OTA leftovers
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 7:07 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Shaking out the notebook from Thursday’s organized team activity availability:
– One of the biggest misconceptions about JaMarcus Russell is that he is suited only for the sort of play-action, dropback passing attack as run by Norv Turner when Kerry Collins was the quarterback.
It’s a stereotype which has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with size. Russell is a big, strong-armed quarterback, ergo, he should be throwing deep every play.
Russell could play in that style, but he’ll be infnitely more interesting moving to his left or right and finding targets out of the pocket. He is nimble afoot, takes up huge chunks of yardage on each step of his rolls, and looks natural throwing on the run. He won’t be using his legs to run, necessarily, but to get off passes.
–There were a couple of nice passes on seam routes over the middle to tight end Zach Miller, with whom Russell seemed to develop a chemistry in his two extended performances at the end of the season.
– Hopefully Ronald Curry’s foot surgery is not a big deal. He will be important in sustaining drives as a third-down receiver.
– As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning. Todd Watkins is the sleeper, a big, active, former BYU receiver who could make a run if he continues his progress.
– Didn’t see much from Johnnie Lee Higgins, who may stick if the Raiders want to keep one smallish receiver on the roster (assuming it isn’t Drisan James _ a safe assumption) but who may need to prove he can be an explosive kick returner to make the 53-man roster.
– One of Oakland’s biggest decisions heading into training camp will be whether to go with Andrew Walter as the backup or find a more experienced veteran.
Jeff Otis and Erik Meyer are not a factor, merely camp arms.
While Russell looks smooth on the move, Walter does not. Last year, line coach Tom Cable described the shift of Robert Gallery from left guard to left tackle as a situation of not keeping a square peg in a round hole.
The same could be said for Walter. He still looks like a play-action, dropback passer stuck in a system which doesn’t suit him. The Raiders had former Arizona State teammate Sam Keller in during rookie camp, but didn’t sign him to a contract.
If the Raiders gear their offense toward Russell’s ability to operate on the perimeter and then are forced to go to Walter, and in the process are forced to change the emphasis of the offense, it won’t go well.
– Interesting to see Chris Morris opening up as the No. 1 center over John Wade, although it’s worth noting that the same thing happened last year with Jake Grove over Jeremy Newberry. We all know how that turned out.
Morris, however, is the kind of player who occasionally flourishes in a zone blocking system. He doesn’t look like much physically, but he can move, is extremely smart, and Cable has faith in him. It was Morris who was Gallery’s backup at left guard last year.
As a rookie seventh-round pick, Morris won a “game show” of sorts on everything the rookies had learned at the NFL rookie symposium in Carlsbad, getting a leased Hummer for a year free of charge.
– Kiffin was downplaying the significance of Michael Huff playing deep and Gibril Wilson being closer to the line of scrimmage, but it seems clear Oakland is intent on seeing if Huff can be a playmaker at free safety. He covered tight ends well as a strong safety, but didn’t force fumbles, recover them or intercept passes.
– Defensive tackle Gerard Warren seemed active and interested during the OTA practice, more than just a guy going through the motions. The knock on Warren throughout his career has been that he plays when he wants to play, and disappears in others. There was nothing to dispel that notion last year, when Warren seemed to excel against his former teams.
– Offensive tackle Mario Henderson worked with the second team on the right side, and will get extensive work to see if he is up to the task of challenging Cornell Green at right tackle. No one will say it out loud, but the Raiders would like to see Henderson seize the job from Green, a cagey veteran who most any team would love to have as a reserve.
– Line play is one of the most difficult things to judge to the untrained eye during no-contact scrimmages and drills. We probably won’t know about the viability of the likes of Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires as outside pass rushing threats until July and August, during full-contact training camp drills and preseason games.
I watched film with Jon Gruden in the his Napa Marriott office one time where he was breaking down tape of Darrell Russell in a blocking drill with Mo Collins. Gruden was grousing about the “brother-in-law” blocks Collins was attempting, saying that both men were taking it easy on each other rather than going all out and getting everything out of the drill.
I have to admit he had to run it back about three times _ juxtaposed with players who were expending full effort _ before I could tell the difference.
– A relatively quiet practice from cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who did break up one pass in a goal line situation but made no sensational plays and seemed to be making an effort to blend in with his teammates.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
May 16th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
1st
May 16th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Good info and insite Jerry.
Thanks!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Jerry Mac…. Thanx for the fix!!!!!!!!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Good work, thanks Jerry
May 16th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
just got finished reviewing the comments at “return of big boy”…
and just in time to be here!!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Thats what I was afraid of.
They better get a back up QB.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
everything i read points me toward the conclusion that no receivers from the 2007 team will be on the roster come opening day…
May 16th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Andrews Mom…. Good news/Bad news on your boy….
May 16th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
ship Walter(s) to miami…
May 16th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
good stuff, jerry
May 16th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Jerry Mac…. Remember, keep those pencils sharp, nice read, keep up the good work!!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
wats the point of teh 1st , second, 3rd comments…
?? o-well
dam i really hope todd watkins comes out to make the team.i have been excited about this kid since i saw him signed to the practice squad. He was huge as a deep threat at BYU with john beck. hoep he does the same with jamarcus. And dam relaly pulling for javon to get healthy and start playing like he used to.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I think Todd Watkins could end up being a practice Squad player this year but a player in the future the kid is freakin’ talented. He has a chance to be one of the best deep threats we’ve had in years.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
14!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
congratulations!
May 16th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Florida Pete you could be right but I doubt it. IMO Curry is a lock, JLH is working his butt off. I had a chance to speak with him and he was embarrassed about last year but I tld him about Cliff Branch and told him to just compete and don’t worry about the competition and he’ll be fine. JLH is very talented he’s just young, he will play in this league for 10 years maybe with another team but he has real talent, he just needs to focus.
As i said Todd Watkins is going t be very hard to cut, when you see this kid you’re going to love him.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
don’t get me wrong, i’m a huge Curry fan,,, but i think he is done… he hears too many footsteps and can no longer focus on catching the ball… and he doesn’t have the break away speed to be valuable in any other capacity…
Higgins, to me, was a huge disappointment last year… i don’t know if he’s too immature, or too small… it’s hard to understand how a skill such as catching a ball or fielding a punt or kickoff can disappear after coming out from college…
hey if you say Higgins has talent… then let’s see it… or i should say Higgins needs to show it to Kiff…
personally, i’m leaning toward an all new recieving corps… i like this new group of big fast ball catching monsters…
May 16th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I do as well but that doesn’t mean the incumbents are less talented just less interesting. Curry brings a lot to the table experience, physicality, route running and competitiveness. He is far from done. JLH hasn’t gotten started, be careful about young recievers it’s easy to judge too quickly. It takes great recievers a couple of years to develope. Ask Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Thank you Jerry! As always, nice insight!
