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R.I.P. AL DAVIS
CAMP 2010
Day 11, Practice 19
Raider Run D Steps Up
Several Scares
08-09-10 5:46pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
QB Colt Brennan
The venerable one Al Davis was in the hizzy again today. Can't remember the last time he's made so many camp appearances. He must like what he sees and frankly, so do we...
Suffice it to say Darren McFadden will likely sit out the remainder of Raider practices this camp and may not see much action at all in pre season games.
Thats the nature of hamstring injuries and they should keep him rested until it no longer bothers him.
He'll need to turn in a thousand yard performance this year to avoid the bust label outright.
His absence should give the Raiders a better look at who'll be #3 in the RB rotation. Michael Bennett still has the juice and is a better runner than Rock, but you gotta love the Rock's grit and versatility.
WR Chaz Schilens could be on the fence too. He misses yet another practice likley with pain in his twice surgically repaired left foot.
Its a shame because he really is an excellent receiving option and Oaklands only proven move the chains type of wide out.
WR Louis Murphy has had a difficult camp struggling with injuries but wowed the VIP crowd by snagging a 50 yd laser from Jason Campbell between CB Stanford Routt and S Tyvon Branch.
Branch has struggled the last few practices.
WR Nick Miller really making it hard for coaches to dimiss him. Another good practice. With Raider wides dinged up, he could make the cut.
Too bad he dropped a well thrown Colt Brennan pass to end the session.
Alot of that will depend on rookie Jacoby Ford who after being out with an injury is back on the field today.
We'll have to see live fire of course and truthfully I'm expecting him to struggle some, but right now 8th overall pick MLB Rolando McClain looks like everything advertised.
Super natural instincts and relentless homework could mean great things...
His pass coverage in camp has been better than good.
McClain's fellow defenders stepped up their game this practice stuffing Raider running backs over and over again.
Whether this means good run D or bad O line blocking we'll find out in Dallas, but heres a clue. The unusually quiet Tom Cable blasted the O line for not being sharp enough today.
Photo Tony Gonzales
WR Louis Murphy: This guys got an attitude and we LOVE IT!
RB Michael Bush took excpetion and ran over safety Michael Huff.
Raider staff hopes they see more of that from Bush who has been unflaterringly compared to another agile big back, Ron "Twinkle Toes" Dayne.
In all fairness Bush is a much more versatile back but we'd still like to see him put his shoulder down and run through some defenders this season.
Bad news for Raider fans, veteran DT John Henderson limped off the field and had his left leg looked at by trainers. He tried to walk it off and we hope its just a minor tweak.
Henderson has exceeded expectations so far in camp and could be a key to shoring the Raider run D this year.
Campbell to DHB drew a rousing cheer from the crowd as he streaked across the middle for a pretty completion.
Bey struggled the last few days as well, but had an exciting PM performance today.
DT Desmond Bryant had another solid showing.
Vet DT Richard Seymour looking good against T Mario Henderson. Gallery looks good picking up the stunt on same play by LB Kamerion Wimbley who is a pretty good pass rusher.
Got a scare from Safety Mike Mitchell when he was helped off the field with a back injury. He returned later in the session and broke up a Campbell to Murphy pass.
There were a few scares and scrapes.
The O line seemed to respond to its tongue lashing by Cable and a few of our boys made it a little more difficult to decide who stays and who goes.
After a slow start by the O line the team had a pretty good PM practice.
Day 10, Practice 18
A "new" Fullback,
Receivers struggle08-08-10 5:50pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
DE/FB Alex Daniels
Lots of Raiders out and or watching today.
Maybe Chaz Schilens should've been one of them but he's trying to make up for lost time and develop a rythym with QB Jason Campbell.
He should wait until he's healed up.
It seems like he's holding back and not quite full speed.
WR Nick Miller making a bid to stay with the team put in another good practice.
Bey's hands have looked less sure the last two days. He dropped and easy ten yarder earlier this session.
Its not all about technique, its also about composure.
Campbell looked good. Gradkowski watched from the sidelines with a groin injury and Charlie Frye sat with a sore wrist.
Their injuries and the opening of pre season in 3 days are the reason Oakland signed Colt Brennan.
Brennan was on the field getting the calls behind Campbell.
His addition prompted the placing of WR/DB Jonathan Holland on the injured/waived list which means Holland will be paid till he's healed and that the Raiders could pick him up again if they choose.
Brennan ended practice throwing with the 3rd team.
Former Cinncinati BearCat Alex Daniels showed up wearing a FB's jersey #39.
The 6-2, 265 lb lineman has been playing the position this off season since hopefuls Manase Tonga and Luke Lawton have been inured. Tonga has a knee issue and Lawton a possible concussion.
Oakland has lacked a proper fullback for the last few seasons.
Combined with O line injuries, this has hurt them.
Its been said "Necessity is the mother of invention" and using Daniels ( a former running back) could be a lucky break for the Raiders if he pans out.
Marcel Reece is another potential FB vying for a roster slot. Though he's had a nagging ankle injury, the former Huskie WR has performed well, but was exposed today in the one area he's really lacking in, pass protection.
