Raiders O-Line: Night and Day in One Night
by KA1Z3R on Aug 29, 2010 7:14 AM PDT
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Back with the weekly analysis of the O-Line, this time focusing on the 3rd preseason game of San Francisco versus Oakland. This week the Raiders faced one of the toughest 3-4 defenses in terms of run stuffing and pressure getting. Let me say, the 49ers defense fully lives up to that hype.
Not only do I think the Niners will win the NFC West, but they might actually win a playoff game. That being said, there was a lot of miraculous, a lot of mediocrity, and a lot of maligned. Read on for the full report of Jared Veldheer's starting debut and the overall review of the line.
If this O-Line could do what it did on the opening drive about 2-3 of the time, we would be a playoff team. No doubts about that. That opening drive Veldheer was punching open holes, the O-Line looked solid in pass blocking, even Carlisle looked average again. Their blocking was great clear down to that 1 yard Michael Bush TD run.
Unfortunately, after that things got nightmarish. Oakland can't rely on running to that right side of the line like they did last year when Walker was RG. Just about every run, regardless of runner, towards the RG was stuffed. Safe to say that if this extends into the regular season, Carlisle will get pulled. Of that I have no doubts.
Now while I do expect the 49ers to do this to a lot of running games this year (have them predicted as a top-3 run defense), the Raiders should have fared better than this. Maybe Hue didn't want to give the Niners too much film, and I very much believe that, but come on. 19 runs for a measly 55 yards? Luckily, we can expect the Raiders to run more in regular season with more power blocking plays.
As for the pass protection. This was like watching a Jekyll-Hyde transformation. Going from stellar pass blocking that allowed Campbell to go a fantastic 6 of 8 for 93 (would have been 7 of 8 if Myers could have hung on to an easy pass), to allowing 2 sacks and getting Campbell injured.
Luckily as I'm sure everyone is aware of now, Campbell suffered a minor stinger injury and has 2 weeks to heal up before the opener.
After Campbell's departure, last year's savior appeared from the sea of black jerseys. Bruce Gradkowski came in, was never sacked, and looked calm and cool even behind the 2nd team. Gradkowski just erased all talk of Kyle Boller being better, doing in one game more than what Boller had done in two.
Bruce showed what he showed us last year. Quick release, razor sharp decision making, and the abiltiy to dance in the pocket to avoid the pressure. Bruce Gradkowski would go 14 of 22 for 202 and 2 touchdown strikes. In response Tom Cable said:
"Bruce Gradkowski was one of the bright spots in terms of going in there and having some efficiency and move the club around fairly well, I think that’s what you want from your backup quarterback and he showed himself very well that way.’’
Yes people, backup. Campbell was having a great game and I think he would have only gotten better. Jason Campbell looks better and better with each game, even in restricted pass heavy play calling. Campbell will be back by opener and should pick up right where he left off.
All in all this O-Line looked great, but they also had major breakdowns that are rather troublesome. Veldheer did look good and I definitely think he should be our starting center.
Quick Hit:
Youth was on display in ways both good and bad. Darrius Heyward-Bey silenced his critics, reeling in one-third of his whole season in basically 2 quarters. Catching 3 passes for 46 yards, leading all Raiders receivers in receptions.
Rolando McClain had a big outing. Tied with Patrick Willis for the team lead in tackles. McClain had a couple stuffed runs and was our most impressive linebacker in a game of poor linebacker performance. Neither Scott not Wimbley had a tackle recorded in any box scores I've looked through.
But McClain wasn't perfect, allowing a couple bad runs because he was out of position again. Rookie mistakes again and nothing to hound the guy on. McClain looked good in coverage and made some nice run stuffs.
McFadden, oh McFadden. How I wish we had traded thee. Darren McFadden looks great as a receiver, I will not deny that. I wish this team would just move him to WR already so we can keep Michael Bennett on roster. Then again after Michael Bush's broken thumb we probably will.
D-Mac didn't have many holes, but when he did he couldn't do anything with them. As running back, I'm close to calling Darren a bust as he's shown me zero improvement. As a receiver, he could be a very good slot option. Hue could have utilized him better for sure, but we don't need to show our future opponents too much.
