UPDATE: 09-06-08

 Walker walking wounded seems unfounded

                                                   WR Javon Walker: "Now, who wounded what?"

NFL Networks Adam Schefter caused a stir by reporting Javon Walker might have a hamstring injury that makes his chances of playing opening day "50/ 50".

To the contrary, reporters like the venerable Steve Corkran of media beat and the always astue Jerry McDonald of IBA stated though there was a mix up over Walker's number change (From #17 to his old #84) who ever was playing wearing the #84 jersey was cutting and practicing at full speed.

Whether Walker was injured after the brief media window is not known, but nothing about an injury to Walker was mentioned in the after conference.

Many at the press meeting were wondering why "#84"  rookie Arman Shields was even practicing because he had already been placed on IR.

Part of former Patriot employee Matt Walsh's testimony to Roger Goodell during "Spygate" included the allegation the Patriots have let some of their IR players practice, which is striclty forbidden by League rules.

Coach Lane Kiffin cleared up some of the confusion explaining the number 84 (Which had been worn by Shields this off season) was now being donned by Walker who had traditionally worn the number prior to joining the Raiders.

The move leaves Walker's previous Raider number 17 available for newly acquired wide out Ashley Lelie which is his traditional jersey designation.

Kiffin has been a pleasant surprise to most in the media who are used to the Raider "Cone of silence" surrounding the club.

For the most part he has been quite frank and honest when talking to reporters, so it stands to reason he would probably divulge  information about Walker, but then again, given Oaklands questionable pass protection, its "rookie" QB situation, its all too public receiver woes and the proximity to opening day against a hated division rival, one never knows. 

RNS published a story regarding a possible Walker injury to his knee after he missed a practice for "personal reasons" but that rumor also turned out to be false as Walker was back the next day and on the practice field.

Even the "connected" can get one wrong now and again, but whether its Schefter or the reporters on site remains to be seen.

UPDATE 09-03-08

Walker practiced today but was limited according to Coach Lane Kiffin, with a hamstring injury. It doesn't appear to be substantial and he is slated to play against Denver monday night in a game to be televised on ESPN who now has the contract to air monday night football.

Newly acquired WR Ashley Lelie is working to get up to speed and does have some familiarity with Oaklands system which is similar to the one run by Denver when he played there. In the past, he's also worked with O coordinator Gregg Napp in Atlanta.

Though the injury was reported earlier, members of the press who watched him work out Sunday saw no indication of an injury, it wasn't wrapped and there was no mention of it to the press when he spoke to them after that days practice.

UPDATE: 09-06-08

After speculation WR Javon Walker may be slowed by a hamstring and reports his chances of starting in Monday nights opener against the visiting Denver Broncos were "50/50", Walker turned in one of his best practices hes had as an Oakland Raider.

Walker hit his stride at full speed today that left the brutally honest and often critical Coach Lane Kiffin stating simply, "He was very impressive."

Walker was limited in his activites and Kiffin wants to see how he is tomorrow before announcing whether he'll start Monday nights opener. Kiffin said the decision could be delayed until a half hour before kick off.

Walker has struggled through out his career and since donning the silver and black, but could quiet some critics with a big showing against his former team.

Newly annointed Raider WR Ashley Lelie will get his chance for revenge against the Broncos, especailly if Walker is a no go and has also impressed with his quick study of the Raider offense which is similar to the one he played in Denver.

He has also worked with Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp during their tenure in Atlanta.

Walker could be a game time decision but if all goes well on Sunday, he may get the nod.

  Raiders sign WR Lelie

                                                                                                                WR Ashley Lelie

The Raiders helped shore their losses after 2 potential starters were lost in a meaningless pre season game against the Cardinals by signing full back Luke Lawton and FA WR Ashley Lelie.

Lelie signed a 1 yr deal with the Raiders who are looking to shore a shaky wide receiver corps that lost WR Drew Carter to a serious knee injury.

Injuries were a concern right from the get given the history of its "starting" wide receivers. The mentally questionable Javon Walker also a former Bronco has suffered 3 knee surgeries, Carter, a former Panther who also suffered numerous injuries before Oakland and Ronald Curry who himself battled back from consecutive Achilles tears.

