08-26-10 11:11am pac                                                 

The Raiders began at 8:30 this morning under a pleasantly overcast sky.

As expected the Raiders last session was light and without pads. Alot of work was done on special teams units as the moving trucks rolled in and out of the facility beginning the journey back to Alameda.

WR Chaz Schilens, C Samson Satele and DE Jay Richardson, of course were not there. Neither was Alex Daniels who was demoted you could say, back to DE after a failed attempt as a bruising FB.

FB Marcel Reece has shown the versatility Oakland craves this year and besides improving as a run blocker, he can make big plays as a receiver. He has a chance to supplant the below average Luke Lawton who will be suspended for the first 4 games for violating the Leagues substance abuse policy.

RB Michael Bennett took a bow after a particularly nice play and an outstanding pre season.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey caught a deep ball from QB Jason Campbell and tippy toed his feet in bounds.

It was a long, hot, grueling camp this year in Napa but in that heat a bond was formed and an identity cast.

This is no longer a bunch of scrubs and worn out vets looking to "collect a check". This is a shock troop of burgeoning new talent led by wiley and capable vets bent on wreaking havoc and winning games.

Giving his first interview since being hired by Oakland 212 days ago, Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson put it best.

"We're trying to build a bully here..." 

It was a great camp forming a great team with talent, depth and a desire to not only compete, but to WIN.

Words fail me but I must try.

It was an honor and a privilege to be a small part of of it and to bring the good news to you the tireless and deserving faithful.

Three horns today signaled not only end of camp 2010, it signaled the rebirth of the Raider Nation. 

08-26-10 5:32pm pac                         

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                         DMC beats T.Scott

A 9 mile an hour wind helped cool the Raiders from the heat wave currently blanketing much of the west coast but wearing full pads today they're likely going to be worn out and welcoming the cold tub tonight.

Rookie Jared Veldheer was with the 1st team as center meaning theres a shot he could be the man Saturday against the 9ers.

Reviewing the Cowboys game with Chris Morris at center makes this seem like a risk worth taking.

If it weren't for T Eric Pears, Morris would be the worst veteran lineman so far this off season.

WR Louis Murphy was late to the field and in his absence reporters joked they hoped he wasn't "fatigued". 

Speak of the Devil, WR Darrius Heyward Bey looked well rested and in good form plucking a pass over the middle in heavy traffic.

Picking a #3 RB is going to be hard and thats a good thing for the Raiders, but sad to see one of them go. Maybe Oakland can work its magic and keep Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett.

Both had a good practice running and cutting well today.

Other players who might not make the final 53 include WR Nick Miller and QB Colt Brennan.

The Raiders explained that even though Brennan was a Redskin he wasn't on their active roster, so he's eligible for Oaklands practice squad.

Kyle Boller has made some strides but unless something untoward happens to Bruce Gradkowski, Boller will remain the #3 option.

Though he's been injured and dinged Grads 2 minute drill heroics and strong showings in 3 games last year earned him enough cred to maintain the #2.

On the D side Big John Henderson hasn't made an impression enough for the Raiders to consider keeping him at this point. Despite that fact, 6-6, 345 lb DT Kellen Heard likely won't make the team either. Heard was best known in college for his ejection after a late hit on Texas Longhorns QB Colt McCoy after a game ending interception.

Heard had 2 flagrant fouls earlier in the season while playing for Texas A&M and it was felt his agression could be put to use in Oakland but he's really been more of a big body for linemen to practice on while prepping for the 3-4 nose tackles all of our AFC West rivals run.

Heard is a very likable guy and it will be sad to see him go but with that big body and more teams switching to the 3-4 in need of nose tackles, he should get a look elsewhere.

CB Chris Johnson was a welcome sight back on the field after a being sidelined with a hammy.

Immediately he nearly snagged an interception that would've gone hizzy.

WR Todd Watkins walking that razors edge may make the team again this year considering the Raider WR questions.

He ended the 2nd to last camp practice with a spectacular diving TD catch from Bruce Gradkowski to end the session.

08-24-10 5:25 pm pac                      

           
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                            RB Darren McFadden

Raiders practice was in shorts and shells again today and they were likely grateful. It was hotter than Hades on the field.

