08-26-11 1:29 pm pac
                                    

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                         DMC, LB Trevor Scott in coverage    

Raiders had an early practice today with moving trucks waiting in the wings. Last day of camp (and sessions open to the media) before they leave Napa.

Big day with new faces.

3rd round supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor took snaps today, worked out with trainers and handlers. Looked goodbut is clearly a little rusty.

Has a brace on his left knee but before anyone panics, he's always worn it.

Pryor wearing #6 on his jersey.

Pryor stepped in on about 13 plays, threw 7 passes completed 4 but looked erratic. Fumbled a few snaps. About what you'd expect for his first NFL practice.

Oakland brought 10 yr veteran CB Lito Sheppard on board and he joined practice today too. In drills he muffed a catch, dropped down and started doing push ups. Right on Lito!

Lito will wear #21.

2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain was back on the field after being held out a couple of days. Most likey just to keep him fresh and undinged.

DTs Richard Seymour and Big John Henderson both were out too. Seymour's being rested but Henderson may be having trouble with the foot he broke last year. May not be entirely healed...

TE Brandon Myer was back from a dinged up foot after missing the last practice.

Rookie TE David Ausberry missed time  with a dinged up foot as well, but was back in the line up today. He could be a serious threat along the seams with his great hands and impressive speed.

OL Stephon Hyer is back from a triceps tear and has played G and T this pre season but he'll need a big game to vie for the Right Tackle spot. Vet Khalif Barnes is slated to start but its no lock.

Rookie Joseph Barksdale needs to make a push if he wants to have a shot at the starting job.

OL Daniel Loper missed practices while his wife had a baby. That gave rookie Stephan Wisniewski more reps and now he looks like he may be the starter at Left Guard.

Fellow OL and 2nd yr man Bruce Campbell may be making a push to unseat veteran Cooper Carlisle at Right Guard but it likely won't be for a while.

1st string O line looked like this today:

LT Veldheer, LG Wisniewski, C Satele, RG Carlisle, LT Barnes

Barnes caught a pass as TE eligible to end the session.

Movers already loading up and thus ends a very eventful, injury packed but promising 2011 Raider camp at Napa...

08-24-11 6:10 pm pac



                     
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                   TE Brandon Myers


Twice yesterday RB Taiwan broke contain and burst into the second level. Oaklands looking to use that speed on Special Teams if they can.

Jones was fielding punts this practice. Rookie WR Denarius Moore has been electrifying with his smooth returns but may be too valuable as a WR to risk.

No one save Moore has the hands RB Darren McFadden does, but if Taiwan can improve in that area he's going to be a serious threat with screens and swing passes out on the perimiter.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey looks explosive on teh catch and run. His short game shows marked improvement.


2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain was an observer for the second day in row.

Likely being saved for real reps.

Oakland lost depth when 2nd yr LB Travis Goethel suffered severe knee injury.

Oakland may or may not be looking for a filler but rumored interest in former Raider LB Kirk Morrison is over. Morrison signed with Buffalo today.

Veteran Richard Seymour sat out. He's being rested. He's earned it.

OL Stephon Hyer is back from a tricpes injury. HC Hue Jackson says Hyer will get plenty of reps in the upcoming Saints game.

Hyer was less than spectacular against Arizona particularly in pass protection at Left Guard. He faired better at Tackle but not by much.
He wouldn't be garnering as much attention if not for the disappointing play of fellow Linemen against the 49ers.

Rookie TE David Ausberry missing valuable reps with a tweaked ankle. Veteran Kevin Boss out with sprained knee. TE Brandon Myers rolled his ankle today leaving onlyt Kevin Brock and rookie Richard Gordon to take reps.

Rookie Chimdi Chekwa missed practices after popping out his shoulder early in camp. He's back and seeing alot of time at Safety. Mike Mitchell has been seen on crutches and whether or not he'll be back is anyones guess.

Oddly, thin as they are at Safety Michael Huff has been seen cheating down at CB.


 

08-23-11 9:28 pm pac

                               
Photo / AP                                                                                                               RB Darren McFadden

Jason Campbell returned to practice today but Oakland is still suffering from attrition with 16 players "nicked up".

WR Chaz Schilens did some light running. TE Kevin Boss nursed his knee sprain on the stationary bike.

LB Travis Goethel will require season threatening knee surgery after tearing ligaments in what was called a "freak accident" at practice yesterday.

Lofa and former Raider Kirk Morrison have been mentioned as possible replacements.

Safety Mike Mitchell appeared on crutches yesterday and was M.I.A. today.

With Hiram Eugene's season ending hip dislocation and Mitchell status unknown, the Raiders have questions at LB, CB and Safety.

DT Big John Henderson has missed 4 days with an undeclared injury. Slightly limping Rookie TE David Ausberry joined MLB Rolando McClain on the sideline. Ausberry was dinged in Saturdays game. McClain watched with a baseball cap on.

