Weekly Raider Issue #5

by KA1Z3R on Jul 7, 2009 1:25 PM PDT Comment 38 comments

Hello Raiders faithful and welcome to the 5th. issue pf the Weekly Raider. As always, there's plenty of great stuff in here to read. We're only a couple weeks away from training camp so you'll not only get your weekly raider and featured fan, but plenty of my thoughts going into training camp. Hope you enjoy!

-Weekly Raider: #53 Thomas Howard WLB-

via i200.photobucket.com

Not too along ago, The Weekly Raider featured the other member the Law Firm, Kirk Morrison. This week, we put the dynamic Thomas Howard under the microscope. And no, i'm not talking about the Duke of Norfolk.

Drafted in 06, Howard would have a fairly good rookie showing with 84 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 2 passes defended. The Raiders love speed as everyone knows, but this speed prospect showed early on that he was one of, if not the, fastest linebackers in the NFL. Able to shoot through the line to make stops or chase down guys from behind. And that's just in the running game. Howard could cover anything form speed backs, to tight ends, to even receivers. Tell him to cover it, and he'll do so very well.

In 07, we'd see Howard jump from speedy linebacker, to feared pass defender. 11 passes defended and a linebacker leading 6 interceptions. 2 of which he would take back for TD's. His legs proved hm well with interceptions as he would have a linebacker leading 172 interception return yards. Just like Morrison, Howard too would have a streak of three weeks in a row with an interception. That's not even mentioning his 78 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and 1 sack. I was incredibly shocked not to see Howard get a bid to the Pro Bowl.

However, also like Morrison, Howard would slump in 08. With 80 tackles and only 2.5 for loss and only 1 interception. However his pass defense number would still be good with 5 passes defended. Howard was still a force in the passing game to be sure, but it seems that like Nnamdi, he too was avoided. With teams able to throw on the safeties, Hall, and even CJ in the early going, there was no need to risk a pick-six by throwing to #53.

But, I have high hopes for Howard this year. Though the safety spot is still very iffy this year, Chris Johnson has become a dangerous cornerback, so some attention may be taken away for the Law Firm of Howard and Morrison (I'm still waiting for the cop show). It also appears that Alston may be getting the SLB spot, which would add yet another force in the pass defense to the linebackers. Howard still needs to work on his run stopping and I look forward to see if he'll get to use that speed to blitz this year. Which I fail to see why he wouldn't.

My expectations for Howard, continue to expect tackle numbers in the 80's, but I see at least 6 for loss this year. Though I don't think he'll have another 6 interception season, I believe 4 interceptions seems about right for him and I think you'll see one turn into a pick-six. I look forward to see what Howard will bring to the table this year as arguably our best playmaker on defense.

-Random Thoughts: Training Camp Preview-

Training camp is almost here and I couldn't be any more excited. Look for a lot of competition this year. Whether it be a minor competition of third string QB, or one as major as the starting running back or starting strongside linebacker. To me there's a only a few guaranteed starting spots.

QB: Jamarcus Russell
TE: Zach Miller
LG: Robert Gallery
RG: Cooper Carlisle
DT: Tommy Kelly
WLB: Thomas Howard
MLB: Kirk Morrison
CB's: Asomugha and Johnson
P/K: Seabass and Shane

Everything else is wide-open. Who knows how well O'Neal will play coming back this year (if he even does, whih he should), will Alston keep playing at his OTA level, who going to start at what offensive tackle spots, and many more questions. The top three things I'm going to be watching in training camp: the backup tight end battle, the starting strongside linebacker battle, and the battle for the starting safeties. The reason that the wide receiver competition wasn't on my list is because I know that two of four people will start this year. Any combination of Schilens, Higgins, Walker, and Murphy.

Wait? The rookie Louis Murphy? Indeed. Cable has credited him as the best rookie among the entire group. And I don't blame him. The same speed as DHB, better hands from what I've read, and most importantly, no major hammy issues. If DHB wants a shot to even be our #3 receiver, he has to get his hamstrings to stop giving him troubles. Only then can he get his hands to the level of Murphy's. I'm hoping he went to Russell's passing camp, because he has a lot of work to do.

