09-27-11 1:47 am pac    

                 

                                                            HOF Raider Secondary Coach Rod Woodsen

The Nation faithful witnessed a great Raider victory last Sunday over the visiting New York Jets, but that was then and the Patriots are now.

Back to work so we can build on this beginning and thats all this is, just the beginning...

IN ROD WE TRUST

We know HOF Legend Willie Brown is "retired" and is about as old school as you could get but fellow Hall of Famer and 1st time Coach Rod Woodsen deserves recognition for having the Raiders rag tag collection of rookies and long shots ready to play, admirably manning Oaklands decimated Secondary.

Case in point, rookie Chimdi Chekwa stepping up against Plaxico Burress in emergency duty.

Back ups S Matt Giordano and UDFA Jerome Boyd are holding their own and will be asked to do so again in all likelihood with FS Michael Huff suffering a concussion against New York.

Huff's condition is unknown and likely will remain so until Friday but odds are he could miss Sundays visit by the pass happy Patriots.

Though the Raider air defense has been shredded by 300 yd passers in all 3 games so far, they have made plays and stops when it counts and done it with 2nd and 3rd string contributors.

Thats the result of solid Coaching and an ambitious, stream lined, use everyone, talent tailored game plan that combines Old Man Willie's experience with Woodsen's fresher take.

HUE'S HIDDEN AGENDA

As part of Head Coach Hue Jackson's old school / new millenium hybrid re-visioning of the Raiders, Oakland will no longer be seperate squads who barely know or even talk to each other.

These players, these men, know each other and more so, are accountable to one another.

Its no accident Oaklands 2nd and 3rd string players across the board are contributing or even able to. The plan all along has been to build not only a bully, but a TEAM.

Coach Jackson saw the depth of athletic talent assembled by Mr. Davis over the last few years and knew that a wise game plan would be to utilize them.

All of them.

Oakland has athletes that are bigger, faster and stronger than their opponents.

Thats by design.

It just so happens they are very talented.

Jackson and his Coaching staff set about getting all of their 53 players Coached up because they knew they were going to use all of them in a rotational basis scheme so they'd have to be good and they'd all have to be ready.

Given the newness of some of its members, some of the players new hybrid responsibilities and members of its Coaching staff, Oaklands ability to implement this all inclusive, hybrid design against a strike shortened off season is remarkable and despite gaudy numbers against their tattered Secondary, has to be considered a success.

Against the Jets, Broncos and Bills this strategy is already paying off, not just in plays by non starters but deep in the 4th quarter when opponents starters are sucking wind and feeling fatigued Oaklands starters remain fresher with little to no drop off in productivity while rotating and resting.

Its already made a difference. Against the Jets, their long sustained late drives would've broken old versions of Raider Defenses.

They've played better than expected all things considered but will be challenged against New England.

REACH FOR THE SKY

A less glamorous but none the less effective tactic was used by Oaklands pass rushers against New York. It was not used in week two's deflating defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

The technique is simple but sometimes forgetten and as we saw, with devastating results. When it is remembered, like this Sunday, it is a game changing difference maker.

If you agree, raise your hands.

 Simple as that.

When Oaklands pass rushers could not get to QB Mark Sanchez they raised their hands, disrupted passing lanes and batted down or deflected passes with expertly timed swats.

Fundamental simplicity but a key that was emphasized and it worked.

They'll need it more against Tom Brady.

Bone crunching sacks will do nicely too.

STRATEGO

Oakland and Hue Jackson's strategy isn't new, in fact its the formula this weeks opponent used to garner so much success ( tainted by a healthy dose of "creativy") but in the Raiders case, a return to fundamentals and a desire to involve all players in any way to produce a win is bolstered by the fact Oakland has much better talent, athletes and depth to carry it out.

A win against New England this Sunday at home would be a shot across the bow of the entire NFL and alert to everyone that a new / old version of the Silver and Black has quietly and suddenly emerged as a Hybrid monster many will not be capable of dealing with.

09-25-11 9:00 pm pac                 
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                         S Chimdi Chekwa


WR/KR Nick Miller may be on thin ice.

Though rookie returners RB Taiwan Jones and WR Denarius Moore didn't look great returning punts and kicks, Miller may have become less viable. True, there are injuries at the WR position but it is fairly well stocked. The reason for Miller's departure maybe the lack of depth on the opposite side of the ball. 

Oaklands vastly depeleted secondary lost FS Michael Huff and CB Chris Johnson today.

Huff has a concussion the severity of which is not known. Same for Johnson and his groin strain.