Probably being rested while the Raiders see where they're at without Goethel...again.

Veteran Special Teamer Sam Williams stood in at MLB today and without space eater Hendu, the run defense suffered.

Things aren't entirely bleak in Oakland. DMC, Ford, Campbell, Moore and alot of other players are back on line or making plays and looking poised to have solid seasons.

One O line player was missing today but not because of injury. LG Daniel Loper's wife gave birth today.

In his absence 2nd round DP Stephan Wisniewski saw the lions share of reps the last two days and played well.

Bruce Campbell is not without his foibles (We promise, Film Room session for the Offense coming shortly...) but when he locks onto defenders, they are DONE.

He bullied 2nd and 3rd stringers today.

Fellow Lineman Joseph Barksdale saw reps in Saturdays game and got in a scrap with the newly re-inserted Trevor Scott but needs focus.

We mentioned Moore earlier, Denarius Moore. The rookie WR dumped rookie DB Chimdi Chekwa on his back side with a open field move and was off smoothly striding toward the end zone.

Stanford Routt looked good breaking up a pass. Fellow starter and veteran CB Chris Johnson looks to be recovering nicely from a "proceedure" and was seen running lightly on the sideline.

2nd yr CB Walter "Wheezy" McFadden is struggling. After failing to chase down a ball carrier a team mate asked him if he'd lost a step.

He'll need to step up soon.

Rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke got some rest on the sidelines. He's been tested and bested but has shown surprisingly good cover skills especially in man. We just need to see him start making plays and folllowing through to the whistle.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey has performed well this off season after recovering from another mystery injury. His short game has improved, his long game needs work.

Oaklands QB situation got better with the return of Campbell but who will be his back up remains a question. Boller ended the 88 degree practice with three incompletes in the red zone as three horns sounded.

Rookie supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor isn't in Oakland yet. Contractual stipulations aside, Pryor will be able to work out with the team in pre season but he's nowhere near NFL ready. He's likely not even ready to compete for the back up spot.

He could even appear in one of the remaining pre season games but won't be allowed around the team until week 6 if his suspension stays in effect.

08-22-11 5:40 pm pac                            
    
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                             RB Darren McFadden


Hue Jack lies.

Well, not really, maybe, but concussive injuries are difficult to diagnose and erring on the side of caution with your franchise QB is always a good idea. Hence, we're not entirely shocked by Jason Campbell's absence today.

We're a little shocked at how bad the Quarterbacking was without him.

Boller, Edwards and tomorrow, Terrelle Pryor.

Of particular note isn't who wasn't there but who was.

We hope Pryor wears his Ohio State #2 to put he who shall not be named to bed.

RBs Darren McFadden and rookie Taiwan Jones were back from a broken orbital bone and a reported hammy strain respectively.

DMC will be a mis-match nightmare for any LB and most Safeties. He caught a sweet deep ball from Edwards over solid coverage by LB Quentin Groves.

Taiwan was roughed up pretty good in camp before his injury. Even though it was no contact, the rook took some punishment.

Today he looked good.

LB Trevor Scott made his return to football field for the first tiem since a torn ACL sidleined him last November.

He struggled before the injury. Maybe his knee was bothering him before it gave but if Scott can return as a situational pass rushing option again it would be welcome.

Among those who sat out were DT Big John Henderson and S Mike Mitchell with undisclosed injuries. Mitchell has been M.I.A. for weeks. TE Kevin Boss has a knee strain and was seen riding an excersize bike along with injured OL Stephon Hyer who suffered a tricep injury.

WR Chaz Schilens has knee strain as well. He was seen doing some light running along the sidelines.

Good news for Oakland fans concerning two key injuries yesterday. QB Jason Campbell is expected to practice tomorrow after a knee to the helmet caused concussion concerns.

Veteran TE Kevin Boss is "week to week" concerning his knee "sprain". That means like we mentioned yesterday, we're probably done seeing him this pre season.

No need to risk him.

Oakland got run on yesterday but most of the gouging was done against 2nd and 3rd stringers.

The Raiders O line is a mess. Several guys wrote their tickets out of Oakland yesterday and no one really stood out as having a good game.

Even 2nd yr LT Jared Veldheer stumbled.

The Raiders secondary is still pretty undecided too.

CB Chris Johnson had a "proceedure" but isn't limping so thats a good sign.

We'll need him and Stanford healthy and on the field. Too many rookies and inexperienced noobs playing DB now that Nnamdi's gone bye bye.