Shout-Out:
This week my shout out goes to Marcel Reece who had 2 catches for 45 yards including a great 34 yard catch and run. I've never seen a fullback with the playmaking ability he possesses. Not only that his blocking has gotten better. Not good, but not bad either. His speed and amazing hands more than make up for it. Teams will be awe-struck to see a fullback with the speed of a starting wideout coming their way.
To Reece, keep it up man. You're doing great things.
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I only saw bits and pieces of the game
but it seemed like both Campbell and Gradkowski played well. I felt awful when I heard about Michael Bush. I sure hope it’s not as bad as it sounds as I was really looking forward to seeing him play this year.
Not a bad performance
but Mario needs to be more consistent. He is supposed to be the anchor, and Campbell should never have been hit from behind like that.
I hope B. Campbell can take over the RG position sooner rather than later, we need to run the damn ball to both sides.
On a good note, Veldheer held his own, and I am much happier with him at C than Satele.
"We can't stop here... This is bat country."
agreed on B. Campbell. He looked solid last night in pass protection as well. If Carlisle don’t get better soon, you’ll see him get pulled. Hue and Cable really want a balanced football team, and that’s hard to do when you can’t run to the strongside.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Good article
with my two cents I would have to say that the offense is pretty set, and it doesn’t seem like it will improve much more than it has. It is vastly improved from last season. I would like Satele back so Veldheer can start over Henderson. That would be a good change.
My worries are on the defensive side. I am still perplexed as to why Trevor Scott is starting over Thomas Howard? Maybe Cable has issues with Howard. It is a no brainer that TH is a better LB. With that said I would also like to see Mike Mitchell start over Huff. Huff is better suited for Nickel and Dime packages. To effectively stop the run you need a great tackler at safety which Huff is not. Overall not a bad performance. It was the Special Teams and the “Refs” that got us in a hole.
agreed on refs and special teams.
As for Howard vs. Scott. This team wants to be a more blitz heavy run stuffing team. Scott was a major pressure producer last year and i think once Wimbley gets more set in the defense, that Scott will get things more opened up for him.
I prefer Howard because he was a good leader last year and is still good in coverage, but his tackling issues are bad and he can’t shed blocks or fill gaps. Mitchell is filling his role in nickel packages, which is an improvement actually. The outside backers had a rough showing last night, but i think they’ll get it together. This defense is set.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
"Set"?
Just because you think they’ll get it together?
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I mean I don’t expect to see a switch in starters anywhere barring injury.
I think this defense has weak points and isn’t yet the top-10 defense some are ready to call it. i still don’t like Scott, Routt looks like he might be a good starter at corner, and Huff needs to be replaced by Mitchell.
However it won’t happen and the starting lineup for defense is set.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Thats what worries me
I think I would also start Routt at Corner. He may be a late bloomer like Nnam was. Huff has got to go.
Mr. Elek it is important to note that Huff is the Free Safety
And that would mean a position change for Mike. Also, FS places more of an emphasis on coverage skills.
Hey you guys!
by Rich Langford on Aug 29, 2010 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I understand, but
FS is also the last line of defense so wouldn’t you want someone back there that could tackle well?
Yes, but I'll take better coverage skills over tackling skills
and then work harder on making sure the FS isn’t put in that last chance tackle position.
Thought is cheap.
by Rich Langford on Aug 30, 2010 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Question: No View Only Radio Broadcast....
What type of coverage did “DHB” get in this game…Did they double him…Deep Zone…Over-n-Under…Was he able to draw coverage away from other "WR"s….
If he didn’t get the double who did or did they double anyone….
For the record “SF” holds the #3 “D” but we sliced them up for an average of 15yds per pass completion at a 66% completion rate….If we can continue to make this type of progress we will do very well because many of the teams we will face won’t have top "D"s…
DHB had 1 on 1 coverage
and it seemed that they doubled Miller with a LB and a Safety. DHB ran great routes though. A few ins and outs, a nice curl route. They gave him the speed cushion which helped him get open quicker.
Heyward-Bey did a good job against the 49ers' backup cornerback.
