Oakland Raiders: Thoughts and Feelings From One Crazy Friday

by Rich Langford on Jul 30, 2011 4:00 AM PDT in Pirate Booty

What a crazy day to be an Oakland Raiders fan. Nnamdi leaves, but not before supplying everyone with a glimmer of hope he may be returning; Jared Gaither is thought to be signed, then he is, and now he almost is, and the Raiders were on the practice field to boot. I planned to write something in-depth and thoughtful about Nnamdi right now, but I am wiped out and unfortunately I do not have the same luxury of time as I had the previous two days. I'll have to get to that later.

In the meantime, I thought I could set the table for the day and start a new thread for y'all to knock yourselves out in.

Most of the following information was gleaned from the wonderfully insightful tweets of Jerry McDonald and Vittorio Tafur.

Jerry McDonald reported that he heard from a league source that the Raiders were $14.9 million over the cap as late as last week. That means there must be some serious renegotiating going on that we are not hearing about. The only player whose contract cap number dance has been made public is Wimbley.
The most alarming news of the day was this tweet by McDonald:

Zach Miller situation still a mystery. Nothing leaking about other teams. Do Raiders have him locked up? Teammate says he's not so sure.
I'll still be shocked if Miller ends up anywhere, but Oakland, but the way Al Davis was throwing out huge contracts before the lockout I am surprised that it would appear they are playing hardball with Zach a bit. Could it be that that foot injury from last year has teams worried about his long term prognosis? Maybe it is just the infusion of good young tight ends in the league devaluing the tight end position. Still, that position is not devalued on the Raiders. Miller is not just the best tight end by leaps and bounds on the team, but its best receiver.
Everyone who has covered training camp seems to be remarking on how fast and intense the practices are. Taiwan Jones seems to get the worst of it. Ro' clocked him on Friday. Cooper Carlisle also got a little extra curricular.
How is it that we have not hear of Lamarr Houston not getting into any fights yet? By his third practice last year he already had been in roughly 27 fights. ...Almost as many as Cable.
Reports of the passing game didn't sound particularly sharp.
DHB and Bruce Campbell still are sitting out practice and ol' Bruce had an ice pack on his knee. Odd. I don't think those two need to spend any time together. They underachieverness may multiply.
Rookie David Ausberry has been playing tight end, and he hasn't looked good yet.
Richard Gordon has hands made for blocking. At least that's what his pass catching would lead one to believe. His pass catching led to the tweet of the day by Tafur:

That loud thud you just heard in Oakland was Boller's pass off rookie TE Richard Gordon's hands
But that tweet didn't make up for this one:

To be clear, Gaither wouldn't be here if they didn't agree to terms
Unless he was talking about the terms of a physical, he was wrong.

Tweet Comment 35 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

as you have alluded to the impression I got was that most of the drops were by TE's (come back Zach!)

As you said I think the biggest surprise is that Lamarr hasn’t gotten in to a fight yet and to be honest I am a little disappointed. Poor form Lamarr get it together.

Well the pads go on today time to let it all hang out!

"Anytime you have an organization and an owner that wants to win as badly as Al Davis wants to win, and will spend the money to win, I don’t think you have as many barriers as you think. Those are easy. The ones that would be tough is where you didn’t have any good players and you had an owner or an organization that didn’t want to spend any money to get good players." - John Madden, 2008

by Ozraider on Jul 30, 2011 4:52 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs

Zach

I’ve read where the Bears may target Zach. They have shipped Olsen out and have cap space to work with. I hope not! We cannot afford to lose our best defensive and offensive players in the same offseason.

Snake belongs in the HOF!

by Tennessee Raider on Jul 30, 2011 6:05 AM PDT reply actions

What?

Doesnt make sense cause I would rate them both about the same with Olsen having a little more speed and Zach a better blocker.

by pbwulf on Jul 30, 2011 6:33 AM PDT up reply actions

What is right

Greg Olsen is now way even close to Zach’s level of play. Miller is the best receiver on the Raiders team. He has great hands and can block to boot. The Bears have alot of dollars to spend. They got a 3rd rounder for Olsen. It only would cost them the difference between what they sign Zach for and what they were paying Olsen. If I were the Bears it would be a no brainer for me. Zach Miller would be a super star in this league if he had a Manning, Brady, or Rivers throwing him the ball. Look at the Bears roster, who does Cutter have to throw the ball too? I’m just saying it’s possible and it would make sense, but I certainly hope it doesn’t happen.