RT Langston Walker came out late and then left the field. C Samson Satele, DE/DT Richard Seymour and CB Chris Johnson were absent but offensive weapons Darren McFadden and Darrius Heyward Bey made it back into the line up.

McFadden's been out with a touchy hamstring and Bey rankled the media with what the Raiders said was "fatigue".

Bey looked great snagging and over the shoulder catch for a TD early in practice but as WR Johnnie Lee Higgins repeated the feat he ribbed Bey by proclaiming loudly afterward how "tired" he was from the effort.

Bey didn't look tired at all scorching rookie CB Walter McFadden deep later in practice.

Oakland still has no clear front runner in the all important FB race but it seems the Alex Daniels experiment is officiallly over. After looking terrible blocking for RB Michael Bush on the Bears goal line Daniels is back in his original camp number 71 and back at the over loaded DE spot.

With last years FB Luke Lawtons suspended 4 games for performance enhancing drugs that leaves dinged up (knee) Manase Tonga, former WR Marcel Reece and Chane Moline as the front runners.

Lets hope they someone stands out quick.

The Raiders struggled today with the intense heat and a heat advisory alert by the weather forecasters seemed well warranted. Tempetures in Napa were reported in the high 90s, but were likely in the triple digits and as high as 110 degrees.

Eric Pears saw alot of time at LT with the 1st string in Chicago and last years starter Mario Henderson has struggled in camp often seen doing punishment push ups under the watchful eye of head coach Tom Cable.

Henderson was scolded again today but immediately afterward won praise from Cable for crushing the defender "Now he's in your world!!!"

Pears lined up at RT against the Bears too and with rookie RG Bruce Campbell beside him promptly gave up and ugly sack.

Campbell was shredded by rookie DT/DE Lammarr Houston twice in a row in one on one drills. In all fairness though Houston is amazingly agile and quick for a 305 lb defender.

QB Jason Campbell had a few bad practices in a row awhile back and was picked on a sideline route by CB hopeful Joey Thomas but is taking it all in stride and having a good showing toward the end of a long camp.

If you include Charlie Frye QB Colt Brennan is 5th on the list of Raider passers and really hasn't been given much of chance after joing camp late but could end up on the practice squad considering Frye's wrist surgery will sideline him for the season. 

Raiders are out and no doubt spent after spending their 3rd to last practice in Napa in the blazing heat.

08-19-10 5:25 pm pac                                

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                             #80 TE Zach Miller

Though it was well over 90 degrees several former Raiders were on hand for tonights practice.

Former center Jeremy Newberry made an appearance as did Legendary QB Darryl "The Mad Bomber" Lamonica.

Former Raider Raymond Chester was sighted too but #87 playing TE today wasn't Dave Casper. The new addition is likely a camp body while TEs Tony Stewart (ankle) and Brandon Myers (hand) heal up.

TE Zach Miller looks like an All Pro so far in camp. Even though well covered by MLB Rolando McClain, Miller still hauled in a tipped 20 yd pass from Jason Campbell and made catches deep, across the middle and all over the field.  

Speaking of healing up WR Darrius Heyward Bey was seen on the sidelines with out a wrap on his leg, but also without a helmet.

The media has taken umbrage with Oaklands insistence that Bey is simply being "rested" when it seems more likely, like we reported, that Bey has a minor ham string injury.

Speaking of hammy's...

Darren McFadden wasn't on the practice field again today but was seen working with trainers and cutting hard. He could be close to a return but heard from him before practice even ended that he was in the cold tub.

Assuming its precautionary for now.

Vet DE Richard Seymour was out again today as was CB Chris Johnson.

CB Joey Thomas got burned by WR Louis Murphy and then exacted revenge on the next 2 plays by breaking up a pass and then picking off Campbell.

WRs Murphy, JLH and Yamon Figurs all had a good showing this session.

CB Stanford Routt must've read our Silver and Black Sleepers update calling him out because he had a much better practice today actually picking off a pass on the goal line.

QB Kyle Boller looked good too finding Murphy and RB Rock Cartwright on back to back plays.

