Raiders O-Line: Going From Chill Out to Icy Chill
by KA1Z3R on Aug 22, 2010 7:44 AM PDT
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Back again with your weekly write up of the Raiders O-Line, last week I told everyone to chill out and keep it cool. As far as cool goes, the Raiders looked icy chill out there on Soldier Field.
Facing them were Tommie Harris; a guy who's been off his game since his leg injury years ago but still has a knack for being one of the fastest DT's in football, Julius Peppers; an All-Pro RE known for both speed and strength and is one of the most feared DE's in football, Lance Briggs; overrated but is still a very good blitz option, and the Chicago defensive scheme; a scheme known for sending a lot of all-out blitzes from a talented front seven.
And how did the Raiders O-Line fare against yet another rigorous test? Read on to find out.
Once again this is a preseason game so don't read too much into this. However it is well known that if there's one thing preseason accurately tests, it's the battle of the trenches.
Mario Henderson, man oh man is this guy hard to judge. Goes from great looking couple weeks in 08, to horrible in 09, to looking like an All-Pro in 2010. Matched up on him all day (save for a few breathers where Veldheer came in, more on that later) was All-Pro Julius Peppers.
Peppers did get pressure which is definitely to be expected, but Mario Henderson played him almost entirely one-on-one and allowed 0 sacks. This is isn't some 2 series thing either, this was in whole half of football. Maybe it's the confidence he gets in having Gallery beside him, or maybe it's Mario finally getting great, but he looked great out there.
Speaking of Robert Gallery, I'm disappointed in all of his penalties (but wow did that Michael Bush screen look fantastic on 3rd and 17), but he faced up against Tommie Harris like a true Pro Bowl guard. Campbell never had to worry about his blindside as long as those two were in.
And when the O-Line is neutralizing the RE and DT, that means the C can help the G leaving the RT free to work on the LE. Meaning, if the left side is looking good, the right side is looking better than their usual mediocre selves. That's right, the right side of the O-Line allowing 0 sacks as well. Though against competition arguably as average as the right side themselves.
So pass blocking was great, but their was just two mistakes. The first being the INT throw by Jason Campbell. Campbell threw a bad pass and should have just taken the sack, but that's something he'll learn in 3 weeks when he does his usual 24 hour film study.
The second was an error by the rookie Veldheer. Veldheer came in on a play to give Mario a breather. On that play, Peppers made Veldheer actually look human as he manhandled Jared to sack Campbell and force a fumble. Now Veldheer looked great out there against Peppers in limited action, and that sack was just a simple case of rookie versus veteran all-pro.
Satele was injured with an ankle sprain and Chris Morris came in for his first play. The cold center made a bad snap which resulted in a fumble. Reason I'm not worried about this, that probably just won Veldheer the backup center job. Something we can all be happy with.
However, this was not a perfect game for the Raiders O-Line. Bush and Fargas....I mean Cartwright (hard to tell the difference) were struggling all game to get going against the annually good Bears run D. Combining for 10 carries for 28 yards, things could have been better. But in a game where our passing offense is on fire like that, it's not too bad. But still needs work.
Jackson's power blocking plays were on display on those Campbell and Boller TD runs. Can't wait to see more of that in the regular season.
Overall the O-Line looked great against the Bears and will probably look better next week if Veldheer does in fact start like I think he will.
Quick Hit:
In a game where your two starting corners are out and the guys you're fielding are a guy named Stanford Routt, and the other a rookie 7th. round pick in Jeremy Ware, you expect nothing short of disaster. Does Jay Cutler only throwing for 99 yards count as disaster? Well for Chicago it is.
Routt actually looked decent out there (I was going to say good but we'll use decent when it comes to Bears receivers), and Ware looked like a vet instead of a rookie (except for a couple rookie mistakes of course). I'm really starting to feel good about the Raiders depth in the secondary.
Hell even Stevie Brown made a nice pick in the second half. Brown making plays......bye bye Hiram Eugene.
Cutler had a touchdown and there were some bad plays by the secondary, but when Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson,and the pass rushing stylings of single blocked Seymour are out, they looked incredible out there.
Shout Out:
To Satele, hope you get well soon. Sorry for being so happy about your injury as a chance to see Veldheer in action (hopefully), but that's what you get for looking average yet again. Way to make me look lame for defending you all offseason. Hope you prove me wrong, and hope to see you on the field again soon.
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decent protection
JC would have had the TD to ZMilller if he had a second more protection. The first team Oline pre snap penalties are goin to kill us!!! through 2 exhibition games (they are exhibition games) our first team has held up nicely against the opponents first team… havent dominated on any end because we’re still giving up big plays but if it wasnt obvious then, it is now that we are a more competent team…
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
Jason Campbell started strong, then fizzled out after Forte's run
10-20, especially after such a start? Mighty shaky, I say. Don’t want to be hard on the guy, but Boller looked better, and I can’t wait for Grad to start playing. Grad has so much more fire than Campbell.
Campbell should have caught Chris Morris' snap.
And I think he would have, if his head was right. What concerns me is his ability to deal with deviations from projections.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions
That was the concern of many a Redskin fan
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Aug 22, 2010 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I loved looking at Grad on the sideline
and how involved he was. The guy is a jungle man, total instinct, no emotional hangups, go for the jugular with a smile type of guy.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly
and the backup QB competition really seem s to be of a higher quality in many years. Grads has got to be there, Boller has looked good and the coaches like him, but I really wish there would be a way to keep Brennan. Since there is no Russell, the Raiders will not keep 4 QB’s, so someone has got to go.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Aug 22, 2010 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I'd like to see more of Brennan.
I’d like the team to have a developmental QB but as you stated, it’s not likely.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Brennan has a lot more upside
than Campbell. The Raiders extended Campbell, but only for another year, which means for now Campbell is a short term solution. Brennan, on the other hand, as you say, could very well be developed for this team especially with the coaches on this staff.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Aug 22, 2010 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
In a perfect world
Brennan would take the place of Boller or Grads. Boller I would hope. Still need to see more of the guy though. Know if Brennan could be put on the Raiders practice squad?
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Practice squad
Yes, Brennan “could” be put on the practice squad, however, he would have to clear waivers first and that might not be so likely.
Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.
by TheRaiderWay on Aug 22, 2010 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions
He's not a great QB
I watched him last year (Thanks Sunday Ticket) and never could figure out why so many people on this blog felt like he was some great QB just burdened by too many coaching scheme changes. He’s not cool under pressure and will make plenty fo mistakes i.e. the fumbled snap (not a good snap though) the interception, on one play he could have run for a 1st down but threw the ball into coverage instead (should have been flagged – he was past the line of scrimmage).
That being said, he’s simply not great. Can he learn from his mistakes and get better? Could he be great? I guess we’ll find out. To me, the beauty of this whole thing is that it looks to me like we don’t need great to win football games. Minimize the mistakes and it will translate into wins.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
We watched the game at Ricky's (a full house and the hard-core venue for away games. There was quite a bit of talk
about our unsettled QB situation.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions
What was the consensus?