The Raiders attacked Tarell Brown — the corner who played in place of the injured Shawntae Spencer — with Heyward-Bey matched up against him. Like you mentioned, his routes were crisp and he was able to hang onto the ball. I imagine we would have exploited the mismatch more had the game been a regular season game.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 29, 2010 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions
DHB looked okay, still needs work; Zach Miller is a nightmare matchup for DB's and LB's
6’5, coming in around 260, too big for a DB, he’s too strong, agile, for a LB to cover 1 on 1. He’s going to be a force in the Red Zone, finally.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Ford should focus a lot more on KO's, he looks hesitant when the gap holes
are opening, and then he just settles for what the KO team gives him, he’s got serious jets, needs to learn how to adjust to blocking schemes. Love his raw talent.
BTW, how about Sebas, in rare midseason form, he’ll break the FG record, eventually.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions
clements on Murphy?
teams respect Murphy more it seems.
Johnnie Lee Higgins and/or Yamon Figurs will be cut. Take your pick, who thinks there
is any reason to keep either one of them?
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 9:59 AM PDT reply actions
There's a reason to keep Higgins.
He’s probably still better than Ford at this point at actually playing wide receiver. Figurs and Bodiford won’t make the team and possibly Watkins as well. I think the six wide receivers we’ll be keeping are Murphy, Heyward-Bey, Schilens, Higgins, Ford and Miller. A sixth could stick around at least until Schilens is ready to come back. Getting back to your original point, Higgins should be safe.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 29, 2010 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Really?
Higgins will be kept for depth purposes, right, his talent isn’t working itself out into execution, which is what this game is all about.
He had a great catch and run against the Bills, a few moments to shine, mostly consistently inconsistent. He’s had more rope than any other receiver.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Cable or Davis cut him out of principle.
Can’t see him being a stable, ready to go receiver that Campbell expects to have in his offense.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Ford Would be Good On The Practice Squad....Time To Develop As "WR"-n-"KR"...
He can’t catch so would prolley clear the wire…
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Ford's speed borders on sub-human, he's not going anywhere, guys like this can be
developed and groomed, it would be a huge mistake to get rid of a guy that ran a 4.28, that’s lightning quick, this guy has Desean Jackson potential if you foster patience and a little hard work.
He’s not going anywhere, these types of WR’s are what AL coveats most on a team.
He’s a GAMEBREAKER!!!
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
That was good - you tricked me at first with that sub-human remark
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
he's a prjoect, obviously, love the upside, Davis loves this kind of guy as well.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
correction: project
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
That's Why I Hoped He Would Complement "DHB" As Deep Threat Tandem...
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Ford's skill set is better suited for him being more a Slotback
While his height, which allows him to stay low and shifty, can be a weapon, he’s got to learn to absorb contact at the line, that takes timing for a young guy. Plus, while fundamentally sound, catches with his hands away from his body, he still drops catchable balls cuz he cheats.
I would love see a lot of WR screens, reverses, to exasterbate his abilities, he can cut very well, stop on a dime and go hard.
Like I said above, there’s a lot of talent, you have to be patient with this kid.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
The offensive line looked good on that first drive against the 49ers.
What’s the word on Campbell? Just a stinger?
"Dodger fans aren’t happy when foul balls get into their section, because it interferes with their playing with the beachball"- Mike Krukow
Yeah, it's just a stinger.
He’ll be fine.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 29, 2010 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
That's good
Hate to see anyone get hurt in a meaningless preseason game.
"Dodger fans aren’t happy when foul balls get into their section, because it interferes with their playing with the beachball"- Mike Krukow
What do you know about stingers?
Here is what I found. There are stingers and stingers. It’s too early to say – they have to watch him for several days first.
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I Had A Few "Stingers" From Sports...Football/Rodeo/Judo...Than Work Finished The Damage...
My HardHat saved my head but didn’t save my neck…It was a “Stinger” BlackOut that lasted several minutes @ 120ft on the Delta Energy Power Plant in Pittsburg, Cali….Somehow my body maintained balance although I have no memory….The eventual result was damage from C-2 threw C-7…3 herniation w central canal stenosis w spinal cord laceration and trigeminal nerve #5 is pinched too…
So I became retired at 53…Now 60 and I can still hang but am allot more careful than before..It’s accumulative and each one adds on and it don’t go away…The pain was a problem but that’s been replaced by numbness/dizziness/ringing/nausea….
