Weekly Raider: Issue #7
by KA1Z3R on Jul 21, 2009 8:42 AM PDT
34 comments
-Weekly Raider: QB #2 JaMarcus Russell-
The Raiders 6-6 260 lbs man beast of a QB, JaMarcus Russell will be looking to capitalize on the success of his last two games of the 08 season. But in order to do this, he has fix his greatest weakness, inconsistency.
Russell is like any other QB, he has his good games and he has his bad games, but for him it's either a great game or terrible game. No middle, no median. To me, this season for Russell will be about solidifying a consistency point. Where instead of great game, terrible game, great, terrible, so on and so forth; he'll have good game, okay game, good game, bad game, okay game, great game, good game, etc. I mean just look at his game log last year.
Week 1 vs. Broncos: 17 for 26, 180 yards. 2 TD's, 0 INT. 3 sacks. 111.1 rating
Week 2 vs. Chiefs: 6 for 17. 55 yards. 0 TD's, 0 INT. 0 sacks. 45.0 rating
Week 3 vs. Bills: 9 for 19. 156 yards. 1 TD, 0 INT. 1 sack. 93.3 rating
Week 4 vs. Chargers: 22 for 37. 277 yards. 1 TD, 1 INT. 6 sacks. 80.6 rating
Week 6 vs. Saints: 13 for 35. 159 yards. 0 TD, 1 INT. 2 sacks. 40.1 rating
Week 7 vs. Jets: 17 for 30. 203 yards. 1 TD, 0 INT. 2 sacks. 88.6 rating
Week 8 vs. Ravens: 15 for 33. 228 yards. 1 TD, 1 INT. 4 sacks. 66.2 rating
Week 9 vs. Falcons: 6 for 19. 31 yards. 0 TD, 1 INT. 4 sacks. 19.0 rating
Week 10 vs. Panthers: n/a
Week 11 vs. Dolphins: 15 for 22. 156 yards. 0 TD, 0 INT. 4 sacks. 88.5 rating
Week 12 vs. Broncos: 10 for 11. 152 yards. 1 TD, 0 INT. 0 sacks. 149.1 rating
Week 13 vs. Chiefs: 10 for 28. 132 yards. 0 TD, 0 INT. 0 sacks. 51.5 rating
Week 14 vs. Chargers: 9 for 13. 68 yards. 0 TD, 2 INT. 1 sack. 42.0 rating
Week 15 vs. Patriots: 17 for 32. 242 yards. 2 TD, 1 INT. 2 sacks. 85.7 rating
Week 16 vs. Texans: 18 for 25. 236 yards. 2 TD, 0 INT. 1 sack. 128.1 rating
Week 17 vs. Bucs: 14 for 21. 148 yards. 2 TD, 1 INT. 1 sack. 98.9 rating
One big reason for this inconsistency is the enormous amount of sacks (31) with as much as 4-6 in one game. However, the O-Line looks much improved thus year. For one, Harris is out and Henderson is in. Harris was terrible guarding Russell's blindside. Whether it was allowing a sack, getting a penalty, or letting the pressure get to Russell, harris was a flat-out failure. But now we have Mario Henderson, who gave up 0 sacks and committed 0 penalties when he was guarding Russell those last couple of good games. There's also Khalif Barnes who should be the starter at right tackle, creating what should be a very solid tackle duo. And with the great guards and centers in the middle, Russell shouldn't have to worry about defensive tackles very often.
He also had some low pass completion and pass attempt numbers. Mainly due to the fact of an abysmal receiving corps which didn't get the proper lineup in until about Week 15. This year we should have the right receivers starting from the get-go with Schilens and Higgins coming off great finishes to the season. There's also the new additions of rookies Heyward-Bey and Murphy to give Russell even more downfield and big play threats. Also, I look for Walker to have a good year now that he's back and healthy thanks to surgery on his knee. Then of course there's the receiving talents of Miller and backs like Bush and McFadden will se more play time and more time in the passing game.