DT Tommy Kelly has never lived up to his paycheck and this may be his last camp.
He got worked good today by rookie Jared Veldheer today.
More to come...
Day 9, Practice 17
A Ghost visits and a Colt
Signs
08-07-10 6:12pm pac
Photo Tony GonzalesDT Desmond Bryant
The Raiders started practice without DT John Henderson, DE Jay Richardson, G Cooper Carslisle, QB Bruce Gradkowski, G Robert Gallery, WR Jacoby Ford, WR/DB Jonathan Holland, DB Jeremy Ware, Safety Hiram Eugene and RB Darren McFadden who left the AM practice with what he said was a "tight hammy."
No one could figure out who the new QB wearing #4 was at this afternoons practice until someone went to the Raiders site and saw they have signed Colt Brennan.
The Raiders continue to raid the Redskins QB pile but actually Brennan was released by Washington on August 2nd after under performing.
Brennan became as star in June Jones spread offense tossing 58 TDs for Hawaii during his college career and was drafted in the 6th round (186th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
He joined the Raiders today but was over shadowed by the appearance of a Hall of Famer and a legend of the silver and black, TE Dave Casper.
Casper was one of the finest TE's ever to play the game and is best known for his amazing catch in the 1977 divisional play offs known simply as "Ghost to the post".
Both players were treated to some spirited play as the defense continued to shine.
Oakland opted for no pads in the PM practice and things were fairly uneventful.
Richard Seymour and Chaz Schilens watched as Kyle Boller had his best practice of the camp.
FB Marcel Reece had another good session appearing no worse for waer after an ankle sprain earlier in camp slowed him. Reece hauled in a long bomb from Boller in double coverage.
With Henderson and Seymour taking a break, DT hopeful Desmond Bryant made his presence felt by burtsing through the line and stuffing RB rock Cartwright for a loss.
Cartwright will be hitting the ice tub again tonight guaranteed.
Raiders will be back at it tomorrow at 3:30 pm.
So will we...
Day 9 Practice 16
After Slow Start, D
comes Alive
08-07-10 1:17pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
TE Zach Miller
As camp grinds on and pre season rapidly approaches, alot of Raiders are getting breaks and taking it easy.
Richard Seymour was present but working out with trainers and QBs Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski got the day off out right.
RB Darren McFadden has battled the injury bug through out his short career and fans hope todays "tight hammy" issue is just a minor tweak and not the pre cursor to yet another disappointing, under performing season for the former 4th overall pick.
He left practice early.
WR Chaz Schilens didn't practice again today.
No word on whether his foot is bothering him again or if Oakland is just being cautious. He and CB Chris Johnson went down in a heap after he made a spectacular catch on a long ball from Campbell and suffered a "stinger".
WR rookie Jacoby Ford is out with a quad injury.
His fellow wide receivers Darrius Heyward Bey and Louis Murphy looked solid.
Murphy has suffered his share of dings this camp but looked sharp and crisp this morning making several nice catches.
There was a large crowd again today but things started off a little quiet as sore and tired players began to grind away again.
Oaklands TEs looked good in the passing game and FB Marcel Reece increased the excitement level with some great looking catches out of the back field that gained big yards.
Soon afterward Big John Henderson smashed RB Rock Cartwright and let out a primal roar that ignited the D.
DE Alex Daniels who has been spending time at FB caught the wrath of LB/DE Quentin Groves as the two went at it street fighter style.
After practice Groves said:
"On the field we battle...but off the field we are brothers...and that's what it's gonna take for us to get to where we wanna go! "
The defense is looking forward to smashing some offense for real and in 5 days they will.
Day 8, Practice 15
Campbell to Bey looking
like a Threat
08-06-10 5:40 pm pac
Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty ImagesWR Darrius Heyward Bey
Todays afternoon practice was the most heavily attended. Lots of fans and former Raiders hanging out.
Richard Seymour didn't practice nor did Robert Gallery. Again, Khalif Barnes subbed at left guard for him.
WRs Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens were also not on the field.
Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha jogged onto the playing field late with his left hand bandaged.
Marcel Reece managed to return but Luke Lawton and fellow FB hopeful Manase Tonga took a knee on the sidelines.
Darrius Heyward Bey had a drop on a long ball and bobbled another but overall had one of the best practices he's had so far as a pro. He caught a 40 yarder from Campbell that looked like a thing of beauty.
Later on in practice he caught another well covered 40 yd rainbow over CB Chris Johnson and both went down hard.
Speaking of Campbell he had a much better day today.
Yesterday he wasn't as sharp.
Not only did he drop the bomb, he looked particularly good in 2 minute and red zone drills.
TE Zach Miller put a scare into everyone getting his left leg looked at, but returned to practice and showed he's on track to be a major major weapon.
RB Rock Cartwright is looking like he might make the final cut down. With his running, blocking, contributions on special teams and ability to play FB in a pinch, he could be the #3.
Darren McFadden looked good, but he always does in camp.