QB Colt Brennan keeps his hopes alive with a decent showing as well finding  our *mystery man #87 in the face of a Rolando McClain blitz.

Raiders PR says they don't know who 87 is or who was bumped to make room for him.

Okay...

Thinking I'll throw on a jersey and see if I can't get in on a pass pattern.

Brennan went on to hit WR Shaun Bodiford and WR Nick Miller who both made nice one handed grabs, but got picked off later in the practice by Safety Hiram Eugene.

Brennan found redemption with a quick flip to FB Alex Daniels at the goal line and *gasp* he actually held on.

Daniels catch signaled the end of tonights practice.

Oakland worked extra long on special teams today with an emphasis on returns. Someones got to step up and claim return duties in the next few weeks.

The Raiders travel tomorrow on their way to Soldier Field in Chicago.

* Mystery TE is Eric Butler outa Mississippi State...

08-18-10 6:07pm pac

                               
Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                     RB Michael Bennett 

For those of you who didn't know, the Raiders did not cancel they're practice this morning. It was simple, short walk through.

Some in the press corps were in a tizzy. "Damn you Raiders!"

I'm sure Al Davis enjoyed that.

Didn't spot him today but he's been at at least 5 practices this camp and thats more than anyone here can remember in recent memory. 

RB Darren McFadden did not participate in team drills again, thats to be expected.

He did some light jogging and then got iced his hammy.

Apparently some highly placed news correspndents didn't get the message that WR Darrius Heyward Bey pulled a hammy yesterday and we're miffed that they were "misled" by the Raiders about his injury.

They assumed DHB was given a day of rest.

Bey was seen helping rookie WR/PR Jacoby Ford on the sidelines.

WR Chaz Schilens was missing from the field of play as well and it is sincerely hoped he actually IS receiving a day of rest.

If Schilens is deemd a right off this season one wonders if Al Davis will do something about it before the season starts ala Richard Seymour last year.

WR seems to be a sore spot even though Louis Murphy is improving.

No word on CB Chris Johnson's condition but he more than proved himself earlier in camp and could be getting the veteran treatment.

No point in risking him.

Tackle Langston Walker was missing today. Lets hope if he's healthy he has a better showing against the Bears than he did the Cowboys. Whether he likes it or not, he's better at Guard.

Watching him on the right side in Dallas was painfully reminicent of Cornell Green.

Fullback hopeful Alex Daniels may hope he sticks as a hybrid DE/FB because if it comes down to his full back skills he may not make the cut. His "patterns" and pass catching leave alot to be desired.

Still want to see he barrel over some 2nd level defenders though...

Its going to be a tough choice between Rock Cartwright and MIchael Bennett.

Both bringing the goods to the table. Bennett the better RB, Rock the more versatile.

QB Bruce Gradkowski may have over done it yesterday. He's been nursing a groin injury but threw some strikes at last nights practice.

Today he stood and watched others throw.

Kyle Boller threw 2 "touchdown" passes in a row during the back half of practice. One a 20 yd strike to WR Todd Watkins and another with a nice touch pass to TE Zach Miller, his 2nd "TD" from Boller and his 3rd overall tonight including one thrown by Jason Campbell.

With Charlie Frye going under the knife there may or may not be room for QB long shot Colt Brennan. He was shocked to see Big John Henderson launch skyward and nearly pick off one of his passes over the middle.

Oaklands playing it safe, healing its warriors and gearing up for Chicago this Saturday night.

08-17-10 5:25 pm pac                                       

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                       MLB Rolando McClain 

Darren McFadden is doing better but Oaklands not taking any chances with his tweaked hammy. Wouldn't be surprised if he sits out the Bears game like he sat out tonights practice, though he did run agility drills behind the club house.

The Raiders lose another wide to injury. Darrius Heyward Bey will be joining McFadden in the tweaked hammy club.

Probably just being cautious this early in pre season but it is disconcerting considering the lack of depth and experience.

WR Chaz Schilens was at practice. Wearing a hat.

Schilens looked good tearing it up at last nights practice, looking like the Raiders only true, natural receiver. Said then we'd have to see how his left foot is.

A pretty good indicator will be if he still appears on the field against Chicago as they had planned on earlier this week.

