Training camp, Day 21 (A.M. practice)
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 at 2:36 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Wednesday’s last full practice of training camp:
– Cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall, two of the most significant investments of the Raiders’ offseason, are hurting.
X-Rays were negative on Asomugha’s right foot, which isn’t the same as saying there is no discomfort.
“Right now it hurts when I walk,” Asomugha said. “It definitely hurts breaking on the football. I’ll continue to be limited in whatever I’m doing but I don’t think it’s a big issue.”
Said Kiffin: “He’s fine and ready to go. He worked really hard today, too. It was good to see.”
Hall continues to play with a cast on his right hand. He told the San Francisco Chronicle Tuesday there was a broken bone in his hand.
“We’re getting another opinion on it, another person to look at it,” Kiffin said. “(The) only thing that we know for sure is that it is a bruise. It’s a bruise with a possible sprain. So we’ve got got to make sure it’s not broken. There has been nothing so far that has said that it’s broken, none of the readings. But we want to make sure of this.”
Hall shrugged his shoulders and went with the program.
“Somebody asked me, `How do you feel knowing it’s not broken?,’ ” Hall said. “That was the first time I heard that. I guess I feel good. I know something hurts, though. We’re just going to try to get to the bottom of it. I still can’t touch anything. I can’t put my hand down. Still very painful.”
Kiffin said it’s possible Hall might sit out the Titans game Friday night. Don’t be surprised if Asomugha follows suit _ or plays a series or two before taking the rest of the night off.
– Maybe it was a coincidence, but Asomugha found himself losing track of Drew Carter twice in coverage. The first came when he was sucked inside on a reverse roll by JaMarcus Russell, who overthrew a wide open Carter on the sideline for what would have been a big gain.
Later it happened again _ and Russell obliged by again missing the open Carter.
– It seems like twisted logic, but while it seems the Raiders are doing whatever they can to make sure their injured cornerbacks take the field, they quickly bring in replacements when their kickers go down.
Shane Lechler sustained a quadriceps injury late in practice Tuesday which Kiffin said would take seven to 10 days to heal. A new punter was on the way, and off the podium following his press briefing, Kiffin said he wasn’t even sure who it is.
And he may not know even when the punter arrives. It’s not clear if Kiffin knows the name of Aaron Elling, brought in to place kick for the ailing Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring).
“We’re flying another punter in here,” Kiffin said. “He’ll be in here in a little bit, to try him out, and most likely we’ll sign a punter. That other guy we have can punt but we’d prefer have a guy who’s a punter firsthand.”
– Kwame Harris sat out with a shoulder injury, and if he can’t go in the night session, it’s conceivable that Mario Henderson will be protecting the blind side of Russell against a very strong Tennessee defensive front.
Kiffin has been unsparingly blunt in his assessment of Henderson, a third-round draft pick in 2007 who was expected to mount a challenge to Cornell Green on the right side.
There was more than a little dry sarcasm in Kiffin’s voice when he said, “We’re going to push (Harris) out there tonight. If he doesn’t play, super Mario would start for us on JaMarcus’ backside and that will be interesting versus (Kyle) VandenBosch.”
Kiffin said Henderson has improved, but noted he is “still a long ways away from being ready to play.”
– Russell, assuming he makes it that far, will play a half. He had another subpar day passing the ball. He had just one turnover, a pass stolen by linebacker Thomas Howard, with whom the quarterback seems to be developing an unwanted chemistry.
Kiffin kept it bland for Russell against the 49ers and may do much of the same against Tennessee. He simply doesn’t believe in emptying the playbook in the preseason.
He attributed Russell’s erratic passing to being tired.
“JaMarcus has pushed through and hasn’t had a day off,” Kiffin said. “So he’s tired. He’s supposed to be. It’s training camp.”
As for the development of his young quarterback, Kiffin remained upbeat regarding Russell’s ability to operate within the system.
“We’re going to get to see this week and next two games will be a big test for him to see where he’s at,” Kiffin said. “All the stuff out here he’s taken care of now let’s see if he can carry it over into the game.”
Russell did close out a team session with a laser beam of a touchdown pass to John Madsen in the seam _ his best pass in three days.
One team session featured four dropped passes from Russell and Tuiasosopo in five plays by Bush, Justin Fargas, Todd Watkins and finally Chaz Schilens.
Said running backs coach Tom Rathman to Bush: “C’mon, Michael, get your head right!”
– Wide receivers James Lofton didn’t find it amusing, but when a Russell pass exploded off the facemask of wide receiver Jonathan Holland and then fell to the ground, it provided some comic relief for his snickering teammates, who were probably wondering why Holland’s hands weren’t at least in the way.
– Three positions which Kiffin remain up for grabs _ Carter vs. Ronald Curry at wide receiver; Jake Grove vs. John Wade at center; and Ricky Brown vs. Robert Thomas at strong side linebacker.
The starters against Tennessee will be Curry, Wade and Brown. Curry, who drew early raves from Kiffin for working so hard at remaking his body, has been plagued by drops of late. He did make one nice catch for a first down against Asomugha Wednesday.