May 16th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
you might be right…
actually, i hope you’re right…
May 16th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
i sure hoped for a rams walk through tape. but im sure there was more important tapes we wont see. fing cheater bastards………
May 16th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Hey Jerry, Thanks for your sensational coverage of OTA’s. You are a valued asset to the Raider Nation.
http://mvn.com/nfl-raiders/
May 16th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Good to hear.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Such tension!
Oooh god damn!!
May 16th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Jerry wrote “I watched film with Jon Gruden in the his Napa Marriott office one time where he was breaking down tape of Darrell Russell in a blocking drill with Mo Collins. Gruden was grousing about the “brother-in-law” blocks Collins was attempting, saying that both men were taking it easy on each other rather than going all out and getting everything out of the drill.”
………..
I also call them “Al Davis” blocks.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Oakglenn, relax.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
i am confused by our QB strategy right now. Why is Walter still here? Why don’t we have a veteran backup yet? Are we just waiting for June 1 cuts?
As for receivers, they are a mystery — you never know which ones will pan out at this level. That’s why they’re getting picked later and later every year.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
i predict that Tampa Bay and it’s boy genius HC Gruden will release at least four and maybe even five quarterbacks between now and the start of the season…
and at least two of them will be veterans…
May 16th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I say we wait for Sims to get cut by TB and pick up Dilfer too…..trade bait walter for a nice pick
May 16th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
getting more than a ham sandwich for Walter(s) would be amazing… the guy sat all last year…
i can’t see a team giving up anything for him…
Kiffin should have tossed him out there early in the season when McCown was hurt and let him show what, if anything, he had…
then maybe we coulda traded him for something before the draft…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
i think picking up Sims would be smart…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Pete, why do you hate Gruden so much? Since the early ’80s, he’s done more to make the Raiders win than Al Davis. You should be praising him.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
MR are you aware of the fact that Al Davis hired Kiffin? so how is it that Kiffin has done more, since he wuld’nt be here without AD?
The only reason Kiffin is still here is because of AD
Anything Kiffin does is sanctioned by AD
Just to introduce some simple facts to those that lack the ability to reason. Hope this wasn’t too shocking.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I like Walter and think that he could be a solid quarterback, but the point about him being a different style QB than Russell is correct. We need a backup who if we have to call on will be able to run the same plays as Russell and not have to drasticly change the offense or the game plan. It’s too bad Walter never did get a fair chance in ‘06. All and all I think he did pretty well considering what he had to work with. But where are we going to find a quarterback who is mobile and throws well on the run. Forget about anyone who could come close to Russell’s arm strength. Probably the closest we could come there would be Walter, but then again he has no mobility.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
i don’t hate Gruden… i know what he did…
and he got all the credit… and i think he should also take the blame…
he mortgaged the teams future for a win now team…
he gave up on the Raider team at the snow job game…
his final year with this team was more about him than it was about winning…
his “success” since leaving Oakland is spotty at best… (and yes, I know he went to the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl… but he also has a sub-.500 record…
i just don’t think he’s that special…
you can think what you want…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
…………….you know what? guess who would most liekly be servicable because of his play style? TUI hahahaha lets go get em!!! lol
May 16th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Huff as free safety, another Sapp as defensive end move?
May 16th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Tui couldn’t carry Russell’s deoderant…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I don’t know what happened to Tui. His first couple of years he looked pretty good in pre-season, which I realize is not the same as regular season, but at least he looked like he could lead the team. Then his last couple of years he looked lost even in the pre-season
May 16th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Just got in from the store here in Albuquerque, while i was there i saw Cliff Branch, talk about a suprise me and my daughters got to try on his Super Bowl ring from 83 got a signed picture a great way to end the week.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I want to thank Jerry for pointing out what I have said many times before. JRuss is perfect for Kiffin’s offense. I only saw JRuss play a few times in college, but the kid can move. Not run for yards type moves (although he can on occasion), but running to throw. Slinging the ball on the move. He was impressive. Then I hear Mayock from NFL say he was the best he had ever seen at the college level in regards to accuracy while throwing on the run. Perfect for Kif.
Now throw in the bonus of a cannon arm and the potential is off the charts.
One Nation Baby…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
someone was supposed to spray Tui with WD40 before every game…
it is clear that someone failed to do this….
you just can’t find good help…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Koolaid it’s called a lack of preparation and attention to detail. Tui just doesn’t put the work in, his father used to get pissed at him fo that.
That’s the biggest problem at this level, talent is plentiful as a matter a fact a lot of guy’s that get cut are more talented than starters but they can’t apply it at this level.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Thank you for posting as me again maddenloser. How bout dem 9ers!!! MR loves the 9ers!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I’m just curious about this and hopefully can answer my question but…Why does JR roll out on every play? Doesn’t that become too predictable? I would think he would be dropping back like any other QB and making his reads right? The occasional roll out should be thrown in to catch the defense off guard but not used on every play, kind of like the play action right? Walter doesn’t have to roll out if hes in there, you just drop him back 3 and 5 steps. Alot of QB’s are successful without rolling out so why does it seem like thats all we’re doing? Did USC do this alot?
May 16th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
+ Priest let’s not forget that Tui was basically a running QB in college. Not much of an accurate passer.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
That makes since. It’s too bad. If he had continued to develoup he could have been a good QB.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Tui = Michael Vick without the wheels…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
To me…Gannon made the team great. Without him, I believe we were mediocre at best. It would be like the Colts without Peyton Manning. Now…I don’t think we would have had Gannon without Gruden showing up so I will give Gruden the credit for picking up Gannon and I will give AD credit for supplying Gruden with the talent to surround Gannon. Fair? Gannon really completed this team and led this team and his relationship with Gruden made it very special. They also had their disagreements but those are the things that made the team work. The fact is…it takes a good QB to make a Head Coach look good and Gruden got lucky on that one.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I don’t believe Russell is rolling out on every play, but it is a staple of the stretch O Kif likes to run. Think Plummer in Denver or Garcia in SF. A lot of moving pockets to keep the defense off guard while also helping the running game. I’m sure there are standard drop back passes in the mix, but a moving pocket is what Kif likes to lean on. Based on what I saw of 16 games last year.
One Nation Baby…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
i think MR said he was going to the store to pick up some lotion…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Jjvill you’re so right that’s the first thing I noticed when studying him is his ability to throw very accurately on the move and with touch or zing when neccessary. He has the best skillset of any QB I’ve ever seen.
He is Wilt Chamberlain on the football field, just an absolute beast. If he puts in the work the sky is the limit and there is no defense capable of containing him, they will be at his mercy and I know that sounds cartoonish but it’s also pretty accurate.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Actually Huff, I can answer that. In the Kiff style offense that a few teams now run, the QB is not a sitting duck. Defensive linemen have to ID where the QB is going before they can just pin their ears back and come in. rolling left or right a couple of times, really helps the QB when he just wants a straight drop. That half a second may mean the difference between a completion and sack.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Some one on this site mentioned that in Gruden’s book Al Davis and Bruce Allen actually brought the idea of signing Gannon up to Gruden and had him look at game tape. Then Gruden fell in love. A team effort if it’s true.
Can someone verify?