Oakland looked great today in front of a large crowd.
They'll face a bigger crowd when they venture to Dallas on August 12th for the pre season opener.
But for now they'll have to think about studying, bowling, getting hustled at pool, fighting over the remote and playing x box after practice and meetings.
Day 7 Practice 13
Vets sit as Raiders prep
for Pre Season Play
08-05-10 5:59 pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
TE Zach Miller vs LB Thomas Howard
No pads for the PM practice and thats a good thing probably considering the injuries division rivals have sufered recently.
Speaking of, Oaklands haven't been that severe (knock on wood) but camp has taken its toll on their wide receiver corps.
Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, Jacoby Ford, Paul Hubbard and Jonathan Holland are all sitting this one out.
Holland had to be carted off the field this morning with an ankle injury.
Richard Seymour is out too, but as a vet, he's earned it.
With the Dallas game coming in a little over 7 days, the Raiders are resting about 14 players altogether including rookie DB Jeremy Ware (who has a heel bruise) FBs Luke Lawton, Marcel Reece, DT Kellen Heard, RG Cooper Carlisle and LG Robert Gallery who took an awkward spill earlier today but returned to practice seemingly none the worse for wear.
CB Chris Johnson has spent time recently on the sidelines while Stanford Routt took 1st team reps, so it wasn't a surprise to see him absent from the PM practice. It was a surprise to see him arrive late and join his team mates on the field.
Lest anyone think Johnson was replaced by Routt for under performance, CJ has had the most impressive camp of all Raider DBs.
He's suffered knee problems in his career and had some swelling last year, but he's likely proven he's ready to start and is simply being saved while Routt works out the kinks.
Stan will need to. He's got a lot riding on his performance in what many hope will be his 'break out" year.
Photo Tony Gonzales
HC Tom Cable across the middle for BIG yards!
Besides keeping their veterans upright, the Raiders likely wanted to get their hopefuls and rookies some field time and a game plan for their match up on the 12th with the Cowboys since they'll be getting the lions share of snaps.
Though he may have balked at playing any other position other than his original starting slot in Jacksonville, O lineman Khalif Barnes isn't playing left tackle today. He played left guard in place of Gallery.
4th round pick Bruce Campbell was in at right guard for Cooper Carlisle.
The Raiders took this session to work on essential, yet minor details like clock saving QB spikes, field goals, fair catching kick offs and punting out of its own end zone before they started team sessions for the final 20 or so minutes.
As expected this practice was pretty much well earned cake walk.
Practice tomorrow at 3:30 pm...
Day 7 Practice 12
Gallery Scare, Seymour
Murphy M.I.A.
08-05-10 11:11 am pac
Photo Tony Gonzalea
MLB Rolando McClain
The Raiders were up and at it on a cold and over cast morning.
Perfect backdrop for the battle to come.
This practice would be different from all the others because today live fire tackling would be authorized.
There were some new additions to the field in the form of referees who would be throwing flags at the first sign of penalties...like on the first play from scrimmage.
Offsides, DE Matt Shaughnessy. Funny in a way because a primary knock on him is that he almost never beats his opponent off the snap.
Though he was at last nights bowling reprieve, there was no sign of WR Louis Murphy at this mornings gig. Murphy was having his foot looked at yesterday and said it got "stepped on" during practice.
Also missing were FB hopefuls Manase Tonga (knee soreness) and Marcel Reece (ankle). DE/DT vet Richard Seymour was out (likely resting) as was big DT Kellen Heard.
Head Coach Tom Cable stepped into his former role and helped out the O line who struggled with pass protection at the end of yesterdays practice.
In all fairness, a lot of O lines may struggle against Seymour and Houston. The Raiders have quietly built an impressive array of pass rushers including LB/DEs Kamerion Wimbley, Quentin Groves and Trevor Scott.
The Raiders go "live" and the tackling begins with Bush and Michael Bennett getting tackled to the ground on back to back plays.
Oakland gets a scare as left guard Robert Gallery goes down awkwardly.
He’s up and moving without a limp several minutes later.
The run defense looks good but even more impressive is 4th round (106th overall) offensive lineman Bruce Campbell holding his own against DT vet John Henderson.
8th overall draft pick Rolando McClain looked impressive barking orders and calling defensive sets like a 10 yr veteran. Oh yeah, he also made impressive tackles too.
Bad news, reserve WR/DB Jonathan Holland had to be carted off the field with a leg injury. We’ll keep you posted.
Speaking of DBs Chris Johnson spent much of the session on the sideline as fellow corner Stanford Routt manned the 1st team spot.
Johnnie Lee Higgins made a nice TD grab over Nnamdi Asomugha who looked for a flag after ward and received none. In fact, there were no other flags after Shaughnessy’s on the very first play.
TE Zach Miller looks unstoppable.
On a side note, the often critical and occasionally outright hostile to all things Raider ESPN was represented to day by Chris Mortensen who, after practice declared Oakland looks like a playoff team. (!!!)
Its early, but for once, we agree with ESPN.
Day 6 Practice 11
Murphy Back, Bey M.I.A.
