09-09-10 11:37am                        

                                                                                                          RB Michael Bush

RB Michael Bush sat out of todays practice. He showed up in a t shirt and ball cap but we still have no idea if he's being rested or if his broken left thumb is bothering him after 2 days of "limited" practices.

His status for sundays season opener is still unknown and thats just the way the Raiders want it.

It would be surprising to see him on the field in Tennessee but you never know.

With rookie CB Walter McFadden still suffering a hamstring injury

Stanford Routt will start the nickle slot while fellow CB Chris Johnson will man his usual left corner posistion.

Johnson was burned on 4 passes for 121 yds against Seattle but the veteran shouldn't be under estimated.

Safety Mike Mitchell could see time again in Oaklands big nickle package but its more likely veteran LB Thomas Howard will see time there too.

Rookie MLB Rolando McClain is drawing high praise from coaches but faces the best running back in the NFL the last 2 years in Titans 2,000 yd rusher Chris Johnson.

Knowledge and study aren't the issue with McClain, but pulling the trigger has been.

He'll need to be decisive on Sunday.

Raiders special teams coach John Fassell may have had something to do with WR Yamon Figurs selection as the Raiders return man, a position he didn't earn but rather gained likely by default.

Photo Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

                                                                                                     WR/ KR Yamon Figurs

With no clear stand out on Oaklands questionable special teams Fassell chose Figurs whom he worked with while and assistant with the Ravens.

Fassel terms him a "high rewards" return man, but with high rewards come high risks.

Figurs muffed a retunr against the Seahawks in the Raiders pre season finale.

It will be up to the Raiders front seven to get pressure on the Titans Vince Young who came on strong last year after replacing former Raider QB Kerry Collins.

McClain and the Raiders new "beefed up" LB core wil be tasked with keeping Young from destroying them with his considerable scrambling skills.

Oaklands defense will need to play disciplined, responsible football against the Titans to contain Young and Johnson, something they've struggled with the last 5 years.

They hope the additon of McClain and the revamping of their defense is a key piece of that puzzle.

09-08-10 12:55pm pac                                

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                              RB Mike Bush on Aug. 26th

Lots going on to day as the Raiders take the practice field.

Oakland finally dumped horrible tackle Eric Pears in exchange for a pass rushing DT.

Jay Alford played for D line Coach Mike Waufle when they were with the NY Giants. Alford, a former 3rd round pick by NY, is best known for sacking QB Tom Brady with 19 seconds left in Super Bowl XLII to help seal the victory.

Alford sat last year with a bum knee and could be a stop gap while Oaklands Desmond Bryant recovers from a hyper extended elbow suffered against San Fran this pre season.

If he sticks, Alford could help give the D line rotational depth assisting Al Davis's defensive theory that teams will have to abandon the run at some point and fall victim to the Raiders pass rush and coverage heavy D.

This works great if and only if the other team is behind on the score board as the clock winds down.

Oaklands offense in recent years hasn't been accomodating to the philosophy.

The abscence of Pears, who was meant to augment the Raiders Jumbo package as a blocking "TE" means they only have 2 true TEs on the roster.

Zach Miller and 2nd yr man Brandon Myers will likley be joined by practice squad graduate Marcel Reece, a former WR who will be playing FB and could, in theory, see some time at TE and H-back this season.

As the Raiders prep for their season opener in Tennessee, coach Tom Cable is playing coy about RB Michael Bush's availability and broken thumb.

Most assume given earlier statements by Bush himself that he had surgery on a "Bennett fracture", an injury that concievably could leave him out of not only the opener, but several games this season yet, he's been on the field in full pads, running catching, blocking.

At this mornings walk through he wore only a small bandage and a splint on his left thumb, but at practice right now, he has on a wrap that seems bigger than the one he wore yesterday.

Likley trying to protect the injury and at the same time obscure whether he'll be viable for the opener or not.

Hard to imagine he would but frankly, with Oakland, you never know and thats the damnable joy of being a fan of the Silver and Black.

09-07-10 10:10 am pac                                   
Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                       QB Bruce Gradkowski 

QB

The Raiders have surprising depth at the position considering they haven't had a real QB in years. Bruce Almighty has proven he can move the ball and more importantly score. Both he and Campbell can move around in the pocket to buy time and considering their Oline, they'll have to if they want to survive an entire season.

Reserve Kyle Boller did some nice things this pre season too.

RB

Michael Bush could be out and extended period of time or could see action against the Titans with the latter being least likely. He's been at practice in full pads, running and catching but we'll have to see.

The onus will be placed squarely on Darren McFadden to finally earn his keep as a 4th overall draft pick but he'll have help from either Michael Bennett and or Rock Cartwright, both solid backs but hardly elite.

FB

Recently married and promoted FB Marcel Reece is still unproven as a lineback leveler and no real FB has stepped up. Oakland may compensate with tackle Eric Pears or DT Lamarr Houston on occasion. We'll have to see how this shakes out as this position is still relatively up in the air.

WR

Speaking of up in the air, Chaz Schilens instantly upgrades the Raiders passing attack.