But hell aside from structural damage I’m in perfect health…
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions
I now am beginning to wonder whether my judo roll injury was not a stinger
It took a rather long time to recover from it – probably because immediately after I got it, I rolled again. The pain was exquisite – for a few minutes I turned into a neckarmchest.
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I Know That Feeling...Was Flipped Onto The Back Of The Head -n- Shoulders -w- Feet Air Bound..
Than that asshole jumped on me while I was helpless before he realized I couldn’t compete…Than everyone stood around me expecting me to just get up…
Hay!…You didn’t tap out….
Ya!…I couldn’t do anything let alone move my hands….
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Treatment begins by removing the athlete from further injury. Athletes are not allowed to return to sports activity until their symptoms are completely gone. This can take a few minutes or several days. Athletes should never be allowed to return to sports if they have weakness or neck pain.
If you have had recurrent stingers, your doctor may recommend a special neck roll or elevated shoulder pads to wear during sports activities. Examples of special shoulder pads include “spider pads” worn under the shoulder pads or a “cowboy collar” worn on top of shoulder pads.
Although the injury gets better with time, you may need to work with a trainer or therapist to regain strength and motion if the symptoms last for several days.
He did say he felt better afterwards. How better? I hope the symptoms are gone by now.
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
The Finger Tips Feel Funny Like Plastic/Tingle...Loss Of Dexterity...Loss Of Grip...
Have to concentrate to do what was just common and natural before…Don’t pay attention and things are dropped because of the loss of grip control…Shaking interferes with normal activity…Than when it’s severe there is a loss of communication between the hand/hands n brain so the positioning awareness is gone…You don’t know where your hands are if not looking at them…Weird but true….Than it radiates down the lower extremities and affects everything….With me the right side shakes/quivers and the left side in numb….Sucks but I use to it by now so juts go on…
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
I got one in high school
They can last a couple minutes or a couple of days. They’re really painful, but they eventually go away without recurring problems.
"Dodger fans aren’t happy when foul balls get into their section, because it interferes with their playing with the beachball"- Mike Krukow
usually, not always - especially in post-high school age
Hence the need to watch Jason for several days before saying for sure he’s ready to resume activities. He was down for a long period of time, and I don’t get the impression he’s a sissy, so the symptoms must have lasted for longer than 1-2 munites. Also, he didn’t walk normally to the cart – and again, I don’t think he’s the type to exaggerate injury.
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Just dropped by to give you a stern warning!!
When “The San Francisco 49ers” meet you girls in the regular season, “The San Francisco 49ers” will not give Jason a stinger, we will BREAK HIS NECK!! “The San Francisco 49ers” ( don’t you just hate to keep reading “The San Francisco 49ers!”) will not break a hand, “The San Francisco 49ers” will BREAK HIS ARM!!
I’m gone now, so I wont see whatever drool leaks out of your rectum. Stupid as all of you are you will still have something to say. “Stupid is ,as stupid does!” Even the Medical Community still, “Can’t Fix Stupid!”
Just dropped by to give you a stern warning!!
By-BY!
"Moving Forward."
Silly troll, you know the 49ers aren't winning the Super Bowl anyway, btw, I'll take JC or Grad
over whatever pre-madonna you have under the center.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
lol! Allz I gotta say is
Alex Smith. He’d have eaten dirt had Seymour played. He won’t last the season, due to sucking ass.
Oh, and eat a dick, douchebag.
"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
Don't make comments like that.
That guy was out of line, but he was just trying to get a rise out of us. The best thing to do is not say anything at all.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 29, 2010 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
thanks Rated-R, comments like that make this site look like Arrowhead Pride
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
BAZINGA!
You know what would make a good story? Something about a clown who make people happy, but inside he's real sad. Also, he has severe diarrhea.
by Buster Bluth on Aug 30, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't feed the troll, guys.
Some people are just stupid and ignorant.
"You're all like big fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 29, 2010 10:09 AM PDT reply actions
Remember not everyone represents NN.
"Dodger fans aren’t happy when foul balls get into their section, because it interferes with their playing with the beachball"- Mike Krukow
Pretty good game. I've yet to see that "Bully," of which Jackson wants to build show itself
First drive was beautiful, and I know some plain play calls and basic gameplan had lots to do with it, but we went from textbook execution on the first offensive drive, to very inconsistent to plain bad.
