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CAMP NOTES 08-13-08 : "Nnamdi not broken, Walker continues to shine"

 Nnamdi celebrates another pick

  X-rays are back on Nnamdi Asomugha's foot and they are negative.Good news, but the All Pro caliber DB is definitely hurting.

"It hurts to walk and it definitely hurts breaking on the football."

Coach Lane Kiffin stated when asked about Asomugha, "He’s fine and ready to go. He worked really hard today, too. It was good to see."

When asked about DB DeAngelo Hall’s recent comment about his hand being broken Kiffin had this to say:

"We’re getting another opinion on it, another person to look at it," "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 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 seemed to shrug off the statement saying "I can’t put my hand down. Still very painful."

Expect hall and Aso to sit out Fridays Titans match up or see very limited action.

Raider Wide out Drew Carter took advantage of Asomugha’s injury and broke into the clear twice in open drills today. Both times Jamarcus Russell missed with the throw though.

It could take 10 days for punter Shane Lechler to heal from a torn quadriceps muscle so the Raiders are flying in a punter to take over.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski is still out, replaced by the little known Aaron Elling who booted a 23 yarder and an extra point against the 9ers. He also faired well in kick offs.

Kwame Harris could sit with a shoulder injury and that could leave Jamarcus’ blind side open to hits by a very good Titans D line.

Mario Henderson has improved, but made several errors and was flagged twice in a row against the 9ers.

Coach Kiffin admitted, "He is still a long way from being ready to play."

LB Thomas Howard recorded another pick off Russell today and seems to be in prime shape to cover this year.

Russell is expected to play more of a part in the upcoming match up with Tennessee and could stay in as much as an entire half.

Don’t expect to see a massive amount from him, though, Kiffin seems to save his real play book for the regular season.

More hook ups to Zach Miller and John Madsen might be in order, in fact to close out their practice Russell fired a rocket strike to Madsen for a TD.

Despite a very solid training camp, Coach Kiffin is waiting to see if his camp lessons will translate to games.

The next two pre season match ups will be telling.

Though his fellow receivers left a lot of passes on the ground, Javon Walker seems to be putting a few good practices together and actually impressing the usually dismal Kiffin, who said,

"I’ve been very critical of Javon throughout this camp and throughout the off season and he’s had a string right here of the best practices he’s had," "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 is lean and fast ,weighing in at 206 lbs. His lightest ever a as professional.

As for his "retirement" comments earlier in pre season Walker shrugged it off saying.

"Obviously if you can make it through the training camp the hard part is done,"

We hope.

DB Nnamdi Asomugha 

Nnamdi Asomugha may have hurt his foot Monday, but the teams medical staff are taking a serious look at him today. He went for x-rays, but results are not known.

Word on DeAngelo Hall is that x-rays of his hand came back negative.

Tyvon Branch wasn’t so luck and reportedly had surgery on his right thumb which is encased in a cast.

Its far to early to say what is or isn’t wrong with Nnamdi, if anything at all, but, the Raiders are in a better spot than most with Stanford Routt waiting in the wings.

He would likely be a starter elsewhere.

Oaklands passing attack gave up 4 interceptions. The D may differ, but the turn overs where more the offenses fault with bad decisions on throws and wide outs not looking the ball in. Several picks came as balls deflected off receivers hands.

Coach Lane Kiffin has been refreshingly candid about the Raiders. Something most in this media spun age rarely do.

When questioned about the Raiders upcoming trip to play the Titans, he had this to say,

"Whatever that first game was, I think we’re going to have a big test going into Tennessee against that team. If we don’t have our stuff right and our guys aren’t right we’ll get run out of that stadium real quick."

He went on to state, "...I don’t think we’re very good right now as a team."

Thats good and bad.

Bad because, its probably the truth, good because at least its recognized and won’t be tolerated.

Kiffin also mentioned Oakland may pull more two a days when they get back.

The Raiders had uneven play in the passing game, as mentioned, but did have one or two bright spots.