– Those who won’t play against the Titans other than the kickers include wide receiver Arman Shields (knee), tight end Darrell Strong (shoulder) and cornerback John Bowie (knee).
– Another day, another good practice for Javon Walker. He hasn’t exactly been the gamebreaker the Raiders expect him to be, but Walker has at least made the routine catches and is playing aggressively and with enthusiasm.
“I’ve been very critical of Javon throughout this camp and throughout the offseason and he’s had a string right here of the best practices he’s had,” Kiffin said. “He looks to be in the right frame of mind lately and so if we can continue to work on that and push that, it’s going in a positive direction.”
Walker said he weighs 206 pounds _ the lightest he has ever been _ and laughed when asked about whether he had any doubts about going through the grind of a season in the wake of his “retirement” offer early in camp.
“Obviously if you can make it through the training camp the hard part is done,” Walker said. “So it’s kind of like why make it through training camp and stop now. You made it through the hard part, the fun part is about to start. I’m looking forward to that and hopefully being apart of the turnaround that we can hopefully have this year and hopefully a big year.”
– Walker was one of four joggers for pre-snap violations.
“I’m always punished, dawg,” Walker said to no one in particular as he jogged past invited guests along the sideline.
Other joggers were running back Michael Bush, linebacker Grant Irons and defensive end Derrick Burgess.
– Quarterback Andrew Walter was rested for the morning session but is expected to face Tennessee.
– That’s it for me from training camp. I’ll post some P.M. practice observations as relayed by beat writer Steve Corkran later this evening. Thanks to everyone who participated in the Wednesday chat. The questions come so fast it’s impossible to answer them all but I appreciate your interest and input.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
August 13th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
My nads
August 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Joe Horn
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/08/12/falcons_joe_horn_trade.html
August 13th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
MARIO HENDERSON IS GONNA BE A BEAST!! WRITE IT DOWN!!
August 13th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
LeCharles Bentley is available..
any thoughts??
August 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Exlaraiderseasonticketholder Says:
August 13th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
La Milicia Negra Says:
August 13th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
yeah lets talk football..
Trade Walter, send tui to siberia,
—————————————————
Why would you sent tui where Russian prisons and reeducation camps are? Gulags? LOL
August 13th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Keep the updates coming
August 13th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
83
Thanks
August 13th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Bill Pickel..
sorry you feel that way…
August 13th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Lowdown in B..
yeah I know, but thats the way i’m raised, if somebody asks me or says anything they are entitled to a reply.. its just manners..
August 13th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Crap! I just did Create A Superstar in Madden 09 and my son, the 6′4″ WR, was drafted by the Chargers! Time for a trade demand…
August 13th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Isr@el’s involvement in Iran ended with the Shah. I think its funny that we grounded their entire fleet of F-14 Tomcats by removing their guidance systems under ther guise of regular maintenance after the Mullahs took over before the Hostage crisis.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Dakota..
i know so.. the sad part is that a danish and Finish tool company was owned by the isra3lians was front for most their weapons sale during the 80’s and up til 96, when the danish government found out that the danish company was used as a ‘front’
its very very embarrassing, but its okay we didn’t know because the Isr3lian government had help from the US.. the funny thing is the 1ran-1raq war, (then it was called the gulf war, later there was 2 american gulf wars).. the weird thing was 1raq had american weapons and 1ran had ‘j3wish’ weapons and they were killing eachother..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
exLA..
lol, officially.. but its not the case.. most bullets that killed 1raqies in the 1st Gulf war, was made by 1sraelis.. 1ran just didn’t know.. they thought they were from Denmark or Finland.. in fact nobody really knew until 1996, and we in DK first got to know this in 2000..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Look for Andrew to get lots of playing time friday against a weak Titan secondary.
Moses will step up big and protect him.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Lets talk football….
Well I agree with Kiffin. When I was hurt as a child my father always said, just walk it off.. I believe thats what Kiffin does.. but I like they wants to get a 2nd opinion..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Andrews Mom..
yeah, God I hope so.. the better walter plays the bigger chance do we have to trade him to a starter spot..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
how is it the compensatory picks is awarded? if walter leaves as a UFA, we wont get anything?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
He wont be traded. Andrew may be getting the most of kiffins system right now.
Now that his arm is rested.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Mom, who is Moses?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Zip nada
Andrew is a free man and has experiance in two systems, three if you count Arts tackling dummy system
August 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
DeAngelo Hall needs to sit down for a minute so his hand can fully heal. He has a busy season ahead of him, for teams wont be throwing in Aso’s direction too often. I would really like to see the Raiders grab DT Marcus Tubbs. He’s available and right now he’s also dirt cheap. Im sure some team will snatch him up soon, so it might as well be us. YA KNOW?!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
how is it the compensatory picks is awarded..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Opps I pulled a Jerry.
I met Mario not Moses.
But I had a dog named Moses Scurry.
Anyone remember him?
