"Signed around 4pm today, 5th round CB Walter McFadden could give Oakland..."

           Key Depth

 

 

07-12-10 6:26 pm pac

                             

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                      CB Walter McFadden         

 

The Raiders signed 5^th round draft pick Walter McFadden.

The 5-10, 185lb CB hails from Auburn where he didn’t get a chance to play until his Junior year due to depth on the Tiger squad.

McFadden came alive his senior year racking up 46 tackles, six interceptions and 10 passes defensed on his way to a 2^nd team ALL-SEC team nomination.

The 138^th pick last April, McFadden may be the best corner back not at this years Combine due to the stats he posted and at campus Pro day where he impressed with a speedy 4.4 40.

That speed translates well to the field where McFadden can be beaten on well executed double moves but uses his considerable quicks to make up for it.

He displays quick and active hands to jam receivers in press coverage, but lacks bulk to deal with larger WRs.

His aggression helps compensate and McFadden is a natural when it comes to cover skills with loose hips and a quick break on the ball.

He’s a scrappy player for his size and doesn’t shy away from a tackle but run coverage is an area of concern so he may be used in nickle.

Nickle back is slightly more complicated which means he’ll need some time likely, but early indications, like a $1.99 million dollar 4 yr contract offer accepted around 4 pm today, are that McFadden is coming along nicely, which is good news for Raider fans who’ve witnessed Stanford Routt struggle at the nickle these last few years.

Along with depth, speed and tenacity rookie Walter McFadden could be a valued addition to the team in an area of need and that makes him one to keep an eye on when camp rolls around on the 28th.

 

 

 

 

      Rookie Rolando's 

      Focus is Football 

          Not Finance

 

                           

          

                                                                         MLB Rolando McClain

 

The Raiders have an exceptional record of signing their draft picks (with the exception of one) and rookie middle linebacker Rolando McClain expects nothing different.

For the moment the former Crimson Tide Butkus award winner is focused on football leaving contractual terms to his agent Pat Dye Jr. Of ProFiles Sports Inc.

McClain stated:

"We haven’t started contract talks, I’m not sure where we are on that. I just play football."

"I’m not looking to sit out. In order to play for the team, I need to be in training camp. I’m going to OTAs (I’m) not worried about the contract."

McClain can expect a healthy pay day when his contract is finally signed, likely in early July before the Raiders convene at the Napa valley Marriott on July 28^th for camp.

McClain can expect a contract in the range of last years 8^th overall pick T Eugene Monroe who received a $35.4 million dollar 5 yr contract with $19.2 million guaranteed when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

McClain will need an infusion of cash into his bank account by the time the Raiders open the season against the Tennessee Titans on September 12^th since he expects to be flooded with requests for tickets to see him play when he returns to the south.

In order to meet the expected requests for tickets McClain said with a chuckle,

"I may be buying a few tickets from teammates,"

Fans hope McClain can bolster Oaklands sagging run D which has consistently been ranked at the bottom of League statistics for years.

He and the Raiders will face a Titans team that was 2^nd in rushing last year to the New York Jets and featured a 2,000 yd + rusher.

That running back, Chris Johnson may not be there if a serious contract dispute is not solved but its interesting to note the Titans fell only 155 yds shy of the Jets rushing totals on 108 fewer carries.

Without their leading rusher from last year it could be a different story, but the Raiders and McClain hope to be prepared none the less.

Right out of the gate the Raiders and their new MLB’s attempt to shore its leaky D could be tested.

 

 

 

     Re Vamped Raider

     Run D faces New

     Divisional Threats

06-14-10 4:44 pm pac

 

                              

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                            MLB Rolando McClain

 

For years the Raiders run D has dwelled in the League cellar but with new additions and key subtractions change could be on the horizon and just in time.

The Chargers

Time will tell if the San Diego Chargers massive 1^st round leap from the 28^th selection to #12 overall was worth it but by all accounts former Fresno State RB Ryan Mathews is a well rounded, punishing back.

The major knock on him aside from a lack of another gear once in the open is his health.

With creepy oompa loompa Darren Sproles providing the quickness, SD looks for their new #21 to replace the old one.

Mathews is not only from the same WAC college division as former Charger LaDanian Tomlinson, he chose the same number in honor of his hero.

The Chiefs

The Chiefs shot themselves in the foot replacing O coordinator Chan Gailey at the start of last season but signing former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis’s 32 yrs of coaching experience and 5 super bowl appearances may have been a step in the right direction.

He’s got new weapons on the field to assist him as well.

From 2007-2009 RB Thomas Jones gained 3,833 yds, second only to Adrian Peterson.

