Alright, alright...Post game discussion

[Crow]

I'll let Chaz keep that #81 jersey...for now.

[Sleet]

I think the only guy that didn't catch a ball tonight was TE Miller. Go figure. But UFA Nick Miller's a stud. Game ball for that catch.

Props for coach Cable, too. The 2nd teamers came out at halftime and won the 3rd quarter, strong.

McFadden's fast, and can get through a hole, quickly, but (a) he still can't make people miss, and (b) I don't care if a guy has an angle, beat him to the flag, zig-zag or something.

Carlisle has to step up. He looked like the weak link on the OL. JR looked better than our running game.

Cable's got to stop calling silly bombs with JR staring down DHB. What a waste of a play.

[Langlier]

I'll let Chaz keep that #81 jersey...for now.

fugger keeps looking that good in it and i'll start forgetting timmah's number...

bone's already does but thats just senility.

[Postmaster]

26 first downs, 448 total yards.

Juggernaut?

[Langlier]

26 first downs, 448 total yards.

Juggernaut?

vs the boys crappy backups... sure...

we'll see where we are game 1 vs the chargers...

we win that and i'm going to be cockin' off for weeks to the dickheads that support the bolts.

[TheNextStep]

SUPER BOWL, BABY!

[Postmaster]

vs the boys crappy backups... sure...

we'll see where we are game 1 vs the chargers...

we win that and i'm going to be cockin' off for weeks to the dickheads that support the bolts.

Hey man get it while you can. We got 4 weeks before reality hits.

[Crow]

Routes were pretty crisp.

Hands are looking damn reliable.

Big fucking target, he is.

He's got that Chris Carr gay bar voice, but he'll be fine so long as he's not trying to catch anything with his mouth while on the field.

[Sleet]

He's got that Chris Carr gay bar voice, but he'll be fine so long as he's not trying to catch anything with his mouth while on the field.

Crow, I think your skirts showing. WTF are your talking about. :confused:

[TheNextStep]

Crow, I think your skirts showing. WTF are your talking about. :confused:
It's best not to disturb Crow when he's having one of these moments. You don't want his attention turned to you. He's been known to stalk men. While naked.

[Sleet]

8:26 pm (EST), PFT was licking Brady's balls. 1:37 am (EST) still nothing on JR or the Raiders' ass whopping of the Boys. You think if JR flopped and the Boys ran it up on Al's team there would be radio silence? :nono:

[Sleet]

It's best not to disturb Crow when he's having one of these moments. You don't want his attention turned to you. He's been known to stalk men. While naked.

:eek:

[Crow]

It's best not to disturb Crow when he's having one of these moments. You don't want his attention turned to you. He's been known to stalk men. While naked.

I've had that monkey on ignore for a hot minute now. Haven't seen him say anything intelligent yet, so I can't imagine his smaque being much to write home about.

[gannoncannon]

He's got that Chris Carr gay bar voice, but he'll be fine so long as he's not trying to catch anything with his mouth while on the field.

Gotta get 1 shot in... :rolleyes:

[Crow]

I'm just sayin'.

[Postmaster]

Most points scored in a pre season game since 2002.

[gannoncannon]

He's got that Chris Carr gay bar voice

Damn, been in a few gay bars there Crow?

[GRIM]

Darren McFadden was astonishing finishing with 63 yards on five carries!

What we learned ...

Chaz Schilens was targeted four times in the Raiders' first drive. Schilens led the Raiders with five catches for 52 yards.

Darren McFadden looked explosive in the running game and dangerous through the air.

McFadden finished with 5 carries for 63 yards and one catch for nine yards.

The defense looked solid on the first Dallas drive, pinning them back near their own goal line. Jano kicked off to Steinbach. Ekijuiba made a nice tackle inside the Dallas 10.

Ellis deflected a Romo pass. A thing of BEAUTY! :pound:

Barber ran left to Nmandi, stopped cold. A thing of BEAUTY!

3rd and 11 RAIDERS BLITZ!!! :eek: Man to man defense.


Although the Raiders pinned Dallas deep, Higgins misplayed the bounce on the punt on a low kick, ultimately giving up a huge 62 yard punt on what should have been a ball inside of the Dallas 50.

Russell was on. He hit Chaz nicely on first down for 11 yards.

FARGAS SUCKS! 3 yards... :rolleyes:

On 2nd & 8, Russell sent one LONG for DHB who had really sped up the sideline. Nice play by Dallas Safety coming over to stop DHB from catching the long one. He almost made the catch off of the riccochet! Bey got DEEP FAST!

3rd and 8 Russell to Chaz. Pass interference on Dallas. 43 yard penalty. Dallas coach PISSED!

1st and goal, Chaz crosses over from the right and is hit by Russell for a gain of 8. Russell very accurate tonight!

2nd and goal, FARGAS SUCKS! NOTHING! HOLDING RAIDERS. 10 yard penalty. :shakehead:


2nd and goal, Flat pass to Neil for nada.

3rd and goal, Russell to Chaz for 4 yards.

HOLDING Penalty cost us big.

Jano for 3

[Sleet]

I've had that monkey on ignore for a hot minute now. Haven't seen him say anything intelligent yet, so I can't imagine his smaque being much to write home about.

That's, what, the 10th time you've used that lame line. What a skirt. :pound:

[GRIM]

Cooper Carlisle sucks.

[Crow]

Damn, been in a few gay bars there Crow?

Don't have to go to their bars to know a feminine voice when you hear one.

I'm just sayin'.

[Crow]

bydavidwhite: Of note, Pro Bowl corner Nnamdi Asomugha left the game after one drive with a bruised heel. We'll know more tomorrow.

:-/

[gannoncannon]

Don't have to go to their bars to know a feminine voice when you hear one.

I'm just sayin'.

And I'm just sayin' I found it odd that you said "gay bar" voice instead of "gay" voice.