Coach Hue Jackson had this to say about our secondary yesterday:

"Obviously, DeMarcus Van Dyke went in there last night for (Chris Johnson). Again young player, has some talent and getting better. Again, working at it. Obviously Walter McFadden last night played again. Jeremy Ware played again. And (Chimdi) Chekwa played, that was his first action. Again, first time for the young man being in the game in a performance-type situation. He he did some things that he can build on, talking about Chimdi, that he can build on and continue to get better. We just need to continue to have those young guys play so they get the experience of playing in games and understanding what the NFL game is."

Translation?

DVD will be relied on alot. We hope he can cut it. Walter Mcfadden? He's playing himslef off the team. Ware not progressing fast enough. Chekwa's raw, raw, raw.

Result?

Some growing pains for Oaklands secondary especially if the Raiders can't generate "natural" pressure form their front four. Kind of like yesterday.

Not all bad for Oakland and yes, it is only pre season.

Lots of questions but still lots of time.

08-20-11 8:08 pm pac                                    

Photo Ben Margot / AP                                                                                         QB Jason Campbell


San Fran came out the more interested team it seemed. They dominated the 1st quarter offensively with 130 yds of out put compared to Oaklands 21.

WR Joshua Morgan and TE Vernon Davis burned S Tyvon Branch repeatedly. We saw that way too much last year.

Oakland had a few nice looking plays. A nice grab by Denarius Moore over the middle but Campbell over threw one deep to the smooth rookie Wide Out.

Darrius Heyward Bey blew a route early on but made a really nice deep grab in double coverage to set the Raiders up inside the 5 where their vanilla play calling saw them go 4 and out. With the Raiders 1st string O still in with minutes left in the half Bey hauled in another great catch deep as the Raider O line picked up an LB blitz.

Oaklands D continued to get run on by the 9ers O. So much for building a bully at this point.

Aside from Branch's horrible coverage and the D getting run on, DE Matt Shaughnessy dropped into a "Fire Zone" blitz where he drops back into coverage. 

QB Alex Smith never saw him.

Shaughnessy made the pick and looked good doing it. Wow...

Campbell got killed just before the 2 min warning by San Fran LB Ahmad Brooks. Brooks didn't go for fumble killed Campbell instead. Maybe he never saw it or just wanted to blast Campbell.

Campbell recovered the ball but was down on the turf for a few minutes until helped off by staff.

QB Trent Edwards came in and completed some nice passes but the back to back holding penalties saw a Raider red zone drive moved out beyond the 30.

Edwards then threw an under thrown lob into triple coverage with around :30 left in the half.

SECOND HALF

2003 1st round pick Kyle Boller came in to lead the O.

RG Bruce Campbell came in and got in a scrap immediately after locking on and dominating his block.
Boller moved the ball with some deft passes but a blatant hold by RB Rock Cartwright on a blitzing SF LB negated a 1st down completion and saw Oakland eventually punt it away.

On the 9ers next drive RB Kendall Hunter burst through a giant gap in the Raiders 3rd string D for a 53 yd TD. MLB Travis Goethel completely over ran the play.

Trying his hand at kick returns Denarius Moore took one out of the end zone to the 45 yd line. He's the man they call "Wow".

A bad drop by TE David Ausberry killed a Raider drive. Boller took a violent hit by a stunting DT when LT Seth Wand got blown up by the DE.

A nice 14 yd grab by vet WR Derek Hagan kept a Raider drive moving and good protection was provided by Wiz 2.0 and Evil Dead Bruce Campbell. He plays to high in his pads but looks like Gene Upshaw when he pulls.

Bruce looked good on his block but rookie Joseph Barksdale missed his allowing the San Fran D to stuff RB Michael Bennett for a loss.

Boller was picked on 4th down trying to throw to FB Manase Tonga.  
 Interestingly enough former 1st round draft pick and reclamation project in the making LB Quentin Groves has spent a lot of time with the 2nd and 3rds these last two games.

Oakland looks like it has questions at the second level too.

With San Fran's punter knocked out of the game earlier their kicker had a punt blocked after their special teams unit failed to even field an O line. End of the third quarter with Oakland inside the 9ers 45 yd line.

A Rock Cartwright screen got Oakland into field goal territory but Boller missed an open receiver and J.Kow had to boot a 46 yd FG to make the score 10-3 San Fran.

Oaklands starting and reserve Defenses kept over pursuing and allowing scrub type RBs to gain big yards.

Frankly, D Coordinator Chuck Breshnahan's game planning and play calling looked suspect. Granted, SF Quarterbacks were sacked 6 times last week. We guess it makes sense to blitz every down with your 1st string D but San Fran ripped us apart.

We got dominated at the point of attack and that is decidedly NOT the way to build a bully.

QB Colin Kaepernick saw alot of reps for the 9ers. He was rumored to be Oaklands 2nd round selection in the last draft. We ended up with C / G Stephan Wisniewski.

DB Chimdi Chekwa got his name annoucned but it was for a P.I. penalty. It was a phantom call. If anything, one of San Fran's WR's held DB Joey Porter.

