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R.I.P. AL DAVIS
RAIDER WAR ROOM
Murphy, Grads likely out
against Seahawks
10-26-10 3:30 pm pac
Photo Boston Herald WR Louis Murphy
The big "news" today concerns Oakland WR Louis Murphy.
Word was Murphy had injured his other clavical against Denver but now one unsubstatiated source claims he has a bruised lung.
Either way he's likely to sit out Sundays home game with the Seahawks.
That may mean an expanded role for rookie WR Jacoby Ford which Coach Tom Cable seems to be fine with.
“I’m excited about being able to count on him and where he can help this team now,” Cable said. “I think his role can expand and is certainly ready to.”
He may have played well in Denver but Murphy is by far the more polished receiver of the two.
If Murphy's out don't be surprised to see WR Nick Miller in the mix as well.
News media are still speculating about QB Bruce Gradkowski as the starter when the Seahawks come to town and Cable has stated that if healthy, he would start.
He's not.
Stranger things have happened but the way things look right now Gradkowski's probably another week away from returning to the line up.
WR Darrius Heyward Bey, who watched the Denver game from the locker room because of illness seems none the worse for wear.
Oft injured LG Robert Gallery has a calf injury.
No idea of the severity. We'll know more if he's practicing on Wednesday.
Last Sunday he and rookie LT Jared Veldheer destroyed the Donkies and drew comparisons to Art Shell and Gene Upshaw(!!!).
Safety Michael Huff played CB late in the Denver game probably because Chris Johnson was on the bench with a concussion.
No word on who'll take over for CJ if he's a no go against the Seahawks but if rookie Walter McFadden has recovered from his hamstring well enough, they might rotate Stanford Routt to cover CJ and put McFadden in the slot.
W. McFad or "Wheezy" has great quicks, adjusts to the ball in flight and a solid cover corner.
Not great against the run but thats another matter especially if he's at Nickle and or mostly passing downs.
CJ seemed lucid today and clear eyed.
He'll probably play Sunday but with new emphasis on head injury and concussion protocols, you never know.
S Mike Mitchell's making waves as a hybrid S/LB in Oaklands Dime package.
Its like the light clicked on and he has shown improvement over the last 3 games.
Rumor has it Mitchell was on his way out the door earlier this year when cuts were being made and that owner Al Davis stepped in on his behalf.
Good job Al.
You may have drafted him too high (2nd round, 47th overall 2009) but he seems to be coming along.
Cable Conference:
"Injury and Illness
Updates"
10-25-10 8:48 pm pac
DMC: Bye bye Broncos!
News coming out of Head Coach Tom Cable's press conference today revolved around injury and illness.
WR Darrius Heyward Bey was apparently ill yesterday.
With Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and co. tearing up the Broncos defense for 328 yds on the ground, they didn't need him.
In regard to Bey Cable said:
" He’s feeling much better today and worked out today and all that, so don’t see any issues there."
Rookie Jacoby Ford took over for Bey and faired well encouraging Cable and the Raiders.
" In Jacoby’s case, he played a ton of snaps, when Darrius went out, I think he played 10 or 11, so he was forced to play a lot of football, and it wasn’t too big for him, and the more he played in that game yesterday, he actually got better and better as the game went along. So I’m excited about being able to count on him and where he can help this team now. I think his role can expand and is certainly ready to."
One WR who may not be ready this week end is Louis Murphy.
Murphy sustained another clavical injury and contrary to what we thought earlier, this one is NOT to the same collar bone as last time.
Coach Cable said about Murphy's condition and viability:
"Something going on in the chest area, looks to be like a contusion, but how severe it is and how much it limits him is really the question.
We won’t know much here for about 48 hours."
WR Louis Murphy
Center Samson Satele suffered a concussion in yesterdays win. Cable said Satele "felt better today but again, we'll have to wait until Wednesday. I think Samson will be fine"
Rookie lineman Jared Veldheer took over for Satele and played well.
The Raiders would probably like him back at Left Tackle though.
2 other Raiders with concussions and a Wednesday check up include CB Chris Johnson and DE Matt Shaughnessy.
Shaughnessy has been dynamite and is only getting better.
LB/DE Kam Wimbley suffered a groin pull which is by the way as painful as it sounds.
Wimbely's doesn't sound serious, but again, more on Wednesday.
Raiders could win again
at Mile High
10-23-10 2:21 pm pac
Photo Ed Andrieski /AP QB Jason Campbell
We posted on facebook earlier that we felt good about Oakland heading into Mile High tomorrow.
Heres why.
The Raiders have beaten the Broncos in their own back yard 3 times in a row.
Though the Broncos have the 2nd leading passer in the League they are ranked 32 in the run.
They did however rush for a season high 145 yds in a last minute loss to the Jets last week end.
Oaklands defense really is better against the run this year but still gives away huge plays ala' Al Davis's dated and over used single gap system.
The Raiders should be able to handle the Broncos ground game even with Big John Henderson riding the pine again this week.
Its the secondary thats been under fire of late. Cable says its the CBs, we think its the safeties.
Either way it doesn't bode well against the Broncos top ranked passing game.
Oakland can stop them though if the play tight ball and get to the QB.
Oaklands offense has struggled to field a reliable QB and dinged up under performing Jason Campbell "might" start tomorrow.
IF Campbell does start he may not finish.
The former Redskin QB has a banged up knee and frankly its been his mobility thats saved him from some pretty awful O line play.
That could mean Kyle Boller seeing action Sunday.
Whoever is under center will face an injury riddled Bronco defense missing LB Robert Ayers, S Brain Dawkins. CB Andre Goodman, S Darcel McBath and LB Wesley Woodward.
These defensive players are out and All Pro CB Champ Bailey is "questionable."
WR Eddie Royal's groin injury has his status as questionable as well.
If Oakland can generate a serious pass rush it can disrupt Kyle Otron's passing and take down the Broncos high flying offense.
LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley and the rest of the Raider D has a chance to put Oakland back in the hunt for an AFC West title on Sunday.
In order for that to happen the offense will have to do its part.
In their favor, RB Darren McFadden could be back in a limited role. If he is it will be the first time he and Michael Bush will be on line at the same time this season.
Could be Boller, DMC
against Broncos
10-21-10 3:38 pm pac
QB Kyle Boller
As we stated on the 19th, there is a very real chance Kyle Boller could be Oaklands 3rd starter as the Raiders head to face Divisional rival Denver at Mile High.