Just sayin'

[gannoncannon]

:-/

Waiting to hear back about Eke, Boschetti, and... who else was injured on that play?

[Crow]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=45517#readmore

Center John Wade got a stinger, forcing starter Samson Satele to play the second half. And, special teams ace Isaiah Ekejiuba hurt his shoulder late in the game.


** Ricky Brown very well could win the starting middle linebacker, and not just because he gets paid more than Kirk Morrison.

He blitzed the quarterback one time up the middle and dropped Jon Kitna for a 10-yard loss. Morrison, who drew the start, tried three times. He was stood up twice and put on the ground at the line of scrimmage a different try.

Of course, Morrison could keep his job because Brown is the best strongside linebacker on the team (he started there Thursday). If they think Morrison-Brown are effective than Brown-Jon Alston, then the Raiders would rather have the better combo on the field.

** Chris Johnson will win the left cornerback job, not because of what he did himself, but because of what Routt didn't do when he was on the field -- namely, cover anyone.

Routt took over for Nnamdi Asomugha on the second drive of the game, and was promptly burned by Roy Williams on a 12-yard comeback. Routt added a defensive holding two plays later, and got worked by tight end Jason Witten on an 8-yard touchdown pass to end the drive.

** Right guard Cooper Carlisle had one penalty if all of 2007, his first season with the Raiders. After a decline last year, he started this game with a holding penalty at the Cowboys' 2 -- a real touchdown killer.

Carlisle then had a false start on the next drive to make it 2nd and 15, setting up a punt two plays later. And no, there isn't anyone on the depth chart pushing for his job.

[Crow]

And I'm just sayin' I found it odd that you said "gay bar" voice instead of "gay" voice.

Just sayin'

Rhymed with Chris Carr. Don't get too excited, sweetness.

[Crow]

Waiting to hear back about Eke, Boschetti, and... who else was injured on that play?

Was there a 3rd guy down?

Haven't seen anything of substance yet. Probably won't hear anything until tomorrow.

[gannoncannon]

And no, there isn't anyone on the depth chart pushing for his job

We'd all been saying McQuistan, but he really did show much today unfortunately.

[gannoncannon]

Rhymed with Chris Carr. Don't get too excited, sweetness.

EAST Bay man, East Bay :cool:

[Byron2112]

JaMarcus kinda built like Wade Phillips these days... look like they could be brothers from a different mother.

[Crow]

Gulf Coast here. All you Bay area cats look the same to me. ;)

[GRIM]

Here is what concerns me... I've said it before, so if you heard it, just ignore it.

Romo passed to his TE and Chris Johnson could not make the play and he should have. He got burnt. That caused Romo to heat up.

Romo and Barber were lighting up the defense bad.

2nd & 3, Romo hands off to Barber for 8 yards. FIRST DOWN

1st & 10 Romo to williams for 12 yards, in front of Stanford Routt. FIRST DOWN

1st & 10 Romo to Felix Jones for 14 yards. Defense looked terribly confused. FIRST DOWN

1st & 10 Romo Play action fake to Roy Williams. HOLDING Routt. Obvious, blatant hold. FIRST DOWN

1st and 10 Play fake Romo, end around, FIRST DOWN

1st & 10 Romo screen pass to Felix Jones to the Raiders 3 yard line. FIRST DOWN & GOAL

CONSECUTIVE 1st downs. COUNT EM'

1st & Goal Romo handoff to Barber to the 1 yd line.

2nd & Goal BARBER to the end zone. TD. Called back on Dallas hold.

Cowboys 2nd & Goal from the 11 yard line. Mistake by officials, should have been 3rd and goal. Didn't matter...

Romo to Whitten in front of Routt. AGAIN! TOUCHDOWN DALLAS.
Oakland allowed Dallas WAY too much time for this play to develop. All of this heating up of Dallas was caused by Chris Johnson getting burned and all of a sudden we're down 7-3 when we should have had a touchdown and NOT a FG, but we held. This is how it happens to Oakland in games that are important. We commit stupid penalties and get caught off guard and get burnt and other teams play on this, heat up and burn our asses. This drives me mad!

[Sleet]

CBS Sports reports:

Friday, August 14, 2009, 12:11:27 AM
After a couple of ragged practices, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell bounced back with a solid game, completing 6 of 9 passes for 50 yards. "I thought he was very aggressive with the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "When he plays the game at a fast enough speed, it allows him to be on time, and he showed that tonight."

Friday, August 14, 2009, 12:05:19 AM
Three Raiders showed up on the post-game injury report, including Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha. He left the game midway through the first half with a bruised heel. LB Isaiah Ekejiuba suffered a shoulder injury, and C John Wade had a stinger.

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 minute ago
The Raiders are loaded at running back with Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but Louis Rankin is making it hard for the Raiders to cut him. He carried six times for 31 yards and a touchdown, showing good bursts of speed and some wiggle.

Today, August 13, 2009, 11 minutes ago
Raiders CB Jason Horton was already facing long odds to make the team. He's in even deeper trouble after drawing three penalties against the Cowboys, including pass interference.

Today, August 13, 2009, 12 minutes ago
Raiders LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, a special teams ace, was just helped off the field. He appears to have hurt his left arm during a goal-line play.

Today, August 13, 2009, 33 minutes ago
Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski solidified his slight edge over Charlie Frye in the battle for the No. 3 job. Taking over for JaMarcus Russell late in the first quarter, Gradkowski completed 11 of 18 passes for 192 yards and a TD. Frye took over with 3:30 left in the third and worked primarily with players who are long shots to make the team.

Today, August 13, 2009, 41 minutes ago
Raiders OT Seth Wand was shaken up late in the third quarter but jogged off. Trainers looked at him on the bench. The Raiders signed Wand after OT Khalif Barnes broke an ankle. Another tackle, Mark Wilson, is out with a back injury.