Too bad he may never be healthy enough to play.

Oaklands stuck with a cast of potentials at wide out. 2nd yr man Darrius Heyward Bey will be looked upon as the X and though he's shown signs of improvement he's still unproven.

Louis Murphy has shown good things but consistency isn't one of them. He got into trouble last year letting his emotions get in the way, but could be the Raiders best receiving option. Johnnie Lee Higgins crapped out in the return game and needs to prove he belongs on an NFL field as a WR.  

TE

Zach Miller could be a pro bowl caliber weapon.

Raider fans hope his team mates can step up enough so teams don't double team him into obscurity.

2nd yr man Brandon Myers is an unproven commodity but since Oakland has only 2 TE's this year, he'll need to step up.

T

Mario Henderson led the Leauge last year giving up 10.5 sacks and got new QB Jason Campbell killed in pre season and he's our best option on the blindside. Some of its technique, some of its his overtly Christian attitude. He needs to get meaner and become a Christian soldier when its game time.

Langston Walker replaced the truly awful Cornell Green at right tackle, but back problems this pre season and protection issues through out his career could mean the right side is still an issue.

G

LG Robert Gallery could be another pro bowl candidate in 2010...if he can stay healthy. Mario Henderson's better at left tackle with Gallery next to him.

RG Cooper Carlisle is several years past his prime but his replacement 4th round pick Bruce Campbell is still far too green to step in any time before mid season except in special packages or situations.

C

Tired of watching its QBs flattened by his ineptitude Oakland took a massive leap and replaced Samson Satele with a complete rookie with no experience at the position as its starting center. Not only that, rookie Jared Veldheer is 6-8 and will be the tallest starting center in League history.

The Raiders still have alot of questions heading into 2010 but they are an improved team by virtue of who they got and who they released.

They can go a long way toward righting the ship with a win at Tennessee opening day.

09-05-10 6:30 am pac                               

Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

                                                                                                             S Mike Mitchell

This years team seems to be more of a cohesive unit than any in recent memory so it comes as a shock to some that there may be disention over keeping a 2nd round pick over a 7th rounder competing for a roster slot.

On Saturday afternoon Safety Stevie Brown chatted with the media about making the cut and joining the Raiders 53 man roster only to be uncerimoniously dumped from it.

Rumor has it the decision to let the well performing 2010 7th round pick go came from on high after coaches decided to cut 2009 2nd round draft pick Mike Mitchell instead.

Mitchell was the biggest shocker of that draft. Coming out of Ohio University and taken 47th overall, no one had heard of him...except Al Davis.

After a year of relative obscurity on and off the field Mitchell has yet to really make a mark with the Raiders other than to be dubbed "The angriest man alive" by team mates.

This may or may not be a tounge in cheek nick name considering yesterdays news.

S Stevie Brown had been making plays all pre season, snagging 2 interceptions, barely missing a 3rd and recovering a muffed punt while Mitchell had one explosive hit to his highlight reel.

Rumor has it Mitchell can be a little high strung and or high maintenance and not really progressing as fast as some would like.

Brown played mostly single high safety this pre while Mitchell has been more of an in the box run stuffing safety who's even played "linebacker" in a big nickel set.

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                        S Stevie Brown

Theres a chance Brown could make the practice squad, there are four more slots left of the eight Oaklands allowed but thats if no one else claims him first.

Either way the entire snafu looks like its the first real dissension this season between management and the all mighty Al Davis.

Ditching the supposedly difficult, but highly drafted Mitchell for a 7th round scrub may or may not have been the coaches original choice.

We don't know for sure yet and maybe never will, but one can see how Papa Al might have stepped in at the 11th hour and reversed the decision to ditch Mitchell so it didn't look like he wasted a 2nd round pick in 2009.

In any event, Brown's interviews after "making the team" now comes off as awkward and sad and one wonders if he is offered a shot at the Raiders practice squad if he'll even take it.

Given the talented he flashed in his brief time here, we hope so...

UPDATE: 2:01 pm pac

Safety Stevie Brown has made the Raiders practice squad along with DT Kellen Heard, LB Slade Norris, CB Joe Porter, WR Shaun Bodiford, OL Alex Parssons and FB Manase Tonga.

The rumors surrounding Mitchell even being on the chopping block are what generated heat with this story and being chopped for a 7th round pick, but with Brown still with the team hopefully things die down and Oakland stays on track.

Rather than a simple rumor there seemed to be a leak within the Raider organization as this story broke in almost real time.

An obscure radio personality from Florida reported this story yesterday essentially live catching everyone off guard including Stevie Brown, the media and Oakland.

It seemed the reporter was calling the ball from deep within the Raiders ultra secret organization. So deep, that the players had no clue.

Making the story more interesting was the claim in this DJs bio that he worked prepping game film for the Raiders in the last few years, but two sources within the organization, one since 2000 can remember him.

Yet, as it happened live, he seemed to know exactly what was going on and what was happening.

This development could be nothing at all or it could mean a shake up in Raider headquarters.

