08-05-11 5:45 pm pac
                             
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                           WR Denarius Moore           


Like many, we became familiar with Denarius Moore on draft day and after doing due dilligence, we knew Oakland had snagged another late round gem.

Like last years 4th round pick up WR Jacoby Ford, Moore had a few knocks against him heading into the draft. Many considered the former Tennessee Vol too inconsistent.

He did have two big drops at the All Star game. Despite a 28 yd TD grab and other nice catches, the plays he didn't make seemed to confirm his inconsistency in some peoples minds.

The reality is that consistency was in short supply during Moore's College career. With 3 Head Coaches rotating out of Tennessee (including former Raider HC Lane Kiffin) and erratic play from Vol Quarterbacks, Moore couldn't help but post erratic numbers.

All the better for Oakland.

As amply demonstrated over the last three Raider practices the 6-0, 195 lb Wide Out has torched both veteran and rookie DBs both with great timing and spectacular grabs.

His game is elevating those around him including WR Chaz Schilens and before he was hurt, Louis Murphy.

Thats not to say he doesn't have a few areas that need attention.

At 6-0, 195 lbs he's decent sized but not the typical Raider height / weight / speed specimen (At his Pro day Moore ran a 4.39 40) but the good news on Moore is that he is a well rounded WR with soft, natural hands, can snatch the ball out of the air in heavy traffic and high points like we wish others would. (Just sayin'.) 

The exciting part of his skill set is his excellent "trajectory assessment" of a thrown ball, especially with errant passes. In other words, he makes Quarterbacks look better.

The addition of QB Tyler Bray to the Tennessee offense finally gave Moore a chance to shine as a down field threat and saw him averaging a whopping 25 yds a catch.

With Oakland, he runs crisp routes and like team mate Louis Murphy, gives a good effort and uses solid technique when executing blocks.

Plus, what the Raiders like and have been lacking, Moore has in spades. He is a consistent deep threat.

Oakland looks forward to seeing more of Moore especially in the end zone. 

08-19-11 12:37 am pac               

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                   CB Chimdi Chekwa

We'd like to start off with a "better Chekwa yourself before you Wrekwa yourself" quip but the fact is the former Buckeye CB's last name is pronounced "Cheek-wah".

If Nnamdi Asomugha taught us one thing, learning difficult DB names in Oakland is sometimes a very good thing.

Oakland drafted Chekwa to help absorb the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha who opted to play for less pay in Philly.

Nnamdi was a developmental 1st round pick but Chekwa may have fallen to the 4th round (113th overall) because of an unfortunate injury in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl. Chekwa landed awkwardly breaking up a pass and severely dislocated his wrist.

He had surgery but wasn't cleared to fully participate in this years Combine. He was there long enough to register a 4.38 40 time and further attract the attention of the Oakland Raiders.

Some felt Oakland was taking a chance on an lanky CB thought to be prone to injury and though a minor stink was made about Chekwa's shoulder "popping out" during a blocking drill the second day of camp, the fact is the shoulder Chekwa dinged in College at Ohio State saw him lose a start that week but he played in the game.

 Worries that Chekwa's shoulder injury could be "chronic" seem a little premature.

Chekwa came back two practices ago and is slowly being eased into the rotation.

With the mystery injury to S Mike Mitchell and the dislocated hip injury to Hiram Eugene, Chekwa will be thrown into the mix a little faster than Oakland would like but thats what pre season is for.

Unknown what or how bad Mike Mitchell's injury is but at the time Mitchell posted asking for prayers. It sounded serious but we didn't want to speculate. Now we're not sure if his season or even career is in danger.

Everyone knows Nnamdi Asomugha is gone but fewer know the missing but "not injured" CB Chris Johnson actually had a "proceedure" and will inb all likelihood miss at least the next game.

Things often get hazy in Raider Land.

One thing thats clear, Chekwa should get some significant playing time against San Francisco.

09-16-11 12:14 am pac

                       
Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                     WR Denarius Moore

Rookie 5th rnd WR Denarius Moore raised Raider eyebrows with a stellar camp and productive 8 catch 88 yd pre season but even with Oakland injuries his break out game may not come against Buffalo.

3rd yr WR Darrius Heyward Bey tweaked a knee and did not finish practice. The severity is unknown but we think he'll be available Sunday against the Bills.

We're much less likely to see WR / KR Jacoby Ford who'll sit with a strained hammy. Ford is a large part of Oaklands game plan this campaign so they'll want him to heal up fully from a dicey injury known for lingering.

And there other reasons not to rush him back.

Even if Bey sits too, Oakland may opt to field 5th yr veteran Derek Hagan who led the team in production this pre season with 12 catches for 224 yds and a TD.

Hagan's de-activation for Mondays season opener came as a surprise to some but keeping the vet in reserve looks like a prudent move.

6-4, 225 lb WR Chaz Schilens seems finally healthy entering yr 4 and when he has been in the past (which hasn't been often) he looks like a proven X receiver so he'll likely see time in the rotation along with diminiutive WR/PR Nick Miller.

Moore will likely see time in that rotation too but pricey, recent veteran TE addition Kevin Boss is back after 23 days of down time from an MCL bruise suffered in a pre season game.

He may be used sparringly, but he's another receiving option to consider.

As if all of these reasons weren't compelling enough to conspire against Moore, Buffalo posted the worst run defense in the League last year and Oakland one of the best running games.

Buffalo destroyed a shell shocked Kansas City team who actually led the NFL in rushing in 2010 but the Bills run defense remains untested thanks to an early Buffalo lead and a hastily altered, pass heavy game plan by KC.

The good news for the Raiders is, should Bill DTs Marcell Dareus and re-signed Kyle Williams actually shut down Oaklands ground attack, they have enough depth and talent at WR and TE to compensate through the air.

Its been a long time since that was true.

We're sure we've bummed Denarius Moore out enough, so we won't even mention the great hands in Oaklands back field including Running Backs McFadden, Bush, Taiwan Jones and former Wide Receiver / current Fullback Marcel Reece. 

Moore's time will come, but given the way the cards lay right now, it would be a surprise if it was this Sunday unless he returns punts then it could be lights out for former Charger Shawne Merriman's new team.

Moore's smooth stride and deceptive speed could leave witnesses slack jawed.

08-16-11 1:53 am pac                                

 Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP                                                         TE David Ausberry                

David Ausberry is no stranger playing different positions on the football field. He played DB, WR and Punter in High school. He played WR for 3 yrs at USC. In his Senior year the Trojans moved Ausberry to TE and like at the other positions hes played, he took to it well.

The real dilema with Ausberry isn't his physical gifts, its simply timing. Ausberry never really got the chance to put it all together in College. Once he finally started getting into a rythym his junior year he suffered a stress fracture in his leg and missed 6 games. 

Shortly after signing a 4 yr contract with a $45,900 bonus Ausberry was moved from over sized WR to TE. The move was not completely unexpected.

The 6-3, 245 lb big man can get up and move clocking a 4.46 40 on his Pro Day. Elite speed for a man his size.

He runs like a wide receiver in a tight end's body.

Auseberry also has excellent bulk, length and athleticism. He uses his body to box out smaller defensive backs and will fight for jump balls. He's got a good sense of timing his leaps and has long arms and strong, big hands to win passes in traffic.

As a we mentioned, the former Trojan spent time at tight end and wide receiver and could even offer some added versatility as an H-back.

Ausberry shows good speed getting down the seam and has a quick enough first step to get behind linebackers in a hurry.

He's not without his negatives though. Hes a very raw player overall. 

Ausberry has not settled in at any one spot and was seen as more of a tweener at the next level. One major flaw in his game is that he hasn't shown enough aggression as a blocker. He sometimes truggles to lock onto defenders and drive them backward off the ball.

Too often he fails to break down in space when asked to reach a target at the second level. He also has a tendency to not lock his arms out on blocks allows defenders into his frame.

Ausberry tends to banana or round off routes and decelerates when breaking or changing directions.

He has good hands but inconsistent and seems to lose focus in traffic occasionally.

He'll also tip his hand when split out wide, leaning into his routes before the breakpoint. The big man is fast but hes more of an open field strider who takes too much time reaching top speed.

There are a few knocks against Ausberry for sure but the fact is he's an amazing physical specimen with loads of talent and the clear potential to give the Raiders yet another unique and special weapon in their ever growing arsenal.

08-14-11 12:09 pm pac     

  

The football career of DE Jarvis Moss has been a long and winding road of hardship, suffering and pain but born in that crucible of fire is the heart of a Champion.