Pre season.

SF RB Xavier Dimon rolled left for 5 yds and punched it in for the TD making it 17-3.

We'll keep you posted on Qb Jason Campbell's status...

UPDATE:

QB Jason Campbell was lucid post game but will be tested for a concussion. Campbell was scrambling left when a tackler grabbed him and San Fran LB Ahmad Brooks burried a shoulder into him.

Campbell says he took a knee to the helmet.

 “I took a knee to the head. When it happened, everything kind of went dizzy, drop out for a minute. It’s unexpected, something you can’t prepare for. I’m just glad I’ll be all right.” 

Us too.

Thats probably the last we'll see of Campbel behind Center this pre season.

TE Kevin Boss was injured on a play we pointed out mid game. Sprained knee is the early diagnosis. again, probably the last we'll see of him in pre season games.

08-19-11 2:19 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                          Hue Jack and Ro Mac

Good news for Oaklands up in  the air O line, Center Samson Satele was back today after an injury scare. He appears no worse for wear.

The same can't be said for OL Stephon Hyer who was competing for RT and or Guard positions. No word on a time line for his return.

Al Davis was supposedly irked at last years HC Tom Cable for not playing OL Bruce Campbell last season. We'll find out who was right starting this Saturdays against the 9ers.

Theres going to be a learning curve we imagine but Campbell looks good for the most part. He got some solid reps with the first team O today.

Oaklands starting O line today was LT Jared Veldheer, LG Daniel Loper, C Samson Satele, LG Cooper Carlisle and RT Khalif Barnes.

Unless something happens this could be the starting line up day one.

The good news is Satele's return bumps rookie Stephan Wisniewski back to LG where he may actually get more field time.

"Be yourself because you probably suck at being someone else." Thats the sage advice imparted by FB Marcel Reece's Uncle and Reece is certainly unique.

Can't think of any LBs that won't struggle covering him out of the back field.

He looks awesome.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey looks good too hauling in a sweet 25 yarder over the middle but he doesn't look like a 7th overall pick...yet.

With fellow Wides Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy dinged rookie WR Denarius Moore stands a real shot at a starting gig. If his play from practice translates on field he may never relinquish it.

Veteran Receiver Derek Hagan is making a bid for a roster slot too. He's one to keep an eye on.

LB Kam Wimbley looked good in coverage. CB Walter McFadden did not. He continues to struggle mightily. Not looking good especially if rookies DVD and Chimdi Chekwa can take advantage of opportunities.

CB Stanford Routt is quietly having a good camp. He's grumbling but wisely going to let his play do the talking when it comes to the inevitable and annoying Nnamdi question.

We think its a good thing.

We stand by our conviction Trent Edwards is pushing hard to be the back up QB this year. He shows nice touch on his passes and Boller, well Boller throws picks and struggles with reads. If not for the concussion question Edwards would be in a better position.

Oaklands QBs look better in this camp than they have in years. Al Saunders working some magic and our WRs finally showing some play.

Should get only better once we get Schilens, Murphy and Ford back in the mix.

RB Taiwan Jones was back on the field today after a lengthy rehab of an apparent hammy issue, WIth all that down time he's probably not quite ready for this week ends game though.

TE Kevin Boss made a nice one handed grab from Campbell to end the session.

More to come...

08-18-11 7:02 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                          WR Denarius Moore

RB Darren McFadden figures to play a predominant role in OC Al Saunders game plan so its no surprise DMC is being brought along slowly after suffering the fracture of one of the seven orbital bones in his left eye.

McFadden was seen with a helmet today conditioning and running with WR Jacoby Ford.

Center Samson Satele suffered no tell tale catastrophic injury at yesterdays practice. After a play he simply felt discomfort and was taken away to be looked at.

Today he joined fellow Lineman, OT Stephon Hyer walking on treadmills.

Lineman Bruce Campbell injured his thumb yesterday but is expected to see alot of time against the 9ers and compete for the RG slot.

We hope he wins it.

CB Chris Johnson, who was "fine" and "resting" one day had "a proceedure" yesterday. Johnson was seen around the facility un hobbled but with a large bag of ice.

WR Louis Murphy's groin and hammy issues may have worsened or been worse than thought. He too had surgery and could miss the season opener against Denver.

We think WR Chaz Schilens won't.

Despite spraining a knee against the Cards the oft injured Wide Out will probably be nursed along slowly just in case.

The longer he stays viable the better Oaklands shot at the play offs.

Word.

LB Trevor Scott seems to be recovering well from and ACL tear last year. He and possibly hamstrung rookie RB Taiwan Jones were seen running hard today.

Some see Kyle Boller as the clear #2 QB on the roster but other see Trent Edwards moving into that slot.

His deep strike connection over the middle to TE Kevin Boss won't do anything to hurt that bid.