Mr. Davis usually has the inner workings of the organization tightly under wraps, keeping only a small handful of people in the loop, This approach is designed to keep these sort of things from happening and aid them in catching whomever it is when they do.

Speculatively at this point some are pointing the finger at someone who would certainly have a reason to carry a grudge.

Randy Hanson.

Hanson was allegedly being punched by Head Coach Tom Cable and brought a civil lawsuit against the team on February 23rd of this year after no charges were pressed by police and no punishments were handed down by the front office or the League.

Whether Hanson would have access to, or contact with anyone who would have such timely info is unknown but there is no evidence pointing to the former Raider employee at this time and frankly, it makes little sense, but stranger things have happpened with the Silver and Black.

This could simply have been a player, someone else or an educated guess on the Dj's part for all we know right now but one thing is clear, more questions will likely be asked in Raiderland. 

09-04-10 11:57 am pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                DT Desmond Bryant

50 players were on the practice field this morning, including RB Michael Bush wh has a broken left thumb.

WR Chaz Schilens wasn't there becauseof surgery to his right knee earlier this pre season and may still have a dicey left foot.

DE Jay Richardson is recovering from a knee operation as well. If you include them that makes 52.

DT Desmond Bryant wasn't in atendance but he suffered a hyper extended elbow against the 9ers.

LB Travis Goethel is rumored to have a bulging disc in his back but the Raiders seem to be high on him for what ever reason. Either he or Schilens may have made the roster with one or the other going on the injured list. Rookie CB Walter McFadden may have pulled a hammy against Seattle or could simply be stashed away so other teams can't poach him.

Fullback Luke Lawton doesn't count because he has a two-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs and really doesn't count on the field either.

He should be dropped but Oaklands so thin at the position they may keep him around.

This is an unofficial roster because Coach Tom Cable will confirm the cuts after practice.

Aside from the aforementioned, these were the players not on the field meaning they most likley have been cut.

QB Colt Brennan

FB Luke Lawton

 FB Manase Tonga

 WR Shaun Bodiford

 WR Todd Watkins

 TE John Owens

 C Chris Morris

 G Alex Parsons

 G Brandon Rodd

DE Greyson Gunheim

DT Kellen Heard

DE/FB Alex Daniels

DT William Joseph

DE Chris Cooper

LB David Nixon

LB Slade Norris

CB Joe Porter CB Joey Thomas

S Jerome Boyd

P Swayze Waters

07-09-10 12:21 pm pac                     

DE Matt Shaughnessy

A departure from Oaklands smaller faster defensive ends Matt Shaughnessy was drafted as an edge setting run stopper but last year he flashed the potential to be so much more.

Shaughnessy suffered knee and foot injuries that marred his early football career. A broken fibula in 2008 only slowed him as he gritted out the season for Wisconsin.

Though he was visibly hampered by his leg he still earned an All Big Ten honorable mention.

Considered an old school throw back for his toughness and aggressive playing style, Shaughnessy was an early favorite of many teams but a lack of burst to the QB and his injuries saw him slip to the 3rd round of the 2009 NFL draft where Al Davis pulled the trigger with the 71st pick.

The 6-5 270 lb DE's impact can't be defined by measurables but by his play on the field where his ability has impressed even former detractors.

Though he lacks explosion and almost never beats offensive tackles off the snap Shaughnessy possess un natural strength beyond the weight room and his bull rush often has opposing blockers on skates.

He surprised last year by getting to the quarterback 4 times in limited action and showed his progression from a stack and shed base end to a possible 3 down defender.

He'll need to work on his counter moves when pass rushing. He can get stymied when his first attack is thwarted, but his desire and power are formidable regardless of technique.

It will be interesting to see how Shaughnessy progresses this season as he works his way into the starting line up and continues turning heads with his unexpectedly impressive play.

UPDATE: Is Shaughnessy Sho' Nasty?

DE Matt Shaughnessy has shown this pre season he's developed into a more well rounded DE capable of not only setting the edge against the run but getting to the passer. His counter moves, including his swim and rip have improved to the point where teams may need to think about having a back or TE chip him as they come off the line, disrupting patterns and meaning man on man blocking for someone on the D line.

He may not be Richard Seymour but he's improved to the point where Oakland won't suffer much from a rotation of the two.

That kind of depth is something the Raiders haven't enjoyed for years and should help make them a better D this year.

DE Matt Shaughnessy is definitely a bright spot this off season and fans should look forward to some solid play from a great draft value.

orig published 07-08-10 5:55pm pac 

Photo Greg Trott / Getty Images

                                                                                                         Safety Michael Huff 

6-1, 205 lb free safety Michael Huff came on last year posting the best numbers of his 5 year career but questions linger as to whether Huff will ever live up to his lofty draft status.

Taken 7th overall in the 2006 NFL draft the former Texas star fizzled at the next level prompting some to slap the bust label on him but after making 59 tackles, 14 passes defensed and making 3 picks, things seem to be looking up for Huff if he can avoid the injury bug that saw him miss time in 4 games last year.