Today, August 13, 2009, 54 minutes ago
Rookie WR Nick Miller, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound undrafted rookie from Southern Utah, has been one of the biggest surprises of Raiders camp, and he just showed fans at the Coliseum why. Miller made a diving 47-yard catch of QB Bruce Gradkowski's pass at the Dallas 2 late in the third quarter. A few more of those and he might just make the team.

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 hour ago
The turf toe problems that plagued Raiders RB Darren McFadden are history. On the final play of the first quarter, he shot through a gap on the left side and raced 45 yards to the Dallas 17. McFadden gained 63 yards on four first-half carries -- 15.8 per rush.

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 hour ago
Raiders LB Ricky Brown is making a strong push to win a starting job, either on the strong-side, where he started Thursday night, or in the middle. He helped his cause with a 10-yard sack of Cowboys QB Jon Kitna in the second quarter.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
The Raiders can rest easier about QB JaMarcus Russell's blind side. LT Mario Henderson matched up against Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware, one of the NFL's most dangerous pass rushers. Henderson held Ware sackless in the first quarter. Last season, Henderson finished with three strong games, and he apparently hasn't lost his momentum.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
It was a good-news, bad-news first half for Raiders FS Michael Huff, who's battling Hiram Eugene for the starting job. Huff made a gorgeous interception of a Jon Kitna deep pass, out-fighting Cowboys WR Sam Hurd for the ball. The bad? He was later flagged for pass interference in the end zone.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
Raiders rookie WR Louis Murphy wobbled off the field after taking a big hit from Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who broke up a third-down pass. Murphy was on the bench briefly but is walking around and appears to be OK.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
Raiders WR Chaz Schilens has been a star at training camp, and he's proving he's more than a workout warrior. Schilens is putting on a pass-catching show against Dallas. He made three early catches, including a leaping 16-yard grab on third and 8. The Raiders appear to have their go-to guy.

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Maybe all those "chemistry" lessons for Cowboys QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams are working. They hooked up on a beautifully timed 12-yard curl, Williams beating Raiders CB Stanford Routt. Later in the scoring drive, Routt was only able to prevent another connection by holding Williams, and it drew a flag.

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
CB Stanford Routt is battling Chris Johnson for a starting job on the right side, but he's not helping his cause. After replacing Nnamdi Asomugha at LC for the second series, Routt gave up a 12-yard pass from Tony Romo to Roy Williams, was flagged for holding and gave up an 8-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten.

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Raiders DE Greg Ellis, who spent the first 11 years of his career in Dallas, wasted little time reintroducing himself to his former teammates. On the first play of the game, he batted down a Tony Romo pass. Ellis has been slowed by a bad back, but adrenaline is a great pain reliever.

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Eight injured Raiders are sidelined for tonight's game against Dallas: QB Jeff Garcia (calf), WR Javon Walker (knee), OT Khalif Barnes (ankle), OT Mark Wilson (back), OG Robert Gallery, OLB Jon Alston (plantar fasciitis), DE Derrick Gray (knee) and S Mike Mitchell (hamstring).

An e-mail from Robby Joyce asks how Raiders SS Tyvon Branch is doing in camp. Answer: Branch has worked with the first team since camp opened. He'll start tonight against Dallas and is a good bet to start when the regular season begins. Branch is physical, and he should help the team's run defense. He has also made big strides in pass coverage.

[GRIM]

I am really impressed with Louis Murphy, Rankin, G. Russell, Slade Norris, Gradkowski, Frye, Lechler, Bush, Huff 50/50... All of our 2nd and 3rd string in the 2nd half as they shut down America's team for a nice victory to open up the 2009 preseason in Oakland.

GO RAIDERS!

GRIM

[Crow]

Henderson didn't get eaten alive by Ware. That warrants mentioning.

Don't think Green got beaten up too badly either.

[Byron2112]

Tommy Kelly in coverage huh?

[Crow]

Tommy Kelly in coverage huh?

Looked pretty smooth, eh? They may finally have their SS.

[Blackened]

Tommy Kelly in coverage huh?

Was just checking that out on the DVR...actually he held his zone well. Too bad no one was pressuring Romo. :shakehead:

[Sleet]

RaiderBeat on DHB, RBs & WRs:

Russell attempted deep passes for rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey twice. Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin broke up the first one, a well-thrown pass by Russell that Heyward-Bey had a chance to catch if it weren’t for Hamlin.

Russell’s second throw to Heyward-Bey sailed way over the head of the speedster from Maryland. Still, it had to be encouraging for coach Tom Cable to see Heyward-Bey drawing double coverage on such plays.

It’s that kind of respect for Heyward-Bey’s speed that prevents teams from stacking the line of scrimmage and clears the way for McFadden to burst into the secondary the way he did on his long run.

Second-year wide receiver Chaz Schilens’ strong finish last season had everyone thinking he was on the verge of developing into Oakland’s No. 1 receiver.

He did nothing to dispel that notion by catching five passes for 52 yards and drawing a 47-yard pass interference penalty.

Justin Fargas carried the ball only once, for 2 yards. McFadden netted 63 yards on four carries. Michael Bush gained 23 yards on three carries.

In other words, Cable is correct in saying he has three starters to choose from on a given play when it comes to running the ball.

Rookie receiver Louis Murphy showed that his sharp play the first two weeks of training camp wasn’t a fluke. He caught one pass for 18 yards in the first half and added a 21-yarder in the third quarter.

Cable said the competition is fierce at receiver. Imagine the possibilities once Johnnie Lee Higgins is incorporated into the mix and Javon Walker returns from his knee injury.

[GRIM]

Friday, August 14, 2009, 12:11:27 AM
After a couple of ragged practices, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell bounced back with a solid game, completing 6 of 9 passes for 50 yards. "I thought he was very aggressive with the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "When he plays the game at a fast enough speed, it allows him to be on time, and he showed that tonight."