My predicted roster/depth chart by the end of training camp ( / are used to separate first, second, and third string) :

QB: Russell/Garcia/Gradkowski

RB: Fargas/McFadden/Bush

FB: Neal/O'Neal

TE: Miller/Myers

WR's: Schilens/Higgins/Murphy/Walker/DHB/possibly Watkins

LT: Henderson/Pears

LG: Gallery/Morris

C: Satele/Wade/Morris

RG: Carlisle/McQuistan/M. Johnson

RT: Barnes/Green/M. Johnson

DE's (I'm not good with right and left): Ellis/Richardson/Scott/Burgess or Gunheim

WLB: Howard/Ekejiuba

MLB: Morrison/Brown/Condo

SLB: Alston/Brown/Williams

CB's: Asomugha/C. Johnson/Routt/Miller

FS: Branch/Eugene

SS: Huff/Mitchell (yes I think Huff will see a chance to start early on)

K: Jano

P: Lechler

PR: Higgins

KR: Miller

So what are your thoughts on training camp?

-Featured Fan: Rayder K-

Random image:

via www.mic.no

Author's Note: For those who don't know, this is the Norwegian Melodic Black Metal band Dimmu Borgir. Dimmu Borgir is Norwegian for Dark Fortress or Dark City. They're one of my favorite bands.

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Comments

No poll this week

Decided to go special teams next week and will cover Lechler. After that it’s back to polls with your choice of an offensive player.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 7, 2009 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It seems like the roster gets more and more packed as we go on. A lot of the battles will be decided in the preseason and I think the most pressing issues are at linebacker (with Alston possibly starting) and safety.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 7, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Linebackers

According to RaiderBeat.com, the Raiders are expected to keep 9 linebackers, 7 of which will be on the 53 man roster and keep only 2 tight ends. According to the same report, Al Davis personally called UDFA tight end, Chris O’Neil and said that he would like him to switch to MLB. O’Neil was quoted as saying that he stayed and worked out extra time with the coaches and is taking home a DVD of the defense to study. He also said that he currently weighs 260 lbs but would be down to 250 when camp starts.

I think that with the new D-coordinator in with his emphasis on active linebackers, the nit as a whole should play better. I also see a big year for T. Howard. As far as Alston, he is a good backer, he will be a hell of a lot better than Sam Williams. Alston is fast (he plans to gain 10 pounds by camp), and he knows how to tackle. If the scheme is good, Alston will be fine.

Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.

by TheRaiderWay on Jul 7, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marshall was in Seattle from 05-08

so when u think of good linebacking play u alwasy think of tatupu and leroy hill as well as the departed julian peterson i think our LB’s are gonn have the best years of their careers too bad its morrisons contract year (unless the CBA doesnt get done and UFA gets extended to six years and he’ll only have five years of playing) then well get to keep him if not he is gonna cost alot

"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."

by BRIANMULHALL on Jul 7, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

chasing you down since you haven't been to the MtD thread we were talking on

I ran the numbers for HOF selections draft position that you wanted for proof draft position matters.

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2009/7/5/938288/where-are-hof-players-drafted

Here’s the thread we were on at MtD if you want to talk more about it or the Stampede Blue link would be a good place too, so we don’t derail this thread any more than I already have.

That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"

by shake n bake on Jul 7, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea i saw that i replied on the original thread

def interesting stuff its got evrything u need to prove ur point .. u got me i guess i just thiink of all the late rounders who succeed and get caught up in the hype

"The only yardstick for success our society has is being a champion. No one remembers anything else."

by BRIANMULHALL on Jul 13, 2009 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bey better be good

i still cant believe we took him

by dubzfan on Jul 7, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

good lineup

i think that francis kid will make the line up though at middle linebacker and charlie frye at the third quarterback position other then gradkowski or whatnot. i dont see higgins being the second reciever unless they take him off of special teams. a strong third though for sure. dependin on how well walker does in training camp its up to him or im really startin to like this kid outa florida louis murphy too. my excitement is for the safety spot though. i think the positions are wide open.

by frank7da2tank on Jul 7, 2009 5:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

not necessarily a good thing

my excitement is for the safety spot though. i think the positions are wide open.