Watching it again now; Grads was a lift to the team again. Can’t discount that. Campbell looked crisp and pocket present on the first drive, and Mario looked solid. After that, not so much.
Defense too susceptible to those run plays, and they have to be careful putting their lbs up on the line like that if they’re gonna stay that way. I hope Seymour’s presence in the unit looks completely different; I’m fairly confident it will, but the lack of depth if he goes out, and an evident drop off seems imminent. Desmond Bryant and Henderson proved a worthy run stopping combo, and won the line of scrimmage battle when they both played.
Early units remained fairly penalty free.
I think Figurs, Bodiford, and Pears need to be jettisoned immediately. There will be some interesting guys available on waiver wires, that will be clear upgrades over these roster wastes of space.
"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
Chris Johnson is the one guy I didn't want to see in week 1, with the problems will still have.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions
At Least Their One Dimensional...Stop That Run -n- Dare Them To Throw....
Need to look at what the “BlackCats” did to limit them so much and try to copy….7 sacks n Johnson couldn’t run so the "QB"s became targets….
by PantyRaider on Aug 29, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
Seymour with Kelly is a deadly tandem. Gotta remember that the one preseason game where we gave up no big runs (Dallas) both were in. Seymour is a huge piece of this defense and he does make that much difference.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
I like Seymour/Kelly duo, very intimidating; in hindsight, if LB's keep missing assignments
that duo’s impact will be slightly negated.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
that duo makes the running back search longer for a hole which gives the linebackers more time to read the play.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
agreed, I just don't like the idea of putting our secondary in situations that expose
their weaknesses, especially guys that are still green, i.e. Routt, Chris Johnson.
Nnamdi, can only help so much, I saw an interview on NFL network, Prime was giving him major props, called him the best CB in the game. While very humble about the situation in Oakland, he sounded jaded regardless.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Routt and CJ green!? They've 13 years of experience between them
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Really?
Sometimes I can’t tell they’ve had that much experience, green is obviously the wrong word in this situation.
Should have went with disappointing at times, bordering on incomprehensible.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I wish LCB was our biggest concern on D (as I thought it was 3-weeks ago) we had messed up DC work
last night coupled with yet another checkered job from the 2nd Row.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
It will be an effective duo; Kelly's presence isn't as felt without Seymour
He’s definitely in better shape this year, but it would’ve been difficult for a ball player to be in worse shape than he was last year. We need them to collapse the line of scrimmage this year.
"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
Desmond had a good game, the entire D-line was fine. The problem isn't there.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Bryant did get shoved around on a couple plays up the middle but i agree the linebackers were out of position and slow to react all game.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
i actually thought
d. bryant got pushed around a lil more then a couple plays. thought he was alright in the redzone though.
by frank7da2tank on Aug 29, 2010 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I only saw him really get abused on like 3 or 4 plays. Other than that he was as good as could be expected for a second year DT who’s main job is pass rush.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
he held his own alright
but i never saw him gain a lot of ground on anyone. no penetration. though ur right, he’s still very green.
by frank7da2tank on Aug 29, 2010 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Also, Dallas has looked horrible since
and just got shellacked by Houston, albeit preseason, but it appears, that since the O coordinator wants momentum, starters will play game 4 for the Cowboys.
"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
Houston has a very good DL as well.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
The Texans will be our O-lines biggest challenge, what Tenessee will be for our Linebackers
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Watching the highlights on nfl.com
I think our run defense would have been overall better if Kelly was replaced by John Henderson? idk.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
Kelly was actually doing well on the line. desmond Bryant seemed like the weakest link on the line, due to lack of experience and lack of true DT bulk.
by duballers23 on Aug 29, 2010 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh okay.
So wimbley and scott were out of position a lot with the running defense?