May 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Florida Pete Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
i think MR said he was going to the store to pick up some lotion…
No,, I was just putting on my 49er jammies for bed.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Gruden’s own book, Carucci co-wrote it(so it probably makes for bad reading). He credits Al Davis with getting Gannon. Al sold Rich Gannon to Gruden, or Gannon did after Gruden liked what Al Davis showed him.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I see…It seems like the roll out is an accessory to the offense to keep the defense on their toes. I still think Walter would be fine and I think Kiffin has enough plays to accomodate him. If you think about it, its nice having a different type of QB because if Russell gets hurt, the defense isn’t prepared for the different skillset that will come into the game. Alot of defenses don’t have to adjust much to the backup QB because their skillset is similiar to the starter and that makes it easier for the defense. Having Walter could be a benefit.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
i remember groaning when they first signed Gannon…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Trade Walter to the Jags(their OC Kottier coached him @ AZ St).
He moight fit better there, but probably sees much less playing time unless something drastic goes on.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Actually that is true. Davis gave Gruden a tape of Gannon and asked him to check him out since Gruden wanted a mobile QB and Gannon had ripped the Raiders a new one in a couple of games. A match made in heaven really, that Derrick Brooks ended in the coliseum on a Monday nite.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Huff24 Jjvill is ight it is a staple but Russell’s ability to do both is what makes him so dangerous, he has great pocket presence. LSU didn’t roll him out, he jsut bought time with his feet and would get the ball to any spot on the field in the pocket or on the move. Kiffin has whatever he wants to do at his disposal because the kid can flat out do it all.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I hardly believe that AD lobbied for Gannon. Based on history, Gannon wasn’t the type of QB that AD would go after. Thats why we had the famous Jeff George when Gruden got here. Gruden had to get rid of George and got Gannon instead. Gruden also had a year in the AFC West to study film on the Chiefs before he got a good idea of who he was. I’d say Gruden found out about Gannon for himself.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Mr. Murder - Remember…Garrard just signed a big deal and hes also a mobile QB so Walter may not fit there either.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Huff theoretically yes, but in reality you would have to install an entire NEW OFFENSE that the ENTIRE O would have to learn if Walter became the QB. Not feasible.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Huff24 Says:
May 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I see…It seems like the roll out is an accessory to the offense to keep the defense on their toes. I still think Walter would be fine and I think Kiffin has enough plays to accomodate him. If you think about it, its nice having a different type of QB because if Russell gets hurt, the defense isn’t prepared for the different skillset that will come into the game. Alot of defenses don’t have to adjust much to the backup QB because their skillset is similiar to the starter and that makes it easier for the defense. Having Walter could be a benefit.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
i’m not sure Walter does anything that Russell doesn’t do better…
except, maybe, hand the ball off…
which… is probably a good idea…
May 16th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
thank for the info Murder…
BHP - I’m a pessimist at heart so I’m not going to jinx anything by praising JaMarcus too much before he starts his 2nd NFL game, but the ceiling is very high.
Many people would say the same about DMac (I know you are not one of them…me? not sure) so the potential of the entire backfield is tremendous.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Its not a matter of whether Walter is better than JR or not…I’m just saying that the team has enough plays in the playbook that aren’t roll outs that Walter can perform. Hes not an idiot. The guy is a football player and a talented one at that. Don’t let 2006 blind everyone…the guy got royally effed by the Bed and Breakfast Offense. Anybody would have sucked in that offense…Even Aaron Brooks, a long time starter couldn’t handle it. Walter was basically a rookie.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Understand, Gruden sold Davis on his concept of running an offense based on McNabb, Farve and Detmer. Gruden needs a mobile QB to run the O, and Davis suggested Gannon, for a couple of reasons. Right now Gruden drafted my guy Josh Johnson a very mobile guy in the fourth round. Simms, Gradkowski, and luke McCown obviously were not cutting it.
Glad to see maddenloser is finally coming to grips with his 49er identity.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Oakglenn - You know “for sure” that Al Davis suggested Gannon to Gruden or is that your opinion?
May 16th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Walter IMO would make a very good backup, but f Kiffin doesn’t think so, it doesn’t matter but I think he has real talent.
In his own book Gruden said that Allen and Davis suggested Gannon, I’m not sure if Gruden ever considered him prior to that.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Huff24 - So why would Gruden give credit to Davis in his book if it wasn’t true? They both had a part in signing Gannon and both deserve credit.
By the way Stabler was a lot like Gannon style wise. Davis prototypically likes a bigger QB, but he takes any guy who wins.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Ok…thats all I wanted to know. I wanted to make sure it wasn’t the opinion of someone. If Gruden said AD suggested it…then he suggested it. Thanks for the clarification because I never read the book so I didn’t know.
On that note…I’m going to watch a movie with the lady. Peace.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
well, it’s after one…
bedtime for Petey…
take care everyone…
May 16th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
The thing that solde me over Quinn was that Russel had the mechanics. He kept 3/4 posture and got the ball right where it had to be. Quinn often threw the jump balls that Samarjdiza(spell?) would make the play for.
Jamarcus had better mechanics in his delivery than did Quinn, rarely left his feet, Quinnn did that too often.
Now Quinn was better under center than Jamarcus, from the aspect of getting out from under and setting to throw. Jamarcus used the shotgun to hide that, he’s had some trouble getting out from under center at this level.
That isn’t to say Jamarcus made any worse reads. He threw from the spread, had the ability to change plays and keep it consistent with protections.
Russel could probably go in depth there and explain some of that, he faced the best defensive teams in the nation with the SEC, he always met the challenge, physically and mentally.
For all the talks of scheme and system, there’s only so many route combo differences teams can run. The concepts are basically similar, just different ways of saying it or showing what is there in formation. Russel’s upside was in how he executred the pass delivery.
Now this thing about “if he applies himself” goes two ways. First off, it should be a question of “if” only a matter of when. The holdout, bad choices in contract negotiations were all that delayed his development at this level. If it was ever about “if he would apply himself” he damned sure wouldn’t have been a QB @ LSU who won the confidence of Les Miles.
Plus Jamarcus played some of his best ball in a season swamped by hurricanes, that helps address any concern you would have about character. If he never applied himself then Russel wouldn’t have produced results with the team and state facing those kind of situations.
If he had no upside beyond that he would not have won Miles’ confidence, either. That coach is a gamer, as are his players. You don’t suit it up if you aren’t good enough to meet the play level of your peers at LSU.
Only Carrol has won as many games over a three year stretch. You want to build a winner, get players from LSU and USC. You’d have to admit that the Raiders appear to be on the right track in that regard.