Ricky’s…I wish I lived out there…only for Raider games though. Would have been cool to hang with the brethren.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Damnest thing, Rusty23, there was no consensus. Gradkowski had more than 25% with Brennan in the mix
and Boller was about even with Campbell. Some wanted Brennan groomed a.s.a.p.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions
too many key drops again by familiar names
I love how they’re running the screen play now. Not gonna be too hard on JC at this point. I believe he’ll come around with time. We have to get better on O line still. Veldheer looked pretty promising in his brief time; could blossom into something special.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
The swing pass has paid huge returns over the past two games; with swings and screens - to Bush, Bennet, Rock,
Zach and Brandon – (did you see how we were using 2 TEs in formation … tell me their not reading this blog!)
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Hue has done what was expected of him
use the weapons we have to our advantage. Hence, the reason the screen was working so well on the bigger plays. Hue is using a team’s strength against them. I look forward to the season to see it truly unleashed.
It is often uncanny how coincidental the topics of discussion here are mirrored in the game, but is it us on the pulse of our team, or the powers that be of the organization tapping into an ample resource? I’m inclined to believe the former, but sometimes wonder…
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Are you making it up for the Food Network shindig?
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Far too much is read into the exhibition games
you cannot give grades on how players look, different looks, different players, trying different things. My god, if Russell had done what Campbell did in the first quarter, this site would have been chanting Super Bowl. If Murphy doesn’t drop an easy pass late in the 2nd quarter the Raiders would have scored at least an additional 3 pts. held onto the ball, prevented the Bears from scoring again, and the half would have been a total domination by the Raiders offense. I don’t see the fascination of the Raiders staff for Cartwright, when Bush went out, and Cartwright came in, the running attack stopped completely, before that Bush was putting up some nice numbers. The one thing you can see from the exhibition games is that Hue likes the screen and wants to run a lot. That is fine with me. On Forte’s long run, McClain over ran the play but that is great, a lesson learned, perfect for exhibition games.
by Laoren on Aug 22, 2010 8:57 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Russell is in the past
Giving Campbell a high mark in comparison is not the way to go.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Yes, Death Ro overran the play and attacked a blocker who wasn't even near the ball. Hit him really hard if that's any consolation
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions
He overran it, but he didn't go after the blocker(imo).
I saw that the blocker made a cut block on him, then it was nothing but open space for Forte.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
Watch again, the running lane was 6 yards wide and Ro ran right passed that gaping lane to an opponent who wasn't
in the play. That play reminded me of Morrison and I shuddered.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions
I'll try and find a replay later.
This brings me back to what my pro-potentials were for Death Ro:
Pro Potential:
Best case scenario: Ray Lewis
Worst Case scenario: Kirk Morrison
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
I didn't see it that way!
McClain did his job and that is attack the fullback and make him go backwards. MCClain’s strength and Forte’s knowledge of his presence led Forte to cut back.
With TB up at the line as well, he was immediately blocked.
If the end can’t shed the block and make the play which is what happened, (Houstion surprised by strength of NFL TE gets flattened) the FS should make the play.
If anyone needs more tackling in camp, it is Huff. He has reverted to 08. The biggest question on the team is FS. I would start Stevie Brown at FS and Mitchell at SS.
Your thoughts?
Cable didn't see it that way - called it a LB blown assignment. I believe the film speaks for itself.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Branch should be FS, and Mitchell strong safety.
I
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Neither is especially good in coverage.
Huff is better in coverage than both.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with you on Huff being better in coverage.
for now. Because I think Branch can be very good in coverage as well if he is at FS.
I think Branch will show his coverage skills a lot more if he is put in FS, because it’s the obvious coverage position. If Huff started at Strong Safety, much like Branch was last year, I can say that Huff would not be able to display his coverage abilities as well.
I’d like to see what Branch can do at FS this year.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
Agree
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Ro blew the play and then Huff blew the clean up.
Ro shed the blocker, unlike Morrison, but over ran the play allowing Forte to cut inside instad of keeping him bouncing out, all too much like Morrison.
Huff did the same thing, he over ran the play putting him in no position to comeback and clean up. Huff has a slight argument in that the linebackers didn’t contain and keep forte bouncing out.
As far as Huff vs. Brown: Brown is too green and I think it’s too early to tell on Huff after the improvement last season. Brown could probably still make the team cause Eugene is not playing well.
As far as Branch vs. Mitchell: Both have similar playing styles but Branch is just better right now.
Cable Bumaye! Raiders Bumaye!
Yup. watching the replay now on my DVR, and Ro might've thought he could take both out
a hard lesson learned. He should only improve. So long as we do not see us gashed for any big plays like that with any consistency, it should be a learning experience for Rolando.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I re-watched the play.
The way I saw it, Branch was covering the TE that went in motion toward the line.
When the bears hand it off to Forte, the guard or fullback completely annihilated branch, and when Ro came in, he was cut blocked beautifully out of play.
Maybe it was a slight over pursuit, but the block was perfect and spot on as well, and Forte was clean all the way through.
Only Branch and Ro were in the area, everyone else was taken out. Brach got destroyed, and Ro had a small chance to stop the run.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions
A more seasoned, more experienced Rolando will make that play in the future
and I hope he learned his lesson well. Some great tape to watch. Pretty textbook play by the Bears, and maybe not the best play call by our D, that found Forte in the third level of D so quickly, with most everyone else effectively taken out of play immediately.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Video of Forte’s run:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d819edbe6
Forte’s assessment:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-21/sports/ct-spt-0822-bears-mitchell—20100821_1_matt-forte-chicago-bears-tickets-raiders-at-soldier-field
“I just had to let the blocking develop. I mean they blocked everybody up front,” Forte said after the Bears’ 32-17 loss. “The hole was the size of a truck. All I had to do was make the safety miss. The rest was just running.”
Cable’s assessment:
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_15855721
Cable said a linebacker was out of position, which afforded Forte an unimpeded path into the secondary. “That’s not good,” Cable said.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Do you think it's Ro, to whom he's referring?
I’m watching both my DVR replay and the clip you sent now…
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Ro was the only LB I could see that was close to Forte...
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Look at Trevor Scott. He's closing the gap, then get's cut block and taken out
effectively opening up a huge hole for Forte to cut back into. The moment Scott is horizontal, is the precise moment Forte’s eyes see the hole that means one guy to beat.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I'm thinking it's Trevor he's talking about
Allowing himself to be cut-block, effectively opening the 6’ hole for the cut on the backside.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Scott did get cut blocked
But if scott would have been able to go in and stop forte for only maybe 3 yards?
It’s tough to say.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not completely letting Ro off the hook. A more seasoned guy would've looked to shed the fb block
to make the play on the ballcarrier, but Scott is learning his position, and should’ve been lined up where he wasn’t so susceptible to losing the angle game.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I suppose your right.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I had to think, were it Bruschi and Vrabel...
what would the outcome have been? I guess it was McGinest on the weakside then. if you say all the DL and safeties were similarly taken out of the play like that.