My expectations for Russell aren't major since this is still a run heavy team. But I definitely expect a lot of improvement when passing situations come up. Expect around 18 to maybe 20 touchdowns, 7-10 interceptions, 2800 passing yards, and probably about 25 sacks if not fewer.
-Random Thoughts: Safety Position Battle-
The battle for the starting safety spots will probably be the fiercest position battle in this year's training camp, and arguably the most important. With the cornerbacks very solid this year, the safeties have to step it up big time to keep that Raiders passing defense in it's usual top-10 spot. So let's look at who competing for the spot.
- Hiram Eugene
- Michael Huff
- Tyvon Branch
- Michael Mitchell
With Eugene, you get a good cover safety who showed some good tackling late in the year when he started. I doubt this will change and I think he'll be the starting FS because he's the best cover man of the group.
Huff has one more year before solidifying that bust status. I'm far from waht you'd call a Huff fan, but I think he'll get every possible chance to prove himself. However, I don't think it'll be good enough. He's a good cover SS, but a miserable tackler; and as a FS he can do neither. Everyone says it was ryan's scheme, but I don't buy it. Schemes don't affect your ability to tackle. He'll be a good backup SS option
Branch is the picture of what being a Raiders safety means. Branch is fast, so fast he's probably the backup kick returner. He's also a sure tackler, something Oakalnd has lacked at safety since Rod Woodson. I like what he can bring to the table this year, we just have to hope injuries won't be a problem for him, though I doubt they will be. Branch to me should be the starting SS.
Then there's the second round pick, Mike Mitchell. To summarize him, he's Tyvon branch, but a harder hitter. He has that amazing speed that Branch possesses, but man can he lay a wallop. Which could prove to be very useful in the future for popping the ball out of a receiver's hands. To me, Mitchell is a young LaRon Landry. However I think his hammy issues will keep as a backup at the start of the season. Though he may very well be starting alongside Branch later in the season.
My projected safety depth chart:
Free safety- Starter: Hiram Eugene/Backup: Mike Mitchel
Strong Safety- Starter: Tyvon Branch/Backup: Michael Huff
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im sorry but did u make one on Asomugha yet?? i forgot :)
Stop.......... Hammertime!!!!!
by MR. Bigshot 123 on Jul 21, 2009 1:56 PM PDT reply actions
He was the first one.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 21, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
oh.... thanks
Stop.......... Hammertime!!!!!
by MR. Bigshot 123 on Jul 21, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Greg Ellis
i love that guy twenty sacks in the last two years and he was out of position .. i hope he is happy back at end in the 4-3 and ready to prove the cowboys wrong on thanksgiving… also an improved pass rush is the best way to improve our secondray not that it needs it but in terms of int’s and big plays
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."
It's his natural position and he should do well
The only problem is that he has long past the apex of his athletic ability and been hampered by some injuries as well.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
jamarcus russell
those week 1 and 15 stats are very misleading becuz he didnt do anything until the game was already lost… Also the O-line can not be blamed for all the sacks and 31 isnt that bad it not great but it could be alot worse look at matt cassel 48 sacks and that is with the same line that surrendered i think 12 with brady back there so most sacks our on the QB holding the ball too long
Big BEN is another prime example of this his o-line was ridiculed for their numbers and stats but it was more indicative of him holding the ball forever for good or bad thats the way he played and they got the blame for it
In favor of Russell he only took five sacks in the last six weeks according to these stats so thats a big positive …he also fumbled way too much im not sure the week to week stats on those tho but i hope to god he works on holding the ball with it’s security in mind
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."
I only got his passing numbers form SI
fumbles would have been on his rushing stats.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Russels fumble stats
week 1 2 fumbles 1 lost
week 2 none
week 3 1 fumble 1 lost
week 4 1 fumble 1 lost
week 5 bye
week 6 1 fumble 1lost
week 7 1 fumble 0 lost
week 8 none
week 9 2 fumble 1 lost
week 10 DNP
week 11 none
week 12 none
week 13 none
week 14 1 fumble 1 lost
week 15 2 fumble 0 lost
week 16 1 fumble 1 lost
week 17 none
total 12 fumbles 7 lost
"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."