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 29, 2010 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
yes they were. As was McClain on a couple plays.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
if LB's are out of postion, like they were, Chris Johnson will have a feeding frenzy in week 1.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
still got 2 weeks to work on it, plus Seymour coming back immediately gives our D-Line the edge over their O-Line. Chris Johnson will still put up 100+ and probably a touchdown or 2. But it’ll come on more carries than it should and Young is going to get hit a lot.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
And even if Chris Johnson gets over 100 yards, and 2 TDs
it’s going to take more than that for the Titans to win. They can’t rely on Chris to win them games. I think I may be slightly more worried about Vince Young as he is a great scrambler.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 29, 2010 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m not too worried there because one hit from Branch, McClain, Houston, Mitchell, or Nnmadi will keep him from thinking of scrambling on us. Young will get hit hard in that game, I can guarantee it.
Also, scrambling QB’s never do well in this league, or at least very rarely.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Good new is the Raiders looked improved
I’m not sure what that means yet…anywhere from a 1-3 win improvement at this point IMO. Bad news is, I don’t see a playoff team here. The 9ers looked better on both the D & O-lines. It’s still the preseason, so some inconsistancy is going to happen. I am glad to see the team playing better, but having your QB get hammered is always concerning. This team will need to be able to run the ball to win games.
"Follow your dreams, you can reach your goals, I'm living proof. Beefcake. BEEFCAAKE!!" --Eric Cartman
agreed this isn’t a playoff team and i still don’t call us a .500 team. I am still standing by 7-9. Campbell alone is a two win boost, let alone DHB improving and the new pieces on defense.
The O-Line is still weak and you can put money on us going after a T in the draft next year. Veldheer looks like he’s gonna be made a center and Campbell is making huge strides as a guard. Look for a guy to push Henderson to RT and start on the left side.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
will Seymour resign? or will he leave on acrimonious terms?
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Aug 29, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
he will re-sign unless Bryant develops so much that Al decides to try to trade Seymour.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
in which case we could be looking at getting a first rounder
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
I doubt it as well, but just throwing out that possibility because it is always there
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Hopefully Campbell will recover from the stinger sooner than later
I didn’t see that coming. One should foresee all eventualities.
by Spirals galore on Aug 29, 2010 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Grab him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 29, 2010 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Released, I believe, because he's a question mark to play at all this season
due to being hampered by nagging injuries. He can’t run.
"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
... nevermind.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 29, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
No no. His knee injury is reportedly healing in time to where he can play this season.
True knowledge consists in knowing that you know nothing
I bet you his medical grade prevents him from being picked up
just saying. I love Bryant, but think it’s too risky. Think his medical is actually why.
"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
Antonio Bryant is one of my favorite guys and i think he got a raw deal in Cincy. I really would like to pick him up if he does in fact heal up.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
I've heard GM types talk at length on this subject, and sometimes the doctors just don't clear them
so no matter how bad we want them, at his age, recurrence of similar injuries, amounts of surgeries, etc., it has them too low.
I won a fantasy league with Bryant last year, and love his home run ability. Also think his presence would be great for the youngsters, but it could be he’s just damaged goods. I hope he is healthy enough to 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
Must have hit the wrong key or the poll was edited later - But, have to say that Veldheer is the best thing to happen on our O-Line this season.
We need still need upgrading at LT and RG a.s.a.p.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 11:41 AM PDT reply actions
RG will be fixed at the least week 4 or 5, at the most week 12. week 4 or 5 due to Carlisle sucking. Week 12 because he always gets injured each year. Then you’ll probably see Walker move back to RG or Campbell just come in.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Coles is a good WR.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
by patriotguy2 on Aug 29, 2010 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d grab him
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
not opposed to that, whatsoever
nice, veteran guy, who just catches balls and moves the chains. He’ll fit in nicely.
"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
and another big thing, great route runner. Damn we need more of those.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
yes. very crisp route runner
that does so much to give you a real ‘corps’ of wide receivers, and helps them feed off each other.
"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
Murphy and Nick Miller look like great route runners to me,
but I it’s the downfield route runners that we need.
I think Coles can fit in as well, but if Bryant comes here, and is expected to play for the majority of the season, then he would be an awesome pick up.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
agreed on that front but it looks like in those scenarios they will use Mike Mitchell for obvious reasons. He’s faster and is actually better in case of a surprise run or draw play.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
After Veldheer's performance does Morris lose his roster spot?
While Veldheer had one obvious blocking mistake with Patrick Willis, I thought he did a great job at center. With his performace, however, comes a serious question about whom the Raiders keep for their offensive line. Veldheer can play C and T, Satele can play C and G, and Morris can play C and G but is behind Satele on the depth chart.