Lelie is a yet another gamble at the wide out position. He was a former #1 pick ( 19th over all) by the Broncos in 2002 and had some productive years, but the relationship soured to the point Lelie sued Denver and won not only a sizable paycheck, but his freedom.

Lelie signed with Atlanta but after a disappointing season, Lelie bought out of his contract with the Falcons and as a FA signed with the 9ers.

Its rumored one of the reasons speculated for his falling out with Denver was the Broncos inquiry into signing Javon Walker from the Packers.

(Interestingly, Lelie's middle name is Jovon)

With Walker on board and WR Rod Smith considered locks for Denvers starting slots, Lelie correctly sumised his opportunites for field time would be greatly diminished. After a prolonged hold out and court battle, Lelie, in exchange for his freedom from the Denver contract and after fines, paid close to $1 million dollars.

After his unremarkable year in Atlanta, Lelie bought out the last year of his contract and migrated to San Fran, signing a 2 yr deal that netted him a $2 million dollar signing bonus and a contract worth $4.2 million total.

after another unproductive season, Lelie was released by the 9ers on August 30th and signed to the Raider receiving corps 2 hours ago.

Detalis are not readily available.

Lelie joins the Raiders receiving corps as yet another gamble, but is definitely an upgrade compared to the vast inexperience at the position after Walker and Curry.

After bouncing around and under producing, it is hoped Lelie won't mind fighting for the 3rd slot this time, a slot he should win by default.

UPDATE 09-02-08: Lelie was officially added to the Oakland roster. Chronic under producing DT William Joseph was released to make room. IBA reports he will sport #87 at least at Wednesdays practice. 

FB Luke Lawton is schedule to be added before Wednesdays practice that will hlep prep for the opener Sept. 8th against Denver.

FB Luke Lawton Returns

                                                                    FB Lawton: "Cool Hand Luke"

The Raiders signed FB Luke Lawton to a contract today. Lawton has played in 15 games since 2005 and has graced the practice squads of many teams. He was originally signed by Buffalo as an undrafted FA. In his NFL career he has been a part of the Giants Falcons, Jets, Colts and Eagles.

This move may simply be to keep the offensive scheme alive since Coach Kiffin stated after FB Oren O'Neal suffered what could be a career ending knee injury, "I don't know how this system could operate with out another FB."

Lawton can catch out of the backfield, like he did against Seattle 4 times, but isn't considered a solid blocker, something Oaklands running offense seems predicated on.

Don't be surprised if Oakland finds another FB now that cuts have been made and releases Lawton.

No word on who Oakland will release from the 53 man roster so they can add Lawton.

The 2008 Oakland Raiders Offense(for now)

                                                                                        "Hell yes I'm ready for some football!!!" 

Photo Getty Images

The Raiders annouced their 53 man squad for 2008, but more changes are likely to come.

The Offense     

#51 Chris Morris C 6-4, 300 lb, 3^rd yr Michigan

Morris has size and quickness. Can play the ZBS and is versatile, playing Guard and Center

#64 Jake Grove C 6-4, 300 lb 5^th yr. Virginia Tech

Grove had surgery in July after suffering w/ a knee he injured in his 2^nd year. This could explain why he hasn’t lived up to his lofty 2^nd round draft pick.

 Center Jake Grove

#71 John Wade C, 6-5, 300 lb 11th yr. Marshall

Wade has been an iron man so far in his lengthy career, but since joining Oakland via Tampa hes lost the starters job to Grove at least  for now. With his pay hovering around $1.5 million, thats a lot for a back up. He may not be here the whole season.

#76 Robert Gallery G, 6-7 325 lb 5^th yr. Iowa

Though he suffered under a new Coach and scheme change nearly every year, the under performing Gallery has few excuses left. Though listed as a tackle, he’s likely to return as a guard, compelling many to call him a "bust", but Raider great Gene Upshaw may have differed. The move from tackle to guard put him in the HOF. At this point for Gallery though, Canton looks a galaxy away.

#66 Cooper Carlisle G, 6-6, 295 lb 9^th yr. Florida

A very good pick up from Denver because of his knowledge of the ZBS, Carlisle has been one of the few solid elements of the Raiders O line.

