02-17-12 7:42 am pac           
Photo / Getty Images                                                                                                 LG Stefen Wisniewski


Darren McFadden makes Oaklands O line look good but the fall off in production had more to do with the loss of speed weapons on an offense built on speed weapons.

The Silver and Black led the League in big plays until Moore, Ford, McFadden, Jones and others went down with injuries. After that Oakland wasn't able to challenge the edges of the D and teams were able to key on the inside run.

Despite this, "back up" RB Michael Bush gained nearly 1,000 yds on the ground.

Even with an apparent scheme change theres a good chance the Oakland O line will look much the same as it did last year. At least personnel wise.

LT Jared Veldheer

The Division II surprise looked like a steal his rookie season taking over for bored and hungry Mario Henderson but regressed in year two drawing double digit penalties. Teams got film on him and figured somethings out but Veldheer put on 15 lbs of muslce last off season and is relentless in his pursuit of bettering his craft. If he blossoms this season it bodes well and could give Oakland stability on the blind side for the next decade or so.

LG Stefen Wisniewski

Wizzer made strides his rookie season and looks like a fixture on the Raider O line. Hes a lock to play Left Guard but looked good filling at Center, the postion he played in College.

Wizzer worked hard and made great strides last year especially after looking awkward in space early on. Thats important because he'll be asked to do it much more if Oakland truly goes back to the Zone Blocking Scheme.

C  

Samson Satele wasn't even sure he was going to be on the team till late last off season. The Raiders drafted C Wisniewski and didn't bother to give the former Miami Dolphin Satele a heads up. For whatever reason, Wizzer was moved to LG and Satele, a ZBS Center originally, was kept aboard despite the implementation of a more traditional straight line power blocking scheme by Hue Jackson.

Satele stands a better chance of making the team this year as new OC Greg Knapp returns and likely brings the ZBS back with him.

Satele's good at it and plays injured but being the smallest starting C in the League means he struggles against NTs and when dinged hes a liability. Satele also loses his open field ability and cannot get second level when hes injured, but again, being familiar with the "new" system is a plus.

RG

Selected in the 4th round (113th overall) of the 2000 Draft by the Denver Broncos to play in their ZBS Carlisle was dumped by Denver in 2007 and signed by the Raiders as an after thought to help them implement their new ZBS.

Since then the "washed up" Carlisle has done nothing but plays solid football. He did not draw a flag all season and is likely to challenge once again for the starting slot. Moving back to the ZBS only makes his case for another season stronger but hes due $3.25 million this year and the new management may or may not balk at that dollar amount.

RT

Khalif Barnes / Jospeh Barksdale / Bruce Campbell

Barnes may be done in Oakland. He didn't want to switch to RT last season and made noise about a starting job elsewhere. He signed only a 1 yr deal last season and was frankly underwhelming. He drew flags and was a liability in protection too often. 

Also, a return to the ZBS doesn't favor Barnes.

Oakland has been lacking solid RT play for the better part of a decade now. If they could solidify this postion it would go a long way toward anchoring their line.

Bruce Campbell had about 18 games experience in College at Maryland where he played Left Tackle but ZBS proponent and HC Tom Cable decided to move the work out adonis to Guard "to give him help" but the move negated one of his best assets and edge rush snagging wing span of epic proportions. It also wasted valuable time.

Campbell announced late last season he was moving back to Tackle. Thats a good thing but he'll have to start from scratch to play Right side instead of Left Tackle he played for the Terps.

With a stunted learning curve, a clear need for reps and experience, Campbell sat year one and unfortunately missed all of last years truncated off season camp with a non football related knee injury.

A "Davis pick" this will be Campbell's last chance to show he belongs on the roster so camp will be crucial if he wants to stay and challenge for the Right Tackle spot.

Joseph Barksdale

We liked Barksdale day one and have found him to be a remarkable, thoughtful, intelligent man and a solid Lineman with potential and good attitude.

He was a liability in protection early on filling at G and at RT but he was a rookie with limited reps and seemed to progress as he got more field time.

Camp will be crucial for Barksdale too as he challenges for Right Tackle. He'll need to work on his get off and his kick slide if hes to make a run at the starting slot but he appears fully capable of becoming a solid lineman. We're not sure if hes going to be completely ZBS compatible but he could surprise. 

02-16-12 9:09 am

Some media types feeling more confident after a lengthy meeting with new GM Reggie McKenzie "off the record."

Few details, most we already knew, scheme changes likely, no new names on potential cuts or restructures but sportswriters a lil more encouraged about Reggie's plan and vision.

Likely, the honey moon period for McKenzie and the media will last until the first snap of game one or the first flag.

As we suspected, Bay area media types have been holding their tounges regarding the new regime and its sweeping and questionable changes because the new un-holy trinity of Owner GM and HC revealed in a closed meeting with about 10 writers that the new regime may be more amennable to the media than the Al Davis era Raiders.

Reggie may be smarter than some give him credit for and if hes able to manipulate the roster the team and the League the way he has the media we may be onto something.

Many times this off season semi-pros and bloggers were beating Bay area professionals to the punch with breaking Raider news (we always have) because Oaklands new GM Reggie McKenzie spent 17 yrs with the Green Bay Packers.

Hence, Eastern time zone sports writers were breaking Raider news while Bay area reporters were left scrambling.

Like most things with McKenzie's newly crowned, sometimes bizzare reign, his dance with the media may be fortuitous circumstance or it may be careful, thoughtful manipulation.

By now secretly offering a bone to starving Bay area writers McKenzie has curried favor and there are plenty of Davis hating writers more than willing to toe the line with restraint and positive spin for anyone not named Al.

If McKenzie is playing them, some will stay glossy and print favorable reviews but some, soon enough will take offense to being manipulated.

Mark may, but McKenzie likely has little idea the venom some of these reporters reserved not only for Al, but the Raiders and the franchise in general. They love Reg simply because hes not Al whom a few hated with a black passion. (Thats when you know you're good by the way, by the vehemence of your enemy.)