For a Raider Coach Tom Cable was surprisingly forthright and open with media in the past few years but his curiously decepetive and sometimes shockingly inaccurate assessments of player health and performance is becoming glaringly apparent.
Some of its likely strategy and gamesmanship but some of its beginning to look like plain old incompetence or worse, out right lies.
Jason Campbell himself was the one to break the news his knee was more serious than stated even as Cable insisted it wasn't.
Today Cable had to acquiese.
Sort of.
"With his present level of mobility and pain, Campbell would not be able to play if the game were held today."
“He could go back, call plays and throw it but to be able to run and do the things he’s got to be able to do, it’d be pretty iffy.’’ Cable said.
Translated that means. "Odds are its Boller against the Broncos."
Boller played well in pre season earning praise but has faltered through out his professional career with inconsistency, inaccuracy.
He's also had a penchant for turning the ball over.
Boller was the Ravens 1st round pick (19th overall) in 2003 but never took hold in Baltimore, suffering a littany of injuries he signed with the Rams as a free agent in 2009 but again, suffered injuires and catastophic game changing turn overs.
Grim as that sounds, the former Raven has struggled to be sure, and putting another fragile QB behind Oaklands line doesn't seem like a recipe for success, but Kyle Boller can play quarterback.
For what its worth, Boller showed in pre season he can move the ball and get into the end zone.
Lets just hope, if he plays Sunday, he survives long enough to do that.
No official word yet on the Raiders adding another back up QB but it could happen.
In theory, if Jason Campbell's knee is as bad as we knew it was Coach Cable would be remiss to allow the former Redskins QB to serve as the #2 quarterback.
Bruce Gradkowski's sore AC means he can't.
Sacrificing All Pro Punter Shane Lechler seems ridiculous but he did take a couple of reps at yesterdays practice as a last ditch emergency back up.
The good news is RB Darren McFadden might be back against Denver but probably in a more limited role. He hasn't cut loose to test his sore hamstring but its looking like he might be a go on Sunday.
RB Michael Bush would likely still get the Lions share of the load.
McFadden,Campbell, Gradkowski, LB Travis Goethel (back surgery), RB Michael Bennett (hamstring), and SS Tyvon Branch (back) all had limited participation today.
Those who didn’t practice were Schilens, DT John Henderson (stress fracture) and LB Thomas Howard.
Howard ran around a little bit with a knee brace on and was playing well on special teams before beign sidelined with a knee injury.
Were not holding our breath but it looks like oft injured WR Chaz Schillens is making progress.
He MIGHT be back for the week 8 contest against the Seahawks at home.
Who the hell will be throwing to him could be anybodies guess...
DMC still dinged, Lechler
at QB? Veldheer at LT
10-20-10 2:01 pm pac
P/QB? Shane LechlerCoach Tom Cable stated to the media today he has no idea who'll be starting at QB against the Broncos this Sunday.
"We have no idea at this point."
Both "starters" apparently have injuries.
Bruce Gradkowski has been nursing a sore AC in his right shoulder. Jason Campbell stated yesterday he "might have a partial tear in his meniscus".
Whether thats true or not we don't know but Campbell split 1st team reps today with Kyle Boller.
Gradkowski watched.
Interestingly enough Oakland also let All Pro punter Shane Lechler take some reps under center.
That could mean bad news for fans hopeful Colt Brennan might re join the Raiders, but you never know with Oakland.
BTW, Lechler has a pretty good arm and actually played QB in high school.
The bad news for whoever plays QB against the Broncos is that rookie Jared Veldheer may start at left tackle or at least see more time there.
He's been splitting reps with Mario Henderson who really had an awful game against San Fran and has struggled all year.
Darren McFadden and Michael Bush split reps during the walk through portion of todays practice but we've got a sneaking suspision McFadden will miss another game with a sore right hammy.
That will be too bad because despite Oaklands hugely dissapointing loss to the 9ers, the Raiders still have a chance to gain momentum in the AFC West.
For what its worth reserve RB Michael Bennett says his hamstring is finally healed and he is "full go" for this weeks match up if McFadden isn't.
None of the Raiders division rivals won last week end making it a wash.
Oakland can still salvage its season and its pride by coming away from Mile High victorious.
Campbell says he may
have Meniscus Tear
10-19-10 11:11 am pac
Photo Paul Sakuma / AP QB Jason Campbell
After his sub par performance against San Fran QB Jason Campbell may be riding the pine as the Raiders head into Mile High to face the Broncos but not because of his poor play and not because Bruce Gradkowski's shoulder is healed.
Campbell limped noticably after being hit on a 2 yd scramble against the 49ers but stayed in the game.
Coach Cable stated he felt Campbell was just a little sore but the faultering QB himself said he might have a partial meniscus tear.
Does that mean Kyle Boller could be the Raiders 3rd QB under center this season?
Yes. Yes it does.
Gamer that he is, Gradkowski will do everything in his power to return to the field.
He rightfully smells an opportunity to become the Raiders #1 QB but frankly doesn't have the skills to pay the bills in that department.
He may be a darling of the Silver and Black fan base because of his gutsy heroics and sometimes capable play but he doesn't make proper reads or audibles and can't seem to stay healthy for more than 2 or 3 games at a time.
Campbell may become the Raiders next Plunkett but Jim was allowed to sit for about 2 seasons before he finally blossomed into the game winner he could be and he had a far better supporting cast around him.
If Campbell is injured and out and Gradkowski can't go rumor has it Colt Brennan may be back. He was being looked at by the Texans on the 13th as a back up for their squad.
Whatever Oakland does at the QB postion it better be quick. The run game with out McFadden has stalled.
Some of that has to be laid at the feet of O coordinator Hue Jackson for the ridiculously unimaginative vanilla game he called on Sunday against San Fran but one wonders how much of that was Hue and how much was the old man upstairs insisting we win the Davis way or not at all.
Most fans are pretty tired of the "not at all" part after 7 going on 8 years.
Gallery, others Return to
Practice, Campbell mum
about Start
10-13-10 1:27 pm pac
Photo / Getty Images North America
QB Jason Campbell
Oakland offered up QB Jason Campbell as their sacrifice to the media per League rules but the soft spoken QB was fairly tight lipped about Gradkowski and the upcoming game against Bay area rival San Francisco.