Paul McQuistan G, 6-6 315 lb. 3^rd yr. Weber State

McQ is not really a "system fit". He has the classic brawling Raider temperament and though accused of only being able to play on the left, actually filled in pretty well for the horrible Cornell Greene at RT last year. Green himself and a learner through repetition, the red mulleted McQ will get another chance to learn composure.

   McQuistan: Fear the mullet!

Cornell Greene 6-6 315 lb T, 6-6 315 lb. 9^th yr. Central Florida

Greene is a liability in pass protection and often looks slow and disinterested, but his experience in the ZBS and lack of competition will likely see him start until he’s injured.

77 Kwame Harris T 6-7 325 lb. 6^th yr. Stanford

Nearly run out of town on a trolley rail, former 1^st round DP Harris fizzled in San Fran after a regime and scheme change from a ZBS to a traditional straight line blocking attack saw him flounder. Back in the ZBS Oakland hopes he can jump start his career gambling the fate of their franchise QB Jamarcus Russell on it. He’s had some shaky games this pre season.

72 Seth Wand T 6-7 330 lb. 3^rd yr. N.W. Missouri State

Practice squad fodder. Looked terrible against 3^rd  4^th string scrubs in Seattle.

#85 John Madsen TE 6-5 240 lb. 3^rd yr. Utah

Not a solid blocker and kept for his hands Madsen looked like crap. Dropping passes and drawing flags this pre season, it’s a sign of Oaklands lack of depth rather than his abilities. If he can play at the pro level, 08' is the time to prove it.

#80 Zach Miller TE 6-5 255 lb. 2^nd yr. Arizona State

A 2^nd round gem, Miller looks comfortable in a division with some of the greatest TE’s in the game. Concerns he may have to stay in and block instead of catch passes could be well founded, but Miller has improved in all aspects of his game and the "J to Z" connection looks like it is for real. Expect alot of passes coming his way no matter the protection.

#86 Tony Stewart TE 6-5 260 lb. 8^th yr. Penn State

Mostly a blocker.

#81 Chaz Schillens WR 6-4 225 lb. R San Diego State

The loss of Drew Carter probably helped facilitate the 7^th round pick making the "final" 53. He’s shown aggression and decent hands in pre season. His size is an asset, but he’s still far from being assured a roster slot especially after wk 1 when teams won’t have to honor FA’s previous contracts.

#84 Javon Walker WR 6-3 215 lb 7 yr. Florida State

Most Raider fans with a pulse know about Walker’s injury history (On field and off) and he has a lot to prove. 1. That he can stay healthy an entire year. 2. That he can comeback and fulfill the promise he showed so many years ago in Green Bay. 3. That Al Davis' isn't crazy for paying him more than Terrell Owens.

#15 Johnnie Lee Higgins 5-11 185 lb. 2^nd yr. UTEP

Higgins runs hot and freezing cold, but mostly cold. Blowing route assignments in practice and in pre season games has Coaches shaking their heads, but with Drew Cater done for the year with a blown knee, Higgins could be expected to at least challenge for the #3 WR. He’ll likely be asked to hold down the fort as a kick returner too until Tyvon Branch’s hand injury heals. Fingers crossed. NOT YOU HIGGINS!

JLH: "More hot less cold"

photo Getty Images

#89 Ronald Curry 6-2 210 7^th yr. North Carolina

No one can question his toughness returning from 2 Achilles tears early in his career, but they can question his durability. The former 7^th rounder will need to stay healthy but if he does, could make some lucky fantasy footballers very happy.

#19 Todd Watkins WR 6-2 190 1 yr. BYU

Watkins walked on and lit up early camps. Productivity dropped off as the pre season went on but the injury to Carter and some solid play have him claiming a roster spot.

#25 Justin Fargas RB 6-2 220 lb 6^th yr. USC

Fargas’ 1,000 yd season had many fans oohing and awing, but the fact is it was a contract year and he sat immediately after hitting his incentives. Known more for injuries and absorbing brutal hits he likely won’t last very long if he is expected to be the lead back.