The media can overlook the remarkably questionable hires slapped together and called a Coaching staff. For example the media largely ignored how the new staff hires exposed the new Owner, new GM and new HC for their serious lack of phone book depth.

Anything can happen but by a preponderance of evidence, bright lights and happy times aren't likely and even starry eyed reporters admit next year may be a wash.

That'll be difficult and frustrating for long suffering Raider fans but good or bad Reggie's medicine is going to be given several years and every chance to work and it had better.

Perhaps discipline and an attitude change is just what the doctor ordered and at the risk of sounding overly optimistic, Oakland has alot of talent and a solid mix of youth and vets. We haven't even addressed the cap or gone through Free Agency or the Draft so its too early to condemn Oaklands new Leadership and who knows?

Oakland could surprise next season and Reggie could actually make the ultra secret Raiders more open to the traditionally shunned media.

Stranger things have happened...but we won't hold our breath.

02-07-12 7:40 am pac  

                                     
                                                                                                                New Raider DC Jason Tarver                                                       

With a dizzying, some would say shocking rebuild underway one of Oaklands latest hires and its ramifications may have slipped under the radar.

Former Stanford Cardinal co-DC Jason Tarver has been selected to head the Raider defense and while he is very smart (He has degrees from UCLA in molecular biology and biochemistry) in a football sense, Tarver's "beautiful mind" is really a master of the 3-4 defense.

While Oakland may or may not commit to any one base for their defense (new HC Dennis Allen refused to define either way during his opening presser) its pretty obvious you don't sign on a DC whos a guru in a defense you're not going to use.

Allen comes from a 3-4 in Denver and an exclusively defensive minded background himself, so the leap isn't quite a chasm but it does signify Oakland is in the throes of a massive rebuild whether Davis Jr. and co. want to admit it or not.

That doesn't necessarily mean Oakland will be a non contender next season but to long suffering fans the news of such an under taking after nearly a decade of losing combined with the fact the injury decimated Raiders were one game away from winning the Division has some fans flustered.

Add this to the fact Mark Davis is actively seeking to move the team or negotiate for a new stadium and it makes things look even more dicey but stranger things have happened.

Remember, all 3 Oakland SuperBowls were won using a 3-4 Defense.

Chances are Oaklands new powers that be will be given at least as much time as Jon Gruden who only managed to go 8-8 his first two seasons in Oakland.

Tarver and the new crew willl likely be given a long leash as well and a chance to rebuild the Raiders as they see fit. 

01-30-12 8:29 pm pac

Photo Justin Sullivan / Getty Images                                                                              New HC Dennis Allen

Its all in the attitude.

Thats the platitude.

Its all in the attitude was the jist of many of the responses and barbs from brand spankin' new Raider HC Dennis Allen who looked cool and calm delivering well reasoned responses while deftly playing the political game of saying words without imparting any information.

Pretty standard presser with the standard promises to fix things long broken and instill a new sense of commitment and discipline but theres something drastically different this time.

The players owner who ruled this Kingdom with an iron fist is gone.

For the first time in eons a Raider Coach will have teeth and this Texas A&M grad was picked specifically because he will use them.

Players will be given the opportunity to show their commitment but not for long.

Players with long contracts under Davis had the opportunity to simply wait a season or two if they'd fallen out of favor with the current coach because he would be gone within 2 yrs max.

Anomalies and loop holes like this will be closing rapidly and with them doors behind players unable to focus or perform. Thats going to create competition and thats going to change focus and attitudes.

Remember:

"Its all in the attitude."

Aside from the catchy truism *hint-hint Raiders. Just cut me in for a taste* we honestly think this diagnosis is right. Theres been a pervasive attitude in Oakland and it hasn't been one of commitment to excellence. In part, Davis' culture of treating men like men and giving them enough rope often hung the team in the eyes of some.

Where pretty sure todays players haven't been taking liberties given back in the raucous 70s but we're pretty sure that with Al gone and a new regime in charge many, many X Box subscriptions should not be renewed.

Its all in the attitude.

If they don't have it, players who cross Allen will likely have plenty of time for X Box.

01-25-12 6:10 am pac           
Photo / AP                                                                                 New Raider HC Dennis Allen


With the "official" hiring of former Denver DC Dennis Allen moments away Oakland looks to change its philosophy and its losing ways.

That could be alot easier said than done.

New GM Reggie McKenzie is getting the benefit of the doubt from an unusually docile Raider media but combing the unknowns and discard pile for a new HC based on his "gut" will only take our new GM so far especially if the Raiders start losing next season.

Everything under the sun has already been said about Allen's background. Played in the secondary for Texas A&M. worked with Atlanta and the Saints before being promoted to DC in Denver under John Fox but there is little to nothing suggest Allen is the next Jon Gruden or even a competent Head Coach candidate.

Granted, he is well liked by some and was tagged by those in the League as an up and comer but to annoint a complete rookie HC to an organization with a rookie GM seems a questionable move at best.

For example, Oaklands new GM Reggie McKenzie stated at his inagural press conference that whomever he hired as HC would be alowed to choose his own staff.

That was before he began combing the bargain bins for rookies and wash outs.

Hiring Allen means, theoretically, that Allen will be allowed to choose his own staff, at least thats what Reggie said but it makes one wonder if Allen even has the knowledge and or connections to do so or if Reggie will allow Allen to select his own staff from another of Reggie's "short lists".

Stranger things have happened and hopefully the Raiders will have a remarkable run deep into the play offs in 2012-2013 but there are so many questions about staff, scheme, personnel and even team location, making the play offs would be a minor miracle at this early juncture.

Media types seem to be biding their time with McKenzie and they should. No one knows what affect these moves and those that follow will bring but from a purely analytical stand point owner Mark Davis' decision to reverse everything his father has done for decades and approval of complete novices to over see such a massive under taking in its own way, is a very risky and very Al Davis thing to do.

As it stands right now many feel veteran Al Saunders will see a second year as the Raiders OC to help with continuity while the defensive minded Allen re-tools a continually under performing D.