Huff seemed to struggle in Oaklands defensive scheme early on in his career but has taken to the Raider way and delivered several kill shots from the single high safety position last year to the oohs and ahhs of Raider faithful and the media alike.

If Huff can stay healthy and continue to grow he'll be a welcome sight on game days, but if he can't put it together this year, the writing may be on the wall.

What was once a sore spot for the Raiders "built backwards" defense has now become a strength with the addition of safeties like Mike Mitchell and emerging star Tyvon Branch.

Huff seemed to shine last year after Pro Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha insisted the DBs stay a few hours after practice and watch film together.

Hardwork and determination seem to finally be paying off for Huff but we'll have to see where he stands when the contact starts this July 28th...

UPDATE: Does Huff have the Right stuff?

Granted its pre season but Huff taking a bad angle or simply dodging Bears RB Matt Forte on his 89 yd TD run didn't look good. The former Texas Longhorn hasn't seen extensive action as Oakland checks out 7th round DB picks Jeremy Ware and Stevie Brown who are fighting for a roster spot. (If anyone,its Brown by a wide margin)

Huff could have real competition this year from "in the box" safety Mike Mitchell if he can begin to learn the single high style Mr. Davis likes and whether its a legit chance or simply getting players reps at other spots in case of injury Mitchell has been seen there during this years camp at Napa.

Tomorrows match up at home against the 49ers is likely the last chance we'll get to see Huff in any serious action and we hope he performs better than he has so far.

The bad news for him and the good news for Oakland is the Raiders seem to have a little depth at a postion that a few short years ago was devoid of play makers.   

08-25-10 1:21 pm pac                               

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                            #68 Rookie Lineman Jared Veldheer

WR Darrius Heyward Bey was back on the field yesterday afternoon as was RB Darren McFadden.

After rehabbing from "fatigue" and a tweaked hammy, both look to participate in some manner this Saturday against the 9ers in "The Battle of the Bay".

Oakland may need them, but the key to their effectiveness may be out of their hands.

Granted its only pre season but the 3rd game is typically where teams bring their game plan together and get a better measure of what they've got and what they need heading into the regular season.

What they need is better pass protection.

Center Samson Satele may or may not be available against the 49ers. Oaklands not saying for sure how bad or significant Satele's ankle injury may or may not be but theres a good chance the 6-3, 300 lb lineman will be out for Saturdays match up.

That may not be a bad thing.

Satele's been consistently erratic in pass protection and all around blocking since his arrival in Oakland from the Miami Dolphins.

It was hoped a shoulder injury Satele played through his rookie year was the cause of his disappointing performance and that given time, he could learn and master the complicated zone blocking scheme Oakland and his former team Miami incorporated.

This year the Raiders are moving away from an exclusive zone blocking scheme and going with more straight line power blocking but center is still the most important position on the O line since they make the reads and call blocking assignments.

Career back up Chris Morris is the likely candidate to fill in against San Fran and he did marginally better than the Hawaii'an born Satele when he replaced him last year after a poor start.

An injury to Robert Gallery caused Morris to slide over and fill at left guard which re installed Satele back in the middle.

What we may see happen Saturday is rookie 3rd round pick Jared Veldheer take some reps in the center slot.

Thats exciting and scary at the same time because the 49ers have a fearsome pass rush with myriad stunts and delayed blitzes.

The kind of blitzes that can and and in recent history have, gotten our QBs killed.

Then again each time Morris has entered a game this pre season bad things have happened.

His first snap against Dallas resulted in a jail break sack right up the middle.

His first snap against the Bears was an errant hike out of the shotgun QB Jason Campbell didn't seem to realize was coming.

Oakland may have two of its ultra fast weapons back for Saturdays home game, but if the center of the O line can't blast open holes and protect Jason Campbell their presence may not matter.

08-24-10 1:54pm pac                                                                     

                                                                                                                                    DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley

THE DEFENSE

S

Michael Huff looked like he wanted no part Bears RB Matt Forte as he broke through the line unscathed. Whether it was a bad angle or intentional the result was an 89 yd TD. Tyvon Branch has struggled mightly in coverage this pre season. Mike Mitchell may have stinky feet but he is making a bid to be more than an in the box safety. Hopefuls Jerome Boyd and Stevie Brown's exceptional play will make cuts downs tough.

CB

Starters Nnamdi and Chris Johnson didn't play. Nnamdi because he's proven himself and was ill and Johnson was out with a hammy issue.

He too has proven his mettle.

That left 6 yr vet Stanford Routt to make his bones in a contract year. He had at least 2 plays where he broke up passes but truthfully, they were poorly thrown balls because of intense frontline pressure.

Not sure he will ever have a break out season, but hope he's at least above average in 2010.

CB Joey Porter ran a 4.28 forty on his Pro day at Rutgers in 2007 and has bounced from team to team since. He may be along shot to make but not a complete write off.

Auburn grad Walter McFadden doesn't have Raider size or speed (5-10, 185 lbs) and not know for run stopping but has demonstrated great cover skills and eyebrow raising quicks when breaking on a ball in flight. The 5th round (138th overall) corner should make the squad and will be one to watch this year. This kid could be very good.