I think it exposes an alignment the Raiders had better learn to avoid, or perfect for that matter, against teams with home run threats like Forte. The niners have a similar guy in Gore.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I think
if it WAS a seasoned veteran, a la Vrabel, I think he would have been taken out as well.
It looks like Scott went to shed the block, and JUSt as he was about to pursue Forte, the guy he shed the block leaped out in front of him, and Scott stumbled over him.
It didn’t seem like it was in Scott’s control.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
I’m not so sure. I’ve been looking at the film and I am placing the blame on wimberly. He needed to recognize the run and not be sealed off by greg olsen. If he would of just got some penetration and forced the guard to help out Olsen the play would of ended for a loss. But it is tough to call when it seemed his number one job was to cover the TE.
it's a tough angle to see.
you clearly see Ro and Tyvon get promptly removed, and the others are all isolated one by one.
It was pretty textbook blocking by the Bears.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
more like Ro did the attacking and took himself out of the play. The OLB was sealed and taken out
of play – but that was his assignment so it was a wash. On review, It was deja vue/Morrisonesq
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
definitely had that look about him
like a lb not recognizing a play in time, with his eye’s closed almost…
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
again not ro's fault
I agree with Horatio R.
Cable says missed assignment. Look at the play, the TE #87 is engaged by #99, no FB so that means #96 should head directly for #22. Instead he hesitates and gets sealed by 82 who was originally split wide as a WR. Why is 96 getting blocked by a WR, because he missed his assignment.
Ro gets taken out by the pulling center, TB by the gaurd.
Huff sucks in coverage. Unless you mean man coverage. The predominant coverage for the FS in the Raiders defense is deep zone. Brown has excelled as consistently as Huff has failed. Huff never performed well in preseason, regular season, or practice.
If you want the best players on the field why wouldn’t you want Brown to make up for the lack of turnover production from all current Raider starters including Branch?
That may be true in terms of design (theory) but once the play develops, one does not
dutifully do their assignment when that assignment no longer makes sense. The Center wasn’t carrying the ball (duh) and wasn’t leading interference in front of Forte – he was off to the side but lateral to Forte’s right – so that running lane should have been filled.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 23, 2010 6:56 AM PDT up reply actions
It was a brilliant play call, and they did block it perfectly. Maybe I’m just expecting way to much out of a guy who pretty much got blind sided.
it couldn't have happened at a better time at least
the lb corps is young, and new, and therefore some growing pains should be expected. We should, however, expect the glaring weakness against the run to be fixed, since the team addressed it by addressing mostly the lb corps.
Let’s hope it makes us a better team.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
It looks like Houston was held as well:
But, that was just just great execution by the Bears and a terrible job by Huff after Forte got through the D-Line
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes
I really think it was mostly just excellent blocking by the bears, more than our mistakes.
Literally 3 GUYS only had a chance. Branch immediately got taken out, Ro slightly over-pursued and got taken out by a cut block, and Huff just got annihilated.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
Reminded me of Morrison
But as Laoren said, great lesson learned. As I watched the paly go down I thought, it’s now Forte VS Huff…no chance for Huff.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Just want to point out KA1Z3R
that Campbell also made our OL look god as well. Is pocket presence in that game was excellent. He stepped up frequently, rolled out to where there was plenty of room and space for his throws, and usually connected them, or ran for a couple yards.
It seemed like Campbel and his OL are building “chemistry.” Something that I’ve stressed that needs to happen.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
"excellent"?
Level-headedness is the way to go. Campbell is serviceable. If he overcomes the stiffness, you can cautiously begin using superlatives.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, how he handled himself in the pocket, imo, was excellent.
Like he was in control. It surprised me. I should see more games with him, but right now, so far, I’m slightly impressed(slightly because I DID expect him to be better than we had for a couple years).
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
He was tons better
than Mr. Tonnage from last year. Then again, the whole team looks like a TEAM. So refreshing!
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
No comparisons to Russell, please - and yes to emphasizing the team factor
This was a good game compared to a lot of others. I think the competition strategy they are using is paying off. Let Campbell compete too, that may help him.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Comparing to that creature is pointless. We seek a Conference Title, so
so comparisons should be made against QBs that are on teams that make the playoffs.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Sons & Spirals
I think you should preapare for a year of others comparing any Raiders QB to the “creature” from the Black and Silver Lagoon of the past. Same can be said for comparisons between Ro and Morrison. In your honor though, I’ll refrain from doing the former.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Unlike Jamarcus last year.
Oops, I did it again! Sorry! I couldn’t resist one last opportunity!
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
The penalty shit is just plain getting old
c’mon Tom! You’ll continue to draw the ire of the Nation until you coach up this line!
Still ambivalent about Gallery, but know he’s better than any other guard we currently have, so I’m leaning towards liking him. He seems to become less the top draft pick we expected him to be every game.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I think it's funny how much criticism Jason Campbell is getting from some people.
It’s his second preseason game with a new group of everything and people want Colt Brennan to be “groomed” right now? Or a guy with a career completion percentage of 53 percent in Gradkowski to start over someone with a career completion percentage of 61 percent? Campbell averaged 226 yards per game last year while throwing for 20 touchdowns and completing over 64 percent of his passes and people are jumping the gun on two preseason games with a bunch of guys he hasn’t gelled with yet. Give me a break. Better yet, give Jason a break.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 9:53 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
And we amassed half of that 400 yard number while Jason was in
on mediocre passing numbers with some clutch drops as well. I love Jason, and look forward to watching him blossom.
The last time the Raiders got 400 yards? 2005.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I am worried about his mental stamina
Can you convince me that he is absolutely cool under pressure? I am open. But until that happens, I am skeptical, regardless of how funny I may look to you.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Mental stamina?
What? That overshadows his production? Concrete numbers are a lot more important than things like “fire” and “mental stamina” because looking at everything as a whole is more accurate than looking at isolated incidents.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
The numbers 'recently' aren't so good. 10 of 20 is sub-par. True, there were a couple of drops but when you throw
bullets at receivers standing 7 yards away that’s to be expected.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Again, this is his second preseason game with a new group of everything.
Stop overreacting to meaningless games; he’s getting used to playing with with he’s playing with.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
A target is a target and preseason games are not meaningless - players tend to play like they practice
Downplay what you witness all you want but coaches and fans are free to evaluate for themselves. Btw, if the preseason games are ‘meaningless’ how is it that about 24 players are going to get pink slips based on their performance in these ‘meaningless games?’
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly.
Btw, if the preseason games are ‘meaningless’ how is it that about 24 players are going to get pink slips based on their performance in these ‘meaningless games?’