08-04-10 5:43 pm pac:
WR Louis MurphyThe biggest news of this session was the return of WR's Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy.
Murphy suffered a concussion when he was knee'd in the helmet by CB Nnamdi Asomugha early in camp and Schilens was sidelined by a pesky left foot that, after 2 surgeries to repair a broken 5th metatarsal, keeps bothering him.
As expected, Schilens saw very little action today.
Once he settled in Murphy looked good making several nice grabs in traffic but was having his left foot looked at by trainers at the tail end of the session.
It was nice to have both wides back on the field but 2nd year man Darrius Heyward Bey was conspicuously absent until the end of practice when he made an appearance in street clothes.
The Raiders tried out a new wide receiver in the guise of Head Coach Tom Cable who ran a few routes and actually caught a ball or two before things got cranked up.
Not sure if Cable's measureables are up Raider par. His 40 could likely be timed with a calendar but it was fun to see.
Owner and Legend Al Davis made his 3rd appearance in a row to check on his teams promising progress.
In RB vs LB drills the running backs took it to our linebacking corps but in one on one drills they really actually should.
RB vet Rock Cartwright looked particularly impressive schooling Quentin Groves who really is better suited as a "hand in the dirt" 4-3 defensive end.
Aggressive rookie DE/DT Lamarr Houston finally got into with a team mate body slamming 2nd year TE Brandon Myers to the ground.
Myers lost his helmet and his cool but the fight was quickly quelled.
Fellow TE Zach Miller actually dropped 2 passes today. His first drops of the entire camp.
He and QB Jason Campbell are making a connection. Late in practice Campbell found Miller deep in double coverage and threaded the needle.
Thing of beauty.
Lamarr Houston's intensity wore off on his fellow D linemen but veteran Richard Seymour pulled up on RB Darren McFadden a few short plays later.
If it had been full contact, Seymour would've eaten McFadden's lunch but McFadden had some good catches and runs later in practice. Lets hope that blazing speed translates to the regular season.
Speaking of D, safety Tyvon Branch struggled but 2nd yr man Mike Mitchell did not. He probably had his best practice as a Raider today.
Veteran RB Michael Bennett is doing his best to make the team and had another good practice that included some nice cutback running. A staple of the ZBS.
Its rumored Oakland will be running a hybrid power blocking / zone blocking scheme this year likely depending on the situation.
Should be interesting to see...
Day 5, Practice 10
Veterans sit, WRs
Redeem
08-03-10 6:17pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
RG Bruce "Evil Dead" Campbell
Had a sighting of combine warrior Bruce Campbell getting reps with 1st and 2nd team offenses this practice.
Campbell is subbing for right guard Cooper Carlisle who, along with left guard Robert Gallery are sitting out.
The two offensive starters are probably not injured, like WRs Louis Murphy, Marcel Reece and Chaz Schilens. Reece, who plays FB, H back and WR turned an ankle yesterday and is out for todays 2nd practice.
Chaz Schilens is wearing his helmet and worked on patterns with team mates early on and then participated in team session, something he did not do this morning.
Toward the end of cycle 10, Schilens catches a flare pass and cuts up field hard for more yards.
The Chaz Schilens experiment continues...
Johnnie Lee Higgins continues to struggle though he’s fighting back making successive catches and subbing in for rookie Jacoby Ford who can’t find the proper alignment for the formation called.
Ford redeemed himself later in practice with some good grabs including an over the shoulder snag between Routt and safety Michael Huff to end the session.
On the other side of the ball DT’s Richard Seymour and Big John Henderson are watching from the sideline too. Probably benefitting from their veteran status and the fact that players only have so many reps.
Photo Tony Gonzales
CB Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson is on fire.
Maybe he’s smarting from the treatment shown CB Stanford Routt who was "over tendered" with a 1st and 3rd round tender this off season.
So far in his NFL career the 6-1, 195 lb 27 yr old has under performed given his production and 2nd round (38th overall) draft status in 2005.
Routt snagged a cool $3.286 million when he signed his tender this off season but fellow corner Chris Johnson is the one tearing it up in camp.
Johnson is clearly having the best camp of all the Raider DBs.
Rookie Walter McFadden is impressing coaches too though.
Speaking of depth...
The Raiders are in the enviable position of having several QB’s to choose from with Jason Campbell the front runner by default and Bruce Gradkowski, coming back from an off season pectoral tear.
"Grads" is having a solid camp with good reads and accurate throws after shaking off early rust.
Charlie Frye comes in 3rd with recently married Kyle Boller bringing up the rear in the QB competition.
All four of them showed good accuracy this practice.
With Schilens in the mix, Raider wides seem to come alive and had a much better showing this afternoon.
End of practice for today...
Day 5 Practice 9
McClain scare, Schilens
Sighting
08-02-10 5:40 pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
FB hopeful Manase Tonga
Just because the pads went on today doesn’t mean its full go. Not yet anyway. There will be no tackling to the ground or cut blocking allowed.
Things looked good early on with WR Chaz Schilens taking the field and making a grab as fellow WR Louis Murphy jogged with Raider staff.
