Raiders win 16-10

[Plunkett16]

RB LaMont Jordan runs through a gaping hole in the first half. Jordan paced the Raiders on the ground with 27 yards rushing.

Tony Gonzales
The Oakland Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 16-10 in the 2006 Hall of Fame game one day after legendary Raiders head coach John Madden was enshrined in the Hall. LB Ryan Riddle and DT Michael Quarshie recovered Eagles fumbles, and CB Fabian Washington intercepted a pass for the defense. QB Aaron Brooks connected with TE Courtney Anderson for a 12-yard TD, and K Sebastian Janikowski made three field goals, including kicks from 50 and 51 yards out.
The Raiders won the opening coin toss and elected to receive. After a 14-yard Chris Carr kickoff return, QB Aaron Brooks took command of the Raiders attack. The Raiders were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt. After a 57-yard Shane Lechler punt, the Eagles offense took the field for the first time.

The Eagles mounted the first scoring drive of the game as RB Brian Westbrook cashed in from the 1-yard line. The touchdown run capped off a 9-play, 61-yard drive which took 4:51 off the clock.

WR Doug Gabriel returned the ensuing kickoff 25 yards to the Raiders 23-yard line. After an incomplete pass, a 6-yard RB LaMont Jordan run and a 7-yard sack, the Raiders were forced to punt. Reno Mahe returned Lechler's 48-yard punt to the Eagles 35-yard line where QB Jeff Garcia and company took over with 6:13 left in the 1st quarter.

The Raiders defense held the Eagles to a three-and-out and forced a punt. Carr fielded Dirk Johnson's punt at the Raiders 25 and was dropped immediately. Thanks to three bruising Jordan runs, the Raiders picked up their first 1st down of the game. On 1st and 10, Brooks' pass intended for WR Alvis Whitted deep down the right sideline was intercepted by CB Rod Hood at the Philadelphia 30.



LB Sam Williams (54) and the Raiders defense stuff RB Brian Westbrook in the backfield.

Tony Gonzales
Three plays later, CB Fabian Washington picked off and errant Garcia pass. Washington returned the pick 40 yards all the way to the Eagles 23-yard line. "The guy ran a curl and I just jumped the route and got the pick," Washington said. "I was excited at the time, but then I realized that I can't take this into the regular season. We've got a lot of talent back there and we're making progress in practice. We're gaining confidence in our ability and in handling our assignments. We have high expectations for ourselves this season."

On the next play, Jordan blasted his way inside the Eagles 10-yard line with a 14-yard run as the first quarter came to an end. Two plays later, Brooks found TE Courtney Anderson for a 12-yard touchdown pass. K Sebastian Janikowski's PAT tied the game at 7-7 with 14:12 left in the second quarter.

"Aaron threw me a good ball and I just jumped and made a play on the ball," Anderson said. "I just made a play on the ball. When it's in the air, you just try to make a play. I actually thought I wouldn't get it, but you never know unless you try. I just threw my hands up there and caught it  I was able to get both hands on it."

The Eagles returned the ensuing kickoff to their own 26. Philadelphia mounted a drive, which was kept alive by a roughing the passer call, to the Raiders 37. K David Akers came on and hit a 55-yard field goal to give the Eagles a 10-7 lead with 9:41 left in the 2nd quarter.

Gabriel returned the ensuing kickoff 19 yards to the Oakland 28-yard line. Andrew Walter entered the game at quarterback for the Raiders. After two RB Justin Fargas runs netted five yards, Walter's first pass was broken up forcing a punt. A false start backed the Raiders up 5. Lechler's punt was downed at the Philadelphia 41. An ineligible man down field call against the Raiders put the Eagles on their own 46.

The Raiders defense stiffened at their own 42 and forced a punt. Johnson's punt was downed at the Raiders 4-yard line where the Silver and Black took over with 5:50 to go in the 2nd quarter. Several plays later, Walter hooked up with Fargas on a wonderful adlib as Walter was flushed out of the pocket to his right. Walter flipped the ball to Fargas who took off for a 29-yard gain to the Eagles 47. Two plays later on 3rd and 5, Walter found rookie WR Will Buchanon for a 7-yard gain and a first down to keep the drive alive. After and incomplete pass and a sack, the Raiders faced 3rd and 16 at the 41. Walter's 3rd down pass intended for TE Marcellus Rivers was just a bit high and fell incomplete. Lechler's 41-yard punt bounced into the end zone for a touchback. After a Mahe rush, the first half came to an end.

Both teams traded punts to start the second half. During the Eagles' second possession, DE/LB Grant Irons crushed QB Koy Detmer and forced a fumble which was recovered by DT Michael Quarshie. A few plays later, a botched snap on a Janikowski field goal attempt ended the Raiders scoring chance.

After the Raiders defense forced a three-and-out, Marques Tuiasosopo entered the game at quarterback and mounted a scoring drive. Janikowski's 51-yard field goal tied the game at 10-10 with 2:42 left in the 3rd quarter. The Raiders defense then held the Eagles to another three-and-out. Carr returned the punt to the Raiders 34.

A few plays later, Tuiasosopo's deep pass for Buchanon was tipped and intercepted. The Eagles took over at their own 11. Timmy Chang entered the game at quarterback for Philadelphia. The Raiders forced the Eagles into another three-and-out. Rookie WR Burl Toler called for and made the fair catch on the punt at the Raiders 46. The Raiders offense drove to the Eagles 30 but RB DeJuan Green fumbled the ball back to the Eagles who returned it to the 38. Head Coach Art Shell challenged the ruling. Green was ruled down by contact and the ruling was overturned. The Raiders kept possession and faced 2nd and 12. The Raiders turned the possession into a score as Janikowski's 50-yard field goal put the Raiders up 13-10 with 11:43 left in the 3rd quarter.

The Raiders got the ball right back when LB Ryan Riddle recovered an Eagles fumble in Philadelphia territory. A 14-yard Green scamper put the Raiders on the Eagles 9. Two plays later, the Raiders faced 3rd and goal at the 13. Tuiasosopo was forced to scramble and he managed to get to the 5-yard line. Janikowski's 24-yard field goal put the Raiders up 16-10 with 5:44 left to play. The Raiders held the Eagles to another three-and-out and took over at their own 25 after the punt and a penalty on Oakland. The Raiders were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt as well. Lechler's punt was downed at the Eagles 37 with 2:55 left in the game.

RB Bruce Perry caught a pass from Chang and promptly fumbled the ball back to the Raiders. Oakland was unable to mount a drive and punted back to the Eagles who took over at their own 9 with 1:48 left to go with no time outs.

Rookie DB Dennis Davis intercepted a Chang pass after the Eagles managed to drive to the Raiders 39. The Raiders took over with :29 left. Tuiasosopo took a knee to run out the clock and preserve the victory.
__________________
__________________

[Angry Pope]

Bits and pieces

August 6th, 2006
By Jerry McDonald

A few observations on what took place in the Raiders 16-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles gleaned while simultaneously writing a column for Tuesday’s ANG Newspapers:

– Wide receiver Will Buchanon’s practice performances were no fluke. There are more than a few Raiders who are probably hoping Jerry Porter takes a few more days off for that sore calf, giving Buchanon’s underdog bid more of a chance.

– Grant Irons, mostly a short-yardage performer, could give Sam Williams a run for his money at strong side linebacker.

– Priceless John Madden observation on offensive coordinator Tom Walsh, whose headset was wrapped behind his head.

“In the years he was gone, he forgot how to wear the headset,'’ Madden said.

– Welcome to the NFL, Thomas Howard. Being one of the fastest linebackers in the draft wasn’t enough to help Thomas Howard keep up with Brian Westbrook in coverage.

– Sebastian Janikowski made a point of disregarding his poor place kicking in the preseason last year. After missing 10 kicks field goal attempts last season, Jano went 3-for-3 against Philadelphia, coverting from 51 and 50 yards.

– Nothing happened with the three quarterbacks to alter the current depth chart. It’s Brooks, Walter and Tuiasosopo. Walter’s habit of constantly moving his feet and bobbing his head was duly noted by Madden. It’s happened every day in camp.

Lifting Brooks after just three pass attempts may be further evidence that there is no real competition for the starting job. It’s his.

– Sideline reporter Andrea Kremer, when reporting on the absence of Porter, made a glancing reference to a feud with announcer Al Michaels. When talking about the doghouse of owner Al Davis, Kremer said, “as you know, Al . . . ‘’

Michaels let it go.

– Five penalties for 40 yards. Not bad.

– If Fabian Washington makes a few more plays like he did against Philadelphia, Nnamdi Asomogha is going to get lots of work on the other side.

– Why didn’t I include Ken Stabler or Jim Plunkett among the first wave of inductees in the imaginary Raiders Hall of Fame? Couldn’t decide and I wanted only 10. So I made ‘em wait. Same thing for John Madden and Tom Flores.

[Angry Pope]

UPHILL STRUGGLE
Not quite a running start

David White

Monday, August 7, 2006

(08-07) 04:00 PDT Canton, Ohio -- The Raiders promised to run the ball downhill this season, if it was the last thing they do.

Maybe next week.

Raiders coach Art Shell pulled back the drapes to unveil his run-hard, throw-far offense Sunday, only to find a first-team offense covered in mothballs with dust on top.

Yes, the Raiders won in the end, riding three Sebastian Janikowski field goals and a backup defense that held on tight to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 16-10 in the Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibition season opener at Fawcett Stadium.

Wins are nice, and a team that went 4-12 last year will take it. But, be sure: they are relieved to have four more exhibition games to get this offense straightened out before the games count, starting Sept. 11 against the San Diego Chargers.

"It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year," running back LaMont Jordan said, and he didn't mean it in a good way.

Last year's offense, which tried the power running game but failed, ranked 23rd in scoring, 21st in total offense and 29th in rushing.

Much of that had to do with poor offensive line play. Sunday's opener was no different, with the tackle box crowded as ever after Shell rearranged the front five during the offseason.

"Offensively, we struggled," Shell said. "We've got to get that squared away and make sure our guys know exactly what needs to be done against certain defenses."

Look no further than the first three drives of the game.

On the game's first play, Jordan tried to run behind the left guard. He was hit almost immediately, and struggled to the line of scrimmage for no gain.

After a false start by left tackle Robert Gallery, Jordan was hit behind the line of scrimmage for consecutive 1-yard losses. Jordan played one quarter and had nine carries for 27 yards, with 14 yards coming on a single carry.

"We've got to get the cobwebs out," Gallery said.

Next drive, quarterback Aaron Brooks threw his first pass as a Raider. He was hit upon release and missed Doug Gabriel on the sideline by 5 yards. Two plays later, he was dropped by second-team defensive end Trent Cole, who chucked Gallery out of the way.

Drive No. 3 ended promptly enough with Brooks throwing a sideline interception. He was 1-for-3 with 12 yards and left the game 48 seconds into the second quarter.

"Not bad, knowing it's just a start for us, the first time going against an opponent," Brooks said. "There are some things we've got to get better at. It was good that we were able to put seven points on the board."

Brooks should thank the defense for that. Left to drive a long field in the first quarter, the Raiders had two first downs -- the first coming with 2 minutes, 45 seconds left in the first quarter -- and 23 yards of total offense (30 rushing, -7 passing).

