Howard, Morrison get some help
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, July 24th, 2008 at 8:27 am in Oakland Raiders.
With the first training camp practice coming this afternoon, a pre-camp review of the Raiders’ linebackers:
Starters–WLB Thomas Howard, MLB Kirk Morrison, SLB Robert Thomas.
Reserves–Jon Alston, Ricky Brown, Jon Condo (long snapper), Isaiah Ekejiuba, Edgerton Hartwell, Grant Irons, Malik Jackson.
Remember the days when running backs glided into the wide open spaces behind the Raiders’ front four, free to catch passes and turn up field for easy first downs?
Nothing against Greg Biekert and Elijah Alexander, a pair of capable savvy veterans, but when the Raiders were winning division titles it seemed only William Thomas was adept in coverage in the Raiders linebacking corps.
No longer.
Howard intercepted five passes year, took two to the house for touchdowns, and Morrison had four more. Nine picks from two linebackers.
Throwing underneath against the Raiders is not without an element of risk.
So teams opted to run against them instead, and the bad news is that Morrison and Howard weren’t nearly the roadblocks against the run than they were against the pass.
At least one defensive lineman grumbled about their inability to get off blocks last year, hinting that the defensive line’s troubles against the run wasn’t being helped any by two smallish linebackers who didn’t adequately fill gaps.
Morrison and Howard, who are on the field for most every snap, in theory have help in front of them and behind them this season.
Up front is Tommy Kelly, replacing the more run-challenged Warren Sapp. Joining them in the box is strong safety Gibril Wilson, who will lend a physical presence.
If these two men play as advertised, Howard and Morrison will demonstrate whether they’re one trick ponies or every-down linebackers who can excel regardess of down and distance.
What’s to like
Howard was even running stride-for-stride with Darren McFadden during one minicamp practice. He runs like a young Derrick Brooks and can be a Pro Bowl player if his run defense goes all the way to average.
Morrison has a relentlessly positive attitude and is seemingly immune to bad vibes. It shows in the way he pursues and tackles, even if sometimes those tackles are too downfield.
Thomas’ versatility enables him to step into any situation in a pinch, and special teamer Ricky Brown has the same quality.
Ekejiuba is strictly a special teams player and is likely to stay that way, but he is very good at it. The Raiders were a different team when he was on the field _ as he was in their shutdown of Bears’ return specialist Devin Hester.
The Raiders will watch Hartwell closely. He was a stout run defender with the Ravens who had a serious knee injury with Atlanta.
If he can somehow regain his form, he could find a role in short-yardage or even move Morrison to the strong side for some formations against run-heavy teams.
What’s not
Williams simply can’t remain healthy enough to become the player Davis is convinced he can be. He is the Raiders’ version of Rich Harden _ you’re never entirely comfortable waiting for the next trip to the training room.
There are those who not only wonder if Hartwell has anything left, but who believe he wasn’t all that special in Baltimore and simply profited from playing alongside Ray Lewis.
Kiffin loves Alston’s speed, recounting the story of the time the linebacker ran down Reggie Bush from behind when Stanford played USC. He got on to the field in some packages last season, but had some troubles in pass coverage despite that speed.
After missing a year because of a serious back injury, Irons is back and looks as good coming off the bus as ever. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, he looks more suited for defensive end than linebacker.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
July 24th, 2008 at 8:29 am
last
July 24th, 2008 at 8:32 am
two
July 24th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I thought Howard had 6 picks last year…?
July 24th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Nnamdi will once again be allowed to show his playmaking ability this season; with Hall on the other side of the field teams will be forced to occasionally attempt a pass against Nnamdi…I predict 6 int’s for Nnamdi and 8 for Hall this season.
Huff will get 2!
July 24th, 2008 at 8:38 am
# Dakota Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Nnamdi will once again be allowed to show his playmaking ability this season; with Hall on the other side of the field teams will be forced to occasionally attempt a pass against Nnamdi…I predict 6 int’s for Nnamdi and 8 for Hall this season.
