Training camp Day 14 (A.M. practice)
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008 at 2:57 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Wednesday’s practice:
– Lots of people out of the padded workout, with a lighter session to follow this evening. Those who didn’t participate included quarterback Andrew Walter, wide receivers Ronald Curry, Javon Walker and Drew Carter, center Jake Grove, guard Cooper Carlisle, tackle Mark Wilson, guard-tackle Fred Wakefield, safety Greg Wesley, linebacker Grant Irons, linebacker Ricky Brown and cornerback John Bowie.
“We’re going to push as many as we can to get out here here tonight,” Kiffin said, noting they would be preparing specifically for Friday night’s game against the 49ers.
– It was the second straight absence for Walter, Walker and Carter _ none of whom have serious injuries but are simply sore.
The Raiders had originally hoped to get Walker back on a two-a-day program starting Monday, but instead, Walker practiced twice Saturday, took Sunday off with the rest of the team, and has made two of four practices since.
“We’re still monitoring,” Kiffin said. “He did the one day of two-a-days and then felt a little sore. He’ll work tonight and I’d really like for after this game to get him to a two-a-day format. I believe he really needs it.”
Said Kiffin of Walter’s second straight absence: “We can’t figure out anything except that he’s tired from too much throwing.”
– Keeping in mind the Raiders were without the three men expected to be their top receivers _ Curry, Walker and Carter _ wideouts found it difficult to find open spaces against the defense, even during seven-on-seven drills.
On two passes Russell made throws a good 50 yards downfield. The first, a perfect rainbow, was dropped by Jonathan Holland with Stanford Routt trailing in coverage. The second was an underthrown wobbler toward Drisan James which was batted down by Hiram Eugene.
Russell continued his practice of checking down, flooding the field with short passes to running backs and tight ends when his outside reads were closed off by defenders.
“Chaz, you’re open _ break on the ball,” Kiffin yelled at one point on a play in which Russell instead threw short to tight end Zach Miller.
During one seven-on-seven sequence, Russell and Tuiasosopo combined to throw eight passes before one was caught by a wide receiver, with the others going to running backs and tight ends or falling incomplete.
Kiffin said he was pleased with the competition at wide receiver and thought the reduced workload heading into the 49ers game would be beneficial.
“I’ll be interested to see them get their legs back for this game,”’ Kiffin said. “Going light tonight and obviously tomorrow being light. They’re so worn down now and it’ll be good to see them get their juice back.”
– Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and safety Jarrod Cooper were back after being ill. Asomugha, who needed IVs and missed two days of practice, said he was still subsisting on bananas and yogurt. His work was limited.
“I wanted to go out and get a couple of plays in,” Asomugha said.
– Defensive end Greg Spires showed some spring at age 34 when he made a tackle from behind against Darren McFadden as the rookie was picking his way through the first line of defense.
– Kiffin continues to talk up running back Michael Bush, who flattened a blitzing Gibril Wilson and also stood up Spires. Included in the assessment was a message _ bring it to practice every day.
“Boy, if he could practice like that every day, we’d really have something,” Kiffin said. “Gibril Wilson came on a blitz . . .he picked him up as good as you pick a guy up, put him to the ground. A couple of physical runs. If we can get him to continue to grow and continue to be that guy, we’ll have a pretty special backfield.”
– An example of what the Raiders may face if defenses close down on their check down routes and they can’t get receivers downfield: McFadden circled out of the backfield to his right, Russell threw it his way, and the rookie was met with a perfectly timed hit by linebacker Thomas Howard.
McFadden went sprawling, and the only reason it wasn’t a knockout hit was that Howard didn’t accelerate into the tackle, keeping with training camp protocol.
“You’d best stop running that (bleep), man,” Howard said.
Howard later had a nasty lick on running back Louis Rankin.
– Defensive tackle William Joseph stuffed Justin Griffith in the backfield on a running play.
– Included Wednesday was a drill as close to a legitimate tackling drill as you’ll see in an NFL practice. Runners attempted to get past defenders through a lane marked by cones about five yards wide.
Defenders attempted to square up and strike runners before disengaging.
Cornerback Michael Waddell whiffed on a spin move by wide receiver Arman Shields, while Malik Jackson was critiqued for not coming hard enough on Schilens.
“Run your feet and then explode,” linebackers coach Don Martindale said.
Jackson was much more sudden in a subsequent hit on tight end Chris Wagner.
“Much better,” Martindale said.
– Tight end Tony Stewart, not exactly an elusive target, managed to get by Derrick Burgess with very little contact.
– Lap runners for pre-snap violations included Burgess, Gerard Warren and Robert Gallery.
– With Grove and Carlisle sitting it out, John Wade worked with the first team at center and Chris Morris at right guard.
– McFadden had a custom ride in the back parking lot _ a 1996 Chevy Impala in Arkansas colors with a Razorback painted along the side.
– Post ran late today because of live chat at noon. Thanks to all who participated.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
August 6th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Lets go!!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
us against the world
August 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
go raiders
August 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Hey Jerry:
I think this says it all…
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f175/bustacaptx/trolls.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
My boy changed the screen Name… repost..
Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
August 6th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
408 - Intersting private comment about registration…lets keep up the heat by demanding it.