If not for Fabian Washington's interception and 40-yard return to the Eagles' 23, the first-team offense might never have crossed midfield before the backups took over.

The offense turned the gift into the only touchdown of the game. On the second play of the second quarter, Brooks zipped a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Courtney Alexander, who leaped for the catch and spun forward into the end zone to tie the game 7-7 with 14:12 left in the second quarter.

All this came against a mixture of second- and third-team Eagles.

"We've got a lot of work to do," Jordan said. "The bright side is that this is our first preseason game, but we've got a lot of work to do if we are going to get back to form."

The first-team defense faced the Eagles' first team on only the opening drive, and they did nothing to hinder a nine-play, 61-yard touchdown drive. Brian Westbrook had six carries for 42 yards with a 1-yard touchdown roll.

After that, Oakland allowed a 55-yard field goal by David Akers, and nothing else while picking up two interceptions and three fumbles.

Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski countered with field goals of 51, 50 and 24 yards in the final 18 minutes of the game.

"When one area is lagging, the other two have to play strong," Shell said. "Our special teams and defense played well. Our offense ... we have a lot of room for improvement. There's no doubt we've got to pick it up and be more consistent in what we're doing.

"We got a 'W' and finished the game, and that's important for us."

[CrossBones]

Yeah, not quite a running start.

A win is a win but man that first quarter was ugly and the starters really looked terrible on both sides of the ball. Read it and weep.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders beat Eagles in Hall of Fame


By BARRY WILNER
Monday, August 7, 2006 10:28 AM CDT


CANTON, Ohio (AP) -- All Art Shell asked to see in his first game back as coach of the Oakland Raiders was some progress.

He got that, and strong placekicking by Sebastian Janikowski in a 16-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night as the NFL preseason began with the Hall of Fame game.

Oakland forced five turnovers and Janikowski made field goals of 50, 51 and 24 yards

"Coming up with turnovers was huge tonight," Shell said. "They are reacting to the ball.".

Shell was rehired a dozen years after being fired as Oakland's coach. His mission: bringing back the glory of the franchise for which he was a Hall of Fame tackle.

In front of former Raiders coach John Madden, who was enshrined Saturday, Shell got off to a winning start.

"It feels really good to be back," Shell said. "And getting a win is huge, because no matter if it is preseason, everybody wants to win. Playing in this game, with Coach Madden inducted, it was very much a good thing."

Philadelphia's David Akers set a game record with a 55-yard field goal in the second quarter. And the Eagles' first-stringers were solid on both sides of the ball.

"It was good that the offense got a chance to get out there and get things rolling," Donovan McNabb said. "I felt healthy, so it's an exciting time right now."

Eagles RB Bruce Perry was carried off on a stretcher with 1:14 remaining, his head immobilized. He was tackled by rookie Timi Wusu on a running play. Players from both sides stood silently or kneeled in prayer before Perry was removed. Perry gave a thumbs-up as he was wheeled to an ambulance and taken to a hospital.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said Perry had a concussion and a team spokesman added X-rays of Perry's neck were negative. A CT scan also was normal and the team expected Perry to accompany it back to Pennsylvania.

"He had some loss of feeling in his arms and legs initially and the feeling started to come back," Reid said. "I don't know how far along he is now."

In his one series, McNabb hit all three passes for 29 yards on a 61-yard drive to Brian Westbrook's 1-yard touchdown run. McNabb is returning from sports hernia surgery that cut short his 2005 season, a major reason the Eagles finished 6-10.

"We came with a different attitude," McNabb said. "This is something that's serious for us. We were prepared to come out and have a good showing."

Westbrook, coming back from a foot sprain that cost him the final four games of 2005, had 32 yards rushing and a 14-yard reception in his short night.

"I think as an offensive unit we're out there trying to prove we can run the ball," Westbrook said. "We've certainly committed a lot of time to the running game and we did it out there in the first preseason game."

The Eagles made Oakland's starting defense look leaky in taking the 7-0 edge, and the Raiders did little on offense with their first-stringers until getting a break.

Three plays after Aaron Brooks' wobbly pass was picked off by Roderick Hood, Jeff Garcia returned the favor. The veteran QB, brought in as McNabb's backup this year, made a poor pass toward another Philly addition, Jabar Gaffney. Fabian Washington intercepted and sped 40 yards down the left sideline to the Philadelphia 23.

"I was excited at the time," Washington said. "But then I realized I can't take this into the regular season."

Lamont Jordan gained 14 yards on the final play of the opening period, then Brooks hit Courtney Anderson in the front of the end zone to tie it.

"I actually thought I wouldn't get it, but you never know unless you try," Anderson said. "I threw my hands up there and caught it."

Akers untied it with his record kick, breaking the 54-yard mark set by Dallas' Mike Clark in 1968 and tied by Atlanta's Bob Etter the next year.

Oakland's defense provided another superb chance in the third quarter when Grant Irons sacked Koy Detmer, who fumbled at his 13. But holder Shane Lechler bobbled the snap on an attempted field goal and Janikowski never got off a kick.

He did get off the 51-yarder in the third quarter to tie it, though. His 50-yarder early in the fourth period made it 13-10, and his 24-yarder finished the scoring.

Notes: The Hall of Fame paid tribute to Bill Willis, the first black player in the NFL, at halftime. Willis was enshrined in 1977. ... Also on hand were the other living members of the Class of 2006: Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Rayfield Wright and Harry Carson. The late Reggie White, who began his NFL career with the Eagles, was represented by his widow, Sara. ... Along with Perry, the Eagles had several injuries: guards Scott Young (right hamstring) and Adrien Clarke (back spasms); tackles Pat McCoy (concussion) and Calvin Armstrong (sprained left knee); and linebacker Greg Richmond (back).

[Angry Pope]

Stutter-step start
Defense provides silver lining; offense makes case for worry

PHIL BARBER




CANTON, Ohio - The Art Shell Legends Tour, launched Sunday night at tradition-steeped Fawcett Stadium, couldn't have begun any more raggedly.


The Raiders won, 16-10, but that didn't remove the bad taste left by the starters' performance: Consecutive negative-yardage drives to start the game; a surrendered touchdown, aided by missed tackles galore; a false start by Robert Gallery; Aaron Brooks getting sacked; Brooks failing to complete a pass in the first quarter; Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb hitting all his passes.

Then came the signs of life.

Second-year cornerback Fabian Washington made an interception, that rarest of Raiders commodities, against backup Jeff Garcia and returned it 40 yards. LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas had a couple of impressive runs. Tight end Courtney Anderson leaped high for a touchdown catch from Brooks.

Pretty soon, the Raiders had much to feel good about. And yeah, a lot of corrections to make. On the whole, it was a typical exhibition game - uneven, unspectacular and hard to dissect.

"We just didn't get our groove on like we wanted to tonight," Anderson said. "We're pleased with our performance, but it can be a whole lot better."

Jordan, who finished with 27 yards on nine carries, was less diplomatic.

"We got a lot of work to do," he said. "It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year."

Perish the thought. Oakland played more or less evenly with the Eagles, who are expected to challenge for a playoff spot in the NFC. But the bulk of this unimportant game can be purged from memory. What counts is what happened in the first quarter, and that was decidedly mixed.

Of primary concern has to be the play of the quarterbacks and, not coincidentally, the offensive line. Neither starter Brooks (1-for-3 for 12 yards with a TD and an interception) nor Andrew Walter (3-of-10 for 46 yards) nor Marques Tuiasosopo (5-of-15 for 63 yards and a pick) had any sustained efficiency. The three quarterbacks had a cumulative passer rating of 29.0.

As a result, the Raiders' longest scoring drive was 44 yards.

"Offensively, we struggled at times," Shell said. "There were times we had people open, didn't hit 'em. There were times we had people open and we gave up a sack. There were times in the running game that guys were running free because some of the kids didn't know who they were supposed to block."

Some of the stalling can be ascribed to the offensive line, which was less than dominant. Gallery, who has looked and sounded rejuvenated at left tackle in training camp, did not have a good game. In addition to the false start, he allowed a first-quarter sack by defensive end Trent Cole.

The silver lining was an active defense that took away the ball five times. In addition to Washington's steal, Ryan Riddle, Michael Quarshie and Chris Carr came up with fumble recoveries. And rookie free agent Dennis Davis wrapped up the win with an interception.

As Washington said of his takeaway: "I was excited at the time, but then I realized that I can't take this into the regular season."

[Angry Pope]

Raiders search win for any highlights
TOO BAD THEY WENT ON SECOND

Mark Purdy



CANTON, Ohio - The Raiders of 2006 had a tough act to follow Sunday evening -- namely, the Raiders of the 1970s.

That's what can happen at the Hall of Fame game. Twenty-four hours earlier, during the induction ceremonies for, among others, John Madden, the giant television screen at Fawcett Stadium had shown highlights of Madden's championship teams in Oakland. Over and over, the Raiders were running and passing and tackling at will.

In fact, watching the video, you'd have thought those 1970s Raiders had scored a touchdown on every offensive play and sacked the quarterback on every defensive down.

How on earth were the current Raiders ever going to top that in Sunday's exhibition opener?

Answer: They weren't.

Follow-up questions: But gee, couldn't they have given it a little better shot? Especially in the first quarter, when the first-string offense made just one first down.

LaMont Jordan thought so.

``We got a lot of work to do,'' the Raiders' featured running back said. ``It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year. The bright side is that this is our first preseason game.''

Correct, correct and correct. But the most-correct of Jordan's statements was the last one. Remember, there has never been a NFL Films production called ``Fantastic Preseason Finishes!'' For that matter, there's never been one called ``Fantastic Preseason First Quarters!'' Nor ``Fantastic Preseason Special-Teams Tackles!''

In other words, when analyzing the Raiders' 16-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, don't get too excited or too depressed over any one part of the performance. Nothing in football, at any level, is less compelling than the first round of NFL exhibitions. The starters generally play one quarter or less. Sloppiness rules. Field goals become huge accomplishments. By the fourth quarter, you're basically watching future arena league stars.

That said, you could draw a few reasonable conclusions from Sunday's game:

• 1. The Raiders' offense is not just a project in progress, it is like watching a group of people make up the instruction sheet while building the project. On their first possession of the second Art Shell Era, the Raiders took five snaps. Jordan ran three times, for a net loss of 2 yards. There was a false-start penalty on tackle Robert Gallery. And the fifth snap? A punt.

• 2. Not until the second quarter, when the Eagles were using their second defensive unit, did the Raiders make real offensive progress. Courtney Anderson, the third-year tight end from San Jose State, made a nice leaping touchdown grab on a pass from new quarterback Aaron Brooks.

• 3. The Raiders' defense, which gave up a touchdown to Philadelphia's starting unit on its first drive, looked to be more organized as the night progressed. And the special teams were fairly solid. If you were a Raiders fan looking for glimmers of non-despair to make you believe there won't be a repeat of last season's 4-12 record, that's where you found them.

``I know it's preseason,'' receiver Randy Moss said. ``But as bad as it was last season, you've got to enjoy this.''