Boss figures to see less passes than former TE Zach Miller but just like in NY, more of them should be TDs.

Jason Campbell got picked today trying to connect with Boss by recent camp addition S Matt Giordano.

Campbell did finish practice though with foru strikes in a row.

WR Nick Miller getting time to make his bid for a roster slot. 2 TDs in team period of session.

5th rnd pick WR Denarius Moore has looked like a Champ. Hauls in yet another impressive TD on the post route.

Oakland has suffered its share of injuries this off season cause by a confluence of events like the lock out and subsequent shortened pre season but it has alos put together a petty solid looking camp considering its HC has never been a HC before and is working with a slew of brand new (and one returning) Coaches.

Things aren't ideal in Raider Land, but like the balmy 80 degree weather in Napa, they're not bad.

08-17-11 5:38 pm pac

                    
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                            OT/RG Bruce Campbell


One step forward and two steps back.

Thats how its got to feel for Oaklands O line. Center Samson Satele was brought back after what we can only assume was the failure of 2nd round draft pick Stephan Wisniewski's ability to win the starting role he was selected to fill.

Wisniewski was annointed starter at Center day one by HC Hue Jackson who later back pedaled furiously after Satele had to be re-signed saying: "Wisniewski was our only Center on the roster at that time."

True. Satele sat on his couch this off season with nary a phone call from the Raiders.

Take from that what you will but the fact Satele has been taking the majority of first team snaps at Center meant he was likely going to be the #1 come the start of the season.

Today that could be in jeopardy.

Satele limped off todays practice field and was loaded into a staff member driven van to be taken for X rays.

After a day off yesterday, Oaklands O line woes suddenly compounded even more when 2nd yr O lineman Bruce Campbell injured his hand.

Campbell has sat most this season with a "non related football injury" to his knee. Yesterday was the first time he'd really been back on the field.

Showing warrior grit he got his thumb taped up and went back in.

The upside is, he's looked good...

Joining Oaklands O line walking wounded today were WR Louis Murphy, WR Chaz Schilens, S Mike Mitchell, CB Chris Johnson and RB Taiwan Jones. WR Jacoby Ford and RB Darren McFadden are recovering from fractures and seem to be about ready to re-join the line up. Given the circumstance, they will likely be eased back in and treated with kid gloves till the season arrives.

Ford's broken hand is sans bandages now but a surgery scar adorns his broken hand.

McFadden went through light drills with a helmet on to protect his cracked eye socket.

On the brighter side, QB Jason Campbell may be having the best camp of his life.

The former Redskin QB is enjoying for the first time in his career the same system two years in a row. Well, basically. Close enough anyway.

The results can be seen for themselves on the practice field. Fans just hope it translates to victories.

Back up Trent Edwards seems to be in the lead for the #2 slot behind Campbell but Boller will challenge.

On the defensive side of the ball S Stevie Brown returned after tweaking an ankle recently.

With the career threatening hip injury to S Hiram Eugene Brown's role figures more prominently in the coming season.

With the the mystery injury to CB Chris Johnson (today HC Jackson said Johnson had a "procedure" and should be back by the opener against Denver. Johnson's had 2 prior knee surgeries in his career. No idea if this is a 3rd), Rookie CB DeMarcus Van Dyke is taking the lions share of first team reps along side CB Stanford Routt.

Van Dyke is under rated, but its alot to be expected of a newbie DB.

Alot of pressure on Stan Routt stepping up to fill the Nnamdi void but he's taking it with a grain of salt and a chip on his shoulder.

Quietly, he's looking very good.

2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain is blowing things up in camp as well.

McClain shuns the media and lets his on field play do the talking. This season, he'll have plenty to say.

Helping with Oaklands depleted WR corps is the emergence of rookie 5th round pick Denarius Moore. Another spectacular diving grab today.

Consistency is a problem but T.O. had drops too and he's set for the HOF.

We hate to see our WRs go down  but the silver liningis Moore is getting the reps he needs to compete and shine.

Moore is also taking heat off of 3rd yr WR Darrius Heyward Bey who, after being slowed by another mystery injury early on is starting to have a good camp. A sliding catch today looked good. No drops today and his catch and run could be explosive this year.

Todays practice ends with McClain mugging TE Kevin Boss on a 25 yd pass play.

Three horns, end of session...

08-15-11 12:01 am pac

Photo Tony Gonzales

DT Tommy Kelly played the role of Khalif Barnes today in practice jumping off sides so much Defensive Line Coach Mike Waffle actually blurted out the F word.