Don't know for sure, but you could guess his twice operated on metatarsal is still not 100%.

The good news is Louis Murphy is looking good. He made a one handed circus catch over Nnamdi Asomugha late in practice.

WR/PR Jacoby Ford is back from a quad injury and was spotted fieding punts from a jugs machine yesterday. Tonight he impressed with a juggling catch over the middle late in the session.

Another player looking to log time against the Bears is Raider DE turned FB Alex Daniels.

It could be fun to see the 6-4, 260 lb former Minnesota Gopher blast open holes. If he can.

Several drops the last few practices may have hurt his chances, but the fact the FB position is still wide open plays in his favor.

Destroying 2nd level defenders in short yards will too.

Whether they knew it or not Al Davis moved in for a closer look at the offense just as center Samson Satele and DT William Joseph ignited a two minute brawl.

Fuses are shorter this late in camp.

QB Kyle Boller increased his stock against Dallas and was seen taking reps with Gradkowski and the 2nd team.

LB Thomas Howard snagged a pick off of Gradkowski too.

Oaklands getting ready for the Bears and conserving its players for the regular season but as the mid practice melee shows, they've still got plenty of fight left.

08-16-10 7:04 pm pac                                 

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                          Raider D 

Lots of Raiders M.I.A. from the field today Darrius Heyward Bey watched. No word but he's likely just "sore". Darren McFadden still being cautious with his hammy. CB Chris Johnson and linemen Cooper Carlisle and Robert Gallery were "sore" as well. John Henderson and Richard Seymour got a break today too.

With QB Charlie Frye out Colt Brennan got a few more reps to day. DE/FB Alex Daniels isn't helping his cause any with bad hands out of the back field.

FB hopeful Chane Moline helped his cause making a nice grab over recently returned MLB Rolando McClain. McClain looked good making reads though.

WR Todd Watkins made a few solid looking grabs this afternoon victimizing Stanford Routt on one play. Routt actually had a decent day and saw more reps with CJ out.

Coaches must've come down on our wides after yesterdays bad hands. WR Louis Murphy had one of his best practices.

PR/WR Jacoby Ford made it back from a sore quad and worked on punt returns.

We'll need him.

Zach Miller of course, played well too.

QBs Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski looked sharp. Bruce is fighting through a pulled groin muscle and making some impressive throws.

The cold tub after this mornings practice seemed to do wonders for RB Michael Bush. He's quietly having a really good camp.

Rumor has it this was the last of the Raiders 2 a days.

08-16-10 10:39 am pac                                                                                                       

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                               RB Michael Bennett 

One thing about Oakland you rarely know when somethings significant and when its not.

WR Chaz Schilens cut like a champ at last nights practice, looking like his foot was no worse for wear after 2 surgeries and a troublesome start to camp.

This morning he was absent from the field.

Whether this is Oakland being cautious or another set back remains to be seen.

We may get a chance to find out at this afternoons practice, possibly the last of the Raiders 2 a days.

That news came as a blessing for many a Raider warrior including RB Michael Bush who woke to the news with the response "Thats music to my ears."

Nnamdi Asomugha was a no show till later in practice but made the field as did MLB rookie Rolando McClain who had an excused absence to visit a sick relative.

WR Jacoby Ford was there as well but stayed on the sideline sans helmet with injured QB Charlie Frye. RB Darren McFadden still nursing a hammy as well.

Johnnie Lee Higgins had his best practive of camp connecting multiple times wwith Raider QBs and snagging a Gradkowski pass in the back of the end zone. 

Consistency will be key.

QB Jason Campbell had knocked the rust off yesterday after a shaky start but it was his wides that literally dropped the ball until later in practice once the team sessions started they came alive.

Campbell looked much better this morning and is winning praise for his decision making especially in the red zone.

DE/FB Alex Daniels actually got some action this morning picking up 23 yds in a a red zone scrimmage. He moves like a big running back and not a hybrid. Daniels played running back for Minnesota back in 2006 and was quite sucessful at it.

It will be fun to see if he can make the cut at the wide open full back position. One major draw back, not a consistent receiver.