That makes sense, but again, anything can happen and no one on staff is safe.

Though a myriad of Oakland "Coaches" appeared at Senior Bowl activities Saunders was the only one sporting Raider gear. We've heard Sauders is the only Coach still under contract even though Kevin Ross, Rod Woodsen, Bob Wylie and even Chuck Bresnahan were there.

Whether Allen keeps any of them is anyone guess but frankly, it might not be a terrible move to keep at least a few.

Remember, despite a rash of key injuries Oakland went 8-8, was one game out of the play offs and one game from winning a weak Divison. Add that to one of the most talented rosters Davis ever fielded and many felt retaining Hue for one more year made perfect sense.

Not Mark Davis who had decided long before seasons end and even before his fathers passing that he was going to gut the team regardless.

Had Hue taken Oakland deep into the play offs firing him and implementing a rebuild would've been a tougher pill for long suffering fans to swallow as will a move back to L.A. or somewhere other than Oakland but thats another matter...

Preliminary indications from McKenzie signal he could care less and is hell bent on rebuilding things his way even if that takes years.

Again, things could turn out great and a talented Raider team could surprise but when you look at whats really going on and the inexperience of those assigned to rebuild and update an entire franchise, prudence dictates things could get a whole lot rougher before they get better.

Its too early to tell if the McKenzie hire or the Allen hire were good moves because neither of them has any experience at their current jobs.

01-23-11 4:06 pm pac                    

                                                                                                                              Former QB Rich Gannon

The Nation's love of Chucky puzzles many but goes beyond the simple fact we were successful during a good part of his reign. His presence harkens a time when we were good.

Chucky's Raiders featured an identity many of those same people fail to even realize while the new Raiders sans Al Davis, are looking for a new identy with a new GM for the first time in 40+ years but would getting Jon Gruden back actually be a good thing?

THE OAKLAND OVER THE HILL GANG

Most of the people who line up for a Gruden reunion don't realize exactly why he was a success here in Oakland.

Chucky and Bruce Allen used Bruce's fathers old game plan of recruiting and trading for wiley old veterans who could guide / run the team in many ways and hopefully make a run at some Championship seasons, which, they entirely did.

Alas, the true horror of how those campaigns ended causes amnesia in some Raider fans who omit Siragusa, the Tuck Rule Tampa Bay and hence Chucky's susccess at the beginning of the millenium.

One of the victims of those devastating losses was QB Rich Gannon who now bides his time in the broadcasting booth.

Have no illusions, Gannon is one of the gleeful now that Davis is gone and just today he advocated the return of his former boss to Oakland with, of course, Gannon in tow in some form or another it is assumed. Something that NEVER would've happend while Al drew breath.

In fact, indeed, because of the way those campaigns at the turn of the 2000s ended, Gannon desperately wants to come back and make Oakland whole again.

Some think hes a jinx.

Some think he and Chucky returning to Oakland could be the best thing to happen in a decade.

Heres what we think...

REALITY vs FICTION

Replicating Gruden's strategy today seems much less viable. Truth is, Gruden is not a particularly solid or innovative Coach. The veterans he wisely hired like Gannon managed the team to a great extent.

If Gruden were to come back theres no way of knowing what strategy he would try to employ but theres little to indicate his years in the broadcast booth have trained him to become well versed in another Coaching discipline.

On the other hand bringing back Gruden and even Gannon makes sense on some level especially if the team is to be rebuilt in more of a Packers "West Coast" type of offense.

Thats something both could excel at and with McKenzie feeding talent and making draft picks rather than letting Gruden and Gannon make roster moves could be viable.

What would Gannon do? We're not sure but word is some team mates hated the veteran Gannon during his tenure in Silver and Black. That may be true but they performed for him and respected the fact he knew his job AND theirs. 

Gannon in some capacity could have an affect on Oaklands lack of discipline and its lack of desire and focus on winning.

Thats something he and Chucky had in spades.

Should they come back?

Maybe.

Could they come back?

Sure.

Where theres a will. Gruden signed a 5 yr multi-million dollar deal last October to stay in broadcasting but we've heard there is a clause that could allow him an out. We don't have the details or even know if this is completely true, but it appeases those who like to dream.

Gannon, we think, would love nothing more than to get back to Oakland and help them win the Super Bowl he never could and in someway help extinguish the nightmare of his worst Super Bowl performance in history.

Thats a pretty good motivator.

Odds are acquiring Chucky could get expensive.

The reality is new GM Reggie McKenzie seems to be combing the bargain bins in his search a replacement for former HC Hue Jackson.

He may have a strategy in place, he may be going with his prodigious gut but ultimately, if he tries to recapture magic with another "Over the Hill Gang" resurrection with Chucky and whoever on board, it'll sink the franchise for another decade.

Again, if Chucky were to come back he may not even try this strategy again because frankly, its no longer feasible and the laws passed to thwart the attempted recovery from such a strategy make a Coaching trade impossible.

So where are the Raiders going?

We'll be the first to admit we're not sure where Reggie's head is at. Anyone outside a very tight loop who tells you they know for certain, is pulling your leg.

If we had to guess, we'd say he's looking for someone to preside over some losing seasons while McKenzie forces what could be a painful and lengthy rebuild.

01-10-12 1:04 pm pac          
 
                                              Mark Davis & Hue Jackson: "Your not gonna fire me right?"

The implication is new owner and son of Al Davis, Mark, may be a chip off the old block.

Given the reaction of players and former HC Hue Jackson himself Mark and minnion Amy Trask knew full well they were going to gut the team and fire Jackson.

If they didn't, this mornings news is more of a bombshell than they even expected.

More like a nuclear bomb.

According to Bay area reporters who spoke with Jackson, the former Raider HC said he was shocked his friend fired him and stated McKenenzie told him "I want to bring my own guys in here."

Surely Davis and Trask must've known this.

Clearly Hue didn't.

Players we and other Raider reporters have spoken to have told us they are "stunned".