Murphy’s concussion had him sensitive to light and sound the last few days.
Its was the running backs who got the lions share of work midway through practice with Bush and McFadden slashing their way inside and out of a frustrated D that can’t out right tackle.
Rock Cartwright got slung to the ground by safety Michael Huff who in turn got a tongue lashing from D coordinator John Marshall.
Defense began to step it up, but its really hard to tell when they can’t follow through. Safety Mike Mitchell hit McFadden with a running start but pulled up at the last second.
Veteran Michael Bennett wasn’t so lucky later on in practice. MM got a lecture after burning down Bennett’s house late in practice.
Mitchell is looking to do "The Assassin" proud...
Would’ve been epic at full speed...
Part way through practice, the Raiders took Schilens out of the mix. No point in pushing it.
In O and D line drills Robert Gallery looked dominant. In one match up he bested De/DT Richard Seymour. Lest one think the veteran Seymour is on the decline, he fought back and marched Gallery into the back field on "3rd down".
At one point DT Tommy Kelly got worked by 6 yr vet Daniel Loper...on successive plays. Not sure if this is Loper getting it done or Kelly fading...
Left Tackle Mario Henderson got a chewing from Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson when a break down in protection sent QB Jason Campbell scrambling out of the back field.
Campbell’s been impressive in NOT throwing the ball up for grabs.
Rolando McClain walked off the field with two members of the training staff and headed for the field house.
No idea what happened to the 8th overall draft pick out of Alabama, no one saw anything major happen and he wasn’t limping.
To the collective relief of the Raider Nation he returned to the field after about 15 minutes as Oakland went through 11 on 11 drills.
Chris Johnson was quiet last year after a break out season in 2008, but don’t write him off yet. "The man opposite Nnamdi" has some skills. Johnson made excellent reads and should’ve had at least two interceptions today.
Quentin Groves looked better at DE in the 4-3. His "natural" spot. Got pressure on Campbell that forced a dump off that Marcel Reece dropped. Reece has his ankle taped. Not his hands. Gotta catch those if you wanna make the cut down.
Session 9 ended without any brawls or mayhem although the McClain scare had heads a turning and keyboards burning.
All in all a solid, controlled practice.
Day 4 Practice 8
08010-10 5:39 pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
DB Jeremy Ware vs WR Heyward Bey
Raider wides weren’t taking advantage of the extra field time afforded them by injuries to Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy.
Schilens still experiencing "soreness" in his twice operated on left foot.
Murph suffering with light and sound sensitivity after taking a knee to the helmet from Nnamdi Asomugha during day 2 drills.
Jason Campbell looks good at QB, but Yamon Figures, Paul Hubbard and even rookie Jacoby Ford dropped gimmies in session 8.
At one point Ford dropped 3 passes in a row.
Raiders will need to look sharper come Monday when the hitting starts.
We’ll get a clue as to what our O and D lines look like and see how our LB’s are in coverage. McClain has looked good in 7 on 7's but Trevor Scott appears to still be struggling. We may keep Thomas Howard and rotate him in when Scott goes "hand in the dirt" or is out on 3rd downs.
Offense sputtered without Schilens and Murphy and gives credence to people who called for T.O. in Oakland.
Of course they’re completely discounting the massive discord that comes with his dwindling skills and astronomical bills.
Theres a reason Owens was dropped by every team he’s played for.
The Raiders have spent a lot of time and money to build a "team" and now that they seem to have turned an attitude corner, a locker room cancer is the last thing they need.
One of the first things they need is a healthy, productive receiving corps.
Zach Miller and Heyward Bey salvage some esteem with good grabs as practice ends.
See you tomorrow around 3:30pm...
"Even with out two of its top wide receivers, in this mornings session..."
The Offense Strikes
Back...
Day 4, Cycle 7
08-01-10 11:57am pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
WR Darrius Heyward Bey
The offense managed to redeem itself after last nights PM session which saw several interceptions and good looking plays on the defensive side of the ball.
Not to say the D this morning was all bad...
This session, both sides of the ball were toned down. Maybe because its their 7th practice and partly because of injuries to players like Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy.
Schilens watched from the sidelines sans helmet and Murphy did not make the field.
Both sides put in solid work but it was the O that looked better with encouragement from offensive coordinator Hue Jackson urging a faster tempo.
With two WRs out of the line up Raider QBs still found targets like the almost unstoppable Zach Miller, Darrius Heyward Bey and surprising rookie Jacoby Ford who has been getting props from coaches on his route running.
Granted there won’t be pads till Monday, but Raider running backs have yet to put the ball on the ground either during hand offs or by being stripped even though the D coaches are specifically reminding them to do so.
After stealing the batteries to the remote at one point, roomies Darren McFadden and Michael Bush have finally come to terms (for now) and are enjoying the latest Batman movie after lunch.
Michael Bush had a turkey burger and wild rice, while safety Tyvon Branch was "defeated" by a double cheese burger he could not finish.
All of them waiting for upcoming meetings and then practice #8 at 4:20 pm...