Yeah they wouldn’t post my comment.. I Asked the mod dude if he worked on this site and if he did was there anything he or we could do about a certain troll who always trys to ruin Jerry’s great blog
August 6th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1356/1363165346_ba1abf1e43.jpg?v=0
McFadden’s ride
August 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Hey, you guys, behave yourselves or you won’t be good enough to have a beer with SilverNBlack666. Because we all now how much of an honor that would be…
August 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
DMAC with his ride:
http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2008/05/mcfaddencar.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
[...] camp Day 14 (A.M. practice) Training camp Day 14 (A.M. practice) - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the h… __________________ *The proceeding link is not affiliated by this site, nor the provider. listed [...]
August 6th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Everything is coming together. I can’t wait until Friday. Some of you Raider (Fans) need to stop all of the negative talk. It is still early. We won’t know what we really have til after the third pre-season game.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
408,
You still in Sturgis?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I’m good enough to have a beer with SilverNBlack666. Anyone else? Stand up and be heard!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Every man’s goal in life should be for SilverNBlack666 to have a beer with you. Relieved to know I make the grade. Don’t know what I would do if I didn’t.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Who cares about the Raiders? Jerry, can we get an update on Favre?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Does that pic say 1999 in the corner? That can’t be right
August 6th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
You Jerry thanx 4 the Fix!!! Your our guy on the inside =) and I like the fact that your not a total homer!
“Boy, if he could practice like that every day, we’d really have something,” Kiffin said.
Ya gotta love Kiffin!!!
Im in
August 6th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Let’s see…
Doctor? Nah.
Lawyer?? Nah.
NFL football player? Nah.
Being invited to have a beer with SilverNBlack666? YES! There’s a goal, kids.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I cant wait until friday to see our oline and wide outs. If we can get any kind of decent play out of those two groups we could easily go 9-5 or 10-6.
thanks Jerry for giving us all our daily Raider news fixes.
GO RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
408, Kiffin is saying IF we could practice like that every day. That means we DON’T practice like that every day. That means we practice like garbage most of the time, and Kiffin basically has to play babysitter. That’s no compliment. You can’t be this stupid.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Vegas,
If it is right McFadden was one buff 12 year old, lol.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
All that money and such a crappy crapy car lol
August 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Oh, we’ll definitely go 9-5, OregonRaider. Yeh. 9-5. For sure. My god. The retards are really coming out of the woodworks right now, aren’t they?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Dakota
yeah but were waiting till about 5 or so to go back out!! Im not as good @ bing drinking as I use to be! It seems your suppose to rember to eat or so I hear! LOL
BTW gonna check out that Buffalo place 2nite
August 6th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I’m gone. Anyone posting as me from here on out is MR. I’m In!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Not to mention that’s a Ford not an Impala
August 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I´m hoping Joseph picks up the pace and shows enough to make it as back-up DE-DT, maybe in pre-season…
I´m gonna go back and read up on Jonathan Holland since Jerry thinks he´s doing well.
Also, I’m dating this chick right now and her bush starts at her belly button. Just had to share. I’ll let you guys get back to the discussion.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
# badass raider Says:
August 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
puff puff pass
__________________________________________
muhahahaa best post of the day
smoke’em if ya got’em…
August 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Dakota, post #4 is funny as hell. LOL
August 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Looks like he will fit right into Oakland
August 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
You know, if the D can stop the run, everything else becomes relative. Look at how many teams are successful with a really good D, a really good run game, and an average passing game. I don’t see why everyone is doom and gloom if our passing game isn’t top 20 in yardage. If we can be a top 3 rushing team and stop the run just a little, we should have a winning record this year.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Bob,
Dump her right now. I once dated a girl that had a hair on her nipple…I dumped her the first time I felt that hair slide through my teeth.
I met my wife not long after that….just saying.
Or, we could start calling you Toro Bob.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Bob needs to invest in a weed eater
August 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Al’s Attendant, the D doesn’t need to stop the run, considering how many points we’ll put on the board. This team is designed to score big and stop the quick score. We’ve won 3 Super Bowls with this type of system. Sounds like a pretty good testament, to me. But we’ll see.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Lol,
Bob’s new girl friend:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h176/babe2sag/hairy_bush.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Marley
Fix it
http://images-cdn01.associatedcontent.com/image/A1405/14058/300_14058.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Man, Dakota, that’s nasty. But you are in South Dakota. I just didn’t expect to see anything that disgusting out here. We’re going to talk about the grooming thing, believe me. Because you know I like them smooth.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
MR Says:
August 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
408, Kiffin is saying IF we could practice like that every day. That means we DON’T practice like that every day. That means we practice like garbage most of the time, and Kiffin basically has to play babysitter. That’s no compliment. You can’t be this stupid.
………………
I know what he ment genius I simply like the fact he will let these guys know when they’re doing things rite.. Sheez some peoples kids
August 6th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
El Dirty - you have to realize that in the hoods in the South (I’m from Louisville, KY), those 96 Impalas are looked at as the official G rides. Don’t ask me why, but they are loved, and I’m sure McFadden probably thinks it’s his best ride!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I hear what you’re saying, 408. I understood you from the start.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Impersonating Bob Marley Now Little Biotch?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Dakota, you’re supposed to just chew it off and plow through it…
August 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
quick someone count his fingers
August 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
John S, you want to start crap now, too?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Raiders83, shut the f’k up.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Kiffin gone by the bye week. Guaranteed. 4-12. Lofton will suck more than Turner or Shell. He’ll go 0-16 in ‘09. You heard it here first.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Most athletes come into camp in shape these days, for those who don’t camp can be especially hard.
Javon Walker obviously didn’t come into camp in shape nor did Walters it appears if his arm is sore he probably wasn’t working it during the offseason.