• 4. Shell definitely has the team's attention. He was seen working with Gallery on the sideline after the big tackle gave up a sack. And most important, Shell has the unqualified support of his team's best player, Moss. After the game, unprompted, the receiver mentioned more than once how Shell was making a difference in the locker room.

``He doesn't have to be verbal,'' Moss said. ``His presence is enough.''

• 5. Brooks, who threw three times and completed only the touchdown pass to Anderson, is a determined guy. He was in no mood to shrug off the offense's struggles. He takes exhibition games very seriously. But as an eight-year veteran, he has been around long enough to know the difference between the 5th of August and the 5th of September.

``We've got a ways to go,'' Brooks said. ``It's just a process we've got to go through. . . . We just didn't get our good groove on like we wanted to tonight. We're pleased with our performance, but it can be a whole lot better.''

Shell had the best perspective of all.

``One good thing,'' he said, ``is that we've got a lot of good training reels to use.''

[Angry Pope]

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up

• CB Fabian Washington: He intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards deep into Eagles territory late in the first quarter. That set up Oakland's first touchdown, three plays later.

• TE Courtney Anderson: He made a nice catch of a high pass by quarterback Aaron Brooks and bulled his way into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Thumbs down

• OT Robert Gallery: He got called for a false-start penalty two plays into the game and allowed a sack four plays later in his first start at left offensive tackle. He spent his first two NFL seasons at right offensive tackle and showed it's going to take some time before he makes a successful conversion.

• QB Aaron Brooks: He missed high on his first pass attempt in his Raiders debut and was intercepted on his second attempt. He also got sacked on Oakland's second series. The Raiders didn't move the ball until their fourth possession, long after the Eagles first-team defense departed.

• DE Kevin Huntley: A roughing-the-passer penalty turned a failed third-down play by the Eagles into a 15-yard gain and an automatic first down in the second quarter. Those are the kind of plays that irritate the coaches and factor in to whether a fringe player such as Huntley makes the opening day, 53-man roster.

• CB Chris Carr: He got drilled for a 1-yard loss on a punt return, netted only 14 yards on his first kick return, and let a Shane Lechler second-quarter punt bounce into the end zone, though he was in position to down the ball at the 1-yard line.

[Angry Pope]

CAM INMAN

CANTON, Ohio - His false-start penalty wasn't pretty. Neither was the third-down sack he allowed. But then came a sight for already-sore eyes in the Raiders' exhibition-season opener Sunday night.

Left tackle Robert Gallery took a seat on the bench and listened. Standing in front of him was Art Shell, whose bronzed bust rests nearby on a glass shelf in a little white building -- the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"He reminded you of little things that get you in trouble," Gallery said of Shell's advice.

Shell's encore as the Raiders coach, 11 seasons after being fired from his first coaching stint with his former team, comes with another job requirement. He must be Gallery's shadow, and that's good, even if you think Shell has other things to do.

As last year's 4-12 debacle showed, it's important to solidify this offensive line, and turning Gallery into a quality left tackle is crucial.

"I don't worry about Robert," Shell said after the 16-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. "Right now he's beating himself up. I know that. He's got some of me in him. He'll be saying, 'Coach, you don't need to say anything. I know I screwed up.'

"The kid has star quality. He's going to be fine."

Just hope that Gallery doesn't need Shell standing in front of him in five weeks, again showing him how to properly move his feet to keep a defender from blowing past him.

For 15 meaningful seconds, Shell addressed Gallery on the bench, about 15 seconds after Gallery got beat by defensive end Trent Cole, a fifth-round draft choice last year.

Cole was the 146th player taken overall, by the way. Gallery was the second pick of the 2004 draft.

Don't give up on Gallery, who played mostly right tackle his first two NFL seasons. Sunday's game marked his Raiders debut at left tackle, the spot he made a name for himself at the University of Iowa.

"I'm confident in what I do, I just had some cobwebs tonight," Gallery said. "I've just got to go back to work."

Helping him get the kinks out is Shell, not to mention line coach Jackie Slater, another Hall of Famer.

"That's what they're there for -- to help us," Gallery said. "It comes down to technique. It's good to have these preseason games to get the cobwebs out, fix things and be ready to go when the season starts."

Two plays into the Raiders' first series, Gallery drew a false-start penalty to get an early jump against defensive end Darren Howard, the Eagles' prized free agent acquisition from the New Orleans Saints.

On the next play, Howard blew past Gallery and joined Jevon Kearse in stuffing LaMont Jordan for a 1-yard loss.

On the next series, and on only the second time Aaron Brooks dropped back to pass, Gallery got fooled on a move by Cole and gave up the sack.

"You've got to move your feet," Shell said, "and he didn't do that."

Ugly, yes. Repairable, yes.

Gallery's feet now have quite a new dance instructor -- Shell. Don't forget about Slater, too, who walked off the field with Gallery after the game.

"It's not time to overreact to players and situations at this point," Brooks said of the first-team offense's overall slow start.

We already know Gallery isn't an instant classic. But neither was Rayfield Wright, who was inducted Saturday into the Hall of Fame for his efforts as the Dallas Cowboys' right tackle, a position he moved to after three seasons.

As Wright said in his enshrinement speech: "I played against the best. My body still hurts when I hear their names called. But I wouldn't be here today without these great players. Deacon Jones, thank you for your gracious welcome into the NFL. In case you're wondering, Deek, the answer is yes, my mother knows I'm here."

Gallery, too, will face great players, for the nature of his position pits him against opponents' top pass rushers, including the San Diego Chargers' Shawn Merriman in the Sept. 11 opener.

As bad as the Raiders were last year, it was their line that drew the strongest damnation from Al Davis, at least on the day he fired Norv Turner as coach.

"I thought one of our standards of gold would be our offensive line," Davis said then. "Our bright young players there never got the toughness or power running I thought we'd get from our football team."

Everyone's been waiting for more from Gallery the second the Raiders drafted him. Perhaps that's why it was fitting he had a false start so early in Sunday's game. His career has been a false start, so far. But he's only two seasons and one game into that career.

Left tackles aren't made overnight, and certainly not on this night.

[Angry Pope]

Early look not positive for Raiders
The first-team offense and defense struggle in Hall of Fame game win

Steve Corkran

CANTON, Ohio - This can't be what first-year Raiders coach Art Shell had in mind for his first game in 12 seasons. Not after changing quarterbacks, revamping the offensive line, adding a playmaker to his defense and harping on a return to physical football.

Yet, there it was on display Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Hall of Fame game, in front of a national television audience, and a little more than a month before games count in the standings.

Some of the names have changed, the coaching staff has a new look, and the schemes are new. No matter. The end result was a complete and utter failure by the Raiders to show that they are any better suited this season to improve upon last season's 4-12 debacle.

The evidence was omnipresent and indisputable in a 16-10 victory over the Eagles in the NFL's exhibition opener at Fawcett Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

"We got a lot of work to do," running back LaMont Jordan said. "It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year."

Shell preached discipline the entire offseason. The so-called "stupid" penalties had to go, he said. Two snaps into the game, left offensive tackle Robert Gallery got nailed for a false-start penalty. A roughing-the-passer penalty on defensive end Kevin Huntley turned a failed third-down play by the Eagles into a first down.

Shell promised a return to physical football, both offensively and defensively. The Raiders are going to dictate the action, he said.

Offensive linemen are going to move defenders downfield and clear room for Jordan, Shell said. Perhaps, in time.

Jordan's first three carries went for no gain, minus-1 yard and minus-1 yard. Eagles defenders had little difficulty blowing up plays at the line of scrimmage. Gallery got beat for a sack six plays into the game, on a third-and-four play.

Improved offensive line play is going to free up quarterback Aaron Brooks to make more of the big plays that predecessor Kerry Collins failed to execute, Shell said.

Brooks' first pass attempt sailed over the head of wide receiver Doug Gabriel. His second attempt, for receiver Alvis Whitted, got intercepted 33 yards downfield.

"It's a little disappointing in the production in our first offense and first defense, but we're still in training-camp mode," receiver Randy Moss said. "There's a lot of wrinkles that we have to work out. We still have a lot, lot, lot of football left to play, so hopefully we can fix some things up and head to Minnesota and see what we got."

Defensively, proof that there is plenty of work to do manifested itself in a nine-play, 61-yard drive by the Eagles on their first possession. Six runs netted 30 yards. Quarterback Donovan McNabb completed all three of his passes for 31 yards. The drive culminated with a touchdown and compelled Eagles coach Andy Reid to yank his starters midway through the first quarter.

"We've got to get back to practice and keep building from where we're at now," defensive end Derrick Burgess said. "There's no standing still. We're not pleased with the way we played tonight."

It took some doing to find a handful of bright spots in an otherwise dismal beginning to Shell's second stint with the Raiders and in the first of the team's five exhibition games.

The problem is, it's difficult to put much stock into cornerback Fabian Washington's interception and subsequent 40-yard return when it came against backup quarterback Jeff Garcia.

"We've got a lot of talent back there," Washington said, "and we're making progress in practice. We're gaining confidence in our ability and in handling our assignments. We have high expectations for ourselves this season."

Furthermore, Jordan's 14-yard run and Brooks' 12-yard pass to Anderson lose most of their luster when noted that they came against the Eagles second-team defense.

"Not bad, knowing it's just the start for us, the first time going against an opponent," Brooks said of his team's performance. "There are some things that we've got to get better at."

In all, Shell and his troops came away from Sunday's game knowing that they benefit from four more exhibition games and numerous practices before games such as this one can be remembered for anything more than part of the maturation process.

If not, it just might be remembered as an omen of things to come.

"We got a lot of room for improvement, there's no doubt about that," Shell said.

RAIDERS 16, EAGLES 10

• NEXT GAME: Aug. 14, at Vikings, 5 p.m.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders' Brooks is not impressive


CANTON, Ohio -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb stood on the sideline after presiding over the offense for nine plays. He sported a visor, bounced from teammate to teammate and laughed it up as the game wore on.

In other words, he got in the game, did what he wanted to do and retreated to the comfort of the sideline, where injury no longer is a prevalent thought. In other words, he did what the Raiders envisioned quarterback Aaron Brooks and their first-team offense doing in Sunday night's Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium.

Instead, Raiders coach Art Shell had little choice but to trot out Brooks and the starters for four possessions in their first exhibition game in an attempt to get them some meaningful work and perhaps build their confidence.

Oakland's first two possessions resulted in punts after three plays from scrimmage failed to net a first down. Its third possession ended with a Brooks pass that was intercepted.

Finally, the Raiders offense got something going, albeit against the Eagles second-team defense, on their fourth drive. Running back LaMont Jordan rushed for 14 yards on the first play, and Brooks connected with tight end Courtney Anderson for a 12-yard touchdown two plays later.

In all, the Raiders offensive starters mustered only 27 yards in 13 plays. Brooks had as many interceptions and sacks as he did completions: one. Jordan finished with 27 yards on nine carries before he left.

Defensively, Oakland used most or all of its projected starters for the first three series. Philadelphia scored a touchdown on its first possession, punted on its second and turned over the ball on an interception on its third.

Huff-ing and puffing

Raiders first-round draft pick Michael Huff saw extensive action as a starter but did not make a tackle or break up a pass at strong safety.