Odds are, as we've said, Campbell is likely to be the man this Sunday.
Gradkowski was at practice today wearing a red #5 jersey but not in pads as he nurses a sore AC in his right shoulder.
LG Robert Gallery was at practice back in the line up with the 1st string offense.
G Daniel Loper has been filling in for Gallery who suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Loper himself was taken out of last Sundays game with San Diego with an ankle injury and was bothered by a sore knee before that.
Loper did a solid job while in the line up but will probably sit until needed again.
Some fans were hoping Loper could rotate over to RG and replace aged vet Cooper Carlisle but Coach Cable demured when asked about the idea.
Khalif Barnes played well filling in for Loper during the Chargers game.
Another key Raider back on the practice field from a hamstring issue was RB Darren McFadden again, as we foretold.
Not to harp on the issue but several other sites took umbrage with our claims about Campbell and McFadden looking like they would start against SF and about other Raider related topics.
"Injury reports aren't out yet. How could you know that?"
We work very hard to make sure.
We simply wanted to point out we are not and do not mislead our readers or simply "guess".
What we put to print is as accurate as reality allows.
McFadden's likely to split time with Michael Bush should he be ready to go. Team doctors will evaluate him tomorrow to see how he reacted to todays activity but he should be ready to compete Sunday.
Other players back from injury were LB Quentin Groves and CB Walter McFadden both out previsouly with hamstring issues of their own and DT Tommy Kelly who suffered a strained shoulder in the win over the Chargers.
Kelly was credited with a sack but it was really Seymour who collapsed the pocket and held up rivers for Kelly to fall on.
Oakland is looking forward to getting some of its starters back from injury but several still remain sidelined including LB Thomas Howard(knee) , DT John Henderson (stress fracture, foot) and RB Michael Bennett (hamstring).
Oakland will need to be on its game when they play the 0-5 49ers because a loss to them would be a devastating setback after such a key win against a division rival and because SF Coach Mike Singletary knows he is likely on the hot seat if they continue their losing ways.
RoMac M.I.A at Practice
Today
UPDATED
10-06-10 1:10 pm pac
MLB Rolando McClainRaider MLB Rolando McClain wasn't on the field today as the Raiders practiced.
No word on where the 8th overall draft pick was or what kept him from work today.
McClain should be ready when the Raiders face hated division rival San Diego but if he's not that leaves Oakland with a serious lack of defensive fire power against a Charger team coming off a 41-7 romp over the hapless Cardinals.
McClain wasn't part of the Raiders ever expanding injury list that includes many of his fellow defenders.
Back up MLB Ricky Brown was taking reps today after missing time with a hamstring injury.
Oakland added LB Bruce Davis to the line up yesterday but are still thin at the postion thanks to injuries to Quentin Groves and Thomas Howard in last Sundays loss to the Texans.
Needless to say Oakland can use all the help it can get against San Diego's high powered offense.
The Raiders have dropped 13 straight to the Chargers and are looking to end that streak this week end.
With rookie RB Ryan Mathews expected back from and ankle injury, Oakland will need McClain and whoevers left standing to stop the run and end the streak.
Head Coach Tom Cable should have some info on McClain's absence at todays post practice presser and we don't know anything yet but the young MLB missed time at camp this off season with a family illness.
UPATE:
Head Coach Tom Cable explained that MLB Rolando McClain's absence from practice was because of a "loss in the family". McClain's been castigated by some media types for being aloof but the former Crimson Tide LB missed time earlier at camp because of this and has likely been dealing with his new job, hangers on who want some of his new millions and a family tragedy.
McClain never really had a stable household an upbringing so this year has likely been very difficult for him without a proper support group.
The young MLB should be back for tomorrows session.
Due to the injuries to LB Quentin Groves (hamstring) and Thomas Howard (knee) Trevor Scott will be moved back to Weak Side Linebacker.
Matt Shaughnessy will see more reps at Defensive End.
Shaughnessy's been good.
In other Raider news DT Big John Henderson has a stress fracture in his foot and could miss 4-6 weeks according to Cable.
Whether they will shop, stand pat or move DT Kellen Heard up from the practice squad is anyone guess.
DT Richard Seymour played well against the Texans despite the gawdy rushing numbers they put up but he's dealing with a sore hammy.
Speaking of...
RB Darren McFadden likely won't be available for this Sundays divisional match up with San Diego.
Coach Cable conceeds McFadden's right hamstring pull doesn't seem as bad oas the left hamstring pull he had this off season that kept him out for 3 weeks.
Michael Bush and Rock Cartwright figure to see the lions share of duty since RB Michael Bennett is inured with ypu, you guessed it, a sore hamstring.
On that long list of hamstrung Raiders is LG Robert Gallery who may or may not be ready for the Chargers.
Thats the word from Cable but it would be a minor miracle if Gallery was ready to play.
He didn't practice today.
Without WR Vincent Jackson the Chargers think Raider CB Nnamdi Asomugha may shadow TE Antonio Gates more in this match up.
Makes sense on paper and Nnamdi's certainly covered him many times through out the years but its really not a great idea. Nnamdi doesn't fair well against top notch TE's and was burned badly by former KC Chief Tony Gonzales before he was traded to Atlanta.
The Bottom line is Oaklands offense needs to show up and control the ball if they want to win on Sunday and snap a 13 game win streak by San Diego.
The Chargers put up 41 points last week against the hapless Cards and look to get their 1st round RB Ryan Mathews back from an ankle injury.
"Injuries could play a key role in Sundays home match up with the Texans. Who'll play, how much and who's out all loom large."
The Injury Factor
10-02-10 11:07 am pac
Photo Matt York /AP
WR Louis Murphy
Its game 4 of the regular season and already teams injuries are piling up.
The Raiders are no exception.
Some of these injuries are bad, some of them may be more subterfuge than legit but theres no denying they can affect the team on Sunday.
The biggest names on the injury list for the Texans and the Raiders are its wide receivers.
The Texans All Pro WR Andre Johnson has been dealing with an ankle sprain and Oaklands two starting wides are dinged with Louis Murphy suffering a clavical injury and Darrius Heyward Bey a groin strain.
Coach Tom Cable says they're both likely to play but frankly, you never know.