Moss spent much of his youth hopping from one family member to the next until graduating from Ryan High School in Texas as his mother struggled with drug addiction and stints in prison. Times were hard. He and his sibblings often shared rooms and did without.

Despite family strife and nagging injuries Moss helped his High School team the Ryan Rangers to the Texas State 4A Championship game 3 yrs in a row with two wins. Moss was named the best Defensive player in Texas and graduated the top Right Defensive End prospect in the Nation.

Moss surprised with his selection of the University of Florida where he Red Shirted as a Freshman. He suffered a hernia in pre season drills and later sustained hip injures as well.

In 2004 Moss suffered much of the same with nagging hip and groin injuries. Finally, in 2005 the UF medical staff discovered Moss had a rare pelvic bone infection and traced it back to an old High School injury.

Moss was immediately placed on an aggressive 24 hr IV antibiotic regimine for 6 full weeks. Moss recovered faster than expected, rejoined his team and ended the season with 7.5 sacks.

In 2006 Moss, finally healthy, blossomed and dominated the competition. Despite a one game suspension for failing a drug test, the pass rushing Gator phenom helped propel Florida all the way to a BCS National Championship. Soon after, Moss declared for the NFL Draft.

Moss' legendary College football Coach Urban Myer had this to say about his former player:

 “Unbelievable. Maybe as good as I have ever seen as far as lifestyle, work ethic and attitude. To think of where he is right now with his leadership and effort, he is the top one percent of one percent.”

Despite the late season hick up, Moss had the physical gifts, work ethic and limitless potential to become a dominant and all coveted speed rusher at the next level.

Despite a lengthy injury history and a comparably light 6-7, 250 lb frame, the Broncos mortgaged the 2007draft by swapping the 21st, 86th and 198th overall picks and trading up to the 17th spot to get him.

He struggled early on and by the 6th game of the season Moss was injured, suffering a terrible fibula fracture that tore tendons and ligaments requiring surgery.

The injury was a devastating blow to his early career and as such, his career at Mile High never really got on track. He was inactive for four games the next season and only earned 1 start in 18 games, managing only 3.5 sacks.

In 2009 with Josh McDaniels now at the helm and after struggling with a change from the only position he'd ever played, 4-3 Defensive End, to 3-4 Linebacker. Moss was excused from the team for 3 days while the frustrated pass rusher contemplated retirement. After all Moss had been through, to start all over again was nearly too much to bear.

He did eventually return but on November 17th 2010, after four years, the Broncos officially gave up on their expensive 1st round draft choicea and announced he was cut by the team.

He signed with Oakland on the the 24th and saw action in 5 Raider contests. Despite breaking his hand at practice 16 days after signing, Moss quietly began to have solid performances, especially in the closer against Play Off bound Division rival Kansas City.

Moss looks freakishly quick, smart and relentless. All the qualities that saw him drafted 17th overall. When he keeps his pads low and head up, he's been literally unblockable.

We feel like all the hard work, all the pain and suffering are finally set to pay off for Jarvis Moss.

The cherry on top for Oakland was the fact that the intial Broncos draft sell off to get Moss and other deals similar to it mortgaged Denver, saw long time Raider Nemesis Mike Shanahan sent to the Redskins and ushered in the disasterous Josh McDaniel era.

Now, Moss is in the best physical shape of his life. He has NFL experience and the Raiders, known for giving second chances, are set along with Moss, to begin reaping the rewards.

For most of his football life Jarvis Moss has been waiting. Waiting to heal up. Waiting to play. Waiting on new Coaches and waiting to reach his potential.

Waiting to regain that Championship form.

Thankfully for Moss and the Silver and Black, he finally has.

08-10-11 8:46 am pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                      LB Travis Goethel

Travis Goethel was one of the top high school linebacker recruits in the nation, he started 41 of the 50 games he played in as a Sun Devil and had an outstanding four-year career.

He started four games as a true freshman, making 29 tackles and also recording a sack in his first game. Over the next three seasons he started every game, recording199 tackles, 18 for loss, three picks, three forced fumbles, and six passes defensed.

At 6-2, 240 lbs Goethel's average speed and overall athleticism isn't prototypical, but his hustle, instincts in coverage and secure tackling had some looking at him for and outside position like Weak or Strong side LB and he was slated to play Will Linebacker last year over veteran Quentin Groves but Goethel had to have an unexpected back surgery that saw him lose most of the year.

This off season he's been seen mostly at Middle Linebacker.

Don't worry, Rolando McClain isn't in danger of losing his job. He was dinged for a few practices and Goethel got some invaluable reps.

He can use the experience but Goethel's got some skills.

He makes up for his average speed with very good reaction time and recognition skills. He sniffs out screen plays and understands routes playing in zone or man coverage against running backs. One false step, and he takes himself out of the play though because of a lack of quick-twitch movement and recovery speed.

Against the run Goethel is a tall, well-built defender ideal for playing inside or at the nine-technique. He has a good feel for blocks vs. a tight end or receiver, extends his arm to hold off blockers and waits for the back to make a decision. He's very strong at the point of attack and wades well through trash to find the ball inside. Gets outside more quickly than his timed speed indicates.

Pass defense: Goethel recognizes routes when in the stack and usually makes the tackle in front of him, but lacks the speed to blow up plays before the catch. When playing on or close to the line he makes contact with tight ends or backs and is tough to discard for players without superior quickness. Often takes away check-down throws for quarterbacks. He has good hands when in position to make an interception.

Tackling: Strong, secure tackler who brings a load on every play. Lacks the speed to track down ballcarriers before they get to the sideline but somehow wraps up the legs of players with hustle and taking the correct angle. He is always moving toward the ball no matter where the play occurs. Gets leverage to push piles inside to prevent extra yardage. Does not recover from cut blocks well and takes times to get going after contact. Will be eluded in space because of lack of change-of-direction agility.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Does not rush the passer often because of the need for his instincts in coverage and against the run. As we mentioned, Goethel does not own elite quickness off the edge. Unlikely to be a factor on third down but will get the chance to attack the line of scrimmage on run blitzes. Good hands to defeat lineman or cut blocks on the way to the ballcarrier.

Intangibles: Goethel is an inteligent competitor who is as durable and hard-working as you'd like at the second level. He's been called a blue-collar, lunch-pail kind of player and just the kind of hardworking, take no prisoners Linebacker Oakland can use.

08-08-11 12:29 am                                                   

                                                                                                                  DT/DE Desmond Bryant

Undrafted Free Agent Desmond Bryant was known more for his place of origin rather than his football accumen but in his time with the Raiders since being signed as an undrafted free agent Bryant has quietly developed into a solid Raider hybrid.

In the season closing win at play off bound Kansas City, Bryant showed above average ability to stack and shed blockers, a pass rush, solid reads and his trade mark playmaking on the opposite side of the LOS, all while not at Defensive Tackle but at Defensive End.

Like most of Oaklands defensive line Bryant is capable of flopping inside or out from DT to DE to help take advantage of mis-matches and provide injury insurance.

The 6-6, 290 lb Bryant is an invaluable weapon in that he can spell either RDE Matt Shaughnessy or LDE Lamarr Houston or play either of the DT postions at a moments notice.

Bryant was limited last season by an unfortunate elbow hyper extension injury in the last game of pre season that nagged and limited him through the beginning of the year.

If not for the injury we believe he may have challenged someone along the line for a starting slot.

We're also of a mind that while he's proud of his Harvard heritage it will no longer be the key note when Desmond Bryant's name is mentioned on Sundays. 

His dynamic and game changing play will.

08-07-11 11:50pm pac                           

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                 CB Sterling Moore

Sterling Moore is name some of you more die hard fans may have already heard. Reports resonating out of camp have the upstart undrafted free agent Cornerback holding his own with Raider receivers and an accelerated learning curve.

Moore's no stranger to hard work, adversity and long odds.

Neither are the Raiders.

Moore and the Raiders seem to have destinies tied together in many ways.

His Freshman and Sophomore years, the 5-10, 204 lb DB played for Laney College in Oakland. The South-Eastern portion of its grounds used for the athtletic department, once stood the temporary "Home of the Oakland Raiders" Frank Youell field.

Heading into his Junior year Moore fielded offers from Cal Poly-SLO, Hofstra, Sacramento State, Massachusetts and Eastern Michigan but selected the Division I Southern Methodist University Mustangs as his landing zone.

His Junior year saw Moore hit the ground running with 11 games appearances and 10 starts. His final tally was an impressive 35 tackles and a record setting 11 passes defensed.

Though he missed the last two games of the regular season with a knee cap injury, Moore recovered in time for SMU's Hawaii Bowl win, starting and notching seven stops against Nevada.. He also added seven tackles in SMU's win at UAB and recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD against Navy.