"When I first got out there, it was kind of hard to breathe," Huff said. "Getting out on an NFL field was a dream finally coming true. It took me a couple of series to get the butterflies out, but after that, everything came together naturally."

Jano goes deep

Shane Lechler botched the hold on a 33-yard field goal attempt midway through the third quarter. Sebastian Janikowski was unable to get off a kick, and the Eagles tackled Lechler.

A short time later, Janikowski drilled a 51-yarder to tie the score at 10. He added a 50-yarder early the fourth quarter to break the 10-10 tie and a 24-yarder late in the game.

His first two kicks exceeded his season-best kick of 49 yards last year. He missed 10-of-30 attempts last season.

Did you know?

The Raiders improved to 3-0 in Hall of Fame games. They recorded victories against the Dallas Cowboys in 1979 and the Green Bay Packers in 1993. Shell played in the first of those games and coached the Raiders in the second one.

Also, no team that appeared in a Hall of Fame game has won the Super Bowl at the end of that season.

Extra points

Raiders defensive end Grant Irons forced a fumble early in the third quarter on a play in which defensive tackle Michael Quarshie recovered the loose ball at the Eagles 13-yard line. Linebacker Timi Wusu forced a fumble in the fourth quarter that linebacker Ryan Riddle recovered at the Eagles 39. ... The five living players and coach inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday -- former Raiders coach John Madden, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, former Cowboys offensive tackle Rayfield Wright, former Houston Oilers quarterback Warren Moon and former New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson -- visited the Raiders sideline before the game. Former Eagles defensive end Reggie White passed away in 2004. Numerous Raiders raised their helmets in homage to Madden as he walked across the field between the two teams. Raiders receiver Randy Moss and defensive end Derrick Burgess broke from the ranks to shake hands with Madden. ... Former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia looked less than stellar in extensive action in the first half. He short-hopped throws, fired wide on others and had a pass intercepted and returned 40 yards. ... Raiders receiver Jerry Porter (calf) was among the injured players who did make the trip to Canton.

[CrossBones]

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up

• CB Fabian Washington: He intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards deep into Eagles territory late in the first quarter. That set up Oakland's first touchdown, three plays later.

• TE Courtney Anderson: He made a nice catch of a high pass by quarterback Aaron Brooks and bulled his way into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown early in the second quarter.

Thumbs down

• OT Robert Gallery: He got called for a false-start penalty two plays into the game and allowed a sack four plays later in his first start at left offensive tackle. He spent his first two NFL seasons at right offensive tackle and showed it's going to take some time before he makes a successful conversion.

• QB Aaron Brooks: He missed high on his first pass attempt in his Raiders debut and was intercepted on his second attempt. He also got sacked on Oakland's second series. The Raiders didn't move the ball until their fourth possession, long after the Eagles first-team defense departed.

• DE Kevin Huntley: A roughing-the-passer penalty turned a failed third-down play by the Eagles into a 15-yard gain and an automatic first down in the second quarter. Those are the kind of plays that irritate the coaches and factor in to whether a fringe player such as Huntley makes the opening day, 53-man roster.

• CB Chris Carr: He got drilled for a 1-yard loss on a punt return, netted only 14 yards on his first kick return, and let a Shane Lechler second-quarter punt bounce into the end zone, though he was in position to down the ball at the 1-yard line.If that is the AP's analysis of the game I agree 100%.

Gallery looked terrible and in his third year he should be dominating. He's average and we might have screwed up drafting him #2 overall. But then, of course, hindsight is 20/20.

[Angry Pope]

If that is the AP's analysis of the game I agree 100%.

Gallery looked terrible and in his third year he should be dominating. He's average and we might have screwed up drafting him #2 overall. But then, of course, hindsight is 20/20.

That one is from Corkran.....my paste job got screwed up. The accuracy all the quarterbacks had is disappointing to say the least.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders exhibit rough spots in Shell Debut II
Starters on offense and defense struggle in Hall of Fame game win over Eagles

Bill Soliday



CANTON, Ohio — Art Shell wanted his new-look Raiders running downhill this year. The way the Shell regime started Sunday night in Canton it looked like their plans were just plain heading downhill.
Three carries, two yards in losses by LaMont Jordan, a false start penalty on Robert Gallery, and the Raiders were headed backwards — or at least in the direction of where they had gone a year ago.

"We got a lot of work to do," Jordan said. "It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year."

Which isn't good. What was good, on the other hand, was that the Raiders managed to win the game 16-10 on three Sebastian Janikowski field goals, two of them from 50 yards and beyond.

It made for a happy preamble to Shell Era II in that it was a "W," but it was clear in the aftermath of a ragged first exhibition game that there was plenty of work left on the horizon.

Not that the Eagles deserved slaps on the back. With the Raiders attacking aggressively and forcing five turnovers, Philadelphia outgained the Raiders a flimsy 227-178.

The encouraging play was by Raiders reserves. They held the Eagles without a touchdown. What wasn't encouraging was the play of the starting offensive and defensive units.A defense that had been dominant in training camp was gashed by the Eagles first team for a touchdown on their lone series of the game. Donovan McNabb was 3-for-3 for 29 yards on the drive, and Brian Westbrook carried six times for 32 yards.

The lone defensive play of consequence on the drive was Sam Williams' tackle for a loss of a yard by Westbrook. Otherwise, the Eagles averaged 7.8 yards a play on the nine-play drive.

On offense, when the Raiders first unit was on the field, Oakland didn't do a lot. They did improve after that first series, getting 29 yards on 6 rushes.

After Aaron Brooks threw an interception on his third series, he provided the Raiders with their lone touchdown on the fourth — a 12-yard pass to Courtney Anderson two plays into the second quarter. The 6-foot-7 Anderson, towering over the Eagles' coverage, had to jump to get the pass.

"I actually thought I wouldn't get it," Anderson said. "But you never know unless you try. So I just threw my hands up there."

It was Brooks' lone completion overall in three attempts. He was sacked once.

"Not bad," Brooks' concluded, "knowing it's just the start for us. It was good we were able to put seven points on the board the first time out. There are some things that we've got to get better at."

The conclusion of the game was held up for nearly 10 minutes when Eagles' second-year running back Bruce Perry suffered an apparent neck injury and had to be taken off on a gurney. He was transported to Aultman Hospital for X-rays.

Georgia Tech rookie Dennis Davis intercepted a pass thrown by Eagles' rookie Timmy Chang in the closing 30 seconds to finish off Philly.

The Raiders' start hardly inspired much confidence. Three Jordan runs netted 0, minus 1 and minus 1. With a false-start penalty against tackle Gallery, the Raiders wound up punting from their 11.

The Eagles first unit would only stay in for one series — and it was a good one. Westbrook scored on a 1-yard plunge seven minutes into the game, and the Raiders were down 7-0.

The terrible rushing start rectified itself thereafter but, still, Oakland did not get a first down until 2:40 was left in the first quarter. It came on a 3-yard run by Jordan.

However, on the next play, Brooks fired up a pass for Alvis Whitted deep down the right sideline that was intercepted by Eagles cornerback Roderick Hood.

The first quarter by the Raiders was grim except for the next-to-last play on defense.

Fabian Washington, who set his goal for interceptions on the season at six (the entire team had just five last year) got the first of his pro career.

Not only did he pluck Jeff Garcia's long pass for wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, he returned it 40 yards to the Eagles' 23.

Three plays later, Brooks found Anderson on the 2 under the goalposts. Anderson spun and forced his way into the end zone for the 12-yard touchdown.

The Eagles made it 10-7 on a Hall of Fame game record 55-yard field goal by Fred Akers 41/2 minutes later. The kick came after defensive end Kevin Huntley extended the drive. He was called for roughing Garcia on a third-and-15 incompletion.

Akers' kick was the last points the Eagles would score. After the slow start, the Raiders wound up with seven first downs and 42 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Oakland tied the game with 2:42 left in the third quarter when Janikowski connected on a 51-yard field goal. It was Marques Tuiasosopo's first series of the game, and the big play on the 44-yard drive was a 22-yard completion to Will Buchanon.

When Tuiasosopo was intercepted on his next series, the Eagles actually did the Raiders a favor. Joselio Hanson made the interception at the goal line but tried to run it out. He was tackled at the 10, and

Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) breaks a tackle on a 14-yard run on the last play of the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Associated Press)

when the Raiders reserve defense held the Eagles to 1 yard in three plays, Philadelphia was punting from deep in its own territory.

The go-ahead field goal by Janikowski would never have happened had it not been for Shell's first challenge of the year — a successful one in which he claimed DeJuan Green's fumble should have been ruled down by contact.

With a second life, the Raiders drove to the Eagles' 33, from where Janikowski booted a 50-yard field goal with 11:43 remaining.

When linebacker Ryan Riddle recovered a fumble forced by Stanford rookie linebacker Timi Wusu on the Philadelphia 39, the Raiders were in business again. Janikowski's 24-yard field goal came with 5:49 to play.



Oakland0736—16Philadelphia7300—10First Quarter


Phi—Westbrook 1 run (Akers kick), 7:50.

Second Quarter


Oak—Anderson 12 pass from Brooks (Janikowski kick), 14:12.

Phi—FG Akers 55, 9:41.

Third Quarter


Oak—FG Janikowski 51, 2:42.

Fourth Quarter


Oak—FG Janikowski 50, 11:43.

Oak—FG Janikowski 24, 5:44.

A—22,200.


OakPhiFirst downs1313Total Net Yards178227Rushes-yards34-7624-73Passing102154Punt Returns4-113-20Kickoff Returns3-585-111Interceptions Ret.2-402-11Comp-Att-Int9-28-219-36-2Sacked-Yards Lost5-192-14Punts7-40.67-38.1Fumbles-Lost2-04-3Penalties-Yards5-407-55Time of Possession31:5428:06INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS


RUSHING—Oakland, Jordan 9-27, Smart 7-17, Fargas 6-15, D.Green 9-11, M.Tuiasosopo 2-6, Lechler 1-0. Philadelphia, Westbrook 6-32, Mahe 8-22, Perry 9-15, Tapeh 1-4.

PASSING—Oakland, Brooks 1-3-1-12, Walter 3-10-0-46, M.Tuiasosopo 5-15-1-63. Philadelphia, McNabb 3-3-0-29, Garcia 5-10-1-43, Detmer 2-6-0-12, Chang 9-17-1-84.

RECEIVING—Oakland, Buchanon 4-50, Fargas 2-39, Rivers 1-14, Anderson 1-12, Gatewood 1-6. Philadelphia, Mahe 3-31, Gasperson 2-36, Avant 2-12, Thorn 2-10, Perry 2-5, Westbrook 1-14, Sampy 1-13, Schobel 1-12, R.Brown 1-8, Bartrum 1-7, Baskett 1-7, Fenner 1-7, Ford 1-6.

MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders notes: Huff feels the jitters early

By Jason Jones
Published 12:01 am PDT Monday, August 7, 2006


CANTON, Ohio -- Starting his first NFL game, Michael Huff admitted to having some anxious moments.
It proved that there are jitters in the preseason.