Strategy comes into play when injuries are involved and telling an opponent on Monday your best players are not going to play the coming Sunday is an obvious advantage when your enemy begins to prepare for the game.
The diminished role of Bey and Murphy (with Murphy being more likely to miss time) could play a factor since the Texans are dead last against the pass on defense but the return of RB Michael Bush to the ground game could help off set.
Bush is listed as "probable" this Sunday with his broken thumb.
He did see limited time last week in the Raiders loss to Arizona.
If he can come in and provide some ground work it could free fellow RB Darren McFadden to take up some slack at WR.
Thats a tall order for Bush coming off the injury against a very good Texans run D but the benefits of McFadden in the pattern would be tangible.
With Oaklands corps of young, inexperienced wide outs, its not a that big a of a stretch to say the former Arkansas Razorback has the best hands on the team.
He's been under utilized in this department but thats partially because he's been toting the rock while Bush heals.
O coordinator Hue Jackson will have his hands full against the Texans D with their speedy and ferocious linebacking corps but should crack the play book a little more and get McFadden and others involved in the creativity.
Oaklands defense will face one of the most successful zone blocking schemes in the game and the Leagues leading rusher in Arian Foster.
They may do it with or without the help of 2 of its DTs, Richard Seymour and John Henderson.
Both are dinged, with Henderson suffering a foot injury and Seymour battling a hammy that he says limits his burst and explosion.
He's still pretty darn good.
Oakland could use both of them on Sunday.
A rotation could help them but the Raiders have been notorious the last few years about rotating in sub par players at crucial junctures in the game, especially in goal line situations.
Lets hope they rectify that over sight this Sunday at home against the Texans.
If Oakland can play disciplined defense, mind their gaps and stay home, they can shut down or limit the run game.
If Gradkowski and the Raiders offense can manage the clock, sustain drives and put up points for the D to defend they can win against Houston.
Seymour, Henderson
Questionable for Texans
09-29-10 8:47 pm pac
Photo Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
DT/DE Richard Seymour
Oakland may be without its two best run stuffers and lane cloggers on Sunday when the Raiders face the Texans League leading rushing offense.
DT Big John Henderson has been suffering with a foot injury since his outstanding performance against Stephen Jackson and the Rams.
DT/DE Richard Seymour’s been hobbled by a lingering hamstring strain that he says took away his burst and explosion in Sundays loss to the Cardinals.
You wouldn’t know it by his play.
Again the Raiders held an opposing lead back to 75 yds as Seymour broke double teams and decimated one on one blocks to flatten RBs and get to the QB.
Against Houston Oakland may be relegated to the under performing Tommy Kelly, 2nd yr DT Desmond Bryant and 11th hour roster addition Jay Alford.
Kelly’s been held silent too often this season, Bryant’s been dealing with an elbow hyper extension injury and Alford can be seen pushed around by O linemen more often than not.
If Seymour and Henderson can’t at least divide up reps Texan Rb Arian Foster could have a field day.
Oaklands offense could have a say in that if they can sustain drives and score points.
If the Raiders and Gradkowski can eat up the clock it can neutralize the Texans potent offense.
Photo David J. Phillip / AP
WR Louis Murphy
Oakland may be without the services of WR Louis Murphy who injured his clavicle on a 69 catch and run against the Cardinals.
The Raiders could use Murphy’s presence on the field against the last ranked Texans pass defense.
Houston may look to attack Oakland more on the ground this Sunday especially if All Pro WR Andre Johnson’s ankle injury limits his playing time or keeps him off the field altogether.
So far Oaklands beefed up LB corps hasn’t been spectacular against the run.
Kam Wimbley’s very athletic but disappears in the run game occasionally.
LB/DE Quentin Groves has yet to find any consistency against the run or pass.
The bright spot at LB is rookie 8th overall pick Rolando McClain who is slowly starting to T off on RBs at the LOS and "pulling the trigger" a little bit faster.
We may find out how much of his success was due to Henderson and Seymour against the Texans.
Hopefully one or possibly both of them can contribute at least in a rotation.
Follow us on Facebook for updates and game time decisions as they become available.
Texans vs Raiders
09-28-10 5:07pm pac
Photo Doug Benc / Getty Images
RB Arian Foster
Both the Raiders and the Texans are coming off a disappointing losses last Sunday.
Oakland managed to lose 24-23 thanks to 3 missed field goals by Sebastian Janikowski and numerous red zone trips without touchdowns.
Houston was flying high till getting beaten by the till then listless Dallas Cowboys who handed Houston their first loss of the season 27-13.
The Texans are in the same division as the Titans and Colts and could fall behind quickly.
The Raiders are two games behind the 3-0 Chiefs, in the wild and wooly AFC West.
There will be some key matchups that could have an effect on the outcome of this Sundays match up between the Texans and Raiders.
Raider CB Nnamdi just went up against one of the Leagues best wide receivers last Sunday in Larry Fitzgerald.
Aso held Fitz to one catch and a pass interference penalty for 20 yards.
Fitzgerald did have one other catch for a TD but that was against zone coverage blown by LB Quentin Groves.
Texans WR Andre Johnson is the biggest threat the Raiders will face whether he is hurt or not.
Johnson's been hobbled by an ankle injury he suffered against the Redskins in an over time win, then re injured it against the Cowboys.
He's still a threat dinged or no but he respects Asomugha's game.
Johnson said of Asomugha in an earlier interview:
"He's probably the best corner in the League."
The difference between Johnson and Fitzgerald will be the QB.
Last week, it was Derek Anderson who continually missed capitolizing on mis matches like LB/DE Kam Wimbley against Fitzgerald on one play.
Several other times the All Pro wide receiver was left unattended and wide open.
This week, Matt Schaub will be throwing to Andre Johnson and Shaub is a much better QB.
Schaub to Johnson will be a much larger challenge for Nnamdi and the Raiders secondary.
If Oaklands D covers as badly as they did against the Cards, it could be a very long day.
Two rookies will play a role in Sundays match.
One a highly touted 8th overall draft pick and one only the die-hard Texans fans were familiar with, RB Arian Foster.
Foster is quietly leading the NFL in rushing yards after three weeks.
The Raiders look much better on run defense, than they have in seasons past, but will face a big challenge stopping the Texans ground and air assault.
Though they haven't in the last 2 games, Oakland is still prone to allowing break away runs for big yards.