Javon Walker had maybe his best practice as a Raider and showed some burst to ball reeling in at least 5 catches.

Most of the passes, for the second day in a row, we’re directed to TE’s and backs, prompting some one on the defense to chide "Its check down Tuesday!"

Coach Kiffin remarked on the seemingly disproportionate amount of short dunks, but stated. "A number of those were check downs, thats what was there."

Despite the mis-cues and sub par performances the last few days, Kiffins been happy with the growth and production of Russell over the course of his first pre season.

Tennessee will be a test for him and the offense though.

Kiffin admitted going up against the Raiders secondary may be a little harder than others but noted a lot of plays being made by the second string too.

If they can start to gel, put together some good passes and move the chains consistently against the 1^st string, they may be onto something, but it may take some time.

Mario Henderson shot himself in the foot again,pulling in the wrong direction on a run play. These kinds of mental errors and lack of focus make his chances for a roster spot slimmer and slimmer.

McFadden looked better after suffering his worst practices yesterday, but Kiffin said he feels Fargas is likely the most game ready, meaining he'll probably see the least field time Friday.

Expect to see more of Louis Rankin, who’s stellar camp and off season could be nothing more than an audition for elsewhere.

He may get a chance to earn a slot with special teams play .

With Branch’s thumb keeping him out of returns, Rankin did have a nice 28 yarder against the 9ers late in the game.

Rental trucks began to arrive and crews began to dismantle the field house and weight room.

Tonights P.M. practice will be moved up since the portable lights have been packed away.

The Raiders will practice tomorrow and call it a camp till they play the Titans Friday.

 BREAKING NEWS 08-12-08 Hall says hand is "broken"

DB DeAngelo Hall

NFL Network reports the San Francisco Chronicle says DeAngelo Hall spoke with them and said his hand is broken despite claims to the contrary in Oakland.

Kiffin first called it a "sprain" despite the cast Hall has practiced with.

Hall injured the hand the same night rookie Tyvon Branch injured his in the pre season opener against the 49ers.

Hall was quoted as saying,

"It affects everything. I've got a little broken bone in there. I don't even feel like I should even be out here practicing on it or even going into preseason."

Hall went through all the scheduled drills at tonights practice, but went on to say,

"... it's something that no one else even seems to feel like its affecting everything, so I'm out there practicing and playing the game.

Hall apparently isn't thrilled with participation in practice because of the injury saying,

"It ain't my choice. I'm employee (No.) 23 so I do what I'm told."

 Archuleta w/ the Skins

Adam Archuleta appeared at last nights P.M. practice wearing #42. He could be vying for time at strong side linebacker while adding depth as a run stuffing safety.

Not so coincidentally, Chief safety Greg Wesley was released.

He spent too much time off the practice field with a nagging back.

Howard and Morrison are a lock at LB and Ricky Brown made a strong showing in camp early on, but paid a price and has sat out several practices with unspecified "dings".

The Raiders passing game struggled and Kiffin stated his receivers were "worn down".

Ronald Curry, who did not play against San Fran stayed out of evening practice citing a still sore hammy.

Drew Carter has declined after a fast start in camp and Javon Walker still appears to be struggling.

Darren McFadden struggled and had what some are calling his worst practice in a Raiders uniform.

Mario Henderson failed again to impress against the 9ers and was flagged twice in a row. Once for a false start and the next for illegal formation as he angled himself off the line to get a jump in pass protection.

Tackle Mario Henderson

He has good feet and size, but his mental toughness and willingness to get "nasty" seems to be lacking.

Mario showed the ability and strength to stop and stand up bull rushers in their tracks, even when initially beaten and walked backwards. He also showed remarkable strength walling off defenders from the run in one on one, but it won’t mean much if the plays never get started or are called back because of flags.

Whether he makes the final cut down Aug. 30^th is up in the air, but it doesn’t look good at this juncture although he leveled DE Trevor Scott with a two fisted hand punch as Scott tried to pass rush.

Unfortunately, it looks like too much bad and not enough good so far...

Last night was the 2^nd to last "two a day" practice.

The Raiders look like they could use a break.

CAMP NOTES: 08-11-08 A.M. Practice. "Archuleta could be on field tonight, Defense steps up"

DB Adam Archuleta 

The Raiders had a light work out this morning with a heavier one scheduled for the night session. No word on whether DB Adam Archuleta will take the field. Officially, he’s not a Raider yet, but the news is expected.

Though a DB, Archuleta may be brought in to play strong side LB on occasion, since he can cover TE’s and support the run.

He may see some action in that capacity as early as Friday when the Raiders match up with the Titans if LB Ricky Brown remains out. He is listed as "probable" for the pre season contest.

Rookie Tyvon Branch, who’s broken right thumb may, or may not, be partially responsible for Archuleta’s appearance, made a good catch this morning despite the cast on his right hand.

Coach Kiffin encouraged his defense to stiffen at this mornings session so the offense wouldn’t rest on its good showing against the 9ers.

They didn’t disappoint.

Russell and Walter threw mostly dump passes to the backs and TE’s and the defense covered aggressively.

All in all, the D performed well, stripping TE Zach Miller and recovering the fumble. Darren McFadden mis-handled a bad pitch from Russell, but it was recovered by WR Ronald Curry.

Kiffin is looking forward to seeing how the offense responds in tonights more physical practice.

Raiders Add DB Depth with Adam Archuleta 

Rookie DB Tyvon Branch 

After breaking his thumb in last weeks match up with the 49ers, Tyvon Branch had surgery on his right thumb and optimistically, Coach Kiffin stated he felt Branch might be ready for this Fridays match up with the Titians

It was thought Branch would contirubte on kick returns but with the injury, that doesn' t appear to be the case at least for now.

Whether or not Branch's injury is significant enough to keep him off the filed is another thing, but the Raiders added former Chicago Bear adam Archuleta to the roster to add "depth" at the position.

Safety Greg Wesley practiced at todays morning session, but has been hampered by back spasms since the former Chief joined the Raiders this off season.

Former Bear Archuleta

Archuleta was released by the Bears May 6th, is 29 yrs old and was eyed by the Raiders in the 2001 draft, but was off the board before the Raiders turn and they settled for safety Derrick Gibson instead.

Archuleta played for the Rams, who selected him 20th overall for 5 campaigns before bouncing to Washington and the Bears.

Another hand injury to DeAngelo Hall was x rayed and came back negative.

The injuries to Hall and Branch seem to have shown the Raiders a need for depth at the position despite Hiram Eugene's interception against San Francisco, but Archuleta's coverage skills at safety have been a bone of contention before, meaning he could be used more of a run stopping capacity.

Oddly, Eugene was seen playing slot corner at this morings practice.

Archuleta has not officially signed with Oakland yet, but was seen at the Raiders facitly and could be on the field for tonights practice if his physical goes well.

TWO MINUE DRILL: Game notes from SF vs. Oak

RB Justin Fargas 

Fargas’ 1^st carry gained 11 yds off right end, but it was Zach Miller that impressed. He locked up with 6-5, 315 lb. 1st round draft pick, DT Kentwan Balmer, and walked him out of the play, creating an alley that allowed Tackle Cornell Greene to drift second level and clog the pursuit enough for Fargas to gain an extra 6 yds.

Stan Routt’s fumble after interception was recovered by DT Terdell Sands who hustled from the 35 yd line to the 2 to make the recovery.

Though Greg Spires was credited with forcing the scrambling J.T. O’Sullivan’s fumble, it was really LB John Alston. Alston showed good anticipation and speed through out the night, not only against the run but in coverage.

He played most of the game with a smile on his face, evident when diving after a "fumble" (it was blown dead) he lost his helmet, but continued his sprint into the end zone.

Higgins had 2 very nice returns. The 1^st nice return of 38 yds was called back on a penalty. The next one he took back for a 53 yd TD which he finished with that sweet back flip.

When Sands wasn’t doubled, he man handled 9ers in one on one. He was called for a personal foul just before the 2 minute warning. Double teamed by a tackle and guard Sands threw a right, left, right combo to the unfortunate guards head.

The final "swing for the fences" over hand right sent the stunned 9er guard sprawling.

DT Terdell Sands

McFadden looked good in pass coverage picking up the blitz. This has been a focal point for the Raiders this off season since he did little of it in College. In fact, he lined up at QB often in the Wild Hog offense and stated, he had "Maybe 4-5 pass protections to learn" at Arkansas. Despite this, he’s earing praise from coaches.

The comparisons to Marcus Allen continue...

Oren O’Neal looks good catching the ball out of the back field. He looks even better blowing up line backers in front of Bush, Fargas, McFadden, ect.

A steal in the 6^th round.

Speaking of Bush, he looked good in pass protect too, but shined doing what he did so well at Louisville. Running and catching the ball.

Deceptively smooth and powerful, it doesn’t look like much is happening when he touches the ball, but before you know it, he’s got 6 yds. Or 12. Or 24...

Great in traffic and catching out of the back field.

The 6-1, 245 lb Bush will keep coordinators and line backers up at night.

The hard pack in field taught WR Drew Carter a lesson about planting and cutting on its fickle surface.

He tried to cut back into the middle and hyper extended his knee. He returned later in the game, but will probably be looked at before the next practice.

Carter was thrown to several times with mixed results, but it was camp favoriteTodd Watkins who made a few decent grabs and continued his bid for a spot.

Another guy trying to make the team, DB Michael Waddell was involved in 2 fumbles and some good tackles, but was a liability in coverage.

Tommy Kelly looked sharp, quick and powerful.

Teams that don’t consider the double team will do so at their own peril.

Javon Walker looks like he’s playing possum. He did break contain on one play and got behind the corner and safety, but QB Andrew Walter mis-fired sending the ball over his head.

WR Javon Walker

 AP / Paul Sakuma

Whether its possum or disinterest we likely won’t know till opening night.

An interesting side note: Many players tuck a small hand towel into the front of their pants. On the side toward him and near the waist band, Walker was seen rubbing a gummy yellow brown substance, from his towel between his thumbs and fingers.

Biletnikoff is gone, but it still begs the question old school Raider fans might be asking themselves..."Stick em"?

Kalimba Edwards looked good in pass rush and eased many fans minds about the "loss" of DE Chris Clemmons to Philly this off season. Not a terrible surprise, Edwards looked bad against the run, getting chopped down in the garbage and not using his hands well to fight off low blocks.

He was washed one on one occasionally too. Not a big deal. He’ll likely be fill in and a situational pass rusher. He was probably kept in this game to get cardio reps and live fire scheme time, but don’t expect him to be an every down guy once the season starts.

Former Giant DT William Joseph saw limited action and was promptly double teamed AND held like a baby.

His quickness could have some lines in trouble, especially if Kelly is for real.

Raiders, 9ers recap: "Bush, Higgins looking good"

 Jamarcus Russell 

After a quick 3 and out by the 9ers, Oakland returned the favor. Justin Fargas had a nice 11 yd run off right tackle, but an incompletion and a sack saw them punt the ball away.

Russell was unremarkable, but did manage a nice slant connection to Johnnie Lee Higgins for 9 yds. The Raiders chewed up yardage on the ground with McFadden and Fargas providing good gains.

An incomplete to Zach Miller and a penalty against Justin Griffith (His second one in just over 5 minutes of play) helped kill the drive.

On the 9ers next drive, J.T. O’ Sullivan, under pressure, threw an ill advised pass to DeShaun Foster running down the right sideline. Foster cut off his route and Johnnie on the spot Stanford Routt was in the right place at the right time and made the pick inside the 5 yd line.

Stanford Routt 

He fumbled on the return, but it was recovered by the big man Terdell Sands.