This is particularly telling since Oakland lost S Hiram Eugene to IR in pre season and SS Mike Mitchell has yet to make it back from unexpected knee surgery this off season.

Huff's loss is most distressing not only because of the lack of depth at the Safety postion but because he was also dropping down to play CB by design in Oaklands new hybrid Defense.

Mitchell may return from his meniscus tear but todays game was his goal.

Its obviously taken longer.

Back ups Matt Giordano and UDFA Jerome Boyd have tried to fill the void but Oakland gets exposed on the back end particularly by broken field runners.

The bright spot in Oaklands secondary struggles has to be the emergence of rookie DB Chimdi Chekwa.

Chekwa was mis-cast as a Safety this off season partly for depth concerns after the injuries to Eugene and Mitchell but due to todays new additions to the medical report, Chekwa was forced back into his old college position of Cornerback where he performed very well.

Chekwa was beaten on several plays but his postion and timing were very impressive for a rookie and he helped ease Oaklands depth concerns.

WR/KR Nick Miller was mostly inactive today as rookies Denarius Moore and Taiwna Jones fielded punts and kicks.

Thats Miller's specialty.

Despite a banged up WR corps Miller may find a pink slip in his locker especially if the Raiders think UDFA Sterling Moore can make the leap from the Silver and Black's practice squad.

We've seen what the other Moore can do and think he can. Moore has a knak for the ball and the big play. He was impressive in camp and in pre season and given Oaklands current state might be considered a welcome addition.

At least by those not named Nick Miller.

UPDATE: In a some what shocking move Oakland has released CB Sterling Moore and signed Safety Ron Parker.

Parker was with the Seahawks camp, but they have probably the best Safety duo in the League right now.

Parker is 6-0, 210 lbs and has run a 4.28 40 so, you know, he fits the criteria of H/W/S.

Parker's addition is interesting because Oakland is paper thin at the Safety position but are dinged at Cornerback too.

Parker's addition could mean SS Mike Mitchell may not be ready to go or is still recovering from meniscus surgery this off season. It could also mean FS Michael Huff's concussion yeasterday could keep him out of this Sundays match up with the Patriots.

Another consideration for dropping Cornerback Sterling and signing Safety Parker may have been influenced by the strong showing of rookie Chimdi Chekwa who, after a seperated shoulder on day one of camp, was moved to Safety upon his return.

Forced into action back at Cornerback yesterday Chekwa looked aggressive and solid in his coverage and play.

The game did not look too big for him.

Despite the questionable status of veteran CB Chris Johnson and his nagging groin injury, Oaklands rookie CB's like Chekwa and DeMarcus Van Dyke may have tipped the scales in favor of shoring the 3rd level instead of the 2nd.

09-08-11 6:35 pm pac                   

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                   MLB Rolando McClain                 

We mentioned in an earlier article Oaklands commital to a Hybrid Nation and that goes not only for its players but its schemes.

Of course all teams run packages with different "looks" ie 4-3 teams have 3-4 "look" packages and so forth but Oakland seems to run more man on man straight forward defense than any other team in the League and maybe more than is strictly prudent.

Until this year.

With the return of Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan the Raiders 2011 Defensive game plan promises to be much more diverse.

That, of course means less man and more zone, cover 2 and generally more diverse blend than Oakland fans are used to and in some cases have actually clamoured for.

Whether this helps the Raiders traditionally poor run defense remains to be seen but the effects of this deliberate shift in strategy could have unforseen effects.

First off, it could be wildly successful, prompting detractors to point out (somewhat erroniously) it should've been done all along. Thats not necessarily the case, especially for Oakland since they tend to gravitate toward physical specimens and track stars as opposed to strictly football players. 

In fact, for this reason Oaklands defense at least initially, could struggle while they implement their new, more complex strategy.

This could be a factor but the truth is, even running vanilla schemes the Raiders defense occasionally blew assignments.

Whether diversifying into a more hybrid scheme will help cure or exacerbate this will be another focal point.

Though Bresnahan is returning to the fold (he was the Raiders D coord from 2000 - 2003) he and Head Coach Hue Jackson are still new coaches with new personnel.

Compound this with the pedigreed but still completely inexperieced defensive Coaching staff additions of LB Coach Greg Biekert and HOF'er Rod Woodsen and it looks good on paper, but often times a real world translation fails to make the grade.

Of course these are the possible and prudently observed negative aspects of Oaklands Hybrid shift but the truth is, there are plenty of reasons for it to succeed.

There is plenty of speed, youth and power.