"First drive, a little nervous out there," Huff said. "I couldn't breathe a little but I kind of got settled down and we picked it up the last couple of drives."
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2006 draft started at strong safety ahead of Derrick Gibson, who worked with the second team.

Huff hadn't been named a starter before training camp and coach Art Shell had been hesitant to say Huff was a starter before the game.

Another rookie standout -- Free-agent rookie linebacker Timi Wusu forced a fumble in the fourth quarter and had two solo tackles on special teams. He finished with four tackles.

The Stanford graduate plans to attend medical school. He is looking to make the team and earn an NFL paycheck to help him eventually cover med school costs.

Perry down -- Eagles running back Bruce Perry was carried off the field on a stretcher after going down with 1:14 left in the game.

Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said Perry had a concussion and had lost feeling in his limbs but regained feeling after the game.

Et cetera -- A number of injured players did not make the trip: receiver Jerry Porter, cornerbacks Duane Starks and Tyrone Poole, linebacker Robert Thomas and tight end James Adkisson.

Backup center Adam Treu, who'd missed practice time with a back injury, was the long snapper, but did not play on offense.

• Rookie receiver Kevin McMahan was hit by two Eagles players during the third quarter. It looked like a hard hit, but the only injury he suffered came from biting his tongue.

• The Raiders improved to 3-0 in Hall of Fame Games. The Raiders beat Dallas in 1979 and Green Bay in 1993.

• Eagles kicker David Akers' 55-yard field goal was the longest in Hall of Fame Game history.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders sputter but win
Oakland's first units struggle in exhibition opener against Eagles

Jason Jones
Published 12:01 am PDT Monday, August 7, 2006


CANTON, Ohio -- A penalty on the second play of the game.
A defense unable to stop the run or pass.

That's the Raiders, for starters.

In the exhibition opener Sunday night, Oakland's first-team offense sputtered against Philadelphia's starters, and the Raiders' first-team defense was bullied by the Eagles' starters.

It wasn't exactly what Art Shell wanted to see from the Raiders, who still won 16-10 in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium.


Oakland's offense was inept at the start. And the faster Raiders defense, with rookie starters Michael Huff at safety and Thomas Howard at linebacker, didn't look tough against the Eagles' first-team offense.
"We got a lot of work to do," running back LaMont Jordan said. "It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year. The bright side is that this is our first preseason game, but we've got a lot of work to do if we are going to get back to form."

And it didn't take long for a longtime Raiders problem to resurface.

Left tackle Robert Gallery picked up a false-start penalty on the Raiders' second play from scrimmage. He also was faked badly by defensive end Trent Cole for a sack.

"It's killing him right now, I know it is," Shell said. "It's killing him, but he'll rebound."

New quarterback Aaron Brooks, who completed 1 of 3 passes for one touchdown with one interception, called for patience.

"It's not the time to overreact," Brooks said. "… We have four more preseason games left. There's a lot more training time to go."

That was the consensus among the offense. With a new system and an extra preseason game, the Raiders said they wouldn't panic.

"I was a little disappointed in the production of our first offense against their first defense," said wide receiver Randy Moss, giving his first postgame interview since last year's season opener. "But we're still in training-camp mode. So there's a lot of wrinkles we need to work out. We have a lot more football left to play."

As for Oakland's defense, it was overmatched early. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb complete 3 of 3 passes for 29 yards in his only series. Philadelphia's offensive line had its way in the running game, with Brian Westbrook gaining 32 yards on six carries and scoring a touchdown on the Eagles' opening drive.

Oakland's offense began to show progress as the Eagles pulled their starters. The Raiders' defense also settled down as reserves began playing for both teams.

The Raiders' Sebastian Janikowski made three field goals, including 51- and 50-yarders. He missed all three of his tries from at least 50 yards last season.

Oakland's defense, which has focused on forcing turnovers in training camp, made two interceptions and forced four fumbles, recovering three. The turnovers proved pivotal.

Cornerback Fabian Washington intercepted a pass by Eagles backup quarterback Jeff Garcia in the first quarter and returned it 40 yards, setting up Brooks' 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Courtney Anderson.

An interception by cornerback Dennis Davis sealed the victory with 29 seconds to play.

The Raiders will take that positive out of this game while looking to get their offense going.

"We just didn't get our good groove on like we wanted tonight," Anderson said. "We're pleased with our performance, but it can be a whole lot better."

[Angry Pope]

Oakland gains one meaningless win

Monday, August 7, 2006 SPORTS SPOTLIGHT TODD PORTER



CANTON - It should have been the perfect kickoff to the 2006 season. The first game. NBC’s entry back into the business of broadcasting football. John Madden in the booth and the Hall of Fame. Al Davis watching from a truck perched above Fawcett Stadium. Art Shell coaching on the sideline.

Sure, inside the locker room the Raiders talked like Sunday night’s 16-10 thrilla in vanilla felt like a win. But, c’mon. Really? It didn’t look like one.

The Raiders are so far from the organization they once were. They used to have John Madden. Now they have rookie wide receiver John Madsen, who in 25 years will still be a consonant away from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game win can only make a coach feel good if you count the contribution the Raiders received from guys who will be watching these games at home in a month.

Then again, this is Oakland — one of a handful of teams lowlier than the Browns last season.

“We got a lot of work to do. It looks like we picked up right where we left off last year,” said running back Lamont Jordan, who looked more like Lamont Sanford running behind this line. “The bright side is this is our first preseason game, but we’ve got a lot of work to do if we’re going to get back to form.”

That’s honesty folks.

Oakland finished the 2005 season with six straight losses.

If Oakland is the “Team of the Decades,” then the Browns look pretty good during the last decade.

It’s 2006 and, unfortunately, Oakland Head Coach Art Shell knew full well what he was getting himself into when he signed up for a second tour of duty in this mess.

“Offensively, we struggled,” Shell said. “There were times when we had people open, and didn’t hit them. There were times we had people open, and the quarterback got sacked.”

Star left tackle Robert Gallery gave up a sack in the first quarter ... to a backup defensive end.

“The kid gave him a good move, and (Gallery) bit on it,” said Shell, who worked with Gallery on the sideline right after. “It’s killing him right now.”

Shell and his coaching staff — made up of four Hall of Famers and other greats — had to feel like they were watching a half of liver and onions. It’s a tossup which smelled worse. The dish, or Oakland’s starting offense.

After Donovan McNabb was finished for the night, there wasn’t much meat and potatoes to watch. Jeff Garcia? Browns fans saw way, way too much of the under-sized, weak-armed quarterback for an entire season.

“We just didn’t get our good groove on like we wanted to tonight,” said tight end Courtney Anderson, who caught the Raiders’ lone touchdown pass.

Oakland couldn’t do the simplest things right, granted this was the first time out for both teams. Still, catching a snap? It’s like learning to take a nap the first day of kindergarten.

They botched a field goal when holder Shane Lechler dropped a perfectly good snap. Sebastian Janikowski’s 33-yard field goal would have tied the game in the third quarter. Lechler ate the ball, and then a little Fawcett Stadium turf.

Janikowski hit three field goals, two 50 yards or longer. He better stay fit and trim. This offense won’t hit the end zone much.

The Raiders’ lone score in the first half came thanks to Garcia. His short pass for Jabar Gaffney was thrown a yard too wide and about two too high. Oakland’s Fabian Washington picked it off and returned it 40 yards.

It was the longest run of the night for the Raiders. Their touchdown came against Philly’s second-team defense. Aaron Brooks felt good about himself when Anderson made him look good with a nice catch in the middle of the end zone.

But, let’s be honest, Oakland scored against a second-team defense. The Silver and Black Attack will have to pray for 11 starters to get hurt to look this good again.

Shell was a good hire. He’ll bring some fans back, who have long left.

But with Brooks under center and some guy named Andrew Walter second on the depth chart, this will be a long season.

“The evaluation of the quarterbacks?” Shell said. “Not good. It has to get better.”

Maybe in Oakland, that’s the only way things can go.

They don’t get much worse.

[Angry Pope]

Morris, Ford get off to strong starts

CANTON, Ohio - Chris Morris looked comfortable and confident.

He played like he belonged.

The Bedford graduate and Michigan State University product got his first taste of the NFL Sunday night as his Oakland Raiders took on the Philadelphia Eagles in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

The rookie center played 2½ quarters of solid football to help the Raiders win 16-10.

"It felt a lot like college. Just being out on the field in a game was nice," he said. "I think I played well, but we'll see what the film looks like. It's good to get that first one out of the way."

Morris was one of two Monroe County athletes playing in the nationally televised game. Monroe native and University of Toledo standout Carl Ford is on Philadelphia's roster.

He played on special teams and at wide receiver, finishing with one catch for six yards. It is believed to be the first time two county natives played in the same NFL game.

"It's been going pretty good for me so far. I'm just trying to open up some of my coaches eyes and get them to realize ‘this guy can help us win,'" Ford said.

This is the second straight year Ford has played in the Hall of Fame Game. Last August, he had his finest day as a professional athlete, catching four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown for the Chicago Bears in a win over the Miami Dolphins.

Ford played in 10 games for the Bears last year before being released. He was signed immediately by Philadelphia but spent the next six weeks inactive.

He originally was drafted in the seventh round in 2003 by the Green Bay Packers.

"This is a dream come true. I've wanted to do this since I was a young boy. I'm just trying to do it as long as I can," Ford said.

Morris has been in the NFL a short time and things have been going well so far.

He was drafted in the seventh round in April. He left for camp three weeks ago and currently is battling to win a job as the backup center.

His debut was a success. The remainder of the preseason will determine if his coaches agree.

"You always get the jitters in the first game of the year every year, but we got a win and you can't do any better than that," Morris said. "I just try to watch what the veterans do and approach the game the same way."

Morris entered the game with 9:35 left before halftime and his team trailing 10-7. He played the remainder of the game.

The Raiders pulled away in the second half on three Sebastian Janikowski field goals, including two from 50 yards or more.

"I just focused on getting ready all week long. I was going to play as many plays as they needed me," Morris said.

Morris' parents - Mike and Jackie - were at Fawcett Stadium Sunday night, along with Morris' fiancé Krista Kreinbrink.

They liked what they saw.

"This is a dream come true. It's amazing. I think he did real well," Jackie said.

"I was just hoping he played well and stayed healthy," added Mike.

Morris likely will have some bumps and bruises from opening up holes for his running backs and protecting his quarterbacks, but he remained injury free.

Ford, on the other hand, was banged up after the game.

He injured his ribs when a Raider defender fell on him awkwardly during the fourth quarter. He was to be evaluated sometime today.

"I'll be okay," he said.

Ford also had a small contingent of family and friends make the trip from Michigan to football's shrine, including his parents - Carl Ford II and Annie Ford - and girlfriend Lindsay Grimes.

"He's strong. He'll bounce back, but I was scared," Ford's mother said.

"It's great every time we see him play. It never gets old, but that anxiety thing is still there. It's always there," Ford's father said.

Ford's catch came with 5:32 remaining in the fourth quarter. He also had another ball thrown in his direction earlier in the quarter, but it sailed over his head and into the Raiders' bench.

"We all get a lot of chances to make plays. We just have to take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to us," Ford said.