It means something for guys not like Jason Campbell. It’s for guys who are on the bubble. Campbell is not getting cut and neither are guys like Matt Cassel, Kevin Kolb or Peyton Manning. The preseason doesn’t mean anything for those guys in particular.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
do you think though
That when Peyton Manning, or Tom Brady, or Kevin Kolb go into the pre-season game, that they perform as best as possible so they can be better prepared for the season?
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Obviously.
Everyone tries their hardest and wants to win just as badly as the other. That’s why the “fire” argument is particularly ridiculous. It’s like when A’s fans accused Matt Holliday not ever smiling. He never did smile, but that’s Matt and he’s a great player regardless. It’s not like he cared less.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't say ridiculous.
The “fire,” if this is what you mean, is very important imo. It shows the amount of leadership and dedication you are willing to put in for your team. Your teammates will gain more respect for you, and rally around you when the games are on the line. This is VERY important, and I think establishing this in the pre-season is in turn, important for the team, and Campbell.
If this is what you mean by “fire.”
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
"Fire" is not important.
Everyone wants to win. Not everyone shows leadership and dedication with “fire.” You do not necessarily gain more respect from your teammates by being flamboyant.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Flamboyant has nothing to do with "fire."
Of course everyone wants to win. And yes, you can show leadership with Fire.
Playing with Fire, brings charisma. Players who rally with you, based on the amount of charisma you bring based on your fire(which is based on the level of your play), mentally makes them play better FOR you. It’s all psychological. It also brings confidence, and this being a young team offensively(in terms of WRs and RBs), confidence is a very important thing.
Thus, I believe “fire” is a very important factor in winning games.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
See, that's the problem with "fire."
You think it’s one thing and I think it’s another. It’s something flawed and can’t be measured.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Okay, me and you may have different interpretations of it.
But when it comes to football, and Jason Campnbell being brought in to lead the team, I believe fire can be interpreted as to have players rally around you, and fill the offense with your leadership and charisma to lead them to wins, and they all play better for you because they admire you.
That’s what Campbell has been brought in for, and I think he needs that fire to help this team out. Stats hold some water with that, but I think he needs to lead the team, and have the team believe in him before he starts getting awesome stats(because if the team doesn’t believe in you, what’s the point? if you know what I mean).
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Wrong, I saw Jackson call plays yeasterday, even though it's preseason, Campbell-
needs to get acclimated with the system more to be greatly in sync before the season. This is not the case with Peyton, Cassel, Kolb; they’ve already been there and know the playbook, and teamates.
The RaiderLaker
Hence, saying preseason is meaningless, is just downright ignorant..
Next year in preseason, then yeah, it won’t be important for JC, since he’s been here done that.
The RaiderLaker
If you're looking at his 10-for-20 and making snap judgments on it, you need to check yourself.
Preseason results like that are not indicative of future performance based on Campbell’s 2009 success. That’s why I say the preseason is utterly meaningless.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Of course Campbell needs to get used to the system.
This is not the case with Peyton, Cassel, Kolb; they’ve already been there and know the playbook, and teamates.
That’s not the point I was trying to make. They’re not getting pink slips the same way Campbell isn’t. The preseason is meaningful to Campbell in the respect that he does need to get used to his teammates and the plays, but looking at the 10-for-20 and making a judgment on that is a bit ridiculous. He’s not any worse than he was in Washington based on a preseason game.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
They are meaningful to me... Campbell has looked good and without Chaz and McFadden.
Just because it’s pre-season doesn’t mean our young guys know that you should chill, the battle in the trenches in never chill. In preseason its good to analyze players. Winning in preseason is what really doesn’t matter because it’s preseason.
I agree though, no “grooming” Brennan, he should/will be cut. Gradkowski is the better back up to Campbell than Boller.
The RaiderLaker
We haven't really seen what Brennan has
And typically, wouldn’t the 3rd QB be a devlopmental guy? We know what there is to know about Grads and Boller and we should keep one. I agree with you on Grads.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
by Rusty23 on Aug 22, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
superbly executed dissection on the value of preseason games
Not sure about cutting Brennan yet.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Last year we were forced to use all three QBs:
And then even Lohsman, so I think that we need to keep the three best.
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
I want to see what Brennan can do.
The only reason why Like Brennan more, was because I still remember that I was impressed with his mechanics in pre-season with (washington? 49ers?). He was ACCURATE, and throwing with confidence.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
he couldnt beat out chase daniel last preseason
the only reason he stuck around was b/c they put him on IR
chase daniel is now QB #2 in New orleans and just tore it up against first teamers last night in the 2nd quarter
by word2bigbird on Aug 22, 2010 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Well it's hard to beat anyone out when you get drafted that year. Especially when you got injured no?
In the pre-season, I liked what I saw out of him. That’s all I’m gonna say. I want to see what he can do, and the raiders so far have not given him an opportunity.
Whether they plan on putting him on the practice squad in the first place, and do not plan on having him play at all, we wouldn’t know.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
facts are wrong
this was last year. brennan was in his second year in the system and daniel was a rookie UDFA.
by word2bigbird on Aug 22, 2010 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
doesn't say this on nfl.com
http://www.nfl.com/players/coltbrennan/profile?id=BRE307886
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
He was IR'd in 09, so I think that's why daniels was able to be the #2.
Maybe that’s why I was confused.
Well i liked what I saw from him in the 08 pre-season(I know it was a few years ago when I saw him, so it had to be 08).
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
i meant that Daniel is the back up QB in New Orleans currently
he got cut by the skins in 09 when they kept Brennan only b/c they put Brennan on IR
in any case Brennan is okay. not someone i get too excited about.
by word2bigbird on Aug 23, 2010 4:41 AM PDT up reply actions
We shall see. ;)
If he does get chance to play a quarter, and he sucks, then by all means I say cut him.
Until then, I have hopes. :)
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
If I see someone waffling after a superb start,
I worry. You can’t placate my worry by bringing stats from his whole career, because this is how people used to bring up JR’s college stats. While I think he’s a huge improvement over JR, I fail to see why he should be exempt from competition or immune from criticism. It wouldn’t be healthy to spare him from criticism, would it?
“Oh what a tangled web we weave
When we are learning to believe deceive believe…”
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
This has nothing to do with college stats.
Russell’s college stats didn’t translate into the NFL because he didn’t play in a spread offense and he didn’t play against NFL defenses at LSU. Campbell played against NFL defenses in Washington.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
This is called comparing one guy's college stats to his NFL stats and comparing one guy's NFL stats to his NFL stats.
You can evaluate guys based on “fire” and “mental stamina” and I’ll evaluate my guys based on concrete evidence.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Let me ask you a question
Do you know what “straw man” means?
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Let me ask you a question.
Is Bruce Gradkowski a better quarterback than Jason Campbell?
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
They are about equal on the Raiders team,
with Bruce having the edge when it comes to dealing with stress.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
What about Gradkowski's awesome "fire" and his unflappable "metal stamina" as well?
His 53 percent completion percentage speaks such volumes!
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
He started 4 games I think last year?
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
In his 26 career games, he has completed 53 percent of his passes.