McClain has been one of the reasons for the Raiders improvement in the run game and another is the play of its front 4 including DTs Big John Henderson and Richard Seymour.
Henderson sat out last week with a foot injury suffered after or during his excellent game against the Rams. He could be back this week and Oakland could certainly use him in rotation to help stop the prolific Texans ground game.
On the other side of the ball Oakland has been struggling to patch together a servicable O line to not only run the ball but more importantly, protect the QB.
The Raiders have been rotating blind side duties between Mario Henderson and rookie Jared Veldheer.
Texan DE Mario Williams had a three sack game two weeks ago and judging by the way the Raiders have blocked lately, he could crush 6-1 220 lb Raider QB Bruce Gradkowski.
In 2008, Henderson dominated Williams in a game where the Raiders ended the Texans four game win streak and crushed their playoff hopes. Henderson needs to have a repeat performance not only for a Raiders win.
Veldheer's been completely outclassed in run and pass protection when rotating in at LT.
Look for that non sense to stop this week...if they want Gradkowski to survive.
Oaklands been its own worst enemy too often but the refs have been typically horrible in theri non calls against Oakland too.
Currently, the Raiders lead the NFL in penalty yards. Some of them deserved, some of them questionable.
The Raiders got the short end of the stick week one when the Titans were clearly jumping offsides without any flags being thrown.
Last week, the zebras threw flags against both teams for pass interference and other infractions, but again, Oakland came up on the short end with more penalty yards than RB Darren McFadden, had on the ground with 105 yards rushing.
Oakland knows they should have beaten the Cardinals and should come out hot against staggered Texans whose reign as the top team in the Lone Star state may have ended after losing to the Cowboys.
The Raiders defense, with Richard Seymour and Rolando McClain, should be able to contain the Texan ground game and Arian Foster.
Darren McFadden could get some help from RB Michael Bush who could contribute more rushes this week as he heals up from a broken thumb. If not, look DMC's third straight 100 yard game.
If not, the Texans are rated 32 in the League in pass defense and despite the Raiders spotty pass protection Gradkowski and the Raiders should be able to move the ball through the air.
Cards vs Raiders
Equal
Nnamdi vs Fitzgerald?
09-25-10 1:03 pm pac
WR Larry Fitzgerald
Arizona Cardinal Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is likely the best Wide Receiver playing in the League right now.
Don' let his recent numbers fool you.
The reason he's "not as good" as his super bowl year is pretty obvious, no Kurt Warner.
There is lots of speculation on wether or not Oaklands Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha will shadow Fitzgerald this Sunday in Arizona and the answer to that is yes.
And no.
He'll likely do both.
Keeping Nnamdi on one side gives the D an advantage they unfortunately need.
When the offenses X Wide Receiver goes in motion, the top CB usually shadows him and that shift often causes the D to adjust itself and that can expose the defensive set and give the QB a read he can adjust or audible to take advantage of.
Raiders don't do well on defense making their adjustment to the offenses adjustment.
If that makes sense...
That adjustment to the offensive shift usually falls on rookie Middle Linebacker Rolando McClain, who's been pretty good so far, but is still pretty green.
In the past those adjustments often failed because Kirk Morrison wasn't very good at it.
Nnamdi will shadow especially since Chris Johnson's been sub par likely due to injury.
Arizona is without injured WR Early Doucet and fellow wide Steve Breaston's been nursing a sore knee.
He should play, but the Cards seem to be a little thin at the position especially if Breaston goes down.None of this will matter of course if Oakland can get to QB Derek Anderson.
Anderson was 17 of 31 for 161 yds and was intercepted twice in the Cardinals emabarrsing 41-7 loss last week end.
Odds are Arizona won't or can't lean too heavily on its run game with 2nd yr RB Beanie Wells coming off of a knee procedure and especially if the Raiders can stuff the run as efficiently as they did against Stephen Jackson and the Rams last week.
DT Big John Henderson isn't likely to play but Richard Seymour should take up the slack.
He was good in game one against the Titans and was held like a baby on RB Chris Johnsons 76 yd TD run.
Hopefully the Raiders can contain the run and stop Arizona's wides while putting up some points of their own.
The Raiders pass rush has been decent so far this year with LB/DE Kam Wimbley and rookie DE Lamarr Houston have looked good getting to the QB.
Oakland sent Safeties Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch on the first series last week against the Rams and got to rookie QB Sam Bradford.
Wether D coordinator John Marshall bring the heat against the easily rattled Anderson remains to be seen.
It may be felt by the powers that be *cough* Al Davis* cough* that Oaklands 4 man "natural" pressure may be enough.
Either way they'll need to get there and put him on the ground to keep Fitzgerald at bay.
If they can, there may not be as much need for Nnamdi to shadow Fitzgerald.
Last week Anderson was so bad and the game so far gone that rookie QB Max Hall saw reps at the end of the game in garbage time.
He threw a pick.
With 10 penalites and poor play the Cardinals beat themselves last week too.
Oakland would be foolish to assume they'll be as bad this week at home.
Bruce gets the Nod?
09-22-10 11:44am pac
Photo Tony GonzalesQB Bruce Gradkowski
According to an NFL Network insider the Oakland Raiders will start Bruce Gradkowski against the Cardinals this sunday.
Gradkowski impressive with wins last year but wether he can stay healthy behind Oaklands porous O line remains a question.
Despite missing most of this off seasons training with a torn pectoral muslce Gradkowski came in and wowed the crowd with a TD drive that elevated Oakland over the Rams at home last week end.
Gradkowski's presence and a more West Coast scheme incorporated at half time made the difference and sparked a previously flat offense led by Campbell.
Gradkowski is a fan favorite for the simple reason he seems to be able to get the job done, move the ball and put points on the board.
Media types have taken to calling him "Bruce Almighty" and so far, he's lived up to the moniker more often than not.
With rookie starting center Jared Veldheer in the line up Oakland posted the tallest starting O line in the history of the NFL but throwing over the top of of them doesn't seem to be a problem for the 6-1, 220 lb QB and Gradkowski is adept at finding passing lanes between them.
Besides, 6-3 center Samson Satele may get the nod.
Thats a double edged sword because Satele has a penchant for poor pass protection.
Gradkowski addition doesn't neccessarily mean Jason Campbell is out as the Raiders starting QB for this season. The move will give Campbell time to get better oriented and get a better grasp on the scheme Oaklandf would like to execute.
