Inside Slant 07.21.2007

[Angry Pope]

Inside Slant

7/21/2007

With negotiations usually flying well under the radar of both the local and national media, the Raiders manage virtually every year to come into training camp with all their picks ready to play.

The first-round holdouts which happen elsewhere, simply don't happen in Oakland, and the silence surrounding No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell is no different than negotiations that went on between high picks such as Darrell Russell (No. 2 overall in 1997), Charles Woodson (No. 4 overall in 1998) and Robert Gallery (No. 2 overall in 2004).

The last Raiders first-round pick to hold out more than a couple of days was linebacker Rob Fredrickson in 1994.

While no one in the organization would admit or even consider the notion, it could prove beneficial for the Raiders if Russell is the first holdout since Fredrickson.

If Russell were to be a late arrival, it gives the Raiders a built-in reason to stick with what most believe is a commitment to free agent Josh McCown to begin the season as the starter.

McCown's ability to move set him apart from Russell and Andrew Walter in minicamps and OTAs. (Walter later had arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.)

He is also considerably more experienced and game-ready. McCown fully understands Russell is the Raiders' future, but in the final year of a two-year contract, he can get his resume' ready as an Oakland starter this season.

For the sake of Kiffin, McCown, and even Russell, the Raiders might be better off having the quarterback position settled in public early in training camp — and the best way for that to happen is for Russell to come in a little late.

CAMP CALENDAR: Players report to Napa Valley Marriott July 26. The first practice is July 27. Camp is closed except to invited guests. There are no fan days or scrimmages with opposing teams scheduled. Camp closes August. 17.

NOTES, QUOTES

—NFL director of officials Mike Pereira did nothing to alleviate the tension felt between league officials and the Raiders in a recent panel discussion that included Raiders CEO Amy Trask.

At the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission's NFL charity event, Pereira was discussing the complaints lodged by teams each Monday. He said a blown pass interference call with the game on the line was at issue, remarking, "I was really tempted to mention the six turnovers earlier in the game.''

Trask, also on the panel, said, "That's so not the point. After 59 minutes and you are in position to win a game ... "

She was cut off by Pereira, who said, "And you haven't been in that position a lot the past four years.''

—Cornerback Fabian Washington spent some of his pre-training camp time formulating a partnership between his "Franchise Kids Foundation'' and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County (Fla.).

"This is where I pretty much grew up,'' Washington told the Bradenton Herald. "This is the exact one I went to, always involved in sports and activities. Why not try and make it a better place?''

Washington said he spent nearly every day at the Manatee County Club. He played baseball and basketball in addition to football for the Manatee County Broncos.

—Mario Henderson, the offensive tackle from Florida State taken as one of three third-round draft picks, said he planned on helping his grandparents renovate their home and buying them a boat.

Henderson told the Fort Myers News-Press he signed a four-year deal worth $2.8 million.

Henderson's mother Sonia died at age 28 when he was 9. He lived with his grandparents, Floridia and Herbert Pickens.

"They took care of me and now it's my job to take care of them,'' Henderson said. "They gave me the chance to live a good life and I want to do the same thing for them. They didn't have to do it.''

—The Raiders launched two more language sections in their official web site — Raiders in Japanese and Raiders in Tagalog — bringing their total of languages to six.

Raiders en Espanol was launched in 2002, followed by Raiders in Chinese in 2002 and Raiders in German in 2004. All contain original content, rather than using translation software.

"We are the first and only team with six languages of original content,'' Trask said. "We have a global fan base. We're not stopping with these.''

The Raiders also have a limited radio broadcast schedule of games in Navajo.

cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd....

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think we can get Antarctica. If you notice, those penguins are wearing silver and black.''— Raiders CEO Amy Trask on another possible target for a Raiders web site.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

—OT Mario Henderson: 3/91; terms unknown.

—CB John Bowie: 4/110; terms unknown.

—DE Jay Richardson: 5/138; terms unknown.

—S Eric Frampton: 5/165; terms unknown.

—FB Oren O'Neal: 6/175; terms unknown.

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACK: Starter — Josh McCown. Backups — JaMarcus Russell, Jeff Otis, Andrew Walter.

The future is Russell, but the Raiders signed McCown for a reason — to serve as a Jon Kitna-like starter while Russell sits and watches like Carson Palmer until he is ready to play. In the case of Kitna with Cincinnati, the Bengals surprisingly stayed in the playoff chase until late and Palmer got a whole year to wait and watch. Chances are it won't happen that way with the Raiders, but the idea is to be patient with Russell. Considering Oakland's developing offensive line and Russell's worth, it would be an upset if he started before Week 4. Walter's best chance is to resurrect his career with another team, but he's likely destined to be No. 3 this year with the Raiders.

RUNNING BACKS: Starters — LaMont Jordan, FB Justin Griffith. Backups — Curtis Brown, Michael Bush, Zack Crockett, Adimchinobe Echemandu, Justin Fargas, FB Tony Jackson, ReShard Lee, FB Oren O'Neil, Dominic Rhodes.

Jordan came to Oakland hoping to prove he could carry the load as a lead back after caddying for Curtis Martin. It hasn't happened. The Raiders will look to disperse the touches under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Jordan will get the bulk of the carries early while free agent Rhodes serves his four-game suspension, and Rhodes will have to be sensational to get the majority of the work when he returns. Griffith was signed as a pass-catching fullback who will occasionally run from scrimmage. Fargas had a career-best 659 yards last season but will be hard-pressed to get serious playing time. Crockett, Mr. Reliable since 1999, has a fight on his hands to make the roster. O'Neal's skills as a block-and-catch fullback of the future are intriguing.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter — Courtney Anderson. Backups — James Adkisson, John Madsen, Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Fred Wakefield, Randal Williams.

Anderson will likely be given the veteran's benefit of the doubt and open camp as the starter, but chances are Miller, the rookie from Arizona State, will be the starter in Week 1. He could give the Raiders the most reliable target over the middle since Todd Christensen if all goes as planned. Adkisson, Madsen and Williams are all converted wide receivers, with Madsen having the best skill set and most likely to stick. Wakefield is essentially a tackle playing tight end, the best blocker of the bunch. Stewart has experience, but injuries have been a concern.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters — Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry. Backups — Will Buchanon, Carlos Francis, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Johnathan Holland, Chris McFoy, Johnnie Morant, Rich Parson, Travis Taylor, Alvis Whitted, Lauren Williams, Mike Williams.

Porter has made a career of falling in and out of favor with various coaching staffs. He claims to love Kiffin and Co., and the feeling for the moment is mutual. If his physical and mental health holds up, he should be the feature receiver. Curry remains the most reliable third-down target, a player of size, skill and resiliency who must be watched closely after two Achilles' tears. The reserves are a jumble, with Gabriel, veteran Taylor, and rookie Higgins looking like the most likely survivors. Morant, a preseason star last year, has yet to take the next step.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters — LT Barry Sims, LG Paul McQuistan, C Jake Grove, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Robert Gallery. Backups - G Kevin Boothe, G Ben Claxton, T Cornell Green, T Mario Henderson, C Chris Morris, C Jeremy Newberry, T Chad Slaughter, Albert Toeaina, C Adam Treu, T Mark Wilson.

The starters seem fairly clear, but the question is where they'll line up. Sims has been at left and right tackle, Gallery at both tackle spots and left guard. Grove is seen as a natural for the zone-blocking scheme of Tom Cable. Carlisle was imported from Denver specifically because of his skill in that system. Newberry is attempting a comeback after microfracture surgery and in the unlikely event he survives training camp playing well, could start at either center or guard. Boothe was last season's pleasant surprise at guard and could challenge again. McQuistan is another player who could start at either guard or tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters — E Derrick Burgess, T Warren Sapp, T Terdell Sands, E Kevin Huntley. Backups - E Tyler Brayton, T Anttaj Hawthorne, T Tommy Kelly, E Quintin Moses, E Jay Richardson, T Josh Shaw, T Lauvale Sape, E Dave Tollefson.

Burgess is one of the NFL's premier sack artists and his pressure is huge to the effectiveness of the secondary. Sapp startled everyone by showing up 49 pounds lighter at 285 during the mandatory minicamp and had 10 sacks last season. Sands was re-signed to a four-year contract to be the primary run-stuffer. The other linemen will be rotated around and among those three players, with the goal of keeping the big trio fresh. Huntley showed flashes as a rush end and Moses could mount a challenge to start. Brayton's non-stop hustle has not translated into production. It's time for Kelly to either take the next step and be a consistent player or be classified as a tease.

LINEBACKERS: Starters — WLB Thomas Howard, MLB Kirk Morrison, SLB Sam Williams. Backups - OLB Ricky Brown, Chris Clemons, Ricardo Dickerson, OLB Isaiah Ekejiuba, Isaiah Kacyvenski, J.J. Milan, Kyle Shotwell, MLB Robert Thomas, Jon Condo.

Howard, a 16-game starter as a rookie on the weak side, and Morrison, who moved into the middle last season in his second season, give the Raiders their most active and athletic linebacking since they moved back to Oakland in 1995. Neither is overly big, however, and concerns about their run defense remain. Williams managed to stay healthy for the first time and showed some flashes, but was actually outplayed by Thomas, a veteran and former first-round draft pick. Kacyvenski can play both linebacker and be a special teams standout, but Ekejiuba is primarily a wedge-buster.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters — CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Fabian Washington, SS Michael Huff, FS Stuart Schweigert. Backups - S Darnell Bing, CB John Bowie, S Colin Branch, CB Chris Carr, CB Marquice Cole, S Jarrod Cooper, S Donovin Darius, S Hiram Eugene, S Eric Frampton, CB Chris Johnson, CB Stanford Routt, CB Levonne Rowan, CB Duane Starks, S B.J. Ward.

Asomugha had a breakout year in 2006 and was one of the NFL's top corners in every area. Washington is further along in his third year than Asomugha, and if his learning curve is similar, the Raiders have one of the NFL's top corner tandems. Routt is being counted on to emerge as a nickel corner. Bowie was considered a reach by many, but so was Asomugha in 2002. Safety is a mystery at this point. Huff, the No. 7 overall pick last season, had a solid season at strong safety but has the build and ball skills of a free safety. If that is his destiny, does Schweigert become a strong safety and compete with free agent acquisitions Darius, Branch and second-year man Bing? It's one of the competition areas Kiffin and Co. will watch closely.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Sebastian Janikowski, P Shane Lechler, LS Adam Treu, KR Chris Carr.