Do those other NFL games not count all of a sudden?
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
so if you keep a 4.0 grade avarege for 3 years,
and then slip to 2.9, colleges should ignore your senior year grades?
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
or the other way around
Frankly, I don’t think your argument holds. Find another.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Career stats matter.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
+ 1
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh, I apologize.
Gradkowski’s completion percentage saw a 1.4 percent increase from his career totals and a 0.5 percent increase from two seasons ago.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
if that's the case
Matt Cassel would be working in a convenience store by now…
Or Trent Dilfer…
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
That's not true.
Cassel has completed over 59 percent of his passes in his career.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Okay, explain Trent Dilfer then.
And no, Cassel sucked when he played in games.
Without that 08 season, where he played great out of nowhere, he would be looking at different jobs, instead of starting in KC.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Think it has everything to do with Haley and Pioli
and Scott’s NE ties. It’ll end up proving a bad decision, too.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
in regards to Cassell
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Dilfer wasn't very good.
What’s to explain? He was a former top 10 pick with a pair of 20-touchdown seasons that “managed” a team to a Super Bowl. That’s about it.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Which is really all we need, like Rusty said
a guy who was about as good as Dilfer could be the perfect fit for us; granted, this D is not the D that Balt. had that year, but if we continue building it and strengthen the ball control game, we could be in business.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Luckily Campbell is actually decent, then.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah. I'd put him way ahead of Dilfer anyday
and prefer JC over Grads, despite believing in Bruce, too. Campbell’s def performing better at this point of his career, and has improved every year, despite having difficulties and instability in WA.
JC has way more upside, and is the right guy for the job.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Agreed, but Grad struggled for multiple reasons in Tampa
many of which he’s not been a victim of here in Oakland. You must take the larger body of work with a grain of salt. Tampa’s offense under Gruden sucked, takeaway Alstott.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Grad threw closer to 63% last year (from memory) so you're going back into the archives
when Grad struggled to make your argument stronger. I’m for using more recent material as players develop, the landscape changes, etc. Grad will get his chance if we don’t fix the o-line. I don’t want Campbell hurt but I’d like to see Grad with our improved play calling and somewhat improved o-line.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
No, he was at 54.7 percent last year.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Allow me, when healthy... yes. In fact, by the end of the 1st half, you could hear the name Gradkowski
and “Bruce” spoken or shouted throughout Ricky’s.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Fans are fickle.
We know this. Give me the guy who threw for over 3,600 yards, 20 touchdowns and completed over 64 percent of his passes. Fans are quick to pass judgment on two preseason games.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Fickle doesn't apply. There's a reason why fans change opinions - it doesn't happen for no reason
We are in an adjustment stage. Houston was a monster last week and had no tackles last night. Campbell looks great on one series and marginal the next. McClain hasn’t really done anything significant yet and enjoys the honeymoon for now. Pre-perceptions are being changed by real perceptions during this preseason. Another reason why pre-season is so important.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions
He was cool under pressure yesterday, besides that one INT.
Whether it’s consistent? We won’t know until more games are played.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Two interceptions, a fumble, a bullet pass to a receiver 7 yds from him and two forced passes that could have been
intercepted. On the other hand, his first series was awesome.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I saw a play were JC was getting wraped up by the DT or DE and he still got the pass of to Murphy.
That’s being cool under pressure and there were two defenders and he hit Murph in between. I think Miller ran a wrong route, hence the interception..
The RaiderLaker
the fumble
peppers destroyed Veldheer, and got a clean swipe of the football by hitting the blindside of campbell.
It could have happened to Tom Brady.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Not counting that one. It was the Chris Morris snap at shoulder-pad level that I'm calling a fumble
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Ah. Well yes, it was a miscommunication.
How does that have to do with cool under pressure though? I was in the ballpark of his pocket presence.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Simple, if you're expecting a snap at navel level and it comes around your ear-hole - if you're cool - it's
no big deal. But if you only look chill (and really aren’t) it gets muffed.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
But how much was campbell at fault?
I don’t know if it was all Campbell.
Besides, I thinking cool under pressure is when he drops back to pass.
I count that fumble as just a “pre-snap” mistake.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 22, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
it went against both of them - contributary negligence, if you will
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
No, I think there is a reason why Morris was practicing with JC snapping the ball-
on the sidelines before he came in; and what does Morris do? he gives him a very fast and high fastball snap. Both fumbles don’t count against him. And the Int. is questionable.
The RaiderLaker
they shoulda practiced some gun snaps too, eh?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Well, the judgment to have a cold Center (and a marginal one) to warm up w/ snaps to the hands
then, on the first play at C, call a deep (shotgun) snap was ill advised. Nevertheless, Grad got those types of snaps (all over the place) last year – it should not have been fumbled.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
We've seen Grad cooler under pressure
And frankly, I didn’t think Campbell showed anything heads and shoulders above Grad. Will he? Maybe, maybe not.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
We've also seen Gradkowski suck in NFL regular season games.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
exactly like Campbell so far
suck and shine. I can’t understand your man crush on Campbell – what so hard about detaching yourself a bit? Rattling the cage for a moment, eh? If he’s a winner, he’ll survive it.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
These are preseason games.
I don’t have a crush on Campbell, but you either have a crush on Gradkowski or Campbell stole your lunch money or something because you’re overly sour on him and yet you talk up the person who has had a below average NFL career.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I do have a crush on Grad, as I professed in a fan shot,
and I’ve been very hard on him as well. Give praise where praise is due, and always in moderation. Campbell looks better than JR, that’s for sure.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm pretty sure, I could pull that off
and I’m 5’10" and 170lbs. I couldn’t even see over the line. I know I’d sure get rid of the ball quick, tho!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I give Gradkowski credit for his performance in the last two minutes against the Bengals.
I also give him credit for a great performance in Pittsburgh. That’s where it stops, though, unfortunately. He’s had one good game and a good final two minutes. I’m not giving him credit for being as good as Campbell since career numbers and even last season’s numbers say not to.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
How about his comeback agaiinst the Chiefs:
That ended when a perfectly thrown ball bounced off of DHB’s chest and into the arms of a CHief defender to end the game?
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the point is
is that Grad made some great plays, but we know that Campbell is the proven QB.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
He gets criticism
because he has a track record to follow, not just because of 2 preseason games. I’m rooting for him, he is the the starter, he may get better but I’m prepared for him to be an average QB…which for the Raiders may be enough.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
excellent point, Rusty. We are building a team that asks merely adequacy and sufficiency at the position
Defense first, and it’s good to see some power blocking utilized as well.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Thankyou, also don't forget the opening drive touchdown he led.
…How long has it been since we had one f those?
Cable Bumaye! Raiders Bumaye!
Ah - one appreciates the droplets after the draught:)
Joiking aside though – I loved what I saw from Campbell in the first quarter. Which is why I am baffled by his later performance. It looked like he’s great when things go according to plan and destabilized when they don’t. My mom is like this – she gets really discombobulated when I change plans.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions
He is getting a rythm, and that may take a while:
I am hoping that he will look good for the entire first half against the Niners and then be ready for the Titans on the 12th!!!