APPLAUSE!

Friday, August 14, 2009, 12:05:19 AM
Three Raiders showed up on the post-game injury report, including Pro Bowl CB Nnamdi Asomugha. He left the game midway through the first half with a bruised heel. LB Isaiah Ekejiuba suffered a shoulder injury, and C John Wade had a stinger.
BAD NEWS... HOW BAD? WE NEED TO FIND OUT.

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 minute ago
The Raiders are loaded at running back with Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, but Louis Rankin is making it hard for the Raiders to cut him. He carried six times for 31 yards and a touchdown, showing good bursts of speed and some wiggle.
Fargas is odd man out after that performance. Bye bye now. Time for Rankin or Russell! NOW!

Today, August 13, 2009, 11 minutes ago
Raiders CB Jason Horton was already facing long odds to make the team. He's in even deeper trouble after drawing three penalties against the Cowboys, including pass interference.

Bye bye now!

Today, August 13, 2009, 12 minutes ago
Raiders LB Isaiah Ekejiuba, a special teams ace, was just helped off the field. He appears to have hurt his left arm during a goal-line play.

Lord, have mercy.

Today, August 13, 2009, 33 minutes ago
Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski solidified his slight edge over Charlie Frye in the battle for the No. 3 job. Taking over for JaMarcus Russell late in the first quarter, Gradkowski completed 11 of 18 passes for 192 yards and a TD. Frye took over with 3:30 left in the third and worked primarily with players who are long shots to make the team.

Frye is better by an edge IMHO at this point. This is my opinion. We have a good problem at QB!

Today, August 13, 2009, 41 minutes ago
Raiders OT Seth Wand was shaken up late in the third quarter but jogged off. Trainers looked at him on the bench. The Raiders signed Wand after OT Khalif Barnes broke an ankle. Another tackle, Mark Wilson, is out with a back injury.

"Snake bitten"

Today, August 13, 2009, 54 minutes ago
Rookie WR Nick Miller, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound undrafted rookie from Southern Utah, has been one of the biggest surprises of Raiders camp, and he just showed fans at the Coliseum why. Miller made a diving 47-yard catch of QB Bruce Gradkowski's pass at the Dallas 2 late in the third quarter. A few more of those and he might just make the team.

WHAT A CATCH! DESERVES TO BE ON THE HIGHLIGHT REELS! RIVALS CURRY'S ONE HANDER... NICE THROW TOO! LETS NOT FORGET THAT!

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 hour ago
The turf toe problems that plagued Raiders RB Darren McFadden are history. On the final play of the first quarter, he shot through a gap on the left side and raced 45 yards to the Dallas 17. McFadden gained 63 yards on four first-half carries -- 15.8 per rush.

RAIDERS ARE SCARY AT RB! We're developing into a BEASTLY team! Another nice problem to have.

Today, August 13, 2009, 1 hour ago
Raiders LB Ricky Brown is making a strong push to win a starting job, either on the strong-side, where he started Thursday night, or in the middle. He helped his cause with a 10-yard sack of Cowboys QB Jon Kitna in the second quarter.

I could taste this sack. It was my pitbull on a rag doll moment. Kodak moment. I dislike Kitna, alot. He's a Raider hater.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
The Raiders can rest easier about QB JaMarcus Russell's blind side. LT Mario Henderson matched up against Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware, one of the NFL's most dangerous pass rushers. Henderson held Ware sackless in the first quarter. Last season, Henderson finished with three strong games, and he apparently hasn't lost his momentum.

Let's hope this is CERTAIN! Applause tonight for Mario!

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
It was a good-news, bad-news first half for Raiders FS Michael Huff, who's battling Hiram Eugene for the starting job. Huff made a gorgeous interception of a Jon Kitna deep pass, out-fighting Cowboys WR Sam Hurd for the ball. The bad? He was later flagged for pass interference in the end zone.

This kind of stuff kills me. It just kills me. I mean, ya want a guy to do so good and he does, but then he screws it all up by costly mistakes. What is a team to do? I forgive him tonight. Key word: "Tonight" Only because we toasted Dallas so badly. GO RAIDERS!

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
Raiders rookie WR Louis Murphy wobbled off the field after taking a big hit from Cowboys safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who broke up a third-down pass. Murphy was on the bench briefly but is walking around and appears to be OK.

There should have been a flag and a fine issued by the league. This was a helmet to helmet hit and Louis Murphy bounced back because he's one tough son of a bitch. I love this kid with all my dark Raider heart.

Today, August 13, 2009, 2 hours ago
Raiders WR Chaz Schilens has been a star at training camp, and he's proving he's more than a workout warrior. Schilens is putting on a pass-catching show against Dallas. He made three early catches, including a leaping 16-yard grab on third and 8. The Raiders appear to have their go-to guy.

Chaz Schilins should sell A LOT of jerseys! Dude is the REAL DEAL! Handsome mofo too! WE HAVE A NICE DEVELOPMENT AT WR! Definitely looking better than SF with Crabtree at this point. Definitely.

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Maybe all those "chemistry" lessons for Cowboys QB Tony Romo and WR Roy Williams are working. They hooked up on a beautifully timed 12-yard curl, Williams beating Raiders CB Stanford Routt. Later in the scoring drive, Routt was only able to prevent another connection by holding Williams, and it drew a flag.

WHAT IS THE REMEDY FOR ROUTT? :confused:


Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
CB Stanford Routt is battling Chris Johnson for a starting job on the right side, but he's not helping his cause. After replacing Nnamdi Asomugha at LC for the second series, Routt gave up a 12-yard pass from Tony Romo to Roy Williams, was flagged for holding and gave up an 8-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten.


Major upgrade needed IMHO

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Raiders DE Greg Ellis, who spent the first 11 years of his career in Dallas, wasted little time reintroducing himself to his former teammates. On the first play of the game, he batted down a Tony Romo pass. Ellis has been slowed by a bad back, but adrenaline is a great pain reliever.