Oakland has depth on its D line for the first time in years and though its first string failed to generate much pressure this off season, all bets are off once the dogs of war are let slip Monday night.

If they play to their potential, it will ease Oaklands transistion.

MLB Rolando McClain maybe entering only his 2nd yr in the League but he is an above average student of the game and far ahead of where any Sophomore defensive play caller normally would be.

He, among others will be looked upon to guide and direct traffic for for his team mates, remind them on the fly of their responsibilities, call audibles, create turnovers and finally make tackles.  

Surrounding McClain there is also a solid blend of veteran players peppered through out the defense, most notably DTs Richard Seymour and Big John Henderson, who have 11 and 10 yrs in the League respectively. Fellow Lineman Tommy Kelly has 8 yrs seniority and a Pro Bowl caliber performance last season to hang his hat on.

CBs Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt will be looked upon as well to Coach up and mentor their squad.

They have 8 and 7 years respectively.

All of these players will have to help each other and their 25 greener team mates with 3 yrs of experience or less.

This is a young team, rebuilding with new Coaches and a bold new approach they've been building toward for years.

Their new machine finally has key pieces in place, but as with any new weapons system coming on line it may experience a few glitches, but once its fine tuned, could become a Silver and Black force to be reckoned with.

4-3, 3-4, 5-2, 4-6, they all lay out a basic defensive blue print but ultimately scheme be damned, there comes a point on every play where it comes down to an offensive player and a defender. 

The truth is at some point you simply have to attack the ball and this year, with Oaklands talent laden bigger, faster and stronger Defense, they're in a very good postion to do exactly that. 

* Sundays 2nd half melt down indeed was a major hiccup in Oaklands hybrid D.

The game winning TD on 4th and 1 with:18 seconds left was was a blown coverage and or mis-read by either MLB Rolando McClain or (more likely) CB Chris Johnson who struggled all day.

In fact, the formation Oakland was in is one of the more exotic, a 5-2 alignment with 3 DTs.

The Raiders also struggled in Cover 2 and other zone Defensive schemes that saw Johnson playing off 8-10 yds or more. We haven't seen that since DeAngleo Hall and the results were very similar.

The Bills shredded this D for 34 first downs and over 481 yds of offense.

D Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan better fix this Defense and he'd better do it quick because if Oakland gets shelled by New York and New England we may  be looking at an early season replacement.

The good news is Oakland could be ge4tting bacl SS Mike Mitchell and has a veterna presence that can fovus that dissapointment into focused rage.

In the end, one play wasn't solely responsible for the Raiders loss but it was indicative of Oaklands new D not executing blowing assignments and having "hiccups". 

09-16-11: 9:09pm pac

Just days after he tied the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is in need of legal counsel after being charged with misdemeanor battery and false imprisonment against a woman stemming from a 2010 incident.

According to the report, the woman says Janikowski used “force and violence” upon her, but there are no further details. Janikowski and the Raiders were unavailable for comment.

"J.Kow" has suffered multiple legal problems in the past but none in the last few years. He was arrested four times while a player at Florida State and arrested three times since the Raiders drafted him in 2000.

His most recent arrest was in 2003 and related to a fight at a restaurant. Those charges were later dropped.

09-13-11 4:20 pm pac

                    
Photo / AP                                                                                                                  FB/WR Marcel Reece

CLASSIFIED:

If the Oakland Raider hybrid project is something only we seem to be covering, you're right.

Like some sort of dark conspiracy only we can see, the Raiders secret experiment surfaced last night right under the noses of a National audience.

Despite its success, and in Silver and Black stealth mode the experiment remained undetected.

Until now.

As we've alluded to in prior reports, Oakland certainly isn't the first team to try players in different positions and use unusual formations but as we've been following, digging, uncovering, we've discovered just how far down the rabbit hole goes.

Believing last night was just a small taste of whats in store, we need you to trust us when we tell you, we're through the looking glass here people...


HYBRID NATION AFTER ACTION ACTIVITY REPORT:

The Wild Raider

Included a Wild Hog Jumbo formation with six O linemen, DMC at "QB" RB Michael Bush and WR Jacoby Ford as "RBs" with QB Jason Campbell split out Wide left. The pitch to Ford was bungled but the formation could be a viable way of getting our fastest players on the perimeter.

Its also worth noting Darren McFadden and Michael Bush have thrown TD passes in their football careers.

Reece's Pieces

Our surveillance also uncovered 6-4, 265 lb rookie TE Richard Gordon playing FB on the goal line.