Safety is arguably, and in my opinion, our weakest position. Huff is pretty much a bust who can’t really tackle well or play FS well. Eugene was good in coverage and had his moments as a tackler. I think he’s a darn good FS. Branch will get plenty of opportunities to start this year as I think Cable/Al’s plan is to start Branch and Mitchell. Branch has a good combination of hard-hitting and speed. But there’s a big difference between hard-hitting, and sure tackling. As is there a difference between speed and good coverage.

Which brings me to Mitchell. He’s behind the rest of the group preparation wise due to the college-OTA rule. He’s basically the exact same thing as Branch but an even better hitter. But as previously stated, there’s a big difference between hard-hitting, and sure tackling. Plus he appears to have the same hammy issues as DHB.

To sum up our safety spot, Eugene and Huff would be great backups for any other team in the NFL, but neither should be starting. As for Branch and Mitchell, interesting prospects which may take some time to develop but should be worth the wait. Mitchell isn’t ready to start this year and I think Huff will be given his last chance this year.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 7, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

scheme changes

ull see a lot of safties get beat when ur idea of defense is sit back and wait and let em come to us. lol marshal is a lot more aggresive and i think that helps a lot with the coverage aspect but i do agree with u on huff, not being able to tackle is inexcusable. i think this is one of branch’s strongest attributes though. on special teams playing gunner he made a lot of great tackles so the starting SS spot i think goes to him and FS spot i think goes to eugene for the year if that. mike mitchel will have that spot in 2010 or even sooner if he starts to show up during the middle of the season. that rule where u cant practice when ur still in school has kinda screwed him but it is what it is. and it being wide open i look at like this, it invites competition. let the best man win. u cant hate that idea

by frank7da2tank on Jul 7, 2009 11:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There is no reason to think that Marshall is more aggresive than anyone

Just ask the Seahawk players he coached last year, who were constantly frustrated that they were not blitzing enough. Check out this story http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2008/12/03/p34634. The major knock on Marshall is that he doesn’t generate enough pressure and plays soft zones. Hopefully he learned his lesson.

Wherever I go, that's where I am.

by noontide on Jul 8, 2009 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah but there was an article I read last year

I’ve tried and tried to find it but I can’t, but it said that Oakland ranked 32nd in blitzing on pass plays. The Seahawks ranked I believe 20th. or 21st. This was in 07 mind you, but still. That means Marshall will blitz more, but only like 5 times more per game. Still it seemed like we never even blitzed 5 times.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 8, 2009 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not all marshalls fault

in 08 marshall lost his best d-line man in patrick kerney early in the season due to a shoulder injury i think, and with all the problems and injuries they were having on offense that D was on the field way to much. when the only real dominating threat of a pass rusher on ur team goes down, the man that commands at least two men on him at all times idc who u are things are gonna get tough for ya. other then that seattles defense is the small quick type so he was already having problems with the run so without any disruption in the backfield they had to bring deon grant to play up in the box about everytime forcing them to play a cover 1 which we all know is a pretty lame duck defense to run most times. i think if u want to see vintage john marshall, u should bring up some 07 seattle games when that team was healthy and ready to go. u wont see a lack of pressure i assure u

by frank7da2tank on Jul 8, 2009 3:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