August 13th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Andrew…
maybe mario will face moses… in MIA…
August 13th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
start planning the parade, and getting those ring measurements!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I would venture a guess, that having a throw from Russell, “explode” off your facemask. In front of your position coach. Will not improve young Mr. Hollands, chances of making the final 53.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
lol 909
I have to agree
August 13th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Kirwin at NFL.com likes the direction the Raiders are going. How’s that for a change.
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809f7a89
August 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
909..
muahaha, yeah, holland gets the practice squad..
August 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
The only way I see us getting anything for Andrew is if another teams starter goes down before the trade deadline and we trade him. Then what do we do if Russell goes down. Having Tui start is scary.
August 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
LMN,
You might like this:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/world/398666-denmark-sucks-happiest-nation-my-ass.html
August 13th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
HAHAHAHA…FROM SI.COM
“Miami reportedly will gauge trade interest in Josh McCown and John Beck but is on the hook for McCown’s $2.5 million signing bonus if he is traded or cut.”
August 13th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
L8r Nation
August 13th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Heres a game for engineers or those who have a fix it mind. Take the tutorial. This is a lot of fun and has many levels
http://fantasticcontraption.com/
August 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Kiffin..love him or hate him at least is bringing passion to our beloved Raiders.
Pushing players to be the best, and act like winners.
This is refreshing after the last 3 coaches who seemingly accepted losing as part of the game and stood like a statues on the sidelines.
Keep on pushing these guys…save your job!
August 13th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Good stuff LMN…
http://danishblog.gedvilaite.com/#category0
August 13th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Yep, just as I figured with the poor practices as of late. Sounds like fatigue creeping in fellas. If memory serves me correct, it was the same way last year (heck, prob every year).
Good to hear Walker is turning it up. He must’ve just scrolled through camp intentionally.
Jerry, the team immediately flying in a kicker/punter in lieu of a CB says nothing about the CBs or really anything negative about the teams thinking. We only have 1 punter and 1 kicker. If they go down you must replace them - its mandatory - not Eistien science there. You can’t go on without them. There are others that can play CB although we don’t have many and are limited roster wise.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Pat Kirwan’s video review of the Raiders’ training camp visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809f7a89
August 13th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Doh, it was a repost. Sorry.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Mario vs Kyle ..hmmm that will be interesting
August 13th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Thomas Howard is da MAN!!!
Dude’s gonna get 8INTs, 3TD, 3Sacks and a Pro Bowl this year.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I think it’s time we make John Madsen a WR. He quick with good hands and can provide huge mismatches. Why NOT??? JaMarcus needs more targets.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Raul….
I think it is time to cut him..
August 13th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
They should definitely get Nnamdi and Hall rested up. Those guys are proven vets and by all reports in good shape. Let’s have ‘em at 100% or close to it when the season begins.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I think its safe to say that Bowie and Shields won’t be making the team this year. Shields is last years Holland and Holland hasn’t really shown up this year and I’m goin to bet that Shields won’t show up next year either. We’ll see.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I just did junkyard on my first try.
Woohoo. That game makes you think
August 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Pat Kirwan at raider camp : http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d809f7a89
August 13th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
We can’t trade Walter. I have a feeling JR won’t last all season and we’re going to need the next best guy to take over the team. Do you really want Tui in that position? Our offensive line is doomed.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
RADIERDOGG whats your ps3 psn user id?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Raider Raul, you got it right, post #49, if they free Howard up just a bit, he could be a freakin monster. A stud playing the strong side would cement this entire defense,defensive line not withstanding.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I think I can join a poker tournament before I gotta leave for work..
August 13th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
That was a pretty fair analysis by Pat Kirwan.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Pat didn’t say anything we don’t already know. This is a franchise on the rise certainly. Thank God for James Lofton. I have a funny feeling he’ll have his guys ready to go, come season opener.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
#52
And objective for a change
Whats going on?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Is it me or did Darren McFadden look WAY BIGGER than he did in college? I can’t remember whether his legs were bigger in the Raider game but his upper body had alot more weight to it or is he just wearing bigger shoulder pads?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Jerry, I thought you did a very good job on the online chat.
Question: is Ricky Brown superior to Thomas against the run…how does everyone think they match up against each other? Clearly Ricky Brown will make the team barring injury, because of his superior ST play. Will he also start at SLB?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
bigger shoulder pads. he is listed with the same weight he played in college
August 13th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
For those who have bought Madden 09 already…is it way better than Madden 08 or do you think its very similiar? Whats your overall thoughts about it. I wasn’t happy with the menu layout in 08 and the graphics could have been better.
Also…Did you get the special edition with NFL Head Coach 09 and what do you think of it?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Huff, just buy the new game…$60 is well worth having the roster updates and rookies.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
i think madden 09 is a little better. the menus are about the same and the graphics are a little better. all they really added was the celebration after td’s and the uniforms get dirty in rain games. overall it is better than 08
August 13th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
NoLuv4Hoes - I know McFadden weighed 205 in college. I recall hearing recently that he said he weighed 212 at this present time. I’m just curious. He looked huge in the backfield. Bigger than I thought he really was.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
i have it on ps3 i don’t if its much different on the 360
August 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
There is no way we should trade Walter
Nobody could have been sucessful during the “Bed and Breakfast” campain..
At least he’s showing some sack by learning the system and doing what it take to remain a Raider.
Besides Tui is NOT the answer
August 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Here´s Pat Kirwan´s aticle after visiting the Raiders Practice yesterday:
“NAPA, Calif. — The trip to Napa Valley is a beautiful ride and the surroundings suggest a big-time franchise is waiting at the end of the trip. Of course, the Raiders are rebuilding and no longer can just reload the roster as they did years ago.
Oakland is a team that has won just 19 of its last 80 games, yet there is a quiet optimism surrounding the team’s summer facility.
Raiders owner Al Davis and I had a chance to talk about the team, and he expressed how much he wants to win now and plans to be around more to remind his young players of what it means to be a Raider.
Lane Kiffin is the architect of the 2008 Raiders, and he sat down with me for more than an hour to talk about his team, the plan to work the storied franchise out of the doldrums, and the progress of the two young players every member of Raider Nation hopes can bring back the glory days.
The success of any organization starts at the top, and I was pleased to see that the relationship between Kiffin and Davis appears to be on much more stable ground than previously advertised.
If they can continue to get along and keep all of their efforts pointed in the same direction, then this Raiders project has a chance.
Second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell is a work in progress. With just 66 pass attempts in his NFL career, it will take time for him to blossom. He told me he feels like he’s in control of close to 70 percent of the offense but, like every young QB, continues to struggle on the practice field.
The good news for the Raiders is that he has raw talent as a pure passer, and that will eventually surface. He told me he refuses to set season goals but rather has day-to-day goals to get through practice with fewer mistakes than the day before. He also told me he feels comfortable with the audible system and is making fewer mistakes at the line of scrimmage.
First-round draft pick Darren McFadden gave me 30 minutes after lunch and had a continuous smile on his face as he described all the roles Kiffin has in mind for him this season. McFadden told me it’s tough getting enough rest and staying up with the playbook.
The talented young running back appeared to hit the first wall of camp experience when he put the ball on the ground two times during practice. When I asked him about the fumbles, he put the blame squarely on himself and made no excuses.
The first fumble was a technical issue when he didn’t have his elbow up to present a pocket for the ball. The second fumble was a function of not tucking the ball away after a catch.
McFadden’s coaches see the talent every time he touches the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a tailback/slot receiver, wide receiver and a quarterback. Kiffin is going to find a way to get him the ball close to 20 times a game.
Here are the biggest issues facing the Raiders as they work through camp:
1. Improving the run defense
Last year, the defense was ranked 31st in the NFL against the run. In fact, it hasn’t been any better than No. 22 in the past five years in a division that runs the ball. The players and coaches feel the run defense has been addressed enough to see improvement.
Gibril Wilson came over from the Super Bowl champion Giants and has had more tackles over a four-year period than any other safety in the league. He will be down in the box every chance he gets and will clearly help. Defensive tackle Gerard Warren finally looks like he sees his career on the line and will team up with Tommy Kelly to clog the middle.
When I brought up run defense to Al Davis, he was quick to point out that CB DeAngelo Hall will be a factor vs. the outside run. Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison says the main reason there were 18 runs over 20 yards against the Raiders last year was poor run fits in the scheme. He says that will change in 2008.
2. Is there enough depth to survive the season?
Depth is a very critical issue for the Raiders. There are playmakers on this roster, but if the starters go down with injury there will be problems (except at running back).
Oakland has never been a team to use the waiver wire at the end of camp to build up the back end of its roster, but it may be time to start thinking that way. Right now, roster spots 40 through 53 should be up for grabs and more players need to be in the mix. Right now an injury to an offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker or tight end will leave Oakland struggling.
3. Expensive offseason acquisitions
Davis cannot be faulted for trying to buy his way out of the losing ways, but did he overpay Kelly, Javon Walker, Hall and Gibril Wilson? The coaches are convinced Kelly will be a force at the “three technique,” his natural position, but couldn’t play there because Warren Sapp played it last year. Kelly isn’t in great shape right now but he looks like a force against the run.
Walker wanted to quit last week but seems settled in this week. Receivers coach James Lofton called Walker a big receiver with good explosion. But Lofton appears to have to stay on top of him throughout practice.
Hall gives Oakland a cornerback tandem (with Nnamdi Asomugh) that could be compared to the tandem of Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes one day, but like all corners they can use a pass rush in front of them. Wilson looks like he will provide immediate benefits, but it remains to be seen if he shines against passing teams that spread out the defense.
How will they pressure the QB?
Oakland needs to do a better job of getting to the quarterback. Last year they were 28th in sacks and may have to utilize more of the Giants’ fire-zone pressure scheme. Of the 28 sacks they recorded last year, 10 came from players no longer on the roster.
But it looks like linebacker-safety blitzing will be incorporated into the package this season. After watching practice, I think we will see more pressure schemes with either Thomas Howard, Morrison or Wilson joining the rush.
5. Needing a fast start, will they be ready?
The Raiders have three divisional games in the first four weeks and they must win two of the three games if they want to improve on their 2-4 record in the AFC West last year.
Russell may not have a great No. 1 receiver to lean on early in the season, and reliable tight end Zach Miller probably has to worry more about helping the offensive tackles than getting free in coverage.
As the schedule moves along, the Raiders face another big problem as they have to travel from coast to coast four times. That makes winning very tough.
6. Can poor turnover ratio be improved?
The Raiders were poor as a team forcing turnovers in 2007. All spring and summer, Kiffin has been harping on the forced turnovers to his defensive players and ball security to the offense. In the preseason opener, the defense created four turnovers, something that’s needed for a young quarterback who needs all the extra snaps he can get.
All of the defensive players I spoke with brought up how much the team is constantly thinking about how they can create turnovers. I would be surprised if the Raiders don’t improve significantly in this area.”
August 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Dakota - I wish it was that easy. I have the money but its a bad time to spend on anything for me so thats why I’m asking. Eventually, I will spoil myself with the special addition so I can have 2 games at a discount.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Huff, I think the game play is much better (PS3) than the 08 version. The new Madden IQ option is cool. I have not used the franchise mode yet. The menu layout is identical to the 08 version.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
huff24 nfl.com has him listed at 210 lbs. http://www.nfl.com/players/darrenmcfadden/profile?id=MCF084974
August 13th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Huff24 -
Madden 09 is worthy of $60. If you have both systems, the graphics on XBox360 are at 1080p where as ps3 is at 720p. The differences are pretty noticeable and the graphics are way worth the upgrade from 08.
I also enjoyed the Madden tests at the beginning to “assess” your football skills and IQ.
NoLuv -
I am not online and if I was it would be XBox live, I don’t own a ps3 yet.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
NoLuv4Hoes - I have to be honest with you. I bought my 360 and PS3 at the same time. I have always loved Playstation and it has been my favorite system over the years but in my opinion, 360 completely blows away PS3 with its gameplay and graphics. I think PS3 underachieved big time. Its kind of hard to beat out a computer company.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Dogg, what was your Madden IQ??? mine was only 447, lol…a little rusty.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
your probably right huff24 but i have never been able to get used to the button layout and controls on the 360. i prefer ps3.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
The PS3 is a Blu-Ray dvd player that also plays games…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Bob Marley..#64.. Thanx, Nice read..
August 13th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Dakota -
I ended up at 507. Stronger on offense by a long shot, which is funny because in my mind I thought for sure I would be better at defense.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
The interesting part about Kirwan´s report is that he actually sits down with both Davis and Kiffin, that oughta give him a better perspective than most.
Kirwan is also “extremely close to the USC football program, and is often on the sidelines during games. He’s good friends with Pete Carroll and knows Lane Kiffin.”
August 13th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Dogg, that pass defense test was BS! Impossible!
August 13th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
what I don’t understand is if the PS3 is a Blu-Ray dvd player, which is HD 1080p capable, then why did EA release it as 720p? Sony’s machine should be powerful enough to handle the same graphics capabilities as the Xbox360. Maybe they sacrifice graphics for deeper stats or something.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
NoLuv4Hoes - I’m also more comfortable with the PS3 controller. I learned how to use the 360 controller for games like Call of Duty 4, Halo 3 and Assassins Creed but I’ve had so much difficulty getting used to the football games because I played Madden on the playstation for so long that I got accustomed to it.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
DEANGELO HALL ACCORDING TO THE TWERP
DeAngelo Hall is yet another FA signing disaster waiting to happen for The Al.
TWERPING TRUTH
So, a 5′10″ DB with a broken hand & a big mouth is going to stop Chargers Vincent Jackson (6′5″) or Antonio Gates (6′4″).
Not in the NFL.
TWERPING REALITY
The Raiders have no depth on their roster, a function of The Al’s total mismanagement.
TWERP’S FINAL THOUGHTS
Keep that boastful, chest-pounding attitude, puffed up, done-nothing attitude going, Raider fans.
Week 4: The Chargers will adjust your expectations accordingly, back to the depressed Raider Nation over a Raider team that has lost 77% of 80 games.
Sept. 28th–Chargers will defeat the Raiders for the 10th straight time.
Can you say “mismatch” silver & hapless fans?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Jeez, you guys sound like a bunch of vidiots.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Of all the issues that are discussed about the Raiders trying to claw back to respectability, NONE to me is as important as Kirwans #6 “can the turnover ratio be improved.”
As I wrote a week or so ago, San Diego is barely better than us offensively, at least statistically. Their defense is average at best. How do they win games??? Turnovers. They were like Plus a hundred. Think about us last year. From the Detroit game where we were losing, came back to take the lead only to turn the ball and the game over, to the first San Diego game where Howard returned a pick for six, bringing us back into the game, only to have us give it away, to the last game of the season where Jam’s first pass is picked and he gets stripped for their game winning TD, it’s all turnovers!!
It’s kind of funny too, how both Denver and KC are KNOWN for their opportunistic defenses. Something, clearly, San Diego has learned. Now we have to learn that same lesson, and from watching the Whiner pre season game, someone is getting the message.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
RaiderDogg - I tried hooking up my PS3 to my 42″ and I found that you need to purchase a box or something like that to get to the full 1080p. In other words, not only do you have to pay a ton for the PS3 but you have to buy something else just to get the max out of it. Now that is complete BS.
