms of wit.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Raiderwoj, nice assessment of the upcoming season…and objective to boot.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Raiders signed DE Greg Spires today I believe….
May 12th, 2008 at 10:37 am
As much as I love my Raiders, and hope to go undefeated, superbowl champs and all that, reality always seems to creep in. But I must say, every year I go watch the Draft with a buddy of mine who lives in the Sac area, every year we have the same prediction-SUPERBOWL CHAMPS. Of course then we sober up and get down to reality and start to make our reality based assesments of the upcoming season.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
MR Says:
May 12th, 2008 at 8:33 am
The Raiders aren’t going to stop anyone. Shanahan could put someone from the stands back there and they will run all over the Raiders. As long as the forty niners win, I’m happy.
I knew you were a Whiner fan!!! Whats wrong nobdy 2 talk 2 on that 9er blog?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
i’m hoping this marcel reece kid sticks around and makes the team.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Report: Raiders agree to deal with defensive end Spires
ESPN.com news services
Updated: May 12, 2008, 9:45 AM ET
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The Oakland Raiders reportedly have found their replacement for Chris Clemons at defensive end.
Spires
The San Francisco Chronicle, citing an unnamed source, reported that the Raiders have agreed to a one-year deal with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Greg Spires.
Spires will be counted on to help fill the void left by Clemons, who signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Spires, who spent the last six seasons with the Buccaneers, has 39½ career sacks and also recorded a sack in Tampa Bay’s victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.
He was released by the Buccaneers this offseason in a salary-cap move.
Clemons, who tied for the team high in sacks with eight in 2007, signed a five-year contract with the Eagles in March.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:45 am
A little more info on spires:
2008 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 61 | Key
Alert: AB
Comment: Spires is an above average athlete for the DE position who has some quickness and explosive qualities but is height and weight deficient for the DE position. Plays with a good overall motor. He plays with good pad level and leverage against the run. Does a good job striking his man and getting extension to try and control the line of scrimmage. Good hand use to gain inside position and lock out. Can disengage and has a burst to get off the block to close and make the tackle. Plays bigger than his size due to leverage and hand use. Good tackler in the box but will struggle to make the play when extended in space. He is an above average pass rusher. Has above average quickness off the ball and works hard to get upfield and shorten the edge. Plays with good hand use and a good dip and rip to get around the block. Good at selling the upfield charger on TE stunts and has agility to wrap around the tackle tightly and provide pressure from the inside. Has been a productive player as a pass rusher while providing consistent pressure off the edge. Overall, Spires is still a solid starting DE for most 4-3 teams that employ an attacking upfield scheme.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:47 am
M Says…
perhaps it is a societal thing. People seem to associate agnosticism and skepticism with intelligent observation. Enthusiasm and positivism are relegated to lesser forms of wit.
Very astute observation M. The Post-Modern world is jaded. Loss of innocence has created a vacuum.
However, I do not see skepticism and negativity as desirable personality traits.
Without hope, what do people live for?
May 12th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Good thing about signing him for 1 year, he’s playing for a chance next year and has alot to prove.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I live for Sept thru Jan.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Marley — Curry is all man, and he doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody anymore. He is all heart, and a great teammate. I don’t think Curry’s been disrespected in here. Fact is, though, he’s isn’t a #1 receiver — and some of his competition for playing time have the potential to be just that (can always hope, anyway).
If Walker gets and stays healthy (big IF), we won’t have to employ him in the #1 role again. It’d be great if Curry is no higher than a 3rd or 4th receiver — that would mean the receiving corps has come together.
I’d still trade Walter, Curry, and a pick to the Cards for Anquan Boldin.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:58 am
This season could be crap and STILL be the best season we’ve had in 6 years. If they fail it cant be said that it was for a lack of trying. I think we did all we could during the off season so far, except get the run stopping DT we so desparately need.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:58 am
K-Rock,
skepticism, negativity and agnostic approaches to life are severe ruts that people get themselves habituated to. Doubt, their friend, tells them to drag others down into the chasm as well rather than to climb out of it. Makes them feel better to have more company I suppose.