What do you think Andrews mom?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Silver
Tell him he needs to bang like we do in the west coast.
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/lowrider-1.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Good write up, SilverNBlack. I always like your takes.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
uhh
August 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Yo Dirty
your getting realy good with the pictures I emailed the Kitty 1 to my daughter yesterday!! You still have a ways to go to reach Dakota status but keep up the good work! (may I sugest more boobies)
August 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
fansAgainst=chockesondick
August 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
http://content.pyzam.com/funnypics/9/pyzamspidies.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Dakota,
You disappoint me son. I guess most of the bloggers here are teenagers, right?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Won’t let me post it, but found one of, 408 @ Sturgis.
ktla.trb.com/community/custom/photos/ktla-gallery-failed,0,3723435.photogallery?index=16
August 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Dirty - You know every region’s hoods has their own thing with cars. West got lowriders, South got bigbodies, and the East loves the newest Sedans. Personally, I love ‘em all and can’t wait to get rid of my piece of crap Dodge…
August 6th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
The last 5 years have been tough but we had a 35 year run at being the winning est team in the NFL. Its time to reclaim that crown and only big Al can get us there! Let’s get a one, two, three, AL DAVIS!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Marley Impersonator,
You’re a pathetic little boy, you know that don’t you?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Chill KK,
It really was just spiders, lol.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I’ve got a tractor.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
408
I’m working on it… : )
Silver
I hear ya
August 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
SilverNBlack666, stop being a douche bag. I don’t know anyone who rambles as much as you do about the most boring s’t. Shut up. And, if you guys would ignore MR, he’d go away. But you don’t and that’s why he’s here. Thank yourselves.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Impersonating me now little fa660t?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Can you Impersonate Me & Marley at the same time little fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
And, there’s nothing wrong with the bush down under. I’ve always liked it, to be honest. It disappoints me that women shave nowdays. I collect old Playboy magazines just to see the old love triangle.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Man I’m bummed I couldn’t see Huff 24’s Cheer leader was it good?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Guys, just wanted everyone to know that the troll is impersonating me, now. See what happens? I’m looking at you guys here for not ignoring him. Thanks a lot. Thanks for letting him ruin this blog. Why?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
El Dirty, were you born a woman?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Think you’re clever little fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
We will be punishing some Dlines this year.
Not punishing as in pushing them around but they wont have legs by the time the 4th quarter starts.
Run half the time, roll out the other half will keep the D chasing people and I recall cut blocking being very tough on teams when Elway was killing teams in the 4th.
Thats when McFadden will earn his keep and start collecting TD balls.
Best year ever!!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I’m not Talking to Dirty or anyone else but you little fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
People, 67 is not me. It’s the troll. Now he’s posting under my name. Just ignore him and don’t respond. The more you guys respond to him, the more work I have to do. So don’t do it.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
They know who you are little fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
MR, you are the only one I’m talking to. Nobody else here. You can post under my name all you want to but you now you’re just a fa66ot. Everyone here knows it. I’m about to get midevil on your ass.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Talk to me little fa66ot, quit hiding behind others.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
MR, why aren’t you at the 49er blogs?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
C”mon little fa66ot, get medevil on me, I’m terrified.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Why do you insist on ruining it for us Raider fans, MR? Why? Just leave. You’re cluttering this blog up with all of your posts. Other people might have something to say but you won’t shut up.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
This aint MR either little fa66ot, quit trying to hide. I’m talking to your pathetic asz
August 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
this guy needs some serious pro help!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Oh, I’ll get midevil on you, MR. It’s going to be brung.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Theres only a few people here little fa66ot, most of the others are you little fa66ot
August 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
How About Them Raiders?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Agreed, 408Raider. Something his wrong with him. I told him to go to a 49ers blog. He wont’. He’s got a man crush on Al Davis. He wants to stick his tongue right up Al’ behind. That’s MR for you. Let’s talk football.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
We really need registration…ASAP!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Shut the f’k up, Huff. Mind your business. And dont’ respond to the troll.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
C’mon get medevil little fa66ot, and quit hiding behind others names
August 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Still want some, fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Oh, I’m getting midevil, MR. I own you. Ask anyone here who’s better, me or you. They’ll say me. You’re a loser. You’re a fa66ot! You’re a 49er Gruden loving little beeotch.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Lets see McFadden equal Tony Dorsett’s record run on opening night!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
JERRY McDONALD - I understand you want to get a million hits per day because you probably get like 10 Cents per hit but you have to understand where us fans are coming from dude. Registration could help limit alot of the bad stuff that comes through here and instead of being selfish, you would probably get more hits from real people instead of fake people. Alot of people have slowed down on coming here because of the drama. Before you know it, theres going to be one person talking to himself as numerous posters. Is that what you want?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I’m only talking to the little impersonator fa66ot. Don’t mind him, he’s trying to hide behind others, right fa66ot?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Does it mean that I am pro-trolls if I am anti Fan aganist trolls?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Let’s see Culter throw 5 ints in Oakland!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Ignore these idiots, guys.
Back to football. The main problem with Carson Palmer is not even the team around him, it’s the organization around him. After losing for the 6th straight season the Cinncinatti press asked team President Mike Brown what he would do to improve the team. Brown responded, “I couldn’t be happier. We’re turning a profit.” Clearly Brown doesn’t give a flying fook about winning. That’s why players like Chad Johnson want out. Players and fans may not like how things are run around here but at least the organization tries to win. Anyhow, I’m off to get chicks. Later.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Registration should also make you use a credit card to gain access and you can charge $1 dollar per person, which would be 90 cents more than your usual amount. Thats a big increase.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Let’s see Dakota run out of photos!