Given the death of Mr. Davis and an injury list that read like a Raiders who's who and the fact Jackson limped his team to within one game of a Divisional Championship amny felt Jackson deserved another year at HC without wearing all the hats he had to after Mr. Davis' passing.

Too bad, so sad, next  victim up.

01-06-12 12:33 am pac        

Photo /AP                                                                                              New Raider GM Reggie McKenzie

Its all but official.

We announced it shortly after Adam Schefter who was the first to break the news that indeed Oakland will hire Green Bay Director of Operations Reggie McKenzie as the first Oakland Raiders manager since Al Davis.

McKenzie's 19 yrs of experience and time spent from 85-88 as an Oakland Raider Linebacker prepared him well for his new title but its his instincts as a judge of football players that makes him invaluable and has been instrumental in building the Superbowl Champion Packers.

Odds are McKenzie will have to wait 2 to 4 weeks before helming the post Al Davis Raiders in an historic position as the first GM since his passing.

Oakland will have to wait for Green Bay to either crap out of the play offs or win the Super bowl before the currently under contract McKenzie can begin operations, unless Green Bay wishes to let him go early.

Just as the play offs start.

Odds are McKenzie will bring his own scouting department too wich likely means a shift away from the traditional Al Davis Height/Weight/Speed specimens Davis was eternally famous (or notorious) for.

Odds are McKenzie will have Hue Jackson as his Head Coach in 2012. Owner Mark Davis and Amy Trask are in his corner.

Odds are this swift and decisive strike by Alphonse' son Mark is the greatest move by the Silver and Black in a decade.

12-29-11 9:45 am pac                    
       
Photo / AP                                                                                                                  RB Darren McFadden


67 days after being injured on his second carry against Kansas City RB Darren McFadden has yet to return to the practice field.
Whether he plays Sunday in Oakands crucial match up with Divisional rival San Diego seems less and less likely.

With such a prolonged down time theres a serious question about McFadden's cardio and viability.

Even if the world class athlete practices Friday and is somehow ready to go, even in a limited capacity, HC Hue Jackson may sit him anyway despite play off implications. In fact, he may sit him precisely because of that.

"Rushing" McFadden back into the fray seems like a no brainer given the win or miss the play offs implications of Sundays match up but Jackson may allow Oaklands dealiest weapon to remain on the sideline one more week just to make sure hes up to speed because he has other weapons returning to the arsenal.

RB Michael Bush is 89 yds away from his first 1,000 yd season and has seen more carries than at any other time in his pro career. It would appear that he's slowed a bit but the truth, without speed weapons like WRs Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford and RB Taiwan Jones, defenses have stacked the box and keyed on Bush.

With Moore's return last week Oakland should get Ford and Jones back forcing defenses to respect the deep ball and keep their Safeties further off the LOS and out of the box. Though likely capable of running only a handful of plays due to his rookie status and prolonged absences due to a hammy issue, RB Taiwan Jones should offer the change of pace, outside threat Oakland has lacked since McFadden went down.

Unless of course McFadden plays.

12-27-11 5:26 pm pac

Photo / AP                                                                                                                  RB Darren McFadden

Listen, there are some who think San Diego is DONE. Out of the Play offs, getting a new HC next year and have checked OUT. They're expecting an Oakland romp and if DMC is healthy, Hue won't even play #20, saving him for the Post season.

Those people should know better.

Like it or not, better or worse, Oakland has a penchant for playing down to opponents and dropping games they're supposed to easily win. Not a knock on our current roster, a historical fact.

We'll not fluster you or ourselves with the littany of woe that serves as proof but suffice it to say, such proof is ample and more than quantifiable.

The good news is, Oakland could be getting more offensive weapons back and a veteran in the secondary.

FS Michael Huff has a hamstring issue but says he 100% will play on Sunday.

Though Matt Giordano has been helping out with big plays and the game of his career last Saturday, the Raider secondary missed Huff badly the week before in its stunning come from behind loss to the Lions and WR phenom Megatron Calvin Johnson.

Whether he'll be up to speed is anyones guess but no one plays single high Safety more than Oakland and no one better than Michael Huff.

WR/KR Jacoby Ford may make the Charger game but odds vary from 40 to 60%. Less for Darren McFadden whom fans are resigned to not seeing again this regular season.

Theres a chance but we won't know more till Wednesday.

If certain writers and broadcasters are right and San Diego is ready to lay down in front of the mighty Raiders then yes, you probably keep DMC, Ford and the lot on the bench one more week and hope for the Play offs.

If you're smart you go all in and play like your season is on the line because frankly, it is.

Hue Jackson does not strike us as an overly cautious man.

Hes not a reckless gambler either but he may have a voice tinged with a Brooklyn accent whispering in his ear.

Hue may be new to the Nation but he knows the foundation is solid and the system is a proven Champion maker three times over.

Its all there.

The talent.

The Coaching.

All they need is the will.

The focus.

The desire to be not only great, but exceptional.

Thats the Al Davis way.

The will to excel.

12-23-11 4:55 pm pac          
                                                                                           RB Michael Bush

BUSH VS BOMBARDMENT 

If 250 lb bowling ball Mike Bush can run the Chiefs over, gain around 150 yds on 30 or more carries and score 2 TDs we stand a good chance.

If we fall behind early KCs withering pass rush and excellent coverage looks like it would be to the Chiefs advantage.

Oakland has Orton's number but if they get lax and generate little pressure KC small ball with 2 of the Leagues most unheralded WRs will eat Oaklands decimated secondary alive.

Safety Jerome Boyd wasn't mad at himself for making 2 game changing bone head plays in the loss to the Lions, he was mad about the $20,000 fine levied by the League.

Usually, we're against the Leagues often ridiculous fines for contact. This time $20,000 sounds about right. Maybe not for the infraction  but the lack of reaction.

THE DIFFERENCE DEFENSIVELY

Note to self:

Self, be sure to see if Oakland gives up anymore horrendous deep passes while playing zone Tampa 2 or 3.

If they do, Chuck Bresnahan needs to be court martialed for dereliction of duty for not watching film or being crass enough to keep calling the same formations and blaming the players.