Can't win Games
Fumbling the Ball Russell He should be throwing those D-Linemen over the Field Goal Post when they come near him for sure.
Amazing, Jamarcus Russell hands off to McFadden who pitches it back to Russell who finds Darrius Heyward Bey in the Middle of the Field wide open 30, 20,10,5 Touchdown Raiders! Amazing. This telecast is Brought to you by Cable.
ya
it defnititely couldnt have been kwame harris and cornell fucking green
Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!
Quarterback & Safety
Ok KA1Z3R, I can agree with you pretty much across the board on this one, however, for Russell to be more effective he needs to be more aware in the pocket, many of his sacks come because his radar/sonar is malfunctioning. Even quarterbacks with limited mobilitiy ie. Peyton Manning, can take two steps and avoid a potential sack. I as you, believe we have enough weapons and speed for JM to be effective if our offense is not predictable. And quite frankly, McFadden and Bush should share duties, also I can’t say that McFadden is the best running back between the two, MB is a beast and a load to deal with. Both should take pressure off of JM if our play calling is not predictable.
At safety, Huff is riding pine that’s where he belongs, you have to tackle someone to play that position, and at SS you have to hit and tackle someone, Huff seems soft to me. Branch and Eugene are the best we have and will start. Mithchell may be pushing for playing time as well, he is indeed a hitter and if he can learn fast enough he will play.
.
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 22, 2009 6:21 AM PDT reply actions
Very excellent points Rodney
and yes I realize Russell has to get that awareness and he needs to work on pocket mobility (moving in pocket without necessarily rolling out), but I mention all the O-Line stuff because that was not a good situation for him to be able to learn and develop these things since he was running for his life half the time. However, now he’ll have more time to throw and that 3-second clock in the quarterbacks’ heads can apply to Russell more often.
P.S. I couldn’t agree more on your statements about the running backs.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Russell
He’s still an enigma in my eyes.
I don’t see him lighting up the stat sheets only because the Raider coaching staff would be foolish to put the team on his shoulders. He’s not an accomplished pocket passer and I don’t know if I ever see him evolving into one. He could surprise, but hasn’t displayed much of anything thus far that makes me think he has it in him.
What is also troubling is the Garcia thing. Usually, you try to have a backup QB that has a lot of the same skill sets as your starter so that you don’t have to completely change the playbook if the starter goes down. Well, could you find two QB’s who have a greater divergence of skills than these two? If Garcia is forced to play or gets tapped on ths shoulder to start, the offense will look mighty different than when JR is in there.
IMO, Oakland has one of the best trios of RB’s in the NFL and needs to lean heavily on them and their defense if they want to win games.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Oakland has one of the best trios of RB’s in the NFL and needs to lean heavily on them and their defense if they want to win games.
I agree
R.I.P - Michael Jackson
thought that's a difficult defense to lean on
we’re stacked at defensive end, our LB’s just need some discipline and a scheme that lets them blitz, CB’s are stacked, but we have the worst group of DT’s in the league except for maybe Kansas City, and safeties are still kinda iffy. The defense has really had it’s moments, and I’m always excited when they’re on the field because I love all that speed and I love defensive football.
The team I can best compare Oakland to, is like a Titans or Vikings-esque team. We have a great running game with three extremely talented backs and an up-an-coming O-Line. QB is very iffy (more of the Vikings there until they get Favre). And we have very young playmakers at receiver. For our defense, some more run blitzes and better DT’s are all that’s really holding Oakland back.
To me, Oakland’s offense is fine, Russell just needs to improve and develop. The defense is what still needs some more work.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Understand your point and largely agree, but maybe not a good comparison with those teams...
The Vikes have arguably the best interior defense in the league with the Wiliams’ and Tennessee has a cagey veteran at QB (although neither team has accomplished WR’s). I think, the 49ers might be a good comparison in that both have questions abouth their former #1 pick QB’s, both have good rushing attacks, both have young developing o-lines and both have suspect interior defenses with above average CB’s.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
very good comparison
hadn’t thought about the niners. except our CB’s are better than their’s because we have Nnamdi of course. But yeah, everything else is pretty much spot on.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Great stuff on J Russ
I think with the improved line and rec corps we should see a line some thing like this.
62% comp. 2800-3K yrds. 20-25 TD 12-18 INT 7 FUM 3 LOST 20 SACKS AGAINST
If I am a raiders fan I love those #’s for a second year starting QB. The two stats that have to change for our team to succeed are the comp. % and the fumbles/lost.
Oh and I voted Scott
PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves
Ray Guy and the Hall of Fame
I know this is a little off subject here however, I spoke to Peter King yesterday and he is one of the members of the seniors committee for the NFL Hall of Fame and he straight pissed me off. Now don’t get it wrong I love the guy, but on this he really had my temperature rise.
I asked Peter why Ray Guy was not ever considered for the Hall when he is arguably the best punter to ever play the game. The first thing he did was memtion their seems to be a cult following on the guy when statistically he is the 75 best punter based upon yards per kick and there are many punters who were better. WHAT!!!!! I can’t wait to talk to him again, because what he failed to look at is, HE PLAYED FOR THE OAKLAND RAIDERS!!! He didn’t have to kick long punts because our offense was so good then that we would be kicking punts right outside of field goal range, so instead of just allowing teams to start on the 20, Ray would have them start on the the 2 yard line. Now had the Raiders been a team that was always punting from the other teams territory he would have longer per punt yardage, it wasn’t his fault he played for the winningest team of that decade and he shouldn’t be punished for it.
The other punters did not play for teams that basically lived on their side of the field on offense, I grew up watching the Raiders game in and game out, and I believe this is the argument that is not being made on his behalf. Peter King started something and I will now petition every year for Ray, Branch, Tatum, and Atkinson. They all should be considered, however, with Ray they don’t even consider him to be more than an average punter and that is crazy when based upon the offense he played in, NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has ever punted better. He would kill opposing teams with field position for our straight up killer defense back then.
KA1Z3R and RAYDER K what do you think about this. Fellas I was there, I watched personally how Ray Guy would just kill the spirit of our opposition. Our problem for him statistically was the fact that we were so good. He just didn’t kick for distance much, he would kick for placement.
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 24, 2009 5:33 AM PDT reply actions
this is incredibly true Rodney
and is probably a big reason why he’s not in the Hall. The Hall revolves around stats. I don’t believe that back then the “punts inside 20” stat was covered. And if it was, then the HOF Committee doesn’t consider it a major statistical achievement. Which is a big problem for me with the HOF. They only judge the player and don’t account for the situations the players were in. I’m positive Ray will get in one day, but I don’t think he’ll be the next Raider in. Keep an eye out for Tim Brown.
Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God
Cliff Branch
deserves to get in before Tim Brown. Branch has 3 rings and that means something. The non-inclusion of Branch is more ridiculous than Guy at this point.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Jul 24, 2009 7:30 AM PDT up reply actions
lol, wow I thought Branch was in
now I’m angered he isn’t.
"You'll take my life but I'll take yours too. You'll fire you musket but I'll run you through. So when your waiting for the next attack. You'd better stand there's no turning back"- "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
No Branch is Not In
Look fellas, I love Tim Brown, all around player that helped the Raiders win many games, by the way we got our buts kicked in the last Super Bowl because Coach dumb dumb called the same plays that Gruden wrote, what an idiot. Ok, First cudos to my homeboy and friend Ricky Henderson for his induction to the Hall of Fame, we grew watching the Raiders and A’s and I know this is a dream come true and he deserves it.