Now if we could only get the 6th year DE from LSU in the Supplemental draft…
May 16th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Well said Murder, you don’t want to sound too cocky but when you see this kid and what he brings, facts aren’t exactly bragging they’re just facts.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
QB JAMARCUS RUSSELL
ANDREW WALTER
RB DARREN MCFADDEN
JUSTIN FARGAS
MICHAEL BUSH
JUSTIN GRIFFITH
OREN O’NEAL
WR JAVON WALKER
RONALD CURRY
DREW CARTER
JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS
ARMAN SHIELDS
CHAZ SCHILENS
TODD WATKINS
TE ZACH MILLER
MARCEL REESE
OL KWAME HARRIS
ROBERT GALLERY
JOHN WADE
COOPER CARLISLE
CORNELL GREEN
PAUL MCQUISTAN
MARIO HENDERSON
CHRIS MORRIS
JONATHAN PALMER
JAKE GROVE
DL DERRICK BURGESS
JAY RICHARDSON
TOMMY KELLY
TERDELL SANDS
GERARD WARREN
KALIMBA EDWARDS
TREVOR SCOTT
GREG SPIRES
WILLIAM JOSEPH
LB KIRK MORRISON
THOMAS HOWARD
ROBERT THOMAS
ED HARTWELL
MALIK JACKSON
ISAIAH EKEJIUBA
DB NNAMDI ASOMUGHA
DEANGELO HALL
MICHAEL HUFF
GIBRIL WILSON
STANDFORD ROUTT
CHRIS JOHNSON
TYVON BRANCH
JARROD COOPER
STUART SCHWEIGERT
ST SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI
SHANE LECHLER
JON CONDO
-i posted this on the last blog but didn’t get many responses… ne takers for adding and subtracting players
May 16th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Great post murder, couldnt agree more.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
BHP, what do you think about Carter looking better than Walker thing, should i worry?
May 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Oh! heck no O it’s way too early, Walker’s just adjusting to being healthy again and getting timing down. No not at all.
When the rubber meets the road Curry, Walker and Carter will be your top three I’m going with JLH, Watkins and Shields to round out the WR corp. Walker will lead the pack.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
i live in NY and goin to the week 3 raiders bills game on sept 21. im goin with a friend and he wants to bet $2000 on it.
any input?
May 16th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
QB
JaMarcus Russell (6yr thru 2012) born 8/85
Andrew Walter (5yr thru 2009) born 5/82
Erik Meyer (?) born 12/82
Jeff Otis (undisclosed) born 1/83
HB
Darren McFadden (unsigned) born 8/87
Justin Fargas (3yr thru 2010) born 1/80
Michael Bush (4yr thru 2010) born 6/84
*Lamont Jordan (5yr thru 2009) born 11/78
Adimchinobe Echemandu (1yr) born 11/80
FB
Justin Griffith (3yr thru 2009) born 3/80
Oren O’Neal (4yr thru 2010) born 9/83
WR
Javon Walker (6yr thru 2013) born 10/78
Ronald Curry (5yr thru 2011) born 5/79
Drew Carter (1yr) born 9/81
Johnnie Lee Higgins (4yr thru 2010) born 9/83
Arman Shields (unsigned) born 7/85
Chaz Schliens (unsigned) born 11/85
Chris McFoy (1yr then XRFA) born 8/83
Drisdan James (?) born 1/85
Jonathan Holland (?) born 2/85
Todd Watkins (future/reserve contract) born 6/83
TE
Zach Miller (4yr thru 2010) born 12/85
John Madsen (1yr then RFA) born 5/83
Tony Stewart (2yr thru 2008) born 8/79
OL
Kwame Harris (3yr thru 2010**) born 3/82
Robert Gallery (7yr thru 2010) born 7/80
John Wade (undisclosed) born 1/75
Cooper Carlisle (2yr thru 2008) born 8/77
Cornell Green (2yr thru 2009) born 8/76
Paul McQuistan (4yr thru 2009) born 4/83
Jake Grove (? thru 2009) born 1/80
Chris Morris (1yr then RFA) born 2/83
Mario Henderson (4yr thru 2010) born 10/84
Seth Wand (2yr through 2008) born 8/79
Jonathan Palmer (1yr then XRFA) born 12/83
Mark Wilson (1yr then XRFA) born 11/80
Fred Wakefield (? thru 2008) born 9/78
Jesse Boone (?) born 1/82
DT
Tommy Kelly (7yr thru 2014) born 12/80
Terdell Sands (4yr thru 2010) born 10/79
Gerard Warren (6yr thru 2010) born 7/78
William Joseph (1yr) born 9/79
Josh Shaw (1yr) born 9/79
DE
Derrick Burgess (5yr thru 2009) born 8/78
Jay Richardson (4yr thru 2010) born 1/84
Kalimba Edwards (2yr thru 2009) born 12/79
Greg Spires (1yr through 2008) born 8/74
Trevor Scott (unsigned) born 8/84
LB
Thomas Howard (4yr thru 2009) born 7/83
Kirk Morrison (5yr thru 2009) born 2/82
Robert Thomas (3yr thru 2009) born 7/80
Sam Williams (1yr) born 7/80
Edgerton Hartwell (undisclosed) born 5/78
Isaiah Ekejiuba (1yr) born 10/81
Ricky Brown (1yr then RFA) born 12/83
Jon Alston (1yr then RFA) born 6/83
Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (2yr thru 2009) born 6/79
CB
Nnamdi Asomugha (franchise) born 7/81
DeAngelo Hall (7yr thru 2014) born 11/83
Stanford Routt (5yr thru 2009) born 7/83
John Bowie (4yr thru 2010) born 5/84
Michael Waddell (undisclosed) born 1/81
Duane Starks (1yr) born 5/74
Chris Johnson (? thru 2008) born 9/79
S
Gibril Wilson (6yr thru 2013) born 11/81
Michael Huff (6yr thru 2011) born 3/83
Stuart Schweigert (? thru 2009) born 6/81
Hiram Eugene (1yr then XRFA) born 11/80
Tyvon Branch (unsigned) born 12/86
Jarrod Cooper (undisclosed) born 3/78
Rashad Baker (1yr) born 2/82
ST
P Shane Lechler (? thru 2008) born 8/76
K Sebastian Janikowski (5yr thru 2009) born 3/78
LS Jon Condo (1yr then RFA) born 8/81
*-likely to be released before the season
**-last two years are option years
Not included are the rookie free agents.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Too early to tell but the Bills are a year ahead of the Raiders, I had Edwards rated ahead of Quinn as the second best QB in the 2007 draft.He has for the most part proven me right, but Quinn in all fairness hasn’t had a chance. That HB they have was my 2nd rated HB in that draft. They’re defense is surprisingly good. We will have not hit stride in terms of timing with our offensive personnel. I wouldn’t take that bet if I were you.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
BHP, I like JLH, IMO he had a bad year wich almost all rookie WRs have, I say he makes the team as a PR and backup WR till he proves his value at the slot.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
BHP, with all do respect, I disagree with you about the Bills. they had a good year last year, but lets not forget who they played, the Jets, and the Dolphins. They had some good games Edwards played well for a rookie and so did ML, but thier O-line is still in need of improvement, and thier secondary too.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
May 16th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
the Bills were worst than us on offense, they averaged a low 15.8 points per game, and less than 280 yards of total offense.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
RaiderO a lot of fans have soured on this kid way too early. He has great hands and runs very good routes and understands defenses much better than yu would think. Kiffin made the mistake of not using him as you mentioned in the slot where he would’ve been very effective for us last year. that’s not his fault although he did have some concentration problems he is a good WR in the mold of a Wes Welker who can also bust some zones. JLH just needs a chance to play WR during the preseason which he did very little of last year. And gain some confidence. The return game is an obvious asset but I’m telling you he can catch and run after the catch.