While Raider WRs Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy have missed time with a sore foot and possible concussion respectively, the news sounds more grim for the division rival Denver Broncos who saw two running backs 2nd year Knowshon Moreno and oft injured Correll Buckhalter injured in this mornings practice.
Moreno had to be carted off the field with a possible knee or ankle injury. Buckhalter hurt 10 minutes later running the same drill limped off on his own but has a lengthy history of devastating leg injuries starting when he was in Philidelphia.
We’ll keep you posted...
"Lots of picks and pressures as cycle 6 winds down. Another good practice as..."
Defense Dominates
07-31-10 6:20 pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
Nnamdi and Huff
Raiders are seeming to wear down a little bit and thats what 6 practices in 3 days will do to you.
Jacoby Ford dropped a pass in front of Al Davis, but c’mon, can you blame him?
So far in 7 on 7's MLB rookie Rolando McClain hasn’t looked like a liability in pass coverage. Pads go on Monday and we’ll get a better evaluation of all the players but the former Alabama stand out made a nice pick early on in practice 6 and should’ve had another one on a Jason Campbell swing pass to the right..
He’s been doing his studying...
Raiders are working on swing passes and screens. Marcel Reese had some nice action today. He’s versatile, but lets hope he’s not jack of all trades, master of none. Would like to see him make the cut and be productive.
He has good size and speed.
Raiders have been working on red zone and goal line work ie getting them selves out of being pinned deep in their own territory.
Whistle stopping the action as the RBs hit the line so guys with out pads don’t get killed. Part of these drills include some wicked little bubble screens and a sideline out pattern.
Not a huge deal for most teams but these are things sorely lacking in Oaklands arsenal the last few seasons. With all that speed and size, they could really do some damage in the upcoming campaign.
New quarter back Jason Campbell is winning praise from offensive coordinator Hue Jackson not only for his passing but for throwing it away when pressured heavily.
Tommy Kelly and Trevor Scott applied heavy pressure towrd the end of practice causing and errant pass to land in the hands of safety Hiram Eugene.
Campbell’s clearly the starter for this team in 2010.
2 more practices tomorrow at 8:30 am and 4:20 pm.
Pads go on Monday...
Day 3 practice 5
07-31-10 11:01am pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
Coach Tom Cable
As the Raiders enter cycle 5 on day three veteran running back and Raider hopeful Rock Cartwright had this to say:
"Pride...P-ersonal R-esponsibility I-n D-aily E-fforts. Time to hit the practice field."
That hasn’t been a common theme in recent years.
This off season the Raiders have all been working hard and as they begin to really grind with sore muscles and less rest one sees where they could start to wind down but as they finish practice 5 it seems that isn’t the case.
Wake up call is at 6:45 but Darren McFadden got up around 6:00 to sneak in an extra work out and snag some break fast before practice. Quentin Groves got a lovely wake up call from his wife on their Anniversary.
Raiders hit the field around 8:00 with no sign of DHB or Louis Murphy. Hey Ward Bey made his way to the field but was apparently experiencing shoulder tightness. Had it worked on and went on to a productive day including some nice grabs, spin moves and impressive leaping catch on a fade route from Campbell in the back of the end zone.
Gradkowski found rookie Jacoby Ford on a slant for a TD in red zone drills too.
WR Chaz Schilens made an appearance but he’ll be brought along slowly it seems.
DB’s looked good in 7 on 7 drills too though with Nnamdi and rookie Walter McFadden snagging picks. Chris Johnson looked fast and particularly impressive today.
Michael Huff showing off his speed and range busting up another Campbell to Miller attempt.
Mike Mitchell wrecks a beautiful post pass from Campbell intended for Zach Miller. Mitchell’s going to be one to keep an eye on.
Raiders working on communication on defense especially between the linebackers and rookie Rolando McClain. Greg Biekert keeping a watchful eye as the LB’s work the sled.
Photo Tony Gonzales
MLB Rolando McClain
Lamarr Houston making some good reads at DE.
Kicker Sebastian Janikowski starts booting some and makes them all including a 43 yarder with lots of leg to spare.
Khalif Barnes struggles on a run play featuring Michael Bennett and hears about it. DHB makes another great catch as practice winds down and 100 yd jogs begin.
Coaches Hue Jackson and Tom Cable join them in the run.
Good looking, hard played practice. About as physical as you can get without pads. Both sides of the ball had bobbles but for the most part were very impressive.
Turns out WR Louis Murphy received a minor concussion after getting kicked in the head during yesterdays practice.
We’ll keep you posted.
Stand by for cycle six later today at 4:20pm.
Raider Weapons Emerge
07-30-10 8:38pm pac
Photo Tony Gonzales
RB Michael Bush
Things actually look good in Raider land as Oakland puts its 4th practice behind them.
The passing game looks better with Gradkowski working out the kinks and Campbell finding McFadden and Bush out of the backfield and youngster like Nick Miller and Jacoby Ford making grabs.
The McFadden, Bush screen plays are a new weapon Oakland hasn't featured since the two joined the team.