Raider kool-aid, a fine nectar
May 12th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Darknight
Yeah, Marcel Reece made his case to be back for training camp, I´m hoping he can show enough to take John Madsen´s spot.
Madsen is listed at TE but plays more like a WR, Reece may be able to fill that role better, he´s smaller but faster, stronger and according to his scouting reports, a willing and nasty blocker too.
Reece just seems (on paper) to have much more upside and versatility than Madsen and should also be a contributor on coverage units for ST´s with his strenght and speed.
That being said, we may never hear of Marcel Reece again beyond training camp.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Bob, spot on about John Madsen. This is going to be a huge camp for him - is he still worth a place on this roster? Kiff and Greg don’t seem to have huge confidence in him as a receiver and he is still a very average blocker. With Wakefield now healthy, Madsen might struggle to keep his place.
But he won’t be the only casualty. The writing is on the wall for Schweigert, Eugene, Grove, McQuistan - the other relics of the Lombardi era.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Hayes, Curry is ideal as a #3, possession receiver…we got good production there from him a few years back…less pressure too…then he’ll be able to operate under the radar.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Raiderwoj, my year doesn’t start until September.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:14 am
More than anything I’m hoping Spires will play well against the run from the DE spot. No over pursuing and and maintaining back side contain!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am
“I slept with faith and found a corpse in my arms on awakening; I drank and danced all night with doubt and found her a virgin in the morning.”
May 12th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Why has Spiers been available for months and nobody scooped him up until now ?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:19 am
The Raiders can’t rely on just one or two defensive tackles to be successful in stopping the run. Outside of our stalwart at the three-technique, Tommy Kelly, I believe the Raiders are going to have to rely on a tackle by committee opposite him. If Turdell, Gerard and William Joseph, can each contribute we’ll be significantly better than last year…can’t get much worse, right?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Darkknight, I hope so too, but that BSPN article described him as a pass-rushing DE.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Madden,..sorry that I touched a nerve with you when I mentioned there is a very sad little person who has no life outside of this forum, I never mentioned your name but clearly you knew who I ment…now when you copy my name like you did around 7 this morning,..it doesnt bother me like it does Glenn and the others,…feel free,..your text is the one in here all know who it is regardless of the name attached,…look bud, its not any of our fault in this room that your life is miserable, it wasnt us who turned you into a shut in who posts on a meaninless blog in the middle of the night…it was in fact you who decided to live a miserable life,..and I see in continuing…but I will hope Madden that things brighten up for you…you are a lonely little lost soul whos life now exists only online,…your outlook as a neg-head is no accident,..you wanted it that way, and you got it…good luck.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:28 am
* Mark Davis, Al’s son, is a regular presence at practice for the first time.
Al wasn’t at either of the first two workouts, by the way.
So… are the Raiders now two-deep at tailback (McFadden/Justin Fargas), shut down CB (DeAngelo Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha), head coach (Kiffin/Lofton) and possibly owner (Al/Mark)?
from Tim Kawakami
So do you guys think the old man is finally gonna let some1 else take over? He stocks up the team with the best tallent available grabs a young talented HC and lets mark assume the duties he can no longer preform?!!
It could happed? Maby
May 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
AI…what post number are you referring to?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:36 am
someone tell all the haters to leave because the raiders are back in business and they will beat those high power teams like chargers denver steelers colts patriots all those other good team will go down and the raiders will be the team to beat
May 12th, 2008 at 11:36 am
A lot of people are giving the Raiders an 8 - 8 season and I know that is definately doable (that is being very conservative). I actually see a 11-5 season. They should actually dominate the AFC West this season,, if they drop both games to the Chargers (expect to split those two games), that gives 4 wins right there (2 Denver, 2 K.C.), kick in with 6 out of 6 wins at Buffalo, New Orleans, Miami, Houston , Atlanta and, da Jets. There is your 10-6 season. They have an outside chance to beat the Ravens. If so, the Raiders have a 11-5 season and will see the playoffs.