Janikowski and Lechler are entrenched as the kicker and punter, essentially running unopposed. Treu's job as the long snapper could be in jeopardy, as could his status as the longest tenured Raider (1997), with Chris Morris and Jon Condo on the roster. Carr returned both kickoffs and punts for the last two seasons, but there are indications the Raiders would love to see Higgins, a third-round pick from Texas-El Paso, assume at least one of those jobs.

[Raidermania12]

Inside Slant

—NFL director of officials Mike Pereira did nothing to alleviate the tension felt between league officials and the Raiders in a recent panel discussion that included Raiders CEO Amy Trask.

At the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission's NFL charity event, Pereira was discussing the complaints lodged by teams each Monday. He said a blown pass interference call with the game on the line was at issue, remarking, "I was really tempted to mention the six turnovers earlier in the game.''

Trask, also on the panel, said, "That's so not the point. After 59 minutes and you are in position to win a game ... "

She was cut off by Pereira, who said, "And you haven't been in that position a lot the past four years.''
.

Wow what a dick wad.

[Byron2112]

No shit.

That's not his concern. His job is getting the calls right... sounds like he was deflecting and defensive.

Wonder what Al would have told him if he'd have tried that garbage with him?.... probably wouldn't a brought that stuff with the Dark Lord in the same room.

[Angry Pope]

2007-08 calendar of key NFL dates

2007

Late July — Training camps open.

July 22 — Signing period ends at 4 p.m. EDT for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.

Aug. 5 — Pro Football Hall of Fame game, Canton, Ohio (New Orleans vs. Pittsburgh).

Aug. 9-13 — First preseason weekend.

Aug. 28 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players.

Sept. 1 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.

Sept. 2 — Clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.

Sept. 6-10 — Opening week of regular season.

Oct. 16 — Trading deadline.

Oct. 22-24 — NFL fall meeting, Dallas

Dec. 29-30 — Regular season ends.

2008

Jan. 5-6 — Wild-card playoffs.

Jan. 12-13 — Divisional playoffs.

Jan. 20 — Conference championships.

Jan. 26 — Under Armour Senior Bowl, Mobile, Ala.

Feb. 3 — Super Bowl XLII, Glendale, Ariz. (Fox)

Feb. 10 — AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu (Fox)

Feb. 20-26 — NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis

March 30-April 3 — NFL annual meeting, Palm Beach, Fla.

April 26-27 — NFL draft, New York City

May 19-21 — NFL sping meeting, Buckhead, Ga.

[Angry Pope]

Courtney Anderson has a good size bonus due if he is on our roster opening week.

[Raidermania12]

No shit.

That's not his concern. His job is getting the calls right... sounds like he was deflecting and defensive.

Wonder what Al would have told him if he'd have tried that garbage with him?.... probably wouldn't a brought that stuff with the Dark Lord in the same room.

he might have. but i do think theres a bit of "this is man talk baby" testosterone in the air when amy trask starts kicking these guys in the balls. these are old guys who were part of football back when women were only allowed to bring a beer and be quiet. Amy comes in and starts chopping up their testes, then they all turn into big58 when TG rips on him.

But nevertheless(irregardless), he made an irresponsible statement that doesnt reflect the one of someone who is an unbias party in a position that requires him to be.

[SoCalRaider]

While no one in the organization would admit or even consider the notion, it could prove beneficial for the Raiders if Russell is the first holdout since Fredrickson.

If Russell were to be a late arrival, it gives the Raiders a built-in reason to stick with what most believe is a commitment to free agent Josh McCown to begin the season as the starter.

McCown's ability to move set him apart from Russell and Andrew Walter in minicamps and OTAs. (Walter later had arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.)

He is also considerably more experienced and game-ready. McCown fully understands Russell is the Raiders' future, but in the final year of a two-year contract, he can get his resume' ready as an Oakland starter this season.

For the sake of Kiffin, McCown, and even Russell, the Raiders might be better off having the quarterback position settled in public early in training camp — and the best way for that to happen is for Russell to come in a little late.



I couldn't agree less. Of all the rookies on the roster, this is the last guy I'd want to see hold out.

When I think of developing Russell, I would want this guy attending every meeting, practice, and film session from day 1... with no exceptions. If he comes in late, now he's going to be forced to play catch up the entire pre-season. For a rookie with minimal college experience and a long learning curve to begin with, this would be a disaster. Talk about cutting off your nose in spite of your face.

I also don't buy the argument that the Raiders should automatically commit to McCown. What happened to competition at all positions? This would definitely not be consistent with the kind of message Kiffin has been communicating this whole time. Plus, I'd much rather have McCown face some adversity in the preseason, than wait til week 1 before seeing how he handles some pressure.

[BigTron]

I am going to say, with the way things have been going, i bet J.Russ is in camp day one.

[Angry Pope]

Training camps: AFC West position battles

July 21, 2007
By Pete Prisco

Denver Broncos

Chris Kuper vs. Montrae Holland, right guard

One of the keys to the Denver success over the years has been the running game. The offensive line is a big reason why. This year's unit is solid across the board, but there should be a nice battle at right guard.

With Cooper Carlisle gone, it means second-year player Kuper will battle veteran Holland for the starting spot. Kuper is a player who the Broncos have high hopes for in the future. The question becomes whether he's ready or not. Holland is a mauler who started in the past with the Saints.


Edge: Kuper. He was there last year and knows what the coaches want.

Opening-day starter: Kuper. There's nothing wrong with putting in a young player at guard.


Kansas City Chiefs

Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard, quarterback

Huard came in for an injured Trent Green last year and played well. He went 5-3 as a starter and showed a good command of the offense. Huard isn't flashy, but he knows where to go with the football most of the time. He threw 11 touchdown passes and just one interception last season.

But the coaching staff appears to be leaning to Croyle as the guy they want to start. The second-year player from Alabama isn't a big guy, but he understands the passing game. His arm isn't great, but it's good enough. He is the future of this franchise.

Edge: Huard. Experience means something.

Opening-day starter: Croyle. If Herman Edwards wants it, he will get it. And he appears to want Croyle as his starter.


Oakland Raiders
Josh McCown vs. JaMarcus Russell vs. Andrew Walter, quarterback

We know Russell is the quarterback of the future. But the Raiders will want to be patient with him -- unless, of course, he shows them in the preseason that the NFL adjustment won't be too great for him. That's not likely, which is why the Raiders acquired McCown.

McCown is an average quarterback, but he will be able to adjust to the new system much better than Russell. Experience is a big part of playing quarterback. As for Walter, he was erratic in his eight starts last year and he's coming off an injury that kept him out of some offseason work. Like the other two, he is learning a new system.

Edge: McCown. You get the feeling that the Raiders want him to start the first game.

Opening-day starter: McCown. But how long does he keep Russell on the bench?


San Diego Chargers

Eric Weddle vs. Clinton Hart vs. Bhawoh Jue, strong safety

The Chargers traded up in the second round to get Weddle, an athletic player who played a lot of corner at Utah. He is an active playmaker who isn't afraid of contact. But he will have a tough time beating out the two veterans.

Jue started in 2005, but missed a lot of time with injuries last year. Hart filled in and played well. But you don't give up four picks to move up to draft a player without having big plans for him -- even right away.

Edge: Hart. It's his job to lose.

Opening-day starter: Weddle. He has that knack for making plays, and he will flourish playing behind San Diego's fierce pass rush.

[Madturk]

I am going to say, with the way things have been going, i bet J.Russ is in camp day one.


I'd have to think so. The Raiders knew what it was going to cost to sign him and his agent appears to be a pretty fair guy from what I've read. Should have Zach Miller and Bush signed in the next week as well. I'm not too concerned when it comes to the Raiders signing their draft picks.

[BigTron]

I think our organization wants to make it easy on our new young coach. The distraction's of contract BS and guys not being at camp is something we should avoid. We all have noticed how much different things have been around here lately and I think all the players we drafted and brought in are all team first guys. Weeding out the assholes like Moss is the first step to building a solid foundation.

[Rupert]

The strangest analysis I've seen is where some guy spouts that last year's offensive scheme was a clusterfuck, and then out the other side of his ass claims that Walter is no good because he didn't show well in last year's offense. What?

[Rupert]

I think our organization wants to make it easy on our new young coach. The distraction's of contract BS and guys not being at camp is something we should avoid. We all have noticed how much different things have been around here lately and I think all the players we drafted and brought in are all team first guys. Weeding out the assholes like Moss is the first step to building a solid foundation.

I've got to agree. Read the interviews with Russell. The guy does not sound like a me-first egomaniac. Of course that could just be softening the blow for fans when he holds out, but I seriously doubt that.

[GRaider]

The strangest analysis I've seen is where some guy spouts that last year's offensive scheme was a clusterfuck, and then out the other side of his ass claims that Walter is no good because he didn't show well in last year's offense. What?

It would appear that most Raider fans have bought into that argument. Intended misdirection? Who is to say? If Walter can't beat out a rookie and a journeyman then he has no business on the team though. Let's see what happens during camp and preseason. I don't put much faith into what I can't see and can't know.

[hawaiianboy]

It would appear that most Raider fans have bought into that argument.


Raider fans don't make the draft decisions though... If Al, Kiff or anyone else involved in the day to day with him and the decision making process had even a half decent amount of coinfidence in him, I firmly believe people would be talking about Calvin Johnson holding out in a Raider uni instead of a Lion one...


Obviously, having to play with Porter and Curry watching from the sidelines and with Moss having a stick up his ass didn't help him and neither did the past it's expiration date scheme and coaching staff... but he also didn't help himself any as far as being able to stay out of the ER room... It's hard, at least for me, to have confidence in a guy that always seems to be recovering from one oowie or another, especially at what is the most important position in football...


He must feel like the unluckiest guy in the world... What if Gannon hadn't gotten hurt and Walter had been allowed to study under him for a year or two?... What if we had gone another way with the coaching hire last year?... The OC hire?... The OL coaches?... What if Curry, Porter and Moss were out there happy with things?... What if he had just gotten to sit and watch the past two years instead of playing before he was seemingly ready?... Who knows, I'm sure Tui has a lot of the same what ifs....