That is my ONLY issue with Kiffin last year is he never took advantage of this kids real talent in the offense.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
J Money 2, post 76:
Be nice if we could find a replacement for Seabass. For a first rounder he’s been a bigger bust than Gallery. At least Gallery has found a home at Left Guard.
Also, isn’t there anyone new that can beat out the Stu?
May 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
and thier deffense was ranked 31st in total yards averaging over 360 yards per game.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Who’s defense? The Bills?
May 16th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
BHP, i agree with you about JLH, 82 catches at UTEP his senior year, the guy can catch if he can get his head in the game, and you are right, if Kiffin had used the guy more to stretch the field and not replace him with a 34YO TIM D, he would have gained more exp. That was a bad move by Kiffin.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
yes.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
The Bills deffense allowed about 23 points per game.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
You know better than I, I was simply going on the 3 games I saw them play Dallas and some one else, and what i was saying was based on vague memory.
Hopefully that helps the guy in NY
However I still wouldn’t take that bet because I’m not sure our offense will have it’s sea legs yet.
I’m not a huge stats guy but those are very telling.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
i wouldnt make that bet because we are very similar to the Bills, both our offenses are young with 2nd year QBs, and we both have problems on the defense.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
last year we allowed about 25 points, they allowed about 23.
we allowed 140+ yards, the Bills 125+ rushing.
now this is the thing we allowed 160 passing, the Bills over 260 yards.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I have a good feeling about our Raiers this year for 4 reasons:
1- Kiffin is over his rookie mistakes.
2- JR had a year+ to learn the offense.
3- Huff will play his true position in the NFL, FS.
4- same reason I always have, I’m a fan.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Things change so much over the course of an off-season. It’s great to quote stats but they’re almost meaningless from one year to the next in todays NFL.
Trent Edwards will be much improved and so will their offense which has a tremendous effect on that team. So while last years stats O are significant they have very little to do with next year.
If I were the Bills I wouldn’t even consider the Raiders last year stats, if they do they’ll get blown out of the water. Same with the Bills.
It’s also very early to even venture a guess as to what we’ll be able to do by Sept 21, I’d like to, but it wouldn’t be wise
May 17th, 2008 at 12:35 am
spoken wisely as always my friend, good night.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:02 am
Jerry’s latest article made JR sound like McNabb. I personally can’t stand McNabb. I hope JR can become more of a true QB than McNabb. JR can stand in the pocket and run, but he doesn’t have to run. The ZBS will give him the 3-5 seconds he needs to get the ball down field or throw it away. If it takes any more time then that, I don’t think any QB would like the results. (Look at 06, or any year for the Texans) That was the big problem with the 15-20 step drop (over exageration I know) that Shell tried to install.
Walter is a good enough QB to serve as a back up for JR. If Kiffin doesn’t think so then he will bring in someone else. Garcia is demanding a payraise in TB, with 1000 QB’s on the roster he could be a casuality if Chucky feels that one of the other guys can cut it. Walter blew all the passing records in the Pac-10 away. The kid can play. He may be a little gun shy, but so was Tui after playing behind a wetnap that tried to call themselves an OL. I hope the kid gets a chance before its too late for him. I was suprised he wasn’t traded on draft day. I think he is better then any of the QB’s drafted this year.
JLH and Curry both hear footsteps. Neither has played up to their potential. JLH has shown “flashes” of what he could be, but at this point I think he is done in the KR/PR game. IF he gets a roster spot it should be for his play in the slot or for a 4-5 WR set.
With the drafting of the CB and WR in this draft I think Kiff is going to try them in the return game. Both are high 4.3 40 guys. You know AD has to be pissed that we haven’t had a TD from a KR/PR since we got rid of P. Buccannon.
I was plesantly supprised to hear that Carter is playing better then Walker. I don’t think anyone here thought he would come in and compete for anything more then the slot. If his play is up to the level being reported here, he will push Walker. This will only make this team that much better.
Its also nice to hearthat Warren showed up to play. If he can keep that work ethic all preseason that should transfer well into the season. Again, making this team better. That should push Sands and Kelly to work that much harder to beat him out. Especially where Kelly is still not cleared to play after his surgery.
Last but not least is Hall. He is finally going to play true man coverage. He shouldn’t have to break off his guy to help with the run like he did in ATL which will keep him from getting burnt on playaction passes. That is where he earned the nickname “toast”.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Good work Jerry as always!
May 17th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Raider O
You’re right. Kiffin has learned from his rookie mistakes, which is why he’s leaving after this season. His rookie mistake was agreeing to work for Al Davis.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Murder, what brings you here? Things getting boring over at the old .net?
May 17th, 2008 at 2:55 am
Stil too darn hot. NIce to check in and see a new post.
I’ll go along with BHPriest (87) that JL Higgins gets more opportunity. Most WRs take a couple years to develop in the NFL. Higgins is 5-11, but speed is much more of a premium at WR now that JMac is humming the ball. (McKown did not have the cannon, and even Culpepper’s long balls for the Vikings were about throwing it up for Moss to come back rather than hitting the deep receiver in stride.) Plus, Kiffin started the year trying to resurrect Mike Williams, a slower WR known in college for getting the jump ball.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:53 am
[...] As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning. Todd Watkins is the sleeper, a big, active, former BYU receiver who could make a run if he continues his progress. OTA leftovers - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oaklan… [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 6:46 am
I was thinking……it was a humongous waste for us to have cut Moses in favor of Clemons and it showed a huge error of Kiffin’s judgement. He seriously overestimated the impact that he would have on the team and took the whole “no scholarship” thing too far. There is a difference between cutting a vet that has been collecting a paycheck for doing virtually nothing ala Alvis Whitted ( he gets props because his wife is smokin hot, I mean she is hella fine) or James Jett, but cutting a rookie who jus a few weeks before was described as being “unblockable” is just down right ignorant. We will ignore the fact that he was a 3rd rounder and focus on the sheer dominance that he displayed over our lineman causing just about every member of our coaching staff to comment on several occasions about how difficult of a time everyone was having blocking him. We got rid of a player that compared very favorably to Burgess to rent a journeyman ‘tweener for one year. Moses got cut because his production declined drastically during camp, primarily because of his lack of pass rush moves. Correct me if I’m wrong, but is it not the duty of the coaching staff to teach pass rushing moves and solidify technique? I don’t understand how a regime could get rid of such a young talent with so much potential for eight empty sacks. It is important to realize that to be a succesful franchise you must build through the draft. Instead of spending FA dollars on more question marks hoping they produce we could have been honing the talents of a potential in house super-star. We will essentially be spending the same amount of time and coaching effort trying to get Edwards up to speed as we would’ve spent sharpening the skills of Moses, the only differenc is that the return on investment in Moses would’ve been much higher. Our staff could’ve have molded Moses into whatever type of player that they wanted, with Edwards they are going to attempt to teach an old dog new tricks, Kalimba is what he is and there is little chance that at this stage in his career any amount of coaching will significantly elevate his play, so our efforts to may be futile. Last time I checked it was a lot easier to shape clay that it is cement. I am all for making players earn their spot but one must use foresight when determining if someone has earned a spot. Competiton breeds success but ignorance breeds failure, and last I check that was a long way from bliss.