#20 Darren McFadden RB 6-2 210 lb. R Arkansas

 Run DMC indeed 

Many questioned the need for him since the ZBS can propel mid level backs (ahem, Fargas) to productivity. Some also questioned whether the Razor backs custom "Wild Hog" offense would make the leap to the pros difficult. Kept under wraps most of the pre season, camp reports and rare glimpses of his awesome talent have none the less leaked. Intelligent, hard working and damn fast, DMC is not only a superior athlete, he’s what some fans like to refer to as a "football player".

#29 Michael Bush RB 6-1 245 lb 1 yr. Louisville

Speaking of football players the very well rounded Michael Bush could be the Raiders ace in the hole. If he can live up to the pre injury hype, the Raiders may have found a serious weapon that can catch, throw, block and run. With his size, Kiffin hopes he can be a late game decider that bashes opponents, protects late game leads and grinds out wins.

#36 Justin Griffith FB 6-0 230 lb 6^th yr. Mississippi State

Maybe one of the better FB’s in the League. Unfortunately, the tragic knee injury team mate and fellow FB Oren O’ Neal suffered leaves him as the lone FB on Raider roster...for now. The Raiders are likely sifting through teams discard pile as we speak. With an injury at such a critical position for a running team, a trade for another FB may not be out of the question.

#2 Jamarcus Russell QB 6-6 270 lb 2^nd yr. LSU

After coming out a Junior, Russell had the benefit of sitting last year behind another lack luster team and a seriously questionable O line. With a seemingly solid running game established and a full camp under him, Russell will be asked to manage the game rather than win them with his arm, but expect him to air it out on occasion if Al Davis has any say about it. (and he does...)

#16 Andrew Walter QB 6-6 230 lb 4^th yr. Arizona State

Walter took a legendary beating in 06' that in my book, qualifies him for at least a shot at the #2 behind Russell. Bad commentators in pre season didn’t help his cause against Seattle when he "over threw" 2 potential TD passes. The first one was WR Todd Watkins fault for breaking off his route. The ball was beautifully placed, but Watkins, at the goal line found himself awkwardly back pedaling as he swiped at the ball. The 2^nd "potential TD" was tipped by a blitzing LB. Unseen apparently by the not ready for prime time announcers. Walter is more mobile and more accurate than many think.

#8 Marques Tuiasosopo QB 6-1 220 lb 8^th yr Washington

Tui’s play is so erratic Oakland considered going with only 2 QB’s, but with line questions about pass protection and Russell’s "inaugural outing" they may have reconsidered. Tui was originally drafted by Oakland as a possible predecessor for Rich Gannon. At the least, the weak armed Tui may be able to scramble for yards.

Next time: The Defense

UPDATED 08-27-08:

Grove Wins Start at Denver, More Cuts Made, More to Come...

                                                                    K Sebastian Janikowski  "Kick his ass Seabass!"

The Raiders announced more cuts today ditching Kicker Aaron Elling who had been filling in for the injured Sebastian Janikowski.

J. Kow will kick against Seattle.

Despite the fact Oakland lost one of its primary targets this last week end, WR Drisdan James didn’t make the cut.

Nnamdi Asomugha rolled his ankle in the game, but wasn’t expected to play against the Seahawks. He should be back in time for the regular season opener against Denver on September 8^th.

LB hopeful and former 1^st round pick Robert Thomas was carted off the field with an undisclosed injury but was limping badly.

Thomas was horrible against the run in the match up with the Cards and has struggled with consistency through out his career.

More news expected out of Oakland as they seek a replacement for WR Drew Carter (knee, out for season) and as they begin the final cut down to 53 on August 30^th.

Center Jake Grove under went micro fracture surgery in July to repair a knee he revealed has bothered him since his second season.

The initial injury occurred week 2 of 2005.

  Center Jake Grove "Turn to the right!"

This is the same surgery that allowed nearly crippled Center Jeremy Newberry to revive his career, first with Oakland, now with the Chargers.

Javon Walker was not at practice and when pressed a Raider team official stated he was excused for "Personal reasons."

EDITORS NOTE:

"Personal reasons" Translation: "Insert rampant speculation here."

Example: Walker has decided to quit (again) he'll give back the money and Oakland will be caught in a bidding war with the Bengals and Eagles for Anquan Boldin with Oakland giving up a player and a 1st round pick.

*Sigh*

UPDATE: 08-27-08

The season inched one step closer today as the Raiders made more roster moves.

They released camp arm QB Jeff Otis to make room for LB Shane Simmons. Simmons was likely brought up due to yesterdays injury to fellow LB Robert Thomas.

Thomas went down at yesterdays practice and while early reports state its nothing serious, his chances of making the 53 man team look slim.

Among those joining him on the bench for this Fridays match up with Seattle will be DBs Rashad Baker and Nnamdi Asomugha with ankle injuries. Safety Hiram Eugene is still out of action with a hip injury.

Asomugha's injury is not considered serious and the move is precautionary. he's expected to be ready for the season opener against Denver.

Speedy DB Chris Johnson has shown some fine coverage skills this off season and could be developing into a viable back up. If he can keep progressing and close that fraction of an inch between complete and a quick tackle to incomplete, he could start challenging for field time.

Mike Wadell on the other hand is clearly a liabilty in coverage and making the squad seems like a very long shot.

With Oakland sitting most of its vets for what amounts to little more than an exhibition "game" and after losing 2 potential starters last against Arizona, Oakland will field 2 brand new DBs in Seattle.

As reported here, Oakland acquired two safeties, Nate Lyles and Marviel Underwood who will see significant game time and may even start against the Seahawks.

Whether this is a move to save its vets or if Oakland is taking a serious look at them is up for speculation, but they do look thin after the frontline talent.

Another interesting note, O lineman / D lineman / TE Fred Wakefield practiced with the defense today. His outings this pre season on the offensive line has been...offensive.

Hopefully, the Raiders can solidify a spot for the diverse and talented Wakefield.

If not he could join the unemployed August 30th, but likely not for long.

08-25-08: Kiffin gets wish, but at terrible price

                                                                                                                     FB / ST Luke Lawton

Photo Getty Images

The flood gates opened and Raider Coach Lane Kiffin got his wish.

Sort of.

After hinting to the press how he wasn’t being allowed to bring in fresh talent to challenge for positions Kiffin welcomes some fresh new faces tomorrow.

Unfortunately, it took season ending injuries to 2 of Oaklands potential starters to get the ball rolling.

Originally a free agent signed by the Bills in 2004 Luke Lawton has bounced around the practices squads of the Bills, the Giants, the Falcons the Jets and the Colts over 10 times.

He even saw time in last years play offs as a special teamer for the Chargers.

Now due to the injury of Raider FB Oren O’Neal, he signs today with the Raiders.

His special teams skills are likely the reason for Oaklands interest considering the release of fan favorite and special teams gunner Jarrod Cooper, with Lawton's role as a reserve fullback giving Oakland "added value".

Its reported by insiders that Cooper's knee has been bothering him and he has been concerned about losing a step after major knee surgery.

DB / ST Gunner Jarrod Cooper

Reports also state the veteran special teams player may have fallen on his own sword and asked to be released before cut downs begin today.

Along with Cooper went LB Grant Irons who’s back problems simply wouldn’t allow him to make any kind of viable contribution to the Raiders squad.

The Raiders also parted ways with DE Greg Spires.

DB’s Marviel Underwood and Nate Lyles step into their slots.

Listed as a free safety, Underwood played College ball for San Diego State and was taken in the 4^th round (115^th over all) of the 2005 draft by a Packers team trying to shore its ravaged secondary.

Backing up fellow rookie Nick Collins, the 5-10, 200 lb. Underwood appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2005 and signed a 4 year contract with Green Bay in July of that year.

                                                                 Safety Marviel Underwood with the Pack

                       Photo Jim Biever / Packers,com

The next preseason Underwood tore 2 ligaments in his right knee in a match up with the Chargers and spent 2006 on IR.

He was released in August of 2007.

After drifting in free agency for 2 months, he resigned with the Packers briefly to fill in for injuries, but was released again.

On December 5^th he signed with the Broncos, but was waived on May 28^th.

Born in Oakland, he now joins the Raiders.

Lyles a 6-0, 203 lb. strong safety played 3 seasons for the Virginia Cavaliers and finished his Senior season with 68 tackles.

                                                                                                     Safety Nate Lyles at VT

He signed as a rookie free agent with the New York Jets on May 22^nd was waived on July 22nd, then re-signed again on the 31 st then released in August.

Jets Coaches and players agreed he has the smarts to play the game, is eager and extremely coachable, but couldn’t bring the pieces together for the Jets.

With Darren Perry and Willie Brown, Oakland will give him a go.

TWO MINUTE DRILL: RAIDERS CARDINALS

                                                                                                WR Javon Walker

FB Oren O’Neal suffered what could be a season ending knee injury on the opening kick off.

Coach Lane Kiffin said "It doesn’t look good."

A major blow to the Raiders running game. O’Neal was developing into a crushing lead blocker.

Fargas and Griffith flexed out into the slots between wide out on the opening play. Did it again later to set up a QB sneak.

The Raiders went no huddle in the 1^st and not surprisingly, it looked rusty.

The J to Z connection is growing each week. Miller looks like a premier receiving TE...and he’s turning into a much better blocker too.

TE John Madsen may not make the final cut. Not a good blocker and kept for his hands, but he’s proven too many times he can’t make the grabs even when wide open.

Walker snagged a rifle shot on a hook route, but his mechanics are terrible. Better routes to be sure, but he looks awkward hauling the ball in sometimes. Poor hand placement and catches the ball with his body not hands sometimes.

 Still, his 4 catches for 60 yds including a 27 yarder over the middle were encouraging.

Curry was an example of the Raiders offense. Hot and cold. Laid out for one and made a superb catch, then had a couple of hard to grab throws clank off his mitts including a TD. The truth is, Russell laid in a perfect pass intight coverage, but Curry broke his route and was unable to make the play.

WR Ronald Curry: Hot and Cold 

Raider wide outs just don’t seem focused. Lets hope they get interested when it counts.

The Cardinals Karlos Dansby is a very good linebacker and made plays against the run, pass and in coverage.

The Raiders definitely have to worry about LB’s who can blitz the QB.

Their short drop quick release play calling helps and the Raiders will look to establish the run a lot more than they did at Arizona. Russell is showing nice touch, firing the ball in before the defenders can close, but not rifling it so hard they can’t hold on.

He shows amazing mobility and more importantly ,the ability to create on the move. He an Miller look dangerous when things break down and thats something special. Its also a life saver with Oaklands questionable Tackles.

Showing incredible balance and agility, he broke out of a sure sack with a spin, ducking under a tackler and scrambling left for 1^st down yardage.

Very impressive.

Unfortunately, it was called back by an illegal formation penalty against RT Cornell Greene who cheated back off the line to try to compensate for his lack of pass blocking skill.

There were sloppy penalties on the Kwame Harris, Cooper Carlisle and Cornell Greene. The line looked bad especially against blitzes and stunts. Many more "Enemy at the gates" drills should be scheduled.

This was troubling because the Raiders have specifically been working on this to prep Jamarcus for the inevitable all out blitzes teams are likely to send against the "Rookie" QB.

Losing O’Neal hurts all around.

Harris looked awkward and out of sorts in pass protection.

He stated after the game, "It looked like Kwame struggled a lot. I’ll have to look at the film."

He's not wrong.

Gallery was silent and thats good. Usually he draws flags.

The Center job still looks up for grabs with no clear winner and thats bad.

Grove looked fat and slow, failing to get to the second level on a screen that would've broke McFadden for a possible TD. Granted, the man he tried to block was Adrian Wilson a Pro Bowl safety, closed and made the play, but Grove was clearly slow getting outside.

Hopefully Grove or Wade can step up. Soon.

The wild card is nimble 3rd year man Chris Morris who can also play guard in a pinch. 

Kiffin may not have liked what he saw when it came to his offense against the Cards, but he threw the gauntlet early by announcing we would primarily pass to check the teams readiness against the Card’s defense.

The fact Oaklands passing game is predicated on establishing the run and then using play action and roll outs didn’t help matters either.

Not known as Mary Sunshine Kiffin may have been in a even less of a festive mood considering the injuries to O’Neal and Carter when he said this about the line and Oaklands passing game.

Coach Lane Kiffin: Fine line between "realist" and "pessimist" 

"Unfortunately I think that I saw what I already knew," Kiffin said. "If we try to just throw the ball around you are going to get penalties, you are going to get your quarterback hit, he is going to start running around a lot, he will be in trouble."

The simple solution?

Don’t "just throw the ball around."

Thats been accounted for with the scheme and play calling, but Oakland clearly has work to do.

It will be interesting to see what they can do with an open play book and executing to their strengths, but if forced out of them, their could be serious trouble.

Gibril Wilson didn’t stand out, but contributed against the run. Safety / LB Adam Archuleta saw time late and did not.

It would be a shock if he made the final cut down at either spot.

Tyvon Branch out played him with one arm.

Branch showed up on special teams showing signs of the player Mike Mayock called on draft day "Possibly the best gunner in the League day one."

His timing and ferocious tackling was evident even as the injured 4th rounder literally tackled with one arm.

On one break away run that scored, Branch actually worked himself into position to make the tackle but with his broken hand wasn’t able to make the play.

He’s going to be good.

Michael Huff is making some very nice plays especially on deep routes. Able to range now at free safety where his athleticism and cover skills can be best exploited, he looks like a different player. Huff could begin to develop into the player the Raiders had hoped for when they took him with the 7^th overall pick.

It could take some time at the position though.

He came up with a nice pick against Leinart.

Aso looks every bit the player he’s been hyped to be. Awesome reads, lightning reaction. Tough against the run and nearly impossible to beat against the pass, he’s the real deal and looked it in fairly limited action.

Hall played for one series as scheduled. Huff saved him with the pick after Fitzgerald got behind him, but other than that, he was a non factor.

Time is being given to heal torn ligaments in his hand.

Stanford Routt is looking good. He makes mental errors occasionally, but his knack for being in the right spot makes his picks less spectacular, but he’s nearly a liability in returns.

Umpire basher deluxe: CB Stanford Routt 

Raider fans loved how he seemed to zero in on Umpire Steve Wilson and leveling him with a shoulder charge. He then returned the ball for 17 yds, but after a pick against the 9ers earlier this pre he fumbled on an interception return. Need to practice running in traffic or fall down maybe...

Chris Johnson has shown he’s got more than blazing speed. He’s got the quicks to close while the balls in the air, but frankly, hasn’t needed to. His coverage has been very good.

Its not beyond the realm to see him develop that fraction of second to get really good.

Supports the run too.

Fans of DB under dog Michael Waddell should kiss him good bye. His coverage is just awful.

Speaking of awful, LB Robert Thomas stinks against the run.

Sadly, so did Kirk Morrison. Constantly takes bad angles, can’t stack and shed, and gets washed way to often for a starting MLB.

Howard faired better, but not by a lot.

Howard looked good in coverage as usual, but the Raiders didn’t blitz as much as they did against the Titans.

When they did, it was effective.

Condo and Alston saw time, but Condo is a liability in coverage, Alston has wheels and is always around the ball, but just isn’t making plays.

Oft injured LB Sam Williams saw time didn’t look great. His time may be up. Oakland needs to find someone to step up and claim the Strong side LB slot.

Now.

Burgess is contributing against the run and his initial step at the snap is incredible.

If he can get some help from the big men in pass rush to take away the constant double teams, it could be another big year for the pro bowl caliber DE.

Kalimba Edwards looked good against the pass at one point forcing a fumble by Kurt Warner later in the game.

Not surprisingly, didn’t look that great against the run.

DE Jay Richardson didn’t have a great game and the Cardinals TE’s made sure of it. J.J. Arrington’s 67 yard TD run he was held like a baby. LB Howard’s bad angle didn’t help, but Richardson likely would’ve closed the outside and made the play.

DE Jay Richardson "I was HELD!!!" 

Kelly drew a flag that rightfully belonged to Richardson, but claimed 15 yd face mask for his own that negated a beautiful run stop deep in the back field.

He was dominant at times though, applying pressure, stuffing the run and batting a pass a the line.

Gerard Warren was given the credit though.

Warren was decent against the run on occasion, but his inconsistency has dogged his career since being chose 3^rd over all by the Cleveland Browns in 2001.

His pass rush wasn’t much better, but on more than one occasion he dropped back into coverage and surprisingly did ok.