If you remember, it was rookie TE David Ausberry we thought would make the Hybrid leap ala Marcel Reece, but it looks like the better blocking Gordon is quietly being tested for that role.

Gordon has shown better hands than thought as well, so its not too far fetched to think we might see him peeling out of the back field or split out wide ala Marcel.

Jumbo Tron

We mentioned Oaklands Jumbo set with an extra O lineman as a "Tight End" or as a tackle eligible and Oakland ran it alot but oddly enough, in the run heavy formation, the Raiders threw the ball 10 out of the 11 times they ran it in the first half.

This may have been because Oakland has used this formation and variations to run over and through the Broncos with great success the last few meetings. Perhaps Oakland felt Denver had game planned to stop it and figured they'd switch it up.

They really didn't need to but it kept Denver honest.

Nothing ground breaking with the Jumbo set but it is worth mentioning OT Khalif Barnes pass catching abilities when in as that "Tackle eligible" or extra TE.

The Secret Weapon

Darren McFadden spent time as a RB, QB, in the slot and split out at WR but wasn't targeted much.

For years we've touted McFadden's hands and the fact he was (and may still be) the best reciever on the team and for years we've been stumped as to why they never used him as such.

Maybe this year Hue will give him his due.

Again, we mentioned how new Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders made HOF RB Marshall Faulk a household name and one of the most prolific running / receiving weapons of his era.

Given his clearly super human capabilities on field, its not a stretch to see Darren McFadden putting up record numbers too, especially if they start catering to his world class diversity as a RB / WR / QB.

If Oakland was looking for a hybrid in McFadden, they've certainly got it. 

An interesting side note that flashed us back to the heady days of Mark Van Eeghan and Marcus Allen, selflessly like them, last night RB Michael Bush was seen lined up at FB too.

It also gives them Reece like diversity since Bush can pass protect, run the ball, run block, receive or even throw the occasional strike. Unsure how much of this we'll see but the possibilities are intriguing.
Once they add rookie speedster Taiwan Jones things could ascend to a whole new level.

Shotgun Attack

The Raiders also ran more Shotgun than we're used to seeing, especially in the Red zone.

It was successful more often than not and may be a trend worth noting. Not necessarily Hybrid information, but a decided shift.

Raider Wishbone

On one play Oakland lined up in a Wishbone formation with FB Reece, TE Brandon Myers and RB Taiwan Jones. Reece took the hand off for 11 yds and a 1st down.

Clearly anyone could see the possibilities of Myers or another TE as a receving option out of the back field or any of them for that matter. Taiwan Jones as the fastest Raider must be respected and Reece has clearly demonstrated that he has the skills not only to block and pound the rock, but as a former WR, haul in tough grabs too.

It is clear to us this experiment was and has been very successful thus far.

Though hidden in plain sight it will likely continue unnoticed but the beauty of it is, even when it is discovered, opponents likely won't be able to do anything about it.

All the speed, all the weapons and now a strong desire to creatively use them to their maximum efficiency and in anyway neccessary?

Game on.

In conclusion it is our opinion that the Oakland Raider Hybrid Project is real and a concerted effort to incorporate it into every aspect of its game plan, from Coaches, to players, to plays, to play calling.

What we are seeing in Oakland is the next wave in football evolution.

You shall be witnesses...

09-09-11 5:54 pm pac                  

Photo Jose Marcio Sanchez / AP                                                                           WR Darrius Heyward Bey

As we alluded to in our prior article the loss of All Pro CB Nnamdi Asomugha is not the only factor faced by this years Raider D.

New Coaches, hybrid players, rookie players and a new emphasis on scheme diversification that could lead to glitches in Oaklands new defensive matrix.

Being as such, an emphasis on Oaklands O seems in order.

If they can execute their traditional game plan of controlling the clock with the ground game and scoring points, it help the D immensely but in recent memory, when they have not, the defense has suffered immensely.

What appears to have changed between now and then is the emergence of some home grown talent and depth at WR.

Last year rookie WR Jacoby Ford became a household name with his dynamic play not only in the return game but in the passing game as well.

Fellow Wide Out and this years rookie 5th round draft pick (148th overall) Denarius Moore dazzled at camp and could be poised to do so when it counts.

We know 6-4, 225 lb Chaz Schilens has the skills and rare speed to be an X receiver but leg injuries that started in College have hobbled him till this year.

Though dinged right now with a minor knee injury he suffered on a reverse against the Cardinals this pre season, we believe Schilens will be ready to contribute on Monday night.

We're not as blatantly optimistic about veteran WR Derek Hagan who impressed as a possession receiver like few others have in Oakland since Tim Brown and Jerry Rice.