Hey J Mac, if you get chance could u interview Lofton, I am really interested on what he has to say about our current receivers, esp. Walker, Higgins, Reece, and Schilens.
Nation, Nov. 30 sec.116, row9 see yall there.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:55 am
[...] Javon Walker Fanasy 2008 Javon Walker - WR - Raiders Javon Walker was reportedly outplayed by Drew Carter at Oakland’s recent OTAs. Coach Lane Kiffin says Walker needs to improve his conditioning. We don’t put much stock in summer practice reports for most veterans, but Walker is a different case. He has a ton to prove after looking like a shell of his former self last winter because of his chronic knee problems. We are ranking him as a fantasy reserve until he shows something, and this is a rough start. May. 17 Source: Oakland Tribune [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I really do hope Henderson seizes Green’s spot and excels. And Jerry, Grove did start over Newberry to begin the season. If memory serves me correctly he either got nicked up paving the way for Newberry’s opportunity or he just flat out lost the job. If you want to draw inferences then Morris could be the opening day starter over Wade. Whatever works.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Severe - I didn’t finish your entire post (most of it) sorry about that but I got the gist of what you were saying. I agree with you to an extent; but I think we are more upset with missing on the 3rd round pick vs who was actually picked in Moses. Moses, insofar, has proven not to be so good of a player - cut by 2 teams before finally latching on with the worst team in football and he didn’t even start for them.
Like the Nation pointed to above, some players are extremely talented but lacks the will to get it done or just don’t apply that talent. That must be Moses all over IMO.
Sure, having him would’ve alleviated some strain at the DE position but at the end of the day he was not good enough (mentally, etc) to cut it. It likely would’ve been another wasted roster spot keeping him.
Like I’ve said, I, like you, am pissed at the wasted pick. We missed on that pick. It happens. The player we picked simply didn’t have it and thats what the coaches eventually saw. Moses may be out of the league in a year or 2.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:58 am
That Moses pick stung but, finding gems late in the rounds like Kelly tells me that this is not an exact science.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I should have phrased it as ….we are more upset with missing on that 3rd pick by way or a DE than who was actually cut - he just didn’t have “It”.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Severe ,
Remember a guy named Richardson? You talk about being able to mold a young drafted player to what they want, thats him, they thought he was better than moses when it came to make cuts. So I don’t really see your point.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:41 am
thanks for the info Jerry,,,
Keep on keepin on Jerry and Raidernation
May 17th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Seems fitting, i am the troll of all troll’s and nobody has even noticed i waive my gold and red flag every day my hatred for al and all his coo-aid-drinking followers is ever present and i will vow to never post on this blog agian if your beloved raiders beat my broncos on monday night. THATS A PROMISE
May 17th, 2008 at 9:18 am
As we all wish it were true, alas, it is not the true MR.
BTW, is the statement “true MR” an oxymoron, as MR is just a moron?
May 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
if you say frist secon third on this list your the biggest loser.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:19 am
FRIST!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:21 am
I do remember Richardson, and i remember that he was not a full time starter, and he ended the year with as many sacks as Moses did; one. Don’t get me wrong I like Richardson, but he didn’t show me anything that made me beleive that he will be a force against the run or the pass. I am interested to see what happens with Moses in Miami now that Parcells and Sporano are there, i think that they will utilize his talents in a way that we wouldn’t (or couldn’t) or if he is no good, as many here seem to think, cut him. He is an untapped talent and instead of trying to help him reach his full potential, we cut extremely late and at a time where most teams already had an idea of the players that they were going to keep, and barring someone wowing them, had thir mind set. Those aren’t exactly friendly circumstances, add that to the fact that red flags would already have been raised due to the round in which he was drafted, his big name, and being the earliest draft pick cut by the team that drafted him. The guy was basically labeled and stamped with a caution flag, thats a lot to have going against you. Most rookies would not have been able to make any team with all of that stacked against them. I hope that you all are right and he turns out to be just a wasted pick, because if he goes Randy Moss on us, we will never be able to live it down.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I know June 1st is the official “cut day”, but if the guy wasn’t going to make the team, do him the courtesy of letting him go early enough to latch on with another team. Its called honor, and we lacked it in that situation IMO.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Moses had a big junior year at Georgia but as a senior his production fell. SEC teams scouted him reducing his stats as a senior. After entering his senior year as a projected 1st rounder he had a so-so senior year. He was also a non-factor in the Senior Bowl. Still, there were some scouts that loved him for his speed. And the Raiders thought they found another Derrick Burgess. Problem was that the kid lacked strength and after a couple initial flashes at camp-he fizzled. We rolled the dice and lost here. But with Richardson we may have found a diamond in the rough. Depth is important and we made moves some moves drafting Scott and bringing in some vets to make this a very interesting race to find our RE this year. On the other side of the ball, I like some of the moves we made at WR. JR will love some of the big fast targets he can go to. I hope they can hold on to his fastball. Pass blocking should improve after a second year under Cable. If not, just run the ball baby. I will be fun to watch in any case!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:29 am
951… I was expecting to hear from you! SUnday, baby (I hope).
Dakota: one step closer. How quickly the scenerios change!
CT RAIDER
May 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Severe,
What I am trying to say is that your outlook on Moses seems to be because we drafted him 3rd round. Now Moses had a wopping total of 8 tackles 1.5 sacks, J had 33tackles 1 sack. Neither of these 2 showed me much of anything in the spectacular category. At the time we cut Moses my take(opinion, and thats all it is) was that he didn’t seem to be progressing very fast or at all, almost like they looked at him and saw his cieling wasn’t very far away and that they overrated him. OOps, mistakes are made and I believe they took care of it. I don’t think it was a huge error in judgement as you said, I think having Clemons start and J in there to was good, we got our sack production with CC and are bringing along the rookie that I think they saw a higher cieling with.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I AM UPSET THIS MODERATOR NEVER PUT UP MY POST YESTERDAY…AFTER MON THS OF PUTTING UP WITH CHARGERFANS AND OTHER IDIOTS ON HERE AND THIER IMMATURE TRASH TALK…I GET CENSORED?
WHY BECAUSE I SAID THAT PEOPLE WHO FEEL SO COMPELED TO SAY ‘ FIRST’ SECOND’ ARE REALLY IMMATURE …UNLESS YOUR BETWEEN 8 - 13 IT SAYS ALOT ABOUT YOUR MATURITY LEVEL IN MY OPINION..LIKE LISTENING TO THIRD GRADE ROL CALL..