After scoring 14 TDs last year with the New York Jets, Thomas inked a deal on March 9^th to join the Chiefs.

KC is the 5^th landing spot for Jones (the older brother of Dallas’ Julius Jones) since being selected by Arizona 7^th overall in the 2000 draft.

The 5-10, 215 lb backs amazing production is tempered by his age and the fact he was running in NY behind an all star offensive line.

He won’t have the same in Kansas City.

He was released by the Jets on March 5^th 2010 exactly 3 yrs to the day he signed with a 4 yr $25 million dollar deal with them.

Odds are he was released as a cap casualty.

KC added diminutive 5-8, 175 lb RB Dexter McCluster with its 2^nd round pick in this years draft and they are hoping his diversity and 2008 3^rd round RB Jamaal Charles' speed can bolster their offense.

Charles finished last year with over 1,100 yds and was the first back in history to do so on less than 200 carries.

His week 17 performance against division rival Denver broke records as well as he racked up 259 yds on 25 carries with 2 TDs.

The Broncos

Speaking of Denver...

Many feel the Broncos 2009 12^th overall pick running back Knowshon Moreno is poised to have a break out year after struggling with the complexities of playing in the pros his rookie season.

As it was, the 5-11, 210 lb Moreno finished 09' 53 yds shy of 1,000 on 247 carries and scoring 7 TDs.

Old terrors like LaDanian Tomlinson (who never lost a game to the Raiders) and the Chiefs Larry Johnson may be out of the division and wearing different jerseys in 2010, but the threat of a serious ground attack by divisional rivals hasn’t diminished for the defensively challenged silver and black, in fact, it may have just begun.

With the dismissal of middle linebacker Kirk Morrison (now in Jacksonville) and the addition of his replacement 6-3, 254 lb MLB Rolando McClain Oakland hopes its nightmare finishes at the bottom of the Leagues statistical pile is a thing of the past.

Aiding Oaklands 8^th overall selection in this years draft will be the job of veterans like last years addition DE Richard Seymour and this off seasons pick up DT John Henderson.

Manning the beefed up line backing corps with McClain will be 6-3 254 lb former 2^nd round pick LB Quentin Groves from the Jaguars and 6-3, 254 lb former 13^th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, LB Kamerion Wimbley.

In the 2010 draft the Raiders added some beef on the D line with 2^nd round selection (44^th overall) DE / DT Lamarr Houston out of Texas.

Its hoped the 6-3, 305 lb Houston’s ferocity and freakish agility will help the Raiders new additions toughen up on defense against a division that itself is newly reloaded with fresh talent and new additions of their own.

 

 

 

 

    Raiders Sue Russell 

 

05-27-10 2:37 PM pac

 

 

 

                     

                                                  JaMarcus Russell aka "The Chosen One"

 

Roundly crushed for his choice of ward robe and ridiculously un earned bling and hubris JaMarcus may be looking to pawn such gaudy jewlery like his diamond encrusted medalion of himself with the words "Chosen One" at the bottom.

Al Davis and the Raiders have filed a grievance against former LSU Champion and short lived NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Attorney for the Oakland Raiders Jeff Birren said flatly "We have filed a grievance against Jamarcus Russell."

Oakland got next to nothing for their massive investment in the chronically lazy former 1st overall pick and seeks repayment of $9.55 million, the team confirmed Thursday.

The  Raiders contend Russell's contract was changed at one point during his three-year stint and apparently states he’s not allowed to keep all of the money he had collected prior to his release on May 7th.

The rumored to be 300 lb QB was guaranteed $32 million as part of a six-year contract reportedly worth $68 million.

Part of the guaranteed $32 million was originally in the form of salary advances for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons.

The Raiders feel a portion of those wages should be returned.

Odds are, the Raider Nation feels the same way.

Russell's stellar council obviously feels differently.

“The money in question was fully guaranteed. That is why JaMarcus was forced to hold out and miss all of training camp as a rookie,” Metz said. “The Raiders know that and this is our only comment.”

Perhaps his agents knew what a bum their client would turn out to be.

JaMarcus Russell will be represented in the grievance by the NFL Players Association and one speculates whether this obviously pending case had anything to do with the Raiders not seeking the services of 15 yr veteran center Kevin Mawae who is also President of...yup, the NFLPA.

Davis has a history of suing people, but they have all been in re-action to litigation. More importantly, unlike football in recent memory, he has a history of winning.

 

 

 

 

 

   2010 Draft Overview

 

4-27-10 2:30 pm pacific

                                               

                                                                                    8th overall pick MLB Rolando McClain                        

  

Onwer Al Davis continued to befuddle and confound reporters and analysts with his draft selections in 2010, this time though Davis stymied his detractors by addressing blatant team needs with excellent picks and proven football players rather than projects or work out warriors.

Have no illusions, there are a few "classic" Davis selections, but by far, this is the most sensible and best looking draft Oakland has had since their days in L.A..

1^st RND 8^th overall

MLB Rolando McClain

Denver may have wanted the instinctive run stuffer at 11.

After Davis stunned the draft with his selection of McClain the Broncos draft fell back in disarray.

McClain is not without holes in his game but it is hoped he can shore the Raider run D and prevent long break away runs that have plagued an other wise seemingly solid defense.

McClain is not only an instinctual MLB, his work habits and study make him a coach on the field, something the Raiders have lacked since Greg Biekert.

2^nd RND Pick 12 44^th overall

DT/DE Lamarr Houston

The Raiders traded back from 39 to eventually 44th and still got their man.

Houston is considered undersized (6-2, 300) for the DT spot at this level, but his amazing agility and relentless motor could make him a force not only in the run game, but in rushing the passer, something Davis covets.

With Houston and Seymour on the ends opposing RBS are likely to be forced back into the middle and into the teeth  of Oaklands suddenly, bigger and stouter LB corps.

3^rd RND Pick 5 69^th pick overall

T Jared Veldheer

Veldheer could be an Al Davis special.

Al loves to find kids most aren’t familiar with and coming from Division II Hillsdale, the 6-8 312 lb behemoth didn’t garner big time attention or face top notch competition, but in pre draft work outs he showed he can hang with the big boys.

Veldheer could be a sleeper to compete for a starting slot sooner rather than later.

4^th RND Pick 8 106^th overall

T Bruce Campbell

The former Maryland Terp was Mel Kiper’s "joke" pick (right Mel) for the 8th overall pick for months before the draft, but Davis laid low and got his pet project in the 4th and at a more than reasonable price.

Campbell’s green and raw, but showed at the combine he can absorb coaching and apply. If given the proper guidance and time he could morph into a very good player in years to come.

Coach Tom Cable suggests the big man may see action at guard.

4^th RND Pick 10 108^th overall

Another more classic Davis pick track star Jacoby Ford joined the squad after posting the fastest 40 at the combine. His diminutive stature (5-9, 186 lbs) worries some, but his blazing sub 4.3 speed could make him a valuable slot receiver and or dangerous return man.

RND 5 Pick 7 138^th overall

DB Walter McFadden

The 6-0, 175 lb ball hawk out of Auburn provide depth in the Raiders secondary and special teams while he develops his pro game. Not a great tackler, but has a knack for making plays.

RND 6 Pick 21 190 overall

LB Travis Goethel

His size and speed could make him an immediate contributor on special teams while he works on his game.

RND 7 Pick 8 215^th overall

DB Jeremy Ware

The former Michigan Stater received attention for his 4.37 40 time but will have a lot of competition in a an over crowded Oakland secondary.

RND 7 Pick 44 251^st overall

His 6-0, 210 lb frame could help him contribute on special teams but he needs serious work on all aspects of his game from run stopping to coverage.

Oakland made smart picks in addressing needs and adding depth. Of course it will likely be several years before the full impact is known but all in all the Raider Nation can enjoy a surprisingly logical and hopefully fruitful 2010 NFL draft.

  

 

 

 

 

  Campbell's and a Ford

 Highlight a dizzying day

                  3 

 

                        

                                                         Newest Raider Qb Jason Campbell

 

And on the third day Al created...

Touted as the best draft the Raiders have had since returning from Los Angeles Oakland makes massive moves by adding a pair of Campbells, a Ford and removing a Morrison.

Its confirmed Oakland snagged Washington Redskin QB Jason Campbell from *gasp* former divisional nemesis and long time Al Davis hater Mike Shanahan.

The deal reported so far is Campbell will receive a contract extension through 2011 in Oakland with Washington receiving a 2012 4^th round draft pick.

The length of the extension (Campbell’s contract with the Skins was up) leads some to believe the Raiders may encourage both Campbell and erstwhile QB Jamarcus Russell to compete not only for the starting job, but maybe for their professional careers.

Raider fans are more than familiar with the trials and tribulations of Russell. Campbell’s rocky NFL career started with the Skins 2^nd 1^st round pick of the 2005 draft, 25^th overall.

The Skins gambled on Campbell trading a 3^rd round 2005 draft pick and a 4^th and 1^st in the 2006 draft to move up for the 6-5, 233 lb QB.

Campbell has never had stability at the coaching position at Auburn who went through a different O coordinator each of Campbell’s 4 years in College. At the pro level the coaching rotation continued, similar to what Jamarcus Russell experienced in his short time in the bigs with Campbell taking the unwanted lead with 8 different O coords in 10 years of football.

Russell will likely have to take a pay cut since he is due a $9.45 million dollar roster bonus. If he doesn’t want to (He’s said flatly he won’t) he’ll likely be out of the League or take a pay cut from whom ever else decides to take a flyer on the under productive former #1 overall draft pick.

Campbell’s addition raises more questions than it answers.

Will Russell stay and compete for the starting job?

Will he be released and or which QB will salvage his floundering NFL career in a suddenly revamped silver and black?

We’ll likely know which direction the Raiders will take with Russell in the coming weeks.

The other Campbell Oakland took today was touted by the majority of analysts as Oaklands 8^th overall pick, instead the Raiders waited patiently and snagged the work out warrior 98 picks later.

                                 

Bruce Campbell out of Maryland registered "off the charts" at this years NFL combine causing lazier reporters and analysts to peg him immediately as an Al Davis favorite. The logic consisting of Davis’s apparently slavish devotion to tangible measurables after taking a flyer with last years 7^th overall on Maryland WR Darius Heyward Bey.

In a way, they were right, just way off the mark as to where Davis would get his O line project.

Blessed with freakish athleticism and touted as an offensive tackle Bruce Campbell will be a developmental player that the Raiders can now easily afford to let simmer for a season or two with out breaking the bank.

Another reason the former Terp can ease his way into the line up is yesterdays 3^rd round pick out of division II Hillsdale Jared Veldheer who’s massive size and nimble feet make him a good fit for the Raiders current zone blocking scheme. A scheme rumored to be augmented with more straight line power blocking this year.

Oakland continued to move and shake on day 3 trading away team leading tackler Kirk Morrison to the Jacksonville Jaguars in order to move up to the 108^th overall pick with which the took a more traditional Davis pick Jacoby Ford.

A former track star, Ford lit up the combine with a blazing 4.28 in the 40 yd draft. At 5-9, 186 Ford is considered under sized but should contribute immediately in the Raiders struggling return game.

Though terminally upbeat tackling machine Captain Kirk often led the Raiders in tackles, too many of them came 5-7 yards down field and Oakland suffered one of the worst run defenses during his tenure at middle linebacker.

Morrison basically signed his ticket out of Oakland when he put pen to paper on his original round tender this off season. With 11 LB’s with the silver and black (12 now that Oakland has taken 3 year Arizona starter, MLB Travis Goethel with the 6^th round, 190^th pick overall) and a $2.512 salary due, the Captain set sail for Jacksonville with Oaklands 153^rd pick as a parting gift for the Jags.

It’s a brand new day for the Oakland franchise and a bright new future for Raider fans.

Many questions remain, but for the first time in years the majority of Raider fans are celebrating a productive and sensible NFL draft.

    

 

 

 

 Small school, big talent

  Raiders take T Jared

            Veldheer 

 

 

                                          

 

Jared Veldheer becomes the latest member of the Silver and Black courtesy of the 69th pick in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL draft.

Veldheer is a project who dominated his smaller divison. He needs development in order to make the field but a solid prospect who could become a productive player given time.

On the limited game tape that is available of him, Veldheer looks awfully impressive really exploding into defenders and using leverage to his advantage. At 6’8”, 312lbs. he has the physique of an NFL starting tackle and the athleticism of a tight end. His fluidity of movement is effortless and he really has no difficulty staying between defenders and his quarterback on the edge. The question about level of competition is the only thing standing between Veldheer and a very nice paycheck in the NFL.

Named First-Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association following the 2009 season … Participated in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game on Feb. 6, 2010 … Will participate in the NFL Combine, scheduled for Feb. 19-23 in Indianapolis, Ind. He was also named First-Team All-Region by the AFCA and was an All-region selection as part of the Gene Upshaw Award program … Rated as the No. 4-ranked pro prospect by D2football.com … Named a 2009 Division II Preseason All-American by The Sporting News … Figures to be heavily scouted by the NFL throughout the season … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds … Has a 29.6-inch vertical leap … Had a max bench press number of 415 lbs … Has a hang clean mark of 425 … Bench-pressed 225 lbs. 32 times … Has a Steeler time of 4.52 seconds … Voted team captain after the completion of spring practice.

Veldheer's need for development likely means the Raiders will stick with last years linemen and hope Samson Satele at center and Khalif Barnes at right tackle can get the job done.

 

 

 

   Raiders help McClain

 with DT Lamarr Houston

 

 

                  

 

After several trade downs the Raiders selected with the 44th pick of the 2010 NFL draft the Raiders take DT Lamarr Houston to help their 1^st round pick Rolando McClain shore Oaklands leaky run D.

Sort of praised Oaklands draft this year makes logical sense to all involved.

This selection helps fill the void left by Gerard Warren and gives the Raiders a fleet footed, relentless defensive tackle to help their porous defense.

Houston is still growing into the position after first being a running back(!) And a defensive end earlier in his football career.

He’s got great feet and is considered one of the 50 best players in this years draft.

His punishing strength at the point of attack, motor and agility make him a very formidable prospect at DT.

Pass rush: Extremely agile for a 300-pounder, Houston works relentlessly to reach the quarterback.

He gets under the shoulder of his man if lined up in the gap or slanting. The big DT defeats most cut blocks with quickness and strong hands and is able to recover from initial stalemate to get after the passer.

Houston’s got good backfield awareness. Gets his hands up to deflect passes, though his height and length leave something to be desired. Dangerous on twists inside. Short arms cause him to work harder to get off blocks against top-level guards. Must improve pass-rush moves.

Run defense: Excellent pursuit down the line. Upper body and hands are strong enough for him to pull down ball carriers while engaged with blockers. Regularly lines up at the five-technique, but is more accustom to the 3 and is solid at standing his ground against larger linemen using a strong punch and leverage. Stays square to the line, able to move laterally while engaged. Lacks the bulk play inside on run downs at the next level.

Explosion: Has a good first step, but not elite first-step quickness. Lines up with two hands down so often he must prove to scouts he can get off quickly from the three-technique; his ability to penetrate on slants shows he's capable. Gets his hands into a blocker's jersey quickly and pushes them back using leverage and brute strength.

Strength: Massive upper body. Should wow teams pumping bench-press reps at the Combine. Plays strong and has a good punch with violent hands to disengage. Uses low center of gravity to keep leverage against the run. Holds up larger lineman and double teams but will be engulfed by larger NFL linemen, unable to disengage when head-up.

Tackling: Very strong tackler, comes with aggression and does not let go once in contact with the ball carrier. Agile enough to get through trash inside. Good flexibility and strength to bring down backs coming through the hole. Good burst to the quarterback once through the line. Does not break down in space and lacks the change-of-direction skills to capture elusiveness quarterbacks and running backs, but will chase them down with hustle and good straight-line speed.

This a solid pick and makes sense considering Davis’s love of penetrators that can get after the QB, but he’s got work to do with technique and needs some more sand in his pants in order to be a great run stuffer.

 

 

 

 

 

      McClain a Raider

 

 

        

 

With the 8^th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders selected MLB Rolando McClain.

Addressing one of the worst run defenses in recent years Al Davis broke with tradition (Better right than consistent) and drafted the best linebacker in the draft by far.

McClain had a scare with a report of crohns disease which was discounted and refuted a few weeks ago and shouldn’t be a problem.

McClain is a team leader and a film room junkie.

Exactly what the Raider D needs.

 

They'll need to provide some beef for him up front so he can scrape and make tackles like his idol Ray Lewis.

 

Congratulations Nation. You've got your run stopper.

McClain was a consensus All-American and 2009 Butkus winner, he’s got the size and great instincts to be an impact defender.

McClain won a starting job as a true freshman and grabbed freshman all-conference accolades with 75 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss. McClain earned first-team All-SEC honors, posting a team-leading 95 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore. He was even better in 2009, registering career highs in tackles (105), tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (four) in earning consensus All-American honors, being only the second Tide defender to ever win the Butkus Award (the late Derrick Thomas being the other), leading Alabama to the national title.

The versatile MLB’s accomplishments don't override concerns some evaluators have about his transition from Nick Saban's highly aggressive 3-4 scheme to the NFL. McClain was protected in the Alabama scheme by 365-pound nose guard Terrance Cody, who tied up blockers up front. McClain's instincts mask his lack of elite speed and there are concerns about how he'll be able to hold up in coverage.

The other side of the argument is what McClain brings as a downhill thumper in the running game. His status as a possible first-round pick and potential immediate difference-maker in the NFL should be safe.

　

Read & React: Excellent key-and-diagnose skills. Identifies the play quickly and has little to no wasted motion in getting to the action. Rarely fooled by misdirection. Recognizes screens quickly and attacks before linemen have a chance to set up blocks. Dedicated and he has to be kicked out of the film room.

Run defense: Prototypical size and strength for inside linebacker. Instinctive. Takes good angles to the ball. Good vision and balance to flow through the trash. Great strength in his hands to stack and shed blockers. Tall enough to locate the ballcarrier while being blocked and can forcefully toss the blocker to the side to make the play. Has good, not great speed lateral and straight-line speed to the sideline. Faster on the field than in workouts because of his instincts.

Pass defense: Gains good depth in his drops, but is stiff and struggles a bit changing direction to stay with receivers in man coverage. Alert in zone and shows good route recognition. Closes on the ball quickly. Long arms and quick hands to slap away the pass as it arrives. At least adequate ball skills (five career INTs).

Tackling: True thumper that can be an intimidating force in the middle. Classic hit-lift-drive tackler with the strength to knock the ballcarrier off his feet with the long arms to wrap around for the secure stop. Breaks down well in space to make the sure stop against smaller, quicker ballcarriers. Good hustle laterally, though he can give up too easily in pursuit downfield.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Great size and closing speed but he isn't there yet. Times his blitz well and gets skinny to get through the line of scrimmage. Doesn't show enough hand technique to disengage as a pass rusher. Relies on his bull rush to push the pocket and is strong enough for this to be effective. Savvy enough to get his hands up in the passing lanes when he can't get to the quarterback in time.

Intangibles: Described as a film junkie and defensive coordinator on the field. Is characterized as not only knowing his assignment on every defensive call, but also the job of every defensive teammate. Incredibly competitive. Never missed a game at Alabama. Voted a team captain in 2009 as a junior.

 

          

 

 

 

 

     Weapon of Choice

 

 

"For the first time in far too long owner Al Davis finally has offensive weapons to execute his philosophy of football based on baseball. Trust us, in Davis's wild, upside down world, it makes perfect sense.

Is potential offensive firepower and dedication to an old school philosophy enough to set the Raiders back on a winning course or are Davis's detractors right? Has the game passed him by?

2009 will go a long way toward proving one of them right."

 

 

 

 

                            
Photo / Getty Images

                                                                                 Sir Al Davis                  

 

Many fans steeped in Raider lore are familiar with New York raised Alphonse Davis’s love of the Big apple’s baseball teams of yore, that dominated the major leagues in his era and how he melded those two great baseball teams philosophies into Oakland Raider football.

Davis admired the Brooklyn Dodgers innovative attack and speed and loved the Yankees power and intimidation.

Combining the two led to some great Raider victories, endless highlights and one of the best records in sports history.

According to some, its also responsible for the 6 year disaster endured by Oakland faithful.

But, over the last few seasons Sir Al has quietly assembled another youthful offense packed with the elements he cherished so much in those Championship baseball dynasties.

It will be up to new Coach Tom Cable and crew to add the innovation, but with Darren McFadden capable of Westbrookian / Reggie Bush type of versatility Oakland could and should be able to throw some new wrinkles into what has been a vanilla play book of late.

New receivers in the form of dangerous Johnnie Lee Higgins, 7^th round 2008 selection Chaz Schilens and 2009 7^th overall pick Darrius Heyward Bey all have after burners and the type of 40 times Davis covets.

For the Raiders DMC and their speedy new wides represent the old school Dodgers.

Speed and innovation.

At the other end of the spectrum...

Michael Bush showed he was healthy enough to play toward the end of the year and despite rancor over his supposed refusal to play FB in a pinch, Oakland knows they have a winner with the former Louisville Cardinal. Even if the rest of the League doesn’t know it...yet.

 

                   

Photo / Reuters

                                                                                                                    RB Michael Bush

 

Bush can catch, throw and run out of the backfield and is thought of by Raider coaches as a "finisher", using his 6-1, 245 lb frame to bash tired defenses, pick up time killing first downs late in games and power his way into the end zone in short yardage, and like late last year, on long break aways.

Likely assisting his abuse of winded defenses will be almost mythical FB Lorenzo Neal who’s devastating second level blocks have led running backs to 1,000 yd seasons 11 times in a row until last years La Ron McClain managed only 900.

Not only is he as new Raider Head Coach Tom Cable put it, "Probably the best blocking FB in the last 15-20 years."

And the 16 year vet can pass block too.

Bush and Lorenzo Neal represent the old Yankees "power and fear."

Davis’s unwillingness to compromise a system some think of as outdated reminds me of a show I watched once about WW II fighter pilots experiencing jet combat in Korea for the first time.

The wily old combat ace stated quite simply there was no difference despite what others less informed might’ve had to say.

The game remains the same.

"So the speeds are faster. So what? Your going 600 miles and hour, he’s going 600 miles and hour. No difference."

In Davis’s philosophy, power, versatility and intimidation are still valid and relevant no matter the era.

In 2009, for the first time in far too long, he finally has pieces in place to test whether or not that notion is correct and whether his vision of Raider football can still win.

Once again trademark speed, size and power are in place to execute Davis’s battle plan and help secure his legacy as an innovator, genius and football master mind.

If he’s right, we should begin to see the benefits this year.

If he’s wrong and Oakland doesn’t show marked improvement, it could be the beginning of the end of Raider football as we’ve known it.

All or nothing.

You have to imagine thats exactly how the old gambler likes it.

　

　

　

 

          Safety First:

      In Al Davis's Built    

      Backward World,

 The Last Line is Priority

                One 

 

 

 

                                    

                                                                     New Raider Safety Michael Mitchell

                                       

On Al Davis’s built backward secondaries, safety, naturally becomes the first position you want manned by the best you can get.

Whether their decline coincides with their lack of play at the position is debatable, but the fact the position is still a huge question mark looms large as they enter 09'.

2000 Anthony Dorsett, Marques Pope

Dorsett took consistently bad angles and thought he was faster than he was. Pope got burned by Shannon Sharpe on a 96 yd TD in the 2000 AFC Championship.

The next year Oakland spent its first round pick (28^th overall) on one Derrick Gibson.

2001 Anthony Dorsett, Derrick Gibson

Gibson had exactly 3 interceptions in 5 seasons.

2002 Derrick Gibson, Rod Woodsen

Though Dorsett was still on the team, he’d played himself and been drafted out of his job by Gibson as Oakland shored its youngster with the veteran and eventual Hall of Famer Rod Woodsen who snagged 8 interceptions and scored 2 TDs as Gruden’s geezer parade finally fought their way to the Super Bowl.

Gibson made 54 solo tackles in 02', but it was becoming clear he was not going to be the answer.

2003 Derrick Gibson Rod Woodsen

Woodsen’s production for the year dropped significantly. He finished with only 2 picks for the year.

One less than Gibson caught in 5 years.

2004 Ray Buchanan, Marques Anderson

Dubbed "No play Ray" by some fans, the Raiders woes at Safety were now even more glaringly apparent as they skidded into the sewer.

04's draft marked the beginning of years of boring controversy over just how bad 3^rd round draft pick and future starter, Stuart Schweigert actually was.

2005 Jarrod Cooper, Stuart Schweigert

Nick named "Beef Stu" by the kinder Oakland fans who appreciated his unquestionable community spirit, many others had harsher words and criticism for the former Purdue Boiler Maker.

Excited that Gibson was back after missing the entire 2004 season from a shoulder injury suffered in the last game of that years pre season, the Raiders waived former Packer Marques Anderson, who’s 72 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and recoveries had impressed Oakland.

His arrest for public intoxication with Charles Woodsen did not.

Gibson took a pay cut to around League minimum, around $455, 000, to prove himself, but by week six in late October, suffered a dislocated wrist that ended his season. Again. Though Oakland won the game against Buffalo 38-17, they also lost Charles Woodsen for the year with a broken leg.

2006 Michael Huff Stuart Schweigert

If declining his 2006 roster bonus wasn’t clue enough, Oakland spent its 7^th overall draft pick on Texas safety Michael Huff and again igniting a controversy in the secondary.

By 2007, Gibson was gone.

2007 Michael Huff Stuart Schweigert

Hiram Eugene replaced Schweigert who’s tackling left a lot to be desired and contributed 27 stops, but hardly alleviated Oaklands safety dilemma.

Huff’s shadow like appearance was beginning to worry, but rising CB Nnamdi Asomugha had taken a little time to develop and was turning into quite a force.

Maybe next year...

 

                             

                                                             Safety Michael Huff

 

2008 Michael Huff, Gibril Wilson

If Raider fans were praying for a break out from Michael Huff, they were sorely disappointed.

Again.

He was benched in favor of the 6-2, 200 lb Eugene who made some noise with TD saving tackles, solid pass coverage and a few violent collisions that rocked opposing receivers.

Wilson had a solid, if unspectacular year in Oakland, but despite 129 tackles, a forced fumble and 2 picks was summarily released after publicly lamenting the Silver and Black.

Even with an injury plagued rookie outing Oakland feels strong enough about 4^th round U Conn DB Tyvon Branch to give the 6-0, 205 lb hitter the benefit of the doubt.

2009 ???

No doubt Huff may play a role if he remains on the team ala an Al Davis scholarship, but its hoped the heavy hitting Branch’s 08' injuries were simply a fluke and that he, along with the wildly surprising pick of Ohio University’s Michael Mitchell will finally form the basis of a fearsome safety tandem Oaklands backward system demands.

The taking of 6-1, 220 lb Mitchell is claimed by some to show the desperation of old man Davis and the depths he has sunk to finally fill the key and troublesome position, but have no illusions, after benching 225 22 times, posting a 371/2 inch vertical and running a 4.43 40 time, Safety Mike Mitchell was on other teams radars as well.

He has a ton to prove and in all fairness should be given the benefit of the doubt for at least a couple of years as he acclimates from the ACC to the NFL, but if he does start from day one (a nagging hammy has loomed this off season) and makes an impact, things could finally be looking up for the silver and black at a position that has plagued them since the losing began.

Mitchell and Branch look like they could be solid performers and possess the "football speed" Davis covets, but whether they can stay healthy enough to contribute at this level remains to be seen.

For the first time in a while Oakland has the size and speed at safety they desire, but time will tell if they’ve finally scored a par of aces or need to go back the deck and continue drawing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Eyeing Oaklands

    Wide Outs in 09'

 

 

          

Photo Getty Images              

                                                                                   WR Javon Walker

 

 Almost anything would've been an improvement over last years receiving corpse and I do mean corpse.

Propping a dead guy ala Week end at Bernie's might have yeilded better results.

Playing the stiff last year was Javon Walker who's restructured yet is already dinged from OTA's...

Higgins lit up a few times but mostly in the return game. His route tree needs serious work.

Schilens has heart and something the Raiders desperately need, desire, but is far from complete and question remain about his ability to stay healthy.

Even the vaunted Heyward Bey has been described as a one trick pony, but if he can translate to the next level, its a trick Oakland has traditionally liked.

Oaklands most intriguing reciever for 09' (Now that it seems dry docked wide out Arman Shields may never be healthy enough to sustain and NFL career) is actuall a running back.

Darren McFadden confused defenses, caused mismatches and caught balls from the slot and spread out wide. By comparison, he looked good doing it.

To many, taking Bey instead of a run stuffing DT or an Offensive tackle made little sense, but in Al Davis's backward plan, it makes perfect sense, if other cogs in the offense can step up.

Depending on another group of fresh talent, the tackles, our beloved Raiders may not be ready to set the world on fire with their passing game, but unlike last year, at least they've got some matches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Keeping the Wolves at

                 Bey

          

            "The media isn't likely to relent anytime soon about

             Davis's selection of Bey, but there is method to his

                                           madness."

 

                       

 

                                                                                    WR Darrius Heyward Bey

 

Once the dust settled on Oaklands shocking 09' draft, several media types backpedaled off their initial scepticism, but whether it has merit or not will be proven on the success or failure of this years picks.

Crazy and wild as the picks may seem, they are not with out merit or fore thought.

Contrary to the norm, Oakland runs a very specific scheme and philosophy. Its different from everyone else and that has its benefits and drawbacks.

A benefit of being opposite is it makes other teams have to adjust their attack.

A draw back is it takes specific, special players and athletes to execute.

If those players aren’t there, or fail to produce, the system suffers.

The Raiders may have reached for Bey at seven, but its likely they felt he is so crucial to their game plan they didn't want to risk it. (After all, six wide receivers were taken in 2009's 1st round draft compared to zero taken in 08'.)

The "over reach" by Oakland for Maryland wide receiver Darrius Heyward Bey makes perfect sense if you look at it from the right perspective.

Most teams assess and draft according to a chart, graph and imposed value index and take the BPA or best player available and adjust their schemes to enhance their special talents, at least to an extent.

For Oakland, your going to take a player that compliments a system already in play.

In 2009, that was Darrius Heyward Bey.

Raider owner Al Davis knows that in combat, speed kills and every advantage one can gain, is exactly that, an advantage.

The advantage Oakland hopes to garner from Bey is a vertical stretch of the field that includes more than the occasional bomb.

Bey's blazing speed and size opens the middle of the field and spreads defenders at the second level, extending running plays that break beyond the line of scrimmage and creating bigger gains from screens and tight end passes.

Bey’s presence not only serves Russell, it serves running backs Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

It also serves veteran wide out Javon Walker, providing a back up at the X position.

It serves youngsters Arman Shields, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schillens by providing a higher level of competition.

It serves Oaklands shaky and untested offensive line by letting Russell get rid of the ball down field faster.

It serves Russell with a legitimate red zone target.

It serves Oaklands scheme.