THIS IS A BAD MOFO RAIDER NATION! WE RULE! DERRICK WHO???

Today, August 13, 2009, 3 hours ago
Eight injured Raiders are sidelined for tonight's game against Dallas: QB Jeff Garcia (calf), WR Javon Walker (knee), OT Khalif Barnes (ankle), OT Mark Wilson (back), OG Robert Gallery, OLB Jon Alston (plantar fasciitis), DE Derrick Gray (knee) and S Mike Mitchell (hamstring).

If Garcia played, we might have won by 35 points tonight. Just sayin'. We're that good in depth. No Javon, no Khalif, No Gallery, No Alston, And I missed Mike Mitchell. What's with the hamstrings?

An e-mail from Robby Joyce asks how Raiders SS Tyvon Branch is doing in camp. Answer: Branch has worked with the first team since camp opened. He'll start tonight against Dallas and is a good bet to start when the regular season begins. Branch is physical, and he should help the team's run defense. He has also made big strides in pass coverage.

GO RAIDERS!

UNCLE GRIM

[GRIM]

Too bad no one was pressuring Romo. :shakehead:

They got to Kitna pretty good. ;)

[Sleet]

WHAT IS THE REMEDY FOR ROUTT?

Aso and a 5 man rush. Routt can intercept poorly thrown balls. But he's not close enough to make plays on well-timed, good passes.

[GRIM]

BEY

Bey looked focused, so focused that he nearly caught the riccochet on the incredible Dallas play where their Safety came over and helped out their Corner. That was a very exciting play and I really, really, really believe that DHB is going to fit in NICELY and he's no James Jett either. I think the kid will be great for us.

I am truly glad to have him. His speed is phenominal. He is VERY, VERY FAST.

[GRIM]

WHAT IS THE REMEDY FOR ROUTT?

Aso and a 5 man rush. Routt can intercept poorly thrown balls. But he's not close enough to make plays on well-timed, good passes.

Man, I just have the feeling Routt is going to cost us. I feel strongly about taking a very hard look at both Routt and Huff. We must improve over this performance. That is certain.

[Sleet]

BEY

Bey looked focused, so focused that he nearly caught the riccochet on the incredible Dallas play where their Safety came over and helped out their Corner. That was a very exciting play and I really, really, really believe that DHB is going to fit in NICELY and he's no James Jett either. I think the kid will be great for us.

I am truly glad to have him. His speed is phenominal. He is VERY, VERY FAST.

Not sure I give him props for that miss. Seems to me DHB had a little deer-in-the-head-lights look on that play, and didn't expect or react to a ball tipped right near both of his hands. Tough play, but we've seen that play made.

[Byron2112]

Schillens does look awesome... everything is sticking to his hands... you can see that Russ looks to count on him too... gotta love it.

[GRIM]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=45517#readmore

Satele... STUD

[GRIM]

Henderson didn't get eaten alive by Ware. That warrants mentioning.

Don't think Green got beaten up too badly either.

Good points.

[GRIM]

Cable said the competition is fierce at receiver. Imagine the possibilities once Johnnie Lee Higgins is incorporated into the mix and Javon Walker returns from his knee injury.

GOOD LAWD! :D

We have some nice problems at WR, QB & RB. We even have Lechler #2 on board! Nice problems to have. Nice problems to have.

[Jack's sore libido]

My thoughts after just now finishing watching the game (love the DVR).

• Mike Mickens has probably been cut by now. Dude got worked over.

• Nick Miller has me way more excited than I have any reason to be. Because, frankly, even if he makes the team, he's still got to leapfrog Louis Murphy, Javon Walker and Johnnie Lee Higgins just to become the No. 3 guy. The more capable guys the better, though. This WR corps very quickly went from league's worst to promising young group.

• Jerome Boyd got a lot of PT tonight, and looked good to me. Not that I had my eye on him every play or anything, but when I noticed him, he looked good.

• Slade Norris was nice and active.

• I don't know if Ryan Boschetti's any good or not, but he made a few plays out there tonight, so I hope the idiotic comments like "Boschetti doesn't belong in the league" -- without having seen so much as one fucking snap -- can cease for now.

• Anyone see Matt Shaughnessy's haircut? Wow, they really did a number on that poor kid.

• It wouldn't hurt my feelings if they found a way to hold onto Gary Russell or Louis Rankin, either. I don't think it's right to dump Fargas, but if they could get a defensive player for him, I'd be just fine going into the season with Run DMC, Mike Bush and Rankin/Russell.

[GRIM]

My thoughts after just now finishing watching the game (love the DVR).

• Mike Mickens has probably been cut by now. Dude got worked over.

MIKE WHO? LOL

• Nick Miller has me way more excited than I have any reason to be. Because, frankly, even if he makes the team, he's still got to leapfrog Louis Murphy, Javon Walker and Johnnie Lee Higgins just to become the No. 3 guy. The more capable guys the better, though. This WR corps very quickly went from league's worst to promising young group.

I just got more happy. If that's possible. Thanks Jack. ;)

• Jerome Boyd got a lot of PT tonight, and looked good to me. Not that I had my eye on him every play or anything, but when I noticed him, he looked good.

• Slade Norris was nice and active.

Slade Rocked. Plain and simple.

• I don't know if Ryan Boschetti's any good or not, but he made a few plays out there tonight, so I hope the idiotic comments like "Boschetti doesn't belong in the league" -- without having seen so much as one fucking snap -- can cease for now.

• Anyone see Matt Shaughnessy's haircut? Wow, they really did a number on that poor kid.

Yes. That was a haircut? I told MRS GRIM that he looked like an old geezer!