Snake belongs in the HOF!

by Tennessee Raider on Jul 30, 2011 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions

They won't.

Olsen got shipped out because Mike Martz’ offense doesn’t utilise a tight end much. Why would they need Zach, who’d be more expensive than Olson was?

"In football, I root for the Oakland Raiders because they hire castoffs, outlaws, malcontents, and fuck -ups, they have lots of penalties, fights, and paybacks, and because Al Davis told the rest of the pig NFL owners to go get fucked. Someday, the Raiders will be strong again, and they will dip the ball in shit and shove it down the throats of the wholesome, white, heartland teams that pray together and don't deliver late hits." - George Carlin.

by Screwfish on Jul 30, 2011 6:38 AM PDT up reply actions

This ^

Trust No One
Studies show stress can kill you, but don't worry about it.

by TAW on Jul 30, 2011 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Serious Concerns

I was really optimistic until I started to hear rumors and unfortunately some facts…

1) FACT – Asomugha is not longer a Raider. I knew it was a very real possibility, but didn’t want to accept it. Now I MUST accept it and it feels terrible. It’s a HUGE hole in our playoff chances.
2) RUMOR – I hear the Raiders were pursuing Kevin Boss. That’s scary… not that Boss isn’t a decent player, but he is inferior to Zach Miller in speed and hands.
3) RUMOR – Raiders have been linked to Cromartie as a replacement for Asomugha. Really? He gets burned regularly on deep routes and double moves.

My optimism has quickly turned sour.

Light up the Freakin Halo!

by marshgr on Jul 30, 2011 6:36 AM PDT reply actions

um... boss still has good speed and good hands. maybe not as ATHLETIC but in the speed and possibly hands department, he should be fine.

but I dont want boss. He wants a lot of money.

and no cromartie please.

I would like olsen though. I think he would fit our offense more than miller to tell the truth. Olsen is still a good blocker, he just didnt have any help from probably the most atrocious OL in the league.

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

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions

nvr mind. Olsen was traded to Carolina for a 3rd rounder....

Sign Miller!!!!

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions

What a fuckin' day.

I woke up in a drunk tank in the downtown Brisbane pig pen. Apparently I almost got into a fight with some guy, but blacked out and got taken in.

Then I missed my flight back so spent most of the morning and half the afternoon in Brisbane airport with a bad hangover and a black eye. I just managed to get back in time for a concert I had tonight, where I got to release all my Nnamdi rage only to get smacked in the face by some hardcore dancing fuckwit. I think the little c**t broke my nose.

So yeah. Unsatisfactory day in general. Similar to the rest of the Nation.

It’s nearly 12am so I’m going to bed once I finish drinking my beer. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day for all of us and we can get Gaither signed, sealed and delivered. That’ll help ease the pain that the beer can’t.

by Screwfish on Jul 30, 2011 6:45 AM PDT reply actions

post drunk-tank release beer is some of the best tasting

or so ive heard

by lchristmas on Jul 30, 2011 8:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I think the signing of wimbley will free up a lot of cap space.

I think our guys would be more prepared and more fluent on offense if they had more time in training camp. pre-season is only about 2 weeks away, so they have to get up to speed fast.

Assuming Bruce cant get healed, we need to sign a guard. Here’s some FA interior lineman (if any of these guys are signed, let me know):

Carl Nicks (NO) – Restricted – In 2010, Nicks outperformed his counterpart at guard and should be able to land a similar contract on the open market. However, having accrued only three seasons, Nicks will remain a restricted free agent with a 1st round tender. Though it wouldn’t be a terrible decision to go after him, with the chaos of this shortened offseason, I’d be surprised if restricted free agency is actively pursued.

Davin Joseph (TB) – Davin Joseph was playing terrific football for the Buccaneers before he fractured his foot in November, sending him to the IR. On the cusp of the playoffs, Joseph has insisted that while he’d like to return, he’d like to see the team take a step in the right direction. Given the ridiculous cap space the Buccaneers have available and the raising of the cap floor, the team will have little choice, but to spend more money this offseason. Still, the team has said that re-signing Joseph will remain their top priority in the 72-hour window once the league resumes.

Harvey Dahl (ATL) – With both Clabo and Dahl set to his free agency, this could be a rough offseason for Matt Ryan and Atlanta’s offense. The acquisition of Julio Jones should open up the offense, but losing one, if not both, could be a big overall step back for the Falcons, whose offense is predicated upon running the football. Dahl is a nasty right guard that does his job well all-around.