[GRaider]

Raider fans don't make the draft decisions though... If Al, Kiff or anyone else involved in the day to day with him and the decision making process had even a half decent amount of coinfidence in him, I firmly believe people would be talking about Calvin Johnson holding out in a Raider uni instead of a Lion one...


Obviously, having to play with Porter and Curry watching from the sidelines and with Moss having a stick up his ass didn't help him and neither did the past it's expiration date scheme and coaching staff... but he also didn't help himself any as far as being able to stay out of the ER room... It's hard, at least for me, to have confidence in a guy that always seems to be recovering from one oowie or another, especially at what is the most important position in football...


He must feel like the unluckiest guy in the world... What if Gannon hadn't gotten hurt and Walter had been allowed to study under him for a year or two?... What if we had gone another way with the coaching hire last year?... The OC hire?... The OL coaches?... What if Curry, Porter and Moss were out there happy with things?... What if he had just gotten to sit and watch the past two years instead of playing before he was seemingly ready?... Who knows, I'm sure Tui has a lot of the same what ifs....

All of what you say is true. The part that gets me is the fact that McCown, accomplishing essentially nothing anywhere he has ever played, is considered the runaway favorite to start for us. He is a gamer and he is enthusiastic but I have never seen a glimpse of Probowl Josh. Perhaps it's because I never bothered watching Cardinal games. If we are going to choose a QB strictly because he can run for his life on a consistent basis then we are in deep Donk & Dolt doo. There is nothing wrong with a QB being able to scramble and create certainly, but that is all McCown has been known for. I just wish I knew what the secret that everyone else seems to know that I don't. They seem to be betting a lot and counting a lot on an unknown quantity. Maybe he is the best on the roster at the moment, but the fact that we have not even started camp yet and everyone asserts that they know what is going to happen and why is a bit "cheeky". I would hope that Kiffin was telling the truth in that all roster spots are up for grabs.

[hawaiianboy]

Andrew certainly didn't really help his quest to start by missing more practice reps over the last month or so while recovering from knee surgery... Just based on that, I think you have to slot him 3rd on the depth chart going into Napa... Of course I think the real battle is based on grasp of the playbook and performance from July 27th through the second preseason game, but I think McCown's mobility gives him a big advantage since we're probably going to move the pocket and bootleg the QB quite a bit until the O-line proves itself stable... Same reasons we tried to sign Jeff Garcia IMO...

[Limee]

I couldn't agree less. Of all the rookies on the roster, this is the last guy I'd want to see hold out.
I couldn't agree with you more. If Russell misses any significant camp time then I can't see how that is going to be anything other than a negative and it will certainly be portrayed as such by the media.

Russell, McCown and Walter should battle it out and if the best QB for this team is one legged Walter with a sore throwing arm then suit him up and get him out there and lets see if we can get off to a winning start against the Lions.

[CrossBones]

He must feel like the unluckiest guy in the world... No, that would be Sergio Garcia. Just ask him. :p

[jatfly]

Hopefully I got to this before AP.


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/07/22/SPG38R4QKM1.DTL



The Oakland Raiders want to move on, they really do. The team was 2-14 with the worst scoring offense in franchise history last year.

Maybe Camp Kiffin is just what the Raiders need to get over it. With players reporting to rookie coach Lane Kiffin for duty Thursday in Napa, they can soon focus on rookie initiations, position competition and two-a-days with an eye on the Sept. 9 opener against the visiting Detroit Lions.

"Last year is last year," Raiders center Jake Grove said.

He's right, so here's a list of five pressing issues concerning the now.

1. Will JaMarcus Russell be signed and delivered on time?

The No. 1 overall pick of the NFL draft is going to be a very, very rich man. The only question is whether Russell, the rookie quarterback from LSU, will be rolling in Al Davis' money by Thursday, or will the Raiders face their most high-profile holdout of the young century?

Russell's agents want around $30 million in nonrefundable cash. He'll certainly top the $26 million in guaranteed money given to Reggie Bush, last year's No. 2 pick for New Orleans.

The Raiders rarely have trouble getting their top picks signed, though Michael Huff missed the first morning practice last year before his contract was finalized. Oakland's previous big-money signee was No. 2-overall pick Robert Gallery, who got $18 million guaranteed before camp started in 2004.

If Russell misses time, it makes it that much more certain the Raiders will start quarterback Josh McCown because Russell fell behind.

"Obviously, training camp is huge," Kiffin said. Russell will "play when he's ready to play and there's no way of knowing when that's going to be."

2. Can offensive line coach Tom Cable save Robert Gallery?

After three years, Gallery is considered by most a draft bust, but he's only 26. There's still time to salvage the lineman.

First, the Raiders must find a suitable home for him. Gallery won't likely be back at left tackle, an experiment that fell apart instantly last year (think San Diego's Shawne Merriman dancing by on the "Monday Night" opener).

Gallery spent time at left guard and right tackle during offseason workouts, learning the new tactics employed by Cable, an expert at the cut-block scheme used by the Denver Broncos.

Cable must get Gallery right in the head -- no easy task -- and let him play the aggressive style that made him a sure thing out of Iowa in 2004.

"What's happened has happened," Gallery said. "You can't just sit and talk about it."

3. Any worries on the NFL's third-ranked defense?

Start with defensive end Derrick Burgess, who is underpaid in the current market for top pass rushers. He led the team in sacks and made the Pro Bowl in each of his two seasons with the Raiders.

Word has it that Burgess wants a renegotiated deal that better reflects his doings. His agent reportedly visited team headquarters after the draft to make that point.

Burgess didn't attend a single voluntary function in the offseason but is generally regarded as a team-firster who is not holdout material. If he's not in Napa on Thursday, though, the Raiders better hope they have some money left over from the Russell negotiations.

Two competitions to watch: Tyler Brayton is fending off Kevin Huntley at right defensive end, and new safety Donovin Darius could make work sparse for Stuart Schweigert.

4. With Randy Moss gone, who's the No. 1 receiver?

First, Moss was No. 1 in theory alone before he was traded to New England. He was injured in 2005 and a nonfactor last year.

Ronald Curry led the team in receiving and proved he can be healthy and productive. Jerry Porter is happy again after a lost season in Art Shell's doghouse.

Newcomers Mike Williams and Travis Taylor have big-play potential. With a short passing game in the works, the receivers will get the ball quicker than they ever did last year, when the quarterback was getting dropped before anyone could finish a route.

5. Can Kiffin reinvent the Raiders in one year?

Who knows? He's only 32 and has not accomplished anything on his own, but people around the league think he has a future.

This by far is his biggest challenge. He's trying to change a rotten culture, and you can count on malcontents emerging when things get rough.

As it is, an unidentified player complained to the union that Kiffin was working them too hard in the offseason. Welcome to the NFL, where problems can't be solved by yanking away a scholarship.

"People are going to say he's young," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "So what? He gets it. You'll see."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Napa camp
Thursday: Players report to camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. All practices are closed to the public.

Aug. 9: Raider Nation Day at the Coliseum with coaches and players. Admission is free.

Aug. 28: Roster cut to 75 players.

Sept. 1: Final roster cut to 53 players.

[Angry Pope]

Some words about our defense...

While the Raiders’ offense was the punchline of jokes last season, a promising young defense quietly continued to make strides, finishing third in the league in yards allowed and first against the pass. And the progress shown by all the draft picks they’ve spent recently on that side of the ball has definitely caught the attention of rivals in the AFC. “That defense kept them in a lot of games last year,” said one AFC personnel director. “They really drank the Kool-Aid and played as one. They believe in each other and played hard the whole year. It was fun to watch. They came after you regardless of what the score was, and that says a lot for (defensive coordinator) Rob Ryan.” Another testament to the defense, according to the insider, is that amidst all the turmoil last season, the defense never griped about the offense not carrying its weight.

[Rupert]

My point on Walter is that last season is nothing to judge a QB by. With a Swiss cheese OL and WR's not running their assigned routes (Moss) or unable to get separation underneath (Whitted) or even on the field (Curry), it's hard to blame him for a lot of his performance issues. Injuries? Sure, that's been a recent problem. It wasn't until his senior year in college, but has been since.

You can point to drafting Russell as a vote of no confidence in Walter or a vote of supreme confidence in Russell. I see it more as the latter than the former.

Was the acquisition of McCown a vote of no confidence in Walter AND Russell, since he was acquired after Russell was drafted? Again I say it goes back to Al Davis's desire to have a veteran QB on the roster, and McCown fits the description. He fits what people say Kiffin wants in a QB, but that would mean neither Russell nor Walter do.

What I'm suggesting is that nothing is as simple as some people suggest it is.

Here's how it adds up for me:

Russell - the Raiders were going to add a rookie QB no matter what, so they could have decided one of three things: 1, a guy similar to Walter in talent (a couple out there); 2, a guy better than Walter (one for sure); 3, a guy worse than Walter (plenty to choose from). To add a guy worse than Walter you'd have to be absolutely sold on him. There's no way his career to-date could have sold anyone, so 3 was out in my opinion. Why add a guy with the same talent level if you were in the unique position to grab someone who will most likely be much better, so option 2 gets dusted. Russell was the most logical addition.
McCown - just look at my comment on the selection of Russell. Walter's career to-date cannot have sold anyone on his ability to deliver this season. I'm not saying McCown's career to-date would make anyone turn cartwheels, it certainly doesn't for me, but he's been around longer and done more than Walter. He's also not the kind of guy who is likely to blow your socks off and brew a QB controversy. All reports are he's a good leader and a team guy. Definitely the kind of guy you hand the reigns to for a season or two.
Walter - is squarely in the Tui seat. Even though he's gotten more opportunities than Tui ever did, they weren't great opportunities. You can't necessarily discount him yet, but his grooming period is at an end. He's got to deliver on the potential he showed in college to hope of taking the starter's role for a limitted time. This is his Drew Brees moment. He either makes or breaks his fortune this season. No pressure kid.