On the O line Oakland is still shuffling players to and fro but 2nd round draft pick Stephan Wisniewski was anchored at Left Guard most of the day. Coach Hue Jackson seemed to shrug off our suggestion Wisniewski wasn't quite ready at Center.
After practice Coach Jackson said of Wisniewski:

“I’m just trying to, again, just keep finding the right pieces, as you continue to watch the tape each and every night and see what’s gonna’ be our best fit for him, because he’s a very tremendous player. We drafted the right guy. He has all the qualities that we were looking for. He’s everything that I thought he would be, and he’s gotta’ be up there somewhere. So, if it’s not at center, obviously, he has the capability of playing guard.”

Slated for Right Guard duty before an off season knee injury Bruce Campbell made his first appearance yesterday. He could still compete for a spot and word has it Mr. Davis was displeased Campbell was not used more under HC Tom Cable last year. He'll get every chance to do so this year whether its at Guard or Tackle.

Oakland can't seem to find someone to lock down the Right Tackle position. Campbell mentioned before camp he was being considered for the job but veteran Khalif Barnes had an early lead until 3 false starts in rapid succession could see rookie Joseph Barksdale edging his way in.

4 yr vet Stephon Hyer was playing Right Tackle today when he suffered what some said may be a triceps injury.

Assistant O line Coach and C/G rookie Stephan Wisniewski's Uncle, Steve, has been working directly with players enough to draw curious interest from reporters.

The elder Wisniewski is a former Raider Pro Bowl Lineman known for his nasty play.

WR Louis Murphy revealed the injury thats kept him out of 8 straight practices was a hamstring, groin strain.

He's getting closer to a return every day. So is WR Jacoby Ford. Ford broke his hand early in camp but was seen today with the equivilnet of a band aid on his affected hand.

The may not be so rosy for WR Chaz Schilens. We hope he's fine but he sprained knee will have him "week to week".

Fellow Wide Outs Darrius Heyward Bey and rookie sensation Denarius Moore are taking advantage of the extra reps with Moore looking great and Bey accomplishing some good intermediary pass work.

On the opposite side of the ball Dt Desmond Bryant has a large badage covering what we can on ly assume is a broken hand.

DB Chimdi Chekwa enjoyed his second practice after recovering from a separated shoulder early in camp, the same shoulder he injured 3 yrs ago.

CB Stanford Routt was given a large contract before the lockout and is expected to be the heir apparent to the now departed Nnamdi Asomugha and he seems to be resenting it.

In that resentment lies the chip on Routt's shoulder he's going to use to go to the Pro Bowl this season.

He looked good again today.

08-13-11 11:55 pm pac

                             
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                       DB Chimdi Chekwa

We mentioned last night that rookie DB Chimdi Chekwa may practice today for the first time since seperating his shoulder earlier in camp.

He did.

Chekwa was joined by OT Bruce Campbell who has been out and injured as well. Campbell was on the "non related football injury list" with an apparent knee issue.

Oft injured but great WR Chaz Schilens will be "week to week" as the team evaluates his sprained knee.

WR Louis Murphy was not on the field today, out with an injury too same as Jacob Ford.

Fellow Wide Out Darrius Heyward Bey missed most of training camp. Now that he's healthy he's getting reps and looking good doing it.

WR Denarius Moore beat CB DeMarcus Van Dyke and looks good, but Van Dyke has been making solid progress. Still, in some packages, don't be surprised to see Safety Michael Huff drift down to play Cornerback on occasion with Tyvon Branch and Stevie Brown back at the Safety spots.

BTW, Safety Mike Mitchell looks like he could be returning from injury to the line up soon so thats good news.

Safety Hiram Eugene, injured in Oakland pre season match with Arizona, underwent surgery on  his dislocated hip. He should be placed on IR soon and done for the season.

On an up note undrafted free agent CB Sterling Moore is turing heads for all the right reasons.

More later...

 Photo Kyle Terada / US Presswire

FIRST QUARTER 

Arizona came to Oakland for the season opener and won the toss. J.Kow took advantage of the rule returning kick offs to their 1990's 35 yd line mark and blasted the opening kick off through the uprights.

Janikowski led the League with 29 touchbacks last year. He'll obliterate the record if he wants to this year.

Oaklands opening salvo on defense forced a 3 and out with some great run stops a blitz by Huff and some serious pressure by our DEs.

Oaklands opening offensive play was a bomb to FB Marcel Reece that resulted in a 15 yd P.I. Oakland failed to capitalize and settled for a J. Kow 39 yd field goal.

3-0, Oakland.

Cardinals return man brought the ball out and Raider Special Teams looked good dropping him at the 13.

CB DeMarcus Van Dyke was tested early  by new QB Kevin Kolb and All Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald who worked magic over perfect coverage and burnt the rook for 43 yds.

On the next play though DVD negated him.

Then Walter McFadden was burned by Fitzgerald for 17 yds.

Beanie Wells stiff arm on DVD got them 1st and goal.

Travis Goethel at MLB led a goal line stand that stone walled Arizona.