Daryn Colledge (GB) – Colledge was inconsistent last year, but is still a capable starter in the league. While he isn’t capable of moving defenders off the ball with regularity, his pass protection inside is solid. However, with TJ Lang and several other potential prospects vying for playing time, the Packers may not have the money or inclination to commit to Colledge.

Marshal Yanda (BAL) – Yanda just turned in an All-Pro caliber season playing out of position at right tackle. The Ravens understand his importance more than anyone else and have identified him as a key player on their offense while Yanda has expressed strong interest in returning. Barring something out of the ordinary, Yanda will return to Baltimore and kick back in to guard.

link: http://www.footballsfuture.com/2011/fa/ol.html

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 7:26 AM PDT reply actions

maybe we should resign nnamdi and trade for kevin kolb

you patriot fans must still be waiting for paul revere to deliver your news on his horse

by lchristmas on Jul 30, 2011 8:08 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions

um.... nothing to do with post? lol

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

um, you listed 5 "available" linemen and not one of them was available

I don’t respect what you contribute to this blog. “lol”

just try posting once without the lol. it would make your presence here 2% acceptable.

by lchristmas on Jul 30, 2011 11:37 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I just saw your "XD" down below.

at least you’re mixing it up. drink a beer. do a line off your jonas bros cd case. man up. its awful.

by lchristmas on Jul 30, 2011 11:41 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

Joseph resigned,Dahl with the rams,Colledge with the cardinals,Yanda back with baltimore

by RyanTheRaider on Jul 30, 2011 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions

um.... nothing to do with post? lol

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

“Here’s some FA interior lineman (if any of these guys are signed, let me know)”

by RyanTheRaider on Jul 30, 2011 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions

wrong post. lol

my bad. XD

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

UMMMMMM........Justin Blalock????

"When you believe in yourself......you will conquer many of your fears before they even manifest."

-Zen Master, Nnamdi "The Awesome One" Asomugha

by DarthDavis on Jul 30, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions

thats the name! I couldnt remember it...

I would love the raiders to sign him.

by Jack'sAxe on Jul 30, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm sick of hearing about Nnmadi. He's an Eagle and I could careless about him

We need to stop crying in are soup and forget Nnamdi, he is a thing of the past. Sick of reading about him in Raider blogs, sports articles and main steam Bay area news.

Beside the dismal reports about Bruce Campbell, DHB, Taiwan Jone, David Ausberry and Richard Gordan, there has been some upside that should be reported as well.

Rookie WR Moore can actually catch the ball and has looked sharp in practise running routes. So far in practise, out of all the CB’s, who is doing the best job? One would think it’s Routt and we all would hope it’s one of the younger CB’s. Drum roll please, It’s Chris Johnson. Johnson has been Knocking down balls and breaking up plays with a couple of picks getting high praise from coach Jackson. If Johnson can keep it up the Raiders won’t be looking to add another Vet CB in free agency saving some cash. With Johnson and Moore stepping up is a very good sign on both side of the ball.

by Captain Chaos on Jul 30, 2011 8:15 AM PDT reply actions

Good to hear, but CJ is 31, so hopefully the youth can step up quick

Ware and McFadden had some flashes last year, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Chekwa and DVD bring. It would be nice if we can get by with the guys we have without too much dropoff, or being identified as having a weakness to be targeted in the secondary.

"tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit"--Mark Herzlich

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson

by brhynno on Jul 30, 2011 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions

This is what CJ does

He’s good in practice, toast at game time. He’s worthless.

MexicAN AmericAN VegAN

by Mike Garza on Jul 30, 2011 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

heard stevie brown

made a few plays also

by frank7da2tank on Jul 30, 2011 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

+1

by Realtooreal on Jul 30, 2011 8:40 AM PDT reply actions

Sunglasses

Its Al Davis.

Sn: Amy Trask is starting to look more like Al everyday. She’s a Winna and a Raidah.

by mcastro831 on Jul 30, 2011 11:02 AM PDT via mobile reply actions

There are other options out there. (NFL.com's FA tracker sucks)

I didn’t cry at all when Nnamdi went to Philly; everybody saw that already. What I was concerned with, and still am, is the holes we need to fill. There are too many holes to fill all over our team, and I’ll list every one.

1) Wide Receiver – I still want a Veteran. Is it gonna happen? Nope. Why? Because we all know Al Davis. He likes our core as it is, and I figured that from the get-go. I wasn’t thinking that a WR would come at all.