[BigTron]

I don't think we were sold on Andrew Walter being the starter until JR was ready. McCown has proven more than Walter in the league and I don't think Al wants to see one of the biggest investments he ever made in the dirt. Im sure we signed McCown as a vote of no confidence to our offensive line. He is a mobile guy who can giv us a chance to win early games against teams like Detroit (who he obviously will want to beat)

McCown = most exp. and best fit for the start of the season. A guy who can move around and save his own ass while our O/O-Line gets on the same page. No point in putting our 55 millions dollar guy in there until it looks safe!

Russell = Very expensive and touchy situation that needs to be played masterfully by the staff. Having just Walter would have possibly forced us to play JR if Walter got hurt, which he already has. McCown is insurance that if JR takes longer to develop than we expect that he wont be forced in early.

Walter = didn't get a very good opportunity last year, but also showed no reason to believe he is the future. Has injury concerns and doesn't make much money. I dont think the staff wanted to rely on Walter in this new system where Qb's have to be on the run.

I actually have seen a few Cardinal games where McCown was the starter. He is an exceptional athlete who plays really tough. He tends to make stupid decision's with the ball which is why he hasn't stuck anywhere. I really thoguht he could be turned into a Jeff Garcia type with some good coaching. De4nny Green stuck him in the doghouse for no good reason IMO. He is going to be a fine career back-up who could possibly land a gig as a starter if he plays well this year. Its a win-win situation for us and him. He wants to come in and win right off the bat, and we want to be competitive while developing our future QB. Kinda like Kitna and Carson Palmer when Palmer was a rookie. Excpet Kitna wasnt on a one year deal. If you remember Kitna got hot and kinda brought the Bengals out of the funk they were in. It was great for Carson because the team was playing well together when he took over. Hopefully Josh can do that for JR.

[Raidermania12]

I think the surgery had alot to do with the new system. I think if we were still running a pocket qb friendly system, He woulda passed on the surgery. But in order to make it in this system he's gonna have to get his legs in just as good a condition as his upper body if not better. If he can look like he did in that SF preseason game awhile back outside the posket, he'll have a shot. But McCown's legs are the premium of the group right now. The job is his to lose because of that qb competition or not.

[Angry Pope]

Regarding Jamarcus...

There is disagreement among Raiders coaches and front office people on how to best use rookie QB JaMarcus Russell. One faction believes Russell needs time to learn the nuances of the NFL and that he should learn behind veterans Andrew Walter and Josh McCown. The other faction thinks Russell should start right away if he shows in training camp that he can handle the role. Look for this internal struggle to continue until the regular-season opener, with Al Davis likely having the final say. ...

[Raidermania12]

I dont think Davis will have the final say. at least not right away. It'll probably be more like "Lane if this doesnt work, you'll be on a warm seat. If it goes really badly you're on the hot seat" or something like that. If Al can't get Shell to fire blueberry man until far into the season, I think he wont bust on Kiffin's say in the matter as long as he sees positive results. Remember Davis wasnt in agreement with half of gruden's decisions, but the results made it Grudens call. I think "Just win baby" the term to best describe how he is with his coaches who dont walk the way he likes.

[Rupert]

The only issue I have with people saying Kiffin's system is best run by a mobile QB is who ran that offense at USC: Booty, Leinart, and Palmer. None of which I would characterize as very mobile. So where does this requirement of Kiffin's offense come from?

[Raidermania12]

The only issue I have with people saying Kiffin's system is best run by a mobile QB is who ran that offense at USC: Booty, Leinart, and Palmer. None of which I would characterize as very mobile. So where does this requirement of Kiffin's offense come from?

From camp notes that said there was going to be more rolling out.

one thing to remember. Kiffin runs a slightly different offense than Carroll. carroll ran a systen that was run by Sark and Kiff. I dont know how much of this offense will mirror USC. But the coordinator is Knapp and in his offense you have to be able to move. from camp footage most of the plays I saw were on the rolling out and I'm under the impression that it'll be a mix of Knapp's offense with some Kiffin kinks in the mix. with Kiffin calling the plays.

Again though I could be wrong and it could be the Kiffin show with Knapp as a talking head. Hard to say at this point.

[SoCalRaider]

There is disagreement among Raiders coaches and front office people on how to best use rookie QB JaMarcus Russell.In other words, the coaches want to put Russell on ice, but Davis is like if I'm paying 60 million to a player, you bet your ass he's suiting up and selling tickets. If Russell starts opening week, it's a guaranteed sellout.

Personally I'm all for Davis' line of reasoning on this one. Count me as one of those fans that only shows up if Russell or Bush is starting.

[Deadbolt]

I remember it constantly being reported that Kiffin (and Sark, too, I believe) wanted to air it out more, with Carroll taking on a more conservative, ball control approach.

I think that was important for Kiff, in that while he still might be more inclined to run those 3 WR sets, he now sees the importance of a more balanced offense with not only more running plays, but play-action plays, too.

[GRaider]

Andrew certainly didn't really help his quest to start by missing more practice reps over the last month or so while recovering from knee surgery...

Should he have waited until camp? From what I understand he had a "scope" done. Had this been the regular season he would have been ready to play in a week. I think everyone is reading a little much into things.

Just based on that, I think you have to slot him 3rd on the depth chart going into Napa...

I'm not a doctor, but why?

Of course I think the real battle is based on grasp of the playbook and performance from July 27th through the second preseason game, but I think McCown's mobility gives him a big advantage since we're probably going to move the pocket and bootleg the QB quite a bit until the O-line proves itself stable...

Then I hope that we have some numbers for some emergency QBs because we are going to run out. I agree that LK's offense probably is predicated on moving the pocket and multiple formations but you don't have to be a RB to play QB in the WC offense. You DO have to be able to read defenses and hit the "hot route" routinely. May the best man win.

[GRaider]

Count me as one of those fans that only shows up if Russell or Bush is starting.

Fair weather fan huh?

[Rupert]

RM12: I'm with ya man, but Carrol is a defensive coach, not an offensive coach. So that explains his run-first leanings. Under Chow they didn't roll out that much, but under Kiffin/Sark they did more. However, after Chow they had Leinart and Booty at QB, both relatively slow-footed QB's. Walter is their equal in mobility and Russell is slightly better.

Early reports was that it will be Kiffin's offense and Knapp will be coordinating, meaning keeping shit running smooth during the week and being more hands on than a head coach has time to be.

Now, I understand with a suspect offensive line, varying pocket depth and position (straight, waggle, roll, bootleg) will all work toward slowing down the rush since the OL knows where the pocket will be, but the D doesn't. So I get wanting to move the pocket more. In fact, I think it's a great idea in any offensive gameplan.

But I don't see how Walter would be any worse in it that Leinart or JD Booty, maybe because he hasn't done it a lot?

Regardless, we'll see how things shake out.

[Rupert]

Then I hope that we have some numbers for some emergency QBs because we are going to run out. I agree that LK's offense probably is predicated on moving the pocket and multiple formations but you don't have to be a RB to play QB in the WC offense. You DO have to be able to read defenses and hit the "hot route" routinely. May the best man win.

Walter was pretty good at that in college, and did a decent job when we went WCO last season (his timing was crap though). It's why I think he'll do well in this offense. His decision-making was pretty solid when we were WCO (did I already say his timing was crap?).

So I really don't understand the talk that Walter is done. McCown hasn't shown good decision-making skills, and he's had more time on the field in the WCO than Walter.

Still, we'll see how it all plays out.

[hawaiianboy]

I'm not a doctor, but why?

Yeah, well I'd still feel more comfortable if you would remove that rubber glove... The injury itself doesn't put him third on the depth chart since as pointed out, it was pretty much your run of the mill scope and scrape... It's just hard to get your footwork, tempo and timing down with receivers in a new offense when you're on the sideline watching the other two guys split first team reps...



You DO have to be able to read defenses and hit the "hot route" routinely.


Bingo... This is probably the best argument for wanting a vet out there early and one of the biggest reasons we initially targeted Jeff Garcia IMO... Defensive coordinators throw tons of blitzes and blitz looks at young QB's... One of the reasons I think Kiff would want a vet out there instead of playing JaMarcus right off the bat is we don't have an offensive line that will be able to overcome a QB inexperienced at reading a defense and making the appopriate audibles... As tough as the SCC is, you just don't see many college defense utilizing zone blitzes, giving multiple presnap blitz looks or overloaded a side with biltzes... A QB's inexperience in dealing with that will make the growing pains of the O-line just that much more glaring...

While he doesn't have the experience of a Jeff Garcia, McCown is far enough into his NFL career where he understands what he sees and should be able to help his O-linemen out with presnap changes to the called play and/or slide the blocking scheme... I think that's the biggest advantage he has over Walter and JaMarcus... Frankly I just wasn't very impressed with AW's field awareness or pocket presence for that matter.... Granted the plays were so slow coming in that he was fighting the clock half the time (:mad: )and I do agree that last year wasn't optimal as far as making a definitive assessment...

I do think AW is going to have some problems if Kiff moves the QB as often as he moved Leinert around his first year taking over for Chow at SC... From what I've seen of him at ASU and as a Raider, his accuracy wanes and his ball tends to sail when on the move IMO... I'd really would like to see AW play well if for nothing but to build some eventual trade value ala Matt Schaub... I just have always viewed him as a plant and push guy that needs to be able to set his feet to be effective ala Drew Bledsoe or Byron Leftwich... He just doesn't have the effective slide step other big QB's like Big Ben and Carson Palmer possess IMO... That's one of the reasons I pushed so hard to hire Ken Zampese as our OC last year... I thought he did a great job of tightening up Palmers average USC footwork to the point he's right there with Peyton IMO... Hopefully somebody can do that now with Andrew which should help quicken his setup, which will help alliviate those timing problems Rup alluded to, and help with his accuracy especially when he has to come off his primary...

Now is McCown any better? I really can't say... Outside of a couple of pretty good games with the Cards, I've primarily have only seen him at SMU where he ran a sprint option offense... Obviously, you have to have some real toughness to run an option, but the only thing I can state definitively is I think he has a huge edge over the other two guys as far as athleticism goes...

I'm just hoping that one of these guys plays well enough to put a 'no doubt' grasp on the starters job out of camp... Having a guy win the starters job out of default because one guy is injured/ineffective and the other guy is a raw rookie isn't exactly condusive to building confidence... Most reports out of camp have McCown looking impressive, but all things considered, I still would rather have signed Jeff Garcia as the incoming vet... His experience would have really helped as our O-line gets it's crap together...