Reportedly "dinged", Hagan has actually has a calf issue that may or may not affect his appearance in game one.

In fact, each of these Recievers is capable of operating in close and in traffic which, again, is something Oakland hasn't enjoyed for many, many years.

It is precisely this factor that could be the game changer for Oakland.

Despite the loss of Pro Bowl TE Zach Miller to Seattle and the uncertain availability of his replacement, veteran TE Kevin Boss (Boss has been out with a bruised MCL) Oakland may actually be in a position to do something against Denver's D they haven't been able to do consistently against anyone in the last 7 years.

Move the chains through the air.

If successful, this would help Oaklands young and inexperienced O line by getting rid of the ball quickly before a pass rush can develop.

Though RBs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush have come light years in pass protection QB Jason Campbell will stay much healthier if teams have to respect the short throw, quick outs, digs and slants.

WR Louis Murphy it was revealed today, had surgery on his groin. He will definitely miss game one and possibly more.

The only other Receiver we haven't mentioned is 6-2, 210 lb 3rd year man Darrius Heyward Bey.

From what we've seen of Bey this year, he still has trouble tracking the ball on deep throws, which would seem to negate his best feature, beating defenders deep with his blazing speed, but aside from blocking, Bey's extremely hard work at his craft has paid off big in another area.

Quick, short passes.

Bey's catch, turn and run capabilities could become dynamic this year.

It will be interesting to see if Mr. Davis' deep threat 7th overall draft pick actually turns into a valuable and potentially dangerous possession Receiver.

Its no secret that in 2011 Oakland O wants to "bully" other teams and move the ball on the ground. This year though, when they can't, they may actually be able to do something about it.

09-01-11 12:01 am pac

                  
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                      FS Michael Huff


There can be no doubt that Oakland is in the full on throes of a hybrid transformation on its O line, D line, Linebackers/Defensive Ends and now Safeties/ Cornerbacks.

Now, we know Oakland makes a habit of having their DBs at least try playing their opposite position ie. Corner to Safety or vice versa but this year is different.

Some might be tempted to think the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha may have sparked the Raiders newfound desire to hybrid its secondary but it seems to us like the natural progression of Mr. Davis' vision of the future. A plan we noticed began in earnest 3 yrs ago.

Of course, hybrid players are nothing new and everyone does it to an extent but Oakland is leading the pack, most notably with the successful conversion of WR Marcel Reece into a deep threat run blocking FB and an O and D line rotation capable of playing multiple postions on any given down.

This versatility has clear and obvious advantages and it will be interesting to see if they continue to experiment with it as much in the Raider Secondary as they have this off season, or if they are simply giving their DBs invaluable emergency position reps.

The loss of Hiram Eugene at Safety may not seem a game changer (Eugene was placed on IR last Tuesday after a hip dislocation injury) but the 6 yr vet managed to get himself in position to make some spectacular Special Teams plays last year.

Compound his loss with the unknown status of Safety Mike Mitchell (Who is still on crutches) for at least game one and Oaklands Secondary looks mighty green and mighty inexperienced.

2nd yr 7th round pick Stevie Brown hasn't shone this off season but has a knack for being around the big play. Rookie Chimdi Chekwa has been used predominantly back like Brown, at Safety.

Its rocked up 6 yr vet Michael Huff who has been seen dropping down to CB the most but Brown has too and in theory so could Chekwa who's original position coming out of College was Cornerback.

Safety Tyvon Branch has been effective dropping down to Corner which is a little odd because he seems to struggle in coverage at Strong Safety.

The Raiders are young and HC Hue Jackson used all of pre season to expose his young players to as many reps as possible. Most Raiders fans are familiar with rookie 3rd round (81st overall) draft pick DeMarcus Van Dyke who has been schooled by some of the greatest in the game.

No need to panic.

At 6-1, 180 DVD nees bulk but is a physical marvel who knows how to play this game. If Oakland can field its first string and generate a pass rush look for Van Dyke to begin to shine.

We just want to mention Undrafted Free Agent Sterling Moore who hopes he's done enough to earn a roster slot.

"I think I've done everything I can," Moore said. "Of course, I've had some errors here and there. But I think that's common with any rookie. I feel I went out there and performed."

He has, and he did.

We can't see how Oakland couls let the talented CB slip away. He may be on the practice squad or far down on the depth chart but he'll continue to do what he's done all along, make plays and take advantage of opportunities.

08-23-11 12:01 am pac

Photo Getty Images                                                                                                    QB Terrelle Pryor

Oakland is getting a H/W/S specimen who is 6-6, 240 lbs and runs a 4.36 40. Many think Pryor would make a better receiver at the next level based on his physical attributes but Quarterback is the only position he's ever really known.

Pryor stated to PFT this morning "I don't think its a question of if I stay at QB. I WILL stay at QB."

Lets roll with that.

The Ohio State stand out hasn't reported yet and isn't even in the Bay area. He's waiting for contractual dealings to be ironed out before heading in to sign.

There are many issues and some baggage that come with the former Buckeye. We've been dillgently doing our homework on Pryor on the odd chance Oakland would pull the trigger and we're glad to say its paid off.

As far as off field trouble Pryor will be suspended 5 games. He could appeal but the suspension could actually be a blessing in disguise. No one expects Pryor to step in from the get and his status would mean he wouldn't count against Oaklands 53 man roster until Week 6 against Cleveland.

Oakland can carry that extra man and then make a decision on whom to drop when Pryor comes on line, unless injuries make that decision for them.

In the mean time Pryor will be allowed to work out with the team and even participate in pre season games but once the season starts Pryor won't be allowed to do either.

Special packages could be designed to get Pryor on the field but don't expect it to be a priority with rookie HC Hue Jackson settling in with new OC Al Saunders. They'll likely have their hands full enough.

Pryor's highlight reel is impressive and is rife with the "Wow" factor but even it reveals tendencies toward bad mechanics, questionable reads and off balance throws.

Pryor doesn't possess a cannon for an arm and accuracy is definitely an issue. 

He's grown as a player every season and the potential stored in the visage of this physical marvel is clearly there, along with a healthy work ethic and a desire to improve every aspect of his game.

Pryor's at his most dangerous when plays break down or when he breaks contain and rockets into the secondary.

Pryor's legs definitely make him a double threat but he'll need to work his mechanics and become comfortable in the pocket if he's to succeed.

When he is comfortable and stepping into passes Pryor can make all the NFL throws and with a nice zip behind it.

He's shown signs of growth, being more patient and relaxed going through his progressions and thats a very good sign.

When flushed he does a good job of keeping head up and his eyes down field and despite break downs in mechanics can be accurate on the move.

Accuracy is clearly going to have to be priority as will a healthy appetite for film room sessions and late nights with Al Saunder's gihugic play book.

All he's been given in Oakland is a chance.

Can Pryor prioritze and become an NFL QB. Will he instead be shifted over to Wide out or even defense?(!)

No one really knows but it should be fun finding out.

08-09-11 1:09 pm pm                                  

                                                                                    HC Hue Jackson

1. Coaching

The unceremonious departure of Tom Cable was probably a good thing. His off field antics and physically abusive behaviour was out of line and in a stricly football sense, he simply wasn't really Head Coach material. Remember, he was acting only as a fill in after the Lane Kiffin debacle.

Cable's play calling and insistence on running what he knew best wasn't a deal breaker. The fact it wasn't working on the other hand...

For Hue Jackson to step in and ignite a cellar dwelling offense to the largest streak of offensive production enjoyed by a Raider team in years spoke volumes.

We're sure it has nothing to do with us but one week after we suggested Oakland review College tapes of its key offensive players, the Raiders started running plays their star players used to run in College. And they were wildy successful.

"Play to your strengths."

What a novel idea.

 2. O line

No amount of sanity or tailored play calling will matter if Oakland can't block.

There have been 16 O linemen in camp this pre season and aside from 2nd yr man Jared Veldheer, none of them have really claimed a starting slot.

Theres time, but not alot. 

Pre season kicks off this Thursday when the Cardinals come to town and Oakland needs to fill four starter slots.

Left Guard: Robert Gallery basically stated he wanted out by over pricing himself. The former 2nd over all draft pick was a complete bust until Cable dumped him inside to the Guard position where Gallery played well, when he wasn't hurt.

Back problems, two broken legs, Gallery's defection hurts, but its not that big a loss. 

Replacement Daniel Loper is entering season 7 of his career and hasn't out right won a starting gig anywhere. He performed well in place of Gallery when Gallery was hurt but seemed to be in Coach Cable's dog house and was benched regardless of his success.

We'll have to see who was right there. Al or Cable.

Center: Hue Jackson managed to put a politcal spin on his pre draft declaration that former Nittany Lion and Raider Legacy Stephen Wisniewski would be our starting Center day one but the reality looks like Wisniewski may not have been as plug and play as hoped.

It looked like Center Samson Satele wasn't even going to be on the team at one point this off season and then suddenly he was re-signed and playing Center again.