Anyone disagree?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
For all you deep-thinkers contemplating the post-modern world, skepticism, intelligent observation, etc…
At what point does realistic expectation become skepticism, or vice-versa?
We can almost all agree that the most negative posters on this board are not what we would consider “real” fans — making some of the most ridiculous statements or taking stances that no true fan would ever take.
Truth is, a team with as much potential as this one…..is nothing more than a team with a lot of potential.
Less than 8-8 would still be a disappointment, but to really expect 10+ wins from this young team — before they’ve even been on the field together — isn’t being realistic.
Now, that’s not stopping me from making my yearly AFC and Super Bowl bets…
May 12th, 2008 at 11:41 am
why should i disagree what ever happens i am tired of the offense look week like the did last year pissed me off and i know they can do better . now with mcf and bush they are going to scare d-fences
May 12th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hello Nation!!!
Cliff fan… I can’t disagree with you… but …all our excitement has to be tempered… we have to be realistic… (don’t we)… I’ll tell you this… watching the replay of the minasota vs chargers game recently… I’m very very excited to see what our running game does against them… and a the broncos and the chiefs w/o allen…
May 12th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Pat Kirwans latest top 10 unrestricted free agents left on the market contains a few that might be of interest:
1. Daunte Culpepper, QB: On a long list of experienced veterans, quarterback trumps all other positions and Culpepper is the best still available. He is now a year removed from injuries that still had him limping around last year. The combination of his arm strength and game experience will make him a valuable backup and a guy who can step in and carry a team when injuries hit.
2. Takeo Spikes, LB: Though probably on the down side of his career, Spikes is still a strong run defender who made 139 tackles last year in 14 games. He can also pressure the QB, is capable in coverage, though not as strong as he once was, and can be the leader of a defense, making all the defensive calls. If he can find a spot as an inside backer with limited coverage responsibilities he can still thrive in the NFL.
4. Koren Robinson, WR: Just released by the Packers and young enough to still have a good career. He has return skills as well as being a big target. A team like Dallas should take a look at him
7. Kyle Brady, TE: Brady keeps getting work because he is very good at what he does. Heading into his 14th season, the former first-round pick may still be the best in-line blocker in the game. He’s a big, physical end who really takes care of himself, which is why he has enjoyed such a long, productive career.
10. Mike Doss, S: Doss is at his best when playing close to the line of scrimmage, or when in deep zone coverage with the play in front of him. But he has starting experience in the NFL and can play any number of positions in a team’s sub (nickel/dime) packages.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I do. 11-5 would be nice, but I would have to see JaMarcus Russell play a bit more before I hitch my wagon to that prediction. 8-8 I would see as a huge step this year. 11 - 5 I would see as the cinderella turnaround of the ages.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Am I who thinks the O line is suspect? 8-8 would be way cool! IMO but I’ll go with my yearly SB for the RAIDERS prediction!
GO RAIDERS
May 12th, 2008 at 11:53 am
only one
May 12th, 2008 at 11:56 am
BranchFan — Why just an “outside chance” of beating the Ravens? We’ve got as much chance of beating that team as any other you mentioned. Going 6-for-6 at places like Buffalo and New Orleans might prove a tougher task. Not saying it can’t happen, but it’s not likely.
If this team’s good enough to approach 12-wins, it’s good enough to win them all. If somebody says that’s not likely to happen, does that mean they’re being negative?
May 12th, 2008 at 11:57 am
all i want to know is when is Al Davis going to sign Darren McFadden
this kid needs to be signed right away not like JR
May 12th, 2008 at 11:59 am
true that Bill
May 12th, 2008 at 11:59 am
DMAC will be signed as soon as some of the picks around him are, the bar will be set and thats all it will take to sign him. If your worried about a hold out don’t be-wont happen.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:59 am
RAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSS
May 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
well i hope not cause i really think this kid is the back bone for the Raiders
May 12th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
What will really tell if our season goes 8-8 or 10-6 or 11-5 or whatever, is the recieving corps. If they can stretch the field and keep the opposing D honest then and only then will the offense click and our great RB’s can do serious damage.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
As a uniqe, an undeniable talent, I don’t see him as the backbone(he’s a rook for 1). JR is and will be the backbone. His play and leadership i sgoing to tell us how the season goes on O. We lose Dmac week 1 to injury(god forbid) we still have fargas and Bush. We lose JR-we are done. He plays like crap- we are done. We lose Dmac we still have a reasonable chance.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
408 … look at the difference in the past two years for the o line… 72 sacks to less than 60 I think? either way… a certain improvement… am I sold on them yet …no… but as has been stated many times in here… IN CABLE WE TRUST… Just look at the Harris signing…even he was trippin about playing LT …but as he said…they sat me down… showed me tape …and convinced me that it’s possible…
May 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Tonio
no doubt Im all in with Cable Im just a lil nervous about the healt of Jamarcus! Rember what happend after Gannon went down?
what do you think about my post 216?
May 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
tonio- down to 41-huge improvement
May 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
well what i meant as McF being the back bone well think of this there are alot of teams that has one leader well i think the raiders could have two leaders member McF can take snaps to he showed alot of leadership in his colleges years
May 12th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Maybe we can sign Kyle Brady to play left tackle. I’d take him over Lwame.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
We are gonna take the West this year. I think the D will be fine and the O has gotten better. Granted not as good on both lines as we would have liked, but damn we has some real players. I think 4 people from the D will get to the probowl this year.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Woj — 100% correct. JaMarcus must be the player who carries this team, no matter how great McFadden or Bush become.
JaMarcus might just be able to direct this team to great things over the next 10-15 years. Much like Elway did for his team — before and after Shanahan — he made every player around him better. If JaMarcus does that, this offense could be spectacular.
And then, it would be hard to resist drinking that Kool-aid.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Bill,
Takin snaps and leading an offense are very different things. JR is the franchise QB, he needs to be the leader, period. Look what happened last year with the revolving qb situation, no leader, no win.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
whats up w/ the gay color background on the home page
May 12th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
cherry flavored koolaid goes great with a baloney sandwich…
but i’m not drinking koolaid right now…
i’m objectively looking at a #6 rushing attack that has been seriously upgraded…
and a defense that has also been seriously upgraded…
super bowl me!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
well next draft we could pick up Micheal Crabtree
May 12th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
41 …much better than I thought… and 408 I agree… we do need a solid backup behind J mac. maybe we’ll bring Cpepper back into the fold…
May 12th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
88 days till 1st preseason game.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
i’m hoping next year we get a hot at LT Oher or LB Maeluaga.
What I really want though is for us to not be in the top 10 picking! LOL
May 12th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Blargh!!
May 12th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Next year, if we’re picking in the top 12, it damn well better be cause we traded up
May 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
our former Mr Irrelevant, Kevin McMahan is now a ketchup and mustard dude…
May 12th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
How does mr irrelevant become more so? he goes to the 9ers
May 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
i dont understand your question
May 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
ya i know, for one , once you are irrelevant , can u become more irrelevant? and it just wasn’t written correctly. Also it was an unsuccesful attempt at humor.
sorry
May 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
i really hope we arent stk with culpepper again. hes is better than nothing, i grant u, but he has always thrown lots of interception/fumbles & is definetly a ‘all me’ person.
i think walter will be our #2(& im happy about that)-barring some sort of trade that really favors the raiders- & one of the other qbs they r looking at will be #3.
barring that favorable trade, walter is here till his contract is done. while i kinda feel bad for him a i think he has good starter potential, having somebody with his knowledge of the ’system,’ & his skills(i dont think we have come close to seeing his best), & his financial cost, is a nice upsdie for the raiders at the qb position.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Culpepper was was too slow getting out from under center. It almost seemed like he didn’t care. There was never any pep to his step even in and out of the huddle.
I would prefer someone else.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
BSPN power rank:
26 (27) Raiders 4-12-0 The Raiders’ offense won’t make people sick anymore, but their defense might. (BW)
May 12th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
John Clayton was actually arguing against the #26 power ranking that BSPN gave us for 2008 - He say we should be #21 and should rack up 8 to 9 wins by december, but after that we will fall off
May 12th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
mark whatever his name is (BSPN) just got busted out 4 being a raider hater by JOHN CLAYTON. JC was like are you shure your not still in the AFC WEST playin 4 the donkeys! Priceless!! Its About time we get some love
May 12th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
It’s going to be so awesome when we’re a force to wrecken with again. And it could happen as soon as this year. For me, I think it will just be all the sweeter when all the haters will have to acknowledge our return to greatness. We will be feared again!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Sup RaiderNation im liking the optimism on these posts i see a much improved season 2 under kiffin and am looking forward to taking back the afc west…who do yal think will have the defensive headset helmet to make calls on te field this season?
May 12th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
408,
Shlereth ?
Hes an a$$face!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
In Lane we trust! Feel the power Cable!
May 12th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Schlereth is a stupid donkey… thats why he never has anything good to say about us, he’s a homer all the way for the donks and he can suck on one…i hate watching his fat@$$ on live…they need to replace his @$$.
May 12th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Reece’s college experience may be limited, but a very large mitigating circumstance was the quality of play from the QB position.
Jake Locker, the alleged “savior” for the downtrodden Dogs was in his first year as a major college starter.
In addition he ran a simulated single wing formation in high school. Thus, even with a one year adjustment period he was quite bereft in game experience lining up behind the center.
His footwork was (is) a work in progress. One could tell he was the victim of the classic “thinking instead of reacting” syndrome. Many an occasion had Locker exhibiting his considerable athleticism while escaping the pass rush only to gun a fastballl over the head of an open (many times Reece) receiver’s head.
So exposure to more seasoned (NFL background or not) QB’s has to be a relative surprise for Reece. Now we’ll see how he fares fielding relatively accurate fastballs from the fastest gun in the NFL (JRuss).
Surely he possesses many NFL prerequisites, plus that big body & skill package (not to be confused with. . .) required to do battle on Sundays. Polling the jury (@ press time crickets fill the airwaves).
Any alignment designed to create a mismatch for Reece would be nice. If he can make the adjustment. And learn a new position. Or two.
Hopefully he &/ or Darrick Brown can make the sdjustment. Special Teams performance will be a must. However, with their respective athleticism I would think this would be their main focus. Until they ascertain the position nuances affiliated with their respective positions.
All positive on the western front
late
antispy3
May 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
2008 NFL Power Rankings
1 New EnglandPatriotsNew EnglandPatriots
2 JacksonvilleJaguarsJacksonvilleJaguars
3 IndianapolisColtsIndianapolisColts
4 San DiegoChargersSan DiegoChargers
5 DallasCowboysDallasCowboys
6 Green BayPackersGreen BayPackers
7 New OrleansSaintsNew OrleansSaints
8 ClevelandBrownsClevelandBrowns
9 New YorkGiantsNew YorkGiants
10 OaklandRaidersOaklandRaiders
11 SeattleSeahawksSeattleSeahawks
12 WashingtonRedskinsWashingtonRedskins
13 PhiladelphiaEaglesPhiladelphiaEagles
14 HoustonTexansHoustonTexans
15 MinnesotaVikingsMinnesotaVikings
16 Tampa BayBuccaneersTampa BayBuccaneers
17 PittsburghSteelersPittsburghSteelers
18 TennesseeTitansTennesseeTitans
19 New YorkJetsNew YorkJets
20 St. LouisRamsSt. LouisRams
21 BuffaloBillsBuffaloBills
22 ArizonaCardinalsArizonaCardinals
23 BaltimoreRavensBaltimoreRavens
24 CarolinaPanthersCarolinaPanthers
25 DetroitLionsDetroitLions
26 CincinnatiBengalsCincinnatiBengals
27 ChicagoBearsChicagoBears
28 DenverBroncosDenverBroncos
29 San Francisco49ersSan Francisco49ers
30 MiamiDolphinsMiamiDolphins
31 AtlantaFalconsAtlantaFalcons
32 Kansas CityChiefsKansas CityChiefs
May 12th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Boy are you delusional Trojan.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hey Nation: ‘m looking to see some WINS this season! Worth the trip from here (nowhere, Cal.) Ive got a question about the ZBS. Is it a great new system that only a few teams with great line coaches like Cable use, or is it a system that can cover up lines with less talent than, like, Indy- is it a desparation move or a system that puts the Raiders on the cutting edge? I’ve only heard of it recently.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
TT, are you seriously that naive that you can rank the Raiders #10 in your dream land power rankings? I am trying to be optimistic about this season, but come one, that is just ridiculous. I thought you were an intelligent and reasonable man.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Boy TT is out-of-con-TROL …sheezus …i hope your are right though
May 12th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
TT, did you get into some of my norcos? Anyways, I would rank the Raiders no better than #20 until they prove otherwise.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
ON PAPER(which is the only way to evaluate a team at this point in the season) the Raiders are the 10th most talented team in the NFL, and that may be an underestimation.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
He definitely is high.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I have us picking in the 20’s next year so we may even wind up in the top 10. #10 ranking IMHO is not unreasonable. In fact I will up ya one. Like I have been saying with this group we will win at least 2 SB’s. We will definetly win 1 in 2 years.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
absurd!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
And you have the Giants ranked #9. That just proves you are either high, mentally damaged, or a serious kool-aid drinker.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I don’t know if it’s true, but I like the way you think!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Adam Spieker was cut already, and some DT named Tranell Morant signed from Arizona State, Bob whats the scoop on Morant?
May 12th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
BBB, what is up?
BBB in the man who coined the phrase
” Pillage and Plunder”…..
May 12th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Mistabrown
Thats the guy! you can smell his hate thru the TV!
the real G-raider not the imposter
you said it brother!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
What up Thec.
I am gonna be the guy rocking the “Pillage and Plunder” sign at that Broncos monday night game as well.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Pillage and Plunder fits waaayyyy beter than that thunder and lighting discharger stuff.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
The autumn wind (McFadden) is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He’ll knock you around and upside down
And laugh when he’s conquered and won
May 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
That brocos game will fortell what the future holds for us. I expect us to play smash mouth football. While the ofensive fireworks are put on display.
I expect us to score and score often.
We need to come up with a phrase for our offense.
lambs= gratest show on turf.
RAIDERS=???????
May 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
How about “I hope we can get a first down!”.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Wait, this is even better, “Wow, that would have been a great drive if it wasn’t for that holding penalty!”
May 12th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Why don’t I think that is the real AI?
May 12th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
its the chocolate rain guy charger fan. LMAO
May 12th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
So, “real” AI, you happen to be posting from a computer you usually don’t post from?
May 12th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I’m out, gonna go take some more norcos and dream about Lindsay Lohan.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
AI, my bad. When a troll does come in based on the writing style i beleive it to be the chocolate rain guy. He was funny as hell and he was a discharger fan.
Hope you accept my apology.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
TT is talking about talent on paper. if you list our players by talent compared to other teams i don’t see 10 being such a reach. Know converting that talent on paper to the field is were we could go wrong. But on paper i can see 10
May 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Thec Says:
May 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm We need to come up with a phrase for our offense.
lambs= gratest show on turf.
RAIDERS=???????
_______________________________________________________
How about, the Greatest show on IR? or
the Greatest show on paper?
May 12th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I like the FA signing, but please don’t even think about bring in Adam Archuleta. It’s bad enough to have stinkin Lil Stui Schweigert, but having two slow, worthless white guys at safety being run over by every badk in the league would be too much. Koren Robinson on the other hand might be nice if he comes cheap.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Koren would probably come for a 12 pack and a fifth of his favorite hard stuff.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
J Money 2,
I think we could hit ten wins, but EVERYTHING would have to go right for us to do so. Russell would have to play like a vet and not a rookie. McFadden would have to bring the lightning. Walker, Carter, Kelly and all the other walking wounded would have to avoid injury. Sands would have to play like it was 2006. Huff has to adjust to his new roll at FS. Cable would have to work his magic on the o-line again and mold a new LT out of Harris. Al would have to fire Rob Ryan tomorrow.
At this point 7-9 would be a dissapointing, but somewhat encouraging year. 8-8 is the most likely scenario. 9-7 would be a great year. 10-6 would be unreal.
Just my take at this point. now if we sign Spikes, Grady and fire RR…we would be 9-7 fo sho.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Bring’em all in and let the coaches sort them out.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Thats money.
May 12th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Archuleta? We don’t need to replace one slow honky with another slow honky.
May 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Dakota howd that dude from rapid do it camp?
May 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
New Post
May 12th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Yeah I have been saying lets get spikes forever. he must not be a scheme fit…..
May 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
dakota
i totally agree… and if half of those thought come true we should be interesting to watch for the first time in 5 yrs. i truly hope thats the case
and for k. robinson on the other hand i see why we should give him a chance b/c we have a bunch of wide outs but how many are accomplised recievers with injury history?
May 12th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Folks when we talk about talent on paper or on the field you have to consider the other teams in the NFL. This blog is full of the “Just because I know his name he must be good” groupies who call everyody else “haters” and “Negative” when they have the gall to look at FACTS.
Like someone else asked - if Spires is so great why is he still available so late? He averages six sacks a season and is replacing a guy who had 8 sacks in the final 2/3rds of the season. But our Defense is much improved?
We have no proven commodity to play WR and catch passes from JR. No WR on roster has ever had back-to-back 1000 yards seasons.
We will be better this year mainly because we’ve sucked so bad of late. As a fan I hope we go undefeated but please. What makes more sense?
Russell will be the first (or maybe 2nd) QB in history to light up the world as a rookie? Or, he’ll play good one game, bad the next and make his share of rookie mistakes?
As for “what is wrong with being optomistic?” Al Davis has been optimistic about too much in recent years where realistic would’ve better served the team -
Al’s poor optimistic views of “talent” brought us -
The Gruden trade
Kerry Collins strong arm
Aaron Brooks was just in a bad situation
Randy Moss isn’t a crybaby quitter- just misunderstood
All we need is a kicker in the 1st round
Art Shell and Tom Walsh know football
Rob Ryan runs a proven system
Terdell Sands is our DT of the future
L Jordan can be an every down back
Jerry Porter, A Whitten, Morant and Francis just need speed to develop into great WR’s
Realism means you cut Crockett, Whitten, Morant, Bing, Moses, Brayton, Sims, and stop lying to yourself about how good you are on paper.
As a fan I’m optimistic that Al and Kiffin are realists and not shrills like on here.
Oh and K-Rock, I don’t care if Al has always done something. Improvement requires change. Small market team can improve marketing and ticket sales by giving fans every chance they can to get excited.
May 12th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I think this Reece kid is a keeper, did you read that he got MVP of the mini camp! And they said he”s playing 3 positions!! That”s a player you keep in case another player gets hurt, you have a guy who can step in at multiple positions.WR,TE and HB, i don”t think we have many palyers like that on the team right now! And i think AL needs to open up training camp to the public so we can see first hand!!
May 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Jerry McDonald,
Your blog is the best. Thank you for all the good work and the information you provide.
From a very appreciative Oakland Raider fan.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Hey Charles Oakley, are you sure you’re not Jerry Mc Donalds dad?