I'm really looking forward to the day JaMarcus is entrenched as the QB and the QB controversies are dead and buried... JaMarcus starting with Vince Evans backing him up for the next 10+ years will get er done for me...

[SoCalRaider]

Fair weather fan huh?

Got better things to do with my time... as do most other people who live out here. Problem?

[Angry Pope]

All signs point to positive in Oakland

Michael Wagaman

Jul 24, 2007

JaMarcus Russell is on the verge of inking the most lucrative contract in Raiders' history, but there are still some final details to work out.

Nevertheless, all indications are that a deal will be done in time to get the No. 1 overall draft pick into training camp on time. That’s just one of several reasons the Raiders have for optimism as the start of workouts draws nearer.
JaMarcus Russell and his agents have been in steady talks with the Raiders on a contract that could be worth nearly $60 million and include $25 million in guaranteed money. The deal is said to be so complex that no fewer than six members of Oakland’s front office have been called in to work the details out.

Getting Russell into camp on time would be a major bonus for first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, who has generated plenty of optimism in his first few months on the job.

The Raiders have plenty of reasons for their positive outlook to training camp. Chief among them:

New coach, new attitude: The Raiders were incredibly dysfunctional under Art Shell and there was a dark cloud that loomed over the team all season.

Kiffin is a breath of fresh air and he’s brought an entirely different, upbeat vibe that’s been missing in these parts for some time. None of that will mean much unless the team starts proving it can win games but it is a start and one that the majority of players on Oakland’s roster have bought into. Having an up-to-date offense helps, too.

No quarterback crisis: Unlike a year ago, when Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter were the only two QBs of note the team had, Oakland is much deeper and infinitely more talented at quarterback than it was in 2006.

Josh McCown is a solid QB who won’t make the silly mistakes that both Brooks and Walter were guilty of, be it forcing throws into coverage or committing silly turnovers. McCown is no Joe Montana but he’s good enough for what the Raiders are trying to accomplish. Having a rookie like Russell also helps improve the overall grade of Oakland quarterbacks.

Dominant defense is back: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has assembled an impressive group of players who helped mold the NFL’s No. 3 defense a year ago, and -- with few exceptions -- most of those same players are back.

The key to keeping the defense running on all cylinders is getting some help from the offense. Oakland’s defense was on the field far too much in 2006 and the entire unit seemed to wear down as the year moved along. Keeping them fresh is critical, because talent is not an issue.

Top kicking game: Some teams boast better place-kickers than the Raiders’ Sebastian Janikowski but there’s no arguing the fact that, as a tandem, he and punter Shane Lechler are the top duo in the league. That’s huge when you have an offense that is as bad as Oakland’s was last season, but both Jano and Lechler had sub-standard seasons.

Janikowski’s problems are with the pressure kicks, not to mention the chip-shots. Lechler simply needs to stay consistent and healthy.

[Raidermania12]

Rupert there is one problem. Its almost a sure thing that you're rolling out if you use Cable's system to the effect Knapp has used it. Because its more focused on run protection. Its the main reason Plummer found minor success in the Donks system. The falcons were similar in that regards too with chaub nd Vick rolling out. So I expect to see it.. Not ruling out good ole fashioned pocket passing. But at the moment I expect to see rolling out on the strength of who we hired besides Kiffin.

[Angry Pope]

JaMarcus Russell is on the verge of inking the most lucrative contract in Raiders' history, but there are still some final details to work out.

Nevertheless, all indications are that a deal will be done in time to get the No. 1 overall draft pick into training camp on time. That’s just one of several reasons the Raiders have for optimism as the start of workouts draws nearer.
JaMarcus Russell and his agents have been in steady talks with the Raiders on a contract that could be worth nearly $60 million and include $25 million in guaranteed money. The deal is said to be so complex that no fewer than six members of Oakland’s front office have been called in to work the details out.

Getting Russell into camp on time would be a major bonus for first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, who has generated plenty of optimism in his first few months on the job.

Being as we play both Cleveland (Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn), and Detroit (Calvin Johnson) in the first three games, I wouldn't be surprised if the deal is done and not being announced until Thursday.

[Rupert]

Rupert there is one problem. Its almost a sure thing that you're rolling out if you use Cable's system to the effect Knapp has used it. Because its more focused on run protection. Its the main reason Plummer found minor success in the Donks system. The falcons were similar in that regards too with chaub nd Vick rolling out. So I expect to see it.. Not ruling out good ole fashioned pocket passing. But at the moment I expect to see rolling out on the strength of who we hired besides Kiffin.

No doubt zone blocking is a stone cold natural for rolling out, especially the outside zone. Stretch running plays become eeeeeeerily similar to sprint out pass blocking, it's the finish that's different.

But here's my point: Leinart, Palmer, and JD Booty. None of them were/are swift of foot. So in my book (footwork aside HB) Walter is as capable as those guys are of running it. Consider also that Kiffin was involved with getting those guys to execute it and you have a method for Walter's success. BUT consider that Russell has the same opportunity to learn and has a better arm to throw on the run and you see where Walter's window is noticeably smaller. Add to that the fact that McCown already throws well on the run and Walter's got a slim hope of playing at all. I don't think it's the offense that makes things difficult for Walter, it's the situation.

Reports out of OTA's also have McCown looking worse than Walter did prior to his scope-job in a practice or two, throwing multiple Int's. Unlike Michael Wagaman, I don't remember McCown being great at ball security, and I'm pretty sure he had at least his share of silly turnovers (at least that's what Cardinals fans and Dennis Green remember). So I'm not sold on him being a solid game manager for us. I too would have preferred Garcia, but probably not Kitna. But the fact that McCown is not a guaranteed success for us gives Walter a better opportunity than the press is giving him.

If Walter wants to get paid tomorrow, he's going to have to make the decision tough on the coaches. If he wants someone else to notice him, and want his services, he's going to have to succeed. If the Raiders want a capable backup in-house, or high-value trade-bait, they're going to want him to succeed. The bottom line is Walter's success only benefits the Raiders. Wanting anything less is uncivilized.

[CrossBones]

I'm not going to spend a lot of energy trying to figure out if Walter is any good. He's not going to be the QB for this team. They are on the verge of paying Russell $60 Million. He's the QB for this franchise win, lose or draw for the foreseeable future. So Walter/McCown? Meh. Both are simply place holders. I really don't care. I expect Russell to be in there by week six this season. Then we'll see what we got for 60 big ones.

[Raider Nation]

Then we'll see what we got for 60 big ones.

Just for the record... we'll see what we got for 60 bones come 2009.

[Angry Pope]

Scout NFL Roundtable: Irreplaceable?

Jul 24, 2007

What starter from your team's lineup -- who has not been in a Pro Bowl -- would be the most difficult to replace? That's the question our NFL team experts tackled in this edition of the Scout NFL Roundtable. Take a look at their selections from around the league.


Ken Palmer, TheGiantInsider.com
New York Giants

Despite all New York’s offensive talent, the entire unit took a nosedive last season because of the loss of one player – and one player only.

When veteran receiver Amani Toomer suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through the 2006 campaign, the Giants offense was never the same. Toomer has the most dependable hands on the squad, runs the best routes and has that veteran craftiness that can’t be taught. He’s also become quarterback Eli Manning’s security blanket, which was obvious because Manning fell apart last season after Toomer went down.

New York’s all-time leading receiver, who has somehow never earned a Pro Bowl nod, is not only the most important cog in the offensive machine, but perhaps on the entire team as well.

Matthew Postins, BucsBlitz.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The one non-Pro Bowl player the Buccaneers cannot live without right now is wide receiver Joey Galloway. That's right -- Galloway.

He's never been to a Pro Bowl, despite five 1,000-yard seasons and three seasons with 10 touchdowns or more. Perhaps his finest season -- 2005, in which he set career highs of 83 catches and 1,287 yards, plus scored 10 touchdowns -- went unrewarded. He was only a Pro Bowl alternate.

Without Galloway the Buccaneers are without a deep threat and their No. 1 target. Pure and simple. His importance is underscored by the fact that he gets preferential treatment at camp, practicing just one session most days, so his body doesn't break down (he has a history of hamstring problems).

Without Galloway the Bucs' passing game would definitely flounder.

Charlie Bernstein, JagNation.com
Jacksonville Jaguars


The one non-Pro Bowl player from the Jaguars that would be the most difficult to replace is clearly quarterback Byron Leftwich. Although Leftwich doesn't receive a ton of positive press around the nation for his talents, he is clearly the one player on the Jaguars offense that makes everything go, on the field and off.

The Jaguars got to experience life without Leftwich last season, as he missed 10 games with an ankle injury, and the backup quarterback, David Garrard was put in one of the best possible situations with the league's third-ranked rushing attack and second-ranked defense. With those impressive end of the year statistics, the Jaguars were only able to go .500, and the main reason behind it was one of the worst passing games in the league once Leftwich went down. Teams loaded up the box to stop the run, against Garrard had no fear of getting beat through the air.

Although Leftwich isn't yet an elite quarterback, the Jaguars offense becomes instantly one-dimensional when he doesn't play.

Denis Savage, SilverandBlack.com
Oakland Raiders

It may have been just his second season in Silver and Black but middle linebacker Kirk Morrison proved to be indispensable. He led the Oakland defense in tackles and provided much more than that on and off the field – leadership and accountability.

While he may not make the flashy play, the San Diego State alumnus and Oakland native is a sure tackler and solid tactician. He is seldom out of position and provides excellent instruction to the rest of his group.

Morrison is the type of young player the Raiders are trying to cultivate throughout the roster – smart, instinctive, and fully invested in the well-being of the team. Losing Morrison for any stretch of time would take away from the Raiders defense significantly from a game perspective and a mental one. He is the heart that makes the defense beat.

John Crist, BearReport.com
Chicago Bears

Although neither Nathan Vasher nor Charles Tillman was selected to the Pro Bowl last season, you would be hard pressed to find a better cornerback combination in the NFC.