Don't care how you spin it, if you've got a rookie Center you drafted that high you'd like him to get as many camp reps as possible IF you think he's going to start.

In all fairness, Satele played well in the back half last year and its hoped, for depth, he can take emergency reps at Guard if need be. Same for Wisniewski who is also seeing time at the Guard position.

Right Guard: Cooper Carlisle has been a farily reliable player for Oakland but honestly was past his prime when the Broncos released him after 6 yrs.

That was in 2006.

Carlisle has down played the importance of Oaklands shift in blocking philosophy away from Cable's ZBS and toward a more traditional power blocking scheme but the under sized 295 lb 33 yr old isn't an ideal fit.

With the "non football related" knee injury sustained by 2nd yr Lineman Bruce Campbell, Carlisle may still be it when it comes to the Right Guard position.

Right Tackle: This may actually be a bright spot. Rookie Joseph Barksdale has us intrigued. He mentioned right after being drafted by Oakland that he was going to win a starting job. Yes!

He's here to play and has been running with the 1st team alot.

With todays news that last years RT Langston Walker is likely heading elsewhere soon, the postion is theoretically open but Barksdale will have to compete with veteran Khalif Barnes.

Barnes was a Left Tackle at Jacksonville before some embarrassing police involement and a drop off in play sent him to Raiderland.

He seems to have his head on straight and after first refusing to sign a 1 yr offer earlier in the pre season is now back on board in part, due to the failed physicals of team mate Mario Henderson and former Raven Jared Gaither.

More questions than answers at this point.  

3. Secondary

Nnamdi is gone. Michael Huff is back.

Nnamdi will be missed. How could you not? Huff is back in the fold and thats a good thing. Consistency is good here because Huff has played what is considered the hardest positon in football, Single High Safety. Sure, other teams play it, but no one has relied on it as a staple like Oakland.

That is of course till this season.

Word is "new" Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan is installing a more non traditonal Raider defense this year with motion, multiple looks and disguises.

Oakland has been more of a line up, show them what were going to do and beat them anyway with speed and power. Critics of Nnamdi often complained that he never went in motion or followed the other teams "X" receiver. This is why he didnt'.

Bresnahan's idea "to confuse the QB before he even touches the ball" is sound on paper and used by many other teams but when you look at the youth involved not only in the secondary but also at Linebacker you really have to wonder if the Raiders are going to experience some serious growing pains.

On an up note we expect good things from Safety Tyvon Branch this year and hope that new assistant DB Coach HOF'er Rod Woodsen will help Branch clean up his coverage. Safety Mike Mitchell is injured but we think he's recovering well.

2nd yr 7th round pick Stevie Brown isn't making the waves he'd like so far in camp and fellow Safety Hiram Eugene is another guy who's been in the League 6 yrs and never won a starting slot out right.

Though Huff's back Safety is still a relative unknown, but we view this postion with a little more optimism.

We mentioned Nnamdi's defection to Philly. His former team mate Stanford Routt has been tasked with stepping up to cover other teams number one receivers and it sounds like Oakland will be sending Routt in motion after them, unlike when Nnamdi was here.

Routt will need to work on his feet and stance since it seems like he's beat off the snap too often but we have high hopes.

CB Chris Johnson is dangerously quiet and very talented, but injuries have plagued him too much to make him reliable.

A slew of young players are hopefully taking advantage of Willie Brown and Rod Woodsen's Hall of Fame credentials and learning fast but odds are against them in a Division with Dwayne Bowe, Phillip Rivers and even Kyle Orton.

We hope one of the young crew steps up big but after listening to the always brutally honest Mr Woodsen recently, no one is clearly standing out.

Oaklands certainly talent laden and if they can put together an O line and run the ball like they did last year we're in business.

Oaklands D line has depth, youth and a serious pass rush. That should help our young DBs, so all is not lost by any means. It just means Oakland has some obstacles to over come and casts things in a realistic light.

08-08-11 3:01 am pac                              

        
Photo Justin Edmonds / Getty Images                                                                           RB Darren McFadden
 

With Zach Miller's defection to Seattle we posed a possible battle strategy by the Raiders OC Al Saunders involving a less TE friendly, more Darren McFadden based offensive scheme.

Saunders is certainly capable of both, with the Rams he had future HOF RB Marshall Faulk on his way to nearly 3, 000 yds total offense, 28 touchdowns and a Super Bowl ring.

In Kansas City he had potential HOF TE Tony Gonzales posting career numbers and dominating offensive stat boards in the AFC West for years.