Struggling center Samson Satele had his right arm looked at by trainers mid way through the session. They taped his biceps, wrist and forearm heavily.

This could mean more reps for rookie Jared Veldheer who played well in limited action against the Cowboys scrubs.

Back up C/G Chris Morris played center against Dallas too and was not very good.

Its a major area of concern especially since the center makes the reads and calls blocking assignments. If Satele is truly injured we could see a return to more of  a straight line blocking technique that frankly has worked better than Cable's ZBS.

The reality is, like everything this year, the blocking scheme will be a hybrid incorporating both.

Hard to evaluate todays practice. 9 on 9 drills with no wides and no tackling bellow the waist so naturally the RBs look better than the D most times.

Rolando McClain and Trevor Scott got carried down the field by Michael Bush. Probably wouldn't have happened in full contact.

Michael Bennett just keeps looking better but you've got to root for the versatlie Rock Cartwright. Maybe they can "repurpose" the Rock and keep him on too...

Speaking of McClain, the major knock on him coming out of Alabama was his pass coverage. Some teams felt he might not be a "3 down linebacker" and he was torched by TE Zach Miller today, but the way Miller has looked in camp, no linebacker is going to be able to cover him.

Aside from getting schooled by Miller McClain's coverge has been surprisingly good.

CB Stanford Routt's has not.

He made a couple of nice plays today though. Hardly what one would expect from a 6 yr vet looking to have his break out year but better than the proverbial stick in the eye.

Routt has all the incentive in the world with this being a contract season.

Chris Johnson came on like gang busters early in camp and then had to cool his heals while Oakland looked at Routt in the #1 slot.

The fact that Nnamdi lobbied for and received the freedom to roam the field after being shackled left side for years may have Johnson thinking more too.

Say what you will but Oakland has competition and maybe even depth this year at its most critical postion DB.

3 horns.

End of session.

08-15-10 5:41 pm pac                                   

Photo Tony Gonzales

The Raiders continue to grind away even though its family day and there are lots of significant others wandering about.

Maybe the proximity of loved ones is responsible for the copious amount of drops today by our kick returners and WRs.

JLH, DHB, Yamon Figurs, Nick Miller, Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford all guilty.

The dropsies weren't exclusive to WR types though. Later in practice Micahel Bush dropped one to and got an earful from Hue Jackson.

In all fairness, Jason Campbell over threw RB Rock Cartwright on consecutive plays before that.

The passing game struggled again today.

Camp grind taking its toll on concentration, but toward the end of full team sessions the wides did much better.

WR Chaz Schilens was told to slow it down but he only has one speed.

Full speed.

He looks good to go, but we'll have to see how his bothersome left foot is feeling tomorrow.

Its a different offense when he's on the field.

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                    WR Chaz Schilens

Darren McFadden arrived late and was seen jogging on the side.

No sign of Rolando McClain. McFadden had a work out this morning and was icing his hammy after ward. Appeared ok this afternoon but you never know with a hamstring until you go full bore.

Raiders are taking no chances.

Rolando is still out with an ill relative.

We'll respect his privacy in this matter.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski has been absent the last few practices as well but he has a less serious family issue and theres not alot of camp you need when you're the kicker.

FB Luke Lawton is back onthe field after passing concussion protocols. He may have seniority, but after missing so much time and facing a suspension at the beginning of the season, he may be a long shot to stay.

DE turned FB Alex Daniels helped Lawton's cause by struggling with blocking assignments today. Its a long pre season though. Theres still time...

Head Coach Tom Cable laid into the O line in 7 on 7 drills. They drew several flags against Dallas.

In an Art Shell throw back move LT Mario Henderson was seen doing push ups as punishment under the watchful eye of Cable.

Something will have to be done about Samson Satele at the center position. He spends to much time with his back to the O line which means his defender has gotten past him.

Lets hope rookie Jared Veldheer can get up to speed with the quickness. Satele's already had 3 yrs at the pro level. 

CB Stanford Routt ate dirt again today. Al Davis may have thought he's worht a 1st and 3rd when he tendered him for over $3 million this off season, but Routt has done nothing to justify any of it so far.