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions
raids have on the worst o-lines in the league… until its fixed- you will be stuck in mediocrity; no matter who has the reigns.
JJ Fe
I'll take mediocrity in 2010.
It’s a step up compared to past years. The offensive line will get better with time due to Veldheer and Campbell improving.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
That's an exaggeration. C and RG are weak and Langston is scary (could have been called on holding (and will be) but
Mario is playing good football now and LT is extremely important. Also, with Veldheer playing center we won’t have people in our QBs face. Cut Morris today, play Soup at RG, play Veldheer at Center and get into Gallery’s and Walker’s face re penalties and we become much improved.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm going to the game Saturday, and the tailgate thing
You guys doing Rickys again next week?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
We'll be at the game - but Spirals teaches till 5pm - so we'll beat ass to the game. Let's meet at the game.
Jamie and you are invited to spend the night with us at stately Templar Manor.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Jaimi can't make this one. She teaches an African dance class Saturdays.
My friend will be coming with me, but I work until the afternoon Friday, and don’t do traffic, so I believe we’ll be driving either that evening and arriving in the wee hours, or leaving super early Saturday to arrive that morning.
We’ll definitely meet at the game, tho. Your phone number still the same?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Yes! You'll stay with us post-game on Saturday, right?
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
We would be honored to stay. Hopefully following another W!
I guess Kamerion Wimbely’s g/f was in attendance of her session yesterday. Small world, huh?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Are you serious!
Truly a small world!
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
SF is almost as thirsty for this game as we are. They have a good D and running game to test us.
Same number. We hook up via phone at the coliseum and go from there. Saint says that there’s apres joue eating (post-functioning) after the big event – so maybe we’ll have a celebratory feast after the game and drink many toasts to our much improved team, it’s D first, it’s OC, it’s special teams, it’s modestly improved 0-line,its hearty running game, and any other worthy toasts.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes. This will be an excellent test of mettle...
a true battle of wit. Cable must exact revenge on Mr. Singletary, and we need to follow a solid defensive showing, with one that doesn’t show a penchant for giving up big run plays anymore. We’ll have our hands full with Gore and company, and Vernon Davis is another will test another suspect aspect of our D, in the ability to cover a premiere, big, strong, and fast TE.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
We need you there at 7AM on Saturday morning:
It is all about coming together as a team. At the end of the day, the team is all we have. - T. Branch 10-14-09
by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Aug 22, 2010 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
guess that determines when I'm departing! lol
I will be there in plenty of time, I’m sure. At what time will they allow us into the parking lot? I’ll arrive earlier if its possible, to get started. Might want to get a smoker going so it’s cooking as long as possible…
email me your contact info.,
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I think a lot of you are getting too deep into a preseason game
I think Campbell looked very solid for the most part. His pocket presence, his calmness, and his smoothness were the best I’ve seen from a quarterback on this team for a long time. He also got a little fiery at times. Papa said that Campbell was getting after the o-line after a couple drives. The pick he threw was mainly because he was hit. There were also a few drops, and plays where guys fell on during their routes. The guy had 170 passing yards in the 1st half. That has been unheard of by a Raider qb lately. Gradkowski probably had a half or two with similar amount of yards, but as much as I like Bruce, he doesn’t have the smoothness that Campbell has, or the arm strength. Bruce is pretty frantic like Garcia a lot of the time. He’s a great backup though.
I'm done arguing Campbell and Gradkowski for the 100th time.
All it does is go in circles and I’m tired of arguing the same points. Campbell has improved yearly in each successive year. Last year, he threw for over 3,600 yards while completing over 64 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns. Call me when Gradkowski can complete 55 percent of his passes in a season.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 22, 2010 11:34 AM PDT reply actions
shouldnt have to argue
any logical person could summise that the raiders wouldnt have acquired j cambell if they belived grads was a better qb.
by rat, el rat, mr. rat, the rat on Aug 22, 2010 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions
or if Grad wasn't injured...
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
four days after Grad tore his peck we picked up Cambell - any logical person could surmise that.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions
There's really no reason for the Campbell/Gradkowski argument...
We already know who’s got the starting job, they’re BOTH our quarterbacks and neither is going anywhere soon. No matter who’s the starter we’re undoubtedly going to be better than last year. LOL, savor this good moment while u can, Raider fans. We haven’t had two adequate QBs to argue over in quite a while! Personally though, I think it’s fine as it is now. Jason is going to be a good (and great every now and then) starter. I think Bruce as a starter would probably change the way a lot of us look at him based on last years performance. He’d probably make an alright starting QB but is a GREAT backup, so we should all just be cool with that.
well said.
I am feeling very good about the qb position for the first time in a long, long time.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
You are so right
Two serviceable QBs, with two potentials for the third – a luxury!
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
This is just one of the most asinine arguments ever
RRS is 100% correct. He backs things up with stats and facts an the rebuttal is “OMG FIRE INTENSITY 1 DRIVE IN THE PRESEASON AHHHH!!!!”
Campbell is 100% better than Gradkowski, and it’s really not even close. To call this overreacting or a knee jerk reaction or even just unbearably fucking moronic doesn’t do it justice. There is a reason Gradkowski ha been a backup his entire career. He cannot and will not ever succeed as a starting NFL QB, no matter how “gritty” he is or whatever other irrelevant garbage he has. He has a bad delivery, throws like a girl, and is inaccurate.
Now despite the overwhelming importance of one preseason game (hooray for meaningless small sample sizes), Campbell completed 63% of his passes and threw for 3600 yards with way less talent around him than he has now. He’s not great, but even beginning to compare him to somebody as mediocre as Bruce Gradkowski because of his second PRESEASON game without all our starters and in his SECOND game action with this team is so irresponsibly dimwitted and foolish for anybody with an ounce of intelligence to say.
I’m just still in shock and RRS was getting shit on with arguments that don’t even begin to make sense.
This team will be fine, and Campbell will be a good starting QB despite these ridiculous knee-jerk reactions based on selective memory from a preseason game.
/rant
"The A's have to be setting some record this year for simultaneously maximizing team quality and player anonymity. I guess that’s sort of their thing though." - Luke in MN
by hero66 on Aug 22, 2010 1:31 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
hey, chill
The reason I like this site is because we argue, disagree, change each other minds and our own, and then some. And it’s very respectful, until someone like you freaks out. What’s up with the name calling?
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we his statments can be attributed to a
“ridiculous knee-jerk reaction based on selective memory from a preseason” blog.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
he loves name-calling
To RRS on August 6:
This is just stupid I suppose neither is better than Marty Booker because they didnt have a 1200 yard season a million years ago.