LB

Ricky Brown set the tone on special teams shedding a blocker, losing his helmet and destroying the Bears return man with a brutal tackle. He's McClain's back up at MLB and though undersized (6-2, 235) he's a smart, big hitting competitor.

David Nixon and Slade Norris have looked good on special teams.

Vet Thomas Howard was all over the field breaking up passes, making 3 tackles and aquiring a sack.

Rookie Rolando McClain over ran Matt Forte on the 89 yd TD run but has been solid if not spectacular so far, as expected.

Kam Wimbley had 6 tackles and 4 sacks. The DE/LB also looked great covering Greg Olsen one of the best young TE's in the game.

Trevor Scott had 3 tackles but doesn't look as sharp in all facets including run stopping and coverage.

Quentin Groves needs to step up now. He got great pressure on one play but failed to make the tackle.

DE

Seymour sat out.

Lamarr Houston drew alot more attention after sacking Tony Romo twice on Dallas' first series last week. He lacks technique but his freakish agility will make him a factor this season especially with King Richard in the mix.

Matt Shaughnessy had 2 sacks last week as well and got pressure on the Bears too.

DT

Tommy Kelly looked like a beast throwing away the Bears RG and burying Qb Jay Cutler. He's leaner, stronger and faster. Hope it translates to the regs.

With DE/DT Richard Seymour out Harvard grad Desmond Bryant has been getting more reps and making them count. He tallied 6 tackles and played most of the game on the other side of the ball. He looks bigger and stronger than his listed 6-5 290. Reminds me of Greg Townsend.

Lets hope he can pass rush like the former Raider.

He may be off the steroids now but looks like he can still play, at least against scrubs. Chris Cooper will battle with former Giants 1st round pick William Joseph for a spot with the Raiders. Cooper's in the lead so far.

Vet John Henderson hasn't wowed and younger bigger DT Kellen Heard could give him competition if Hendu's body can't hold out.

The Raiders D has looked good so far. San Fran on Saturday will be a test.

08-23-10 9:26 am pac                             

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                               QB Jason Campbell

THE OFFENSE

RB

Michael Bush showed he has improved in all facets. Pass protection chief among them. His cardio may be a question still but he looks to be a weapon in his contract year.

Michael Bennett still has the wheels and could be the favorite to take the #3 slot.

QB

Jason Campbell is everything Jawhozits was not. Period. He still throws an errant pass or two but is light years ahead of where the Raiders used to be at QB.

FB

Alex Daniels may not make it. Stands people up and hand fights instead of running through them.

Manase Tonga looks like the only real FB by the way he plays but a sore knee this early doesn't bode well.

Marcel Reece looks good catching passes but the rest of his game looks suspect.

WR

Louis Murphy made some good grabs but had one sail through his hands. Oakland hopes Chaz can finally heal up and stay that way.

TE

2 words. Zach Miller. He looked good making grabs and dragged 3 Bear defenders 5 yds for a 1st down. His blocking looked almost as good. Wow...

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                    TE Zach Miller

LT

Eric Pears played LT against the Bears. So did Mario Henderson. Jared Veldheer looked at times, better than both. The rookie needs work but has been very promising this off season.

LG

Gallery was flagged twice early but dominated afterward. Its clear he's the Raiders best lineman. Oakland with alot of pulls and traps from the big man that looked devastating. Alot less ZBS against the Bears. Former LT Khalif Barnes looks below par when subbing for him.

C

Samson Satele got rolled up on from behind. No word on his injury. Walked off under his own power but you never know. He was below average and this is the weakest spot on the O. Chris Morris stepped in and caused an immediate fumble. Jared Veldheer has looked promising but is very green.

RG

Cooper Carlisle is past his prime by more than 3 years. He was barely average. Rookie Bruce Campbell didn't look as sharp this time but once he locks on the defender is done.

RT

Langston Walker looks like he's put back on whatever weight Cable thinks he's lost. He's a liability in protection but better than Green last year at clearing holes for RBs.

Later today, The D...

08-19-10 2:00 pm pac

Photo / AP

                                                                                          CB Stanford Routt

One of the first articles to appear on RNS was titled "This Year, Its All About Routt" after Lane Kiffin’s Raiders signed DeAngelo Hall on March 15^th 2008 from the troubled Falcons.

It was felt at the time by many the Raiders may have another Lester Hayes / Mike Haynes in the duo and that left the 6-1, 195 lb Routt at Nickle as the one teams would be likely to pick on.

Hall was gone after 8 games but it wasn’t Routt who stepped up to fill the void, it was Chris Johnson who after attending Deion Sander’s PRIME U in the off season, and posted career numbers in 7 games.

Though he’s never won the outside corner position he claims to covet, Al Davis may feel Routt is set to break out which would help explain why he tendered the restricted free agent DB at a seemingly over blown 1^st and 3^rd round tender which guaranteed the un productive Routt $3.268 million when he signed on May 1^st.

He’s had 5 years to show he can make the leap from a 4.3 40 track star to an NFL caliber defensive back.