TALK ABOUT THE RAIDERS…ITS VERY SAD AND EMBARRASSING TO SEE MEN LET ALONE RAIDER FANS ACTING YOU LAME!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:37 am
I also don’t think his late release had anything to do with being dishonorable, or screwing him, I just think they held on to him for as long as possible in hopes that he would make a breakthrough and make the squad, he didn’t.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:39 am
CONGRATULATIONS RAIDERS PETE….
YOU WON BUDDY- GOOD JOB GUY..WAY TO GO…KEEP IT UP..YOUR G/F MUST BE SO PROUD…WOW THAT PETE HUY JUST KNOW HOW TO STALK THE FORUM…WOW WHAT FINGER SPEED…DONT MESS WITH PETE HES NUMBER ONE…NUMERO UNO..
CONGRATULATIONS FOR PETE HE ALL BY HIMSELF IS FIRST…HES THE FIRST RAIDER FAN TO SHARE/OR NOT SHARE HIS PASSION AND INSIGHT..
GREAT ENERGY PETE…GREAT COMMENTS TOO..I THINK
May 17th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Severeraider,
Teams would like to cut before June 1st, but that is the day they can spread the cap hit over several years.
Otherwise Lamont Jordan would have been long gone.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Severe,
Also, why would you cut a guy(rookie) on June 1 when our camp started in late July(7-26).
May 17th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Eric,
125 lol lol lol.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Have to admit thats pretty funny, guy posts “1st”, then never posts anything else.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Walker is a bust hahaha
May 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
You know, I was thinking the same about Walker, what a bust. because if you cant succeed when your 90% healthy in the 1st OTA, then you’ll never be any good, especially on a new team with a different system.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:08 am
thanks, Jerry.
if and when you decide to retire, please keep my email in mind. hahaha. thanks.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:27 am
It looks like Spikes and Trotter are just going to sit out this season huh? Its hard to believe that nobody has taken them yet, they are both quality pro bowl vets, I think we should take a run at on of them to play mike for us. Morrison and Howard outside=6-7 pcks for each of them, and Spikes or Trotter in the midle = way better run defense, it’s a win win situation. What do you guys think?
May 17th, 2008 at 10:28 am
What up nation russell pro bowl 2yrs out
May 17th, 2008 at 11:03 am
When Jamarcus was drafted, it was said that he was Al’s guy and he is a terrible fit for Kiffin’s system. Now, Russell is actually more mobile than people realized and he may be the perfect fit for the system. Opinions stink, can’t wait to see him in action for a whole season.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
spikes and trotter can stay home all season. We don’t need either one.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
For those that haven’t seen it, you HAVE to watch, “There will be blood” is a great flick. Its a little on the slow side but the story line is great and the conversations are sometimes hilarious. My lady and I both liked it alot and for her to like it…that says alot.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Its to early to judge Walker but really it doesnt look to good i dnt think he will every be healthy again. We need 1 of our younger recievers like JLH, Sheilds or Chaz to step up to the challenge of the NFL.
Im not goin to write off Walker yet though it is early he could just be rusty. I hope.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Awesome movie. Total class
May 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
If Drew Carter looks better than Javon Walker right now..thats great. Carter has been a good player over the last 3 years and he should be primed and ready to make a splash. This guy should be a big target for JR this upcoming season. Curry will come around. Hes had to come off of 2 seasons due to injury so he knows how to handle it. Last year, he had a full off-season and he didn’t play as well so maybe rehab on his foot will get him more focused.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I think Walker will give us 3 good years before hes broken and by then, Carter should be a prime target, Curry should be gone by then and we will have developed some receivers hopefully.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Drew Carter hasnt been a good player for the last 3 seasons. I think he will be good this season but his stats are terrible and he was the number three WR is Carolina which is saying somehting. They have Steve Smith and thats it. They pass the ball a lot aswell in Carolina and his stats still really suck. I realize i sound totally negative but our recievers are not that good IMO.
Year Team G Rec Yds Avg Yds/G Lng TD 20+ 40+ 1st FUM
2007 Carolina Panthers 16 38 517 13.6 32.3 49 4 7 3 28 0
2006 Carolina Panthers 14 28 357 12.8 25.5 42T 3 5 1 14 0
2005 Carolina Panthers 3 5 103 20.6 34.3 40 1 2 1 4 0
2004 Carolina Panthers 0 –
May 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I think we should have just resigned Culpepper.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
he played behind steve smith. he played when smith was hurt and that’s when he put up his numbers.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
The Dude - It takes 3 years for a WR to develop on average. The most important thing to note is progress and Carter has that going for him every year. Hes improved and played more every year and his last year was a good jump. The Panthers haven’t exactly blown anybody away and their QB can’t stay healthy. They’ve had problems protecting the QB and their running game has been spotty with guys like DeShaun Foster running the ball. Carter is ready to explode this season if he can get acclimated to our offense. Compare our talent vs. the Panthers talent on O. That will make alot of difference.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Culpepper sucks. Hes not a mentor. Hes selfish and hes really not that good anymore. He showed up vs. the Dolphins and nobody else. Woopdy doo.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
They won’t let me post the link, but over at raiders.com . There is more Q&A w/ Kiff and one w/ J Russ. check it out. A few more insights from both are there.
On a Horse racing note. May want to include the horse, Tres Borrachos. #2 post, in one of your Tri or Super. bets in the Preakness.
With that name, worth putting a couple of doucats on. Was 45-1 at last look.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Culpepper played well vs the Vikings and he also beat the Chiefs in K.C.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Thats a totally fair point and i agree but i think everybody is getting a head of themselves when saying this is our best recieving corpse for the last 5 years when we have Walker who when healthy is great but just is not healthy and the rest of the recievers are unproven and have a history of injuries. But il hope for the best and hope Carter can keep up his progression.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Huff, Carter hasn’t given two of the most stable franchises in the NFL more than one consecutive good year, respectively. And you think he’s going to come to the most dysfunctional franchise in pro sports and give 3 good years?
May 17th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Bellpepper is a pouting slug. Don’t need nor wan’t his azz.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
MR, Who cares how stable a franchise is it really doesnt affect whether or not a player can run a good route and catch a ball or whether he drops it. Ur obsessed with the business side of football just give it a rest ur boring
May 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Huff, agree with you on Culpepper, btw. But have to disagree that he showed up against the Dolphins, even. Fargas and our run blocking showed up against the Dolphins. Pepper threw the ball like 6 times in that game.
The only game Culpepper really did step up was against Minnesota. We lost. So, big whoop. I mean, if we’re going to use that standard, Jeff George showed up plenty of times in ‘97…
May 17th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I just like to say I am really a big Curry supporter. I really respect him as an athlete and receiver. Coming back from those achilles heel injuries and all those great catches…LETS ALL CHEER FOR RONALD CURRY!!!!!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Dude, if I had a dime for every person in here who said I was boring yet still responded to my post I would own the Raiders by now. And believe me, I’d hire a GM that could get us above the 4 win mark. Al Davis would be out the door.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
U’d rather spend the money on buying the niners i bet though
May 17th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Culpepper beat the Chiefs in KC, Sith? I thought KC didn’t matter anymore because they were even worse than us? But anyhow, it was actually Fargas who beat the Chiefs, as well. Rushed for 139 yards on 22 carries.
Typical Al Davis style take—downplay the running game.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Why would I buy the 49ers? I’m a Raider fan. I would buy the Raiders, and get them a real GM for a change.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
BTW, Dude, you responded to my post, again. I can’t be that boring if you keep responding to me. When I’m bored with peoples’ posts I just scroll right past them.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
No…our best WR core was Moss, Porter and Curry but that never transpired into anything.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
It’s because our playcalling was awful, Huff. Between Gruden’s trade and Kiffin’s hiring, we’ve refused to run the football…for some reason. If defenses know you’re not going to run, why should they play for it? And, considering most teams prioritize pressure up front over coverage in their pass defenses, us having no running games spells living nightmare for our QB. Moss, Porter, and Curry were running their routes while Walter, Brooks, and Collins were digging themselves out of the mud.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
BTW, I should mention our head coaches between Gruden and Kiffin. They were:
Al Davis
Al Davis
and Al Davis.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Ok, lets go with Walter as a back up. We better skip the tailgating and go to Church before the games, because if Russell gets hurt, we dont have Prayer.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Anyone who climbs into 9er jammies is NO Raider fan!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Well…I’d rather have Walter as a backup than Dilfer or Culpepper. At least Walter has talent.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
The reason nobody ran was because we had Lamont Jordan and his fat butt was out of shape. If Fargas would have stayed healthy, we might have had something. I can’t remember any other backs.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The only time I can remeber Walter playing well was a Preseason game against the Niners his rookie year. I’m just saying it’s better to have a Vet as a back up than some shell shocked 4 year inexperienced player. Walter took a very good beating that 2006 Season, hence the term Shell Shocked.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Walter will be fine. I’m sure we’ll find a decent veteran for the #3 spot. I’m not worried at all.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KUyqWFs-Wtw
This is a Panther Highlight video with Carter #18 catching a ball in the beginning. Nice catch in traffic.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Yeah, I dont care too much for Culpepper either, I wanted to strangle him during that San Diego game. I lost count of how many fumbled snaps he had. All we can hope for is that JaMarcus has a great 2nd season. I think he will, especially will a full training camp under his belt and knowing that he is the man going into this season.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dbuTZ6LCbwU&feature=related
About 3 catches for Carter #18 in this one. He makes tough catches and thats what I really like about him. Hes someone Favre would have made look awesome and JR has the ability to do the same.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
That was a nice catch, that QB, looks like it’s Matt Moore, threw it in to double coverage. Carter wont have to worry about that with JaMarcus’s arm, I don’t think a Saftey will be able to make it over in time on that laser.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Alot of those passes were by David Carr I believe.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
What number did Carr wear while playing there? Ah, who cares, I hope Carter makes a big impact a WR this season.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I think #8 but yeah…I like the small highlights of Carter. He seems to fight for the ball and go for jump balls. I really think he will look good with JR.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
That Panthers game on the November 9th should be fun. Carter gets to go up against his old team and The Smith vs Hall saga continues.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Smith vs. Hall? I hope not. We should place Asomugha on him all day.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
[...] showed up to OTAs well under the rumored three bills and looked sharp, particularly throwing on the move. The reviews were less than laudatory for Walker, however: Drew [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
how are the DT’s looking is waht I what to know
May 17th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Warren is making an effort is good news- but what about Sands and Joseph??
May 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I think the diffrence between 6-12 ans 12-6 with this easy schedule is how teh DT’s play
May 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Doc I think you have the entire issue with the Raiders right there at #181. Gerrard Warren plays very well when he wants to. He just doesn’t want to as much as he should.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
wasn’t maddenraider just here?? All us 49ers want to buy him a beer and chat about the good old days.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
figures.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Raiderwoj,
My mistake on the dates, he was actually released much later. For some reason i got the June 1st cut day, confused with the mandated date to have a 53 man roster, my apologies. Actually, that helps me illustrate my previous point even better, we cut him so late it is a surprise that he was able to make another team. Additionally, your assesment was incorrect, my opinions are not based on the round in which he was drafted. I don’t look at where a guy was drafted, I look at talent. Moses has all the tools to be an elite pass rusher at this level and the intelligence to boot. I read in one scouting report that his football IQ is so high that he may sometimes outhink himself. He is a high effort guy, with no character issues, a great understanding of the game, and athleticism. You mean to tell me there is no room for a guy like that on your 53 man roster. I don’t care that we wasted a 3rd rounder, we have been wasting 1st rounders for years, my beef is that instead of taking the time to develop and young hungry pass rusher, we cut him in favor of a journyman that gave us eight sacks and will do nothing more for us in the future. This is why we are a losing franchise and will continue to be one, we don’t know when to cut a bum and when to cultivate a prospect. Why are guys like Schweigert still on the team, why did players like Alvis Whitted , James Jett, Tyler Brayton, Derrick Gibson get such long tenures with little to no production. Don’t even get me started on the Morants and Francis’ of the world. We seem to lack what the great franchises have, the ability to get a player that everyone else beleives will and help him become a good player. We used to do that better than anyone, but recently we lost the magic touch.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
The Dude, post 152:
Diddo that! You’re totally right on…he is a bore with all his negative hoop-tee-doo.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
My favorite things from the 70’s
Neru shirts
Bell bottom jeans
and
Al f-n Davis
May 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Did anyone watch the Preakness today? Big Brown, who won the Kentucky derby, won the preakness easily, pulling away by 5 1/2 length. His next target is the Belmont Stakes in 3 weeks for the final leg of the triple crown.
What’s the big deal and how does that compare to our Raiders. In my opinion, the horse Big Brown just keeps getting better and better with each race. Our teams is so goung (MaFadden, 20 freaking years old, give me a break, Russell, 22 years old, Bush, etc. etc.) we’re just going to keep getting better and better and better
and we’re going to become a more closer nit unit. Ya,
the sky is the limit.
We’re playoff bound before the season has even started, but because of the bad five previous years, many of us tend to want to be conservative in our assessments. I know that I do it all the time. We don’t want to be wrong, we have going thru a lot of pain these last few years and it’s safer to ease up a bit. However, we are what we are and we a team ready to go forward and it appears most of the pieces have come together. We’re playoff bound.
4 and 0 to start with…the bye week and then another 8 to 10 wins. Ya, I said it and I’ll eat my words if I’m wrong. GO RAIDERS….
ps: NICE WIN LAKERS.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Great writeup on the Raiders…until the Lakers were mentioned. Talk about a momentum killer.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Andrews Mom…. Hope your boy hasn’t read about, his gloomy future in Alemeda. That was speculated about, by our own