O Coordinator Hue Jackson was asked who would get the nod at starting QB today and rambled off this incoherant and non commital diatribe:
" Oh gosh, I knew that would be the first hot question off the hill. That decision truly hasn’t been made just yet. I’m sure at some point in time Coach Cable will get around to you guys today. Obviously, I think that’s what everybody wants to focus on. Hopefully, we’re also focusing on our game this week because that’s the most important thing we have going. Let me just go back for a second since I know we’re talking about it. This past week’s game at halftime I made a decision to go in and talk to our head coach about making a switch at quarterback. OK. I have great latitude from our owner, Mr. Davis, and from Coach Cable, that anything that I think needs to be done on offense in order for us to score points that I’m able to do.
Obviously, we have a head coach and I run everything through him. But my job is to make sure that I put our offensive football team in the best situation to score points. I’ve told you guys, I’ve been telling you that since I’ve been here. That’s the number one goal for our offensive team. At the time, we were kind of stale. You guys watched it. I didn’t like the way we were playing, I didn’t like our energy, I didn’t like what we were doing. So every now and then you mix it up a little bit. I’ve been in so many different situations in that circumstance. I think it’s unfortunate because everybody wants to put, well it’s on Jason.
We all know the quarterback gets a ton of blame, he gets a ton of credit. But I think it’s 11 men playing on offense that have to execute at a high level in order for you to have a chance to play. It was very fortunate Bruce went in, rallied us and obviously we went on to win the game. That’s the most important thing. The most important is that I’m standing here today with a big smile on my face because we won a game.
That’s the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is winning. Now after that, now we’re going to move forward and do whatever we think needs to be done to go win this game in Arizona . That’s kind of where we are. I’m excited about playing down in Arizona . I used to coach there at Arizona State . Looking forward to seeing some old friends, there’s some guys that I know on that staff. That’s a great challenge for us."
Interpretation?
"I'm not supposed to say because it gives our opponents an edge."
Hue could have a career in politics if he wanted.
For what its worth, it seems Jackson's the one who called for the swtich from Campbell to Gradkowski at half time last sunday, not head coach Tom Cable.
Jackson said owner Al Davis gives him "great latitude" in running the offense.
Reading between the lines it simply means Jason Campbell's NOT the clear cut starter he was at the beginning of the season and that yes, Bruce probably gives the Raiders a better chance to win by decisively getting rid of the ball.
Sadly, as much as he can produce when he's in, Gradkowski isn't likely to survive the entire season behind essentially the same O line that saw him suffer injuries to both of his MCL's last year.
While it lasts it seems Gradkowski's the man in Raiderland.
Lawton released, Bush
Better, Higgins Back
09-20-10 4:01 pm pac
QB Bruce GradkowskiRaiders announced they've dropped FB Luke Lawton. Lawton was suspended for breaking the Leagues substance abuse policy and really wasn't an effective player at the position.
Oaklands lack of talent at the spot saw him stick until today. The emergence of practice squad graduate Marcel Reece helped seal Lawton's fate.
Reece made a few nice catches and actually ran the ball yesterday too all the while clearing out defenders to open running lanes for Rb Darren MCFadden who had his second best day as a pro with 145 yds on 30 carries.
McFadden's drawn his share of critics for his lack of production in the past and Reece had this to say about that.
“Any time I’ve gotten the question, `Is Darren all hype?,’ I’ve always said, `Just watch.’ “Once Darren got healthy and confident in this scheme, just watch. He’s going to run away with it. Darren knew it, this organization has known it, now the rest of the world is getting to see it.’’
So far so good but everyone will be happy to see RB Michael Bush re-enter the fray some time soon.
Bush had the stiches removed from his thumb today and while he could be back in time for Arizona, he should probably sit one more game just to be safe.
If McFadden was struggling again this year, it might be a differnet story.
Bush would probably like to get back asap since this is a contract year for him.
Coach Tom Cable said the decision as to who will start at QB next week against Arizona is on him. "It has to be."
When pressed on the subject Cable said:
``I'm pretty sure about the direction we have to go . . . I have a pretty good idea what we're going to do.''
We're thinking its Bruce Almighty.
Veteran DE/DT Richard Seymour was a game time decision and probably could've played according to Cable but they erred on the side of caution and decided to rest his sore hammy.
Oaklands return game wasn't quite as awful this time with WR/KR Johnnie Lee Higgins busting a 53 yard return on the Rams first punt but still there is no clear choice between JLH and rookie Jacoby Ford.
Higgins begs to differ saying "I got my swag back and its on!"
We'll have to see...
O and D Vets could be
Out,
Center still in Question
09-17-10 1:26pm pac
CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Nnamdi doesn't think this team is as bad as it looked last Sunday. In fact he said it would be a dis service to claim so.
We'll know more this Sunday.
The Rams bring another top notch runner to the table in Stephen Jackson and a rookie QB who looks pretty good right outa the gate.
Hopefully Oaklands D can do something to stop them both.
Oakland won't have DT Richard Seymour to help them from the looks of it. The wily vet was not at practice today.
He and LG Robert Gallery have hammy issues, Gallery's being the worse of the two.
6 yr veteran guard Daniel Loper will probably get the start in place of Gallery.
Head Coach Tom Cable still isn't saying who's going to start at center this week.
If he sits or plays, rookie Jared Veldheer doesn't neccessarily mean Veldheer's start last week should be called into question. Veld could play elsewhere along the line against St. Louis.
Samson Satele may be the center while Veldheer shores elsewhere. Perhaps we hope, at tackle.
Veldheer played well enough when he was able to complete the Center-QB exchange but their were way too many blunders.
The Rams have rookie QB Sam Bradford who had an equally on-off game in his NFL debut.
The Raiders will need to stop Jackson and the ground game first then get big pressure on the rookie to help its secondary cover Bradford accurate passing.
RB Darren McFadden had a great looking game in Oaklands opening loss to the Titans which may be all the more reason to keep fellow running back Michael Bush on the bench at least another week.
Bush was on the field for practice today after being limited yesterday.
His Bennett fracture and subsequent surgery likely need another week or two before he's really ready and even then, thats pretty soon.
It is a contract year for Bush though, so he may be champing at the bit (Yes, "champing")
Its possible DT Desmond Bryant could help replace Seymour if he can't go or at least figure in the rotation.
