10-24-11 3:24 pm pac                     

Photo Rick Tapia / AP                                                                                                       QB Carson Palmer

We've said it before, "The Raiders are a roller coaster" and its a hell of a ride. Yesterdays was a stomach churner as the Raiders derailed against KC.

So wha happun?!

It didn't help that Oakland was forced to field back up QBs and that in and of itself is a major part of Oaklands epic fail against KC. The injury to League leading running back Darren McFadden began the decline but wasn't responsible for it.

On his 1st pass backup QB Kyle Boller fired and interception that was returned for a TD. McFadden went down and out after two touches and in short order Oakland was forced to abandon its vaunted run game.

These two incidents set off a self feeding chain reaction that saw the Raiders passing game cause them to need to pass even more.

Without DMC, Oakland was still able to put up a 99 yd rusher in RB MIchael Bush but with so many pick sixes and defensive inspired points on the board Oakland was forced to play catch up by...yup, throwing the ball.

For those of you wondering, no, Kansas City does not have a stellar secondary. They are under rated but any NFL secondary worth its salt would've had a field day against Oaklands severely truncated Offense.

The Raiders, to this point, had used its big time run game to mask the fact its passing game was fairly generic with simplistic patterns often mirroring each other on either side of the field.

This basic approach was even more exposed when Boller the back up came in and then exponentially when Carson Palmer blundered into the fray with admittedly only about "10%" of Oaklands play book available to him.

With the Raiders posting a serious run game, opponents had to respect or get run over which allowed the Raiders young, inexperienced Wides and gelling QBs to get away with a less complicated ariel attack.

Until yesterday.

The Raiders will have two weeks to apply more of the play book and build chemistry between Palmer and his recievers and even if Darren McFadden doesn't make it back in time for the Bronco match up on Nov. 6th, the Raiders should be in a much better postion to control the ball and the offense.

Yesterday was a confluence of terrible timing and unfortunate circumstance but don't look for it to be repeated anytime soon. Oaklands defense is good and when Palmer does get up to speed the Raiders will be back.

10-17-11 12:06 am pac                                                                                                                    

Photo / Getty Images                                                                                        "Retired" QB Carson Palmer

With 4:06 left in the half QB Jason Campbell got caught on a scramble by LB Scott Fujita who landed on the Raider QB awkwardly, breaking Campbell's right collar bone.

Almost before back up QB Kyle Boller had donned his helmet speculation began over how the Raiders would  handle the loss of their starting QB for the season.

Those clamouring for rookie 3rd round supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor will likely be disappointed. Pryor seems very raw and after missing 5 games due to suspension is even farther behind the curve.

Veteran David Garrard's name has been mentioned but there is likely a reason Garrard was dropped so uncerimoniously by the Jags who till that moment had a seemingly strong relationship with.

It is known that Garrard has battled Crohn's disease. Whether this has any relvevance is speculative but note how no teams bit on the veteran slinger but the fact no one else has bitten on him is a red flag in and of itself.

Names tossed out in jest like Bret Favre don't carry much weight but others like the Bengals Carson Palmer have drawn interest since there is a connection with HC Hue Jackson and Palmer.

Palmer's battle with Bengals owner Mike Brown is legend. In fact Palmer now resides on his couch this season rather than play another down for Brown who refused to trade the disgruntled strong armed QB.

It might take some prying to bust Palmer loose, then again, if Brown is anything like Al, nothing may budge the stubborn old coot.

Not money, not draft picks, not reason, not logic.

If he'd rather punish Carson than help his team, God bless ya.
Even if Carson was somehow available he doesn't come without foibles or detractors.

Those who bash Palmer have some legitimacy and he does have an elbow issue that bears noting, the situation for Carson and those around him in Cincy wasn't entirely optimal and it wasn't for a long time.

Another far fetched but possible QB pick up could be through Division rival Denver.

Fans took to renting billboard space pleading for 2nd yr College legend Tim Tebow to take over for starting QB Kyle Orton.

Orton was jerked around and shopped actively by Denver in the off season in a most public and embarrassing way right up to the point Tim Tebow starting actually throwing the ball in camp.

Veteran player and writer Merrill Hodge stated "Tebow looked like a 7th round pick with his mechanics and wild inaccuracy."

Hat in hand Denver promoted Orton back to starter but the team under the new management of John Elway and new HC John Fox eventually caved after a disasterous start and now Orton is benched again and Tebow will be given a chance because of his name, not his game.

Orton is a very solid game managing QB who is capable of taking games on his shoulders and winning.

Denver's demise is not on Orton.

If the Broncos are stupid enough to do it, Oakland should jump at him.

More names are likely to pop up and it remains completely unknown who or if Oakland will sign a new or veteran QB.

Given Pryor's status, it would seem a very prudent move. 

Behind the completely green rookie is Punter Shane Lechler who played QB in high school and did throw a TD today but gimmicks and reading NFL blitzes are two entirely different things.

The acquisition of LB Aaron Curry from Seattle counts as the first big pre Al Davis move but Oaklands next one could be huge.

We're reminded of Dan Pastorini's season ending injury that led to Jim Plunkett's remarkable rise.

If Oakland picks well and acquires a Plunkett or Rich Gannon like vet, they could go all the way.

They're that talented.

With the right leadership Oakland is not out of it at all. In fact, to a man like Al Davis a disaster didn't mean the end, it meant opportunity.

In the end, Oakland may stick with Boller as their starter and with the Raiders running game, who knows?

Campbell is a loss no doubt, but, this was his second year and though he played well, he is hardly Peyton Manning and Oakland is not the Colts.

We should know something relatively soon so Oaklands can get as many reps for whomever they plan on fielding against visiting Kansas City next Sunday.

Benjamin Disraeli once said:

There is no education like adversity.

Al Davis once said:

"Every cloud has a Silver and Black lining."

He also said:

"Just win baby."

Alot. So if Oakland has to spend a 1st rounder for their new and future QB so be it. Remember, Campbell isn't a lock to be welcome back and his contract expires at the end of the year.

08-22-11 12:44 pm pac

Photo / AP                                                                                                                             Terrelle Pryor

The Oakland Raiders used a third round pick Monday in the NFL’s supplemental draft to select former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

The Raiders and the league announced that Oakland used the 18th selection of the round for Pryor. Oakland forfeits its third-round selection in the 2012 draft.

Pryor’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said his client was excited about going in the third round after waiting until last Thursday to find out he’d even be eligible for the supplemental draft and not working out for teams until Saturday.

“We’re tickled and thrilled that Terrelle went in the third round and to the Raiders,” Rosenhaus said. “The third round is quite an accomplishment for a young man who had his pro day 48 hours ago and didn’t know he would be in the draft until Thursday morning and wasn’t able to meet with any decision makers.”

Pryor immediately headed to the Bay Area after being drafted and Rosenhaus said he hoped to finalize a contract as soon as possible to get Pryor on the practice field. Rosenhaus has already negotiated a third-round deal with the Raiders this summer with rookie cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke.

“We’re optimistic this will be a smooth negotiation,” he said. “We enjoy working with the Raiders and he’s very excited.”

Pryor will be able to practice immediately after signing and play in the remaining two exhibition games. But he will not be eligible to practice with or play for Oakland during the regular season until the team’s sixth game.

When he was allowed to enter Monday’s draft, he was handed a five-game suspension by Commissioner Roger Goodel, the same number of games he would have sat out had he returned to Ohio State. Pryor has said he will not appeal the suspension.

Pryor gave up his final season with the Buckeyes after an investigation into the team’s memorabilia for cash scandal that cost coach Jim Tressel his job.

His selection by the Raiders hardly is surprising. Oakland often makes bold moves in the draft because owner Al Davis covets size and speed. Pryor ran a 4.36 in the 40 during his workout for 17 NFL teams Saturday. At 6-foot-5 and 232 pounds Pryor is the definition of H/W/S.

As a junior, Pryor had his best season statistically, throwing for 2,772 yards and 27 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also ran for 754 yards and four scores while helping the Buckeyes win the Sugar Bowl.

“We all know how Al Davis likes big players who can run and Terrelle brings a dimension of size and speed that’s unique to the quarterback position,” Rosenhaus said. “The Raiders are a good fit for him because they have had an unsettled quarterback situation for a number of years and have worked in a number of different players. Any young quarterback would like the opportunity to go there and compete and be the guy.”

Oakland’s starting quarterback is Jason Campbell, now in his second season with the Raiders after being acquired from Washington, where he spent five seasons. Campbell is in the last year of his contract, as are backups Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards

The Raiders considered drafting a quarterback to groom for the future in April but did not find the right fit. Now they have Pryor to fill that role.

Oakland is now without picks in the second, third and fourth rounds next year. The Raiders traded the 2012 second-round pick along with a 2011 seventh-round selection for third- and fourth-round picks this past draft to take offensive lineman Joe Barksdale and running back Taiwan Jones. They sent their fourth-round pick a year ago to the Redskins for Campbell.

Many people assume Pryor will be a QB in Oaktown but don't be surprised to see him line up elsewhere in Silver and Black. 

08-05-11 2:10 pm pac

            
Photo Al Bello / Getty N. America                                                                                  TE Kevin Boss


The addition of TE Kevin Boss will ease the loss of TE Zach Miller to the Seattle Seahawks. Fans and critics alike approve of the move since it gives Oakland a proven, productive replacement and at a much better asking price.

Miller received a whopping 5 yr $32 million dollar contract ($17 million guaranteed) compared to the bargain price of a 4 yr $16 million dollar ($8 million guaranteed) contract for Boss.

The 6-5, 255 lb Miller was a fixture in the Raider passing game and frankly the only consistent receiving option on a team without reliable targets down field. 

During his 4 yr stay in Oaktown Miller totaled 226 catches for 2,712 yds and 12 TDs.

The 6-6, 253 lb Boss had 119 catches for 1,600 yds but proved more of a more reliable red zone threat by tallying 18 TDs while in the Big Apple.

The Raiders had only 3 TEs on the roster after Miller jumped ship, rookies Richard Gordon, the intriguing David Ausberry (a WR at USC) and 3rd yr man Brandon Myers who was damned with faint praise by HC Coach Hue Jackson, meaning they were not sold on his ability to step in for Miller. 

Oakland ran Boss through the paces and even though he had arthroscopic hip surgery last season, declared him fit enough to sign.

At the risk of sounding like sour grapes the departure of Zach Miller may end up good for both sides.

Miller was dinged too last year and his blocking left some wanting. Several TDs were called back last year on Miller holding penalties and even though he did make the Pro Bowl, it was as an alternate and after several had back out.

He's a good player and a solid team mate but the Raiders may have made a better finacial decison in the long run. 

We just hope it pays off where it really counts. In the Win-Loss column.

08-04-11

Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images                                                                      RB Michael Bush

RB Michael Bush rejoins the fold as the Raiders bowling ball for the 2011 season. Bush is finally poised to becomes a serious Raider weapon after injuries have stunted his career so far.

The Raiders snagged the 1st round talent from Louisville after a severely broken leg in his first game his senior year ended his College football career.

He was eventually taken in the 4th round (100th overall) by Oakland even though it was not known if Bush would ever play again.

The prolific former Cardinal rehabbed the entire 2007 season and thats the reason he remained a Restricted Free Agent his 4th year in the League.

Due to Bush's extensive rehab they decided his rookie season would not count toward the 4 years need to qualify as Unrestricted and that was good news for Oakland.That allowed the Raiders to place a 1st round tender on Bush meaning any team interested would have to give Oakland a 1st round draft pick and that Oakland would be able to match any offer in order to keep him.

Offers never materialized and Oakland was able to resign the veteran RB.

The 6-1, 245 lb bruiser has yet to completely realize his vast potential but the Raiders know the gifted, well rounded RB is poised to have a great season.

Oakland fans are just glad its with them.

08-01-11 1:48pm pac

"With a blizzard of dis-interest from potential suitors many wondered why Oakland hadn't locked up Pro Bowl TE Zach Miller. Now a report that Oaklands most prolific receiver may be visiting the Great Northwest has many wondering..."

        Is Zach coming

               Back?

Its not unusual for the Raiders to shun the media, especially when it comes the inner workings of its front office but the lack of information regarding the status of Pro Bowl TE and team leading receiver Zach Miller, had many scratching their heads.

The absence of a press release touting the return of Miller has bewildered fans and media alike but the announcement of a "new" contract for Safety Michael Huff seemed to shed some light.

Mr. Davis, using his half centuries plus experience in League matters anticipated a shortened pre season due to the lock out and got a huge jump on the competion by signing players like CB Stanford Routt, DT Richard Seymour and a host of others to contracts BEFORE the lock out.

Including Michael Huff.

Huff played the wall flower no one asked to dance, all the while sitting on a choice contract already.

The same was speculated about Zach Miller.

Until reports he was visiting the Seattle Sehawks today.

A vast desert of dis-interest seemed to swirl around Miller, leading to speculation ranged from, his skills being devalued by a League moving away from keying on stud Tight Ends, to his already being signed, to a mystery injury.

With the breaking news of a supposed visit to the Jet City Raider fans may have to wait with baited breath once again.

Balancing Oaklands relationship between hating the media and using them at the same time to draw a lion share of interest in a .500 ball club is another of Mr. Davis' gambler tactics.

Drama and intrigue bring media and means attention desperately need for a team that has struggled for far too many years but balancing on the razors edge can reap reward, or turn and cut you deep.

Losing Miller and Asomugha would not be welcome news for the long suffering fans of the Silver and Black.

07-29-11 12:41 am                                

 Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                              HC Hue Jackson and the troops

There seemed to be a general lack of interest in Oakland Free Agents yesterday including CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Houston was supposed to be the front runner at one point but signed CB Jonathan Joseph for $48 million instead.

TE Zach Miller, S Michael Huff and RB Michael Bush seemed to generate little attention and that may bode well for Oakland when it comes time to write checks.

Of course things can change at a moments notice. Just ask Cooper Carlisle and Chris Johnson.

LB Bruce Davis, FB Marcel Reece and DT/DE Desmond Bryant are restricted Free Agents and like Unrestricted Free Agents Nnamdi, Zach Miller, Huff and Bush all sat out yesterdays practice.

Running backs Michael Bennett and rookie Taiwan Jones wish they had. Both were knocked to the ground by Big Richard Seymour.

Some one Raider fans wish had practiced was 2nd yr Lineman Bruce Campbell the chiseled adonis reportedly failed his physical and was placed on the non football related injury list.

With Campbell's staus in question one wonders if Oakland will pick up the contract of one of its many unsigned Linemen from last year. That list includes Tackles Khalif Barnes, Langston Walker, Mario Henderson and Center Samson Satele.

Oakland did draft Center Stephen Wisniewski and Tackle Joseph Barksdale but one has to think the Raiders were wanting to see what Bruce Campbell could do.

It may be something minor with Campbell, we just don't know. If it is serious and or season threatening at least the Raiders have options, but likely not the one they'd hoped for.

07-28-11 5:05 pm pac                      

                                                                                          CB Chris Johnson "I think I just got fired?!"

Big day for the Nation as it took care of business and got down to practice.

Rumors swirled all day and while some, like Zach Miller had been traded to the Bengals proved false, several others had the ring of truth.

Tackle Mario Henderson reported gun charges acquired March 17th would be dropped.

C Stephen Wisniewski, T Joseph Barksdale, CB Chimdi Chekwa and TE Big Richard Gordon all signed today.

The Raiders are "deep" into contract negotiations with Franchise tagged LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley. Odds makers would say it's not only because Oaklands over the cap limit, but may be to free up money for a certain Cornerback of interest.

We can only hope.

Many think the Jets are a lock as Asomugha's landing zone but Houston is apparently cutting deadwood and building up cash to make a run at the 4 time All-Pro.

San Francisco did nothing to dispel rumors they may be in the hunt as well by cutting CB Nate Clemments earlier today.

Vince Young was cut by the Titans today and rumors quickly began about Oakland as a destination but they've worked long and hard to purge distractions. Oakland may look at a QB in FA but Mr Davis is high on Charlie Frye.

We're not sure if Frye's wrist is completely healed.

Oakland said it was in the market for Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson but the Patriots landed him instead.

Does this mean they'll look for another WR in FA?

Reserve LB Thomas Howard went to the Bengals. He accepted his demotion to Special Teams last year with professional grace and aplomb.

He was rewarded today with a 2 yr $6.5 million dollar contract.

We reported starting Right Guard Cooper Carlisle was released today. We think the information is legit but if you've been a fan of Oakland for any length of time you know how secretive they are.

If Oaklands clearing cap space the 11 yr vet would clear at least $2 million off the books. Add that to the fact he's a Zone Blocking Lineman and that we no longer run that scheme and things begin to add up.

Oakland may also have released CB Chris Johnson. Though often injured throughout his career Johnson was seen as a decent CB and a part of next years secondary. A secondary many think will be devoid of Nnamdi as well.

Interesting move. And yes, it could mean that someone might stay. It could also mean the Raiders may shop free agency.

Lets hope they don't treat the secondary like they've done their receiver corps and throw a bunch of young guys to the wolves.

Rod Woodsen is there to advise but unless he actually suits up, some veteran presence on the back half seems like a necessity. 

No word on Safety Michael Huff's status. Last rumor was Dallas had an eye on him, and they did release two Safeties of their own today.

More to come...

07-27-11 5:05 pm pac                       

                                                                              CB Demarcus Van Dyke

No. 81 overall pick CB Demarcus Van Dyke signed to a four-year contract

The 6-1, 178 lb Van Dyke sealed the deal with Oakland by running a 4.28. Rod Woodsen himself flew to Florida and after meeting the former Miami DB in person, signed off on him.

Today, so did Al.

No. 125 overall pick RB Taiwan Jones signed to a four-year contract

 The 6-0, 200 lb Jones out-classed all opponents while at EW and the only reason he was playing there rather than for a Division I College was a personal struggle with dyslexia. Another reason the very Darren McFadden like speedster slipped was an extensive injury history. As a back up / compliment to the aforementioned McFadden, Jones should be dynamite.

No. 148 overall pick WR Denarius Moore signed to a four-year deal

Moore is one of the more gifted receivers in this years draft. His 4.45 in the 40 is a tad slow by Raider standards but he has a tendency to haul in the toughest of grabs. Dropping easy ones saw him slip to the 5th round but if he pans out? Wow...

 
No. 241 overall pick TE David Ausberry signed to a four-year contract

The 6-4, 233 lb Ausbury clocked a 4.45 at his USC Pro Day and was the fastest Trojan receiver. He never really got his chance to shine at Southern Cal but if Oakland converts him to FB like they did with last years break out WR/ FB Marcel Reece, Oakland could be onto something very, very special.

Still left to sign:

No. 48 overall pick C Stephen Wisniewski, oddly no word from the Raider Legacy. His Uncle will be a coach on the O line.

No. 92 overall pick T Joseph Barksdale. We've spoken with him briefly and he should be on board soon.

No.113 overall pick CB Chimdi Chekwa. He's big, he's fast, he'll be a Raider soon.

No. 181 overall pick TE Richard Gordon. Big Rich should help fill out a need for depth and on ST.