It will be a potent new weapon to get them out in space where they can use their speed and size to best advatage and something they simply could do with Jamarcus Russell.
His replacement Jason Campbell has lloked like a weapon as well. The Raiders passing game looks better than it has in years. even back up Qb Bruce Gradkowski began to hit some receivers after being out 3 months with a pectoral tear.
Zach Miller looks like he could be a Pro Bowler. Great hands...
Unfortunately, Chaz Schilens looks to be hobbled by his linger foot issue. Its not a killer at this point and the Raiders want to keep it that way. He’ll likely be used sparingly through out the remainder.
Stanford Routt came off the field in the first practice and then redeemed himself in 7 on 7's with some smart plays.
Safety Mike Mitchell struggled in coverage and can’t be blamed. Its going to be tough for anyone to cover McFadden coming out of the back field on swings and screens.
Former Jag Quentin Groves was a 2nd round pick (52nd overall) in 2008 and had trouble adjusting to Jacksonville’s 3-4 defensive scheme.
He was playing 1st string DE with our 4-3 defensive package, a return to his more natural role.
Raider backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are sharing a room and television set and thats causing a little good natured ribbing. Darren is currently enjoying the new show "Dual Survivor" immensely, while a tired Michael Bush repeatedly asks Darren to turn the channel but McFadden won’t listen.
Both of them will need to get some sleep. Practice 5 starts at 8:30 am...
Day 2: Practice 3
07-30-10 9;40 am pac
WR Chaz Schilens
Day two and practice three finds all hands on deck after WR Chaz Schilens left prematurely for the field house during yesterdays second practice.
Schilens has had the injury bug through out his career but when he has been healthy, which isn't often it seems,he's productive.
A little bit of a slow, rolling start which is a good thing. There seems to be an emphasis around the League on keeping guys healthy this off season. A good trend, but makes evaluation harder...
Seymour showing the youngsters how its done so far this camp. Much was made of him being first off the rookie bus. A bus, as a veteran, he did not have to ride.
This will be his first camp with the Raiders and it appears he is taking the role of mentor to heart.
That is fantastic news for the Silver and Black.
Jason Campbell has been solid and finding Zach Miller.
Thats a good sign.
On his 9th offensive coordinator since his days at Auburn, Campbell got some terminology mixed up last night but other than that he's doing very well.
Rock Cartwright seems, well, like a Rock. A solid vet and an unselfish player who, if he makes the cut, would likely be a solid contributor not only at RB or FB but on special teams as well.
Only practice 3, so too early to say anything for sure but McClain looks smart and on the spot by with nice reads and reaction.
We've been burned by blind optimism in recent years because we want to win so bad. Not jumping the gun because the seasons still a long way off, but this is a solid bunch of talented players who seem to have a goal and focus we haven't seen for a very very long time.
This looks more like a "team" than it has since before the Gruden era.
Even during those heady days of Gannon leading the League in passing and whipping players into shape the team wasn't completely united. Gannon studied enough for everyone and managed the game and the team on and off the field.
Early progress into camp shows this team has many leaders and they all seem to be pulling in the same direction.
Silver and Black looking like a real team.
Practice ends with 100yd jogging and a solid feeling of accomplishment. Good passing and receiving with some nice plays by McClain and the secondary sprinkled in.
Photo Tony Gonzales
MLB Rolando McClain skies...
Coach Cable to address the media shortly.
Stand by for the 2nd practice later today!
More to come...
P.S. Nnamdi and DHB working together again AFTER practice! Thats what we want to see!
Practice makes Perfect
07-29-10 8:01 pm pac
MLB Rolando McClainMuch has been and will be made of Raider "walk thru’s" by the media because frankly they are deadly boring but, have no illusions, the Raiders are mixing it up in practice.
The phrase "Don’t hurt em’ Houston!" has been uttered a time or two already. Freshly healed LG Robert Gallery was introduced to 2nd round draft pick out of Texas Lamarr Houston and did not like it.
After the scuffle Gallery was pissed and Houston was without his helmet.
Nnamdi looks every bit the best corner back in the NFL. Regardless of wether he plays "only one side of the field."
Granted he was snagging picks off a rusty Gradkowski, but the man can play ball.
Passing game sputtered in the 2nd practice but is still a vast improvement over any of Russell’s previous camps.
Best news of the day involved Asomugha and WR Darrius Heyward Bey staying AFTER practice to work on Bey’s release from the line of scrimmage.
That is taking advantage of your surroundings.
If you can get off the line clean against Nnamdi, you can get off the line clean against anyone in the NFL.
Newbie vet Rock Cartwright is off to a special teams meeting while roomie Darren McFadden and Michael Bush chill with "The Deadliest Catch" and lament the fact they’re TV doesn’t get "the First 48".
Both killing time and then are off to meetings.
Many are glad they brought they’re X Boxes but more of them will be glad to get some rest after a busy day.
More tomorrow...
Rolando a Raider
07-29-10 4:09am pac
MLB Rolando McClainMiddle line backer Rolando McClain put pen to paper and officially became the latest member of the historic Silver and Black.