Now Raider business, KA1Z3R not only the within the 20 stat, man I remember a game at home and Ray Guy was kicking with so much hang time that the ref took the ball and had it checked to see if it had helium in it hahahaha………Special teams was killing them, the Cleveland Browns that is and Ray’s punts wouldn’t come down until our guys where there to damn near catch the ball. Again no RAC’s, it kills me when the only stat that seems to matter is yards per kick, hell if Ray played for the St Louis Cardinals back then he would have averaged 55 yards a punt kicking from the opposing teams 20 every fourh down.
KA1Z3R it is the body of work they need to look at. And no Branch is not in, of course the new receivers have better stats now, however, back then he was the man and he has two rings. However I can say all the experts agree that the Raiders will place 2nd in the AFC west, Denver is straight garbage now, and Kansas City has no continuity we should vie for 1st if we play to our potential.
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 24, 2009 4:04 PM PDT reply actions
Branch does have 3 rings
1976, 1980 and 1983.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Jul 24, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Branch does have three
My bad, 3 rings and not in the Hall?, as far as i am concerned Michael Ervin shouldn’t have went in before Art Monk, or Cliff Branch he has 3 rings as well was the all time leading receiver until Jerry Rice and Cris Carter broke his records.
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 25, 2009 5:05 AM PDT reply actions
no doubt
Branch should be in the HOF and Tim Brown should also. But thats just the tip of the iceberg. Guy, Branch , Tatum, Hayes, the Snake, Plunkett, Its almost criminal that Guy , Branch and Tatum are not in. All were influential in our winning years. and top at their positions.
The future is uncertain... and the end is always near. JMorrison
HOF
Well, I know they have had Lester on the board, however you are right S-n-B4life. They really deserve it, Tatum, Brown, and the others. I spoke to Peter King and he explained how the process goes somewhat, the thing is that players have to first be selected to be considered, it is such a trip. Another thing, having sports writers do it is another problem for me. As an example Ricky Jackson of the New Orleans Saints statically is one of the greatest linebackers that ever played, however, he is not in the HOF check for yourself, interceptions, tackles, sacks, touchdowns, everything yet he is not in. So I don’t understand what they are doing. I wrote about Ray Guy earlier, he was a game changer. You know your punter is great when he kicks the sprit out of opposing teams.
I am going to get allt he writers on the board and petition them annually about my guys from Oakland. Once I get all the info I will put it on the blog.
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 25, 2009 6:30 PM PDT reply actions
I am going to get allt he writers on the board and petition them annually about my guys from Oakland. Once I get all the info I will put it on the blog.
Chalk up the post when you’re ready. We’re looking forward to it.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 26, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Hall of Fame Selection Committee
Here is the link to get the current list of those sports writers that selection players for nomination consideration. This site also helps with understanding the process for what that’s worth. http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/selectionprocess.aspx
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 26, 2009 6:52 AM PDT reply actions
word to all my readers
this is the last poll until probably the end of next season. When training camp rolls in, the weekly raider will be the player I think needs to have a good showing in training camp. Then I’ll be covering my MVP of each raider preseason game. Then when the season starts I’ll be covering the MVP of each raider regular season game. so on and so forth.
"You'll take my life but I'll take yours too. You'll fire you musket but I'll run you through. So when your waiting for the next attack. You'd better stand there's no turning back"- "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
That's Great
KA1Z3R I really like this blog, it will also gives us writers here an opportunity to critique your choices and post ours lol………I live in Indianapolis and will be switching from Comcast to Direct TV for the NFL package so I can watch all the Raiders games though I get to see them the following day on NFL Network On Demand. The Raiders continuity should be better than both Denver and Kansas City and hopefully that will mean wins especially over those teams. Keep up the good work!!!
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 26, 2009 8:09 AM PDT reply actions
HOF Selection Committee/Link to Writers
Here is the link to get the current list of those sports writers that select players for nomination consideration. This site also helps with understanding the process for what that’s worth. Follow this link:
by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 26, 2009 8:13 AM PDT reply actions
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