Huff will get 2!
—
# La Milicia Negra Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Dakota..
not a bad prediction, I just said something like it, Nnamdi 5, Hall 8, Huff 2, Wilson 1…
July 24th, 2008 at 8:43 am
With Nnamdi in… there should be no distractions from players at least… all in…from the start… is huge… can’t wait for the first “sightings” and interviews…
July 24th, 2008 at 8:47 am
what is up with the annoying antivirus pop-ups on this site? make it stop.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Nnamdi is a class act, no doubt. Excellent.
Now, did Javon Walker show up?
July 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
How do you guys feel about former Charger WR Eric Parker coming aboard?
July 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Irons… yeah forgot about him… never liked him, hope he will show us something, otherwise just cut him Kiffin…
July 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Who was the “Williams” Jerry was talking about? I don’t even see him listed on the Reserves at the beginning of the blog.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:57 am
—”The player rep for free agent Eric Parker says his client will not be making visits to interested teams anytime soon. The agent says Parker is “not 100 percent.” A calf injury Parker dealt with this spring may be related to the toe surgery that kept him out all last year. Jul. 24 - 11:44 a.m. ET”—
FYI, to those who think we should bag Parker… I still like the idea of parker way more than Chris Henry =)
July 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
# Marcus Allen McFadden Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Who was the “Williams” Jerry was talking about? I don’t even see him listed on the Reserves at the beginning of the blog.
______________________________________________________
Marcus Allen McFadden…
well, its a guy called Sam Williams, drafted in 3rd round in 2003…
raiders.com/Team/PlayerBio.aspx?id=216
July 24th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I am okay with parker, henry, or bowman coming in and competing. The WR job should be up for grabs may the best man win.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:11 am
throw koren robinson in the mix of WR as well.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Marcus,
I believe the “Williams” name may have been a mistake. I know I was thinking the same thing, “Who’s Williams?”
OOhhh, he’s talking about Sam Williams! And he’s right, he can’t seem to stay healthy.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
We allready have the chargers playbook. If parker is 100% take a flyer on him if not f him and the horse and buggy he rode in on.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I see LMN beat me to the punch.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Walker better come into camp in shape, and none of this coming into camp overweight. The A@@ kicking he purchased in vegas should have bought him better judgement. He better live up to all our expectation.
I expect Chaz to show up and be the dark horse in our recieving core.
this is not college, no scholarships. Dominate or get the f out.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:25 am
After losing defensive ends Phillip Daniels and Alex Buzbee for the season on the first day of training camp a few days ago, forcing the team to trade for Jason Taylor, the Skins watched their first pick, receiver Devin Thomas, get carted off the field today because of an apparent hamstring injury. from PFT.
I guess Eric Parker has options.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:28 am
As TR mentioned, he’s referring to Sam Williams. I’m surprised he was re-signed to be honest. The guy come on board with potential but was always getting injured. Well, he finally played last year and disappointed.
I’m hoping Hartwell can regain some of his old mojo and help us out against the run.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:29 am
There´s a new training camp blog, or at least new to me, in the Napa Valley Register, it´s different than Jerry´s because there´s much more analysis and substance in here, but they do have some quotes and details, found it on raidernews.com.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:31 am
FYI, There´s a new training camp blog, or at least new to me, in the Napa Valley Register, it´s different than Jerry´s because there´s much more analysis and substance in here, but they do have some quotes and details, found it on raidernews.com.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Double post…sorry.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Aso is a STUD! His work eithic and willingness to show up for camp on time tells me he wants to win. It’ll be interesting to see how well he does because he’ll be tested with Hall on the other side. If his game is as good as I expect it will be then Al needs to get out the BIG checkbook at the end of the season, period!
July 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Marley, thanks for the information brother….