Vasher did make the trip to Hawaii in 2005 and has intercepted 16 passes in three seasons, but Tillman is still yet to be honored despite 10 INTs the last two years and a reputation as one of the best tackling corners in the league. Vasher missed two games late in 2006 with a bum hamstring and Tillman also missed a pair due to a bad back, and Chicago's pass defense suffered greatly as a result. The Bears surrendered 907 yards through the air in a three-game stretch with Ricky Manning Jr. in the starting lineup, including 268 yards and 3 touchdowns to unheralded backup Tim Rattay in little more than a half at home against a bad Tampa Bay team.

Manning proved to be a very good player in the nickel package, but he was simply not up to the task when asked to replace first Vasher and then Tillman as a starter.

cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd...

Barry McBride, TheOBR.com
Cleveland Browns

The notion of a "non-Pro Bowl player" may be superfluous with the Browns, who haven't had a representative to the postseason contest since Jamir Miller in 2001. Still, the team has a number of players who are edging close to that level of play.

Of those players, I'll go out on a limb and say the athlete who would be the most missed at this juncture is OLB Kamerion Wimbley. Outside linebackers are critical in Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense scheme and Wimbley is the first player since Miller to create some level of havoc in opposing team's backfields.

While the Browns roster is still thin at many positions, making the loss of starters difficult to overcome, Wimbley is a special talent on the defensive side and such a terrific representative of the team that losing him would be especially devastating.

Doug Farrar, Seahawks.net
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks nose tackle Marcus Tubbs hasn’t made a Pro Bowl yet (though his cousin Winfred did as a linebacker for the 49ers in 1999), but he may be Seattle’s most valuable defender if you’re going on absence alone. In the eleven games Tubbs missed last year, the Seahawks’ defense gave up 65 more rushing yards per game. Seattle’s linebackers are fast pursuers - not blocks of granite - and Tubbs is needed to soak up blockers and help create lanes. This is crucial when you face the 49ers' Frank Gore and the Rams' Steven Jackson twice a year.

A healthy Tubbs will do a lot to right the ship for a Seahawks defense that underperformed in 2006. The Seahawks drafted Brandon Mebane of Cal in the third round as a stopgap.

Todd Korth, PackerReport.com
Green Bay Packers

The Packers would be hurting without Al Harris. The veteran cornerback is usually assigned to cover opponents' top receivers, and often shuts them down.

Durable, Harris has played in 144 straight games (154 including playoffs). He had three interceptions in 2006 and was second on the team with 20 passes defensed. Harris was voted as a Pro Bowl alternate last year, though, many observers felt he played well enough to be on the NFC squad.

Michael Lombardo, SDBoltReport.com
San Diego Chargers


The Chargers had 11 players earn Pro Bowl invites last season. Other key contributors such as Luis Castillo, Shaun Phillips, Kris Dielman and Mike Scifres were named first or second alternates. Excluding those 15 players, the hardest man to replace would be cornerback Quentin Jammer.

Jammer was the best player in the secondary last season. He led the team with four interceptions and finished second with 76 tackles. Although he doesn’t make as many big plays as the team would like, he routinely shadows the opponent’s top receiver and is rarely caught out of position. He is also the best run-stuffing corner in the league.

After struggling with untimely penalties early in his career, Jammer has adapted his physical style of play in accordance with the league’s nitpicky pass-interference enforcement. He is now a crafty veteran, a team leader, and one of the most irreplaceable players on the roster.

Chuck Hixson, WarNest.com
Philadelphia Eagles

Of the non-Pro Bowlers on their squad, the Eagles would likely be hurt most by the loss of center Jamaal Jackson. While they've got depth and stability at the guard and tackle positions on their offensive line -- tackles Shawn Andrews and Jon Runyan have played in 103 consecutive games together -- they're weakest at the center position which was taken over by Jackson last year in a camp battle with Hank Fraley.

While Jackson himself is a converted guard, the odds of another quick and seamless conversion aren't very good and since the Eagles rely on their offensive line more and more with their balanced offensive attack, losing Jackson would be a major blow to their offense. Also keep in mind that Jackson may be very close to being the next Pro Bowler on the Eagles roster.

Jon Scott, PatriotsInsider.com
New England Patriots

Out of the Patriots players who have never been to a Pro Bowl, center Dan Koppen would be the toughest player to replace. When Koppen was out of the lineup with an injury, the Patriots were still able to run their offense but were much less effective. Selected by the Patriots in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft, Koppen immediately became a starter as a rookie. He filled the void left by former Pro Bowl center Damien Woody.

Koppen led the Patriots line to the Super Bowl in 2003, making all the calls and protection adjustments his rookie season. He anchored the center of the unit that sprung Corey Dillon for a franchise-record 1,635 yards rushing and another Super Bowl in 2004. Without Koppen, the Patriots could get by, but they're much better on offense with the former Boston College star in the lineup.

Steve Waters, BroncosUpdate.com
Denver Broncos

Even though he's going to play in a new position, middle linebacker D.J. Williams would be tough to replace in the starting lineup. Williams moves to the middle after playing weakside linebacker during his first three seasons in Denver.


Williams hasn't missed a game during his career in Denver and has played in more regular season games than any other defensive player during that time, starting at least 14 games each season. In 2004, he became the first rookie in Broncos history to lead the club in tackles with 114 while finishing third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He recorded 86 stops last season.

Replacing long time middle linebacker and team captain Al Wilson -- who was released during the offseason -- will be a tough task for Willliams. But replacing Williams might be an even tougher task for the Broncos.

Tim Yotter, VikingUpdate.com
Minnesota Vikings

For the Vikings, they have Pro Bowl players on the interior of both their offensive and defensive lines, but offensive left tackle Bryant McKinnie hasn’t reached Pro Bowl status yet. Some believe he might be on the brink of that status, which might be overstating the case, but the Vikings rewarded him with a seven-year contract that could be worth more than $50 million so the team obviously believes in his value.

Making his performance even more crucial to the Vikings’ success is the lack of experienced depth behind McKinnie and the fact that he will be protecting the blind side of a second-year quarterback with two NFL starts. McKinnie is certainly playing an important role to the success of the 2007 Vikings.

[R4Life]

Oakland Raiders Strategy and Personnel
/ Sports Xchange

DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED

--OT Mario Henderson: 3/91; terms unknown.

--CB John Bowie: 4/110; terms unknown.

--DE Jay Richardson: 5/138; terms unknown.

--S Eric Frampton: 5/165; terms unknown.

--FB Oren O'Neal: 6/175; terms unknown.

UNIT-BY-UNIT ANALYSIS

QUARTERBACK: Starter -- Josh McCown. Backups -- JaMarcus Russell, Jeff Otis, Andrew Walter.

The future is Russell, but the Raiders signed McCown for a reason -- to serve as a Jon Kitna-like starter while Russell sits and watches like Carson Palmer until he is ready to play. In the case of Kitna with Cincinnati, the Bengals surprisingly stayed in the playoff chase until late and Palmer got a whole year to wait and watch. Chances are it won't happen that way with the Raiders, but the idea is to be patient with Russell. Considering Oakland's developing offensive line and Russell's worth, it would be an upset if he started before Week 4. Walter's best chance is to resurrect his career with another team, but he's likely destined to be No. 3 this year with the Raiders.

RUNNING BACKS: Starters -- LaMont Jordan, FB Justin Griffith. Backups -- Curtis Brown, Michael Bush, Zack Crockett, Adimchinobe Echemandu, Justin Fargas, FB Tony Jackson, ReShard Lee, FB Oren O'Neil, Dominic Rhodes.

Jordan came to Oakland hoping to prove he could carry the load as a lead back after caddying for Curtis Martin. It hasn't happened. The Raiders will look to disperse the touches under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Jordan will get the bulk of the carries early while free agent Rhodes serves his four-game suspension, and Rhodes will have to be sensational to get the majority of the work when he returns. Griffith was signed as a pass-catching fullback who will occasionally run from scrimmage. Fargas had a career-best 659 yards last season but will be hard-pressed to get serious playing time. Crockett, Mr. Reliable since 1999, has a fight on his hands to make the roster. O'Neal's skills as a block-and-catch fullback of the future are intriguing.

TIGHT ENDS: Starter -- Courtney Anderson. Backups -- James Adkisson, John Madsen, Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Fred Wakefield, Randal Williams.

Anderson will likely be given the veteran's benefit of the doubt and open camp as the starter, but chances are Miller, the rookie from Arizona State, will be the starter in Week 1. He could give the Raiders the most reliable target over the middle since Todd Christensen if all goes as planned. Adkisson, Madsen and Williams are all converted wide receivers, with Madsen having the best skill set and most likely to stick. Wakefield is essentially a tackle playing tight end, the best blocker of the bunch. Stewart has experience, but injuries have been a concern.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters -- Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry. Backups -- Will Buchanon, Carlos Francis, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Johnathan Holland, Chris McFoy, Johnnie Morant, Rich Parson, Travis Taylor, Alvis Whitted, Lauren Williams, Mike Williams.

Porter has made a career of falling in and out of favor with various coaching staffs. He claims to love Kiffin and Co., and the feeling for the moment is mutual. If his physical and mental health holds up, he should be the feature receiver. Curry remains the most reliable third-down target, a player of size, skill and resiliency who must be watched closely after two Achilles' tears. The reserves are a jumble, with Gabriel, veteran Taylor, and rookie Higgins looking like the most likely survivors. Morant, a preseason star last year, has yet to take the next step.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- LT Barry Sims, LG Paul McQuistan, C Jake Grove, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Robert Gallery. Backups - G Kevin Boothe, G Ben Claxton, T Cornell Green, T Mario Henderson, C Chris Morris, C Jeremy Newberry, T Chad Slaughter, Albert Toeaina, C Adam Treu, T Mark Wilson.

The starters seem fairly clear, but the question is where they'll line up. Sims has been at left and right tackle, Gallery at both tackle spots and left guard. Grove is seen as a natural for the zone-blocking scheme of Tom Cable. Carlisle was imported from Denver specifically because of his skill in that system. Newberry is attempting a comeback after microfracture surgery and in the unlikely event he survives training camp playing well, could start at either center or guard. Boothe was last season's pleasant surprise at guard and could challenge again. McQuistan is another player who could start at either guard or tackle.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters -- E Derrick Burgess, T Warren Sapp, T Terdell Sands, E Kevin Huntley. Backups - E Tyler Brayton, T Anttaj Hawthorne, T Tommy Kelly, E Quintin Moses, E Jay Richardson, T Josh Shaw, T Lauvale Sape, E Dave Tollefson.