The best news about the stop was Arizona was running their 1st string offense, Oakland was running their second string D.

Big John Henderson stuffing the middle.

Place erupts...Raiders!!!

1st string offense took over inside their own 5 with Stephon Hyer at Right Guard.

Result? 6 yds Mike Bush.

Hyer looked terrible in protection later in the game against Arizona 3rd stringers.

On 3rd and 2 with Satele at Center Bush blasts up the middle thanks to a block by TE Kevin Boss for 8 yds, 1st down.

Strike to Darrius Heyward Bey with 14 yds on the out cut route. 1st down.

FB screen sees Reece with one handed circus catch for gain of 7. Hes a special, special player.

WR Nick Miller plays Wes Welker for the short first down.

Campbell under throws DHB. Thats Jasons's second under thrown ball so far.

Rookie WR Denarius Moore entered the game with one play left in the 1st quarter but OT Khalif Barnes shoots his own foot with an off side penalty. Run off and the quarter ends.

Barnes is fighting for the Right Tackle job against rookie Joseph Barksdale.

SECOND QUARTER

Barnes draws boos and rightly so. He draws two more false starts, his last one negates a Janikowski 52 yd field goal attempt to kill the opening drive of the second half.

DE Jarvis Moss with a supernatural read and amazing quicks. He's been reading our posts! He just needs to learn to wrap up.

Jerome Boyd needed to wrap up too. His blitz was well timed and follwoed immediately by another DB blitz dialed up by "new" D Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan.

Oaklands 2nd string D simply man handling Arizona's 2nd string O.

We've got talent, size, speed, power and depth.

Kyle Boller takes over at QB and our O line blasts a huge hole up the gut for veteran RB Rock Cartwright who looks good picking up 10. Rock looked to figure prominently with RBs Darren McFadden and rookie Taiwan Jones out with injuries.

Boller connected with Nick Miller and a zero route to rookie WR Denarius Moore and then on a beautiful out route again to Moore.

The play resulted in a roughing the passer penalty that set Oakland on the 12 yd line.

Wisniewski took over at Center and fellow rookie Joseph Barksdale took over at Right Tackle.

Dump offs to FB Manase Tonga and then to TE Brandon Myers resulted in nada. J.Kow booted a 25 yard chip shot.

6-0 Raiders with 6 minutes thirty seconds left in the half.

ESPN shows one clip of Raiders Cardinals game and its an Arizona highlight even though we're killing them. Mm hmm.

LB Travis Goethel takes a bad angle. 6 yd run Cards.

Atones on the next play with a solid tackle in space. DE Jarvis Moss stacks the Tackle and forces it back into Goethel. Moss...Wow!

TE Todd Heap victimizes our second string secondary. Good coverage, juggling catch.

1st down.

P.I. on Walter McFadden.

DMC on the sideline looks good.

Raider D gets gouged for big yards but holding on Goethel.

McFadden wearing Mike Haynes #22 draws another P.I. with a blatant grab after being burned on double move. Eww...

Moss at DE looking unblockable dropping a running back off the edge for a loss. Again, we say, Wow!

We want to say we told you so, so we will...

Goethel with a beautiful read, sheds a block and stuffs the edge rusher.

Refs call delay of game then dick around for 2 full minutes before granting Arizona a time out in lieu of a 10 second run off.

2nd and 15 on the Raider 19 yd line with :31 seconds left the Cards throw a TD strike over DVD.  Safety Hiram Eugene in position to make a play but slips.

The extra point gives them the lead going into the half.

Boller took a shot down field to Denarius Moore but it was broken up with one second left. Boller eats the ball to end a half dominated by Oakland.

HALF TIME

THIRD QUARTER

Raiders third string defense on the field with the exception of LB Quentin Groves. He's hoping not to be demoted ala Thomas Howard. Thats a good problem for Oakland to have. Options at LB.

Groves with a solid play in coverage helps stall Arizona drive. Jay Feely kicks the 38 yarder.

Cards 10-6.

WR Shaun Bodiford got over excited by a big return in the making and fumbles it away. He recovered his own gaffe but still...

False start on rookie Big Richard Gordon.

Bodiford tries to atone on an out cut grab for 1st down yardage.

DT Vonny Holiday batted Edwards pass back to him and he picked up two on the pass to himself.

Edwards gets killed on the next play but rookie Denarius Moore drops a catchable one...ooh.

1st down strike by Edwards to Bodiford.
 
Fumble Edwards from Center Wisniewski.

Derek Hagan had to wait on the ball but hauls in the deep throw over Patrick Peterson and the place erupts. Raider Nation!

Fade route on 3rd and goal to Moore incomplete. Could've been P.I.. Field goal Janikowski.

10-9 Cardinals.

DVD would've had a pick six had he not been grabbed by the Cards WR.

The Cards punted to rookie Denarius Moore who took it back through traffic for 68 yds but a holding penalty brough it back.