And also
You’re saying neither is better than Moss because they havent put up the numbers he has in the past. That’s asinine.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
The Blog
One of the blessings of the Blog is that it brings us together when we would otherwise not have been able to be together. The curse is that when you don’t have to say something directly to another person it is easy to be belligerent, condescending and rude. I don’t know that he was being any or all of these things…because the other major curse is that we don’t really know one another which can make it tough to know how to receive and respond to other’s comments (particularly when something is said with tongue firmly in cheek). I’m trying to keep it simple and respond as if I’m sitting with everyone in a bar.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
Another hysterical opinion from the fringe
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions
We were arguing stats vs. the psychological part of the game(leadership, the fire mentality, etc.).
and we were also arguing of how much of a degree do we judge a players performance in pre-season games. Which we were making GOOD JUDGMENTS on Jason Campbell.
Grad was just thrown in. We know Campbell is an upgrade over Grad stats wise.
The one thing Grad has over him is the system. That’s it.
We can’t compare the fire mentality until Campbell is put in the situation(ie. behind by a TD with limited time left in the game). I think he’ll be a great leader, and that players will rally around him. Grad has it, as he displayed it during the steelers game last year, as well as the cincy game.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
I reply failed!
sorry hero. ;)
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
theres a reason no other team wants grad
JC got trade b/c he was replaced by a HoF QB.
plus read all the news/analysis from last nights game and every expert is praising JC. Cable in his press conference stated that the fumble from the back up center was not JC’s fault, and the int (even though i think he should’ve made the throw b/c ive seen his games in DC and he should be used to getting the shit knocked out of him) was made as he was getting hit.
just look at how horrendous McNabb played last night. no timing. and he literally should have had 3 ints (two potentials were dropped). just give it a couple weeks guys and cool down.
by word2bigbird on Aug 22, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Where exactly did I say that JC did horrible last night?
And no other team wants Grad mainly because HE HASN’T STARTED 16 GAMES YET.
He hasn’t had even an OPPORTUNITY to show how good he is. I’m not saying he’s awesome, the next Rich Gannon, or that he’s better than JC.
Just that he doesn’t get the opportunity.
It’s similar to matt cassel in a way. Matt cassel had to SHOW HIS WORTH in 08, and THEN teams noticed him, particularly KC.
So to say that there are reasons no other team wants Grad… the only reason I could find is that it’s because Grad hasn’t really had even an opportunity to show what he’s got. Only 4 games last year, and 2 of them were memorable.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
Kolb could make the same argument
but the coaching staff in philly saw what he did in 2 games and handed him the reigns of the offense.
the coaching staff (particularly hue jackson i think) doesnt think grad can be a starter so i’ll take there opinion.
by word2bigbird on Aug 22, 2010 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Any chance Grads had to be the starter
Was gone the minute he tore a pec. I still think that Campbell is better than Grads but he has a lot to work on. Much of that will probably come from getting familiar with his teammates on offense and the wisdom that should come with age and experience.
Don't shoot, I'm a man.
It's not just that though.
Grad is INJURY PRONE. That’s probably a HUGE reason why they got JC. In fact, the time we got JC was when Grad was still battling that (quad?) injury.
Plus, like the coaching staff and you, I will have JC over grad.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
That's what I meant when I asked him for sources.
The QB search went full gear after Grad tore the pec.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll take on a QB that's 6'5 with big hands, than a guy who's 6'1 that will have
trouble making split second decisions because he can’t see what’s happening in that short amount of time.
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Grad never hesitates - he makes lightening fast decisions
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 22, 2010 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Drew Brees is 6'1". And I'm sure he sees everything.
Grad sees everything, and he makes split second decisions. He made them against Cincy and Pitt last year(those two games he started, and played them all the way through).
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
don't compare Brees to Gradkowski, let's show a little common sense
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not comparing skills. Just height.
Because you ONLY brought up height! lol
Now, if you brought up SKILL, then yes, Campbell ups Grad, but don’t bring up height. It’s, imo, very foolish.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
true dat. I'm learning as I go here. Thanks for the friendly advice
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Welcome RIP.J.T.R.D.G!
We’ll figure out an acronym that’s easy to type for you! Cool sig name. He was the D GOAT, without a doubt.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
have to say, if Troy Polamalou plays against Raiders, Grad would have
had a different game, than again, so would every other QB that played PITT
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Those injuries are the only solid argument against keeping Grad even as backup
Btw, I am not very confident about this trainer either. Too many lapses and injuries…
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I smell posts cooking...
We need to call for someone’s head again, don’t we.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Oh - I've called for his head in the past
several times.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
in a post?
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
No.
A post requires info, and don’t think I haven’t searched. Usually there’re independent reviews on trainers, but on this guy there are only the advertisement reviews, nothing independent. Which is why I haven’t done a post on him yet. I could, however, question the lack of independent reviews in the face of some many injuries, but it would be super-duper circumstantial and roundabout argument.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think they require info. Certain posts do
but so long as its a well-rounded and supported position, opinion posts are fine to me. So long as it’s one that thinks of most of the opposition in advance.
With this guy right now, I don’t think there would be much opposition! I’ll probably post on it in a commentary kind of way, especially if it continues as it does. It’s beyond coincidental now, and I am supportive of a good preventative training program, which I cannot fairly call ours.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I would love to read a post on him
Get some speculation going Spirals!
Who knows, maybe espn would come on, steal your post, and come up with a article of some kind, and call it their own(I honestly think they do this sometimes. Look at people’s views on things, and write an article).
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
lol! bspn wouldn't steal it, because it would be good!
and the info could be corroborated. Wouldn’t work on BSPN!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Hell, if all the sports programs
can run off of “will favre come back,”
I think this type of story would be an upgrade, and will provide the value of speculation that media loves to hype!
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
I'm actually going of SOB's notion that our voices resonate with the organizaztion...
therefore we shall all post on it! lmao.
Here here, Rusty! Bottoms up man! A round for everyone!
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
going on, that is...
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Hey guys, what's up!, new to the blog, diehard Raider fan, look forward to good convers
ation, BTW love the fact that Cambell has the escapability factor on his side, especially in a new offense and with young receivers it can open up the offense A LOT better than Russell.
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:10 PM PDT reply actions
absolutely - no disagreement about that
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm more worried about the running game, opening things up for Campbell
What’s the deal with Run DMC? Is he ready to take off or fall behind.
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
He has been injured(?)
so we really don’t know. we hope he can start the full season with Bush. Hell we hope he can start next week to see what he has. or at least give us an idea of what he has.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
funny he's injured, from those commercials on NFL network, guy is ripped, i didn't
think conditioning would be a problem for a guy like that.
He’ll benefit most from Campbell, with a lot of screens and sweeps, dude is fast. He’s deceptive, he can stop on a dime and still have the footwork/footspeed that’s insane.
