Raiders

var8rfan · 05-17-2008, 07:36 PM

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 7:07 pm

Quote:

– One of the biggest misconceptions about JaMarcus Russell is that he is suited only for the sort of play-action, dropback passing attack as run by Norv Turner when Kerry Collins was the quarterback.

It’s a stereotype which has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with size. Russell is a big, strong-armed quarterback, ergo, he should be throwing deep every play.

Russell could play in that style, but he’ll be infnitely more interesting moving to his left or right and finding targets out of the pocket. He is nimble afoot, takes up huge chunks of yardage on each step of his rolls, and looks natural throwing on the run. He won’t be using his legs to run, necessarily, but to get off passes.

–There were a couple of nice passes on seam routes over the middle to tight end Zach Miller, with whom Russell seemed to develop a chemistry in his two extended performances at the end of the season.

– Hopefully Ronald Curry’s foot surgery is not a big deal. He will be important in sustaining drives as a third-down receiver.

– As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning. Todd Watkins is the sleeper, a big, active, former BYU receiver who could make a run if he continues his progress.

– Didn’t see much from Johnnie Lee Higgins, who may stick if the Raiders want to keep one smallish receiver on the roster (assuming it isn’t Drisan James _ a safe assumption) but who may need to prove he can be an explosive kick returner to make the 53-man roster.

– One of Oakland’s biggest decisions heading into training camp will be whether to go with Andrew Walter as the backup or find a more experienced veteran.

Jeff Otis and Erik Meyer are not a factor, merely camp arms.

While Russell looks smooth on the move, Walter does not. Last year, line coach Tom Cable described the shift of Robert Gallery from left guard to left tackle as a situation of not keeping a square peg in a round hole.

The same could be said for Walter. He still looks like a play-action, dropback passer stuck in a system which doesn’t suit him. The Raiders had former Arizona State teammate Sam Keller in during rookie camp, but didn’t sign him to a contract.

If the Raiders gear their offense toward Russell’s ability to operate on the perimeter and then are forced to go to Walter, and in the process are forced to change the emphasis of the offense, it won’t go well.

– Interesting to see Chris Morris opening up as the No. 1 center over John Wade, although it’s worth noting that the same thing happened last year with Jake Grove over Jeremy Newberry. We all know how that turned out.

Morris, however, is the kind of player who occasionally flourishes in a zone blocking system. He doesn’t look like much physically, but he can move, is extremely smart, and Cable has faith in him. It was Morris who was Gallery’s backup at left guard last year.

As a rookie seventh-round pick, Morris won a “game show” of sorts on everything the rookies had learned at the NFL rookie symposium in Carlsbad, getting a leased Hummer for a year free of charge.

– Kiffin was downplaying the significance of Michael Huff playing deep and Gibril Wilson being closer to the line of scrimmage, but it seems clear Oakland is intent on seeing if Huff can be a playmaker at free safety. He covered tight ends well as a strong safety, but didn’t force fumbles, recover them or intercept passes.

– Defensive tackle Gerard Warren seemed active and interested during the OTA practice, more than just a guy going through the motions. The knock on Warren throughout his career has been that he plays when he wants to play, and disappears in others. There was nothing to dispel that notion last year, when Warren seemed to excel against his former teams.

– Offensive tackle Mario Henderson worked with the second team on the right side, and will get extensive work to see if he is up to the task of challenging Cornell Green at right tackle. No one will say it out loud, but the Raiders would like to see Henderson seize the job from Green, a cagey veteran who most any team would love to have as a reserve.

– Line play is one of the most difficult things to judge to the untrained eye during no-contact scrimmages and drills. We probably won’t know about the viability of the likes of Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires as outside pass rushing threats until July and August, during full-contact training camp drills and preseason games.

I watched film with Jon Gruden in the his Napa Marriott office one time where he was breaking down tape of Darrell Russell in a blocking drill with Mo Collins. Gruden was grousing about the “brother-in-law” blocks Collins was attempting, saying that both men were taking it easy on each other rather than going all out and getting everything out of the drill.

I have to admit he had to run it back about three times _ juxtaposed with players who were expending full effort _ before I could tell the difference.

– A relatively quiet practice from cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who did break up one pass in a goal line situation but made no sensational plays and seemed to be making an effort to blend in with his teammates.

Zach Miller could be a sleeper at TE. He was developing nicely at the end of the season last year and seems to be developing good chemistry with Russell this year.

I would like to see more from Javon Walker. All reports were good up until OTA's, not sure if he is half-assing it, out of shape, or just taking care of the knee.

Overall I am pleased with the Raiders this off-season. Couple of questionable moves, but still otherwise pleased. Sure they spent alot of money, but at least they are doing something.

var8rfan · 05-17-2008, 07:43 PM

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

Quote:

Russell cheerfully addresed the story of his supposed out-of-control weight problem, with CNN-SI reporting Russell was north of 300 pounds. Although it was tough to tell body definitition in loose fiiting red jersey, Russell’s face looked thinner than it did last year and he looked nimble and quick, covering a lot of ground on his rollouts with a giant stride.

His weight?

“Right now I’m 269,” Russell said. “I was never close to 300 pounds.”

(Maybe not. But if Russell weighs 269 now, then he had to be 285 when he reported after his contract impasse last year, and he probably hasn’t seen the officially listed weight of 255 since high school).

Russell said he’s looking to lose five or six more pounds, but no more. He seemed relaxed, confident and in control. He said the report of his weight caused Kiffin to give him a call, with the coach greeting him, “Hey, big boy!”

“They said I was 300 and that was before I had gotten back to California and no one had seen me. That’s why it was kind of funny,” Russell said. “People have their opinions. They get paid to make a story and a reason for people to read it. That’s why they get paid.”

Kiffin made no pretense about the fact that the Raiders are all about JaMarcus, his comfort level with the system and his relationship with his teammates.

“We really feel good about JaMarcus’s shape and the way he’s throwing the ball,” Kiffin said. “Now we’ve got to get all the pieces around him to come together and working with him at his OTA days. As important as anything out here, as far as the rest of our team, is getting that chemistry.”

Return of “Big Boy” - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

var8rfan · 05-20-2008, 08:51 PM

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

Quote:

It is said often that a player’s second year in a system or a coach’s subsequent campaign implementing a scheme is where the most growth is seen.

For the Oakland Raiders and Tom Cable, this year may be far more important than 2007, especially now with JaMarcus Russell under center. It’s of incalculable importance that the offensive line is steady, consistent and one of the reliable units during their second season operating with Cable’s zone-blocking scheme.

Cable’s undertaking in his first year as offensive line coach of the Raiders was to bring some semblance of teamwork to a group that allowed a league high 72-sacks in 2006 and that managed a measly 94.9 rushing yards per game (29th in the NFL).

He succeeded, as the Raiders cut their sack totals to 41 and their rushing attack averaged 130.4 yards per game (6th in the NFL).

More importantly, he found a functional role for Robert Gallery and has sold his system to an organization that depended on maulers instead of nimble linemen in their historic past.

Cable now has to replace long time left tackle Barry Sims, who the Raiders deemed not fit for the scheme, with San Francisco 49ers outcast Kwame Harris.

Harris comes with baggage, taking the brunt of the ire from the fans across the bay and considered a failure after his 5-seasons since being drafted with the 26th overall pick in the 2003 draft. His constant penalties and blown assignments have become legendary and infamous. He failed while protecting Alex Smith, a former no. 1 overall selection, and now Oakland may have him protecting their top selection.

Cable still needs to find a right tackle, a position held by Cornell Green and Paul McQuistan last year. Both are back and will compete for the job once again.

At center there will be a new face, but one that may bring stability like another veteran did in 2007. John Wade will be an upgrade over Jeremy Newberry. And his impact on the line could parallel the impact of Cooper Carlisle’s last season when the seasoned pro locked up the right guard spot and made that a strength of the Silver & Black’s. Now, with Wade and Carlisle playing next to each other, the Raiders have the makings of well-built interior.

Cable found a niche for Gallery at left guard after years of floundering at right tackle, and left tackle. That trial is one year in, and it will be interesting to see if Gallery is fully adjusted and truly entrenched next to Wade. If not, the Raiders could have two former first round picks that have struggled mightily throughout their careers protecting their prized possession.

This is not a year to experiment along the offensive line. And Cable knows it. He will attempt to get the best players on the field to keep their top ranked ground game going and hopefully to block long enough for a passing game that needs revitalization.

The system has worked. Management feels like it has acquired players to fit the philosophy.

Now, can the magician pull another rabbit out of his hat?

If Cable does, Oakland’s offense will be receiving many standing ovations in 2008.

var8rfan · 05-23-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

How is JaMarcus Russell progressing entering his second season with the Oakland Raiders?

On Thursday, Lane Kiffin appeared enthused about the development of his quarterback and raved how much difference a year can make. “This is not the same JaMarcus we saw a year ago. The way he is moving around. The way he is zipping the ball in and the confidence he is throwing with”, said Kiffin.

These are fantastic signs for the Raiders who are depending on their no. 1 overall choice last season to lead this offense at such a young age. Russell is practically a rookie, going through his first camps and eventually participating in his first pre-season as a professional after a hold out put a nix to his schooling early on in 2007. Of importance will be how he is able to grab the bull by the horns and become a leader for an offense that will try to find an identity. Russell likes to lead by example and has stated that often in the past. But Kiffin noted that his ability to pilot his club effortlessly at such a young age has been seamless. “His leadership role; I like that he hasn’t tried to fake it. He has let come naturally.”

For Oakland, good signs early on that their franchise passer has embraced and is ready to take on the challenge of being one of the focal points of the organization. It helps also that he is physically fit, looking stronger than he did at any point last season and as imposing as any quarterback in the league with his conditioning.

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Sgt John · 05-24-2008, 12:43 AM

Those are great signs for the Raiders.

Mike · 05-24-2008, 12:46 AM

mcfadden is going to put this team on the map. Best draft decision that Al Davis has made in a long time, maybe ever.

var8rfan · 05-27-2008, 09:10 PM

Yeah, I am very optimistic this off-season. I am optimistic every off-season, and that normally turns to pessimism once the season starts, and usually for good reason. But this off-season has a different feel to it. The Raiders should have a good season, probably no more than 8-8, but they definitely have some building blocks for the future.

var8rfan · 05-27-2008, 09:11 PM

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

Carter’s Commitment

All signs are positive in Oakland for one of their acquisitions this off-season. Drew Carter inked a one-year $2 million contract in March and has been a fixture at the team’s facility working out and getting in sync with JaMarcus Russell. Last season, for a second year in a row, Carter set career marks, posting 38-receptions, 517-yards and four touchdowns. And that was on a team with an unstable situation at quarterback that ended the season with the 29th ranked pass attack in the league.

Now Carter looks to boast an aerial attack that was 31st in the league, but unlike in Carolina, he has a strong-armed passer to match his best attribute – getting deep.

“Drew has been here the whole off-season and working with [Russell], so I think you are starting to see them gel a little bit,” said head coach Lane Kiffin.

Carter will be one of the four pass catchers that Kiffin will depend on to ignite a dormant passing game.

His speed and strengths as a down field target were needed to compliment Russell and add some diversity to a unit that was in dire need of big plays from that spot. Ronald Curry should feel more comfortable in a complimentary role, Javon Walker they hope can bounce back after injuries slowed him down in 2007, and with the development of Zack Miller, who looks to already have a connection with Russell, the Raiders passing game should be able to hold up their end of the bargain and round out an offense that already has a very formidable ground attack.

var8rfan · 05-27-2008, 09:13 PM

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

1st round talents are their handling their workload

With Russell and Darren McFadden, Oakland has the foundation to an explosive attack. And so far, both have hit it off and begun the learning process together.

“It’s been good to have them together. I think they’ve hit it off pretty well,” commented Kiffin during last week’s practice.

The second year coach wants them to absorb much of the playbook now in preparation for training camp and the pre-season when they can implement their education to the football field.

“We’re going to keep throwing more stuff at ‘em,” said Kiffin. McFadden has been talked about as a multi-dimensional weapon that will be utilize as a receiver and runner once he gets a good grasp of the offense. But with his natural abilities, Oakland will surely hand the ball to the 4th overall choice on many downs and let him do what he does best.

What will make him a true star is when the Raiders open up the playbook and let him showcase his many skills. And the building blocks for that will occur now during organized team activities.

Kiffin was quoted, “I think we are going to try stay with more stuff and slow up a lil’ bit later. He is doing a phenomenal job of mentality being able to handle it. Physical, is being very easy on him.”

Coachnorm · 06-05-2008, 06:45 PM

The early returns are glowing for Javon Walker in his first season with the Raiders, only a few months after the Broncos jettisoned him earlier this year after two seasons.
"Javon is so explosive," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "We think that he's going to be the best he's been in years, as far as health-wise. I know he's excited about this upcoming season and (the opportunity) to prove a lot of people wrong."

At this point The Raider WR corp shakes out like this. Javon Walker and Drew Carter as starters with Curry in the slot.

Raiders expect a return to form by receiver Walker - Inside Bay Area

Coachnorm · 06-06-2008, 12:45 AM

– The deflection off Carter’s hands in the end zone was a rarity through three days. The free agent has been the Raiders most impressive receiver and could move Ronald Curry to his former role as a slot receiver once he recovers from foot surgery.

“I don’t mention him (Drew Carter) sometimes because I expect him to do what he’s doing, he’s going at it every day, and I love the work ethic that he brings,” Kiffin said. “He’s just one of those guys that’s going to do everything he can to get out on that field and he’s never going to complain about anything. He’s going to play as hard as he can. He’s going to block as hard as he can. He’s going to go after every ball like it’s a game. He ends up on the ground 10 times a day because he’s practicing like it’s a game.”

Mandatory camp concludes - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

var8rfan · 06-12-2008, 08:37 PM

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer

Quote:

Notes from Raiders practice Thursday, wrapping up a three-day session of “organized team activity,” with Steve Corkran relaying the notes with some editorial license taken by yours truly:

– Wide receiver Ronald Curry, back from surgery to remove a bone spur which he said hampered him all last season, returned to practice and looked as if he has never been away.

On one play, Curry faked outside and made a sharp cut inside in which he beat cornerback Darrick Brown. He caught balls in traffic, took some incidental contact, and showed little in the way or rust.

Javon Walker and Drew Carter continued to run with the first-team offense. Coach Lane Kiffin said Curry was doing “about half the stuff.”

Curry seemed happy to simply be pain free.

“I had the bone spur, played pretty much the whole season, had it since the beginning of March,” Curry told reporters after practice. “Pretty much every time I planted, it hurt. But I have no discomfort in running. I’ve just got to get my feet up under me as far as running in traffic. But the foot feels great.”

Curry had the spur removed surgically, hoped to be ready for the mandatory minicamp, but was still too stiff to participate. At the behest of Kiffin, Curry hit the weight room hard in the offseason. The result has been a stronger upper body and the loss of nine pounds, to 206. He said the club wants him between 200 and 203.

“I’ve never been a big weight room guy. Just being a quarterback, where you don’t lift too much, and then playing basketball, where they really didn’t lift too much,” Curry said. “So on the football team I was weak, on the basketball team I was strong. I never took the weight room too seriously. I would just do enough.

“But Kiffin wanted me to get in there and really hit the weights, and (strength coach Brad Roll) has been a blessing . . . he got me on my own little plan as far as upper body, lower body, and it’s really helped me out.”

The Raiders leading receiver the past two years, Curry is taking nothing for granted.

“They bought a guy here in Javon Walker they have big expectations for,” Curry said. “It’s a little different role as far as what’s asked of receivers, because we’re predominantly a running team. We drafted a running back that’s probably going to bring a lot of punch to the offense. I’m sure they’re going to want to move him around, get him involved.

“They dished out a lot of money, that’s just the way the league is. Pretty much if you get paid you’re going to get your opportunity to make those plays. You know, Javon, he’s going to be the guy, and I’m just going to be out there making the plays when they go to me.”

Pain-free Curry is stronger, lighter - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

I have to say I love his attitude!


05-24-2008, 12:43 AM	#5
Sgt John Genibus Nitito Canus Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Taylor, TX Posts: 5,168 vCash: 995726 Donate Blog Entries: 2	Those are great signs for the Raiders. __________________ 2008 Black Knights Football - 12 wins isn't enough


05-24-2008, 12:46 AM	#6
Mike who me? Admin Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: L.A. (Lower Arkansas) Posts: 28,908 vCash: 359797 Donate Blog Entries: 18	mcfadden is going to put this team on the map. Best draft decision that Al Davis has made in a long time, maybe ever. __________________ Links of interest at The Sports Outlaw Player Rankings QB \| RB \| RB (PPR) \| WR \| WR (PPR) \| TE \| TE (PPR) \| K \| DEF Cheatsheets (Updated weekly up until gametime) Weekly Waiver Wire (A weekly looks at some key waiver wire/free agent grabs) Key Forums: NFL Talk \| Fantasy Football Advice \| College Football


06-05-2008, 06:45 PM	#10
Coachnorm Bloggin' Outlaw Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 11,439 vCash: 62817 Donate Blog Entries: 13	Raiders WR Javon Walker Looks Good In OTAs The early returns are glowing for Javon Walker in his first season with the Raiders, only a few months after the Broncos jettisoned him earlier this year after two seasons. "Javon is so explosive," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "We think that he's going to be the best he's been in years, as far as health-wise. I know he's excited about this upcoming season and (the opportunity) to prove a lot of people wrong." At this point The Raider WR corp shakes out like this. Javon Walker and Drew Carter as starters with Curry in the slot. Raiders expect a return to form by receiver Walker - Inside Bay Area


06-06-2008, 12:45 AM	#11
Coachnorm Bloggin' Outlaw Premium Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 11,439 vCash: 62817 Donate Blog Entries: 13	Some OTA Notes – The deflection off Carter’s hands in the end zone was a rarity through three days. The free agent has been the Raiders most impressive receiver and could move Ronald Curry to his former role as a slot receiver once he recovers from foot surgery. “I don’t mention him (Drew Carter) sometimes because I expect him to do what he’s doing, he’s going at it every day, and I love the work ethic that he brings,” Kiffin said. “He’s just one of those guys that’s going to do everything he can to get out on that field and he’s never going to complain about anything. He’s going to play as hard as he can. He’s going to block as hard as he can. He’s going to go after every ball like it’s a game. He ends up on the ground 10 times a day because he’s practicing like it’s a game.” Mandatory camp concludes - Inside The Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of ANG Newspapers

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05-27-2008, 09:10 PM	#7
var8rfan A.D.I.D.A.S Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rocky Mount, VA Posts: 2,454 vCash: 50017 Donate	Yeah, I am very optimistic this off-season. I am optimistic every off-season, and that normally turns to pessimism once the season starts, and usually for good reason. But this off-season has a different feel to it. The Raiders should have a good season, probably no more than 8-8, but they definitely have some building blocks for the future.


05-27-2008, 09:11 PM	#8
var8rfan A.D.I.D.A.S Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rocky Mount, VA Posts: 2,454 vCash: 50017 Donate	By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist Carter’s Commitment All signs are positive in Oakland for one of their acquisitions this off-season. Drew Carter inked a one-year $2 million contract in March and has been a fixture at the team’s facility working out and getting in sync with JaMarcus Russell. Last season, for a second year in a row, Carter set career marks, posting 38-receptions, 517-yards and four touchdowns. And that was on a team with an unstable situation at quarterback that ended the season with the 29th ranked pass attack in the league. Now Carter looks to boast an aerial attack that was 31st in the league, but unlike in Carolina, he has a strong-armed passer to match his best attribute – getting deep. “Drew has been here the whole off-season and working with [Russell], so I think you are starting to see them gel a little bit,” said head coach Lane Kiffin. Carter will be one of the four pass catchers that Kiffin will depend on to ignite a dormant passing game. His speed and strengths as a down field target were needed to compliment Russell and add some diversity to a unit that was in dire need of big plays from that spot. Ronald Curry should feel more comfortable in a complimentary role, Javon Walker they hope can bounce back after injuries slowed him down in 2007, and with the development of Zack Miller, who looks to already have a connection with Russell, the Raiders passing game should be able to hold up their end of the bargain and round out an offense that already has a very formidable ground attack.


05-27-2008, 09:13 PM	#9
var8rfan A.D.I.D.A.S Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Rocky Mount, VA Posts: 2,454 vCash: 50017 Donate	By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist 1st round talents are their handling their workload With Russell and Darren McFadden, Oakland has the foundation to an explosive attack. And so far, both have hit it off and begun the learning process together. “It’s been good to have them together. I think they’ve hit it off pretty well,” commented Kiffin during last week’s practice. The second year coach wants them to absorb much of the playbook now in preparation for training camp and the pre-season when they can implement their education to the football field. “We’re going to keep throwing more stuff at ‘em,” said Kiffin. McFadden has been talked about as a multi-dimensional weapon that will be utilize as a receiver and runner once he gets a good grasp of the offense. But with his natural abilities, Oakland will surely hand the ball to the 4th overall choice on many downs and let him do what he does best. What will make him a true star is when the Raiders open up the playbook and let him showcase his many skills. And the building blocks for that will occur now during organized team activities. Kiffin was quoted, “I think we are going to try stay with more stuff and slow up a lil’ bit later. He is doing a phenomenal job of mentality being able to handle it. Physical, is being very easy on him.”