If Routt is ever going to have a break out year it must be in 2010.

Our first clue as the whether that will ever happen will be July 28th.

UPDATE: Routt Breakout still in Doubt

Well its August 19th and the seasons still several weeks away but so far Stan Routt has done nothing to prove he's about to "break out."

He's been given ample opportunity in place of starting left side CB Chris Johnson who had an oustanding early camp and then suffered a pulled hammy.

Routt has been seeing more reps with the starting units playing "outside" at Johnson's spot and "inside" at the nickle position and at both has yet to shine.

Its not like Routt doesn't have incentive. Its a contract year.

The only good news about Routt other than a goal line interception today is that his eventual replacement, rookie Walter McFadden, has been winning praise.

Lets hope Routt can get it done this year.

Finally.

08-09-10 1:33 pm pac

                                                                             LB Thomas Howard

The 27 yr old was a 2nd round pick (38th overall) in the 2006 NFL draft and was brought aboard to help the Raiders cope with divisional rivals exceptional tight ends ala Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzales and to a lesser extent Tony Scheffler.

Now that two of those threats are gone have the Raiders moved on?

Judging by roster moves made this off season Oakland is looking to shore against the run. They picked up Kamerion Wimbley from the Browns, Quentin Groves from Jacksonville and with the 8th overall pick of this years draft selected Alabama stand out MLB Rolando McClain.

Howard has been a solid player during his 5 yrs in silver and black but his only real standout year came under Rob Ryan in 2007 when he turned in 95 tackles, 11 passes defensed and returned 2 of 6 interceptions for TDs.

Howard hasn't matched those numbers since and has been part of a defense thats dwelled in the statistical cellar far too long.

At 6-3, 240 Howard is smaller than his 3 new counter parts who all outweigh him by 15-25 lbs.

Whether this helps the Raiders against the run remains to be seen.

Whether it hurts them in pass defense is a question as well and maybe one of the reasons Howard is still around, but with Oaklands new over emphasis on diversity he may still find himself odd man out.

The 6-4, 255 Wimbley and 6-3, 265 lb Groves can play DE as well as LB and McClain was brought in to "quarterback" the defense leaving the pass covering Howard seemingly out of the scheme.

One has to think it doesn't help his cause to be chatting with former Raider coach Lane Kiffin either.

Another potential nail in the coffin of Howards Raider career could be the fact hard hitting safety Mike Mitchell joined the D as a "linebacker" in a big Nickle package at a recent practice and looked good doing it.

You never really know what the Raiders will do and thats part of their mystique, but as far as writing on the wall goes, Howard may need to break out his reading glasses.

08-06-10 2:41pm pac                                              

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                 T/C # 68 Jared Veldheer 

This off season Rookie Jared Veldheer has been getting reps at tackle and center.

He hasn’t played center since he played at Forest Hills Northern high school where he snapped the ball in their Wing T offense.

Tackle is the position he played at Division II Hillsdale college and he played it well, but odds are most NFL scouts might’ve missed him had he not skipped an invite to the Vallero Cactus Bowl.

Instead, on February 6^th of 2009 he played in the Texas vs The Nation Bowl where he wowed scouts all week in the run up to and during the game.

Some called him "The best offensive lineman there..."

Veldheer went on to impress at the NFL Combine putting up 32 reps of 225 lbs in the bench press and posting an eye popping 32 in. vertical.

The Raiders took notice and after careful consideration, heavy research, a work out and even an interview with Al Davis, Oakland staked their claim, drafting him in the 3^rd round (69^th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

After the draft Veldheer said:

"It definitely felt right. All signs pointed to Oakland and I’m really glad it worked out."

The 23 yr old put pen to paper on July 9^th and signed a 4 yr $2.685 million dollar deal.

In an interview afterward Veldheer stated.

"I’m really excited to be an Oakland Raider."

Now that he is, they’ll decide how best to utilize him.

The 6-8 312 lb NCAA Division II All-American has good size, athletic ability and strength. 

At Hillsdale he benched 415 lbs, ran a 4.87 forty and picked up experience with NFL style blocking disciplines including inside zone and power schemes.

He has what coach Tom Cable calls "a hot dog body" with shorter legs and a longer torso which should help him get under the pads of defenders and anchor despite his height.

In the G.L.I.A.C. or Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Veldheer dominated lesser competition but he tends to play too upright in pass protection and should struggle at tackle against NFL caliber speed out on the edge.

That may be one reason Oakland is trying him out at center. That and the fact the position is a question mark with the underwhelming play so far of Samson Satele.

Like fellow 2010 draftee Bruce Campbell, moving Jared from tackle to the interior could get him on the field quicker. Both players, the fans and staff would like to see that.

Whatever position or positions he plays, Veldheer is excited about what his future may hold.

"Its been an unbelievable journey and an unbelievable start to my next chapter in life."

"I can’t wait. I can’t wait to start my hard work as a Raider."

We can’t wait either.