He always seemed to be around the ball and flashed big play making ability but his knee injury came back to haunt him.

He had surgery in December after his left kneecap popped out for the third time in two years, and he worked rigorously to get himself back in shape in time for SMU's Pro day where he posted 22 reps in the 225lb bench press and a 4.54 in the 40 yd dash. Not enough for teams to take a flyer in the draft but the Raiders saw enough to sign him into camp on July 28th for a closer look.

Moore's toughness and swagger have already seen him tagged with a nickname after Oakland team mate and fellow hard hitting DB Tyvon Branch.

Moore's already refered to affectionately by some on the practice field as "Lil Tyvon".

We're guessing the talented and determined DB is all right with that.

12-27-10 7:03am pac                                  

Photo Tony Avelar / AP                                                                                        MLB Rolando McClain 

The Colts aren't going to line up and match you strength for strength, they're going to find your weaknesses and exploit. Thats what they did this Sunday.

Oakland won the turn over differential but it was of no avail.

Indianapolis behind offensive genius Peyton Manning simply out shone the Raiders and exploited their mismatches.

On the offensive side of the ball Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis exploited Oaklands questionable edges.

Rookie Jared Veldheer has been remarkable this season but has not faced anyone the caliber of All Pro Dwight Freeney.

Veldheer was schooled, but did surprisingly well. Once he's shown something, he never gets burned by it twice.

Mario Henderson on the right side was burned twice by DE Robert Mathis.

Its a new position for him but it remains to be seen if the former starting left tackle will even have a job in Oakland next season.

The Colts veteran D line wasn't the only corps exploiting Raider youth like Veldheer, Its O line took advantage of rookie Lamarr Houston using all manner of tricks and traps to goad the youngster into a violent 15 yd uneccessary roughness penalty.

With Pro Bowl caliber vet Richard Seymour out with a hammy Houston was bounced between his standard Defensive End position and Seymour's Defensive Tackle spot.

Houston wasn't the only youthful defender stymied by the Colts and Manning.

Peyton and the Colts took advantage of rookie MLB Rolando McClain  by continually hitting receivers and tight ends on crossing patterns over the middle and calling excellent audibles against McClain's defensive calls.

Raider pressure did force two errant throws that Oakland intercepted but the offense was only able to cull 3 points from the turnovers.

Like Veldheer on offense, McClain was burned but gained invaluable experience facing one of the Leagues best ever.

Fortunately, Manning is the exception and QBs of his caliber and skill set are few and far between but experiencing his brilliance, knowledge and amazing audibles can only help McClain in the future.

The Raiders young football team may have been exploited by Manning and the Colts veteran presence but in this loss they've gained valuable experience. 

12-16-10 3:10 pm pac          

Photo Ben Margot / AP                                                                                                SS Tyvon Branch                                                          

Safety play has always been important and to no team more so than the Raiders. 

Their Al Davis inspired "built backwards" defense simply put means most teams emphasis is on building their teams from the interior lines back.

For Davis in Bizzarro land its the opposite and the Raiders are built with the secondary first.

If that makes any sense.

So, as you can imagine, the performance of said seondary and its Safeties play a pretty big role in the success, or failure of the franchise.

As such the Raiders Safeties tend to represent Oakland as a team.

How have they been lately?

Pretty much like the Raiders as a whole.  

They've been Jeckyll and Hyde.

Jeckyll and Hyde. An analogy we've used for the Raiders erratic play in the past. Blowing out a top ranked team and folding to a lesser.

Performing well in one aspect and then terrible in the exact same aspect the very next week.

Thats what happened against Jacksonville.

After a solid game against the top ranked Chargers passing attack the Raiders got cute with a specialty all safety package against the Jags and got burned.

Michael Huff has tinkered with Cornerback this season anyway (and succesfully I might add) but the all Safety secondary invited Garrard and Jacksonville to take a shot and they did.

Its not like Jacksonville killed Oakland through the air, QB Davis Garrad was only 11 of 22 for 159 yds but 3 of those 11 completions were touchdown passes and most of them over Safeties.

Its been a weakness we've harped on even before the season started but Oakland has stuck with their personell decisions.

Its not like they have much choice.

The only other "veteran" DB is mostly Special Teamer Hiram Eugene who, like Huff has been in the League for 5 years.

Huff is a hard case to quantify because he's playing in Oakland and as such plays the anciet Single high Safety spot alot of the time so he's not as involved and doesn't garner as many stats.

That doesn't mean he's not making plays, it just means he's not sticking his nose into the line of scrimmage every other play.

Still, its doubtful Huff will ever live up to his 2006 7th overall draft status.

Tyvon Branch, in his 3rd season, was taken in the 4th round (100th overall) in 2008 but stymied his rookie season with injuries like a broken thumb. That may or may not serve as an excuse for his poor reads and fraction too slow reaction time.

He's got tremendous make up speed but never materialized as a multi-threat return man and Oakland has missed him on Special Teams as one of the best gunners in in the League.

He leads the team in tackles again but often after damage has been done, especially in coverage.

The next "experienced" Safety is "The angriest man in the world" Mike Mitchell.

Mitchell is the cat Al Davis spent a SMH 2nd round pick on in the 2009 draft (47th overall), Davis, shocking the world by drafting an unknown that high.

Some well placed sources claimed Mitchell was to be among the cut just before the start of this season. Its also claimed Al Davis saved him.

None of this was, or ever likely will be confirmed but whatever the case they're likely glad Mitchell is on the team.

He may not be lighting it up like a 2nd round star but with 43 tackles a forced fumble and pick this year he is contributing and his play as a hybrid LB in D Coordinator John Marshall's Big Nickle package has been a success.

Youth can be part of the blame for Raider Safety gaffes and thats certainly the case with rookie 7th rounder (251st overall) Stevie Brown who has been seeing more time on the field thanks to decent play and damage to Raider CBs.

At least Brown has an excuse when he drops a coverage or blows the angle on a running play but the fact is, Oaklands Safeties are a pretty young inexperienced group and an amalgam representative of their team as a whole.

Raider Safety play and the Oakland team they uniquely represent need to find a way to play consistently solid football.

12-08-10 3:18 am pac                   

Photo Jed Jacobsohn / Getty                                                                #23 Jeremy Ware #34 Mike Mitchell                                                      

We said it and it was true.

Oaklands secondary was a cause for concern.

Miami, with one knee'd QB Chad Henne and sans Pro Bowl WR Brandon Marshall, lit up the Raiders for over 300 yds the week prior due in large part to ineffective secondary play.

On Sunday, Oakland fielded more of a traditional man coverage defensive scheme but thanks to injury and possibly last weeks embarassment used more "Big Nickle" formations and variations.

Heading into Sundays contest the Chargers were the #1 offense in the League and QB Phillip Rivers the reason why.

Thanks in large part to fateful early turn overs leading to 21 first half points, the Chargers were now being forced into using the games best QB to throw the ball against a suspect and dinged up secondary.

Rivers specialty.

This could've been bad for Oakland like it has been for many other teams who've jumped out on San Diego and ended up on the short end of the stick and remember, we weren't sure how well Aso's ankle really was after tweaking it several times against Miami.

We weren't sure if CB Walter McFadden would see time in 3 WR sets or if Jeremy Ware would rejoin the fold after a dissapointing Pittsburgh outing.

Turns out, it was neither.

Due in part to the injury of DE/LB pass rush specialist Trevor Scott and a worrisome foot problem with MLB Roland McClain that saw him miss two practices leading up the game, Oakland decided to field among others, a variation of the 4-2-5 Nickle defense featuring an extra Safety instead of a Cornerback.

They've been successfully fielding a 4-3 variant with Strong Safety Mike Mitchell and with Chris Johnson dinged up and out, the Raiders felt their players at Safety could adequately cover the NFL's top rated passing game.

They were right.

But like all great performances there were contributing factors.

Raider legend Lester Hayes once said:

"A great pass rush in the DBs best friend."

He was correct as well.

Oaklands front four simply mauled San Diego's O line dancers. Linemen specifically chosen as protectors for weak knee'd / strong armed Phillip Rivers.

And they had for the vast majority of the year.

On Sunday, they failed.

Oakland forced errant, untimely and uncharacteristic throws by Rivers that resulted in early exits and even Raider points.

For the first time in a long, long time the Oakland Raiders have depth in their secondary, mostly at Safety.

Cornerback Chris Johnson had a stellar early camp but has not been healthy since, so don't be shocked if Uncle Al actually shops for an H/W/S track star who can play Safety or Corner.

Right now though, they've got some young talent and some promising players that merit some attention.

S Mike Mitchell 2nd rnd (47th overall) 2009

Mitchell suffered a hammy that set him back his rookie year and was expected to make his transition from the Ohio Bobcats and the MAC all the more implausible.

Mitchell's selection by Davis was so unexpected there was a minor riot as announcers and analysts struggled live to find any information on Mitchell.

Once they did, it made a little more sense.

Not much, but a little.

Mitchell had garnered a rep as a head hunting defensive back with size and speed.

An Al Davis specialty but what puzzled analysts was why Davis took an unknown so high when surely he could've had him much later in the draft.

It was revealed later that Chicago (who picked after Oakland at 48) had their sites set on the 6-1, 220 lb speedster.

The Bears denied it, but immediately dropped back several draft picks after the announcement.

Used in a modified Big Nickle package Mitchell is starting to come into his own not only in the run game but covering TE and Backs out of the back field.

With his size, sub 4.4 speed and aggresive play Mitchell is starting to make Davis seem crazy like a Silver and Black fox. 

DB Jeremy Ware 7th rnd 2010 (215th overall)

Ware fell out of favor after a spotty Pittsburgh game and even with Pro Bowler Nnamdi asomugha nursing a sore ankle Ware still stayed on the sidelines.

It may have been to give fellow rookie Walter McFadden some field time against what they thought would be run of the mill competition.

The result wasn't pretty. 

CB Walter McFadden 5th rnd 2010 (138th overall)

Even with such a disasterous outing in his regular season debut McFadden may see more time before the year is out. This may or may not have anything to do with Ware but it does pose the question of wehter Ware has fallen out of favor or if Oakland simply wants to see what "Wheezy" has got.

McFadden's knock is his 5-10, 180 lbs and more to the point lack of desire as a run defender.

He's got good feet, quick hips and remarkable make up speed when the ball is in flight.

We'll have to see if he can translate at this level.

We think he can.

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                          Safety Stevie Brown

DB Stevie Brown 7th rnd (251st overall)

Brown was a height, weight, speed specimen who, surprise happened to be a track star at one time. Al Davis couldn't resist and really, with one of the last picks in the draft, why not?

Brown wasn't an unknown contributing 31 tackles on special teams as a Wolvernine and 80 tackles as a Captain of the D his Senior season.

His sub 4.4 forty time got him noticed by Davis and the rest as they say is history.

A strong tackler, Brown is contributing not only on special teams but in certain packages and has an uncanny knack for being around the big play.

At 5-11, 212 lbs, he's got enough beef to stick his nose in as run defense contributor too.

Brown was elected Captain of his Senior year at Michigan

11-07-10 1:07 am pac                    

Photo Jose Marcio Sanchez / AP                                                                                       RB Rock Cartwright                                                                         

When reviewing this epic and exciting game, take a look at some of the special play by these unsung Raiders that helped make possible one of the greatest comeback victories in storied Raider history.

There is no doubt this win was more of a team win than any in recent memory but there were players who's selfless roles and unparalled play propelled the Raiders to victory over a determined divisional foe.

RB Rock Cartwright

Its impossible to fathom the depth of  Cartwright's contributions on special teams yesterday.

He was everywhere.

The former Washington RB has been a special teams ace this season for Oakland and he was particularly instrumental in Oaklands win over Kansas City.

In the 1st quarter Rock quickly diagnosed a Kansas City fake punt as the punter, Dustin Colquitt split out to end and KR/ CB Javier Arenas rotated into the punters spot for the snap.

Rock read the play and blitzed in to tackle the speedy Arenas before he could make the first down on 4th and 1.

On the very next series Oakland stalled out and had to punt.

They too tried a fake punt that was snapped directly to Cartwright but it wasn't well executed.

He avoided the first tackler but was stopped short of first down yardage.

He may have fallen short on the trick play, but he was rock solid on the rest.

It was the Rock that threw the key block to spring Jacoby Ford's 94 yd TD return at the start of the second half and the Rock who's hit  forced a KC fumble on the ensuing kick off.

Throwing key blocks, forcing a crucial fumble and even screaming at his team mates for not blocking well enough for him when he recovered a squib kick makes the Rock a much needed leader on this team.

Acquiring the Rock and Jason Campbell out from under former Raider, Bronco and now Redskin Head Coach Mike Shannahan makes the deal all the sweeter.

The Raiders gained two productive players and stuck it to a former nemesis.

Way to go Al!

WR Jacoby Ford

He wasn't feeling it in the first half but he dominated the second.

After not finding a rythym in the first 2 quarters the rookie could be seen just before the opening kick off of the second half bobbing back and forth on the goal line.

He appeared to be humming a song and dancing a little.

Ford was calm and cool and ready to break the game wide open. 

Ford set the pace for the Raiders entire second half by rocketing 94 yds to pay dirt and electrifying the 61,000 plus at the House of Thrills, but what he accomplished later in the game bordered on supernatural.

With 9:35 left in the 3rd quarter QB Jason Campbell connected with Ford for 16 yds and a first down.

This was the first pass the struggling Campbell had gotten to a Raider wide receiver all day but it betrayed a crack in the Kansas City secondary Oakland would soon exploit.

Campbell found Ford again out of the shotgun on 3rd and 8 with 11:28 left in the 4th quarter. Ford made a great adjustment on the Campbell lob, diving and falling as he made the spectacular catch on his knees.

The play was good for 37 yds and set up a Sebastian Janikowski field goal to give Oakland the lead 17-13.        

Photo Ben Margot / AP                                                                               WR/KR Jacoby Ford

Later, with :24 seconds left in regulation Ford flat out stole an interception from Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers, fighting for the ball and making the crucial 29 yd grab at the 22 yd line to set up a game tying Janikowski kick with :03 seconds left in the game. 

Then, in overtime, the 5-9, 185 lb former Clemson burner showed off the World Class track star speed Al Davis loves so much by running under a Campbell rainbow for a 47 yd completion to the KC 15 yd line, setting up another kick, this time to win the game.

Not bad for a rookie.

WR Johnnie Lee Higgins

Higgins botched routes and cost time outs but he also made a couple of good catches late, particularly a 12 yd grab in heavy traffic over the middle on 3rd and 11 with 1:57 left on the clock that set up Ford's heroics.

LT Jared Veldheer

The rookie with 2 games experience being the blind side protector only gave up one sack to the Chiefs leading pass rusher DE/ LB Tamba Hali.

Coming into todays game, Hali had 8 on the season.

Blasting open run lanes against the Chiefs 7th ranked run D and stone walling one of the Leagues finest pass rushers is no mean feat and Veldheer's ascension has been nothing short of incredible.

Its fair to say he is in part responsible for the Raiders offensive resurgence.

T / TE Khalif Barnes

Anytime a 6-5, 325 lb lineman can catch a TD pass is a time to celebrate.

Barnes caught a 2 yd pass in the end zone from Jason Campbell on a roll out to bring the Raiders to within 3 of the Chiefs late in the 3rd quarter.

Barnes has struggled to find a place with the Raiders but his career is beginning to find new life in O coordinator Hue Jackson's overload, unbalanced and jumbo schemes. 

And as a pass catching specialist. 

CB Chris Johnson

Johnson got burned by refs on a costly pass interference penalty that never should've been called and struggled the entire first half.

The man who has a tattoo on his right calf commemorating the time he ran a 4.18 40 yard dash must've found some kind of desire because he came out on fire in the second half, brutalizing WR Dwayne Bowe with a punishing collision on an ill advised slant pass from Cassel.

In short order he then made a diving circus move to swat away a bullet to Bowe to kill a 4th quarter drive.

LB/DE Quentin Groves

We've bashed Groves for his lack of production and sometimes lax looking play but he easily had his best game as a Raider today and maybe even his best as a pro, making 6 solid and timely tackles and chatting up defenders.

Today, Groves backed up every word of his trash talk.

SS Mike Mitchell

Mitchell had some solid plays as well. Nothing spectacular but he did account for 7 tackles, played some impressive coverage and seamlessly shifted from his custom Nickle hybrid LB position back to the strong safety position to cover for Tyvon Branch who suffered a concussion assisting on a special teams tackle after colliding with a closing Michael Huff.

DE Matt Shaughnessy

We've been touting him since he came on board, watching him grow as a player and getting better every game.

The 6-5 270 lb defensive end turned in 5 tackles and should've been credited with a sack of KC QB Matt Cassel.

Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez                                                                                DE Matt Shaughnessy

Shaughnessy is setting the edge in the run game and getting to the passer with alarming frequency. He plays the majority of the time on the other side of the ball and, like veteran Richard Seymour beside him, rarely gives ground.

He's relentless scraping down the line after ball carriers and you can tell by the way he coils up and violently explodes on opponents when tackling that he kind of likes to hurt people.

He's mean, he's nasty and he's clearly the Raiders best defensive end.

FS Michael Huff

Huffs a former 7th overall pick by the Raiders so expectations have always been high.

The 6-1, 205 lb former Texas star is finally coming into his own this contract year after flashes of brilliance and too many injuries impeded his earlier career.

This year Huff is playing simple, solid football and making great plays out of nowhere.

He's a force in the run game, great in coverage and getting to the pass rusher on blitzes.

His rocket launched sack on QB Matt Cassel with :38 seconds left in the 2nd quarter set up rookie Jeremy Ware's end zone interception, an interception that robbed the Chiefs of sure points and momentum going into halftime.   

Cassel could be seen visibly frazzled and spouting obsenities as the Chiefs headed for the locker room.          

Photo Jose Marcio Sanchez / AP                                                                                  DB Jeremy Ware

CB Jeremy Ware

Pressed into service as a reserve and Nickle back, Ware not only robbed KC at the half, he denied WR Dawyne Bowe a sure touchdown late in the game with some excellent coverage and a well timed swat.

LB/DE Kam Wimbley

Wimbley may not have recorded any sacks today but he was all over the field making great plays in coverage and stacking the run.

Wimbley's tight coverage and strip of TE Leonard Pope on 3rd and 3 forced the Chiefs to punt on their first possession of overtime.

Thanks to Wimbley the Raiders took over with good field postion and never looked back.

The Oakland Raiders triumphed over the refs, over themselves and over the Kansas City Chiefs in an old school, typically dramatic and incredibly exciting victory, thanks in large part to heros that may have gone unsung until now.

This was truly a team win and one for the ages.

10-16-10 10:07 am pac                

Photo David Paul Morris / Getty Images

                                                                                                                QB Alex Smith

Oaklands defense has been Jeckyll and Hyde the last 2 weeks, first getting burned by the Texans for 211 yds and 2 TDs on the ground and then getting scorched through the air by SD for 431 yds and 2 TDs.

It will need to shore both against a talented and physical San Francisco team anxious to turn it around.

S

Aside from some good blitzing pressure late in the game and the 64 yd fumble recovery for a TD last Sunday Tyvon Branch has been worse than suspect all year.

He'll need to put it together before Mike Mitchell starts seeing more reps in his place.

Due to injury at the LB spot Mitchell saw more time on the field against SD and helped negate one of the games best TEs Antonio Gates.

Mitchell will likely see time again against SF in Oaklands big Nickle package but should be getting more reps in place of Branch.

If he does he'll face another top notch TE in 6-3, 250 lb physical marvel Vernon Davis. Already with 24 catches for 313 yds and 2 TDs the former locker room disruption is coming into his own.

Michael Huff was named AFC defensive player of the week after an 11 tackle performance but is still suspect against the run and a fraction too late in closing from the single high safety spot.

In the ground game he'll be tested by 5-9, 217 lb RB Frank Gore.

CB

Cable laid the blame for last weeks melt down on pass defense at the feet of his corner backs and copious ticky tac flags against them didn't help but when deep passes over the top happen its because safeties areout of position or bit hard on play fakes.

Chris Johnson had a great camp till he was injured. He hasn't been healthy since but needs to step up right now.

Rookie Walter McFadden is still nursing a hamstring, Stanfrod Routt disappears for stretches at a time and Pro Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha's roma the field and shadow the X experiment has yet to pay significant dividends.

If Oakland can stop the run and pressure QB Alex Smith that could change.

Smith leads the NFL with 9 picks so far this season.

LB

Quentin Groves could be back and thats actually bad news. Groves has a habit of lunging for ball carries rather than actually making the effort and quits too often on run plays. He's done nothing to warrant a starting job but Oakland is thin at the position thanks to Thomas Howard's knee injury.

Rookie Rolando McClain has done a remarkable job considerting his postion as QB of the D and his Grandfather's lingering illness and recent passing.

He's looked more reactionary and flat footed on occasion but is a sight better than Kirk Morrison ever was.

He'll face a tough challenge against Frisco's running game and its pass catching TE's. we've mentioned Davis but 6-0 242 lb Delanie Walker is an under rated threat as well.

DE/LB Trevor Scott seemed more useful back at weak side LB last week and should stay there.

DE

DE Matt Shaughnessy is the reason why.

Shaughnessy is developing into an every down DE, setting the edge against the run and displaying an aggressive pass rush thats causing turn overs and creating sacks.

He's probably one of the most held defensive ends in the game right now.

TEs are unable to block him one on one.

Kam Wimbley is due for another big game pressuring the QB off the edge.

DT

This is where the game may be won or lost.

If SF can get its run game going Oakland is in trouble. Especially if its offense can't stay on the field and put up points to defend.

Richard Seymour's been struggling with a tight hammy but you wouldn't know it by his play. More often than not he's defeating double teams and wreaking havoc on the O line.

He needs help from Tommy Kelly who's been less than stellar in John Henderson's absence.

Henderson's probably out another month with his broken foot.

Desmond Bryant showed flashes in pre season and needs to prove this Sunday he can do it in the regs.

If Oaklands offense can help them out and their D can stop the ground game and pressure the passer the Raiders should win against a talented but rudderless 49 team that could be looking for a new Coach before the seasons out.

If they don't and make 0-5 San Fran look like a ply off contender, it could be Tom Cable suddenly back in on the hot seat.

10-14-10 5:21 pm pac                           

Photo Al Messerschmidt /AP

                                                                                                              RB Michael Bush

RB

McFadden seemed like he might be a go on Wednesday but says now a "50/50" chance of him playing Sunday is more realistic.

Michael Bush ran for 104 yds on 26 carries against the Chargers and it seems like his broken thumb is doing fine.

RB Rock Cartwright may seen time at the spot if DMC can't go because 4th RB Michael Bennett has a hamstring issue too.

Bennett became a father again earlier this week.

Congrats!

QB

Grads isn't very likely to play so its Campbell and some intrepid sportswirters have even suggested Kyle Boller may see time which he will if Campbell's game collapses or he gets hurt.

Boller can play. He's just a little erratic. Just like Oaklands QB situation.

WR

Louis Murphy is quietly having a decent season. he's been dinged alot in pre and regular but always seem to make a big play.

His buddy Darrius Heyward Bey needs to step up though and prove his game against the rams wasn't a simple fluke.

The back story of this game should be about Bey vs 49er WR Michael Crabtree who held out after the draft for #7 because Davis took Bey over him.

TE

We all know Zach Miller's a stud. So does SF. They'll look to limit him. we hope they can't.

LT

Rookie Jared Veldheer's been splitting snaps with Mario Henderson and its progressing finally. Veldheer devastates opponents when he locks on, but his greeness leave him suceptible especailly in protection.

He's been pretty good on the goal line though. Lets hope Oakland can give him more opportunities there this Suanday.

LG

Robert Gallery looks like he'll be back from a hammy strain. We're just not sure for how long.

Hopefully long enough to give his replacement Daniel Loper time to heal from a sore knee and a minor ankle sprain.

Coach Cable shyed away from suggestions Loper could replace RG Cooper Carlisle.

C

Well, well, well. Samson Satele making us eat our words. So far... He's been playing his best football in silver and bacl the last few weeks.

He'll have his work cut out for him against under rated DT Aubrayo Franklin and a solid 49er defense.

RG

Carlisle. No sign of 4th round adonnis Bruce Campbell. He's still very green. Only way we see him is multiple injuries on the O line or later in the season.

RT

Langston Walker's struggling with a n elbow injury and a melon sized wrap on his arm.

He's playing well enough and unlike his predecesor, we're not constantly hearing his number on 3rd downs for false starts.

Tomorrow the D...

09-30-10 4:44 pm pac                                                       

                                                                                                       RB Darren McFadden

S

Tyvon Branch has scads of tackles this season. Unfortunately their mostly after runners have gained big yards.

Michael Huff will be the man to watch. He's been squaring up and putting ball carries down.

He may be motivated by the fact he's in a contract year but its good to see him playing well.

We just need some more turn overs.

CB

Chris Johnson's ankle is bothering him again and he wasn't at practice again today.

When he faced off against All Pro WR Andre Johnson in 2008 he shut him down.

Johnson's got a bad ankle and we're not sure how much he'll play, but this time around its likely Nnamdi will be shadowing the Texans big X wide receiver.

Chris Johnson may see time at Nickleback since rookie Walter McFadden is out indefinitely with a bad hammy.

That leaves the lions share of CB duties to Stanford Routt and while he's been playing better, you never know with him.

Oaklands secondary needs to make more picks and strip the ball.

Turn overs could help decide this one.

OLB

Quentin Groves made a pick and recovered a fumble last week against Arizona but looks tentative too often in all aspects of LB play.

Kam Wimbely will need to show more than a sensational pass rush and its time for him to have a break out game.

Rolando McClain's been solid and progressing nicely, but Arian Foster, the Leagues leading rusher could be his biggest test yet.

Especially if injuries on the D line factor in. 

DT

Richard Seymour was on the practice field but his nagging hamstring issue will likely see him limited on game day.

Big John Henderson's battling a foot injury and wasn't even at this afternoons practice but Coach Tom Cable says Henderson and Seymour will play Sunday.

Of course he does.

The injuries to Oaklands starting DTs is bad news because after the vets Oaklands DT rotation has been less than stellar.

Tommy Kelly might have to have his best game of the year so far and Desmond Bryant will need to show he's capable of more than the occasional great play.

Look for Jay Alford to see far too much time on the field.

You'll know when he's in because Texan backs will be running for big yardage.

DE

Lamarr Houston's been great but needs to make more game changing plays. Matt Shaughnessy has 2 sacks already and also needs to step up against the Texans.

Both have been solid setting the edge and forcing plays back into Oaklands beefed up LB corps.

Trevor Scott needs to at least show he can still get to the passer since his play in coverage of the pass and run have been less than optimal.

Thomas Howard has been pretty good rotating in and on special teams.

He should get more field time in place of Scott, but who knows...

WR

Louis Murphy was at practice today but to call his participating "limited" would be an understatement.

His injured clavical appears serious.

Thats bad news because he leads the team in receptions with 15 for 238 yds and a TD.

Johnnie Lee Higgins will be the one to keep an eye on as he'll likely fill in.

DHB has been better than expected and Oakland will need him to step up against Houston's suspect secondary.

RB

Will Michael Bush finally return against the Texans? Raider Nation hopes so.

If Bush can come back and produce it could take some pressure off of DMC and even allow the Leagues 3rd leading rusher to line up at WR, something Hue Jackson should have been doing already, but now with Murphy questionable, McFadden should see even more reps in the slot or split out wide, that is, if Bush is back.

Bush could help Oaklands injured defense by picking up short yards, extending drives and helping the Raiders offense keep the high powered Texans O off the field.

Who knows? Bush could have some big break aways too...

QB

Gradkowski could be running for his life more than usual this Sunday for reasons we'll touch on later but hopefully the Raiders ground game can take pressure off him too.

If not DE Mario Williams and the Texans violent D could force a return of Jason Campbell.

T

The flip flop between Mario Henderson and Jared Veldheer has been a disaster. Veldheer's a liability everytime he's at the blind side and if he's made a play there we haven't seen it.

Former 1st overall draft pick Mario Williams will eat their lunch if Oakland tries this experiement too often and with the wrong calls.

Massive Langston Walker's got an elbow injury and was wearing a bandage the size of a bowling ball on it today.

He may not be able to go on Sunday and if he does, he could be more of a liability than usual.

The worse news is that could mean Khalif Barnes would sub for him at RT.

A position Barnes doesn't like or have experience at.

Barnes has been terrible the few times he's played there this season.

Though its one of the few spots he hasn't played (He lined up at RT as a decoy in a jumbo package) Veldheer may actually be better suited.

Alot depends on Oaklands ground game against Houston's D but if they can get McFadden over 100 yds again, eat the clock and not leave points on the field this week, the Raiders could surprise alot of people and take the Texans down.

If it were us I'd at least try to take advantage of Houston's cellar dwelling pass coverage.

Lighting them up with DHB would be a treat but Oaklands suspect O line might make that mission impossible.

09-24-10 2:27 pm pac                                 

                                                                                                                                                             Gorilla Rilla

The Raiders take on an Arizona team that was gashed by a 3rd string running back and Atlanta last week to the tune of 41 points.

The Cards are in disarray after the retirement of QB Kurt Warner and trade of WR Anquan Boldin to the Ravens but are expecting the possible regular season debut of RB Chris Beanie Wells to boost their offensive out put.

It was revealed today Wells had a surgical procedure done to his knee and that the team basically lied and said Wells had a "bruised knee".

Either way, he might be back and Oakalnd should be ready.

Oaklands defense will try to make the 2nd yr running backs season debut a memorable one but for all the wrong reasons.

RB

Michael Bush could be back for this one 27 days after suffering a Bennett fracture to his left thumb. He practiced without limitations twice this week and is anxious to get back in the fray considering this is a contract year for him.

Most people don't realize how improved a pass protector Bush had become before his pre season injury sidelined him.

He likely won't be asked to contribute in this area as much since he'll need both hands to execute properly.

Darren McFadden rushed 30 times for 145 yds against the Rams but has suffered injuries in every prior season.

Oakland could be looking to get Bush involved to spare McFadden a little wear and tear but look for DMC to be involved in the passing game.

QB

Of course the big news is Bruce Almighty taking the reigns and getting the start against the Cards.

Gradkowski does what other Raider QBs have not been able to do and thats move the ball and score TDs.

By virtue of his quick decisions, scrambling and quick release he makes the Raiders porous O line better than it really is.

The main issue will be wether or not that O line can protect the oft injured Gradkowski.

If not we may see Jason Campbell sooner than he or we would like.

WR

Darrius Heyward Bey contributed 6 catches last week and had his best day as a professional despite lax refs and plenty of defensive backs hanging all over him.

Hopefully he can continue to grow and make plays. Several times last week he was one move away from breaking big.

Louis Murphy has been starting slow but making grabs in the 2nd half.

We'll see how he does early with Grads pulling the trigger.

T

The Jared Veldheer experiment will continue this week. The Division II rookie saw time at LT against St. Louis, rotating in for the struggling Mario Henderson.

Veldheer was terrible.

At one point Veldheer's technique and feet were so poor he was run over by 6-0, 200 lb Ram CORNERBACK Jerome Murphy who came on a blitz.

Veldheer was unable to block anyone while playing at left tackle, getting beqat off the snap and whiffing on the defenders first move.

He played right tackle on one play that featured a lineman over load right formation that had TE Zach Miller at left tackle.

Despite having seen the film, Coach Cable says Veldheer will see more reps for Henderson again on the blind side.

Good luck Bruce.

G

Pairing Daniel Loper and Veldheer on the left side was a disaster since Loper was unable to help the green rookie with assignments and calls.

Loper was acatually a bright spot for Oakland last Sunday filling in for unjured guard Robert Gallery, performing well and playing a major part in Darren McFadden's rushing success.

He's been erratic in his 6 yr career and we'll have to see if he plays as well this week.

C

Samson Satele will get the nod as far as we know and will benefit from Gradkowski's ability to scramble and get rid of the ball fast.

Th Raiders don't really have a choice since Veldheer was error prone week one when he got the start.

Last years back up Chris Morris was dropped.

DEFENSE

S

Tyvon Branch has struggled against the run and in coverage. Other than that he's been all right.

He got a sack on the 2nd play of the game when he and fellow safety Michael Huff came in untouched but Branch should be on thin ice after poor performances in both of Oaklands outings this year.

CB

Stanford Routt had one of his best games and will likely be called upon again to fill for CB Chris Johnson who appears to be suffering from a lingering hamstring issue.

Routt looks to actually be giving more effort this year likely because he too is in a contract year.

The former Houston Cougar track star will no doubt be on the spot since rookie nickle back Walter McFadden's hamstring doesn't quite seem healed enough either.

Cards WR Steve Breaston will be listed as "probable" with a sore knee, but should be fine to play.

WR Early Doucet will not. He'll sit with a groin injury leaving the Cards with out much quality depth.

W. McFadden practiced some this week for the first time since injuring himslef against Seattle in the off season but is listed as questionable, which means he's almost certainly out for at least another week.

We'll have to see if Nnamdi gets to roam and shadow the X a little more than he did against the Rams.

We know he wants to...

With Larry Fitzgerald on the field for Arizona, he should.

OLB

Quentin Groves has been making tackles but not plays. Raider fans and coaches want to see him bring some thunder this week. Kam Wimbley has been very good but gets held alot and is best coming off the edge as a pass rusher so far.

Photo Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

                                                                                                                                          MLB Roland McClain

MLB

Rolando's been solid but Oakland would ike to see the rookie McClain make a play that doesn't involve a 15 yd penalty and a $5,000 fine.

DE

Lamarr Houston's been really really good against the run and the pass. 

Teams that put a TE or trust a RB to block him are in for a rude awakening.

Matt Shaughnessy needs to step up on the other side this week.

DT

Big John Henderson had a great game against the Rams and held the LOS even against double teams.

He'll be a game time decision with a foot injury but odds are, he'll be sitting this one out.

The good news for Oakland is King Richard Seymour will be filling in for him.

Seymour probably could've played last week against the Rams but was held out to give the vet an extra week to get healed for the long season.

Considering Henderson's injury, seems to have been a shrewd move.

Except for penalties, Tommy Kelly's been quiet. 2nd year man Desmond Bryant has been quietly looking good.

The Raiders need to take the Cards seriously this week. Lets hope they're 2nd half come back didn't make them over confident again.

This is a game the Raiders should not only be able to win, they should dominate especially if they get off to a fast start with Gradkowski.

09-18-10 1:20 pm pac                                               

     
                                                                                                  QB Jason Campbell

Its week 2 and already a do or die game for the Oakland Raiders. They need to not only prove last week was a fluke, they need to win and win decisively against a supposedly lesser opponent.

Another blow out could mean this is the same old Oakland Raiders.

They sure looked that way in a 38-13 loss to the Titans last week. Mindless penalties, blown assignmets and missed opportunities.

They'll look to correct those mistakes (or at least lessen their impact) by cranking up the offense tomorrow at home.

We hope...

QB

This is a big test for QB Jason Campbell who was pretty much floated a mulligan thanks to the Raiders horrendous pass protection against the Titans.

Against the Rams he should have a little more time.

UPDATE: Campbell failed and while coaches have said in the meida they didn't change the game plan after Campbell was pulled from the game, anyone who watches the tape knows differently.

Still Bruce Gradkowski did move the ball and score points, West Coast Offense or no, and Campbell clearly struggled to get rid of the ball quickly and checking down too often.

OC 

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson spoke earlier this week about getting the passing game going and the Rams just graduated a CB from the practice squad to fill for back up CB Kevin Dockery who is out with a hamstring.

UPDATE: Jackson did elude to getting the passing game going and going down field with it. Clearly that was a disaster with Campbell under center and as we've said, they went to Grads and shorter routes to accomodate his weaker arm and a porous O line.

Congrats to Hue for making the decision to replace Campbell (At least thats what he claimed) at half time and for adjusting play calling too. (Even though he denies that.)

Calling bad plays with Campbell in is a negative wether they admit doing it or not.

Re-adjusting at the half made the difference so its kind of a wash with Jackson's contributions. 

RB

Darren McFadden showed last week what he can do with little or no help.

He'll need to show he's capable of doing it more than once.

In his favor, Rams starting defensive tackle Clifton Ryan was hosptialized with migraines and won't be playing.

As much as Hue would like to air it out, this development and McFadden's new swag could mean a re focus on the ground game even if Michael Bush sits another week which he should.

DMC dominated behind spotty O line blocking. 30 carries 145 yards. We need more of that but we also need him to get into the end zone.

Getting Mike Bush back this week or more likely next will help give DMC a break.

He's been injury prone through out his brief NFL career but could have another good game against the Cards who were shreded 41-7 by the Atlanta Falcons with 3rd string running back Jason Snelling who gained 129 yds, caught 5 passes and scored 3 TDs.

Michael Bush may want back on the field, but given the circumstance, I'd sit him another week and see what DMC can do.

Or maybe start 3rd stringer Michael Bennett...

C

We still don't know who'll be declared starting center. Samson Satele's just been plain awful, especially in protection.

Rookie Jared Veldheer fired off his first snaps since high school last week and struggled.

Not playing Veldheer tomorrow would make its seem like starting him week one was a mistake. Starting Satele week two would be another.

UPDATE: Satele got the start and protection was horrendous...as expected.

Gradkowski's quick release and West Coast play calling helped and is exactly what this unstable and incapable O line needed and needs.

Especially if they play Satele at center.

WR

Darrius Heyward Bey was pretty much silent week one thanks more to a lack of protection rather than inability to get open.

With a thin Rams secondary and lesser pass rushers maybe we'll get to see him targeted more against St.Louis, but its his fellow wide out Louis Murphy who's more likely to see the ball flung his way.

He'll need to respond better than he did in last weeks slow start.

UPDATE: Bey was mugged frequently by DB London Fletcher but still grabbed 6 catches for 80 yds and looked really good doing it. He shows hustle especially in securing the ball and turning up field to fight for yards.

Bey juked 2 Ram defenders who had the angle on him on one run so badly they completely over ran him and he gained an extra 7 yds.

He still catches with his body on occasion, but demonstrated the ability to make catches and play at an NFL level.

It was impressive...

KR/PR

Johnnie Lee Higgins benefitted immensely from former Raider ST coach Brian Schnieder and hasn't been the same since.

A week one last year from SD safety Eric Weddle saw him dodging shadows the resrt of the year.

Rookie Jacboy Ford will be in the hot seat as well we're told but no one knows who'll be returning what just yet.

Why? We don't know.

Could be strategy (not much of an advantage) or mismanagement.

One of them better shine and hoepfully establish themselves in a slot the Raiders, with all their speed, can't seem to fill.

UPDATE: JLH ripped a pretty 53 yd punt return right out of the gate but then was pretty much silent through out the game. Its still probably enough to secure the job since no one else seems to be able or want to.

Ford's returns were uneventful. he'll likely get another shot this week.

OLB

McClain of course will need to be on point as he was much of last week but both Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley need to step up after disappearing for most of the Titans game.

The Raiders should send lots of blitzes as opposed to the Al Davis mandated 4 man rush. The Rams left tackle Rodger Saffold is confused by different looks and shifts and this will be the rookies second start and first away game in the NFL.

UPDATE: Wimbley mad ehis presence felt on the Rams first series ducking under 2nd year 1st round draft pick Jason Smith at right tackle and sacking rookie QB Sam Bradford. Wimbley played a solid game, was stout against the run and better in coverage. He's quietly being pretty beastly.

CB

Chris Johnson suffered a stinger but should be back in time to play. Stanford Routt needs to prove he can cover the Rams sparse receiving corps.

5-10-190 lb veteran WR Mark Clayton helped rookie QB Sam Bradford by catching 10 of his 55 pass attempts for 119 yds and Bradford completed several long balls.

UPDATE: Johnson seems dinged still perhaps with a touchy hamstring thats bothered him since mid way through pre season.

Routt responded with one of his finest days as a pro playing well against the run  and the pass and snagging a one handed interception off of blanket man coverage.

DT

Coach Cable said this morning Richard Seymour is likely to play, but if he doesn't or is limited, the Raiders will have to find a way to stop excellent RB Stephen Jackson.

Look for DT Desmond Bryant returing from an elbow injury to fugure into the rotation with Big John Henderson.

DT Jay Alford might see action but lets hope not. He's this years William Joseph.

UPDATE: Seymour did not play. Bryant did and played well flashing signs in the run game he may be something special. He lacks burst to the QB in pass rush and needs to develop a counter move but against the run he proving more stout than his 6-6 ,290 lbs would seem to dictate.

The real star in the trenches was Big John Henderson who consistently split double teams, anchored the line and rarely gave an inch.

He expertly stacked and then shed blockers and showed he can still be a major force in run stopping.

We'll have to see whats up with the protective boot he was seen wearing at practice yesterday.

Oakland says its "precautionary".

We'll see.

The good news is Seymour was likely ready to play last week and wasn't needed against one of the Leagues best running backs.

Even if Henderson is out for what ever reason, Seymour should be active against the Cards who may or may not have rookie RB Beanie Wells back from a sore right knee.

The St.Louis Rams are certainly not the Tennessee Titans thats why its imparative the Raiders show they were simply outclassed by a play off caliber team last week and that they can regroup and handle their business by playing up to the talent level on their team.

UPDATE: Oaklands offense struggled mightily with Jason Campbell under center.

Bruce Gradkowski did not.

Oakland had their hands full with one of the few teams in the NFL thats been as bad as they have in recent years.

Arizona's not looking anything like their former Super Bowl self and again, thats why its pretty imporatnat Oakland not only wins this game, but dominates.

Because they should...

09-11-10 5:25pm pac 

Photo Andy Lyons /Getty Images

                                                                                                                  Run DMC
 

THE OFFENSE 

RB

Of course we need to see if MichAel Bush plays or not and if Darren McFadden can ever begin to live up to his 4th overall draft status but the contributions of either Michael Bennett or Rock Cartwright at the RB position could play an important role and will if Bush doesn't play.

UPDATE: Bush didn't, McFadden did. DMC played well and looked like a 1st rounder...finally. Now if he can stay healthy. Bennett and Cartwright contributed little. Rock with 1 catch for 10 yds and Bennett with 1 rush for 6 and 2 grabs for 9 yds.

Even if Bush can play against the Rams, he should be rested. Its a long season.

FB

Marcel Reece is the likely starter with last years Luke Lawton suspended 4 games. Reece is a receiving threat and need to prove himself as a blocker. It was rumored DE Lamarr Houston might be given a shot at run blocking too but we didn't see any of it this pre season with the failed Alex Daniels experiment in full effect.

UPDATE: Blocking from the FB position was improved and it showed with McFadden's 18 rushes for 95 yds.

QB Jason Campbell is still learning and because of injuries didn't really get a connection with any of his wides. Zach Miller's proven himself a QBs best friend. Oakland will probably try to establish the run most of the game to take pressure off Campbell but that could change depending on Michael Bush's viability.

UPDATE: Establishing the run went out the window as Titans TDs racked up. Campbell was sacked 4 times and pressured nearly every time. Murphy had 4 catches.

He also had some drops that hurt.

Not as much as Campbell after a Titanic beat down though...

WR

Darrius Heyward Bey won't be asked to carry the day but if he walks away with more drops than catches or worse, none at all, look for boo birds like NFLN's Jamie Dukes to keep referring to him as "A boat anchor around Jason Campbell's neck." 

UDATE: Bey had one catch with 11:46 left in the 4th quarter. Hard to throw the deep ball when your on you're back.

Campbell established him self early with Yamon Figurs for some reason. Figurs isn't even on the team now. Dropped so Oakland could bring back T Eric Pears in light of Gallery's injury.The first 3 passes to Murphy were incomplete.

The 4th went for -5 yds.

TE

Brandon Myers shows flashes run blocking and receiving but needs to get more consistent. At TE its all about Zach Miller. Look for reserve tackle Khalif Barnes as an extra "TE" on special packages and the jumbo set.

UPDATE: Myers had one catch in the red zone and blocked fairly well.

Miller caught 4 for 43 including a 27 yarder on 3rd down.

Barnes did play as an extra TE and was horrible. He whiffed on pass coverage and even though there was Gallery, Henderson AND him on the left side a blitzing DE came through untouched and crushed Campbell. 

LT

Mario Henderson gave up a League high 10.5 sacks last year and nearly got Jason Campbell killed in pre season. The kind hearted Christian needs to find his inner warrior and put defenders on the ground.

Update: He didn't. Mario may be on the outs. If he doesn't improve look for Oakland to be looking elsewhere in 2011...barring a strike.

LG

Robert Gallery suffered 3 major injuries last year. When he's healthy, he's clearly the best lineman in silver and black.

UPDATE: He wasn't. Gallery pulled a hammy chasing down a Campbell pick. How bad? We won't know till Wednesday. Its Wednesday now and its bad.

C

6-8, 320 lb rookie Jared Veldheer gets the start. either he's a phenom and a steal in the 3rd round of this years draft or theres big big trouble at the very heart of our offensive line. At least Oakland realized Samson Satele was a turnstile on pass defense.

UPDATE: It was the latter. Veldheer hiccuped and looked ridiculous at times because of it. The good news is, when they did manage a center QB exchange, he wasn't half bad. Growing pains are painful and may continue to be, but in the end, could be worth it.

Oakland hasn't had a center since Barret Robbins.

RG

We may or may not see a little bit of 4th round draft pick and chiseled adonis Bruce Campbell but for better and usually worse its Cooper Carlisle against the Titans young D line.

UPDATE: Campbell was inactive. Cooper was on the field, but kind of was inactive too. Check please. 

RT

Langston Walker's back has been bothering him. Oaklands reserves could be called upon sooner than they'd like.

UPDATE: QB Jason Campbell's back was bothering him too. Walker's not much of an upgrade over Cornell Green and thats disheartening. Expected, but still disheartening.

The flag on 3rd and short was a Cornell Green carbon copy.

THE DEFENSE

S

All of the Raiders starting safeties have something to prove. Mike Mitchell that he's not strictly a head hunter, Tyvon Branch that he can cover and be more than an in  the box run stuffer and Michael Huff needs to finally come somewhere near his 7th overall draft status many, many years ago.

If he can't get it done in a contract year, he was never going to.

UPDATE: Tyvon Branch twittered and apology. Thats how bad he was. We've all seen the whiff on that 76 yd run umpteen million times. Tyvon's struggled all camp with coverage which was never a strong suit. Now he's not tackling well. What gives?

Huff had 3 tackles and played the run well before hurting his knee.

Not a good sign in a contract year.

What was it we said before about Raiders strengths one year becoming an unexpected weakness the next?

Safety 1st indeed.

LCB

Stanford Routt was supposed to have "won" the starting job opposite Nnamdi but he'll start in the slot against Tennessee. Chris Johnson had the best camp of any Raider DB but a hamstring left saw him with alot of down time. His return against Seattle saw him torched 4 times for over 120 yds. 

The Titans may decide to test him and will pay for it if they do. They may get a few on him, but he's better than people think.

UPDATE: Routt was supposed to have help over the top on WR Nate Washington's 56 yd TD grab. He didn't.

That was on Tyvon.

Routt had 3 tackles and looked decent on most plays. Same with the other Chris Johnson.

MLB

Rolando McClain was Oaklands 8th overall pick and brought in to shore the run. He's been better against the pass in pre season and aloof with press and fans. That will be forgiven if he helps shut down the Titan O, but if he fails big the sharks will circle fast.

UPDATE: McClain seems to be struggling a little with calls and alignments and thats to be expected from a rookie in his first NFL start. A start against a team featuring a 2,000 yd rusher no less.

The former Alabama star could and should settle in eventually but he looks hesistant and a fraction late too  often to be the difference maker...yet.

If the Raiders get torched this week by excellent RB Stephen Jackson and the Rams it could be like chum in the water.

OLB

Quentin Groves got the nod over veteran Thomas Howard though he did nothing this pre season to indicate why. He was mis cast in Jacksonville as a DE so Oakland hopes restoring him to his more natural LB helps him and their pass rush.

UPDATE: Groves is also a step behind. He dives at ball carries so it looks like he making an effort but rarely makes a solid play. The move to LB over DE isn't paying off in big plays yet but he did have 5 tackles.

OLB

Kam Wimbley destroyed the Bears in pre season but now its for real and fans wan to see if he can cover TEs and backs. He's so much better than people realize and could be the free agent steal of 2010.

UPDATE: Wimbley had 4 tackles a sack early in the game that forced a Vince Young fumble, but penalties and Oakalnds bumbling offense could only manage 3 points out of the opportunity.

DE

Trevor Scott got torched so bad on run defense last year Al Davis made an emergency deal with the Pats to snag Richard Seymour. After Scott faired poorly in coverage and gainst the run in pre season he's been moved back to DE and will get the start. He'll drop back to LB too most likely.

UPDATE: Scott was pretty much a non entity. He's starting to look more and more like former Raider Tyler Brayton. Jack of all trades, master of none.

Can't set the edge against the run, can't cover TEs and backs and seems to reach the passer mostly on special blitz packages. Packages the Raiders may not have felt secure enough to run against the explosive Titans.

DT

King Richard led the rookies off the bus this pre season but then disappeared for the length of a bible. Oakland said he was being rested but then revealed the veteran was nursing a tricep injury. Though he's licked in side at DT, look for him at DE too.

UPDATE: Seymour recovered a fumble early and made several solo tackles against the run that were very impressive. Hes a legitimate beast. UNfortunately, he tweaked a hamstring against Tennesse. Raiders will release and injury report today as per League rules.

DT

Tommy Kellys lost weight and feels bad about his massive under performance last year. Its time for TK to step up, rush the passer and stop the run. Look for Big John Henderson to help in that area too.

UPDATE: Kelly was a non factor but helped eat up blockers. Henderson was more helpful in that department even though he posted no tackles to Kelly's one.

DE

Lamarr Houston

Freakishly agile barely describes it. Teams won't be able to double team him as much with King Richard on the field but Houston could earn his keep by setting the edge against the run and forcing RBs back into McClain and co. He lacks technique but did I mention, he's q-u-i-c-k...

UPDATE: Houston drew double teams and made some nice plays showing some hustle to chase down CJ in back side pursuit. Look for him to be featured more against the Rams.