Oakland isn’t pinning all its hopes on the former Alabama stand out, but they’re pinning most of them.
Since 2006 the Raiders defense has finished 25th, 31st, 31st and 29th against the run.
Some of this stems from a serious lack of production by the offense, which in turn, kept the D on the field with too many 3 and outs, turning the ball over, not controlling the clock ect ect and of course not scoring any points to defend.
Some of it was also Kirk Morrison.
Morrison now resides with Jacksonville. He is the reason the Oakland Raiders selected Rolando McClain with the 8th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft.
So how good is he?
McClain registered 274 tackles in 3 years for the Crimson Tide, 29.5 for a loss and had 8 sacks with five interceptions.
Showered with accolades, the 6-3, 255 lb Junior was named SEC defensive player of the year and a 1st team All American.
He made history by being the first Alabama player ever to win the Jack Lambert Award, given to the nations best collegiate linebacker.
A day later he became only the 2nd Crimson Tide line backer to win the Dick Butkus award.
The first Alabaman to do it was Derrick Thomas. He went on to become one of the greatest pass rushers of all time.
The Raiders took McClain for another reason though. He’ll be asked to stop the run.
Terms of the contract are unavailable at the moment, but should be around 5-6 yrs $40 million with perhaps $23 million guaranteed.
We'll keep you posted.
Can McClain turn Oaklands fortunes and strengthen their run D?
Not alone, but if he gets a little help, the answer is yes.
Yes he can.
"The Raiders open camp sans McClain but with a sense of energy, attitude and..."
"A New Hope..."07-28-10 1:47 pm pac
Photo Paul Sakuma / AP
Head Coach Tom Cable
The Oakland Raiders will start camp slowly again this year under Coach Tom Cable with 4 days of walk throughs and choreography much like they did last year.
Theoretically it hepls solidify fundamentals and gets everyone familiar with their assignments and responsiblities.
Oakland tried the same thing last year and one can only hope it works better this season.
With a revamped and beefed up defense the Raiders will be looking to stop the run.
A major part of that cause will be 1st round draft pick (8th overall) Rolando McClain, who has yet to "officially" sign a contract.
It would've been nice to see McClain second off the bus after Richard Seymour yesterday, but negotiations will be more difficult this year with the threat of a looming strike at the end of this season and the possible end of the collective barganing agreement brought about in part by former Raider legend and Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw during his tenure as President of the NFLPA.
McClain's camp has been silent, but thats not a surprise considering the traditional Raider cloak of secrecy, but the 20 yr old former Alabama stand out stated his intention to be with the team and to avoid a hold out earlier in the pre season.
"I leave that to Pat Dye Jr." McClain said of contract negotiations.
"I'm not looking to sit out. In order to play for the team, I need to be in training camp."
Barring the unforseen, he should be there for Thursdays practice.
At least thats the hope.
For what its worth, Oakland has an exceptional record when it comes to getting its picks signed with one notable black mark, JaMarcus Russell.
Jason Campbell was brought over from Washinton to take the place of the former #1 overall draft pick and its believed he'll be a major upgrade just by virtue of effort.
Not surprisingly, Cable named Campbell the starter with Bruce Gradkowski, Kyle Boller and Charlie Frye vying for a roster spot as well.
With the departure of Russell and others there is a feeling the Raiders have turned a corner as far as their attitude and their culture of losing.
Their does seem to be a renewed focus and drive amongst the organization. The team feels and sounds more like a team more than it has since even before the Gruden era.
It is an untested squad with battle hardened vets and alot of younger, talented, but unproven players and coaches, but them, there is a palpable sense of renewed hunger and desire this off season which, in Raider land, is very refreshing and exciting indeed.
Houston signs
07-26-10 7:01 pm pac
Photo/ AP
DT/DE Lamarr Houston
Lamarr Houston becomes a Raider.The newest member of the Raider family said in a recent interview:
"I am here to inspire and light fires."
The Texas DE/DT was drafted in the 2nd round (44th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft and made noise immediately during this off seasons "non contact" OTA’s.
No one said anything specifically against Houston in the complaint to the NFLPA that cost Oakland the final practices of their OTA’s, but his aggressive tussles with angry Raider team mates were mentioned by several insiders.
Fans will be happy to see a return to the nasty toughness that was a hallmark of legendary Raider defenses. Team mates will be glad to see an end to the pre season.
The freakishly agile 6-3, 305 lb Houston played linebacker and running back in high school gaining 3,325 yards and 49 touchdowns while at Doherty High in Colorado.
Houston was a late bloomer in college starting his University of Texas career as a defensive end and special teamer. He switched to DT his junior year but suffered a foot injury that set him back.
In 09' Houston helped the Longhorns lead the nation in run defense, making 58 tackles, 20 for a loss and destroying opponents pass protection, registering 7 sacks and 28 quarter back pressures.
In Oakland he’ll be asked to disrupt the pocket and help shore the Raiders porous run D.
Early indications are he’ll be very good at both.
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