The Oakland crowd shifted gears in volume each time Moore broke 5 different levels of defense. It was deafening, shocking, frightening and awesome.

Moore looked freakishly smooth drifting through defenders.

Work horse Louis Rankin played out most of the back half. He's basically auditioning for a job elsewhere again. Hes at a disadvantage too because with Darren Mcfadden and Taiwan Jones out and Rock Cartwrights value on Special Teams, Rankin took the Lions share of the reps and the beating in camp.

Speaking of Special Teams the Raiders had to throw a challenge flag to get the refs to see what everyone else saw. Fumble on the punt return. Recovery Long Snapper John Condo. Oaklands ball.

The Raiders take over in the red zone and Edwards drops in a beautiful fade to  tippy toeing TE David Ausberry.

Oakland went for two but Edwards had no where to go and was sacked.

WR Denarius Moore with another solid return. Refs throw the illegal wedge flag. Three blockers too close together. Half the distance to the goal. 
 
Former 1st round draft pick Michael Bennett picks up 9 up the middle to end the 3rd quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER

Bennett with a nice run to the 19. 1st down yardage. Bennett showing he's still got chops and speed.

Hyer at Left Tackle gets scorched and Edwards takes a beating by holding the ball too long. Raiders punt.

It is scrubby scrub time.

12:30 left to play. Cards 17 Raiders 15.

UDFA CB Sterling Moore made back to back plays to help kill a drive breaking up a pass and then sacking the QB on the next play.

Trent Edwards moved the ball through the air and with his feet.

TE Kevin Brock made a few nice grabs late in the 4th and Bennett showed he's still got some power in his veteran legs. A holding penalty on the Cardinal defense put Oakland in Janikowski field goal range.

1st and 10 on the Arizona 27 with 3:10 left in the game. Edwards with a delay of game penalty moved them back.

Then RB Louis Rankin fumbled a pitch. 3rd and 22. A holding penalty set them back even farther.

Hue Jack sent out Janikowski who booted a 57 yd field goal for an 18-17 lead with 2:30 to go.

His 4th field goal of the night.

Weapon.

Cards 4th string QB throws two completions to the Raider 40 at the 2 minute warning. DVD back in the game.

Is this going to be the Bresnahan Prevent Defense we all despise with the very core of our beings?

Yes. Yes it ****ing is.

Cards throw a simple shallow crossing pattern that gets taken down the sideline into the end zone. 

WR steps out at the 4 and booth review robs us even though the WR was clearly out.

TD Cardinals. Extra point good.

24-18.

Edwards throws up four prayers. Game over.

Raiders look good on 1st and 2nd string.

08-11-11 4:36 pm pac

       
Photo Christian Petersen / Getty 



Oakland hosts the Cards tonight in the pre season opener.

Things to watch for.

It is pre season and their not going to diagram the seasons game plan for us but it will be interesting to see if Oaklands D moves away from its usual man cover, line up and beat us mode.

Returning Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan has said as much but he speaks like a polititcian often contradicting himself within the same conversation so we'll see.

Some of our best weapons won't take the field tonight including WR Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford but Denarius Moore and Chaz Schilens have been looking really good in camp. Don't expect much from them though. They won't be exposed to injury in pre season much if they plan to factor in games that count.

We do want to see Boss in a Raider uniform though.

Our O line is a mess and frankly undecided.

C/G Stephen Wisniewski was supposed to be our starter day one but now its undecided. Center Samson Satele wasn't even going to be asked back it looked like for most of the off season, now he's listed as #1.
Read what you will into it but Wisniewski is one to watch. He needs reps thats for sure. If he doesn't get them...

The Right Tackle spot is pretty much up for grabs. Veteran Khalif Barnes thinks the job should be his but rookie Joseph Barkdale is making a serious.

Both Guard spots could be wide open. Look for someone to stand up there. Practice squad graduate Roy Shuening is making a push. Daniel Loper is a vet trying to earn a starting slot in place of Robert Gallery at Left Guard.

Jared Gaither was signed by the Chiefs today but the Jared we want to see tonight is Veldheer.

Over the off season he and his brother opened a world class weight center. It shows. Veldheer put on 15 lbs of solid muscle and he should be ready to do some damage.

On defense we we want to see the lean mean Rolando McClain and his back up Travis Goethel. Linebacker seems like its set but the Will LB spot may still have some questions.

Our secondary is missing Nnamdi, lets just see tonight if its going to miss Nnamdi.

DeMarcus Van Dyke is plenty fast but he's struggled in camp. We want to see him live fire. Walter McFadden is in his 2nd season after a hamstring cost him most of last year. With a cast of rookie DBs hot on his heels, he's got something to prove.

Sterling Moore is another guy on the bubble we think has skills.

Lets get ready for some football.