Burgess is one of the NFL's premier sack artists and his pressure is huge to the effectiveness of the secondary. Sapp startled everyone by showing up 49 pounds lighter at 285 during the mandatory minicamp and had 10 sacks last season. Sands was re-signed to a four-year contract to be the primary run-stuffer. The other linemen will be rotated around and among those three players, with the goal of keeping the big trio fresh. Huntley showed flashes as a rush end and Moses could mount a challenge to start. Brayton's non-stop hustle has not translated into production. It's time for Kelly to either take the next step and be a consistent player or be classified as a tease.

LINEBACKERS: Starters -- WLB Thomas Howard, MLB Kirk Morrison, SLB Sam Williams. Backups - OLB Ricky Brown, Chris Clemons, Ricardo Dickerson, OLB Isaiah Ekejiuba, Isaiah Kacyvenski, J.J. Milan, Kyle Shotwell, MLB Robert Thomas, Jon Condo.

Howard, a 16-game starter as a rookie on the weak side, and Morrison, who moved into the middle last season in his second season, give the Raiders their most active and athletic linebacking since they moved back to Oakland in 1995. Neither is overly big, however, and concerns about their run defense remain. Williams managed to stay healthy for the first time and showed some flashes, but was actually outplayed by Thomas, a veteran and former first-round draft pick. Kacyvenski can play both linebacker and be a special teams standout, but Ekejiuba is primarily a wedge-buster.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters -- CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Fabian Washington, SS Michael Huff, FS Stuart Schweigert. Backups - S Darnell Bing, CB John Bowie, S Colin Branch, CB Chris Carr, CB Marquice Cole, S Jarrod Cooper, S Donovin Darius, S Hiram Eugene, S Eric Frampton, CB Chris Johnson, CB Stanford Routt, CB Levonne Rowan, CB Duane Starks, S B.J. Ward.

Asomugha had a breakout year in 2006 and was one of the NFL's top corners in every area. Washington is further along in his third year than Asomugha, and if his learning curve is similar, the Raiders have one of the NFL's top corner tandems. Routt is being counted on to emerge as a nickel corner. Bowie was considered a reach by many, but so was Asomugha in 2002. Safety is a mystery at this point. Huff, the No. 7 overall pick last season, had a solid season at strong safety but has the build and ball skills of a free safety. If that is his destiny, does Schweigert become a strong safety and compete with free agent acquisitions Darius, Branch and second-year man Bing? It's one of the competition areas Kiffin and Co. will watch closely.

SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Sebastian Janikowski, P Shane Lechler, LS Adam Treu, KR Chris Carr.

Janikowski and Lechler are entrenched as the kicker and punter, essentially running unopposed. Treu's job as the long snapper could be in jeopardy, as could his status as the longest tenured Raider (1997), with Chris Morris and Jon Condo on the roster. Carr returned both kickoffs and punts for the last two seasons, but there are indications the Raiders would love to see Higgins, a third-round pick from Texas-El Paso, assume at least one of those jobs.

[R4Life]

Oakland Raiders Notes, Quotes
/ Sports Xchange


--NFL director of officials Mike Pereira did nothing to alleviate the tension felt between league officials and the Raiders in a recent panel discussion that included Raiders CEO Amy Trask.

At the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission's NFL charity event, Pereira was discussing the complaints lodged by teams each Monday. He said a blown pass interference call with the game on the line was at issue, remarking, "I was really tempted to mention the six turnovers earlier in the game."

Trask, also on the panel, said, "That's so not the point. After 59 minutes and you are in position to win a game ... "

She was cut off by Pereira, who said, "And you haven't been in that position a lot the past four years."

--Cornerback Fabian Washington spent some of his pre-training camp time formulating a partnership between his "Franchise Kids Foundation" and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County (Fla.).

"This is where I pretty much grew up," Washington told the Bradenton Herald. "This is the exact one I went to, always involved in sports and activities. Why not try and make it a better place?"

Washington said he spent nearly every day at the Manatee County Club. He played baseball and basketball in addition to football for the Manatee County Broncos.

--Mario Henderson, the offensive tackle from Florida State taken as one of three third-round draft picks, said he planned on helping his grandparents renovate their home and buying them a boat.

Henderson told the Fort Myers News-Press he signed a four-year deal worth $2.8 million.

Henderson's mother Sonia died at age 28 when he was 9. He lived with his grandparents, Floridia and Herbert Pickens.

"They took care of me and now it's my job to take care of them," Henderson said. "They gave me the chance to live a good life and I want to do the same thing for them. They didn't have to do it."

--The Raiders launched two more language sections in their official web site -- Raiders in Japanese and Raiders in Tagalog -- bringing their total of languages to six.

Raiders en Espanol was launched in 2002, followed by Raiders in Chinese in 2002 and Raiders in German in 2004. All contain original content, rather than using translation software.

"We are the first and only team with six languages of original content," Trask said. "We have a global fan base. We're not stopping with these."

The Raiders also have a limited radio broadcast schedule of games in Navajo.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think we can get Antarctica. If you notice, those penguins are wearing silver and black."-- Raiders CEO Amy Trask on another possible target for a Raiders web site.

[R4Life]

Oakland Raiders Inside Slant
/ Sports Xchange

With negotiations usually flying well under the radar of both the local and national media, the Raiders manage virtually every year to come into training camp with all their picks ready to play.

The first-round holdouts which happen elsewhere, simply don't happen in Oakland, and the silence surrounding No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell is no different than negotiations that went on between high picks such as Darrell Russell (No. 2 overall in 1997), Charles Woodson (No. 4 overall in 1998) and Robert Gallery (No. 2 overall in 2004).

The last Raiders first-round pick to hold out more than a couple of days was linebacker Rob Fredrickson in 1994.

While no one in the organization would admit or even consider the notion, it could prove beneficial for the Raiders if Russell is the first holdout since Fredrickson.

If Russell were to be a late arrival, it gives the Raiders a built-in reason to stick with what most believe is a commitment to free agent Josh McCown to begin the season as the starter.

McCown's ability to move set him apart from Russell and Andrew Walter in minicamps and OTAs. (Walter later had arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.)

He is also considerably more experienced and game-ready. McCown fully understands Russell is the Raiders' future, but in the final year of a two-year contract, he can get his resume' ready as an Oakland starter this season.

For the sake of Kiffin, McCown, and even Russell, the Raiders might be better off having the quarterback position settled in public early in training camp -- and the best way for that to happen is for Russell to come in a little late.

CAMP CALENDAR: Players report to Napa Valley Marriott July 26. The first practice is July 27. Camp is closed except to invited guests. There are no fan days or scrimmages with opposing teams scheduled. Camp closes August. 17.

[Angry Pope]

All signs point to positive in Oakland

Michael Wagaman

Jul 24, 2007

JaMarcus Russell is on the verge of inking the most lucrative contract in Raiders' history, but there are still some final details to work out.

Nevertheless, all indications are that a deal will be done in time to get the No. 1 overall draft pick into training camp on time. That’s just one of several reasons the Raiders have for optimism as the start of workouts draws nearer.
JaMarcus Russell and his agents have been in steady talks with the Raiders on a contract that could be worth nearly $60 million and include $25 million in guaranteed money. The deal is said to be so complex that no fewer than six members of Oakland’s front office have been called in to work the details out.

Getting Russell into camp on time would be a major bonus for first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, who has generated plenty of optimism in his first few months on the job.

The Raiders have plenty of reasons for their positive outlook to training camp. Chief among them:

New coach, new attitude: The Raiders were incredibly dysfunctional under Art Shell and there was a dark cloud that loomed over the team all season.

Kiffin is a breath of fresh air and he’s brought an entirely different, upbeat vibe that’s been missing in these parts for some time. None of that will mean much unless the team starts proving it can win games but it is a start and one that the majority of players on Oakland’s roster have bought into. Having an up-to-date offense helps, too.

No quarterback crisis: Unlike a year ago, when Aaron Brooks and Andrew Walter were the only two QBs of note the team had, Oakland is much deeper and infinitely more talented at quarterback than it was in 2006.

Josh McCown is a solid QB who won’t make the silly mistakes that both Brooks and Walter were guilty of, be it forcing throws into coverage or committing silly turnovers. McCown is no Joe Montana but he’s good enough for what the Raiders are trying to accomplish. Having a rookie like Russell also helps improve the overall grade of Oakland quarterbacks.

Dominant defense is back: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has assembled an impressive group of players who helped mold the NFL’s No. 3 defense a year ago, and -- with few exceptions -- most of those same players are back.

The key to keeping the defense running on all cylinders is getting some help from the offense. Oakland’s defense was on the field far too much in 2006 and the entire unit seemed to wear down as the year moved along. Keeping them fresh is critical, because talent is not an issue.

Top kicking game: Some teams boast better place-kickers than the Raiders’ Sebastian Janikowski but there’s no arguing the fact that, as a tandem, he and punter Shane Lechler are the top duo in the league. That’s huge when you have an offense that is as bad as Oakland’s was last season, but both Jano and Lechler had sub-standard seasons.

Janikowski’s problems are with the pressure kicks, not to mention the chip-shots. Lechler simply needs to stay consistent and healthy.

I find it interesting how many people are actually working on the Jamarcus deal.

He didn't mention that there are no worries about running back depth.

[R4Life]

I find it interesting how many people are actually working on the Jamarcus deal.


Jamarcus and his two agents are working with 6 Raider employees plus Kiffin and Davis are giving some input I'm sure. Eleven folks oughtta be able to git 'er done on time. Though I'm sure AD will wait until the last minute jus to screw those waiting on #1 to sign to slot their own salaries.

[Angry Pope]

Amy Trask will look at it too.

[R4Life]

Yeah, and I'm sure there's a small army of minions at the agents' offices doing the grunt work as well as writers at raiders.com writing the pieces to be aired once the numbers fall into place.

[Angry Pope]

The six front office people they mention in the article would probably be Amy Trask, Jeff Birren, Mark Jackson, Rich Snead, Al Davis and probably one other attorney.