08-01-10 7:38pm pac                        

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                         DE/ DT Lamarr Houston with D line coach Mike Waffle

2^nd round draft pick (44^th overall) Lamarr Houston has raised eyebrows in camp with his play and his "take no prisoners" attitude.

"Thats just how I am." said Houston after todays 2nd practice. "I love the game and I love to play."

Houston’s been getting plenty of time on the field in Oaklands eight practices so far and in those four days Houston has spent much of his time at left defensive end with veteran Pro Bowler Richard Seymour on the inside at DT.

Both he and Seymour dole out punishment and give no quarter to those that challenge them.

Their could be plenty of extra curricular activity and flying yellow after the whislte in 2010.

Its hoped the 6-3, 305 lb former Texan can help the Silver and Black shore one of the leakiest run D’s in recent history.

Last year they finished near the bottom of the pile again ranking 29^th over all.

With the addition of Houston and 8^th overall pick Rolando McClain at middle Line backer, Oakland looks to move back toward the other end of that list and back into the win column much more than they have been.

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                 DE/DT Richard Seymour

Things could get heated when the pads go on tomorrow around 3:30 pm.Houston has already tangled with team mates Robert Gallery, Langston Walker and RB Rock Cartwright who after being slammed to the ground in one practice session blurted out "We ain’t got no ****ing pads on!!!".

That excuse ends in less than 24 hours and the Raiders and their fans hope Houston can take it a little easy on his own team mates.

A minor cry has already gone out from bloggers.

"Don’t hurt em’ Houston!"

No guarantees.

"Fans of the Silver and Black know who Michael Bush and Darren McFadden are, but..."
   Who'll be Number 3?

07-24-10 2:02pm pac

                
                                                                            DE/DT Lamarr Houston

Lamarr Houston is set to become a millionaire very soon but his focus since an early age has been football and it shows...

The California born Houston told his mother at age 3 he wanted to play football and his love of the game has never waivered.

That love and dedication is about to pay off, but questions remain about wether or not Houston can produce at this level.

It was felt pre draft Houston is "ideally built" to play DT at the pro level but the 6-3, 305 lb former Longhorn is only 3 inches shorter than Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly but possess freakish agility for a man his size.

He'll use that speed and quickness to defeat tackles and unfortunate tight ends that will be charged with stopping him.

Several Raider players have alluded to a new diversity in John Marshall's defensive scheme this year and Houston should fit in nicely.

Thats about the only thing that will be nice about Houston once he's on the field.

Aside from a scrape with center Samson Satele, Lamarr rankled prospective team mate and NFL veteran running back Rock Cartwright who screamed at him for crushing him into the turf at Oaklands OTA's earlier this pre season.

"We ain't even wearin' any #@$%in' pads!"

They have on the pads in 4 more days and one can only hope Houston doesn't wreak havoc and injure his fellow team mates before the season starts.

He may be a nice enough young man off the field but on it, he's a force to be reckoned with and one to watch this pre season.

07-22-10 8:00 am pac

Photo Rex Brown / Getty Images

                                                                                             WR/KR Jacoby Ford

WR/KR Tim Dwight was past his prime when he joined the Raiders but his failure didn’t stop Oakland from searching for a diminutive dynamo ala Wes Welker.

Last year the Raiders thought they had the answer in 5-9, 180 lb FA Nick Miller who made noise last year in pre season, but sat the entire year with a leg fracture.

Miller got a pass last year but he’ll be fighting for time with 4^th round pick (108^th overall) Jacoby Ford who signed on the 19^th.

The 5-9, 185 lb wide receiver / kick return specialist was selected with the pick Oakland snagged in a trade with Jacksonville for middle linebacker Kirk Morrison.

Unlike some of Oaklands track star projects Ford is a football player first and foremost and was ranked 7^th out of the 310 available WRs by NFL draft scout prior to the April draft.

At Clemson the football and track star was one of the finest all purpose players in school history and ran a blazing 4.28 40 and was the fastest WR at this years combine.

Its not necessarily Ford’s blazing speed (he reportedly once posted a 4.12 40) its his quicks in a phone booth the that Raiders are hoping will make him dangerous to opposing defenses and on special teams returns.

As one half of the NCAA’s greatest ever duo (with Clemson RB C.J. Spiller) Ford not only had 16 career TD receptions but also gained 494 yards on the ground, posting an eye opening 8.5 yd average, so be sure to watch for him as a dangerous addition on the end around.

With camp 6 days away, Jacoby Ford will be one to watch.

We’ll have to see if Oakland has finally snagged itself not only a blazingly fast return man, but a Wes Welker styled offense weapon as well.

07-21-10 2:44 am pac                                                         

Photo Sam Greewood / Getty Images

                                                                                                        DE/LB Quentin Groves

In college, Quentin Groves was a sack artist finishing his career at Auburn tied for the school record with 26 quarterback take downs and as an Associated Press All SEC 1^st team selection.

The 6-3, 255 lb DE was taken by the Jags 52nd overall in the 2^nd round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Groves "under performed" during his 2 years at Jacksonville but was miscast as a 4-3 defensive end.

Oakland picked him up last April for a 5^th round selection (158^th overall) after he was demoted by the Jaguars from starter to a third teamer.