A former 1^st round pick for the Giants, DT William Joseph saw time late in the game and should get a jump on packing his things.

Sands was quite most of the 1^st half and played into the 4^th. He looked good later applying a violent initial punch to the cards hapless Center that literally stood him up allowing Sands to make a crushing tackle for a loss on the Cards RB.

If he can get some help by his fellow line man, he could begin to atone for his understandable under performance last year. One on one, the big man dominates the LOS.

Using the game as a last chance to decide crucial roster cuts and work on game deficiencies was a solid strategy, but they were probably hoping for something better than a 24 nothing shut out.

The lopsided score didn’t reflect the true nature of the Raiders game, but there are definitely some serious issues that need to be addressed.

A task made even harder by the loss of two potential starters.

Raiders promise to Pass against the Cards, QB's coming along, Curry improving

                                                                                                                     Raider Wide Out Ronald Curry

The Raiders will take a page from the Tennessee Titans this Saturday against the Cardinals and use the opportunity to test their passing game. Hopefully with much better results.

The Titans Vince Young looked bad against a dinged up Raiders secondary and a D line that couldn’t generate a pass rush with out the blitz, even thought the Titans were with out their starting left tackle.

As it stands the Raiders are ranked #2 overall in rushing so far this pre season and fans hope thats a sign of things to come during the regular season.

With Darren McFadden and Michael Bush joining the roster, thats a distinct possibility.

Todays practice emphasized the Raiders plan against the Cards with Jamarcus and Andrew Walter throwing the ball effectively, completing 22 of 25 at one point in defenderless route drills.

The only drops came from Johnnie Lee Higgins (two) and Javon Walker (one).

Things looked better in practice, but game day will be more of a test, especially since the Cards know its coming. Still, Coach Kiffin wants to see where the Raider passing game is at.

"I want to see how much we can do with our first unit throwing the ball so it will be a good test for us."

There were drops later in the afternoon by TEs Zach Miller and John Madsen, but more troubling was WR Drew Carter who shined early on in camp, but has been erratic of late.

Receiver Todd Watkins will be one to watch as he vies for a roster slot. He too has looked good in practice, but the live fire test will show if it translates to game day.

Rookie Chaz Schillens has been breathing down his neck though and it could be a toss up as to who gets one of the precious roster spots.

Both should have a chance to prove their meddle this week end.

About the Raiders pass heavy practice Kiffin stated:

"It was better. Early on it was a little bit shaky again, but not as many plays today either," "We’ll see. I’ve got a positive outlook on this week and I think they’re going to perform really well."

Wide out Ronald Curry has struggled of late in practice but looked better today making several good grabs from Russell.

He’s likely to play 3^rd receiver against Arizona.

Walker has publicly struggled since donning the Silver and Black and Coach Kiffin thinks this game could be big for him and the Raiders hopes for the passing game this season.

"Javon hasn’t had a very good week. It’s going to be a big game for him," Kiffin said. "It’s preseason, but it’s the most important game, the game being the third, he’ll play a lot, and hopefully we’ll get him the ball a number of times and he’ll make some plays for us."

As for a reunion with former USC and current Cardinals quarter back Matt Lienart, who got the nod for the starter spot earlier this week, Kiffin said he planned a big welcome.

"We’re going to go old school Buddy Ryan, as they call it around here, and we’ll come after him every snap and put a bounty in the locker room on him,"

Totally kidding of course, but it will be interesting to see if the blitzes Oakland has been throwing at "rookie" Jamarcus Russell to prepare him carry over to the regular season.

Fans lamented Rob Ryan’s vanilla defense last year and Oakland did send some LB and DB blitzes against the Titans Vince Young to great effect.

The Raiders practiced despite the passing of an NFL and Raider legend on Wednesday night.

Executive director of the NFLPA, Hall of Famer and Father Gene Upshaw passed away quietly at his Lake Tahoe home of pancreatic cancer.

No word if the Raiders will honor him with a ceremony or with the traditional player number sticker on their helmets, but they should.

In fact ALL NFL players should since Upshaw was a major player in brokering a deal that gave players nearly 60% of all revenue generated.

That figure was nearly $4.6 billion paid out to players last year alone.

                                                                                              WR Drew Carter