[Angry Pope]

Darius will be wearing #20...


PRO: Tough, physical safety led Jaguars’ secondary in tackles each of his first seven NFL seasons before missing 14 games in 2005 with a torn ACL…Jaguars all-time leading tackler with 798 tackles surpassing Kevin Hardy’s previous team record of 789…Team’s starting strong safety has the most starts of any defensive player in Jaguars history (105)…First-round draft choice in 1998 is a hard-hitting strong safety who averages more than 100 tackles a year…Highest-drafted defensive back in Jaguars history was voted second alternate to the Pro Bowl in 2001 and first alternate in 2002…Named to several All-Rookie teams in 1998 and selected second-team All-Pro by Football Digest in 1999…Durable player, who has missed only nine games in his first seven NFL seasons (missed only three plays in 2000 and five plays in 1999)…Has started all 105 NFL games in which he has played…Started the first 14 games of his career as a rookie in 1998, becoming the fifth Jaguars rookie to start on opening day…Has career statistics of 798 tackles (506 solo), two sacks, seven forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries, as well as 14 interceptions for 185 yards and 13 special teams tackles…Jaguars’ leader among veterans with a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump.

PERSONAL: Married (Alemnesh) with four children…Lives in Jacksonville…Super Prep All-America, adding All-Northeast and All-East honors from Blue Chip Illustrated and Tom Lemming’s Prep Football Report at Woodrow Wilson High in his native Camden, N.J….All-South Jersey and All-Delaware Valley selection…Added All-State second-team accolades…Played wide receiver and defensive back…Intercepted seven passes and caught 10 touchdown passes as a senior…Also performed as a hurdler on the track team…Has made community involvement a priority since joining the Jaguars…Hosts a free, one-day youth “Sharpen Your Skills” football camp to help local youth improve their skills and attitudes to help them reach their full potential…Recently established the Donovin Darius Children’s Foundation to focus his efforts in serving youth…Jaguars 2001 Community Leader of the Year for his on-going community involvement…Named Jaguars’ “Hometown Hero” at 2002 Jaspers Awards show…Spokesman for team’s annual Gift of Life holiday blood drive…Volunteers annually with Jacksonville’s Communities In Schools program at Ribault Middle School, talking to students about important decisions they will face as teenagers and adults…Speaks to two schools a month about the importance of making the right choices…Supports community blood drives organized by the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance…Also supports several programs of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, including the Playbooks reading initiative and Straight Talk anti-teen pregnancy program…Has supported several local youth sports organizations and is active in his church, Potter’s House Christian Fellowship…Jaguars’ 2002 United Way spokesman and a spokesman for sickle cell anemia…NFL’s December 2002 NFL Extra Effort Award winner and 2002 recipient of Jaguars/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Community Champions Award for his exceptional ongoing community involvement…Directed $3,500 from those awards to his youth foundation…Hosts annual youth football camp…Supports holiday food distribution initiative, Operation Blessing…Inducted in 2004 to the South Jersey Hall of Fame…Full name: Donovin Lee Darius.

2006: Played in 10 games...recorded 48 tackles and had three passes defensed

2005: Missed final 14 games of the season after suffering a torn ACL at Indianapolis in Week Two…Placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21…Started first two games and recorded eight tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed…Ended a streak of 37 consecutive starts dating back to 2002.

2004: Ranked third on team with a career-high 125 tackles (78 solo) while starting all 16 games for fourth time in career…Led Jaguars’ secondary in tackles for seventh consecutive season. Became the team’s leading tackler in Jaguars history with 790 tackles, surpassing Kevin Hardy (789)…Posted career-highs with five interceptions for 80 yards, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles…In season opener at Buffalo on Sept. 12, recorded seven tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries…Eclipsed the 700-tackle plateau in a win against Kansas City on Oct. 17…Received defensive game ball on Oct. 24 at Indianapolis, tallying nine tackles and forcing and recovering a fumble…Started 100th career game against Chicago on Dec. 12 and recorded four tackles and an interception…Was ejected for illegal hit on Robert Ferguson in the Green Bay game on Dec. 19…Led team with 12 tackles and two interceptions in season-finale at Oakland on Jan. 2.

2003: Ranked third on team with 118 tackles (65 solo) while starting all 16 games for third time in career…Played all 75 defensive snaps in 75th NFL game Sept. 28 at Houston, making a team-high 12 tackles (five solo)…Made his first interception of the season and ninth of his career Nov. 9 vs. Indianapolis, moving ahead of Chris Hudson into second place in Jaguars history (however fumbled and lost ball on INT return)…Started at SS in the season finale Dec. 28 at Atlanta and saw action on all 62 plays, making seven tackles (4 solo) and a pass defensed.

2002: Named first alternate to the Pro Bowl…Started 14 games at strong safety, missing two with a shoulder injury…Finished third on team (tops among defensive backs) with 116 tackles (74 solo), as well as one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and one special teams tackle…Added five passes defensed, one tackle for loss and four QB pressures…Saw action on every play in 12 games and had 10 or more tackles in six games…Underwent offseason shoulder surgery and missed most of preseason, but returned in time for season opener.

2001: Missed five games but was named second alternate to the Pro Bowl…Started all 11 games in which he played…Ranked second on team with 99 tackles (74 solo), one interception, seven passes defensed, five tackles for loss, and two QB pressures…Also partially blocked a punt and made two special teams tackles…Marked his first season under 100 tackles, but averaged a career-high 9.0 stops per game…Had 10 or more tackles in five games…Made his seventh career interception in the Sept. 9 season opener vs. Pittsburgh, picking off Kordell Stewart and returning the ball 39 yards (career long and tied for the fourth longest in team history). Also made six tackles and partially blocked a punt to set up a touchdown to receive special teams game ball. Suffered a fractured left hip in the game (kept playing) and then missed the next five games, marking the longest inactive streak of his NFL career.

cont'd...

[Angry Pope]

cont'd

2000: Started all 16 games at strong safety for the second straight season and led team’s secondary and ranked second on the defense with 112 tackles (career-high 80 solo), one sack, five passes defensed, three tackles for loss, three QB pressures and one forced fumble…Tied for team lead with two interceptions, returning them 26 yards (21 long)…Also blocked a punt and partially blocked another…Played every play in 15 of 16 games, missing just three plays all season…Had eight or more tackles in seven games…Led or shared team lead in tackles in three games.

1999: Started all 16 games after switching to strong safety…Led the defensive backs and finished second on the team with a career-high 115 tackles (68 solo), as well as 12 passes defensed and two QB pressures…Also got his first interceptions in the regular season, nabbing four for 37 yards (9.3-yard average, 29 long) to finish second on the team…Made four tackles on special teams…Named second-team All-Pro by Football Digest…Led or shared team lead in tackles in three games and had seven or more tackles in 11 games…Made his first NFL interception off San Francisco’s Steve Young in the fourth quarter of the Sept. 12 season opener…Started both playoff games, recovering two fumbles in Jan. 15 Divisional Playoff vs. Miami…Totaled 12 tackles and one pass defensed in the postseason.

1998: All-Rookie team performer who started the first 14 games of his career at safety…Missed the last two regular-season games with hip/groin/abdominal injury but returned to start both playoff games…Finished fourth on team and tops among defensive backs with 105 tackles (61 solo)…Added two passes defensed, three QB pressures, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, which he returned 83 yards for a touchdown…Had four games with 10 or more tackles…Named to All-Rookie teams by Pro Football Writers of America/Pro Football Weekly, Football News and Football Digest…Named Defensive Rookie of the Month for November, after making 42 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a TD in five games in the month…Won a starting job during the preseason, becoming the team’s only rookie starter on opening day in 1998 and just the fifth in franchise history. Got the first interception of his career in Jan. 10 Divisional Playoff at New York Jets, picking off Vinny Testaverde in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Made 15 tackles (13 solo) and added two passes defensed…Selected with the 25th pick in the first round, the sixth defensive back drafted overall behind Charles Woodson, Duane Starks, Terry Fair, Tebucky Jones and Sean Williams.

Year Team Tackles Sacks FF Int Yds TD

1998 Jax 76 0 2 0 0 0
1999 Jax 78 0 0 4 37 0
2000 Jax 84 1 1 2 26 0
2001 Jax 77 0 0 1 39 0
2002 Jax 77 1 1 1 3 0
2003 Jax 81 0 2 1 4 0
2004 Jax 87 0 2 5 80 0
2005 Jax 6 0 0 0 0 0
2006 Jax 48 0 0 0 0 0

Total 614 2 8 14 189 0

* Courtesy of NFL.comCOLLEGE: Set school’s career record for tackles by a defensive back (379 in four seasons)…Also had 12 interceptions for 73 yards, six forced fumbles, six tackles for loss and one sack…Played in the Fiesta Bowl, Liberty Bowl and Gator Bowl…Also handled deep snapping duties all four years…All-America first-team choice as a senior in 1997 by the American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News…Unanimous choice for Big East All-Conference and Defensive Player of the Year…Started every game at free safety…Team captain…Won the Bill Horr Award, given to team’s Most Valuable Player…Recipient of the Bob Grieve Award for competitiveness and dedication…All-ECAC first-team pick as a senior in 1997, leading the conference and ranking eighth in the nation with seven interceptions for 56 yards in returns…Led his team with 119 tackles (70 solo), and had one sack and three tackles for loss. Also deflected five passes and forced a fumble…All-Big East Conference first-team pick in 1996 when he started 11 games at free safety…Recorded 103 tackles (62 solo) with two interceptions…All-Big East Conference first-team choice as a sophomore in 1995 when he started every game at free safety…Team leader with 131 tackles (79 solo), and deflected nine passes and had two interceptions…Played in nine games as a backup in 1994, seeing action at free and strong safety…Made 26 tackles (18 solo), with four deflections and one interception … Redshirted as a freshman in 1993…Also participated on the track team, lettering in both indoor and outdoor as a hurdler…Qualified for the 1995 IC4A Outdoor Championships in the 400-meter hurdles…During his last two years of college, cared for his two younger brothers full-time in an apartment in Syracuse, N.Y….Graduated in 1997 with a degree in exercise science and a minor in coaching.Defense

[Angry Pope]

My apologies for putting that in the wrong thread...was on the phone.