• It wouldn't hurt my feelings if they found a way to hold onto Gary Russell or Louis Rankin, either. I don't think it's right to dump Fargas, but if they could get a defensive player for him, I'd be just fine going into the season with Run DMC, Mike Bush and Rankin/Russell.

I've seen enough of Fargas. He was the starter and he did ZERO. He's got to clear out his locker. Bring up Russell, or Rankin. They been waiting. Esp. Rankin. It's time. No hard feelings. Fargas had his stay, now it's time to move on, be it by trade or cut. This is a new era.

Nice post BTW.

[GRIM]

Not sure I give him props for that miss. Seems to me DHB had a little deer-in-the-head-lights look on that play, and didn't expect or react to a ball tipped right near both of his hands. Tough play, but we've seen that play made.

Benefit of a doubt, Bro. Sleet. That was a stellar play to save the day by Dallas' Safety. They were watching DHB like a hawk. They know what's up. Just sayin.

[GRIM]

I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight. I keep seeing Ellis in Romo's face batting down that ball, and having flashbacks of Louis Murphy, McFadden blistering downfield, Slade Norris making nice plays, and I keep seeing Russell running down the field and it's scaring me. Man, he must have pictured a hamburger in the endzone, or a pork sandwich, or some chitlins and cornbread, or something. Man, he was running so fast. I was like... What's the problem with his weight? He runs like he's hungry. To win. Hungry to win. He ate Dallas alive. He played with an appetite for victory. He really chewed up a lot of yardage. I bet it gave Dallas indigestion. So ironic.

[Jack's sore libido]

Fargas was in the game for, what, four plays?

Hey, McFadden should be the starter. I think most of us agree there. And Bush is looking more and more like he should be the No. 2 man in the pecking order.

So the only question for Fargas is: Does he make too much money to be the No. 3 guy?

[DarkDays]

Postgame wrap

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 12:02 am in Oakland Raiders.

News, notes and quotes from the Raiders’ 31-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night at the Coliseum:

– Second-year receiver Chaz Schilens seconded the notion offered by JaMarcus Russell that much of Oakland’s struggles with the passing game during Tuesday’s practice had to do with familiarity.

“We just got in a funk,” Schilens said. “We’ve practicing against the same guys every day. They’re smart guys. They are going to pick up on what we’re doing. It came together today.”

– Cable, making it clear Russell’s reporting weight was an issue: “That’s between he and I and we’re working on that. He’s doing really good right now.”

– Rookie first-round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey had a modest 8-yard gain for his first reception, and missed a chance to come up with a big play on the third play from scrimmage. However, safety Ken Hamlin broke up the pass which was just underthrown from JaMarcus Russell.

“I knew the ball might be coming my way,” Heyward-Bey said. “Outside release, corner did a good job, safety got over and helped pretty fast. Tried to make a play, didn’t happen.”

– With the Raiders in a burn-the-clock mode late in the game, Gary Russell played the role Michael Bush will get during the season and finished with 11 carries for 44 yards.

– Three players did not finish the game. John Wade left with a stinger, Nnamdi Asomugha with a heel bruise and Isaiah Ekejiuba with a shoulder injury. Becasue of Wade’s injury, Samson Satele played much of the game at center.

– A whopping 18 differnt players were targeted for 37 passes by Gradkowski, Frye and Russell. Fifteen different players accounted for 22 receptions.

“We now have a talented group there,” Cable said. “It’s nice to see a bunch of guys catching balls and making plays. We need that if we’re going to grow offensively and become a good football team.”

– First a hip flexor, now a heel injury, hopefully it’s not one of those years for Nnamdi Asomugha, and Chris Johnson, battling a knee strain, needs to hold up as well.

Stanford Routt, who had a poor practice Tuesday, struggled against the Cowboys. And when the Raiders went late in the game to a secondary of John Bowie and Jason Horton and corner and Jerome Boyd and Darrick Brown at safeties, it was scary.

– Hard to know exactly what to expect from the defense with the first unit being on the field for such a short time.

The Cowboys scoring drive included an 8-yard gain by Marion Barber, a 14-yard run by Felix Jones and a 12-yard reverse by Patrick Crayton.

On the other hand, the Raiders were stout in forcing Dallas to a three-and-out on its first possession back at its own 7, with Asomugha dumping Barber for a yard loss.

“It was OK. It wasn’t great,” linebacker Thomas Howard said. “It’s early. We got out of our gaps and they creased is a little.”

– Shane Lechler is ready. Three punts, 45.0 yards gross, 44.3 net. One inside the 20.

– The Raiders outgained the Cowboys 456-274 and had 26 first downs _ 15 passing.

– Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye were relatively even in terms of stats, but there were a couple of short throws on sideline passes which will be a staple of the Raiders offense that Gradkowski has trouble throwing.

On one play, he came up short to Louis Murphy, who picked it off the grass for a catch, only to have it correctly overturned by replay.

It’s worth noting that throw is not a strength of Jeff Garcia, either.

Charlie Frye showed a good awareness in the pocket of surrounding defenders and was able to get off completions.

– Players have the day off Friday, with Tom Cable available to the media for a 5 p.m. conference call.

For quick hit notes throughout the game, check my Twitter page.

[Langlier]

one big negative - John Bowie was AWFUL. just putridly bad

boyd and huff looked quite good out there

david nixon played well

shaughnessy looked a bit slow but played well.

terd was bad. joseph was only OK

Richardson was better then joseph but not great

Miller looks like our dime back atm. we could really use another body here.

lots of good play from our WRs... Holland/Murphy/Miller/DHB/Chaz. Higgins didn't have a great game but only really came in on 3 WR sets in the first quarter.

James Marten was our 2nd team RT.... and he looked quite good. I was surprised. Pears played 3rd team RT well too. Chris Morris did not have a good game - he played both G spots. Hendo had a really good game. Wand looked better then I expected but thats not saying much. Marcus Johnson caught my eye on one play. but didnt show much else and ended up on the ground too often. Myers looks like a find both blocking and recieving... just a great game by a lot of depth players. lawton did well in limited snaps even

[GRIM]

The later it gets, the more I keep thinking...