2009 Training Camp

First the stories about JaMarcus Russell not starting over Jeff Garcia are unfounded. JR will start unless he is injured during the preseason, he will have to lose his job on the field during the season, it won’t happen during training camp. Also, our defensive situation should be better, I believe it will have more to do with just fundamental tackling and understand where you belong on the field, hopefully, our D is more intelligent this year and can find more success. Next, I believe Michael Bush is underrated, this guy is a beast and its time for Justin Fargas to take a back seat, he is injury prone and though he has had a couple of average seasons, Bush and Mcfadden can have outstanding seasons if they get the touches. Bush with his size and speed would be very hard to stop and he is a running back NOT a full back and should be used in position to get the most out of him. At receiver, I am in complete agreement with Rayder K, if DHB is not ready Murphy can step right in, at this point he is ahead of the learning curve. We have a chance in this division if our guys and play to their potential.

by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 8, 2009 5:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kool

I’m the featured fan. Thanks, I guess. I just wanted to express how excited I am about our run game. Just hearing that we got Lorenzo O’ Neal make my heart skip a beat. I can’t wait. Also, with Khalif Barnes, we should be real good on the side he is on. I can’t wait.

Receiver – I think there will be a consistent rotation all season long. DHB, Walker, Shilenz, Higgins, Murphy will all get their shot to play in each and every game. I have a feeling that DHB will be a starter. Something tells me he will light it up hard in training camp.

Also, look at how solid our o-line looks. Henderson I heard was lighting it up and is keeping his job. I wish I could find that story. Khalif was my “must-get” free agent and we picked him up. Pears is solid. Satele will start because he is durable and hard working.

My only worry is D-line. I think it is sort of incomplete at the moment.

R.I.P - Michael Jackson

by Rayder K on Jul 8, 2009 11:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you on the O-Line

but for different reasons.We all know that the guard and center spots are solid form starter to second string. But tackle is interesting because you have two kinda questionable starters, and but you know what you’re getting with the depth guys.

Henderson had success last year and sounds like he’s even better now. But it was his first year last year, how will he handle a full season? Barnes meanwhile had stats comparable to Harris last year (same amount of sacks aloud but a few less penalties). it would seem he’ll be starting at RT as there’s no way he won’t start and Henderson is getting every chance to play LT. So sacks don’t seem a problem since it’s not Russell’s blindside. Plus we’ve seen that Barnes can play at an elite level. But after a bad year, now a change of scheme and position, how will he handle it all?

Meanwhile the depth at OT is good and we know what we’re getting. Pears can play either T spot in the zone blocking scheme, and does so fairly well. Green meanwhile has started at RT the past two years and never really been a cause of concern. sure he gets a lot of penalties and gives up sacks, but he’s one hell of a run blocker. Throw a blocking TE on his side (especially since we’ll be using two-TE sets), and problem solved.

Then there’s Marcus Johnson, who can play RT but is being used more as the RG backup. However, if we’re not comfortable with Green, Johnson can come over and bring a more stable presence to right tackle. Not as good, but he’s not penalty prone and is a marginally better pass blocker.

Now to D-Line. I’m confident in our DE spot. We have Burgess (who for the moment appears to be staying), Ellis who’s proven to be a Pro Bowler in the past and still plays close to one now, Richardson is our base end who’s specialty is stopping the run, though he’s really developing a god pass rush; Scott is the opposite of Richardson, a good pass rusher who working on his abilities against the run; then there’s Shaughnessy who has proven a good run stopper in college but is credited for being more prepared as a pass rusher in the NFL. He seems to be an insurance policy to me in case Burgess gets injured or Ellis does. That’s also where Gunheim steps in. Think a lesser version of Scott. Good insurance policy if Burgess goes down to keep that pass rush alive.

Which brings me to DT, which I’m quite confident the Raiders have the worst in the NFL. Tommy Kelly is the overpriced 300 pound DT who’s nothing more than a speed bump in the run game but a great pass rusher (as if we needed another pass rusher on the D-Line with Burgess, Scott, Ellis, Gunheim and maybe even Shaughnessy), then there’s Warren who’s actually both a great pass rusher, and is still capable in the running game; Sands presents me a question every time I see him play, how can you be 6-9 325 pounds, yet be totally incompetent against both the run and pass? Then there’s Boschetti and Joesph who are nothing more than some good rotation.