2) TE – Them twitter reports did not help me at all. One thing I was wondering – Where the hell is Brandon Myers?? Miller has to come back, and these TEs need to develop soft hands. Miller, and another FA SURE-HANDED TE needs to be signed.

3) G, C – Gaither is coming here, no doubt about it. That leaves holes to fill with Guard and Backup center. I am not faithful with Carlisle in the PBS, and Bruce Campbell is injured right now. I think Loper should stay as a backup, and that we should try our very best not only to Sign Satele to be a backup C, but to sign some of our old linemen and One More Free Agent Lineman. Just One More. If we get a good Guard, Mario Henderson, and Langston Walker, this line is SET.

4) LB – A HUGE NEED. I am not happy with Groves at ALL; Howard is gone. Ricky Brown and McClain seem to have the MLB spot, and Wimbley is coming back. Travis Goethel got injured last year, and I HATE not having depth. Nick Barnett is out there; GO AFTER HIM. Brandon Chillar from GBis a good backup is he isn’t signed yet. Siler from San Diego is out there. Chase Blackburn from NYG is good. MORRISON – WHY THE HELL IS HE STILL SITTING THERE, HUH?? sigh Come on guys.

5) CB – I just want Carlos Rogers. I feel that we have too much depth on our roster, and that we will not get a CB, but let our youngsters step up. But, Rogers is very good for the system we play, doesn’t get picks, and can be got for 4-5 million a year. Simple. But will it happen? Nope.

6) FS – They need to stop with this mess and get a Free Safety. Shit, I don’t care if they sign Huff Back, get Goldson, Get Whitner – I don’t care. Get a PROPER FS..OR FIND ONE.

We get about 10-11 cheap players in Free agency, and I’ll be happy. I’m not calling Playoffs unless these things happen.

In WHOEVER GIVES US THE WIN We Trust

by NFLanalyzerfromhome on Jul 30, 2011 11:09 AM PDT reply actions

gotta feeling that one of our 80 CB’s are gonna be switched to safety eventually but i actually like stevie brown a lot, he just has this knack about being around the ball. if we sign walker back i think we’ll be aright, we got Lamaak as a backup center now so im okay with not signing satele back.

by frank7da2tank on Jul 30, 2011 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

you'd have to think at least a couple of them will make the switch

if not Ware, then Chekwa or DVD could get looks at free.

"tough times call for perseverance and a tough mind. I have been told that I can't play football before. We all know what happened with that. #neverquit"--Mark Herzlich

""The massive Raider Nation is beyond doubt the sleaziest and rudest and most sinister mob of thugs and wackos ever assembled."--Hunter S. Thompson

by brhynno on Jul 30, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Well....

I) WR – I am actually happy with what we have and could move forward with our current receivers.
2) TE – I doubt Miller is coming back.
3) G – Gaither is not coming, he didn’t get cleared by our doctors. Oh and the line would not be set by bringing back Satele and Henderson.
4.) LB – We have a need at LB, but not as big as other needs. CB is our #1 need – CJ is better served in the Nickel and as a quality reserve.
5) CB – No Cromartie… please! Carlos Rogers would be decent.
6) FS – Whitner or Goldson would be great. Fuck Huff.

Light up the Freakin Halo!

by marshgr on Jul 30, 2011 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

First two days of practice and you guys are all doom and gloom!

Be happy there is football and that the greedy owners gave up a small piece of the multi-billion dollar pie!

Give Hue a chance to put his stamp on the team. The players will only go as far as they want to. They seem to believe in Hue. Nam was gone when Mr. Davis said I could have 2 players in place of him. Oakland is a small market team face that fact.

Kevin Boss would be about the same as Zach in the long run. They have both showed flashes of being top level TE’s, (concussions is a bigger concern with Zach to me he has been rung a few times.) Neither of them have done it yet. We still could sign another 15 players before the first cut down LOL.

I think teams some teams are loosing their minds and over paying position players in this frenzy. Remember when the Raiders were doing that few years ago. Not one of those players are still here. Gibril Wilson, DeAngelo Hall come to mind. Big splash lot’s of cash and no dash…

Yes we all loved Nam but how many wins did he translate to for this franchise? Was he worth 10% of the cap?

2003 4 12
2004 5 11
2005 4 12
2006 2 14
2007 4 12
2008 5 11
2009 5 11
2010 8 8

In football it’s takes everyone’s effort not just 1 guy. Let’s just see how it shakes out then you can all freak out but 2 days into the first camp c’mon relax!

by samiam2112 on Jul 30, 2011 11:26 AM PDT reply actions