Would the Raiders consider keeping Veldheer and Satele, releasing Morris, and keeping another T for depth in case Henderson or Walker falter?
Morris is a good backup...
He can play C and both G spots. He played well in the stints that he was in, as long as those stints didn’t become prolonged.
What I would have like to see this preseason was Walker moved inside to RG and Veldeer at RT. Walker played great last year at RG and was awesome in the run and Veldeer would have TE help at RT and be getting reps to hopefully move to LT.
…also what the hell happened to Barnes? He has never made a run for LT or RT.
Cable Bumaye! Raiders Bumaye!
He was cut by the Bills...
that says a lot.
"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
My guess is they will keep Morris, and I am alright with that.
O-Line should look like this:
LT: Henderson/Veldheer (depends if he just won the starting job)/ Barnes
LG: Gallery/Morris
C: Veldheer or Satele (I’m fine with either)/Morris
RG: Carlisle/Campbell
RT: Walker/Barnes/Pears
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Eventually when guys are ready and healthy it would be nice to see
LT: Veldheer
LG: Gallery
C: Satele
RG: Walker or Campbell
RT: Walker or Henderson
agreed on that front. Walker was amazing last year at guard, that was when the line and the running game were at their best.
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
If Satele can suck it up, then that is by far the best O-line we could field with what we currently have.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
agreed. but we'd suffer through some serious growing pains with Jared at LT
rewind to Pepper throwing him away like a little girl and knocking the football from JC’s unsuspecting hands.
"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 our o-line will be fine as is
They just need to work out some kinks. Veldheer settled down and played well at center, and Henderson usually doesn’t get beat like that.
Mario lacks the ability to reach the second level of the D on run plays
way more often than not. He’s leaps and bounds improved in pass defense, but still has inconsistent moments. I’d feel much better losing Pears, adding another viable starting tackle to compete for a job.
I realize there are very few tackles available.
"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, but Veldheer never quit and though Peppers (whose far superior to LaBoy) did get through
he didn’t come in full speed like LaBoy did and take our qb out for an undetermined time. The hand-wringing over playing rookies is wearing thin when guys like Henderson with his 4 years of experience or Carlisle with his 11 years aren’t cutting it. Soup and Veld need to improve our sub-par line now.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Singing to the choir regarding Henderson
I’ve clamored for him to at least move to the right, but wonder if he has the ability to handle even that at a high level with any consistency.
"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
Do you think Robert could play LT again?
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe it's been established he lacks the footwork
but I’ve no doubt he’d perform at a much higher level than he did initially at the position. Unlike Henderson, Gallery excels at getting to the second level on run plays, so it’d be an upgrade in the run 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
Well, we have issues and little time to get them worked out. This will be, at any rate, an exciting
season, even if we don’t come anywhere close to dominating teams as I dream about. We’ll be competitive though and have a good shot at winning more than we lose.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Aug 29, 2010 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
That is an All-pro DE
that got the best of Veldheer 1 time out of 12 I think. Henderson let some no name beer delivery guy go by him like he wasn’t even there.
Henderson had more snaps versus Peppers and allowed 0 sacks though
Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.
Very true, if you guys don't like it, wait for Orlando Franklin for next years draft.
Veldheer is not an LT in the NFL; RT, C, or G is more like it, where he will thrive. (he’s a prospect projected for 2nd, 3rd round)
For now Henderson is our starter, he needed this wake up call, it won’t happen as severely again, you guys are just panicky because Campbell got hit nasty… it won’t happen again.
The RaiderLaker
QB an OL
This year will be one of those years The Raiders will be better than their record. They will come close in allot of games but not quite make it over the top.
Raiders have 2 NFL starting caliber QBs. I actually think Gradkowski has more energy and is little sharper with decisions and never lets down. When the games momentum was against the raiders (vs 49ers) he gave them instant life. He is good, and going to be great, Bruce is still learning, he is relatively new in the league.
The OL needs the infusion of the Rookies. Why Not? They will only get better with NFL game experience, IMO they are as good as the players they would replace. Veldheer and Campbell need to rise to the top and this OL needs changes from last year.
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