Now, in Oakland, he has the best of both worlds.

With the addition of 6-6, 253 lb TE Kevin Boss, Saunders has the ability to attack a defense on the edges and over the middle. Thats important because like any functional war machine its parts are inter locking.

If defenses bite to stop Oaklands edge rushing speed ala McFadden sweeps, swing passes ect. That leaves exploitable gaps over the middle the sure handed Boss can settle into and take advantage of.

In short, Boss' addition gives the Raiders offense a multi-dimensional attack capability similar too, if not better than Zach Miller in some ways.

Boss is considered a better blocker and has proven more of a threat in the red zone and of course, came at a much more agreeable asking price.

If Oakland can answer its O line questions this off season and form a solid offensive core Saunders certainly has the weapons to achieve offensive dominance over the AFC West once again.

Only this time it will be for the Silver and Black.

08-02-11 3:21 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                        OC Al Saunders (in grey)

Why? Why? Why?! Thats the question on Raider fans minds. It seems like the Raiders have lost serious ground since the end of last season, but thats only to the untrained eye...

The Raiders did re-sign a host of players and added others in FA but two key "losses" had fans shaking their heads.

First, Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha jumped ship in an 11th hour deal with Philadelphia. Nnamdi claimed their were other teams willing to pay more for his skills but he said money wasn't really a factor. We call bullshit.

Yes, Philly has constructed a decent paper tiger with its busy off season but Mike Vick has never played a full season, VY is a nut case who can't pass from the pocket, Broderick Bunkley left for Denver and the Eagles Defense will be run this year by an Eagle Coach with 13 yrs of experience in Philly...on Offense.

Offensive Coordinator Juan Castillo replaced fired Shaun McDermott and we see growing pains.

We feel like Mr. Davis painted himself into a corner (pun intended) by paying Nnamdi $17 million for last years performance and knew that under a capped 2011 there was no way he could improve the team and offer Nnamdi a massive contract. He stated and showed the money he paid Nnamdi could be used to pay 2-3 other quality players.

Losing Nnamdi hurts, but keeping him could've hurt more, plus Mr. Davis sees that our solid looking pass rush should help whoever we field in the secondary this year.

Second, minutes ago, TE Zach Miller signed a 5 yr $34 million dollar ($17 mill guaranteed) contract with Seattle. The market was a virtual wasteland for Miller until the 11th hour call by Seatown and Miller jumped at it.

Oakland freed up cap space by long terming franchised LB Kam Wimbley but paying Miller was never in the cards. The Pro Bowl TE actually was an alternate who backed his way in after others bowed out but that honor and his 3 yrs of leading the team in catches called for a salary the Raiders weren't willing to pay.

Miller also struggled blocking, gave up several sacks and cost several TDs for holding infractions.

His viability was less the issue and while a factor, nor was the money in our opinion.

Miller himself said moments ago he was "surprised" going into the last year of his rookie contract that a contract extension with the Raiders was not worked out.

When Oakland resigned T Khalif Barnes it may not have been for him to compete for the starting RT spot but to continue Oaklands successful Jumbo project where Barnes or another O lineman was added as a "TE". Though Barnes did catch a TD last year, his job as a receiver wasn't really the appeal.

Oakland has 3 TE's on the roster, 2 of them are rookies and Brandon Myers has shown little that he is ready to take over for Zach.

So "Why?" did Davis let Miller get away? Well, he simply could be slipping.

Or, he could also be crafting a new game plan.

The addition of O coordinator Al Saunders hasn't drawn alot of attention partly because Saunders career was considered on the decline but with Raider weapons blazing speed and a familiarity with QB Jason Campbell, the Raiders could be onto something no one else really sees...yet.

Saunders helped push the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl and helped make "The Greatest show on Turf" a household name. Saunders offensive genius also helped Marshall Faulk make the HOF.
Davis is familiar with what Saunders can do because when the prolific Offensive Coordinator was coaching up Division rival Kansas City, they led the League in offensive output from 2002 to 2005.

Picture now RB Darren McFadden in place of Faulk and you can begin to see where Mr Davis may be heading. McFadden has been woefully under used as a receiver to this point and truth is, he may be the best "WR" on the roster.

Under Saunders we'll get a chance to see that.

Tight end is an important component and Miller was a valuable player for Oakland but if what we think is happening really is, it would help to explain why Oakland wasn't willing to break the bank to keep Miller at a position that may be being devalued by a newer system.

They might miss Miller but they may be too busy throwing to DMC, FB Marcel Reece and their WRs to care.