Oakland had to shake the rust off and re focus, but they did exactly that finishing this afternoons practice with some solid, spirited play in full team sessions.

It was good to see them fight through a shaky start.

08-14-10 6:45pm pac                                    

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                MLB Rolando McClain

MLB Rolando McClain was a no show for this afternoons practice. He had an excused absence to visit a sick relative and is expected back shortly.

Ricky Brown will be filling for him while he's gone. Mike Mitchell was also seen at "single high" free safety a spot often reserved for Michael Huff.

Nnamdi Asomugha was seen at left corner today as well.

Shifting it up...

Nickle back Stanford Routt got his lunch eaten by Todd Watkins on a deep route pass from Kyle Boller.

His competition rookie Walter McFadden played well against the Cowboys.

Alex Daniels, Oaklands DE turned fullback saw no reps there against the Cowboys but had a pass clank off his hands early at todays practice.

In fact, many players seemed to lack focus and dropped passes today. Nick Miller, Nnamdi and Marcel Reece all flubbed gimmes.

WR Chaz Schilens made a nice TD grab and it was good to see him back at it. Of course tomorrow he could be out again.

Its a completely different passing game when he's healthy.

Darrius Heyward Bey doesn't seem to have the fire going after passes. It is paractice 23 though.

Gradkowski was back but still has a lingering groin injury. Threw some tight passes. Campbell was decent as well. Both he and Boller won praise for their decision making in the red zone.

Sometimes throwing it away is the right play.

Raiders will be back on the field tomorrow at yup, you guessed it,

4:20.

08-10-10 1:26 pm pac

                      
                                                                     WR Darrius Heyward Bey 

Its been a surreal day so far.

Injured WR Jonathan Holland wandered into the training room to find among others RB Darren McFadden getting his hammy worked on and blasting "I wanna rock with you" by Michael Jackson. Some of us even without I phones experienced technical difficulties as the Raiders made their way onto the wet, slick field.

Tackle Mario Henderson went down in a heap as did WR Darrius Heyward Bey.

Raiders fielded a goal line defensive unit with no cornerbacks featuring S Mike Mitchell, S Tyvon Branch and speedy LB Thomas Howard.

RNS was one of the first to speculate on the vastness of Oaklands hybrid theory this year.

Speaking of hybrids, FB/DE Alex Daniels should see action against the Cowboys since FB potentials Luke Lawton and Manase Tonga are out with injuries. Lawton is still under concussion protocols and Tonga's nursing a sore knee.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey not only had trouble keeping his feet initially, he had a pass clank off his hands as well.

After a slow start he snagged everything thrown in his general direction.

He looks light years ahead of where he was last year. Wow...

Back up QB hopeful Charlie Frye sat out again with a sore wrist. team docs say the injury is from "over use". Man, that doesn't sound good...

With fellow QB Bruce Gradkowski out with a groin injury too, Oakland made an emergency signing of Colt Brennan who was released by current starter Jason Campbell's former team, the Washington Redskins.

Due to Grads solid play before injury last year he likely has a shot at being the #2 QB but Frye appears to be in trouble.

Brennan looked really good slinging the ball to Raider receivers this morn, prompting one possibly delirious reporter to mutter "Montana to Rice..." after one particularly beautiful throw and catch.

Good news for Raider DBs, rookie Walter McFadden is making strides at Nickle back. He's probably a long way from over taking current starter 6 yr vet Stanford Routt, but could provide valuable back up in case of emergency.

After practice DMC was seen eating some Subway and continuing treatment. Michael Bush got a nap, Mario Henderson couldn't wait to play the new Madden 11 (over rated BTW) and several players like LB/DE Quentin Groves and rookie WR Jacoby Ford are getting hair cuts so they look good for their trip to Dallas.

Ford will be one of several Raiders sitting out of the Dallas match up on Thursday including Darren McFadden, Chaz Schilens, Luke Lawton, Tonga, Frye, Gradkowski and DE Jay Richardson.

We've got an interview tentatively lined up with Jay Rich, but with pre season games right around the corner, you never know. We'll keep you posted...

 Back for the PM practice at 4:20.

Lets hope things aren't as wacky as they were this morning...