Man, we had a lot of receivers catch balls. There were 37 passes thrown to 18 different players with 15 players making the 22 receptions. That is absolutely OUTSTANDING! And there were NO INTERCEPTIONS thrown!
Well done by our QB'ing staff.

I watched ESPN and it wasn't about the Raiders. It was all about "Romo" being in great form.

I have to say, Russell looked great, surrounded by a really up and coming cast of receivers and backs who are going to be a terrific group. This is not the same old Raiders who couldn't put together drives, or get the ball into the endzone to receivers. This team is going to put it together and put it on other teams.

I liked what I saw tonight. That was a good show. Couple that with the nicely won games to end the 08' campaign and I think we're seeing the fog lifted and the sun begin to shine on our team. Things are looking up. :)

[gannoncannon]

Watching our 1st offensive series over again in slow motion on DVR. I'm not the professor, but this is what I saw with the O-line:

First offensive play: defender blew past Carlisle, Fargas picked up the blitz. Rest of line holds up, Russell throws to Schilens.

Second offensive play: Not enough of a hole between Morris and Henderson for Fargas to fit through.

Third offensive play: Everyone on line holds up long enough for JaMarcus to toss it deep to DHB.

Fourth offensive play: line holds up in the middle and on the right, but Henderson eventually loses battle with Ware, but luckily JaMarcus rolls right (though as he does Zach Miller loses his block on #83) and throws it downfield to Schilens (defensive PI)

Fifth offensive play: Fargas tries to pick up the blitz on the right side, but is juked (though he slows him down just enough for Russell to throw). Mario goes to the ground to block the OLB. The DE, Olshansky (#99), that was lined up in front of him pulls back and charges up the middle, going between Carlisle (who is standing there looking for someone to block) and Satele (who is helping Morris with his defender). #99 gets past Satele but Carlisle picks him up; #99 drives Carlisle back big time b/c he's got the leverage. Green and Morris look like they pretty much wall off their guys.

Sixth offensive play: The defense has the box stacked w/ 9 guys. Fargas runs up the middle. The safeties blitz. Green grazes the DE and gets to the 2nd level in the endzone to engage the cornerback, leaving Miller to block; the DE falls to the ground. The OLB comes around them untouched but isn't really involved. Carlisle takes the defender who was lined up over Satele (Satele runs forward to get to the next level). The defender goes low on Carlisle and immediately beats him, so Carlisle holds and takes him down to the ground. Fargas tries to jump over Carlisle and the defender, but gets nowhere. Carlisle called for the hold.

Seventh play: Morris engages the DE; the OLB (Ware, #94) pulls back and goes up the middle. Henderson engages the DE and Morris disengages to block #94 Both Morris and Henderson are push backed, making it impossible for Russell to step up. Morris is about to be shoved right past Russell, likely allowing #94 to get a sack. Russell has to throw to his check-down Lorenzo Neal in the flat, who goes nowhere. Right side of the line held up ok.

Eighth play: Dallas brings 4 instead of 5. Green, Carlisle, and Satele engage. Morris is looking around to help. Ware #94 tries to get past Henderson outside. It initially looks like Russell had time to step up into the pocket and take some more time, but he didn't: Satele's DT gets by him, and by then Morris (who might have helped block Satele's DT if he was looking the other way) has turned completely around and is running to make sure Ware (who had gotten past Henderson on the outside) couldn't come run up and sack Russell from behind. If Russell had taken more time and stepped up, he would've been hit by the DT that got past Satele. Russell throws to Schilens but he's 5 yards short of the goal line. Right side of the line again held up pretty well.

[gannoncannon]

On the play where Russell is sacked, the inside linebackers (off the line) blitz and the outside linebackers (on the line) drop back. It was a playaction pass, with JR pretending to handoff to the RB on the left. One of the inside linebackers came up the middle untouched: the RB wasn't able to get in position for a block, and JR went down for a big loss.

[gannoncannon]

Sands is terrible. Half the time he just stands there waving his arms. Doesn't even look like he's trying.

[poptart]

If our young offensive skill people continue to develop, we can be a VERY difficult team to defend.

A LOT of potential wepons there.


What about this Garcia injury dealie??

Is it possible that Oakland brought him in only to give Russell a kick in the pants ... and then bye bye?

A trade?

Grad' and Frye are good enough at #2 and 3?


Fargas ... trade bait?

DT help?


I dunno, just thinkin' out loud.


McFadden won't make tacklers whiff or look silly that often, but damn, the guy is a fuckin' blurrrrr when he hits a hole.

Me thinks he's got to be a joy for an O-Line to block for.

No dancin' around.

Just business.


Nice game tonight.

Thanksgiving -- REPEAT.

[Xplosive]

1. Justin Fargas Flat out should be Traded, Rankin is more of a threat even in pre-season, so tired of watching a fish struggle back to water. 1st hand off was exactly what I said 1 yard gain, 2nd hand off toward endzone 1 yard gain Fargas equals quick 3 and outs. while Mcfadden, Bush, and Rankin are moving the chains, and scoring touchdowns. This is not a good look for the 2 time commitment to excellence award winner. Fargas is already killing the line bad enough they have to worry about whats coming in front of them, they have to worry about fargas stepping on their ankles and running into their backs.

2. Sands is just as worse as the UFL 2nd team. standing around looks like he is looking for a hug on the field. sands made no sense played for 4 quarters and no sack no getting into the backfield or disrupting plays. Making our D-line look real bad. william joseph shows more muster.

3. Huff showed he can intercept the ball, signs of progress earned a grin from me. please let the light stay on & continue good progress. routt needs to find the light

4. Nick Miller Deserves to make this team. better receiver hands than expected looks great in 89 jersey wiped the funk off of it, and turned it back into a threat good kick returner.