So I’m 50% overjoyed with the D-Line, and 50% disgusted.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 8, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DT

i agree that our DT spots are … well pretty pathetic if u wanna go off of last year. reports were saying thats tommy kelly was lookin great at ota’s and that sands had lost a bunch of weight but everyone looks good in shorts. i need some TRAINING CAMP PLEASE!!!!

by frank7da2tank on Jul 8, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Roster/depth Chart

Russell will start this season but if he starts off slow for the first five games then garcia will start. Mcfadden and bush will be #1,2 RBs this yr for the raiders. Fargas is injury prone and fumbles. Receivers are just like KA1Z3R said Schilens/Higgins/Murphy/Walker/DHB/possibly Watkins. but any news on Arman Shields? He had a whole year off for his knee injury. I feel he will be on special teams this yr. Everything else on the roster looks good. I cant wait for the season to start.

by LostAngles01 on Jul 8, 2009 3:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Shields

Shields has not even practiced yet because he’s still injured. I can almost guarantee he’ll be released this year or next unless he can somehow heal up quick and come in to practice and not be behind everyone. Both are very unlikely.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 9, 2009 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

re:Shields

I know Shields has been doing rehab. I heard from a close source that he has been going to practice and OTAs feeling he will play this year. I honestly havent heard in the media anything about him. I do agree if he does not get healthy by the season opener he will get released. We have other good receiver that want the opportunity that Shields does. Any News on Derrick Burgess?

by LostAngles01 on Jul 9, 2009 8:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

looks like he's staying put in Oakland for one more year

no news of him being shopped around other than the New England rumor which has been dead for a while now. Only person getting shopped around is Sands, but there aren’t any interests.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 9, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any news on

Frantz Joseph all I heard is he is a step slower than the rest of LB’s. Boyd was mentioned as having a good OTA and such as with Nixon but nothin on Joseph. But Boyd was having time at safety.

The future is uncertain... and the end is always near. JMorrison

by S-n-B4life on Jul 9, 2009 5:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AY

J-Russ’s camp is on but only four people showed up as receivers Louis Watkins and some other low name people no one like Chadz, JLH, or DHB

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.

by nishal26 on Jul 9, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

didn't it just start today??

maybe they’ll come later…??

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Jul 9, 2009 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don'y know I got from Bleacher report

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/215052-jamrcus-russell-training-camp-opens

by nishal26 on Jul 9, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no news on Frantz

nobody’s saying anything about him. He’s pretty much been invisible the whole time. Don’t worry though, I think he’ll be on the practice squad.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 10, 2009 7:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i hope so......

i heard the man is a beast

Stop.......... Hammertime!!!!!

by MR. Bigshot 123 on Jul 10, 2009 7:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Defensive Sleeper/JR

Desmond Bryant from Harvard may just be a sleeper, he was a tackle at Harvard, but this kid is smart and can play football. He is only 288 pounds and that is light for a DT, if they move him to DE he may be facing the practice squad. However, he is quick enough and fast enough to create some match up problems at DT if he can gain some weight without losing his quickness. He ran a 4.92 at his pro day and was very quick in drills. This kid could be a surprise.

JR is stepping up with his passing camp, regardless of who shows up, he is getting reps in and that in itself is a good thing for him. The pressure is on and as we all know Jeff Garcia wants to start. JR I believe will live up to his potential this year and if our coaching can provide schemes that will help get our receivers open and make our offense not so predictable the Raiders have a chance at a real run in the AFC West, San Diego is the only team that poses a challenge, Denver and Kansas City lost their Coach and QB both are in a state of confusion. We have a great opportunity if we can seize it.

by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 10, 2009 8:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Denver is such an utter mess

They spent the whole offseason trying to get a better defense, but it’s still pretty weak. Now they’ve lost their star QB and I’m betting money with some friends that Marshall won’t be there this season either.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 11, 2009 6:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Marshall

Will stay cuz I heard they are listening to his contract stuff but, if the Broncos do lose him that will set them back 6 or 7 years losing a Star QB and WR.

by nishal26 on Jul 11, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Marshall's gonna be out too

but even if he stays, that might not be THAT good for the Broncos. Especially if his season starts out slow and the team loses its first couple games, he could turn into one of those TO-esque players….