August 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Post 67
No I wasn’t born a woman but if you think I’m cute heres a pic
http://blogs.herald.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/08/29/scary_guy.jpg
August 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Stay out of this regulars, let me handle it, since Jerry won’t read:
Many trolls’ preparation is so thorough, that while they waste time, they appear so ludicrous from the start that they elicit sympathetic mail - the danger is that once the group takes sides, the damage is done.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Dakota will never run out of photos, he probably has a photo of him not running out of photos
August 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Huff, if you don’t shut the f’k up….
August 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
#92 I think, I agree…..lol
August 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Oakglenn - The problem with Chad Johnson is the fact that he has no backbone. He whines and cries to get his way until the organization stands their ground and forces him into a decision. That puts him in a position to lose money and he starts getting weaker as he gets closer to losing that money so he backs down and the organization wins because they don’t give a crap.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I think the organization would rather have someone who puts in a ton of work, than someone like Leftwich who is gonna screw around, and not be a solid example for Jam.
Jam has tremdous work ethic and Jam WANTS TO BE GREAT. He really does, which helps. Gannon was a perfect example of a guy with solid talent that put a ton of extra work in and became a league MVP. When Gruden drafted Tui he told Tui to do EVERYTHING Gannon does. Follow Rich like your his new puppy. Well, Tui really didn’t like being there watching film at 7am. One guy was a league MVP, one guy is barely holding on in the league.
Lastly, when you combine excellent talent (Peyton, Jamarcus) with lots of extra film work, (Peyton, Brady, Jamarcus) you have Hall of Famers. And, I have to agree with FansAgainstTrolls, I’m a bush guy, too. And I’m not talking about the prez. Like it hairy and nappy down there.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Chad Johnson will fight and say he wants out of Cinci but then the organization will dangle a new contract in front of him and he will take it. What the hell? They want out but they’ll sign an extension? Corey Dillon used to be guilty of the same thing.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
FAT…
are you enjoying talking to yourself?
August 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Chad Johnson is this years’ Lance Briggs
August 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
LMN, I’m doing gods work. You can eat a di*k.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Who should Favre choose between the Bucs and Jets? I personally think the Bucs would be a better fit for him.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
*
August 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
It looks like the one glaring weakness through training camp has been the WR’s getting open which I’m going to attribute to our DB’s at this stage - I know for a fact that miller and curry can get open consistently in NFL regular season games, and that between Walker, Carter, Higgins, Shields, and Schillens, we’ll have somebody with speed that can stretch the D. If it’s not walker, so be it, but the remaining guys all have speed which is all we really need out of that position because JR has the arm to get it down the field to give Curry and Miller some room to work underneath.
We all know it would be ideal to have a true #1 guy
that has speed and can run routes like Walker did in Green Bay, but it’s not going to kill our offense if he flops because Curry is a solid possession guy as is Miller. Adding DMAC into the mix as a slot guy and out of the backfield will also help.
Last year, with Porter, Curry, and Mike Williams (I doubt any of them could run sub 4.6 at this stage of thier careers and Mike Williams has run sub 4.8 since his pro-day before the draft), a weak armed QB in McClown, and the lack of a gamebreaker at RB, Defenses treated us like Rodney Dangerfield - no respect. 7 on 7 drills are pure passing drills so the DB’s know what’s coming, even if they are the bottom of our barrel - you can’t project 7 on 7 to gameday even though as jerry noted “the good offenses seem to complete most of thier passes.”
In a gameday scenario, the D is going to adjust to protect against the 5 to 10 yards short passes and our good run game if they are successful, and that’s when the deep passess will open up using double moves and speedier WR’s. I find it impossible to believe that nobody will get open at WR on typical west coast offensive plays (hitches, short slants, quick outs, and curls) on game day, and with JR’s arm, I find it impossible to believe that even in man to man press coverage on the outside, he won’t be able to beat the LB to the window between the CB giving outside shade coveage.
Other than that, kudos to our secondary and linebackers so far, kudos to our oline which is looking up with grove and harris coming on of late, and all we need to worry about is our D line doing it’s job and if the winner at the SLB spot is going to be able to hold the point of attack against the run or if that’s going to be an offseason priority. If the run D is shored up, this is a 10 plus win team.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Huff: I heard today he would stay retired before he joined the Jets. Looks like it will be the Bucs, chucky loves his QB’s.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
C’mon Little fa66ot, leave the Regs out out of it. You the little pathetic faq with the problem
August 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
The worst mistake a player can make is to take their problems to the media. It always bites them in the butt. Just ask Favre. Handle your business in house. AD will take care of people as long as they talk to him and not a reporter. Thats what makes me believe that Burgess and Asomugha will get new contracts.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
The middle of our defensive line is designed to take on blockers and let the linebackers and strong safety come in and clean up. If the interior linemen get blown off the ball, or can’t shed blocks, it’s going to be a long season. If you watch our guys get pushed back 4 yards off the ball like they did alot last season and our linebackers over puruse, just do what the casual fan does: Blame Ryan and the coaching staff. But I’m no casual fan. I’m kind of a big deal in Oakland.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Huff,
I think he’d have better stats as a Jet because they have better receivers, but I think he’ll go to the Bucs because of the weather factor. Anyone who watched the NFC title game last year saw that he really hated the super cold weather. Granted, he didn’t look as uncomfotable as Jammy did up there last year, but that was a reason he was looking at the Vikes — indoor stadium.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Vegas Raider - The Bucs have a better defense and a better running game than the Jets and Gruden would LOVE to have a guy that he doesn’t have to babysit. It would be interesting however to see Gruden yelling at Favre with every interception he would throw as you know there could be many when it comes to Favre.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
puruse: should have been over pursue.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Did it just get stupider in here?? Yup. The clown showed up.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
There are two posters who as soon as they come in here there are problems. Obviously MR and secondarily mistaclown.
Now that MR has not shown his 9er kissing face around here it’s been nice.
To Wit:
# Mistabrown Says:
July 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Jerry, have you spent 1 minute in Alameda watching practice or is this word of mouth reporting ?
# Mistabrown Says:
July 19th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Jerry wrote this at the senior bowl when he was holding down the elevator waiting for Kiffin.
2 shots at Jerry and me and one at Scottish. And mistaclown has been here what two minutes??? You pissed off that you failed your anger management classes clown??
August 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Al’s BpA - You’re right about the receivers with the Jets but Coles is never healthy and Cotchery would benefit greatly but when it comes to Favre, he always makes something out of nothing. I think he would make the Bucs WR’s look good.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Jacksonville was a bad game. Teams are going to have bad games. That was a bad game. Do you idiots know anything about football? We didn’t seem prepared for the physical beating they inflicted on us out of the gate.
Both San Diego games were closer than the score. Remember we played terribly all the first half in San Diego, had the ball at their one yard line with a minute to go in the half, and Culpepper got sacked, and then fumbled, or something stupid. But that is inexperience with the coaching staff and the team. You won’t see that this year. Theoretically.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Oakglenn stay with football so I don’t confuse you, patience, I’ll run that pathetic loser out of here for a day or two anyway.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
The Raiders rolled over in Jacksonville, Oakglenn.
Jacksonville did not “Do that to everyone.”
Don’t try to put perfume on a pig.
That effort was totally unacceptable.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Huff 24
What happens to Garcia?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for the read JediRaider. It is interesting how Curry and Miller always seem to get open.
“If the run D is shored up, this is a 10 plus win team.”
You couldn’t be more right.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Garcia goes to Green Bay to back-up Aaron rogers.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Garcia to the Fudge Packers? Hmmm…..
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Pathetic Troll, having fun being forced to look at yourself in the mirror?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
El Dirty - I think Garcia would get released. I could see a trade happening to a team like the Vikings considering they wanted Favre but its hard to say as the Bucs won’t have much leverage so they will probably just let him go. Now…you know Garcia wants to start somewhere but those doors might be closed for him and he might actually settle as a backup somewhere. The only place I see him doing that is with Oakland because of the Bay Area. He might as well retire back home right?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I´m no Rob Ryan fan myself, but a closer look at some of our defeats shows that the blame should not be put entirely on the D, the Offense played a major role too.
In 5 losses vs KC, TENN, HOU, CHI and Indy the Defense gave up an average of 16 points, while the Offense averaged 11.2 points, we had 10 turnovers vs 3 from the opponents.
In theory, when your Defense gives up 16 a game you should win most of those games considering the average NFL team gives up 21.7 a game, but you´re not winning any of them when scoring 11 yourself and losing the turnover battle by a 3 to 1 ratio.
A little more scoring and some improvement by the Defense, not even that much, specially late in games should translate into a few more wins.
I´m sure we´ll score more but the “some improvement” on Defense it´s another story, I´m hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.
BTW, thanks for the advice on my girlfriend, everyone. I’m going to talk to her tonight about some hair removal products. Two more days.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
#122: Culpepper at the end of the half in the SD game was the stupidest few plays I might have ever seen a QB make
August 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Thanx Jedi,
It will be nice to open up the playbook this year.
I see Kiff feeding Jamac options for the long ball based on our running game.
Should be fun to watch.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Also…Dallas is very upset with their #3 QB and Brad Johnson is their #2. Maybe Garcia goes to Dallas to ride the ship to a Superbowl.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Bob Marley - How many games did Janikowski lose?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Gruden trying to learn Brett Favre how to play QB like Rich Gannon ought to be fun to watch
August 6th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I agree with you KoolKell Favre is not a dump off check down guy.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
The defense has to produce more turnovers, thats why AL brought Hall and Wilson aboard.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I understand that Gruden’s offense and the offense in GB are west coast types, but how is Favre going to pick up a new playbook with new terminology in 3-4 weeks? From what has been said about him in GB, Favre was never a studier at QB.
You could see some type of vanilla offense for the 1st half of the season, al la Culpepper here last year, which wouldn’t exactly invoke the fear in your opponents.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Gruden does not use a check down offense. That was all Gannon. It’s his style. Gruden’s offense always sends someone deep. Look at Galloway and Clayton’s stats. Favre will be fine in Tampa.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Gruden was Al’s biggest puppet since the early Art Shell days, now Kiffin has that badge of honor and thats why the Raiders will return to the Superbowl very soon, Al Davis.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Garcia could start in Minnesota easily.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
3rd & 10, Grudens Raiders threw 5 yd crossing routes. You’re saying that was all Gannon?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
remember, last season Garcia went to the pro-bowl. How few ints did he throw? Why replace him?
August 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Garcia went to the Pro Bowl last season? I don’t believe it.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Kell, people get confused about that WCO that Gruden runs. It always sends a deep guy. The whole point of that offense is to send one receiver to every part of the field. And, there are plenty of plays that send two or three guys deep, which I’m sure will be the plays Favre and Chucky will start working on from the get go. Favre is going to be fine in Tampa.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
The biggest thing GB wants is to keep Favre out of the NFC North
August 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Gruden is king of running Tampa the same way Al is running the Raiders. Relying on veterans. The difference is that Gruden is smarter when it comes to the modern day game, which is why Tampa is better than us.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Hey Oakglenn,
Favre may be fine in Tampa, but I don’t remember Grudens offense being wide open, no sir.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Garcia only threw 4 picks last season in 13 games.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Favre will be fine in Tampa till he throws six interceptions to the Cowboys again in the playoffs.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Gruden never threw deep because he loved to throw to slow receivers like Rison, Rice, Brown, and Porter.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Kell, of course Gruden doesn’t run a spread. He uses the power I. But this notion that Gruden doesn’t send receivers beyond 5 yards is just patooey. That old WCO always has one guy deep, to draw a safety, or two. If he’s open, most qb’s will hit him. But Gannon never even looked downfield. Gannon was a career backup when he came here, and back up qb’s are technicians. They prioritize efficiency over risk. That’s why Gannon always checked down. There were many plays where Jett was wide open down that sideline. Gannon played it safe and went underneath, instead. Don’t split hairs with me, as*hole.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
You guys should just listen to me. I know what I’m talking about, and, well, I’m kind of a big deal.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I remember one Monday Nite openor when Gannon beat us at the last second with a bomb down the sideline to Rison
August 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
That was the last second of the game, numb nuts. What was he supposed to do, check down and take time off the clock? Kool Kell, I will ban you.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I doused Rison with a beer after that game. I was on the 3rd deck, in that end zone. One of those beers that hit Rison was mine. That ‘97 team was awful. Thank god Chucky came in the following year and cleaned house.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Gannon did not have a great arm for the deep ball, his scrambling and knack for beating the Raiders is why Davis signed him. yeah I remember those deep rainbow pass attempts with those slow receivers, not pretty.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
True.
But my eyes tell me Gruden is a 5yd crossing route guy. Your analysis notwithstanding.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Jett was slow by the time Gruden got there too. Gruden just neglected to throw deep and deserted the run because of his fettish for old veterans that could throw and catch inside 10 yards. Thats why Al ran him out of town. Gruden evened the score in Tampa because Callahan did the same thing and Davis knew the window was closing anyway. Thankfully he has now corrected the problem. See you soon John.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
lol thats the same car he had when he was at arkansas. you would think he would get a new one?
August 6th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
No I have not. I just like men. and being around men.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
MR you should get some help.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Dakota - I just checked out your CBSSportsline link on the Raiders and that was one glowing report by Mike Freeman. Its only one mans opinion but it does give creditability to what the Nation as a whole feels about this rebuilding.
It also excites me about the future. What Kiffin is building could grow into one the dominate teams in the league very quickly - mostly depending on the maturation of JR. Give us another year to get this WR corp and Oline settled and this team could be hell to face on Sundays. History bears repeating.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Oh and another stud DT too boot.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Improvement. That’s what we have to see. Improvement this year in all facets of the game. Kiffin has done a few very minor things that show his attention to detail. Fixing the training table menus, and trying to get this team in shape are very good signs.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Where did MR go??? he must have tired himself out posting as Oakglenn, Marley and others for 5 hours. What sick person would post as others for 5 hours on an internet site?
August 6th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
The sooner they can figure out how to get their wideouts involved in the offense, the sooner we get to the playoff.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
KK, you need capable wideouts to get involved. All we had last year was Ron Curry. Look at last years list: Porter, Mike Williams, Carlos Francis, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Morant. Shoot only Porter is still in the league and he’s hanging by a thread. This years crew is HEAD AND SHOULDERS BETTER.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
The wideout will get their shots if we protect Russell.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Real OG,
Whatever, get some wideouts, or make use of the wideout you have. Until they’re involved in the passing offense, we’re not going to be a good offense.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
And BTW, the bomb to Rison KK and Phony Oakglenn was thrown by Grbac not Gannon.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I can’t disagree KK.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Kiffin sounded awestruck by Michael Bush today. You guys must keep in mind that he hasn’t played in 2 years so you can expect some rustiness, but with Rathman as his coach I’m anxious to see the byproduct. Kiffin may have to rethink his strategy with respect to MBush before long. We’ll see.
http://videos.napavalleyregister.com/p/video?id=2055340
(I think McFadden is going to get even better under Rathman in Y2 - ProBowl caliber/HOF potential better)
August 6th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
KK, believe me I’ve had some heated discussions in here about this, our WR’s the last couple of years were TERRIBLE. And I mean terrible. Hopefully, this crew can get some separation.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Drew will stretch the field…Walker will turn short quick passes into long gainers with his run after the catch ability…Curry will work in the slot and be our version of Welker.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Wrong vid posted above but some of you can figure you way to the right vid. For those who can’t, here y’all dyslectic asses go:
http://videos.napavalleyregister.com/p/video?id=2055816
August 6th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Bush will be what Lendale White was for Kiffin at USC and DMac will play the role of Reggie Bush.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Mike Bush is such a special player. He is soooo competitive, smart, he wants to be good, looks like he made some good strides today. Now he has to string a bunch of excellent practices together.
August 6th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
#171, You must be the impersonator idiot.
Grabac started the game, which I guess your dumbasz checked, but he was injured during the game and Gannon finished.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Michael Bush will tear it up when they give him a chance. When Fargas gets hurt, its going to be difficult to keep giving the ball to McFadden all the time, so you know Bush will get in there and wreak some havok. I can’t wait. Of course, if Fargas stays healthy and has 1,300 yards…I’ll be ok with that too.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I guess the impersonator is one of our cheerleader idiots.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
Oakglenn:
Plus, with the depth that we have at the position, Bush will have time to slowly work his way back. He’ll start off as our short yardage guy ala Zack Crokett.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
What about the theory of a great running game, opens up a great passing game. Run down their throats, bring people into the box, and then pass. Last year not only did we not have a decent WR corp, we did not have a decent QB corp either. SO it did not really matter how good the running game was we could not pass at all. This year we all believe that both the WR and QB positions we have upgraded significanly. So it should make sense if the running game is working, the passing game will come around as well.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Huff:
Based on what he did last season Fargas deserves to start the season and he’ll hold on to it as long as he stays healthy and is productive.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
ctraidersfan,
I don’t know if the WR position has been upgraded or not, I hope so, but hope don’t pay the mortgage.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
KK:
The key to the whole WR thing is Walker…I hope he shows up.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hope is everything during the preseason. Even if it is only a slight upgrade, with this running attack we have with Fargas,DMAC and Bush, it is going to open some passing attack.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Let’s not forget Zack Miller…He’ll surprise a lot of people. I predict 50+ receptions 5 TDs this season.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I don’t like hearing what will happen when defenses start focusing on the short game….thats why they need to spread the offense out at times.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
You guys have probably heard me say this, the hardest part of being a RB is the blitz packages and apparently, Mike Bush is doing a pretty good job. It took Fargas three years to learn his.
KK#179 is actually me. Grbac made that throw not Gannon. Grbac started, got hurt, and then came back in. I remember it well, because I was on the fifteen yard line watching the whole play unfold right in front of me. Why are we talking about this??? Memory bringing pain, extreme pain…..
August 6th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Somebody lit up McFadden this morning over the middle, having shut down the Wideout game.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Dark:
If D’s start creeping up into the box…Hopefully we can make them pay with Carter’s speed and DMac creating mismatches in the passing game.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
You look at our WR roster from last year and only Porter and Curry are still in the league. And why Porter is still in the league is a mystery to me. So no doubt there has been an upgrade to the WR position.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
KK:
That would be Howard, but our top three receivers did not practice.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
At this time last year we had, Curry, Francis, Gabriel, Higgins, Morant, Porter, M. Williams and can anyone forget the ball hitting Whitted right in the grill on the last play of the Phony Whiner preseason game???? Cut.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
thomas howard probowl baby
August 6th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Yeah, Howard said if you keep running that sheit, that’s what’s gonna happen. The League will see the same thing
August 6th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Well after posting as me for five hours MR put his little niner jammies on and has taken a nap. Little feller must’ve tuckered himself out.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
If Dmac is all that you’re going to feature, guess what, the league will focus on Dmac
August 6th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I’d like to see Thomas Howard improve his run d. He plays out of position at times, and doesn’t shed blocks like he should. There is no better pass defending LB in the game. He needs to improve his run responsiblities to reach the pro bowl level.
August 6th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I would think that all 3 backs are going to be featured, each one brings something a little different to the table. A great running game opens the passing game. That has been proven year after year.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I was wrong Real Oakglenn, sorry, your moniker is getting worked:
My mind was saying, ‘I don’t want to feel like the Raiders,’ ” said the Chief quarterback, the toast of Kansas City all week after connecting with Andre Rison for a 32-yard touchdown in the final seconds to defeat Oakland.
But the Bills couldn’t victimize the Chiefs the way that Grbac did the Raiders.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
“Well after posting as me for five hours MR put his little niner jammies on and has taken a nap. Little feller must’ve tuckered himself out.”
That is so funny!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
if kiffin is smart, he will have Bush at HB sometimes with McFadden in the slot. that would add a few weapons!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Not to mention Bush/McFadden use to be highschool QB’s and Bush is left handed.
Let’s give the chargers some of there own HB pass medicine this year!!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
This team is going to be good. I don’t get where Al Davis gets so criticized, some of you guys should be Lions Fans. I mean if we beat the Ravens the Game Gannon got hurt and we win or last super bowl we would be at 5, not to mention the tuck game. I will guess one thing about Mr. Davis and the way he feels who the hell are these overpaid gym coaches to tell me how to run my team. I like Kiffin I think he’s smart, but how dumb are you to think you win 4 games and you want to tell Al Davis how to do it. These coaches are suffering from egomania. They think they can walk on water, why not work with the owner. How come the owner has to work for the coach? Kiffin has some growing up to do, but if he wants to win in the N.F.L hey go to the Lions. John Madden and Tom Flores had no problem with Mr. Davis. I will tell you its the same game what’s changed, coaches that have a head so big it cant fit through the complex front door. I think it started with Jimmy Johnson and never ended. These guys would be teaching high school gym if there where no N.F.L. Groveland MA
August 6th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
mr bed and breakfest didnt think the game changed much either.
The best team always wins out. The raiders have been undisciplined group of individuals in the past.
Kiffin brings structure and team concept. He is offensive minded with what he has to work with which hasnt been much at the QB position since hes been here.
8-8 would be great. We have to be patient with Russell. Hes not great YET.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
All true, Big E. No worries with Kiffin. It’s Al sticking his big ass schnoz into everything that I’m worried about. If the old fool doesn’t let Kiffin coach, we’re screwed. You can put that on ya momma, Big E.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
RaiderforLife, you’re talking about a team that Gruden built. Why give Al Davis the credit? The reason that team was so good is because Gruden just took control and ignored Al. That team was good because Al Davis was out of the picture. Do you know anything?