Philadelphia hosts the Cleveland Browns Thursday at 7:30 p.m., while the Raiders travel to Minnesota Aug. 14.

Ford and Morris plan to practice, eat, sleep and practice some more during the next few days. That's what training camp life is like.

"It's crazy right now. It's like déjà vu or groundhog day every day," Ford said. "But that's okay, because there are a lot more plays to be made."

The Eagles took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Brian Westbrook hit paydirt from a yard out. Oakland answered in the second with a 12-yard scoring strike from Aaron Brooks to Courtney Anderson.

The Eagles took a 10-7 lead on David Akers' Hall of Fame Game record 55-yard field goal with 9:12 left before halftime.

Janikowski hit a 51-yarder in the third quarter and made field goals from 50 and 24 in the fourth to put the Raiders ahead for good.

"We're going to take it day by day," Ford's mother said. "We have a lot of fun just seeing him here in the NFL. We're very proud."

[Angry Pope]

Porter, six others miss game because of injuries

David White

Monday, August 7, 2006




(08-07) 04:00 PDT Canton, Ohio -- Wide receiver Jerry Porter stayed home for Hall of Fame weekend, one of seven players to miss the trip because of injury, a Raiders official said before Sunday's exhibition opener against the Eagles.

Porter, listed second on the depth chart, has complained of a calf strain since the first day of training camp. That's the same day he went public with a trade demand because of an offseason feud with new coach Art Shell.

Others who missed the exhibition opener were cornerbacks Duane Starks (back) and Tyrone Pool (hamstring), linebackers Robert Thomas (calf) and Ricky Brown (hamstring), receiver Carlos Francis (hamstring) and tight end James Adkisson (knee ligaments).

Doug Gabriel started in Porter's usual spot and did not catch a pass.

Huff puffing: Strong safety Michael Huff and weakside linebacker Thomas Howard started in their rookie debuts for the Raiders.

Huff was the team's No. 1 draft pick. He played one quarter and made no tackles.

"When I first got out there, it was kind of hard to breathe," Huff said. "Getting out on an NFL field was a dream finally come true. It took me a couple of series to get the butterflies out, but after that, everything came together naturally."

Howard was selected second. He had two tackles in the first quarter.

Burgess reunion: Raiders defensive end Derek Burgess hugged Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson during pregame warm-ups, followed by a long line of former teammates, during pregame ceremonies.

That's as close as Burgess came to touching anyone. The NFL sacks leader last season, he had no tackles in one quarter of play.

Burgess played for the Eagles from 2001-04 before joining the Raiders as a free agent. Playing against his former team last season, Burgess was held to two solo tackles.

The catch: Raiders tight end Courtney Anderson scored big against the Eagles -- again.

He caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Brooks, leaping and spinning into the end zone on the second play of the second quarter. The extra point tied the game 7-7.

"I actually thought I wouldn't get it, but you never know unless you try," Anderson said. "I just threw my hands up there and caught it."

Last season, Anderson had five catches for a career-high 100 yards in a regular-season game against the Eagles.

Yellow flag: The Raiders drew their first yellow flag of the exhibition season on the game's second play from scrimmage. Robert Gallery, making his first NFL start as a left tackle, was called for a false start.

The most damaging penalty was by backup defensive end Tyrone Huntley. On a 3rd-and-15 incomplete pass, he was tagged for a 15-yard roughing the passer.

That gave the Eagles a first down and set up David Akers' 55-yard field goal for a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. Akers broke a 37-year-old Hall of Fame record with the kick.

The Raiders were the most penalized team last season, and Shell has made discipline a priority in training camp.

[Angry Pope]

Moss, Raiders appreciate Hall of Fame experience


Monday August 07, 2006

CANTON, Ohio -- Art Shell made sure his Oakland Raiders got the full Hall of Fame weekend experience.

They toured the shrine as former coach John Madden was one of six new inductees. And then they beat the Philadelphia Eagles 16-10 Sunday night to open the NFL's preseason.

"Playing in this game, with Coach Madden inducted, it was very much a good thing,'' Shell said after the Raiders forced five turnovers and got three field goals from Sebastian Janikowski. "The kids toured the Hall of Fame, found out a little of our tradition, what it means to be part of this organization.

"I loved being part of it.''

Shell was rehired a dozen years after being fired as Oakland's coach. His mission: bringing back the glory of the franchise for which he was a Hall of Fame tackle.

"It feels really good to be back,'' Shell said. "And getting a win is huge, because no matter if it is preseason, everybody wants to win. You start emphasizing it right here.''

Star receiver Randy Moss, beginning his second season with the Raiders, felt the same way as his coach.

"This was a special weekend,'' Moss said. "To see all the Hall of Famers means a lot to me. I wish I could've taken my picture with them all.''

The game ended on a scary note.

Eagles running back Bruce Perry was carried off on a stretcher with 1:14 remaining, his head immobilized. He was tackled by rookie Timi Wusu on a running play. Players from both sides stood silently or kneeled in prayer before Perry was removed. Perry gave a thumbs-up as he was wheeled to an ambulance and taken to a hospital.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said Perry had a concussion and a team spokesman added X-rays of Perry's neck were negative. A CT scan also was normal and the team expected Perry to accompany it back to Pennsylvania.

"He had some loss of feeling in his arms and legs initially and the feeling started to come back,'' Reid said.

Janikowski made field goals of 50, 51 and 24 yards, but Shell was most encouraged by the takeaways.

"Coming up with turnovers was huge tonight,'' Shell said. "They are reacting to the ball.''.

Philadelphia's David Akers set a game record with a 55-yard field goal in the second quarter. And the Eagles' first-stringers were solid on both sides of the ball.

* * *

New York Jets quarterback and former Marshall star Chad Pennington showed the poise and accuracy in an intrasquad scrimmage that made him a successful quarterback before two straight shoulder operations set him back.

Pennington, vying with three other quarterbacks for the starting job, went 12-of-14 for 117 yards with the first-team offense. His green team won the scrimmage held at the Meadowlands.

"It was really good for our team, there were a lot of real game situations we covered,'' Pennington said. "Coming into the stadium and getting prepared was just like a game, so I think it's going to prepare us. It's important for us to get out here, go through this and get something out of it.''

Pennington, playing against the first-team defense, outshined fellow green teammate Kellen Clemens, and opposing quarterbacks Patrick Ramsey and Brooks Bollinger.

[Angry Pope]

For Huff, no gradual transition to the pros

PHIL BARBER

CANTON, Ohio - You'd think that after playing in the Rose Bowl in one of the most anticipated matchups in recent NCAA history, Michael Huff would have no problem working in quaint Fawcett Stadium. Guess again.

"When I first got out there, it was kind of hard to breathe," Huff said Sunday night. "Getting out on an NFL field was a dream finally coming true. It took me a couple of series to get the butterflies out, but after that everything came together naturally."

Huff started for the Raiders at strong safety, with Derrick Gibson running with the second team. But he refused to acknowledge that he has become a starter.

MOSS SPEAKS

Submitting to a brief postgame interview for the first time in nearly a year, wide receiver Randy Moss didn't light any fires.

"It's a little disappointing in the production in our first offense and first defense, but we're still in training-camp mode," he said. "There's a lot of wrinkles that we have to work out. We still have a lot, lot, lot of football left to play. So hopefully we can fix some things up and head to Minnesota and see what we got."



EXTRA POINTS

WR Jerry Porter did not travel with the team.

Santa Rosa's Scott Ware saw action on special teams for the Eagles, helping to plant Burl Toler on an Oakland punt. He entered the game at strong safety in the third quarter.

Philadelphia's David Akers kicked the longest field goal in Hall of Fame Game history, a 55-yarder in the second quarter.

DT Anttaj Hawthorne sacked Jeff Garcia (he almost got Koy Detmer, too) and batted down a pass.

Adam Treu, who has battled a stiff back, did the long snapping, but rookie Chris Morris lined up at center with the second team.

Rookie WR Kevin McMahan left the game after biting his tongue; he got sandwiched between J.R. Reed and Joselio Hanson on a pass from Marques Tuiasosopo.

Sebastian Janikowski hit 51- , 50- and 24-yard field goals. Another try was botched when holder Shane Lechler dropped the snap.

[Angel]

Congrats on the win guys...ugly as it was :p

[CrossBones]

Congrats on the win guys...ugly as it was :pYou're just being nice.

Chiefs suck. :p

[Angry Pope]

Something on film

August 7th, 2006

Art Shell saw the film of the Philadelphia Eagles having their way with the Oakland Raiders, and he didn’t like it.

It was all well and good that the Raiders eventually won the game, 16-10. It was nice that Sebastian Janikowski kicked three field goals and that nobodies such as Timi Wusu and Will Buchanon put themselves in position to have a chance to do it again.

Yet there was no mistaking Shell’s displeasure in a Monday conference call at being manhandled up front. He didn’t rant, rave or make threats. Shell simply said they’ll watch the film closely, and things will change.

The end result aside, it had to be disappointing. Being physical and taking it to the opponent has been the primary message since the day he arrived _ and the Raiders failed miserably the first time they took the field on both sides of the ball.

It will make for an interesting week of practice, and even more importantly, allow everyone to gauge what kind of coaching staff the Raiders have.

If it happens two weeks in a row, you start wondering if all the talk of discipline and aggressiveness among the players is all talk.

Wide receiver Randy Moss, speaking to the Bay Area press corps for the first time in 11 months, was unconcerned.

“I was a little disappointed in the production of the first offense and our first defense, but we’re still in a training camp mode,'’ So there’s lots of wrinkles that we need to workout and we still have got a lot of football to play. Hopefully we can pick things up, head to Minnesota and see what we’ve got.'’

Moss is right. The first quarter of the first of five pre-season games is no time to write off the season.

But it gives the Raiders a ground zero to work from, and a chance to more accurately chart their progress in the coming weeks.

_ Jerry McDonald

[Angry Pope]

Here is a video of the game....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aREpl29d9Xw)

[Angry Pope]

Here is another video...

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_I1w9pcYBY)

[Angry Pope]

Here is a video of an interview with Sapp after the game....

Hit it here.... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRf1Nrhzkho)

[Angel]

You're just being nice.

Chiefs suck. :p
Yeah....but...the shock was how bad Brooks performed, right? ;)

[Angry Pope]

ERIC GILMORE

Shell mulls over good, bad, ugly

YOU CAN CALL it Art Shell, Take II. Or Art Shell Redux. Or Art Shell, the Sequel.

Call it what you want. Shell's second go-round as Raiders coach is officially under way.

Some 12 years after Al Davis fired him, Shell prowled the Raiders sideline again Sunday night.

Shell's second stint began with a 16-10 exhibition game victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, just a Shane Lechler punt away from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where Shell's bronze bust resides.

So what can we gather about Shell and his team after one exhibition game? I mean, other than the fact that Shell needs a bigger Raiders cap to wear on the sideline, a point ex-Raiders coach John Madden made during NBC's telecast of Sunday's game.

Here are a few first impressions. Some good. Some bad. Some ugly.

• You could almost hear the groans of "same old Raiders" when offensive left tackle Robert Gallery drew a false start penalty on Oakland's second play from scrimmage. Then in the second quarter, Raiders defensive end Kevin Huntley was flagged for roughing-the-passer on a third-down incomplete pass.