Bryant hyper extended his elbow against San Francisco and has been seen practicing the last two days.
Wether Nnamdi is right and last Sundays horrific opener was an abberation or if he's simply touting the party line should become alot more clear against St. Louis.
The Rams may have a great running back and an exciting new QB but they are by no means the Tennessee Titans.
If they beat up on Oakland no amount of spin or denial is going be alot harder to sell, but the truth is this team has some talent, it just needs some heart.
Cable gets Hands On as
a Legend Visits
LG Robert GalleryTeam members were hard at work this morning when a Raider legend dropped by. Boisterous TV commentator and Silver and Black Super bowl Champion John Madden was seen lurking the facility today.
Lets hope most Raider players recognize him as a silver and black Super Bowl winner and not just that guy who makes football games.
Coach Tom Cable apparently recognized how embarrassing it looks for him, an O line guru, to field such a terrible O line.
He decided to get more hands on after the Titans D destroyed Oaklands tragically horrific O line last Sunday.
He demonstrated on DE/LB Kam Wimbley.
Wimbley was a bright spot on defense who forced a VY fumble early on after applying tremedous pressure.
Afterward he was negated by blatant holds.
Lets hope Cable's new interest makes a difference because starting LG Robert Gallery's bad hammy strain could mean he's out for weeks.
Cable did his best to deflect from the O lines woes opting for the glass half full theory rqather than conceeding they were horrible and a lost cause.
Could have been week one jitters but if they get toasted by the Rams...
RB Darren McFadden did gain 95 yds on 18 carries but folks, that was DMac making most of that happen. He really was a marvel, consistently making the first and even second defender miss and running through arm tackles.
For the first time in a game he looked like he has at camp.
Lets hope we see more.
His partner in crime Michael Bush might return against the Rams.
Its a contract year for Bush so he'll likely want to get into the game asap, but caution would be best used on his broken left thumb.
If McFadden had completely tanked, it might be another story.
Raider screen passes (like the first play of the season) were sniffed out and negated by the Titans after they watched film of our pre season.
Campbell looked terrible and surprisingly like Russell trying to execute them often bouncing the ball off advancing defenders.
If they can get that fixed this week it will be a major achivement. Bush, DMC and Marcel Reece can all catch, run and do damage if Oakland can spring it.
The Raiders secondary was back on the field today.
CBs Nnamdi Asomugha (groin pull) and Chris Johnson (stinger) both went through reps.
Nnamdi's been dealing with a tight groin muscle for about 2 years now. At most practices when everyone else is lined up, Asomugha is usually still being stretched.
Raiders safety Tyvon Branch had the worst game of his professional and maybe even college career.
One error after another against the Titans.
Lets hope that was an abberation.
Rams QB Sam Bradford threw the ball 55 times in St. Louis' opener partly because they were behind.
19 of those came late or in the 4th quarter.
He threw 3 picks (one of them on a last second Hail Mary) but also completed some very nice looking passes.
Branch and the rest of the Raider secondary will need to be on their toes.
Oakland needs to exploit another Ram rookie, Left Tackle Roger Saffold.
Saffold played well in his debut but is suceptible to inside moves and confused by defensive shifts.
Raider fans want to see more diversity and blitzes than they did against the Titans.
Its understandable how Oakland would want to simplify to contain VY and CJ.
If they do it again this week it could mean Warren Sapp was right and Ole Al is handcuffing them again or worse the defense isn't capable of playing much more than vanilla.
The Raiders will need to bring the pass rush to the Rams rookies, thats of course conceeding they can stop excellent RB Stephen Jackson.
Lots of questions leading up to this Sundays match up at home.
Gallery Out, Nnamdi
Dinged, Bush Back?
09-15-3:54pm pac
CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha may be dealing with a groin pull. He missed todays practice but stretched fully so he should be able to play against the Rams.
Many don't realize Nnamdi shadowed Titan WR Nate Washington on some plays, played left and right side of the field and even lined up at Safety on at least one play.
Bad news for the O line.
LG Robert Gallery's hammy is a major injury. No way he'll suit up for St. Louis.
G Daniel Loper's the next in line and he had a decent performance in pre season but was sporadic.
Like everyone else on the O line, he's a suspect pass protector.
Rookie Center Jared Veldheer had some serious fax pauxs Sunday, but when he did manage to snap the ball, he faired pretty well stonewalling who ever he locked onto for the most part.
Next to him RG Cooper Carlisle more often than not disappeared 2-4 yds in the backfiled as defenders pushed the aging Guard all over the place.
WR/KR Yamon Figurs WAS the man cut to make room for the re-emergence of Tackle Eric Pears.
Pears will need to play much much better.
With Figurs gone, Oakland will probably look to WR Johnnie Leee HIggins and or rookie speedster Jacoby Ford.
Ford is an unproven, JLH has shown he's too gun shy to be effective.
Hopefully he changes that.
Good news for Raider fans Michael Bush fully participated and lookked good doing it.
He may be back for the Rams.
"After an abyssmal opener Oakland looks for redemption against the Rams."
Raiders vs Rams
09-15-10 11:27 am pac
Photo Seth Perlman / AP
RB Stephen Jackson
Oakland decided to bring back Tackle Eric Pears to shore its truly awful and dis jointed O line but don't look for that to make a huge difference.
Pears was released for a reason.
His off season play was horrendous. Constant flags and whiffed blocks should've seen him dumped.
Unfortunately his replacement as "an extra TE" Khalif Barnes could not exectute.
Barnes didn't draw flags but blew assignments as an extra blocker.
Oakland was lined up with Barnes as an extra blocker and instead of taking the DE caved in on the DT allowing a free rusher to destroy QB Jason Campbell.
He failed to open any meaningful running lanes either.
We can only hope Pears can do better since he's more familiar with the role and that he somehow remebered how to play in his down time.
The good news on Pears is he seems capable of doing something current Raider linemen can't and thats reach 2nd level defenders consistently.
Barnes terrible showing and Pears re addition may not mean Khalif will be sidelined. LG Robert Gallery suffered a hamstring injury chasing down a Titans interception.
Though this Sundays match up in Oakland is a battle of cellar dwellers both clearly want to establish themselves as a team on the rise not still bumping along the bottom.