July 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am
“After missing a year because of a serious back injury, Irons is back and looks as good coming off the bus as ever. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, he looks more suited for defensive end than linebacker.”
Brilliant, that.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Thec..don´t mention it, I know we can´t get enough.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Irons was a star against the run for Notre Dame. If he is back to his best, he could easily be the surprise package of this camp.
Malik Jackson also has a big upside.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Well how dysfunctional are we (raiders). Our draft picks are all signed and in camp, our franchise player has opted to attend camp in a show of professionalism and commitment, the players are present and there’s no drama going on. We’ve added lots of talent and potential talent/competition, and its the dawn of a new season.
so i’m in!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:12 am
IM IN lets get the ball rollin auso is a class act WOW
July 24th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I’m in!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Hopefully Hartwell is healthy, been a long time since he was. Jerry, don’t know who those people are that claim he benefitted from playing alongside Lewis. When Hartwell made his rep in 02 he started for Lewis. Lewis played only 5 games that year while Ed racked up 144 tackles.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
check out dmac
http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2008/07/24/sports/raiders/doc4888196e32f6a510839043.txt
July 24th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Grant Irons 16 sacks this year!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:26 am
WHAT irons is to big to run and tackle
July 24th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Noticed some folks mentioned Huff might get a couple picks this year. Now that he’s playing free, he needs to get more than a couple. Dude needs at least 4 to be considered not a bust. Our defensive backfield is too talented for him not to take risks now.
Can’t wait ’till the first practice updates! Bush finally gets to hit the field with the rest of the squad. Being a Louisville native, I can’t wait to see if he’s finally back to normal (possible Heisman winner if he didn’t get hurt that first game against KY that year) I’m envisioning a short yardage package of Bush at fullback, Fargas at tail, and McFadden and Walker on the outside. I’m drooling just thinking about it…..ahhhhhhhhhh
Let’s get it crackin’ fellas! I’m still new to this blog being last year was my first, but shout out to all my consistent bloggers from last year who welcomed me and often argued with me: LMN-waddup, Terrapin-waddup, Dakota-Waddup, Scottish-waddup! KoolKell-waddup! South Texas-waddup, hell, even FireKiffin-waddup! Training camp is finally here!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Johnny Rebel,
So then John Madden and Ken Stabler are liars.
Their credibility is shot.
Both of these men have said repeatedly that Stabler called his own plays.
Johnny Rebel, you have clearly debunked them.
From this point forward, I will never take John Madden or Ken Stabler seriously again. They’re frauds. You, on the other than, Rebel, are now the messiah of information. You are not to be denied. The next time know nothings like Stabler or Madden spout off about the ’70s Raiders, I’ll definitely take their word with a grain of salt, and get their information verified by you before I run with it. Again, I really do thank you. You’re a savior.
Remember everyone:
John Madden and Ken Sabler: liars.
This is directly from Johnny Rebel.
Madden and Stabler are lying when they say that Stabler called his own plays when QB for the Raiders. Johnny Rebel soundly debunked them by posting a wikipedia link to the “Ghost to the Post” play. You can’t deny that evidence. I mean, it’s not like wikipedia is one of those sites where anyone can change the information at any time. So it’s been proven. Ken Stabler never called his own plays, and him and John Madden are liars for saying he did. We all owe Johnny Rebel a great deal of gratitude for digging up this revelation. We’d be in the dark without him. Thank you again, Rebel.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I love skipping those long, senseless MR diatribes.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Optimist Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
“there’s no drama going on.”
……….
LOL.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:45 am
first practice will be over in 16 mins……..
July 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I feel like a drug addict……Need more info, give me a fix now!!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Dakota,
You watching Obama’s speech in Berlin in front of 100,000 Germans?
July 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Facts are facts MR, call it what you want, Stabler called plays from his list when he had too but to say he called his own plays like he never had input from the coaches is the lie. Just call it a truce MR and let it go. But the legend lives and sells books too.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Rebel, here’s the quote of Ken Stabler blatantly lying. Again, you’re a hero for outing him.
Ken Stabler (total liar):
“When the timeout ended, Stabler went back on the field and threw the winning touchdown pass to tight end Dave Casper.
“Those were great times,” he said. “Quarterbacks called the plays in those days, and John basically just threw the playbook at me at the start of the week and said, ‘Pick out what you want.’”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/06/05/SPGPKD3F5S1.DTL
July 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Look at all those Germans waving American flags, Dakota.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I have looked around and tried to find a single play of importance that Stabler said he called in a game that mattered and I can’t find any, maybe you can.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:51 am
No, it’s not a truce, Rebel. You won. I lost. Madden and Stabler are liars. You’ve proved it. That wikipedia link sealed the deal. It’s over dude. You won, big time. I will never believe Madden or Stabler again when they say that Stabler called his own plays. I’m going to burn their books this afternoon. I can’t believe I ever took these guys seriously. I feel so ashamed.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Thec - I think the first practice today ain’t ’till 3. Tomorrow is when the morning practices start. We’ll both have to get our fix later. Kiffin does have a news conference at noon though supposedly…
July 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
All I have is some measly quote by Stabler. You’ve got a wikipeida link, Rebel! It’s over. You’re empirical data trumps mine, by a long shot…
July 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Look at all those German girls trying to touch Obama.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:56 am
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I have looked around and tried to find a single play of importance that Stabler said he called in a game that mattered and I can’t find any, maybe you can.
……..
Oh, that’s because there isn’t one. We now know that Stabler never called his own plays. It’s over dude. You’ve clearly debunked both Madden and Stabler, and their bold faced lies.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:57 am
KoolKell Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Look at all those Germans waving American flags, Dakota.
______________________________________________________
Good, maybe we can call in the Denmark Special Forces to wash all our flags after those dirty Germans and liberals touched them.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Its like when they say Flores has 2 Superbowl rings, no he has 3.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hit’em up Howard and Captain Kirk are perfect examples of players who are at the top of their game, BUT,,, because you dont hear their names being uttered on ESPN people would argue that they are not elite linebackers, but hey,,, those int. numbers were not made up. They werent even mentioned for the pro bowl though they clearly had a better season than some who were selected. This is why I dont judge players by the number of pro bowls they go to. Hell,, I dont even watch the pro bowl, but I know we have 2 of the best linebackers in the NFL . YA KNOW?!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:59 am
lol, If America can elect a Black President, the Raiders can certainly reach the playoffs.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Flores does say that Plunkett called a lot of plays from the gameplan on the field up until about 1984 or 85 but really never talks about Stabler that way, which is interesting.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Rebel, I’m sorry I made the mistake of taking Madden and Stabler’s word for it that Stabler called his own plays. I’ve taken a huge credibility hit. And I will never listen to those two again. They’re done. Between you, Madden, and Stabler, YOU are now my source for ’70s Raiders football, Johnny Rebel. John Madden and Ken Stabler? Pfft. What would they know?
July 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I don’t care if they lie or not, just win on Sunday.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Irons is great coming off the end as a pass rusher, but he is too big and slow to cover anyone.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Another example is when he came into the Steeler game and scrambled 40 yards to score, I wonder who called that play. Maybe he called the Sea of Hands play to win the game because they were in a hurry up offense, that seems more logical.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Repost:
Stabler’s bold face lies about him calling his own plays.
Big thanks again to Johnny Rebel, who clearly debunked Kenny Stabler with a wikipedia link, and an astute observation that Tom Flores didn’t mention Stabler calling his own plays….when talking about Jim Plunkett.
“When the timeout ended, Stabler went back on the field and threw the winning touchdown pass to tight end Dave Casper.
“Those were great times,” he said. “Quarterbacks called the plays in those days, and John basically just threw the playbook at me at the start of the week and said, ‘Pick out what you want.’”
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/06/05/SPGPKD3F5S1.DTL
July 24th, 2008 at 11:09 am
I said it before I will say it again! Jake Grove Will Do his thing and be our starter!
July 24th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Yeah this guy we have in grant irons…………he may look good getting off the bus but nothing never materialized on the field…………..”all that biggggnnness for nothing” lol he certainly isn’t that beast of a lb that played in spittsburgh javon kirkman or something like that, if he can come in and give us some sun support im all for him and hopefully he recovers from back problems
July 24th, 2008 at 11:11 am
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
I don’t care if they lie or not, just win on Sunday.
……
Oh, I care, Rebel. John Madden and Ken Stabler are never to be taken seriously again. You clearly debunked them. They’re liars, and you’ve proven it. I mean, you posted a wikipedia link to the “Ghost to the Post” play, and nowhere does it say that Ken Stabler called the play. You nailed him! I can’t believe Stabler would dare lie about this in the face of that wikipedia link, which is there for everyone to see? Must be his drinking. Poor guy. But either way, shame on him for lying about the fact that he called his own plays. And big kudos to you, Johnny Rebel, for finding this out. You’re a true ombudsman.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Grant Irons is not a linebacker!!!
When are the Raiders going to realize that???
July 24th, 2008 at 11:17 am
No MR I watched those games he played in, I just dug up a quick link to dispute you lol.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:20 am
In fact there are some Raider players from the era that claim they would have won more games had Madden not been in control. That would be a tough link to find becuase I think it was a radio interview. I have always liked Flores and Plunkett over Madden and Stabler, but they were all winners.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Kirk–Unless Irons can shine as a part time pass rusher he has no shot at making this team as a linebacker.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Rebel, Stabler and Madden are liars. We’ve got it. Believe me, their credibility is shot. You are now the authority on ’70s Raiders football. Madden and Stabler? What do they know? I’m ashamed I ever took those two seriously on the topic of Raiders football in the 1970s.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:29 am
# Johnny Rebel Says:
July 24th, 2008 at 11:20 am
“In fact there are some Raider players from the era that claim they would have won more games had Madden not been in control. ”
……
Oh, sure…
And, I’m sure you’re working on that wikipedia page right now.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:39 am
ROFL……
LMAO……
July 24th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Maybe they liked Flores more I dunno, he was there from 73 to 86 as a coach.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Thats a valid debate though, what would have happened had Flores been the HC from 73 to 86?
July 24th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Aso is definitely a class act. I sure hope the head office treats him right. Very glad to see everyone showed up and are ready to work towards one goal, winning.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Kiffin is in the drivers seat now, I’d say 6-10 or better and he stays with an easy schedule. But its definately a positive for a change and the press can’t rip them for mismanagement.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
At least you quit talking about Stabler calling the plays to spite Davis’s long ball philosophy, MR.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Look at all the sit at home coaches giving their priceless advice…classic
July 24th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The one thing I remember about Sam Williams is that we traded a 2nd round pick in the following year’s draft to get him. And that was when we were finishing pretty badly so it ended up being a pretty good pick. He does look like a beast but my concern is that he’s a tweener. Kind of like Grant Irons. Not quick enough for LB, but not used to being a down lineman. We’ll see if makes the team–if he works hard and can play Special Teams I’m all for it.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
here we go raider fans greetings from tha east coast. kinda stuck here waiting for my children to grow up and do the grown up thing. 2 down 1 to go. got married here and had children. divorced now and moving back home to l.a. soon but for now thx for to all the regulars who help keep me informed out here on tha “least coast” oh and yes IM IN!
July 24th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
6′3 240 is smallish…I dont think so.
he did have six picks
Thomas Howard is one of my fav players….had more picks than HALL
July 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
[...] Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard was reportedly running “stride-for-stride” with Darren McFadden during one minicamp [...]
July 25th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
is good to have Grant irons back!
July 25th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
yes i agree! irons is a linebacker!!!