Shell has vowed to end the Raiders' era of undisciplined flag football, and that qualified as a horrible start.

Now, let's look at the big picture. The Raiders were penalized just five times for 40 yards in the entire game.

Last year the Raiders averaged a league-high 9.2 penalties per game.

"Five is too many, but if we can keep it five or less, I'll take that right now," Shell said Monday during a conference call.

• It's an NFL axiom that you have to run the ball and stop the run to win.

The Raiders' starters whiffed on both counts against Philadelphia.

Yes, it's still early in training camp. But those were two huge red flags the Raiders' revamped offensive and defensive lines waved in Canton.

"At the beginning of the game, I don't think on both sides of the ball we were as physical as we needed to be," Shell said. "We have to address that. They came out and played with a lot more intensity than we played with on both sides of the ball."

Shell's offense is based on power running and deep, play-action passing. If the Raiders don't establish the run, they'll never be able to pass.

The fact that LaMont Jordan carried nine times for 27 yards -- 14 coming on one run -- is cause for concern. So is the fact that the Raiders averaged 2.2 yards per carry.

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that the Raiders offensive line struggled. Center Jake Grove is the line's only returning starter playing the same position he played last year.

The Raiders defensive line lost massive tackle Ted Washington, a noted run stuffer. Even with Washington last year, the Raiders defense ranked 25th against the run.

So how did they do without him? Not so good. On the Eagles' first series, Brian Westbrook, known more for his receiving skills, carried six times for 32 yards and a touchdown.

• Yes, it was just a glorified scrimmage, but the Raiders forced five turnovers -- two interceptions and three fumbles.

The Raiders intercepted just five passes last season. They forced 19 turnovers, tied for 29th in the league.

Forcing turnovers has been one of Shell's priorities. So far, so good.

"That's a big positive," Shell said.

• Last season, Sebastian Janikowski made just 20 of 30 field goal attempts. His .667 percentage was the worst in the NFL among kickers with at least 10 attempts.

Janikowski appears ready to put that nightmare behind him. He had a perfect night, nailing field goals of 51, 50 and 24 yards.

• Quarterback Aaron Brooks threw only three passes. Two were incomplete. One, a poor throw to a well-covered Alvis Whitted, was intercepted. One, a 12-yard bullet to tight end Courtney Anderson, went for a touchdown.

In other words, Brooks was as advertised, a quarterback capable of making big plays and big mistakes, Kerry Collins with quick feet.

Raiders fans can only hope Brooks starts channeling Rich Gannon.

Despite Brooks' so-so start, his job looks secure. That's because backup Andrew Walter was just 3-of-10 for 46 yards with a couple Alex-Smith-like passes that slipped out of his hand. Third-stringer Marques Tuiasosopo was 5-for-15.

"We're not where we need to be, but we'll keep working," Shell said of his quarterbacks.

• Last year the Raiders went 1-3 during the exhibition season and 4-12 during the regular season.

Any win is important for a Raiders team trying to forge a new identity. Especially when that win comes in Shell's debut II with the Raiders.

[Angry Pope]

Exhibition or not, win means a lot to Raiders

Steve Corkran

Raiders veteran wide receiver Randy Moss has been in the NFL for long enough to know that exhibition-game victories are best handled with a healthy dose of perspective.

Raiders coach Art Shell said he realizes that Sunday night's win over the Philadelphia Eagles meant more to the younger players than those who have been through this process a time or two.

All agreed that Oakland's come-from-behind 16-10 victory in the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, wasn't pretty, but it means a great deal to a team that lost its final six regular-season games last year and hadn't won a game of any kind in almost nine months.

"We got one win under us," Moss said Sunday night in his first interview with local writers in almost 11 months. "I know this is preseason, but as bad as it was last season, man, you got to enjoy something like this."

Sure, the Raiders scored the decisive points with the Eagles offensive and defensive starters out of the game, against a slew of players who won't be around in a few weeks, defensive end Derrick Burgess said, but you have to start somewhere.

"We've got to build each week," Burgess said. "This was just the beginning, the first step. But it's important for us to learn to win as a team, especially for the young guys."

Many of those young guys made great strides Sunday toward learning what it takes to win games.

"We got a 'W,'" Shell said. "That's a good thing for those kids in (the locker room), they worked so hard."

Heck, the older guys didn't mind, either. They lost their final six games last season and 12 of 16 overall.

On Sunday, second-year cornerback Fabian Washington recorded an interception. Rookie cornerback Dennis Davis' interception ended the Eagles final drive. Rookie linebacker Timi Wusu forced a fumble that second-year linebacker Ryan Riddle recovered. First-year defensive tackle Michael Quarshie recovered a fumble.

Rookie receiver Will Buchanon caught four passes for 50 yards. Rookie right guard Paul McQuistan fared well with the first-team offense. Same goes for rookie strong safety Michael Huff in his debut with the first-team defense.

Those are the things that stand out in Shell's mind, he said. He already knows what players such as Moss, running back Zack Crockett and defensive tackle Warren Sapp bring to the equation.

Exhibition games offer Shell and his assistant coaches opportunities to evaluate their players in a more demanding setting than the relative comfort of training camp in Napa, where tackling is forbidden and plays oftentimes unfold at half-speed.

If a victory results from any of those exhibition games, all the better, Shell said. Of more import was how the young players kept fighting, forced turnovers and did what it took to eke out a victory.

Last season, Shell said, the Raiders oftentimes got beat down by their opponents and lacked resolve at the end of games. He is on guard for that with this year's team.

"They finished the game," Shell said. "That's important for us. We've got to finish each and every game as strong as we can."

What's it all mean? Not much, Moss said.

"We still have work to do," Moss said. "We're going to let this one go within 24 hours and look toward the next game."

The Raiders play the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night in the second of their five exhibition games. The sweet taste from the Eagles game will be gone by then. Their hope is the lessons learned from Sunday's game now are ingrained and wins soon will come with greater frequency.

Notes: Rookie receiver Kevin McMahan received stitches for a cut he sustained to his tongue on a pass play in the second half in which he got sandwiched by two defenders while attempting to catch a pass. He also was sent to a specialist because of a sore jaw, Shell said. ... Receiver Ronald Curry is "getting close" to practicing with the team for the first time since camp opened July 25, Shell said. He still is recovering from a torn left Achilles tendon he sustained in the second regular-season game last year. ... The Raiders resume camp today, with an afternoon practice.

[Angry Pope]

Shell says Raiders have work to do

Jim Jenkins
Published 12:01 am PDT Tuesday, August 8, 2006


Art Shell wanted better attention to detail, fewer penalties and more aggressiveness from his players in his first game back as head coach of the Raiders.

Mission partially accomplished.


"I don't think, on both sides of the ball, we were as physical as we needed to be," Shell said in a conference call Monday after reviewing film of Sunday night's 16-10 victory over Philadelphia in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. "We've got to address that.
"They came out and played with a lot more intensity, for whatever reason, than we did up front."

The Raiders were flagged for only five penalties, but there was still enough sloppiness in Shell's view that their overall play "kind of reverted a little bit back to what they've been doing in the past."

He wasn't talking about his reign as head coach 12 years ago, but rather the cumulative 13-35 record over the last three seasons, which led to his rehiring and a vow to turn things around.

The needed corrections, Shell said, will begin today when practice resumes in Napa. High on the agenda will be trying to get more consistency from the quarterbacks before the next game, a Monday night trip to Minnesota.

Combined, starter and former New Orleans Saint Aaron Brooks and backups Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo were only 9-for-28 passing for a net 102 yards with two interceptions and five sacks on Sunday.

Brooks, in fact, had just one completion in three attempts with an interception. But it was his 12-yard pass to tight end Courtney Anderson in the second quarter that produced Oakland's only touchdown.

Walter, who never took a regular-season snap last season, followed Brooks and was 3 for 10 for 46 yards, appearing tentative at times. Veteran reservist Tuiasosopo was 5 for 15 for 63 yards with an interception.

"Aaron made the one big play, the touchdown," said Shell, "and he had one throw -- with pressure on him -- to (Doug) Gabriel that probably should have been caught. The interception? Hey, he probably made the wrong read on that, but he took a shot (downfield) and it just didn't work ... we can live with that."

Of Walter, Shell said he did, "OK. Not great. We have to work with him on understanding the coverages ... 'Tui' came in and did some things good and not so good. He has to be careful about throwing the ball down the field and putting our guys in harm's way ... the (quarterbacking) was not where we wanted it to be."

On the brighter side, the Raiders forced five turnovers, the kind of aggressiveness Shell said is being stressed in camp. He also lauded the kicking units for coverage and three Sebastian Janikowski field goals.

Et cetera -- Among six players who missed the trip was receiver Jerry Porter, a starter who has been at odds with Shell and is on the injury list because of a calf strain. Asked when he might return to practice, Shell said he was uncertain, remarking, "Porter is supposed to be limited."

• Rookie receiver Kevin McMahan of Maine, the last player taken in the draft, is being examined for a displaced jaw and lacerated tongue.

[Angry Pope]

Shell encouraged but says Raiders hardly a polished act

Monday, August 7, 2006


(08-07) 21:12 PDT Napa, Calif. (AP) --


Art Shell had a busy weekend. The Oakland Raiders coach took part in the Hall of Fame ceremonies, attended a party later for his former coach and newest inductee John Madden, then led his team to a 16-10 win over Philadelphia in his return to the coaching ranks.


On Monday, Shell was back at work at the Raiders' training camp facilities, though his work schedule won't be slowing down much.


While saying he was generally pleased with Oakland's performance against the Eagles, Shell seemed more frustrated about the Raiders' lack of energy along the offensive and defensive lines when both teams' starters were in the game.


"At the beginning of the game, on both sides of the ball, I don't think we were as physical as we need to be," Shell said. "We have to address that. (Philadelphia) came out and played with a lot more intensity, for whatever reason, than we did up front." The Raiders won their exhibition opener on the strength of three field goals by Sebastian Janikowski, but it was the Eagles who controlled the game when the starters were in during the first quarter.


Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb completed all three of his pass attempts and drove the Eagles 61 yards on nine plays for a touchdown in his only series of work, while his Oakland counterpart, Aaron Brooks, went 1-for-3 with a touchdown and interception.


The Raiders also failed to slow Philadelphia's running game in the first half. The Eagles' Brian Westbrook rushed for 32 yards, most of them coming in large chunks.


"We've got to go to work," Shell said. "It's nothing we haven't been working on — that's the disappointing thing," Shell said. "You can't play this game if you're not physical. When our guys watch the tape, they'll learn from this."


Shell said he was pleased with Oakland's special teams, particularly Janikowski, who is coming off his worst season since 2000. Janikowski made three field goals — from 24, 50 and 51 yards out — and missed a shot at a fourth when the snap from center was botched.


"The snap was kind of low and (holder Shane Lechler), who is very good at fielding the ball, couldn't get his bottom hand on the ball," Shell said. "So we lost a chance there."


The Raiders, who set an NFL record in 2005 for fewest interceptions in a 16-game season (five), had two against the Eagles, who committed five turnovers overall in the game.