Andrew Walter stepped in for Russell who finished the night 2-5 for 13 yds.

The Raiders quickly went 3 and out, but Frisco’s next drive ended with a fumble as Oaklands Greg Spires converged on a scrambling O’Sullivan and forced a fumble that was recovered by Raider DB Mike Waddell.

In a preview of the upcoming season, Michael Bush and McFadden chewed up chunks of yardage and the clock, but on a 4^th and 2, Bush was stopped for a gain of one and the Raiders turned the ball over.

San Fran could do nothing with the ball and punted. Return man Johnnie Lee Higgins advanced on the drifting punt and exploded left, unimpeded and easily out ran the kicker for a 53 yd TD which he celebrated with a spectacular round off back flip that delighted the Raider faithful.

Higgins to tha hizzy

Alex Smith stepped in for O’Sullivan and aided by a personal foul by Terdell Sands and some decent passes, moved the 9ers into Joe Nedney’s field goal range.

He connected from 22 yds out and got Frisco on the board as the quarter wound down.

On the next possession, Andrew Walter connected with camp surprise WR Todd Watkins for 19 yds. He then went on to pepper the field with short effective passes to FB Oren O’Neal and TE Tony Stewart. Mike Bush sprinkled in some nifty runs along with a great looking 23 yd pass connection with Walter on a screen that set up an amazingly nimble 5 yd run by the big back Bush.

Oakland was successful on a 2 point conversion as Walter connected with rookie "H" back Chaz Schillens.

The 9ers fumbled on its next possession, but consecutive penalties on Mario Henderson killed the drive despite good effort by RB Louis Rankin. Rankin has been a stand out at camp as well, challenging for a slot in the Raiders crowded and talented back field.

With Shaun Hill at the helm, the 9ers offense took the field, but was derailed by an interception by Safety Hiram Eugene.

On the second play of the drive Rankin continued his bid for a roster slot by breaking one up the middle for 72 yds.

Thanks to a penalty by Chaz Schillens the drive stalled inside Frisco’s 10 yd line and the Raiders were forced to settle for a 23 yd. field goal.

A penalty helped the 9ers keep a drive going. (DB Mike Wadell, who had a strong showing was injured on the drive) and the 9ers managed to boot a field goal of their own from 38 yds out.

Marques Tuiasosopo stepped in a t QB and made a good connection to WR Todd Watkins for 16 yds, but the drive stalled as the Raiders went for it on 4^th down and failed to convert.

Shaun Hill QB’ed the 9ers and despite connecting a on a few passes, failed to convert their 4^th down attempt and gave the ball back to Oakland.

Raider back Adimchinobe Echemandu came in and ran the ball well. Tui showed his scrambling skills and ran one for 31 yds, but was sacked for a 10 yd loss just a few plays later.

Echemandu gained 11 of it back on 4^th down but the Raiders needed 12 and turned the ball over to the 9ers who ran the clock out. They ended the game with an illegal formation penalty, leaving the Raiders with a victory 18 to 6.

                                                                   Raiders 49ers: "Battle of the Bay"       

Most can’t wait to see the big ticket players like Jamarcus and McFadden, but the more intriguing and telling match ups could be along the line.

The 9ers essentially switched left tackles with the Raiders and it could be interesting to which one does better.

Barry Sims has the edge in experience, but never found a way to keep himself from getting flagged and occasionally whiffs on pass protect.

Kwame Harris suffered after a regime change saw San Fran switch from a zone blocking system he was drafted (and was successful in) to a more traditional straight line power blocking approach.

He may feel more comfortable in Silver and Black than he was in Red and Gold, but his acquisition has been and will be until he proves he can pass block Jamarcus’ blind side, but, could be an asset immediately in the running game.

A battle with no clear victor is brewing at the Center slot and Jake Grove is looking to secure the spot as his own.

He’ll have competition from Chris Morris and former Tampa line man John Wade who has been a mild disappointment so far.

Mario Henderson could be battling for his pro career. The disappointi