August 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
AL DAVIS HAS welcomed the rejected, embraced the troubled, spoken out for the voiceless. He has covered costs for medical bills, alternative treatments and funerals.
Having rescued many a soul, it’s reasonable that the Raiders boss would look in the mirror and see the reflection of a savior.
He wants to save his team and he wants to save a player, but the efforts toward the latter may hinder the former.
Of the Raiders’ needs, a No. 1 receiver ranks high. That was the role Al projected for Javon Walker upon dropping $55 million ($16 mil guaranteed) on him in March, five months after his second knee surgery and five days after he had been released by Denver.
A fit, healthy, committed Walker could be a No. 1 wideout, surely aiding the development of young quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
But Walker, 29, isn’t fit or healthy or committed. He has neither the body nor the mind of a playmaker.
So he thinks about retiring. A glance at his past explains why.
After being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004, Walker squabbled with Green Bay over his contract, threatened to retire but returned to sustain an ACL injury in the 2005 opener. He was traded to Denver in the offseason. After a solid ‘06 season, he and some teammates went partying. Events turned violent, concluding with Walker not only witnessing the gunshot murder of teammate Darrent Williams but holding him
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as he took his last breaths.
Though the motive for the shooting has not been established, there are reports that it may have started when someone in the Broncos’ party sprayed champagne on club-goers.
Walker last season underwent another knee surgery, bickered with his team and was released, after which he signed with the Raiders and announced he would be a leader in Oakland.
Three months later, partying in Las Vegas, Walker was photographed spraying champagne on bar patrons. Hours later, he was found beaten unconscious and hospitalized, allegedly a robbery victim.
Walker arrived in training camp 13 days ago, insisting he was OK and eager to prepare for 2008. A week later, he informed coach Lane Kiffin he was pondering retirement and would return his $11 million signing bonus.
To recap, Walker’s six-year NFL career, though productive at times, has been marked by unhappiness, trauma, grief, denial, more trauma and more denial — and, now, apparent despair.
Can there be a more vivid illustration of a man untethered, his emotions teetering?
That Walker has been overweight and poorly conditioned have been a source of concern since he joined the team. They speak to his desire. How important is football? All things considered, how important should it be?
He watched a friend die. Murdered. Two knee surgeries. Being released. Then, too, when an NFL player is physically handled, it scratches at his manhood.
Walker needs help. Now. Those close to him acknowledge this. To fully address the issue, it might be best to get away from football. To get support and professional counseling. To be heard.
Kiffin listened to Walker’s misgivings about his future and was immediately concerned. He urged Walker to deliberate, talk to family and friends. Kiff phoned Javon’s parents and suggested Walker discuss his plight with Davis.
Walker spoke with Al and came out of their meeting with a new outlook.
The talk of retirement was gone. Walker didn’t explain why it entered his mind, but said he was past it and “in a great frame of mind.”
Just like that.
“I think there are a lot of things going on with him, in his mind,” Kiffin told reporters the other day.
Some jobs, police officer and paratrooper to name two, demand a certain assurance and passion. They can’t be done well with a partial commitment. Pro football player falls into that category.
Don’t want to play? You should stay away.
Unsure about playing? You don’t belong on the field.
Walker throughout camp has been a man apart. Distracted. Uneasy. Lonely. In need of rescue.
And Davis is attempting that. It’s well-intentioned but short-sighted, for the Raiders and Javon would be better off if Al had taken the $11 million.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Thank God, Warren Sapp is gone. Sorry, I just had to say it.
When Warren came to the Raiders, he was all hat and no cattle.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Oakglen
yeah your right. Kiffin needs at least this season and next to bring the Raiders back to the top. he fits good with these young players and hes flexible when he has to be. I like the way he calls a game.
DAVIS better be right about Walker.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Davis shouldn’t even be making the decision. You know Kiffin wants to cut Walker like yesterday. Davis won’t let him. That’s exactly what’s wrong with this team. That’s why we sucked last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that, and why we’ll most certainly suck this year. I’m getting tired of this stupid f’n blog, too. Jerry won’t do anything about the trolls.
August 6th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Oakglenn - Nice piece btw. He is clearly suffering from some form of depression. It could be as simple as prolonged grief, PSD or he may have a family history of clinical depression or a combination. We don’t have this info. My hope is AD, Kiffin or family have forced him into getting treatment and get on some medication to help him. This maybe the case, some anti depressants can take the edge off your emotions which is the exact opposite mental state you want your premier wide receiver to be in. So perhaps he was depressed and unmotivated at the beginning of camp and now he is being medicated and unmotivated. Either way it doesn’t help us for the short term. But hopefully it may be an indication that he is on the road to recovery.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
oakglenn,The team Gruden Built? Al Davis built that team like every team. The one thing about Chucky is he didn’t cry and look for another job, he was just going to play out his contract and leave. That’s another master mind how’s it been for him. The Tampa team wasn’t his when he got there and he is running that into the ground. Al Davis ant down in Tampa is he?
August 6th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
The thing with walker is he might be done but Al don’t want the money he wants to win. Caution don’t drink the Kiffin cool aid Raider nation not yet.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
i don’t care what anyone says it will bother you when someone dies in your arms. The experience would rattle and screw up just about anyone that it happened too.
August 6th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Disagree with meds, that’s the last thing he needs.