Oakland also had just five penalties, a dramatic improvement for a team that routinely ranks among the league-leaders in that category.


"That's a positive, a big positive," Shell said of the turnovers. "That's something we've been working on and it's showing up. Even the penalties. Five is too many, but if we can keep it to five or less, I'll take that right now."


___


NOTES: Wide receiver Kevin McMahan was sent to see a jaw specialist after getting injured while trying to catch a pass against the Eagles on Sunday. McMahan, a seventh-round pick, collided with Philadelphia safety J.R. Reed and Joselio Hanson and was helped off the field. He later received stitches after biting his tongue ... The Raiders did not practice Monday but was scheduled to return for an afternoon workout Tuesday.

[Angry Pope]

Shell wants more pushing and shoving
Coach says Raiders weren't physical enough in opener

David White

Tuesday, August 8, 2006



Raiders coach Art Shell knew something didn't smell right Sunday night, not even in victory.

Upon further review, he decided his first instincts were right.

The first-team offensive line didn't do enough pushing and the first-team defense line didn't come out shoving enough during a 16-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Hall of Fame exhibition opener.

Too often, linemen reverted to habits acquired in last year's 4-12 run to the bottom of the AFC West. Shell is a Hall of Fame left tackle who values technique and the use of force, so that isn't going to wash in these parts.

"At the beginning of the game, I don't think on both sides of the ball we were as physical as we needed to be," Shell said in a teleconference Monday. "We've got to address that. We'll work on it and get better."

Shell was encouraged by what he saw the rest of the way. The special teams, under the direction of first-year coach Ted Daisher, were splendid. The defense had a field day with five turnovers, something unheard of last season on a team of givers, not takers.

So, expect lots of attention when the offensive line and defensive line meet for rush-the-passer drills.

"It takes awhile to break guys out of doing things in the heat of the battle," said Shell, focusing most his concern on an offensive line with four starters playing at new positions. "They kind of reverted to the things they were doing in the past. ... You can't play this game unless you're physical. Hopefully, we'll get the point across this week."

The secondary and linebackers get it. Cornerbacks Fabian Washington, a starter, and Dennis Davis, a rookie free agent, had interceptions. The Raiders had five interceptions all of last season.

Backup linebackers Timi Wusi, listed at fourth string in the middle, Grant Irons, Ryan Riddle and Danny Clark each forced fumbles. Riddle, defensive tackle Michael Quarshie and safety Chris Carr had fumble recoveries.

The offense appreciated the help, especially receiver Randy Moss.

"Coach Art emphasized that in training camp about the turnover drill," Moss said after Sunday's game. "Whenever they say, 'Turnover drill,' we'll all be moaning, 'Aw coach, we don't need to do this.' Then when you see it happen on the field, I'll be happy to do it."

First impressions: Shell was pleased with rookie starters Michael Huff, the team's top draft pick and strong safety, and third-round right guard Paul McQuistan, the only starter to play the entire first half.

Another draft pick, sixth-rounder Kevin Boothe, played right guard the whole second half.

But no rookie impressed as much as Wusi, an undrafted weakside linebacker from Stanford. He led the team with four tackles, two on special teams.

"The guy was into the game, around the ball all the time," Shell said. "He doesn't say much and all of a sudden, he's out there making plays."

Undrafted rookie Will Buchanon, a receiver from USC, was not listed among eight receivers on the depth chart, but led the team with four catches for 50 yards with a long of 22.

Performances like those go a long way toward making the 53-man roster.

McMahan hurt: Seventh-round draft pick Kevin McMahan will have his sore jaw examined by a specialist. He also required stitches on his tongue after biting through on a violent collision with two Eagles.

McMahan was trying to reel in a long pass from Marques Tuiasosopo when he was sandwiched by the Eagles' Michael Lewis and Joselio Hanson. All three were shaken for several moments.

[Angry Pope]

Shell eyes toughness
New head coach wants his offensive linemen to be more physical this season


PHIL BARBER




NAPA - As to be expected in their first exhibition game, the Raiders' starters were short of perfect against the Eagles on Sunday night in Canton, Ohio. They didn't block well on inside runs, their offensive tackles struggled a bit in pass protection, and the defensive front was pushed off the line by Philadelphia's blockers.



If those shortcomings appear to be all over the football map, coach Art Shell summed them up under one banner: The Raiders got out-muscled.

"At the beginning of the game, I don't think that on both sides of the ball we were as physical as we needed to be," Shell said via conference call Monday.

"We've gotta address that. They came out and they played with a lot more intensity, for whatever reason, than we played with up front - both sides."

Shell said that his defense, in particular, got down to business as the game progressed. But the starters' passive approach was a big issue for a man who pretty much defined physical, forceful play over 15stellar NFL seasons.

And Shell admitted that his players - and especially his offensive linemen - played a style of football last season that he finds downright wimpy.

"Our teaching is more aggressive than others'," he said. "Some people teach a type of passive run blocking, where you try to get a guy to move sideways and then get on him. But we don't believe in doing that."

A year ago, the Raiders made a big deal out of the hiring of offensive line coach Jim Colletto, who had built the Baltimore Ravens' front wall into one of the league's best. But Colletto never molded the Oakland line into an effective unit, especially in the run game. After one year under Norv Turner, he was let go.

Shell has brought a much different mentality to the line, with help from assistant coaches Jackie Slater and Irv Eatman. The challenge is getting the players to reflexively attack in the new style.

"It takes a while to break a colt," Shell said. "So we're in the process of trying to break guys out of doing things. In the heat of the battle, first game playing against another team, they kind of reverted a little back to what they had been doing in the past."

PORTERS' STATUS VAGUE

The normally affable Shell became terse on only point, when asked why stewing wide receiver Jerry Porter did not travel with the team to Canton while Ronald Curry - still mired on the PUP list - did.

"That's just a coach's decision," is all that Shell would offer.

He added that Porter is "supposed to be limited" in practice this week.



BITE YOUR TONGUE

Rookie wide receiver Kevin McMahan got stitches in his tongue after being sandwiched hard between two Eagles defensive backs. Raiders trainer H. Rod Martin also wants McMahan examined for temporomandibular joint disorder , a condition known as TMJ which causes pain in the jaw and surrounding tissue.



HIS BODYGUARD

Shell and special teams coach Ted Daisher put two men back deep for punt returns (Chris Carr and Doug Gabriel to begin with) Sunday, an unconventional formation. Shell said it was primarily to shelter the guy fielding the punt.

"Now you have immediate protection (from) somebody getting loose from our guys on the corner there," he said. "You have the gunners coming down the field. So now you get somebody in front of that guy right away. It's like a personal protector."

[Angry Pope]

Defense turns in fine work
Shell critical of team’s play at quarterback

By BRIAN BAINUM, Special to the Register
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 1:15 AM PDT

Having returned from Canton, Ohio, to the team’s training camp in Napa, Oakland Raiders head coach Art Shell studied game tape of his new team for the first time Monday.

Shell’s conclusion was as expected — happy with some things the Raiders did and displeased with others in a 16-10 preseason win over Philadelphia in the Hall of Fame game Sunday night.

In a conference call, Shell praised his defense that forced five turnovers on the night and the special teams unit, but was critical of the Raiders’ play at quarterback and the overall performance of the first team.

“At the beginning of the game, we weren’t as physical as we wanted to be,� Shell said. “We need to address that. The Eagles were more aggressive up front than we were in the beginning.�



Quarterback woes

Starting signal caller Aaron Brooks made perhaps the biggest play of the game, when he found Courtney Anderson for a 12-yard touchdown, but he never really found a rhythm in the first quarter. Brooks finished the day 1-for-3 with an interception.

“On the interception, he made the wrong read,� Shell said. “There was a route coming under that was wide open. But our emphasis has been to get the ball down the field. He took a shot and missed. We can live with that.�

The backups, Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo, combined to complete 8-of-25 passes for 109 yards and an interception.

“They did some good things, and some things not so good,� Shell said. “Overall, the quarterbacks were not where we wanted them to be.�

Madden’s moment

It was certainly a special weekend for former Raiders coach John Madden, who covered the game for NBC alongside Al Michaels. Madden joined Reggie White, Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, Warren Moon and Rayfield Wright in the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2006.

The six inductees were enshrined in a ceremony Saturday, but were also introduced just before kickoff to the fans in Canton on Sunday evening.

“It was a great feeling, a great atmosphere,� Shell said. “I talked to (Madden) right before kickoff when they came out at the 50-yard line and he was still floating on air.�

Madden coached the Raiders from 1969-1978 and compiled 112 wins, taking the Silver and Black to eight postseason appearances, including a 32-14 victory in Super Bowl XI in 1976 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Huff’s debut

First-round draft choice Michael Huff got the start at strong safety against the Eagles in favor of Derrick Gibson. Huff had an unspectacular opening game, not recording a tackle or a pass defended. Shell, however, was pleased with the Texas product’s overall play.

“He did well on some coverage things,� Shell said. “The opportunities (for him to make plays) just weren’t there.�

Wusu shines

Timi Wusu, an undrafted rookie linebacker from Stanford, led the Raiders with four tackles on the night. Playing on special teams and defense, Wusu was around the ball all night. He was even involved in the play that saw Eagles running back Bruce Perry injured and carted off the field after a delay of more than 10 minutes.

Wusu forced one of the Eagles’ four fumbles, three of which were recovered by Oakland.

“He was exciting,� Shell said. “He made a lot of plays and he was around the ball all the time. It’s funny because he is such a quiet guy off the field and then you look up and he’s out there making plays.�

On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver Will Buchanon was the young player making an impact. The rookie out of USC caught four passes for 50 yards. He was the only wideout on the team other than fellow first-year player Rick Gatewood (one reception, six yards) to catch a pass.

“Willie was working very hard,� Shell said. “He keeps showing up. He did some really good things out there.�

Porter saga continues

Embattled wideout Jerry Porter did not make the trip with the team over the weekend. Porter has been nursing a strained calf muscle since the beginning of training camp. He has reportedly clashed with Shell since the new coach was hired in the spring and has asked for a trade.

When asked why Porter did not travel and injured wide receiver Ronald Curry did, Shell said it was a “coach’s decision.�

Two for one

The Raiders lined up Sunday with two punt returners, a change from the conventional single safety returner.

“It gives the one guy who fields (the ball) immediate protection,� Shell said. “Those gunners come flying in there and it is kind of like a personal protector.�

Quotable

“Those guys used to work for me.�

— Coach Art Shell, on why he does not yell at the referees

[Angel]

Shell doesn't want much, does he? :p

[Rupert]

It's game 1. If guys don't look surprised by the speed of the game, they've been playing NFL football in the off-season.

I'll watch some of the games this weekend to get "up to speed" myself, and be able to compare our #2 to their #1.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm ready for some football.

[Angel]

Welcome back Rupert!!! :) Oh yeah...bring on the football!!!!!!!!!! :p

[Angry Pope]

As Angel said, welcome back Rupert. Hope you had a great vacation.

[Rupert]

Thanks everyone. The vacation was great. I snuck back just before they started checking for bottled water in your carry-on bags, but just barely. I got back to LAX at 11:45 Wednesday night.

[Angry Pope]

I agree about the speed of the game.