Of course it would help to tell Raider defenders once they get to their designated zone area to play the BALL and not the man.

It would make all the difference in the world and solve the Raiders sparse interception production.

Granted there are players in there who would not be if not for injury, but you have to play to that players strength and not call what the manual says to go with percentage wise.

These are the differences between nobody Coaches and eventual Head Coaches and Champions.

WIDE OPEN

We've mentioned Kansas City's fine WRs in Steve Breaston, Dwayne Bowe and Jon Baldwin but they've got some talented TEs too. Again, if it comes to small ball, we can handle that if we stand tall in the red zone or even generate turn overs.

On offense Oakland needs to control the clock but they can and will take their shots down field.

Lets just hope its because our run game is going so well theres no one deep to cover and not because we're down by 34 at the half.

Darrius Heyward Bey had a career game with 8 catches for 155 yds including a 43 yd TD but its the one catch he didn't make on a crucial late 4th quarter drive that hurt Oakland the most.
Big time players make exactly those kind of catches. He also fumbled away a golden opportunity after a long completion.

So, improved, but a way off still.

WR Louis Murphy experienced some groin tightning and it wasn't from Viagra this time.

The ghost of his old injury could be back to haunt him and with it we fear, the spectre of doubt.

If Hue Jackson is smart, he won't ask much of the struggling Murphy who only a few weeks ago considered retirement. 

WR Jacoby Ford is out.

Words are inadequate to describe the impact of his loss but the W-L column says it all. He and FS Michael Huff, DT John Henderson and of course, the ghost of Darren McFadden have all been officially ruled out of Saturdays game.

MENTAL BLOCK

If someone doesn't inform HC Hue Jackson that placing TE Kevin Boss one on one with any of the Leagues leading pass rushers is a massive disaster its bound to happen again.

Its happened at least twice and thats enough.

Pull Boss, trade his ass next year and play Myer.

Myer a meaner blocker anyway and this season, a better receiver than Boss.

If Jackson has a clue he'll run Oaklands Jumbo sets most of the day and keep his TEs out. They haven't used them much anyway.

When Oakland stacks Joseph Barksdale in there with Veldheer, Wisniewski, Satele, Carlisle AND Barnes, Bush rolls.

When Oakkand goes air Veldheer could use a little help. Thats where you bring in Myer or use a motion WR to chip him.

Get creative but help your 2nd yr Division II Left Tackle out, right?

Center Samson Satele had a career game last Sunday. He'll need another this Saturday.

PALMER: REDEMPTION OR REDUX

Palmer was picked apart by KC in Palmer first and emergency appearance and it was ugly.

He was brilliant last week end and if he can be again with an established run game Oakland could crack the Chiefs burgeoning secondary.

Oakland Linemen will need to pick up the blitz and corral KCs under rated LBs but their enemy at the gates drills are firmly ingrained and as long as they communicate, they should be fine.

END GAME

Its do or die for another Raider season. We won't even go into the scenarios but put it this way, if Oakland wins, they live another day. If they lose, they're at the bottom of the AFC West.

Win and you live to fight another day.

Lose and your out. Out for months with your only constant companion bitter defeat and the knowledge that you've lost one more chance to achieve greatness.

To achieve immortality.

Those chances are extremely finite. So scarce in fact, some players end their careers never having this chance at all...

It doesn't get much clearer than that.

12-14-11 10:57 am pac

Photo Lenny Ignelzi / Getty Images                                                                                    WR Denarius Moore

Oakland managed to field at least one of its speed weapons for this practice but the other 3 have a prognosis not as rosy.

Fellow WR and Kick Return man Jacoby Ford was spotted working out with trainers and rookie RB Taiwan Jones but only for a brief period of time. He headed for the locker room a few scant minutes, raising media eyebrows, but returned just as quickly jogging back to join Jones.

WR Chaz Schilens has struggled with foot and knee injuries since College and appeared to be injured again in last weeks blow out loss to the undefeated Packers and he may be.

We think the H/W/S specimen may be dinged but after missing so much time in his brief, and fading, career, he may be toughing it out.

RB Darren McFadden was MIA for the 52nd day after suffering a "mid foot sprain" against Kansas City.

Weeks after we reported DMC's injury may be worse than let on, he is no closer to a viable return date.

Assuming he is even ready to begin practicing (hes not) it will take at least a week to get back in football shape after such a prolonged absence.

Despite what Hue Jackson has said, the odds of seeing McFadden out side of deep in the post season are rapidly dwindling.

Oakland is one of the most injury decimated teams in the League and many more have been walking wounded much of the year.

Among them, wily veterans Richard Seymour and FS Michael Huff.

Seymour recorded zero tackles against Green Bay and a lingering knee injury has clearly slowed him.

He was at practice today though where he hasn't been in recent weeks.

Huff has been struggling with a sore ankle the majority of the season and was not present today.

He may be healing up and taking a rest.

Center Samson Satele was at practice after being dinged up against the Pack.

Satele has struggled as well with injuries and frankly is the one player Hue Jackson should actually sit until hes 100%.

We've said it before. Satele's the smallest Center in the game and struggles with bigger NTs (especially 3-4 defenses) even when healthy.

When hes dinged it shows. WIth a sore knee he hasn't been getting second level and in combination with Oaklands lack of edge speed or receiving weapons this has been a major cause of the Raider run game collapse.

We think rookie LG Stephen Wisniewski will be playing the postion he was drafted for next season.

If Satele plays expect more Oakland O line struggles (ie another loss) because Detroit DT Ndamuhkong Suh will be fresh from his 2 game suspension and ready to wreak havoc.

Its clear Oakland pretty much needs to win out if they want to make it to the post season for the first time in 8 years.

If Hue Jackson is serious about it, he'll do what needs to be done and field the best O line possible. 

12-13-11 12:01 am pac

Photo / AP                                                                                                                    WR/KR Jacoby Ford

Fighter pilots having a saying, "Speed is life". For the Oakland Raiders, this axiom is particularly true.

With the vast majority of its speed sidelined by injury the Raiders Offense has become one dimensional.

With no McFadden or rookie RB Taiwan Jones, Oakland is hard pressed to attack the edges of the D.

Without the deep strike threat of WRs Jacoby Ford and or rookie Denarius Moore, Defenses have taken to keying on RB Michael Bush and FB/WR Marcel Reece and loading the box with 8 or 9 Defenders and stuffing the run.

Adding Jones to the mix could give Oakland a speedy change of pace back but Jones looked like the game was too big for him on Special Teams and in limited regular season action.

His hands are all right but he pass protects like Darren McFadden did his rookie year.

Have no illusions though, Jones is dangerous in space. 

If Oakland can get one or preferably both of its WRs back it will mean alot since that dynamic speed takes 3rd level defenders down field and further away from the line of scrimmage, hence taking them further away from the LOS and run defense.

Even if Oakland doesn't get RB Jones back, they can attack the edges with Ford and Moore on end arounds, bubble screens and even from the back field ala Percy Harvin if they want to go all in.

Speed has been life for fighter pilots through out history and it is life for the Oakland Raiders if they want to re-enter the play off hunt, sustain drives, score points and keep their suspect D off the field until its time to rush the passer.

If none of the injured or only Jones makes it back in time for the Lions this week end the Raider O will likely remain one dimensional and the odds of Oakland making the play offs diminish drastically. 
 

12-07-11 10:15 am pac                     

Photo Harry How / Getty Images                                                                               WR/KR Denarius Moore

The Raiders first practice of the week was crucial not only in preperation for the undefeated Green Bay Packers, but in terms of who Oakland might field against them.

The decimated Raiders desperately need to get key players back or at least begin to fill in some postions.

Todays session doesn't mean key players won't play this Sunday at Lambeau but if they miss tomorrows practice too odds are they will not. 

None of the Raiders key Offensive weapons have been seen at this mornings practice so far. RB Darren McFadden, and WR/KRs Jacoby Ford and rookie Denarius Moore.

This is a hammer blow to fans hoping for some sign of life from the Raiders walking wounded list bunt not entirely unexpected. At least by us.

We've reported McFadden's "mid foot sprain" was worse than let on more than a month ago and todays absence is proof positive.

If he was anywhere near healthy he would be on the field today prepping for the biggest play off impacting game of the season and perhaps biggest game Oakland has faced since its SuperBowl apperance.

Ford and or Moore could theoretically appear tomorrow and make the game but we doubt very much McFadden  would since hes been down so long and likely would need a few practices to get back up to football speed.

Rookie RB/KR Taiwan Jones remains out too with a hamstring issue.   

The Raiders did get back DE Jarvis Moss, DT John Henderson and  WR Chaz Schilens or at least they were present. Hendu and Schilens were mostly observing.

DT Richard Seymour, MLB Rolando McClain and TE Kevin Boss were there this morning too and participating for what its worth.

Interesting note, QB Jason Campbell was not at practice and should be 7 weeks after breaking his clavical. The prognosis for recovery was 6 weeks.

Odds are, Campbell has seen his last snaps as a Raider. He'll be a FA at the end of the season and its very likely some team will jump at him.

More to come...stay tuned



 

11-30-11 11:33 pm pac     

                                                                                   DT Chester McGlockton                                                 

Oakland took a step toward healing its walking wounded today with the return of WR rookie sensation Denarius Moore.

Fellow WR/KR Jacoby Ford did not practice but was seen running the length of the end zone so thats an encouraging sign for his return from and ankle injury.

The fact veteran WR TJ Houshmandzadeh was seen returning punts isn't.

Ford could come back but for Oaklands trip to Miami but the Raiders don't look like they are counting on it.

Odds increase that we'll see Housh fielding kicks if rookie RB Taiwan Jones remains out for the Dolphins game too.

Jones has a reported hammy strain that seems to be getting better but wasn't seen at todays practice.

After working with a trainer on the side and walking round the track yesterday, no sign of RB Darren McFadden today.

Must've been a hell of a mid foot sprain because McFadden's been out since Oct. 23rd.

Most sprains are said to take from 4-6 weeks.

DT Richard Seymour has been dealing with a sore knee for the last few weeks and seeing game time mostly on 3rd downs.

He stated recently his knee is feeling better but was not at practice today.

As a proven vet Seymour's likely being rested.

Same for 2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain who has gutted out painful lower leg injuries most of the season including one suffered against the Bears.

McClain came out of the game, went to the locker room then returned to have his foot wrapped on the sideline so he could return to the game.

His warrior spirit has not gone un-noticed.

FBs Manase Tonga and Marcel Reece were both at practice today. Tonga of course being the better traditional straight line run blocker and Reece the all purpose mega weapon we've dubbed "the most dangerous FB in football" with ample cause.

As if his record 6 FG performance wasn't enough to convince you, K Sebastian Janikowski appears to be nearly recovered from his hamstring strain.

He was officially NOT listed on the most recent injury report.

More to come...

Ed note: RNS wishes to extend condolences to the family and friends of former raiders DT and current Stanford Coach Chester McGlockton who passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack.

God speed.

Once a Raider...

11-21-11 11:21 am pac        

Photo / AP

The Raiders have suffered blow after staggering blow in the injury department this season.

Starting DE Matt Shaughnessy, starting QB Jason Campbell, starting, League leading RB Darren McFadden, starting CB Chris Johnson, on and on.

Add to this the death of the greatest man in the history of pro football and most teams, especially after so many lean years in a row, would've crumbled and written the season off after the loss of Campbell but not Hue Jackson and not the the Raiders.

The fact they are leading the AFC West doesn't get enough play. Iin part, because the Divisions so bad and in part because, well, the Raiders haven't been very good for awhile and most media have gotten used to dismissing them, becauseof losses and a lack of "stars".

Its this lack of key super stars that actually helps the Raiders because truth is, almost all of them are good.

Even with the massive and extensive injury list the Raiders are still a very deep and very talented team.

Daring Head Coach Hue Jackson acquisitions and decisions to distribute game reps and attention play to this strength but make fantasy football Coaches hate the Raiders.

Especially with their one, consistent super star, RB Darren McFadden still out. 

McFadden is expected back for the Raiders match up with the Bears but that may change if he's not 100%.

Why?

For one, Oakland won yesterday.

 They lead the division by a game and Chicago just lost its starting QB Jay Cutler to a broken thumb on his throwing hand.

 With McFadden's replacement Michael Bush turning in another 100 yd game against the 6th ranked Viking run D, theres no dire urgency to rush McFadden back into the line up. Yes, all games are important, but so is strategy and budgetting resources.

 One resource that should be rested is K Sebastian Janikowski.

 If Oakland can, they should sit him for a few weeks and let him heal fully.

C Samson Satele left yesterdays game with a possible concussion.
The Hawaiian warrior has been dealing with a variety of dings including a bad knee.

HC Hue Jax said WR Darrius Heyward Bey suffered a spinal injury. Bey was cleared and released from hospital and made the flight home with the team. If his injury had been extremely serious, he'd never have been allowed on the plane.

WR/KR Jacoby Ford could sit out the Bears game for the same reason. The Raiders would like to have the speedy threat if they make the post season.

Another indication Ford may be rested another week after turning an ankle early against SD in a Thursday night win is the addition of CB Bryan McCann.

McCann returned kicks yesterday and fared well.

His big knock is fumbling the ball away.

He did it six times last year with Dallas. 

J. Kow missed a long field goal yesterday and is clearly not himself on kick offs.

Risking the greatest kicker in Raider history and the best in the game by letting him work at 80% capacity is not only dangerous, it seems un-necessary.

He should be allowed to heal.

Unreported so far is the possibkle injury to pass rushing DE Jarvis Moss.

He was spotted limping off the field after blowing contain and pulling up lame while chasing after WR Percy Harvin who scored on a soon to be negated end around.

We hope its not serious.

Oaklands depth at DE starts to get thin after Moss, even with his lack of run discipline.

If Moss is limited or out it means we'll see more of DE/LB Trevor Scott and the same issues will apply, but worse.

Scott hasn't done anything since a two sack game against the Jets...in 2009.

Scott worked his way back from a bad knee injury that saw him miss all of 2010. He flashed some potential in 09', but with the injury hes yet to attain even that level yet.

Richard Seymour, Mike Mitchell, Michael Huff, Rolando McClain, Khalif Barnes, Manase Tonga and host of others are dinged up to one degree or another but Oakland is in on the hunt this year and this team has manned up like no other we can remember.

Good job Raiders.

Lets make that dedication and sacrifice pay off with a post season birth.

11-17-11 3:20 pm pac

Photo Nhat V. Meyer / AP                                                                                              Reece, Palmer, Bush

Though the Raiders face a 2-7 team when they travel to Minnesota Oakland may face a tougher opponent in themselves.

After bashing on a decimated Charger unit on a Thursday night the Silver and Black enjoyed some much needed rest, rehab and a 9 day wait for their next opponent.

Traditionally, the Raiders have not done well and played down to the competition after returning from any prolonged down time.

The Vikings record and rookie QB doesn't mean Minnesota will be a cake walk.

RB Adrian Peterson is a legitimate Pro Bowl caliber threat and so is DE Jared Allen.

The Vikes will field several good players and a team with nothing to lose and a chip on its shoulder.

After RB Michael Bush carried the ball 30 times for 157 yds a TD and added another 85 yds on 3 catches Oakland might be tempted to bash away with him again.

RB Darren McFadden has been seen out of his walking boot but the mid foot sprain he suffered against KC weeks ago will keep him out of the Viking match up.

His rookie back up Taiwan Jones should see more touches.

Speaking of Jones it looks like he may return kicks this Sunday, something hes done before but not with great effect.

WR Denarius Moore handled kick return duties against San Diego but flubbed a couple of them.

The reason we'll likely see Tai over Moore is the injury to Jacoby Ford.

Ford is well known for taking kicks back to the house in just his second year but the sprain he suffered against SD will keep him sidelined at least through this week.

With Ford out Moore will likely see more playing time and after a 5 catch 123 yd 2 TD performance he should.

With the injury, if WR Darrius Heyward Bey doesn't see more time the writing could be on the wall.

Owner Al Davis believed in him, HC Hue Jackson may not. 

Considering the Vikings 6th ranked run defense and its 28th ranked passing D, airing the ball out may be a more viable option but 2nd yr LT Jared Veldheer will likely need help containing Jared Allen's Pro Bowl caliber pass rush.

On the defensive side of the ball DT Richard Seymour has missed all of this weeks practices with a sore ankle but is expected to play.

Rookie CB Chimdi Chekwa's lingering hamstring issue saw him placed on IR today.

Veteran Lito Sheppard and rookie Demarcus Van Dyke will be joined by newly signed CB Bryan McCann who put pen to paper and joined the team today. 

This is a winnable game by Oakland and in fact, its a should win game.

Those are exactly the kind of games this franchise must win in order to prove it belongs in the post season.

11-15-11 12:01 am pac           

Photo / Getty Images                                                                                                   RB Darren McFadden 

Had to laugh when broadcasters during Thursday nights match up with San Diego lamented how "Darren McFadden would've taken that to the house" on several of RB Michael Bush's break away runs and screen passes.

Its True that Bush may not possess McFadden's blazing speed but the 245 lb Running back is a terror to converging secondary defenders and Bush has some decpetive speed of his own along with great hands, blocking and power.

Its kind of like complaining that your gold isn't as shiny as your platinum.

In fact, with McFadden and Bush Oakland may have two of the most complete backs in the League.

That will likely change next year when Bush's contract is up and some team will make the leap to try him as their feature back.

Bush will likely cash in and go the way of Backs like Lamont Jordan and Michael Turner but we've got him now and will likley use him against Minnesota this Sunday.

It was stated last Thursday their was no time table for McFadden's return but HC Hue Jackson said today that he saw McFadden without his boot  today but that could be subtrefuge to make the Vikings spend valuable time game planning for McFadden's speed as well as Bush's strengths.