I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it any longer. I’m a bigger 360 fan these days.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Huff,
What did you think of Assassins Creed? I thought it was fun to play, but once you got the tricks down it became too easy. I hope they make the sequel more challenging. Now, Call of Duty 4 was challenging…
August 13th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Twerp - Dude…Hall is a 2 time Pro Bowler. I think hes proved that he can cover most people.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Bob Marley..
Good read.. thanks =)
August 13th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Good one MR, er Twerp. The funny thing is the ONLY STAT THAT MATTERS IS 3-0. That’s number of our trophies to yours. You should shut your ignorant fat Gob until you’ve won something other than a regular season game.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Actually Hall is 24 and a two time Pro Bowl corner. I think he may know how to cover guys.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Dakota - I had alot of fun with Assassins Creed but I was extremely disappointed with the ending of the game. I didn’t feel fulfilled by it at all. All that work for that?
I started playing Halo 3 before I played COD4. What a rude awakening. I went into COD4 and got my @$$ handed to me right away. It took awhile to get used to but I’m so damn inconsistent. I’ll have remarkable games and then I’ll look like a flat out chump in others. I just don’t have the time to spend to be a great player. I’m not in school anymore. haha.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Yo twerp, correct name by the way, as bad as the Raiders have been, and it’s been pretty bad of late, the Raiders still have the overall better record against the charge-pukes, which goes to say how bad, for how long those losers have been, grip reality pal, the Raiders r on the way back up, and lt, is a gettin mighty tired, with much 2 much money, to weather the oncoming storm that is “THE SILVER AND BLACK”.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Bob Marley…
Yeah, the article reads as if though he actually put the WORK in, to get an objective view of how thing are really going, in Napa.
Rather than getting a quote or two, and watching a few minutes of practice, then typing out a half baked article..
Refreshing to see that there is, some media hacks that are not lazy, and will put forth the effort, to try to get the story right.
Will read more stuff from Kirwin, in the future..
August 13th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
AM,
Moses Scurry - Forward, UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.
Used to scream every time he got a board.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
The only score that matters versus the Discharge is 3-0. When you have 3 Super Bowl trophies to NONE, that lame pile of goo should shut his gob
August 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Sounds to me like everyone is getting tired of camp and losing their edge. Not necessarily a bad thing. Good to hear about Walker though.
Twerp: I think most Raider fans expect to lose to SD anyway this year. And the Raiders have done a pretty good job slowing antonio gates.
Bottom line you suck at trolling.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
When it comes to the Chargers, all I have to say is, “NORV TURNER”. You guys made so much fun of the Raiders when we had him and now that hes with you guy, you’re praising him. Wake up and realize that hes there to destroy your team and burn it to the ground. Your day will come. NORV THE TEAM DESTROYER!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Or how about 5 Superbowl Appearances to 1.
5-1. Wow.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Actually Huff, the one super bowl game the Discharge was invited to, they didn’t even show up.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Marley I saw you and Raiderdogg both in chat today.
I thought I saw you ask about the relationship of AL and Coach because didn’t someone recently report that its not as bad as advertised.
Was that the question I saw you ask today Bob?
August 13th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Oakglenn - There must be a curse in San Diego to go through that kind of spell. Makes you wonder whether the Raiders were affected by it when we were in San Diego for the Superbowl in 2002. The aura of losing is so bad there, the Raiders crumbled under it.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Oakglenn - Its definately fitting that the Chargers would be thrown down by a Bay Area team during its only opportunity. If you really want to go deep.
Bay Area 8 - San Diego 0
August 13th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
TWERP….
Nevermind, not worth my time….
August 13th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Interesting point Huff. That San Diego is so packed with losers and elderly losers that just by appearing there, their loser-ness tarnished our meteoric rise back to prominence!! Hmm, Can’t find fault in that logic.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
909
Yeah, Kirwan is solid as an analyst and it´s because he has an NFL background. It is widely believed that whenever Pete Carroll comes back to the NFL he´s gonna bring Kirwan into the front office.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Chargers super bowl: 49-26 loss.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Yo mr/mrs twerp nnnaaaaaaa!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Marley I just read the article you posted by Pat Kirwan and watched the video.
Wow great stuff!!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
SNB666
Yeah, it was about post 66 on this thread.
Actually, someone else in the chat asked about it first and he mentioned the Kirwan article. That made me look for it and repeat the guy´s question to Jerry.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Bob Marley
So you did ask Jerry today in chat about the Pat Kirwan perception of the Davis Kiffin relationship.
Did he answer you?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Funniest part DarthPirate is the game wasn’t as close as the score.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
That’s a great article and it proves what I have been saying all along in here. nancy gay ann killion ray fatto and mote poodle are all liars and headline seekers.
Nice Job Marley!!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I am a Super Bowl caliber QB! No doubt about it.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
So it looks like after today we will only get one post a day.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Dakota..
correction, its not Canton, south Dakota isn’t a dumb… Canton Tx is a dumb =)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Yeah…Natrone Means no winning Superbowls as a Charger.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Speaking of “Fatto”, heard he will be a guest host on Rome’s radio show, next Friday..
August 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
SNB666…Post 108
Jerry did answer the question, it went like this:
Q: “Jerry….Pat Kirwan today: “I was pleased to see that the relationship between Kiffin and Davis appears to be on much more stable ground than previously advertised.”……any comments?.
A: (Jerry McD)…Lane has twice gone to the “I can only control what I can control” answer with regard to personnel and the workings of the front office.
In that regard, I think Kiffin is at least in peace with the way things are operating, he will coach the offense the way he sees fit and not worry about his relationship with Al Davis. In that way, I think it’s stable.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
What”s up Huff24?
What’s up with the porn references being made about you?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
See ya guys.. gotta get to work..
I’ll join you later,if there isn’t much to do..
August 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Hey Jerry how is Adam archuleta doing??? Jeez man, earth to MCFLY??? fill us in
August 13th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Hey you guys I was busy polishing my Super Bowl rings. Was there a Discharger fan just here looking for directions outta the crapper??
August 13th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I think Bob brought up the point that right now, a ton of coaches around the league don’t have enough guys to field the practices they want. That’s not just a Raider thing, it’s a league thing. Hey Coaches, it’s an imperfect world, what can I tell ya?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Just heard Papa on the radio… Man this guy can get you pumped! Said he had to wisper the way the Raiders plan on using Mcfadden, so denver can’t hear. Good stuff…
Can’t wait for the season to start…should be fun
August 13th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
LMN…Guess that means, see you in about 60min.
Kevin…. Jerry, said that he hasn’t seen enough of Archuleta, to form a opinion. Only noted that, he is small for a LB..
August 13th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Ms. lmn
You’re finished on this yard!!! U are incapable of “manning up”!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Ms. lmn, the fellows voted for “protective custody” regarding u!!
Now muhaha to that, miss!!! What an idiotic laugh!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
The only “manning up” LMN would do is if he went nose first into Peyton’s pooper!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Bob Marley Thanks for asking that question….and to that I would say…do you think Wade Phillips has control over his personnel in Dallas…do you think Tony Sparano has that kind of control over his personnel in Miami.
So why act like Kiffin is any different just because he work’s for Al Davis. I mean seriously he is a second year coach with a 4-12 record and Al is supposed to beckon to his every call.
I like Kiffin I have been one of his biggest supporters. I liked they way he instituted a diet at camp and put the win disks in the urinals that shows me that he has command over the things that a second year should have command over.
But as far as a coach having 100% control over personnel I think those days are gone in the NFL.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Jerry -great final post. You got jokes for days and you deserve a raise… keep up the good work. …thanks
August 13th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Jeremy
LMAO
August 13th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
The problem is that local media beat writers don’t have the kind of access that Pat Kirwan has to Al Davis.
Since the Raiders do not respond to the rumors started by the media they can in fact get away with a lot of slander.
You just have to be able to read between the lines.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
NATION what is up???????????
August 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Sup Thec
August 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Triple6…#130..
Good point. I always read the locals and most of the national “media”, w/ kool-aid tinted glasses…lol
August 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I like when the media pops off about the NATION in a negative manner……
I would be willing to bet that the Head coaches, and cordinators see it a little bit diffrently.
ted cotrell wake up from you nightmare…… the Raiders didnt rush for 375 yards against your D. It was only 370….
August 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Hey twerp, the football gods will never allow a team to win a superbowl, whose owner builds apartments in Stockton, to ever win a superbowl, not now, not ever.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
SNB666, what up Bro, see you been hlding it down.
I like it when a discharger fan comes in and you guys shut him the F up….. Good job NATION!!!
Looks like the chocolate rain guy made a special apperance…. what an idiot.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
dis chagers win a SB hahahahahahahahahaha Thats the punch line. Its not in the dis chargers DNA to win a SB.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
And if that don’t grab ya how about this, so-cal $uks anyhow, split the state @ Bakersfield where the 40 year surplus of oil is stored, ya’ll south of there can melt back to Mexico, already 80 percent there.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
what the hell is up with all the injuries? seems like a legue wide epidemic. wtf
August 13th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I will say that, the game on Fri. w/ the Teetans, should be a fair gauge on how our Lines are looking, on both sides of the ball.
They, manhandled the sheep last week.
COLD beer time, take care, all
August 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
You regular guys should start a online league in Madden 09 and name it “InsideTheRaiders” or “RaidersBlog”, grown men do play Madden online, didn’t you see Vince Vaughn playing in the movie “The Breakup” ?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
909, take care Bro…
August 13th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Unknown - What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. haha.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Easy Thec, just the typical training camp nicks and bruises, the new conditioning coach, uh, i forgot his name, anyway he’ll have the troops up to par, maybe birdie or eagle, if you get my drift.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Homey…Thanx, for the water!!
August 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
By the way everyone could play with Raiders as their team also.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Oh, drift, water, very creative 909.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Huff24
Trust me, I understand! lol
August 13th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Thec…take care, yourself.. Now I must rescue, some ice COLD beer from their frigid plight…
August 13th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I’m gonna keep sayin it all season long, if they stay away from turnovers, 10-6 will b a snap.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
mmmmmmmmmm Beeeerrrr
August 13th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
homey, i chill for now. Bittersweet we wont be full strength for the practice game. Jruss needs to have a good game. Once our pass catches the rush its over in the AFC west.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Homey…It’s all good… that water line always gets you NO-CAL’S a goin….take care. bro..
August 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Yeah 909, that cold beer will get cold, and maybe lonely.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
SB in less than 3. we will win one before the dis chargers will.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
thec
I think all 31 teams will have won one before they finally do!
August 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I guarentee one thing. If the Raiders play like they have a Pro Bowler at every position, they will win. Haha.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I guarentee that if we score more points than the other team each Sunday. We will win.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
so true Huff24
August 13th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
If JR, Fargas, McFadden, Bush, Miller, Walker, Curry, the O-Line, the D-Line, the linebackers, the secondary and special teams play good. I’d bet we win. Oh yeah…and we cannot turn the ball over either.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have it figured out. If AD can get away with his own spygate…think 3 Superbowls. The Pats did it right? Why not us? The Raiders are the most secret right?
August 13th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I feel bad for myself. I have to go watch this movie called, “Henry Poole is Here”, because the tickets are free and are set for a particular day and time. Someone help me. Outside of knowing George Lopez is in this movie, I think its going to suck.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
post 156 classic lol
August 13th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Funny thing is…The Raiders can be mediocre and have a chance to win the Superbowl. The Chargers can have the best team in the NFL and we all know they still won’t make it or even win it for that matter. Sucks for them.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
# raiderhomey Says:
August 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Easy Thec, just the typical training camp nicks and bruises, the new conditioning coach, uh, i forgot his name, anyway he’ll have the troops up to par, maybe birdie or eagle, if you get my drift.
____________________________________________
His name is Brad Roll, he is this years Cable, by that I mean, what Cable did last year with the O-line, Brad Roll is doing to the entire team, the will be much better, he can made Grove bigger, I bet he can do some things with Harris, and the rest of the team. Those nicks and bruises just has to be walked off/away (!?)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Huff24..
re. ‘Harry Poole is Here’
I’ve heard it has its funny moments, ’scary movie’ funny.. not a totally waste of time, and if it is for free, then what the heck =)
August 13th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
dis chargers hahaha lol roflmao at the dis chargers
August 13th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hey twerp, bet you did’nt know that ol uncle AL, once coached for that lame-@$$ bunch off losers in diego, then he got some sense, and “BOLTED” away from the stench, and forged history for us all to enjoy.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
And just 1 more thing 2 all you bolt-dolts, like it, luv it, hate it, now take it, right down your friggin throat, courtesy of Farg-Mac-Bush inc.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
sometimes I just love this job.. I show up, my boss say, there is nothing to do, we are 4 at work at night. So he say lets see the olympics, lets vote which channel/sport to see.. I lost 3-1, no biggy, i’ll just catch up on some raiders =) lol
August 13th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
94 -
you mean the one where the discharge got their junk handed to them by the sorry-a$$ forty-whiners? oh snap that was bad!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
is it dinner time at the west coast or what happening? =)
August 13th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
SNB666… absolutely true, your post #130. Al doesn’t respond to BS because he really doesn’t care what people outside of the sport think about him and the Raiders.
I don’t think he cares what Charger fans think, either.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Edward teach, you are absolutely, possitivley correct, and each and every morning Al wipes his charge-bronc, with a fresh clean queef.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale 5.9% ALC.. yeah!!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Tell them to make sure they take care of the cornerbacks!!! Nnamdi might have plantar fascitis
August 13th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
In a very related way, so will the monster that is, Farg-Mac-Bush inc, the wipe-out, drum-out, stomp-out, laid-out destruction will be quickly upon us, and everybody else in the NFL, who by the way are lookin over their shoulder @ the oncoming nightmare, I can hear it now, loud and clear, “touchdown RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRaiders!!!”.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
if you mean plantar fasciitis ? I don’t think so, but God forbid it..
August 13th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Foot injuries, is something of the worst, especially if its broken bones, they are so thin like chicken bones, and the muscles around are very delicate..
one of the best defenders in soccer was out a year because just one tiny bone..
So i just hope Nnamdi’s injury is something to do with the wear and tear from the camp practices..
August 13th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
—”The Raiders signed P Glenn Pakulak to fill in for the injured Shane Lechler. Pakulak was a backup punter during training camp in 2006.
LB Ed Hartwell was cut to make room on the roster.”—
Buy buy - hartwell
August 13th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Raiderhomey Says:
August 13th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Hey twerp, bet you did’nt know that ol uncle AL, once coached for that lame-@$$ bunch off losers in diego, then he got some sense, and “BOLTED” away from the stench, and forged history for us all to enjoy.
Classic!!
RAIDER ON
August 14th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Hartwell Brown? ooooooh too bad!