After Oaklands tragically comical week one outing, they've got a lot to prove to fans and themselves.
"All our best men are laughed at in this nightmare land."
Jack Kerouac
The Song Remains
The Same...
09-12-10 1:00pm pac
Photo Wade Payne / AP
RB Darren McFadden
The 1st quarter was a blur of horrid calls, blown plays and fumbles starting with #13 Yamon Figurs who fumbled the opening kick off.
Oakland offensive line was...offensive.
RT Langston Walker did his best Cornell Green impression by drawing the false start flag on 3rd down to kill a drive, Mario Henderson’s was caught sleep walking with his hand in the dirt as Titan DE’s were already across the line (granted, they were off sides several times and uncalled, but still) and rookie center Jared Veldheer had a meltdown late as the half time clock wound down. He’d also whiffed several shot gun snaps.
I’ve said it for years now, "Fix the O line, save the Raiders".
The only production Oakland had on offense was repeated screen passes to Darren McFadden against Titan zones after the 2 minute warning.
Announcer and former Charger QB Dan Fouts couldn’t figure out why the Raiders receivers weren’t getting involved in the passing game.
Aside form the Jamarcus Russell fumbles, bad shot gun snaps, constant pressure and 4 sacks, neither could we.
The Raider D caved after a really solid performance in the 1st half that featured great run D.
Then Tyvon Branch whiffed on CJ and he was gone.
77 yd TD and over a hundred yards for the day before the half.
By early in the 3rd quarter Oakland had amassed 10 penalties, most on their O line.
The Jared Veldheer experiment was an unmitigated disaster and shows some seriously bad judgement by who ever thought the Division II rookie who’d never played the position, was starter ready.
(Cue Judas Priest "Some Heads Are Gonna Roll...)
Question: How bad does Samson Satele have to be in order to keep Veldheer in?!
We alluded to the questionable O line early in pre season in the article "Woe to the O?" but no one could have possibly foreseen how completely combat ineffective the Raiders offensive line really was.
To add injury to insult, left guard Robert Gallery took a seat with a hamstring injury early in the 4th.
Oaklands defense played very well...except for the huge plays they drafted to stop.
CB Stanford Routt was burned badly for a TD but played a decent game.
Safety Michael Huff was actually benched and replaced by Hiram Eugene late in the 3rd or early 4th.
Jason Campbell made Jamarcus Russell look good.
At least Russell led solid 2 minute drills to win a few, Campbell looked remarkably like the former 1st over all pick, cough syrup breathed millionaire with the fumbles sadly comical blown plays, batted passes and butt slides.
Oakland finally showed some offense mid way through the 4th quarter too little too late of course but the lone bright spot on the Raider O was Darren McFadden.
He ran tough dragging defenders for more yards, stone walling blitzers off the edge catching for big yards, not fumbling and most importantly and promisingly, making the first man miss more often than not.
IF we had an O line...
The after battle report, film study and possible pink slips is going to make this a long, long week in Raiderland.
RAIDERS vs TITANS
09-11-10 1:21pm pac
WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
TACTICAL
OAKLAND
The Raiders shiny new system, complete with new O coordinator Hue Jackson QB Jason Campbell and a re focused Darrius Heyward Bey remains a complete unknown. Same for its defense. Both units have a lot to prove. Can the Raiders O line run the ball and protect Campbell?
Can its re-calibrated defense stop the games best running back? Can its bigger LBs cover?
TENNESSEE
The Titans Vince Young came on strong last year at QB and is always a threat to run for big yards. Their O line has cleared the way for a 2,000 yd rusher and may or may not be better without 16 yr veteran center Kevin Mawae.
Their defense seems to be lacking up front with injuries and suspensions.
ANALYSIS:
If Oakland can score and control the clock with its ground game, they can keep the Titans and the NFL’s deadliest running back neutralized on the sideline. The Raiders have a slight advantage with a wide array of un realized talent and the element of surprise.
EDGE: RAIDERS
PSYCHOLOGICAL:
OAKLAND
The Raiders are facing the pressure of testing its brand new QB behind a patch work O line and its beefed up and brand new run stopping capabilities. Rookie MLB and 8th overall draft pick Rolando McClain looked a little overwhelmed in pre.
TENNESSEE
Titans free agent linebacker Will Witherspoon’s mother died unexpectedly this week. Look for Tennessee to rally around him at home.
ANALYSIS:
Oakland may experience some jitters awash in Titan blue, but the home field advantage can be tempered, again, if they can move the ball. We’ll have to gauge the Raiders re action to adversity as well. The refs are rarely kind and Witherspoon’s team mates will rally to his call.
EDGE: TITANS
Photo Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley
PHYSICAL:
OAKLAND
The Raiders have added beef in the off season on O and D with the addition of players like T Langston Walker and rookie 3rd round draft pick Jared Veldheer and on D, DT John Henderson, LBs Kam Wimbley, the aforementioned McClain and Quentin Groves.
They also have bigger, faster DBs.
TENNESSEE
Their O line is obviously very good. Its D line hasn’t recovered from the loss of Haynseworth, Vanden Bosch etc.
ANALYSIS:
The Raiders capabilities remain an unknown, but in shear size and speed. Its Oakland all the way.
EDGE: RAIDERS
INJURIES:
OAKLAND
RB Michael Bush will be a game time decision but one has to question putting the basher at risk this early in the season. If you can’t grip, block or catch the ball...Though Raider DBs can drop into the slot in a pinch, the absence of rookie CB Walter McFadden leaves the Raiders thin and inexperienced after Nnamdi, Routt and CJ.
TENNESSEE
The Titans veteran LB David Thornton is out. Last time he faced Oakland he had 12 tackles. Fellow LB Gerald McRath is banned for the first 4 games. Starting RDE William Hayes re tweaked a knee injury and is probable as is LDE Jacob Ford with a bad back. #2 WR Justin Gage is probable with a hand injury.
ANALYSIS:
Whether Bush plays or not could be huge not only in the ground game, but in protection. Few realize how much the 240 lb RB has improved in that area. The Titans DEs and LBs are an area Oakland can hopefully exploit.
EDGE: RAIDERS
WILD CARDS:
Both teams feature tight ends that could do considerable damage.
CONCLUSION:
Despite home field advantage, Vince Young and Chris Johnson the Oakland Raiders seem to have the edge in this weeks match up.
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