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Jul 11, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

which is why I'm thinking they'll trade him

if you keep him and he doesn’t want to play then he won’t.

Randy Blythe, Singer of Lamb of God- "Words can be broken, so can bones....." Omerta by Lamb of God

by KA1Z3R on Jul 11, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course he's smart, he goes to Harvard!!!! lol

Stop.......... Hammertime!!!!!

by MR. Bigshot 123 on Jul 11, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's Talk Darrius Heyward Bey

I know, I know with the hamsting questions, then questions about this guys collegiate stats and his ability past his 40 time being off the charts, I know it has made some people question the pick. Well, first we need to look at the program he came from, at Maryland they ran a pro set offense, so his stats don’t represent someone playing in a spread offense, ie. Florida, Texax Tech, Mizzou etc. On top of it he played with a mediocre Quarterback at best, what you have to look at is how he got open in Maryland, he was doubled because of his speed quite often, yet he still found ways to make plays. People balked at us not taking Crabtree, but have you looked at how he got open, first he does not have great spead, he cannot run by NFL cornerbacks, he will have to play off of picks to get open, this is a guy that needs a spread or west coast offense to put up numbers like he did a Texas Tech. Plus he was featured in a spread offense in a 4 receiver set. If our coaches provide schemes that force one on one coverage, we should have a killer passing game. Remember our players run the plays given to them and if they are predictable they are easy to game plan.

DHB will be fine if he can stay healthy, I am more concerned that his hamstring won’t let him play at full speed. If healthy this kid will be a beast, and if Denver is just going to let Marshall go, I believe we should make a play for him. Is he good YES, DHB is good and has the potential to be great, he is 6’2" and no slouch. I live in Indianapolis now, though I am born and raised in Oakland, and the Colts are an example of a team that runs plays that get their receivers open, if we do the same thing, we can clinch the AFC West.

by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 12, 2009 5:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Joseph Frantz

I agree with KA1ZR3 on this kid, he can play football, and his pro day really didn’t go to well in terms of measurables, but on the field this kid has game speed and good instincts. The good thing for him is this is a weak spot on our Defense so if he can shine during the preseason and make plays in games he has a shot at the 53 man roster, however, as KA1ZR3 stated, he will at least be a practice squad player.

by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 12, 2009 5:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Training camp

The biggest factor will be JaMarcus Russel. If he improves his work ethic and shows a better football mind we will do great coming out of camp. Otherwise the distractions of the quarterback saga will cause us to finish no better than 8-8.

by Alfc2 on Jul 12, 2009 1:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Otherwise the distractions of the quarterback saga will cause us to finish no better than 8-8.

You mean getting rid of the “distractions” may actually take us to 8-8, right? If not, you really need to consider lowering your expectations because you’ll likely be disappointed.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 12, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For the Raiders to win....

The coaching staff must call plays that are not predictable. The coaching staff will also need to work with the players strengths. Players will have to play with heart, they have to play to win, not play not to lose. And the players must be mentally strong and not let bad plays turn in to bad games. Winning is attitude and execution, period, to be a winner you must think and act like one, and above all you must execute like one. JaMarcus is only one man, he will need blocking, run support and receivers that will not just get open, but will catch the ball. The our defense needs to stop someone, remember to win you must be able to score MORE points that your opponent, and that means you cannot just let them score. Distractions, what distractions, it’s football, you hit the field kick butt and go home, as a former player when the ball is snapped that baby momma drama is gone, no one is distracted during the game or at practice. The field is actually a sanctuary when things are crazy in your life. NO EXCUSES, if they don’t win they have only themselves to blame, we have the talent, they just have to execute.

by Rodney Sacramento on Jul 13, 2009 7:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs