OTA Reports...

[hawaiianboy]

Return of “Big Boy”

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 1:53 pm in Oakland Raiders
22 Comments »

Aside from one ball that slipped out of his hand as he dropped back to pass, there were no glaring errors from JaMarcus Russell Thursday, and no sensational plays either.

On balance, the Raiders would probably take that level of performance right into the regular season if they could.

Russell made his first public appearance as the Raiders quarterback since last Dec. 30, the day he completed 23 of 31 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 30-17 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

That Russell was a marked improvement over the Russell who was 7-for-23 for 83 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in a 49-11 loss to Jacksonville, a game which coach Lane Kiffin was mystified by his quarterback’s decision-making process.

Judging from a single OTA practice, always a risky proposition, the Raiders are working getting Russell to make quick, safe decisions, get the ball out of his hands, and sacrifice risk-taking in the name of efficiency.

“It’s going to get better,” Russell said. “Everything doesn’t get better in a day.”

Russell threw mostly short and medium range passes, never once showing off his legendary arm with a laser 50 to 60 yards in the air. He rarely threw from a dropback position, rolling to his left or right. Infrequent dropbacks were short and usually deliveries were made quickly.

And to hear Kiffin tell it, the Raiders were wheeling and dealing.

“We’re throwing a lot at him right now to let him still make those mistakes right now,” Russell said. “Then, as we get closer, we’ll go back to exactly what we’re going to do in the order on game day. But right now we’re still taking a lot of chances with him and see what he can do and let him make those mistakes now.”

Maybe all those chances happened on Tuesday and Wednesday, rather than Thursday. Or maybe Kiffin was simply filling time answering questions. Either way, there wasn’t a lot flash in the Raiders offense Thursday, and that’s a good thing. Better to get the young quarterback making smart plays from the ground up and work in the bells and whistles at a later date.

Russell cheerfully addresed the story of his supposed out-of-control weight problem, with CNN-SI reporting Russell was north of 300 pounds. Although it was tough to tell body definitition in loose fiiting red jersey, Russell’s face looked thinner than it did last year and he looked nimble and quick, covering a lot of ground on his rollouts with a giant stride.

His weight?

“Right now I’m 269,” Russell said. “I was never close to 300 pounds.”

(Maybe not. But if Russell weighs 269 now, then he had to be 285 when he reported after his contract impasse last year, and he probably hasn’t seen the officially listed weight of 255 since high school).

Russell said he’s looking to lose five or six more pounds, but no more. He seemed relaxed, confident and in control. He said the report of his weight caused Kiffin to give him a call, with the coach greeting him, “Hey, big boy!”

“They said I was 300 and that was before I had gotten back to California and no one had seen me. That’s why it was kind of funny,” Russell said. “People have their opinions. They get paid to make a story and a reason for people to read it. That’s why they get paid.”

Kiffin made no pretense about the fact that the Raiders are all about JaMarcus, his comfort level with the system and his relationship with his teammates.

“We really feel good about JaMarcus’s shape and the way he’s throwing the ball,” Kiffin said. “Now we’ve got to get all the pieces around him to come together and working with him at his OTA days. As important as anything out here, as far as the rest of our team, is getting that chemistry.”

[hawaiianboy]

More OTA news and snap shots:

– The Raiders spent a lot of time playing 3-4 defense, but Kiffin said it was only because the media happened upon a red zone day during which the Raiders go heavy with the 3-4.

“You happen to hit the red zone day which is the first day we install 3-4 and we’ve done it before down there,” Kiffin said. “It may be a little more but it’s not a major change.”

In the 3-4, the Raiders put Robert Thomas on the inside along with Kirk Morrison, with Thomas Howard and Sam Williams on the outside.

The first team 3-4 defensive front was Kalimba Edwards at left end, Terdell Sands at nose tackle and William Joseph at right end.

– Linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, signed last week, worked as a middle linebacker in the 4-3 and on the inside in the 3-4, the positions he played with Atlanta and the Baltimore Ravens.

“That’s where we’re looking at him right now. We’ll give him a shot to make the team and he’s got a lot of work to do,” Kiffin said.

– Just a guess _ if Hartwell looks like he could handle a fulltime gig in the middle, don’t rule out the possibility of Morrison moving to the strong side. His coverage skills match up well with tight ends and running backs over the middle, and he wasn’t always stout last season in terms of playing off blocks in the middle.

– With Robert Gallery away, the Raiders first team offensve line lined up with Cornell Green at right tackle. Cooper Carlisle at right guard, Chris Morris at center, Paul McQuistan at left guard and Kwame Harris at left tackle.

Morris consistently played with the No. 1 team offense, with free agent acquisition John Wade lining up with the second team.

Kiffin warned against attatching too much significance to starting lineups during an OTA.

“I’m not worried about that right now. We put these guys in there and let them play and we’re not really concerned about a depth chart right now,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got a lot to figure out with this team and find out who the best guys are.”

– Among the players who didn’t attend Gallery, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, running back LaMont Jordan and defensive end Derrick Burgess.

Gallery got married recently and is expected back next week. Asomugha has not signed his tender, is not under contract and not eligible to participate. Kiffin said he has talked to Jordan but won’t elaborate. Burgess is an annual no-show, because as he said dryly last year, “It’s voluntary.”

– Wide receiver Ronald Curry, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, center Jake Grove, safety Stuart Schweigert and strong safety Jarrod Cooper and linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba were among the players who were injured or rehabbing and did not participate in practice.

Curry had surgery on his foot two weeks to go and could be ready in another two weeks, Kiffin said. Kelly, who had reconstructive ACL surgery after seven games last season and was awarded $18.125 million in guaranteed money, is shooting for the start of training camp.

Grove was also rehabbing a knee injury, while Schweigert, Kiffin said “tweaked” a leg and is expected back next week. Ekejiuba missed the end of last season with a foot injury.

– Javon Walker and Drew Carter got most of the work with Russell and the first team at wide receiver with Curry away. Todd Watkins, who excelled at the rookie/free agent minicamp, also has had a strong OTA, Kiffin said.

Walker said his injury problems last season occurred because he came back too soon from arthroscopic knee surgery and that he is healthy now. As for playing with Russell, Walker compared it to his early years in Green Bay when the quarterback was Brett Favre.

“He has a good arm. I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to play with a quarterback who had a strong arm, and that’s something I developed into, catching a fast ball,” Walker said. “He’s one of those guys that has that ball. The more and more we work together, the better that we’re going to be.”

– Watkins, Michael Bush and a few others were eligible play in the OTA after participating in the rookie minicamp. However, true rookies (draftees and undrafted free agents) were not eligible to participate and are expected next week. That means the first hookups between Russell and first-round pick Darren McFadden.

“I can’t wait until he gets here,” Russell said. “I played against him. To see that guy going against me and the rest of my teammates at LSU it will be a lot of fun to have him as a teammate. I’ve seen him do numerous things on the field. I just can’t wait to be a part of it.”

– Kiffin said he expects Asomugha to attend the June minicamp even if he has not yet signed his tender as a sign of solidarity. With Asomugha out, Stanford Routt still got most of his work as a slot corner, indicating the Raiders are planning on having Asomugha around.

– Fred Wakefield, a tight end/offensive lineman who was on injured reserve last year, is working at defensive end during the OTA. Kiffin said the Raiders simply wanted to get a look at him on that side of the ball and already know what he can do on offense.

– The Raiders will hold three-day OTAs in each of the next two weeks, with one day availavble to the media.

[hawaiianboy]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=26540

JaSkinny Russell, Curry surgery and more OTA news

Plenty of Raiders news to breakdown from the first day of access to OTA practice.

Here are some quick hits. Since rookies aren't allowed to attend until next week, there won't be a Darren McFadden update.

1. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell looks slim in that red No. 2 jersey. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said he's in great shape and Russell said he's down to 269 pounds.

"I was never even close to 300 pounds," Russell said of the offseason rumors.

2. Wide receiver Ronald Curry is hurt again.

After an injury-free 2007 season, Curry had foot surgery two weeks ago and will miss at least another two weeks.

Center Jake Grove (knee), defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (knee), safety Jarrod Cooper (knee) and linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) also are out recovering from injuries suffered last season.

Free safety Stuart Schweigert "tweaked his leg" during practice Monday, Kiffin said, and hasn't practiced since.

3. LaMont Jordan is nowhere to be found.

Which is no surprise, but Kiffin hardly gave Jordan a free pass for skipping the voluntary workouts -- something he always does for Derrick Burgess, who is continuing his tradition of avoiding OTAs.

Left guard Robert Gallery is another non-injury absence. He got married and will return next week.
As is their custom, kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler were out.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is gone because he hasn't signed his exclusive franchise tag offer, and is thus not under contract. Kiffin said Asomugha will attend the mandatory minicamp June 3-5.

4. Depth chart update

Michael Huff has been moved from strong safety to free safety, making room for free-agent Gibril Wilson in the box. Kiffin said they may still alternate.

And, free-agent signee Edgerton Hartwell is getting a look at middle linebacker. If the longtime run stopper does well, don't be surprised if Kirk Morrison is moved to strong-side linebacker.

Backup tight end Fred Wakefield, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, is experimenting at defensive end.

The depth chart isn't official, but here's who took the field first.

Offense: QB JaMarcus Russell, RB Justin Fargas, FB Justin Griffith, LT Kwame Harris, LG Paul McQuistan, C Chris Morris, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Cornell Green, TE Zach Miller, WR Javon Walker, WR Drew Carter.

Defense: RE Kalimba Edwards, NT Terdell Sands, DT Gerard Warren, LE Jay Richardson, SLB Sam Williams, MLB Kirk Morrison, WLB Thomas Howard, RCB Stanford Routt, LCB DeAngelo Hall, SS Gibril Wilson, FS Michael Huff.

[Langlier]

thanks for the info HB. confirms a lot of speculation.

[Jack's sore libido]

Surprised to see Kalimba in there at 3-4 DE ahead of Jay Richardson.

I imagine in real time that would be Tommy Kelly, though.

[Rupert]

I bet a lot of it is the coaching staff testing players in situations.

This guy against 1st string X, that guy against 1st string Y, and so on.

The coaches have to get a feel for how they can and can't use guys.

[hawaiianboy]

LT Kwame Harris, LG Paul McQuistan, C Chris Morris, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Cornell Green,


Come on fess up, who else immediately thought best O-line since the 90's fivesome of Tuinei/Larry Allen/Stepnowski/Newton/Erik Williams?...

[Langlier]

Come on fess up, who else immediately thought best O-line since the 90's fivesome of Tuinei/Larry Allen/Stepnowski/Newton/Erik Williams?...

I did think that these guys may not have been primary backups on our 2002 team.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

Its sad to see that they still think Routt can be a good NB.

[007]

Its sad to see that they still think Routt can be a good NB.

Yeah, what a waste.

He played so much worse than Washington last year, and we have proven guys like Bowie and Chris Johnson...:rolleyes:

Sad indeed.

[Byron2112]

Come on fess up, who else immediately thought best O-line since the 90's fivesome of Tuinei/Larry Allen/Stepnowski/Newton/Erik Williams?...

LOL...

Talk about a buncha no-names we've got.

[s.dot88]

Yeah, what a waste.

He played so much worse than Washington last year, and we have proven guys like Bowie and Chris Johnson...:rolleyes:

Sad indeed.

i'd rather see Routt on the outside with Aso or Hall covering the slot when needed, personally.

i even rather see Huff come down and play the slot while Stu comes in and plays FS, or slide Gibril to FS and put branch in at SS.

just about anything is better than routt covering the slot

[007]

i'd rather see Routt on the outside with Aso or Hall covering the slot when needed, personally.

i even rather see Huff come down and play the slot while Stu comes in and plays FS, or slide Gibril to FS and put branch in at SS.

just about anything is better than routt covering the slot

I guess luckily for us, we were in base defence with Routt covering the flanker. :confused:

Again, I dont get the issue...Routt was solid on the edge, and will most likely play there in nickel situations. Even Hall has stated he's fine covering the slot receiver if needed.

Im content with Routt's progress last year. I though he played OK.

[NIPS]

Michael Huff has been moved from strong safety to free safety, making room for free-agent Gibril Wilson in the box. Kiffin said they may still alternate.

.

Thats right.....

Grill it up!

[007]

Awesome interview on Raiders.com front page. About 10-15 minutes of Kiffin/Russell/Wilson

http://www.raiders.com/home/

If JR is looking 269, I'll take it every day of the week. He looks GREAT.

Kiffin also said JR was at the facility more than ANY other player on the team.

[CrossBones]

Hey Kiffin was wearing a visor with a Raiders shield on it. :eek:

What's it mean?

[massraider]

Awesome interview on Raiders.com front page. About 10-15 minutes of Kiffin/Russell/Wilson

http://www.raiders.com/home/

If JR is looking 269, I'll take it every day of the week. He looks GREAT.

Kiffin also said JR was at the facility more than ANY other player on the team.

Pretty sure JRock said 8-3 Monday thru Thursday.

That's exceptional, just great.

I really liked the way JRock handled himself, he seems like a pretty cool cat. I look forward to haring more from him.

[hawaiianboy]

Awesome interview on Raiders.com front page. About 10-15 minutes of Kiffin/Russell/Wilson


Anybody notice Kiff's bottom lip?... Looks like Al's been smacking him around a little bit...


I can actually understand JaMarcus this year, that's a step in the right direction...



Hey Kiffin was wearing a visor with a Raiders shield on it. :eek:

What's it mean?

You're stealing RZ's schtick Popi... :nono:

[Crow]

Stanford Routt still got most of his work as a slot corner
There's an automatic 300 yards passing for opposing QBs. The horror. Dickey McStiff-hips. Ugh.

Only an OTA, but it'd be nice if they'd scrap this nonsense altogether.

[Crow]

Yeah, what a waste.

He played so much worse than Washington last year, and we have proven guys like Bowie and Chris Johnson...:rolleyes:

Sad indeed.

Sad that you completely missed the point of that post.

[Crow]

Todd Watkins, who excelled at the rookie/free agent minicamp, also has had a strong OTA, Kiffin said.
I smell a Mondriel Fulcher Award early nominee.
The first team 3-4 defensive front was Kalimba Edwards at left end
Now that's funny. Maybe Stugert will play some rush linebacker for us.
Morris consistently played with the No. 1 team offense, with free agent acquisition John Wade lining up with the second team.
Well, early reports were that Wade would back up Grove. If he's taking a back seat to Morris, I guess the easy assumption is that we want him here strictly as insurance. Should be interesting to see how things go without Newberry's steady (though far from dominant) ass out there.

[BigTron]

Routt is still very much a work in progress. Im gonna let him develop a bit more before i go on record about what he can and cant do. He is still a young guy and we didnt draft him based on football skills lets be honest. If we are gonna draft track stars than we should at least give them time to develop.

[Madturk]

Well, early reports were that Wade would back up Grove. If he's taking a back seat to Morris, I guess the easy assumption is that we want him here strictly as insurance. Should be interesting to see how things go without Newberry's steady (though far from dominant) ass out there.


I don't think I'd read too much into that. Prolly running with the two's to get up to speed on this offense. Guy started for a decent Buc team last year, I fully expect him to be the starter opening day unless Grove morphs into Dave Dalby.

The news on Kelly is not as good as I thought it would be

[Rupert]

Hey Kiffin was wearing a visor with a Raiders shield on it. :eek:

What's it mean?

It means he found it on his desk with a note saying, "Contribute to the Greatness, Al."

[Jack's sore libido]

The sky is falling! The sky is falling!

[007]

Sad that you completely missed the point of that post.

I got the point. I think its ridiculous, but I got it.

Routt sucks at nickel. We get it. You've bitched about it before.

The point(s) I was making: 1) He wasnt playing nickel in the OTA's and 2) He'll most likely cover the flanker, as stated by DeAngelo Hall's willingness to move to the slot.

Its not hard to follow, Crow. Really it isnt.

[RHC]

Its not hard to follow, Crow. Really it isnt.What exactly do you mean by that?
















:p

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

I got the point. I think its ridiculous, but I got it.

Routt sucks at nickel. We get it. You've bitched about it before.

The point(s) I was making: 1) He wasnt playing nickel in the OTA's and 2) He'll most likely cover the flanker, as stated by DeAngelo Hall's willingness to move to the slot.

Its not hard to follow, Crow. Really it isnt.– Kiffin said he expects Asomugha to attend the June minicamp even if he has not yet signed his tender as a sign of solidarity. With Asomugha out, Stanford Routt still got most of his work as a slot corner, indicating the Raiders are planning on having Asomugha around.:rolleyes:

[007]

My bad, I missed that.

I guess we can pencil in Chris Morris as the starting Center, Kalimba Edwards as a starting DE, and Kirk Morrison as a SAM?

Its May man. Relax and let them practice a bit.

I fully assume we'll have more to worry about in September, if Routt is still covering the slot.

[hawaiianboy]

2. Wide receiver Ronald Curry is hurt again.

After an injury-free 2007 season, Curry had foot surgery two weeks ago and will miss at least another two weeks.



Anybody got anymore on this?... The writers just kind of glossed over it, but with his past history, "surgery" and "Curry" in the same sentence isn't something that makes me feel good...

[CrossBones]

I haven't seen anything on this at all. Frankly though I'm not counting on Curry being a full season player. If he is it's a bonus. On top of that he has to play better than he did last year.

[massraider]

I read this same shit about Asomougha after his first two seasons.

[hawaiianboy]

OTA leftovers

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 7:07 pm in Oakland Raiders.

Shaking out the notebook from Thursday’s organized team activity availability:

– One of the biggest misconceptions about JaMarcus Russell is that he is suited only for the sort of play-action, dropback passing attack as run by Norv Turner when Kerry Collins was the quarterback.

It’s a stereotype which has nothing to do with skin color and everything to do with size. Russell is a big, strong-armed quarterback, ergo, he should be throwing deep every play.

Russell could play in that style, but he’ll be infnitely more interesting moving to his left or right and finding targets out of the pocket. He is nimble afoot, takes up huge chunks of yardage on each step of his rolls, and looks natural throwing on the run. He won’t be using his legs to run, necessarily, but to get off passes.

–There were a couple of nice passes on seam routes over the middle to tight end Zach Miller, with whom Russell seemed to develop a chemistry in his two extended performances at the end of the season.

– Hopefully Ronald Curry’s foot surgery is not a big deal. He will be important in sustaining drives as a third-down receiver.

– As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning. Todd Watkins is the sleeper, a big, active, former BYU receiver who could make a run if he continues his progress.

– Didn’t see much from Johnnie Lee Higgins, who may stick if the Raiders want to keep one smallish receiver on the roster (assuming it isn’t Drisan James _ a safe assumption) but who may need to prove he can be an explosive kick returner to make the 53-man roster.

– One of Oakland’s biggest decisions heading into training camp will be whether to go with Andrew Walter as the backup or find a more experienced veteran.

Jeff Otis and Erik Meyer are not a factor, merely camp arms.

While Russell looks smooth on the move, Walter does not. Last year, line coach Tom Cable described the shift of Robert Gallery from left guard to left tackle as a situation of not keeping a square peg in a round hole.

The same could be said for Walter. He still looks like a play-action, dropback passer stuck in a system which doesn’t suit him. The Raiders had former Arizona State teammate Sam Keller in during rookie camp, but didn’t sign him to a contract.

If the Raiders gear their offense toward Russell’s ability to operate on the perimeter and then are forced to go to Walter, and in the process are forced to change the emphasis of the offense, it won’t go well.

– Interesting to see Chris Morris opening up as the No. 1 center over John Wade, although it’s worth noting that the same thing happened last year with Jake Grove over Jeremy Newberry. We all know how that turned out.

Morris, however, is the kind of player who occasionally flourishes in a zone blocking system. He doesn’t look like much physically, but he can move, is extremely smart, and Cable has faith in him. It was Morris who was Gallery’s backup at left guard last year.

As a rookie seventh-round pick, Morris won a “game show” of sorts on everything the rookies had learned at the NFL rookie symposium in Carlsbad, getting a leased Hummer for a year free of charge.

– Kiffin was downplaying the significance of Michael Huff playing deep and Gibril Wilson being closer to the line of scrimmage, but it seems clear Oakland is intent on seeing if Huff can be a playmaker at free safety. He covered tight ends well as a strong safety, but didn’t force fumbles, recover them or intercept passes.

– Defensive tackle Gerard Warren seemed active and interested during the OTA practice, more than just a guy going through the motions. The knock on Warren throughout his career has been that he plays when he wants to play, and disappears in others. There was nothing to dispel that notion last year, when Warren seemed to excel against his former teams.

– Offensive tackle Mario Henderson worked with the second team on the right side, and will get extensive work to see if he is up to the task of challenging Cornell Green at right tackle. No one will say it out loud, but the Raiders would like to see Henderson seize the job from Green, a cagey veteran who most any team would love to have as a reserve.

– Line play is one of the most difficult things to judge to the untrained eye during no-contact scrimmages and drills. We probably won’t know about the viability of the likes of Kalimba Edwards and Greg Spires as outside pass rushing threats until July and August, during full-contact training camp drills and preseason games.

I watched film with Jon Gruden in the his Napa Marriott office one time where he was breaking down tape of Darrell Russell in a blocking drill with Mo Collins. Gruden was grousing about the “brother-in-law” blocks Collins was attempting, saying that both men were taking it easy on each other rather than going all out and getting everything out of the drill.

I have to admit he had to run it back about three times _ juxtaposed with players who were expending full effort _ before I could tell the difference.

– A relatively quiet practice from cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who did break up one pass in a goal line situation but made no sensational plays and seemed to be making an effort to blend in with his teammates.

[RaiderIVlife]

I guess luckily for us, we were in base defence with Routt covering the flanker. :confused:

Again, I dont get the issue...Routt was solid on the edge, and will most likely play there in nickel situations. Even Hall has stated he's fine covering the slot receiver if needed.

Im content with Routt's progress last year. I though he played OK.

Agreed. Unless were both watching a different game, I don't get the venom in his direction.

I think this secondary is loaded with Asomugha, Hall, Wilson, Huff & Routt. Loaded.

[RaiderIVlife]

Hey Kiffin was wearing a visor with a Raiders shield on it. :eek:

What's it mean?

It means exactly what I said all along: He's our coach he ain't goin' nowhere. I truly believe that Al Davis is grooming him to be the 'franchise man' when it's all said & done.

All the speculation here and everyone else amused me to no end. So-called experts. Bah.

[RaiderIVlife]

Good thread. Thanks for the links. Sitting in an airport in Shanghai, ready to come home big time. This helps.

The O-line is cause for concern, but man, isn't it exciting to have potential stars in JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden?

[gst8]

Good thread. Thanks for the links. Sitting in an airport in Shanghai, ready to come home big time. This helps.

The O-line is cause for concern, but man, isn't it exciting to have potential stars in JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden?

Shanghai, huh?

Beats punching the clock every day.

I'm pumped about the new season. Al's finally done just about everything I've asked (draft a QB, impact player, etc.) so there's not much room for complaining from my end. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

[s.dot88]

with the way the weather has been in the bay area these past few days, im shocked to be hearing things about Gerrard Warren playing with interest

if he can do that in this shit weather, i'm hoping he can carry it over to weeks 5-15

[RaiderIVlife]

Shanghai, huh?

Beats punching the clock every day.

I'm pumped about the new season. Al's finally done just about everything I've asked (draft a QB, impact player, etc.) so there's not much room for complaining from my end. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.

We've all got our gripes I guess. I'm just tired brother. Ready to be home.

You going to hit a game this year? It would be cool to actually meet you after all these years. If you're down to go to a game, I'll go on your schedule.

Same for Bones & Rupert, what up?

[Limee]

DeAngelo Hall, who did break up one pass in a goal line situation but made no sensational plays and seemed to be making an effort to blend in with his teammates.

Trying to fit in, no sensational plays. Just what is he trying to say? :D

[Crow]

Its not hard to follow, Crow. Really it isnt.
My bad, I missed that.

Somewhere, the "O RLY?" owl is just begging to have his picture posted.

Shame.

[Crow]

I don't think I'd read too much into that. Prolly running with the two's to get up to speed on this offense.

Makes sense. I'll buy that. Disputes earlier speculation, but speculation and $4 will barely get you enough gas to fire up TG's Winnebago.

TBD

The news on Kelly is not as good as I thought it would be
Dude's knee morphed into an IED. I'd say shooting for the start of camp is being pretty optimistic.

[Madturk]

– Offensive tackle Mario Henderson worked with the second team on the right side, and will get extensive work to see if he is up to the task of challenging Cornell Green at right tackle. No one will say it out loud, but the Raiders would like to see Henderson seize the job from Green, a cagey veteran who most any team would love to have as a reserve.



So this is where I'm confused. I thought McNasty played pretty well down the stretch and would be battling for the RT gig. I thought Henderson would be backing up Kwame Harris. So who's backing up Harris then?

[massraider]

So this is where I'm confused. I thought McNasty played pretty well down the stretch and would be battling for the RT gig. I thought Henderson would be backing up Kwame Harris. So who's backing up Harris then?

Well, don't forget, it's early.

But McNasty is a puzzle. I wonder if he has the athletic ability Cable is looking for in his tackles.

[raiderfreak7]

I like the interviews. Nice to hear Kiffin say that Jamarcus has put in more time in the offseason than any other player. That's what we need from him. I'm also glad to hear that Jamarcus used those weight rumors as another motivational ploy. Some of the best, like the Patriots, use little things like that to try and gain an edge.

[YodasBeast]

Makes sense. I'll buy that. Disputes earlier speculation, but speculation and $4 will barely get you enough gas to fire up TG's Winnebago.

TBD


You know, you really should find another euphemism for TG's nether regions.....the girl might get a complex if you keep calling it a Winnebago...

[hawaiianboy]

So this is where I'm confused. I thought McNasty played pretty well down the stretch and would be battling for the RT gig. I thought Henderson would be backing up Kwame Harris. So who's backing up Harris then?


Mark Wilson is the back up LT I believe...

I'm actually pulling hard for Chris Morris to win the starting center job... It would be nice to have someone young enough there to get a good 7-8 run going...

[raiderfreak7]

I thought Morris looked good in the limited amount of time he played when Gallery went down.

[Byron2112]

– As for the rest of the receiving crew, Drew Carter outperformed the more expensive Javon Walker, who Kiffin said needs to improve his conditioning.

I hope this doesn't mean he's hurting.

[007]

Im not worried about Walker being outperformed in March...I'll worry more in October.

I've see plenty of Rashard Lee, Josh Taves and Mondriel Fulcher's rip it up in May. Its putting the chips on the table in October and beyond that I care about.

[raiderfreak7]

Kiffin even said that it's kind of normal for Walker to start off slow and be a bit overweight this time of year.

[Stanny]

Anybody got anymore on this?... The writers just kind of glossed over it, but with his past history, "surgery" and "Curry" in the same sentence isn't something that makes me feel good...

I know he had a bone spur removed a while back...could be that as sometimes they don't remove them all if they are not bothersome....

[Crow]

You know, you really should find another euphemism for TG's nether regions.....the girl might get a complex if you keep calling it a Winnebago...
I don't think she's in favor of her nether regions being the topic of discussion around here no matter how vague the reference. Plus, she's a mod now. Best to not test her. Someone that cerebral could probably use telekinesis to incinerate our brains without ever leaving her desk.

[SoCalRaider]

Interesting nugget..............



Our source in Oakland said WR Drew Carter has established a strong rapport with QB JaMarcus Russell. Carter was expected to fit as the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, playing behind Javon Walker, when he was signed this offseason, but thus far in camp he has outperformed Walker, who showed up out of shape.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2008/whispers052408.htm

[Madturk]

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 11:57 am in Oakland Raiders
82 Comments »


There’s a great scene in the movie North Dallas Forty where the late John Matuszak confronts an assistant coach following a playoff loss and says, “Every time I call it a game, you call it a business, and every time I call it a business, you call it a game.”

It was business in 1979 when North Dallas Forty was released, and with the NFL having developed into a billion dollar industry, even more so almost 30 years later.

Which goes a long way toward explaining why Nnamdi Asomugha isn’t expected to participate in the Raiders’ June 3 minicamp and why he is no lock to be present at training camp when the Raiders start putting together their 2008 roster.

Asomugha is doing the wise thing and playing it very low key, as is his agent, Steve Baker, who declined comment beyond saying there is no animosity between his client and the Raiders.

There’s a school of thought that Asomugha is crazy for not signing his tender as an exclusive unrestricted free agent. The moment he puts pen to paper, Asomugha is guaranteed a figure expected to be just short of $10 million. In the meantime, Asomugha is not under contract and guaranteed nothing. If he is injured while training or involved in a freak accident, the Raiders owe him nothing.

Because it was an exclusive tag, Asomugha can’t shop himself to other teams in hopes of bringing back a contract the Raiders can match or decline, receiving two first-round draft picks as compensation. No team is going to give up two first-round picks, of course, but the whole process of negotiating with someone else can be enough to spark a deal. Asomugha cannot be involved in that process.

You can assume Asomugha, who participated this offseasonin the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial program at Harvard Business school, understands the business world is all about leverage. And that he has precious little in that regard. You can also assume he is smart enough to be insured should he be injured while not under contract.

Forget the total value of multi-year deals when it comes to NFL contracts. Score is kept among players and agents by guaranteed money _ the amount of cash a player will get either immediately or very soon the moment a deal is struck.

So far this offseason, the Raiders committed $24.5 million to cornerback DeAngelo Hall, $18.125 million to defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and $16 million each to safety Gibril Wilson and wide receiver Javon Walker.

Last season, they spent approximately $30 million on quarterback JaMarcus Russell and very soon will have to scratch a check in the $20 million range to lock up running back Darren McFadden, assuming the running back isn’t going to press for a deal falling just shy of the $34.75 million No. 3 overall pick Matt Ryan got from the Atlanta Falcons.

There’s being a team guy, and there is being a smart businessman. If you’re the latter, and are considered a valued commodity, how would you feel at being fifth or sixth in the pecking order in a contract year? Particularly when the year’s biggest offseason acquisition is someone who plays the same position?

Asomugha could go the Charles Woodson route and sit out until training camp is over. The time Woodson signed his franchise tender early was when it became apparent to his representatives the dollar figure he was going to get was as good as anything he would likely see on the open market.

The other option, if the Raiders want Asomugha in early, would be to offer him a one-year deal which promises he won’t be a franchise player next year. It was that tactic which New England and Chicago used last year to bring in cornerback Asante Samuel and linebacker Lance Briggs, respectively.

The two sides could still negotiate and agree to a long-term deal later.

Asomugha is going to be a Raider in 2008, and will surely handle his business without ruffling any feathers. He will be back eventually, but for the time being will continue to play poker with only one card, and it’s his call to determine when to fold his hand.

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[BigTron]

Vanilla Defense/Man to man coverage. I dont think we need him here unitl week one. Screw promising him anything./ lets franchise him 2 times if we cant sign him. Let him go get his money in 2010.

[massraider]

I am mildly encouraged that the talks haven't been nasty.

This, to me, is a sign of what a class act Scrabble is. Get the deal done, Al.