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 22, 2010 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
it's definitely make or break for Darren this year
so far he seems unable to stay upright, and healthy—crucial aspects of a rb’s game. I expect Hue to get him more opportunities to make big plays and be the home run threat he should be to opposing D’s, but his durability remains in question.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
Source: Fox Sports. The point is that Campbell is better on paper but not dramatically so. Grad is also a late bloomer
QB Rating Comparisons
2009 STATS
Gradkowski
80.6
League Average
70.2
League Leader
113.4
confirm for yourself
Jason Campbell
2009 STATS
86.4
confirm
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
He played in 4 games.
Completion rating could go up or down if he played a full season.
The truth is, we will NEVER truly know what Grad can do, unless he starts a full season.
Right now, JC has the experience, and the games started over Grad, so I feel more confident in JC.
I think Grad has potential to be good, but we will never truly know. The games he started in last year, he did perform very admirably.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
his injuries are a major concern.
One after the other… From my own experience, I’ll speculate that the groin pull is knee-related. Nursing an injured knee or two does tricks on the hips, and the groins follow.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions
insightful, i think
something else you could attribute to bad training and preventative/rehabilitative measures.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
or lack of good ones
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
So... how did Bruce Campbell do last night?
I didn’t pay much attention to him.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
He looked good, he was seen repeatedly blocking with a DT and a DE in each hand.
He looked good though, I saw glimpses of him, never heard his name which is good (no penatlies). Some guys penetrated the middle repeatedly but I will blame it on Morris not B. Cambpell.
The RaiderLaker
ALOT of debating in here. I love it! Haha. Quick opinions.
Mario Henderson – Told Ya!
Jason Campbell – Still our QB, that’s not gonna change and I’m happy with that.
Michael Bush – Expecting HUGE things from him.
Rolando McClain – Well, shit. Sad to say it, but my doubts about him are starting to rise again…Hope he plays better next week.
True knowledge consists in knowing that you know nothing
Rolando has ways to go
I think we’ll continue seeing him go up and down for a while. I loved Bush.
I think the whole Campbell debate arose from misunderstanding – some people seem to have thought that criticism amount to rejection. Hey, if so, I should be giving As only to students.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that acceptable to you? Our top pick going up and down for a while? I thought he was supposed to bring change.
True knowledge consists in knowing that you know nothing
Take away that single play and I believe we saw change
While he wasn’t spectacular, the weaknesses we expected to see exposed weren’t necessarily. It’s a good time for it to happen, and if he makes the same mistakes repeatedly (as we saw Kirk consistently do that) then we should worry. I’d say he’s looking pretty solid so far.
I’m assuming you’d say it was Ro to whom Cable referred to as being “out of position,” then?
and I’ll note, that I championed the cry that Rolando would ensure his teammates are in position, putting that blame squarely on his shoulders whether he was the guy out of position or not. That said, I do expect him to get a little better every week.
He’ll also have his “welcome to the pros,” moments, unfortunately. Hopefully they are outweighed by great play.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
I heard Ro said Postgame: "It wasn't my fault, Routt was supposed to be there."
Kidding, but if he said this, this would be a major red flag. lol. Ro will get better and will kick ass.
The RaiderLaker
lol! I already put him ahead of Morrison in instincts
I loved Kirk, too, but his deficiencies at the position became ones he was unable to overcome. I blame everything on Stanford! I’m going with it!
This, on his first decent showing in a while. I still didn’t like that one of the plays he made was dangerous, and would’ve gone the other way with a better receiver. I read about some plays made in camp that demonstrated the synergy amongst the d-backs, with corners making plays based on calls from the safeties instructing, “back shoulder,” at the last minute.
A cool thing is the rooks are all getting picks so far. Stevie Brown has shown a nose for the ball.
"If your only ambition in life, is to be a better person; well, that's just the best ambition you can have..." Wayne "Rabbit" Bartholomew
No, it's not.
But he’s humble, or at least looks it. So I am willing to give him so measure of doubt benefit.
by Spirals galore on Aug 22, 2010 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Ro made one mistake as far as i can tell
and that mistake is fixable with film and hard work. Both of which I am confident that Ro shall spend oodles of amount of time on.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
lol, that was the longest grad v campbell argument in history
let me summerize. We love them both. Grad and JC are similar except Grad seems to improvise yet get hurt, while JC escapes and is rugged. So the real comparison is improvisation vs escapability and injury prove vs ruggedness.
Having followed Bollers career since Cal, I would go Brennan any day. Boller doesn’t have touch and accuracy. Brennan is a gifted passer. I mean truly talented a la Brady, Manning, Montana, Warner. All Brennan needs to do now is stock groceries and play arena football until Cassel gets injured. Then watch out.
BTW I couldn’t believe Alex Smith got picked first instead of Rogers, now look at Rogers. What fools. Brennan will have to wait a long time just like Gannon, but Brennan is a much gifted passer.
i saw the highlights for the Packers game
he def need to do some rollouts with JC like 2-3 times a game and go deep to DHB or someone. guaranteed 50+ yards or TD one out of every three plays.
by word2bigbird on Aug 23, 2010 4:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Rogers is amazing and with his WRs will lead GB deep into playoff land
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 23, 2010 7:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Like I said, I LOVED what I saw from brennan in the 08 pre-season.
He did have great touch and accuracy. I’ll try and find video of the game.
Plus the whole Campbell vs. grad thing came out of nowhere. I don’t exactly know how. lol
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
here's some video. not from pre-season I believe, but it's just video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeJN4_iKkZQ
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
yep. pre-season.
i think this was the game i saw.
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Down with Big Brother!
Boller was why I think SF didn't take Rodgers over Smith
You’d be gunshy taking someone from a university that produced a bust like Boller too.
"God will understand. And if he does not understand, then he is not God, and we need not worry." -Orlando Bloom, Kingdom of Heaven
by angelesoterica on Aug 23, 2010 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
re "a bust like Boller" This from NFL.COM - realize Boller's stats vs. 2nd teams
NFL QB Standings – Preseason
Passing Player Team Pos Comp Att Pct Att/G Yds Avg Yds/G TD Int 1st 1st% Lng 20+ 40+ Sck Rate
7 Kyle Boller OAK QB 19 30 63.3 15.0 203 6.8 101.5 1 0 9 30.0 33 2 1 0 1 94.2
19 Jason Campbell OAK QB 17 33 51.5 16.5 219 6.6 109.5 0 1 11 33.3 40 3 1 2 60.0
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 23, 2010 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Just saying, Boller's 94.2 qb rating thus far doesn't support 'Boller bashing' - like Grad and other late bloomers
its what a player is doing currently that matters, regardless of performances in the past. That said, Boller’s track record isn’t bad – except for constantly getting injured. I’m finally comfortable with our QB situation (hope we keep Brennan on the reserve team this season to learn our system and free us for O-L and WR upgrades next season.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 24, 2010 7:06 AM PDT up reply actions
You mean QB overratings
Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath. All had low QB ratings. You know who had a high one? Dilfer, Huard (pick one). Ugh.
"God will understand. And if he does not understand, then he is not God, and we need not worry." -Orlando Bloom, Kingdom of Heaven
by angelesoterica on Aug 25, 2010 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
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