His move to the Raiders may seem puzzling considering their similar 4-3 base, but those paying attention last year saw the Raiders run a 3-4 "look".

By virtue of off this seasons acquisitions, defensive coordinator John Marshall may be looking to expand upon the success of that formation.

Though he probably won’t be asked to as much as he did in Jacksonville, Groves will likely see time as a 4-3 end as well as LB.

Groves is the opposite of fellow DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley, who was miscast with the Browns as a 3-4 LB when he is suited more as a 4-3 DE.

It will be interesting to see how Oakland juggles them both, but they still have veteran linebacker Thomas Howard to throw in the mix on passing downs, at least for now anyway.

Speculation is, if camp goes as expected for Wimbley and Groves, Howard could go the way of former team mate MLB Kirk Morrison, especially if another team offers a nice mid round pick for him.

Morrison now resides with Groves former team, the Jags.

The Raiders did their homework when picking Groves, and with Wimbley for that matter.

They look good on paper, but proof will be on the field.

Groves has yet to prove himself at the NFL level, but he appears to have an edge.

He’ll still need to work on varying his game, but the fact is, with new team mates Wimbley and 8^th overall draft pick Rolando McClain taking Morrison's middle linebacker spot, Quentin Groves is in a much better position to silence his critics and kick start his sputtering career in Oakland than he was in Jacksonville.

07-20-10 1:21 pm pac                               

                                                                         DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley

Despite a knee injury his senior year at Florida State, the pass rushing DE was still named second team ALL-ACC and an All American by Pro football weekly.

His accolades and play in college earned him the interest of the Cleveland Browns who could’ve taken Raven DT Haloti Ngata, but traded back one space to select the pass rushing Wimbley.

Though he played a 4-3 at Florida, it was felt by some he wasn’t big enough to play DE at the next level.

Cleveland felt he’d be the answer they needed as a run stuffing pass rushing LB in their 3-4 D.

After signing a 6 yr $23.7 million dollar deal that guaranteed $9.3 million, Wimbley flew under the radar his rookie season, which was pretty amazing considering his 62 tackles, 11 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The Browns defense began to fall apart the next season and Wimbley didn’t fare as well, though he still contributed decent numbers, posting 179 tackles and 26.5 sacks during his tenure as a Brown.

Under new management from former Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, the Browns fielded offers for the former Gator with none better than the later of Oaklands two 3^rd round picks.

Lest Raider fans think there must’ve been something wrong with Wimbley, his trade from Cleveland came as a shock and angered many fans who rightly felt Wimbley was the second best defensive player they fielded behind DT Shaun Rogers.

Kamerion may not have materialized as a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker (yet), but his trade to the Raiders had some Cleveland bloggers proclaiming "The Raiders got a steal."

Now in silver and black, its forecasted the 6-3, 255 lb Wimbley may return to his college days as a pass rushing "hand in the dirt" 4-3 defensive end, but its more likely he’ll be used as a hybrid DE/LB in defensive coordinator John Marshall’s expanding and exciting scheme.

Wimbley’s size, skill and rare athleticism had him turning into an every down linebacker at Cleveland. With Oaklands revamped defense, Kamerion is quietly set to pleasantly surprise Raider fans and horrify division rivals.

07-17-10 2:44 pm pac                        

                                                                                                                                        T Khalif Barnes

Lineman Khalif Barnes has yet to regain the form that saw him help Jacksonville set a franchise rushing record with 2,056 yds in 2006 as a left tackle.

His play declined the next year and in all fairness the wheels fell off the Jags by the end of game one in 2008.

Center Brad Meester tore his right biceps in pre season, their back up left tackle Richard Collier was shot the week before the start of the season and both starting guard were lost for the year on opening day.

Barnes, needless to say, struggled but it wasn’t necessarily his poor stats alone that saw his departure from Florida.

Police video of Barnes after during his arrest for rocketing past them at over 100 mph with expired tags and a blood alcohol level of .12 didn't help.

In the video Barnes can be seen and heard blasting the officers as racists and Jacksonville as a hick town.

His profanity laced tirade was likely the last straw.

His arrival in Oakland was looked at as a fresh start and a new hope, but the former 2^nd round draft pick out of Washington has yet to even challenge for a starting slot even with poor play and massive injuries to the O line and little depth.

The 6-5, 325 lb lineman balked at playing a position other than left tackle but his best shot could be on the right side filling in for the now departed and unmissed Cornell "yellow flag" Green.

There is a good player in there somewhere and hopefully he can revive his stalled career rather than flame out like Kwame Harris.

Barnes seems to have mended his ways since joining the silver and black but he’ll need to produce in camp and on the field if he wants to succeed.

The former left tackle could do great things on the right side, an area the Raiders have needed to address for sometime.

Have no illusions, Barnes can be a very good lineman. He just need to show that sooner rather than later.

Oaklands lore is rife with comeback stories and re ignited careers, but it is also littered with washouts.

Which one will Barnes be?

This coming camp will be a pretty good indicator.