McFadden, WR Jacoby Ford, ST/RB Rock Cartwright, FB Manase Tonga and K Sebastian Janikowski also sat for the offense today.

On the opposite side of the ball MLB Rolando McClain, FS Michael Huff, CB Demarcus Van Dyke, CB Chris Johnson,SS Mike Mitchell and DT Richard Seymour sat out practice today.

Of these, Johnson, Huff and Van Dyke seem mostl likley to miss time against Minnesota.

Some tried to understate McClain's absence in Oaklands drubbing by the Tebow Broncos but its obvious McClain was and would be sorely missed.

We think his leg injury and ankle is just being rested, at least we hope so.

We hope SS Mike Mitchell's ankle isn't too bad either. He looks like hes about to hit his stride.

Johnson may have suffered an infection that set him back after sports hernia surgery this off season. He may have tried to come back too soon.

He may actually see time on the field again this year. If he does, lets hope hes fully healed. He struggled before succumbing to injury.

Rookie DB Chimdi Chekwa did not appear on the injury list and may finally be back from a nagging hamstring. Chekwa was pressed into service by attrition and fared well before being injured.

If they can, Oakland would be well served by running Michael Bush for another 150 yds, controling the clock and keeping Vikings RB Adrian Peterson off the field.

Oaklands defense is way too up and down from week to week to be assured of stopping the consistently League leading rusher but Oaklands D is so stocked with talent, they can stop anyone if they play disciplined D and stay home and tackle.

And if they have Rolando McClain.

We'll keep you posted.



11-09-11 1:08pm pac                    

                                                                                                                                                     "STRIKE"

The list of wounded Raiders reads like a whos who of Oakland starters.

QB Jason Campbell, RB Darren McFadden, C Samson Satele, RT Khalif Barnes, TE Kevin Boss, DT Richard Seymour, MLB Rolando McClain, DE Matt Shaughnessy, CB Chris Johnson, CB Chimdi Chekwa, CB DeMarcus Van Dyke, FS Michael Huff, S Chinedum Ndukwe, K Sebastian Janikowski (who may have re-injured his hammy today at practice) on and on and on.

Thats why when Oakland takes the field Thursday night, the team will look nothing like the one fielded on day one.

Oakland is a deep and talented team but losing that many starters and to have many of those left dinged and damaged makes taking on rival San Diego for the Divisional lead a tall order.

Of those damaged but expected to see time are C Samson Satele (he's a warrior but his hubris hurts the team especially in goal line and short yards.)

FS Michael Huff will likely be replaced by S Jerome Boyd who will probably be activated from the practice squad after seeing game time earlier this year and then being demoted.

K Janikowski's on call replacement Dave Rayner was signed by Buffalo to replace their injured Kicker.

Coach Jackson has 2 other Kickers on speed dial and we'll likely see one 11th hour.

One of those new faces taking the field in San Diego will be 10 yr veteran CB Lito Sheppard.

Rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke has been declared out for tomorrow nights match up.

The Raiders will face the Chargers without many of its key starters all across the board and some of the ones who will play are dinged up but Oakland still has more than a chance to win if they play smart and execute.

Something they didn't do against Denver.

11-08-11 4:11 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales                                                                                                      Hue Jax & Ro Macs

If Hue Jackson's a liar, hes not very good at it and needs to stop now.

We understand what a devastating loss Mr Davis was but Hue has been making statements that seem out there and other comments and actions that don't add up.

He was a media darling for a while but after two losses needs to stay out of the lime light and work on making his team more fundamentally sound.

Granted, we can't forget Hue is a rookie HC in the most extra ordinary circumstance we can remember in Pro football. Lost his owner. Lost his starting Qb. Lost his starting RB. Brought in a slew of new faces and is trying to make it all gel.

Frankly, he's done a good job of it.

The offense wasn't to blame for Sundays loss to Denver but Hue bears responsibilty for nopt rallying the forces and making the adjustments to stop them.

We hope he does better Thursday.

Reports have ping ponged back and forth regarding McFadden's availability for Thursday nights game, partly because of Hue Jackson who stated hours ago on a Bay area radio show "not to count him out yet".

Come on.

We're not even sure if MLB Rolando McClain will be back.

Odds of McClain appearing are much higher than McFadden.

CB Chimdi Chekwa is on the field for the first time in weeks after tweaking a hammy against the Jets.

He suffered set backs and a shoulder injury in this off seasons truncated camps and that means he has very little NFL experience but we think he's better and definitely waaaay more physical than DVD.

We'll need all the CBs we can get if FS Michael Huff's booted ankle means he won't play. Even if he does, dropping down to Corner in the Nickel slot has been a failure in part because of that ankle and in part necessitated by the injuries to Oaklands secondary.

DeMarcus Van Dyke was injured himself against Denver and stood around without a helmet at todays practice.

He had a hammy issue early in the season too we seem to recall. thats why Chekwa was forced in to action.

RT Khalif Barnes joined C Samson Satele on the stationary bikes at the start of practice.

Barnes injured his shoulder and Satele has been dealing with a bum knee amongst other dings.

If neither one play (Satele shouldn't as we've mentioned before, too small as it is. DInged he's a liability in short yards and goal.) Stephon Hyer could fill at RT for Barnes and rookies Joe Barksdale and Steven Wisniewski would fill at LG and C respectively.

Better hope RBs Michael Bush and rookie Taiwan Jones can have a huge game or Palmer might get killed.

Oaklands defense was horrible in part thanks to back up LB Darryl Blackstock filling for McClain.

If that happens look for us to get killed again on D.

On an up note, Charger QB Philp Rivers is throwing picks and the Raiders D is due to put up points.

All in all, Oakland can win this game if they come together and play solid fundamental football and communicate with each other.

They may have to do it with new faces in new places, but they are talented and physical enough to get it done.

BTW, Kicker Sebastian Janikowski didn't participate today and his back up K Dave Rayner signed with Buffalo today.