Photo / AP

                                                                                             DT / DE Richard Seymour

Its no big secret the Oakland Raiders haven’t exactly been media darlings...ever, but they have been most sports outlets punching bag lo’ these last 6 seasons and not with out just cause.

Today though they redeem themselves just a little by managing to resolve what had become a sticky situation.

REASON FOR HOPE

Ok, granted. Its a little early to crown Richard Seymour King, but Raider fans must be glad things resolved the way they have, considering Lane Kiffin, DeAnglelo Hall, Javon Walker and Gibril Wilson’s short tenures and under performance in Oakland, its very nice indeed to actually land Seymour in a timely manner rather than have his non signing loom over Monday nights opener and beyond.

Even if Seymour sees limited time, it has to be considered a victory. If he’d stayed away and balked at ever becoming a Raider, it could’ve been catastrophic for the foreseeable future of Oakland’s free agency signings.

As it is, a five time Pro Bowler caliber line man will join the Raider roster and just by his presence on the field signal hope is not dead in Oakland.

ON THE OTHER SIDE

On the other side of the field the Chargers passing game looks very impressive indeed as top tier QB Phillip Rivers develops a rhythm with wideout Vincent Jackson.

It’s the running game Oakland is and should be concerned about, but their safeties and secondary needs to beware as well.

Whether or not Seymour will be allowed to roam and line I up in different slots along the line is questionable in his first Raider start, but if he can, there are weak points on San Diego’s line.

Rookie right guard Louis Vasquez would be in for a rude welcome to the NFL staring up at a silver and black clad Richard Seymour in his very first start as a pro.

Oaklands not with out line questions with starting center duties falling to 3^rd stringer Chris Morris.

If Merriman is really back in form and capable of tackling more than 93 lb Asian lady boys, he, and potentially explosive rookie Larry English could have a field day.

Speaking of Merriman, charges were dropped and the investigation closed over Merriman’s alleged attack / publicity stunt and he will not be charged with any crime other than sporting a dated and ridiculous mohawk.

It would be easier to make fun of if Jamarcus Russell didn’t go to the same barber.

Which mohawk will win?

Tune in Monday night to find out.

SPECIAL TEAMS?

It’ll will be interesting to see how Oaklands special teams do with out benefit of last years special teams coach Brian Schneider or the flying wedge, outlawed this off season.

Oaklands special teams unit was one of the few bright spots last year.

Also missing from action apparently is Johnnie Lee Higgins who looked dynamic returning kicks for touch downs last year, but finds himself in the dog house and on the bench as the 2009 season starts.

His replacement, diminutive free agent walk on WR / KR Nick Miller won the job this off season and a spot on the team, but even with his injury Higgins will not likely see the field.

RB Louis Rankin has been tasked with filling in for Miller.

Higgins, once on the rise, may be heading the way of Ronald Curry.

THIS IS IT

Having the Seymour answer can only be seen as a positive to Raider fans heading into their opener against the Chargers, but many questions remain.

Photo Terry Schmitt / UPI

                                                                                                    RB Michael Bush

Fans may remember Oakland manhandled San Diego for 3 1/2 quarters last year in week 4 and should’ve won the game.

Prolific against the Raiders, RB LaDanian Tomlinson was stone walled until rookie Safety Tyvon Branch took a bad angle and allowed LT to scamper 41 yds to pay dirt.

There were 2nd stringers in on that play too because the offense faltered and the defense tired.

Their week 14 match up was no where near as close.

Which game will it be more like during the season opener?

Who knows if the Raiders will come fired up Monday night? They just might...

Oakland may try to come out throwing since SD's secondary was the worst in the League last year, but probably shouldn’t.

The Raiders right side is demonstrably terrible and former 3^rd string center Chris Morris unexpectedly gets the start because Samson Satele and veteran John Wade were unable to win it.

Right guard Cooper Carlisle has fallen off lately and needs a solid game to get back on track this year.

In his defense, Darren McFadden has a nasty habit of slamming into him and falling on his legs. Twice Carlisle limped off the field last year.

Not an excuse for his penalties though...

Right tackle Cornell Green should not be starting in this League.

It will be interesting to see what the Raiders can come up with creatively with Darren McFadden.

He and Michael Bush are extremely versatile and both have the capability of proving LaDanian isn’t the only running back on the field who can throw the ball, but it’s the running game likely to earn their bread and butter.

Bush has the potential to be phenominal in that respect.

We’ll see Monday if the Raiders pre season struggles with run blocking were indicative of them working on their passing game or a serious issue.

Speaking of serious issues...

Oaklands run defense is in all likely hood going to be with out the services of DT / DE / MIA all pro Richard Seymour depending on whom you believe.

The Boston Globe reported Seymour was filing grievance papers with the NFLPA over his trade, while at the same time the usually astute Adam Schefter reported the 5 time pro bowler was preparing to join the Raiders Friday night.

Oddly, both maybe true.

Whether he shows and plays is anyones guess...

His replacement William Joseph was a former 1^st round pick too, but hasn’t lived up to any kind of potential so far.

It will be interesting to see if rookie FA DT Desmond Bryant can contribute in a meaningful way.

In pre season he showed an ability to dominate one on one and shoot gaps more effectively than anyone else on the Raider D.

If he gets field time, he could shine.

He won’t be the only rookie down in the trenches.

Right guard Louis Vasquez gets the Charger start after the release of veteran Kynan Forney who was plagued this pre season by a neck injury. He was expected to fill the void created by the FA loss of last years starter Mike Goff.

Vasquez put up the most bench presses at the combine (225 lbs, 39 times) and was taken in the 3^rd round (78^th overall) but didn’t look overly impressive this pre season.

Although he appeared in all 16 games last year and started 2, Charger lineman L.J. Shelton was released at the 53 man cut down too.

Center Nick Harwick was destroyed by Terdell Sands for two sacks in last years match up, but this year he’s gone. Warren, Kelly, Bryant or *gulp* Richard Seymour, could be able to do the same.

Oaklands questionable LB corps will need all the help they can get.

Despite the fact Howard and Morrison had a great season in 2007 intercepting the ball, they have struggled in coverage since. In fact they’ve struggled in all aspects.

Especially against the run.

Consider it cold comfort MLB Kirk Morrison gets the nod to play despite an elbow injury.

He may make a lot of tackles, but too many are 5-7 yds and more down field.

Blame the scheme, blame the front four, but the proofs in the play back and while yes, the front four does have culpability, more often than not, it’s the LB’s that are unable to stack, shed and get off blocks.

Add that to the fact they over commit and take bad angles (Morrison, we’re looking at you...) And it’s a recipe for a cellar dwelling run D.

We may see a little Mike Mitchell back at safety but most likely he may only play special teams.

It could be Michael Huff that surprises at safety. He needs to shine this year or he is done.

Tyvon Branch plays like he is launched but is inexperienced.

Lets hope Hiram Eugene comes to lay the thunder as he did several times last season and isn’t relegated to making TD saving tackles...like he did too often last season.

Nnamdi will play and they may test him a time or two. With his wrist in a cast, SD might try to match him up against TE Antonio Gates.

The other corner, Chris Johnson is an explosion waiting to happen.

This guy is flat out good.

WR / KR Nick Miller will try to give the advantage in the return game though he missed time with a "shin splint" again at tonights practice. If he can’t go, Johhnie Lee Higgins is next in line.

Miller had a few minor and not so minor blunders this pre season. Lets hope his nerves don’t get the best of him.

Oaklands been beaten 11 times in a row by San Diego and Raider fans are sick of it.

Those who watched last year know this game could be closer than many people think. If Oakland comes out focused and fired up, they've proven they can compete with or even dominate against San Diego, but can they win?

We’ll find out Monday night.

Photo Ted S. Warren / AP

                                                                                                           RB Louis Rankin

After the 1^st pre season game, Raider Nation Station was one of the first to state former Dolphin center Samson Satele may not be doing well enough to be named starter.

Thats very bad news considering former Buccaneer center John Wade in his 12th season is in serious decline and not even healthy 3rd stringer Chris Morris is kept mainly for his ability to play guard or center, but neither well enough to start out right.

The fact Satele played into the 4^th quarter against Seattle may be an indication of his current status.

Oaklands line woes don’t look to be getting any better, especially right side.

 Fans hope theRaiders can survive until Barnes shows up, maybe in week 3 or 4 and then hope he's better than 10 yr veteran Cornell Green at right tackle.

It wouldn't take much to be an improvement.

Green was torched by 1st round LB Aarron Curry on the Raiders first play from scrimmage. After being pinned deep by a misplayed ball by Nick Miller, it looked like Cable didn’t bother adjusting his call despite the terrible field position and the pass play was quickly snuffed by blitzing LBs.

No consolation, Curry's going to scorch a lot of tackles in the years to come, but you can bet SD's licking its chops watching game play back.

"Crush Oaklands passing game?" Simple: Blitz on their right side. At least twice this off season, they’ve failed to pick up or even read it.

Granted, DB / KR Justin Miller has a bad toe, but his lack of effort and skill in coverage likely means a ticket out of Raider land.

WR / KR Nick Miller committed a few bone headed errors a few times including fair catching a ball at the 4, but his determination at WR and a 52 yd kick return MAY have him making the cut down...

Oaklands 1st team D may be a little stouter against the run than some think. Their starters showed some promise but, like last year, their defensive scrubs and rookies will give up huge runs late in games if the offense won't let the starting D rest and be fresh late.

Its imperative the Raiders control the clock on offense and put up points to protect their pass rush, cover heavy defense.

Good news, though he didn’t make a splash with spectacular plays, but DE Matt Shaughnessy may be a draft gem IF he can stay healthy. He’s recovered heroically from serious leg injuries in his young career, but the fact he’s had to is a legitimate concern. He won't blow anyone away with his dynamic play, but he appears to be capable of being better than DEs Trevor Scott and Jay Richardson combined.

Theirs tape showing Richardson coasting on a at least a few plays.

Cannot be tolerated.

Oaklands worked hard to purge its team of malcontents coasting for a pay day and the price has been inexperience.

To let them slack now would render the whole excersize moot.

Oakland may be putting a lot of its youngsters on the field opening day on offense and defense with mixed results.

Can Louis Murphy retain ball after catch?

Will either of Oaklands untested safeties shine?

Does Oakland have anyone other than a weathered Greg Ellis at defensive end?

Time will tell and the clock is ticking toward opening night.

Photo Tony Avelar / AP

The Saints 1^st string offense showed how to protect their defense by staying on the field and controlling the clock, looking every bit the well oiled machine they are and shredding the Oakland defense at will.

Sprinkled in between were good plays by Nnamdi Asomugha and a few nice stops and reads by competing MLB Ricky Brown, but for the most part the hodge podge defense fielded by Oakland was completely dominated.

Sam Williams and Stanford Routt should not make the team but likely will anyway and Oakland still has no clear stand outs on the defensive line.

But, the Raiders do have the two best corners in the National football League.

Asomugha is special and so is Chris Johnson. He’s maybe a little more complete than Asomugha in that his tackling is better, especially on an island.

He showed off his world class speed too, chasing down a runaway pass play to Saint receiver Robert Meachem and preventing a TD. He also snagged a pick.

If the Raiders could only generate some pressure to help them. 12 yr vet Greg Ellis may be past his expiration date and 2^nd yr man Trevor Scott has been a ghost enveloped by linemen and tight ends both.

Oakland prays DE Matt Shaughnessy can help with the run, though its not his forte.

The good news on the D line is free agent and Harvard grad Desmond Bryant who has made some noise in the run game and against the pass this off season.

The bad news on the defensive line, a rookie free agent from Harvard is making the best plays.

It is still pre season and thats one of the reasons many defenders like Bryant are manning the Raider line. Many of the defensive players against the Saints this Saturday aren’t starters, but have no illusions, they will see time on the field, especially if Oaklands offense continues to falter.

It shouldn’t come as a shock to Raider fans if veteran center John Wade gets the start when he finally heals. Satele hasn’t been disastrous, but he hasn’t been impressive either.

Oaklands offensive line struggles in the run game, which was their forte the last 2 years, is nearly as alarming as their continued struggles in the passing game.

RB Michael Bush was the "starter" in this game that was supposed to feature him, but he saw very little action.

Javon Walker made on brief appearance (one play) split out at right in the slot.

Louis Murphy bungled several catches, all can be attributed to "rookie mistakes" and in a way, its probably better they happened now instead of in the regular season where they better not.

San Jay Lal will need to stress gauntlet drills before the opener.

Russell was Jekyll and Hyde against the Saints, much like in camp. He looked good right from the git with a slant to Bey for 12 and a long completion to Miller over the middle, but failed to sense pressure from a blitz to his right and was stripped, killing their opening drive.

Later in the game he sensed a blind side break down and rolled effectively away like a wily veteran.

On the play he showed off his epic arm strength by some how drilling the ugliest pass since Garo Yepremian. Wobbler on a rope doesn’t quite describe it, but with his amazing arm strength it some how flew directly to a well covered Louis Murphy who made the catch and was stripped on his way to the ground for an incompletion.

And thats pretty much the way the entire day went.

McFadden broke a few impressive runs, but saw some of them marred by typical Raider penalties.

Not to be unexpected in pre season, but still.

Speaking of hopefuls and scrubs, one who’s not but should be is decidedly Cornell Green who continues to bungle his way to the top of the depth chart.

Pray Khalif Barnes can or even will play right side. He has to be better than Green. Green is likely the worst starting right tackle in the game.

It will be interesting to see what happens Monday night against the hated Chargers and to see exactly what the Raiders chosen starters will do.

It is only pre season, but an ass kicking like the Raiders endured this Saturday has got to suck any day. Its going to be a long, apprehensive wait till September 14th for Raider fans.

             
                                                                                             WR Javon Walker

The Biggest Ever

To say Javon Walker’s had a roller coaster ride since joining the Raiders would be incorrect because you’d need to have some highs mixed in.

Walker’s off season beat down in Vegas tainted the Raiders off season last year and Walker’s debut but worse was yet to come.

His complete lack of production and inability to make the field had some thinking he was the biggest FA bust in history.

Walker did little to prove them wrong.

But 09' brings a new season and hope springs eternal.

Walker reworked his contract to stay with Oakland and hopes a radical surgical procedure to his knee done "out of the country" last April, will have him back in Pro Bowl form.

The hope is the former Green Bay / Denver Bronco wide out has used his "Plunkett pass" to his advantage.

Its hoped the time off last year has helped him to heal not only his body, but his mind.

It Should Have Been Brandon

The former Pro Bowl wide out likely needed time to get his mind right after a shooting that left Bronco team mate Darrent Williams dead.

When Walker was with the Broncos, Denver wide out Brandon Marshall instigated a night club fight with several gang members who later, thinking Marshall was in a passing limo, opened fire.

Reports state Williams died in Walker’s arms.

Anyone could be excused for losing focus. Now its hoped with some time and distance have helped him gain perspective and move on, not only with his life, but his career.

Buying Time for Chaz

Fans aren’t holding their breath. Most of them realize it’s a long shot for Walker to return to form let alone make meaningful contributions that will lead to Raider victories, but, even if he can only contribute for the first half of the season, it would allow rookie Chaz Schilens to heal his broken foot.

Schilens, a 7^th round pick looked to be a serious find by the Raiders, but can’t seem to stay healthy so far in his young career. (He sat last season with a bad ankle.) If Walker can at least carry the torch till the youngster gets back into playing shape, it would have to be considered a solid contribution.

The Eternal Optimist

Its not Raider fans strong suit, especially the last few years, but, best case scenario, Walker comes on like a house afire, Schilens returns and the Raiders are suddenly deep at a position that was wafer thin last year.

The 6-3, 215 lb receiver has the size and skills to be one of the games best receivers, but in a League built on "what have you done for me lately", he’s more dud than stud.

Early reports though, seem to indicate he’s looking healthier than he has in years.

Oakland sure could use him.

If Walker can "walk the walk" even for half the season, the benefit to Oakland could be immense.

Raider fans could use a good come back.

Photo / Getty Images

                                                                                    CB / KR Justin Miller

Justin Miller signed on with the Raiders after being let go by the Jets and promptly proved he was a special teams asset with 2 TD returns.

Nick Miller is an un drafted free agent out of no where who’s lighting up the camp with his skills and diversity.

Nick Miller transferred in 2007 from Scottsdale community college to Southern Utah University and quickly earned a starting spot at WR, but it was his return skills that set records.

Miller set the SUU record for return yards with 914 yds on 41 returns. He continued to improve his game in 2008 making 55 catches for 763 yds and 3 TDs.

The 5-9, 180 lb Miller has been compared to a young Wes Welker and is showing signs it may not be simply for his diminutive stature.

Justin Miller is a DB with a Pro Bowl for his NFL efforts. Mainly for his special teams abilities.

Miller’s no great shakes in coverage and remains solidly 4^th or below in the rotation when it comes the Raiders man heavy defense.

He did take 2 back to the hizzy last year after being with the team only a short while, but that was last year.

Gone is the flying wedge and worse, Oaklands coach who brought their squad to prominence.

New League rules prohibit more than two players at a time on returns and Brian Schneider now works for USC.

Unlike his tiny counter part the 5-10, 195 lb corner was drafted in the 2^nd round (57^th overall) of the 2005 NFL draft and in 2007 was named to the Pro Bowl on special teams.

He ran into off field trouble for striking a lady in the face at a bar. He claimed he was aiming at the man, but missed.

On September 13^th of the 2007 season though, Miller suffered a season ending knee injury. In 2008, a contract year, Miller suffered injuries to his toe and foot and fell out of favor with the Jets who had new DB and return threats in the hopper.

The arrival of 2007 1st round (14th overall) draft pick Darrelle Revis was sbad sign for Miller.

Justin Miller has some credentials and some issues. He’s not much of a cover man in Oaklands man cover defensive scheme either.

Nick Miller’s an unknown, but displaying some serious heart and talent.

Nick is also a much better WR than Justin is a DB.

The fact that Miller signed a 2 year deal with the Raiders in march likely won’t mean much if they think the other Miller can contribute more.

                                                                                MLB Kirk Morrison

Whether Morlon Greenwood is anything more than camp fodder, a back up or a legitimate contender for a starter slot is speculation at this point.

What likely isn’t is the fact Oaklands looking to shore its LB corps.

Granted the injured status of LB Jon Alston could have something to do with Greenwood’s acquisition, but so could the lack luster play of one of Oaklands most popular players.

Against Dallas, Kirk Morrison looked exactly the same as he has the last few years at MLB. Over ran plays, inability to shed blocks, bad audibles, poor reads, whiffing on an island ect etc.

The 6-4, 240 lb San Diego Stater has been a starter since day one of his rookie year after being taken in the 3^rd round of the 2005 draft (78^th overall) and has compiled some impressive looking stats with 498 tackles, 7 interceptions, 16 passes defensed, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, a TD and was 5^th in the League last year in tackles, but those numbers are deceptive.

Morrison doesn't seem thrilled about the prospect of moving to SLB but Oakland and John Marshall don't seem thrilled about his lack of discipline and smarts.

Have no illusions, the front 4 could be doing a better job, but a lot of Oaklands lack luster run D has to be laid at the feet of their defensive team captain and middle line backer.

As venerable Raider journalist Jerry McDonald put it. "It doesn’t help when the majority of his tackles are 5 to 7 yds down field.

Depending on the collective bargaining agreement, Morrison could be a restricted or unrestricted free agent in 2010. He’s stated earlier this year, he’d like to stay with the Raiders, but admitted it’s a business and he may go with who ever offers the most for him.

If he doesn’t do an about face soon, he may be playing in colors other than the silver and black in the near future.

Photo Marcio Sanchez / AP

                                                                                               RB Darren McFadden

The Good the Bad the Ugly

This pre seasons opener against Dallas showed how some things have changed, some things have stayed the same and the potential of things to come.

The Good

Tackle Mario Henderson

Henderson not only held his own against DeMarcus Ware, he blocked well for the run too.

Running Back Darren McFadden

DMC looked good in limited reps tearing off big chunks of yardage and showing why the Raiders may be one of this years top rushing teams.

Running back Michael Bush

Bush looked good extending plays with the best field vision of any of Oaklands backs, but where he noticeably excelled was in pass protection. Several times he picked up unchecked LBs on a red dog blitz.

Wide Receiver Chaz Schilens

The former 7^th round draft pick caught everything thrown to him displaying great hands and the ability to separate. He’s also showing a willingness to block down field. Russell could have a legitimate target at WR.

Tight End Tony Stewart

Aside from a 3 yd TD catch Stewart looked good sealing off defenders in the run game.

Safety Michael Huff

Huff looked impressive timing out an interception on a deep ball from Tony Romo and getting involved in run defense.

The Bad

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell

He wasn’t horrible, but he wasn’t the 1^st overall draft pick franchise quarterback you’d expect either. Having targets like Walker, Schilens, Bey and Miller could help him with his accuracy issues and he looked good scrambling for yards and making better reads, but he has a ways to go before he’s bona fide.

Center Samson Satele

On more than on occasion Satele was out of place, miss reading blocking assignments or simply beaten by the defender. Oaklands woes at center may not be over yet.

MLB Kirk Morrison

Despite gaudy stats fans and personnel are aware now of the Captains part in Oaklands horrid run defense. Against Dallas Morrison showed he’s still capable of making bad audibles, missing gaps and over running plays. He may lose out on the MIKE LB position.

Corner back Stanford Routt

Routt needs to have a break out year not only for himself, but for the Raiders. Against the Cowboys, he didn’t. Still a beat behind receivers Routt was exposed and not only by Dallas’s first string.

Defensive End Trevor Scott

Ditching disgruntled DE Derrick Burgess may have been the prudent thing to do, but suddenly the Raiders are very thin and inexperienced at the critical position. Scott had flashes last year against the pass, but was eaten alive against the big D. In his defense, he was up against 5 time pro bowl tackle Flozell Adams. Juries still out.

The Ugly

It is pre season, but Oaklands run defense looks same as it ever was. Granted, Dallas’s huge O line has some All Pro talent, but still, the over pursuit, poor audibles and lack of plays on the other side of the ball makes it seem like the prolonged walk throughs imposed by Cable and defensive coordinator John Marshall have been entirely ineffective.

Wrap up

Oakland posted a pre season win (for what thats worth) but still looks weak at several positions not the least of which is safety. Mike Mitchell will be needed desperately if Oaklands to have any chance of shoring the run.

Morrison looks exactly the same as he always has and that may be why he’s been losing reps at MLB to other players this year. Slade Norris stood out and looked aggressive against the run, but lacks Raider speed and has work to do to round out his skill set. Oakland will need an answer at the MIKE linebacker spot.

Injured Robert Gallery could help Samson Satele look better when he’s placed back in the line up, but the fact remains, the Raiders may still need help on the O line. Cornell Green played well at right tackle and so did Eric Pears, but neither is battling to make a Pro Bowl roster.

Oakland will need to count on its offensive weapons to carry its beleaugred defense and force teams to abandon the run at some point. All well and good, but only if they can generate pressure.