5. RUN DMC- BEAST, Chaz Shillens- BEAST, DHB is already a Huge problem for Defensive Coordinators, Didnt think he would draw as many double teams as he did. As a matter of fact the cowboys Defense acted as if Bey was Randy moss or T.O. which opened up the underneath game. Russell looked Great, the big run, he is slimming down.

Other players that stood out, Brandon Myrers, slade norris, RG Michael Johnson, pears, 2nd string offensive line was good drawn a few flags yet could hold up for the pass. Louis Rankin is Fargas replacement, Sands can be dropped today, and the Raiders Defensive line would become more deadly. william joesph looks like he wants to play..

still Ricky brown is horrible against any form of run, please come here brooks.

well, DHB allows alot, Great career ahead, will look at him to get automatic double team. he is a game player. already see With DHB and Mcfadden Russell Schilenz and miller, hell of a offense.

as of today, Fargas can go, Sands can go, Ricky brown third string, cooper carsile can go, making roster spots for real stars to emerge.

looking foward too next week..


X

[Raider Outlaw]

They did some things well. they're making better progress than we've seen in years, which began late last year. Good to see it continue.

They'll have to prove to me that the run defense is improved by actually showing me in a game.

The cornerbacks are a huge concern, too. We have no depth there.


Also, mcFadden is the man. he makes our offense go. Bush is a nice complement, but McFadden changes the game.

Those couple of good gains illustrated why I got on board with drafting him before our pick last year. In any other system, I think he'd be an above average "everything" RB, but in the zone blocking scheme, he's going to be a superstar. Book it.

[TheMadStork]

Sands is terrible. Half the time he just stands there waving his arms. Doesn't even look like he's trying.

He should be put in jail, because he's just stealing money from the Raiders. How the hell can somebody so big get pushed around so easily? I know we're light at DT, but there absolutely has to be somebody better than him available. Al had better keep a good eye on the waiver wire.

If we even had league average DT's, I'd be feeling pretty good right about now.

[Raider Outlaw]

I'd rather keep joseph and the other guy just because we've seen the Sands failure before. When the other guys get beat, at least they don't look foolish as Sands doing so.

why oh why didn't Al make Sean Rogers or Chris jenkins happen last spring instead of trading for that worthless piece of shit, hall.

Also, you have that move indirectly to thank for the thinning of the CB position since Fabe was dealt based on the premise that hall was an upgrade.



He should be put in jail, because he's just stealing money from the Raiders. How the hell can somebody so big get pushed around so easily? I know we're light at DT, but there absolutely has to be somebody better than him available. Al had better keep a good eye on the waiver wire.

If we even had league average DT's, I'd be feeling pretty good right about now.

[Raider Outlaw]

I'm hoping they keep 6 receivers because Miller has the speed and quickness to be more than a camp sensation like Watkins was last year. He looks like an ideal backup for JLH in the slot at the moment. If they can get him fielding punts, there's a bonus.




I've seen enough of Fargas. He was the starter and he did ZERO. He's got to clear out his locker. Bring up Russell, or Rankin. They been waiting. Esp. Rankin. It's time. No hard feelings. Fargas had his stay, now it's time to move on, be it by trade or cut. This is a new era.

Nice post BTW.

[Postmaster]

They did some things well. they're making better progress than we've seen in years, which began late last year. Good to see it continue.

They'll have to prove to me that the run defense is improved by actually showing me in a game.

The cornerbacks are a huge concern, too. We have no depth there.


Also, mcFadden is the man. he makes our offense go. Bush is a nice complement, but McFadden changes the game.

Those couple of good gains illustrated why I got on board with drafting him before our pick last year. In any other system, I think he'd be an above average "everything" RB, but in the zone blocking scheme, he's going to be a superstar. Book it.

No way. Did you see how skinny his legs are? :rolleyes:

[Raider Outlaw]

I think if Myeers continues his progress from camp, Tony Stewartwill be released in a similar fashion to Crockett when orren o'Neal came on. I don't think they'll carry 3 tight ends.

I thought Richardson played well last night. Right now, I like Joseph as the third DT, which isn't saying much with that group.

Trevor Scott was still pushed around more than I'd hoped, too.


one big negative - John Bowie was AWFUL. just putridly bad

boyd and huff looked quite good out there

david nixon played well

shaughnessy looked a bit slow but played well.

terd was bad. joseph was only OK

Richardson was better then joseph but not great

Miller looks like our dime back atm. we could really use another body here.

lots of good play from our WRs... Holland/Murphy/Miller/DHB/Chaz. Higgins didn't have a great game but only really came in on 3 WR sets in the first quarter.

James Marten was our 2nd team RT.... and he looked quite good. I was surprised. Pears played 3rd team RT well too. Chris Morris did not have a good game - he played both G spots. Hendo had a really good game. Wand looked better then I expected but thats not saying much. Marcus Johnson caught my eye on one play. but didnt show much else and ended up on the ground too often. Myers looks like a find both blocking and recieving... just a great game by a lot of depth players. lawton did well in limited snaps even

[NIPS]

Mario Henderson does it AGAIN - Very impressive- This kids had to go up agaisnt the best DE's in the game and has really shown alot to me. Did we finally get pass from the football draft gods?

Chaz Schillens- You're up bro - Wear that number proudly

Kirk Morrison is simply NOT gettin' it done at the MLB position. We got 2 serious needs I see - DT and MLB - I think our hands are "tied" on what we can do at the DT but we can surely replace Kirk like yesterday. I love the guy and met him, and understand his ties to the bay area. He aint getting it done there.

2010 Draft focus --- DT,CB,MLB - I dont think we are as deep at the CB as most seem to think. We should really consider taking a CB in rd 2 next year

[Raider Outlaw]

Completely agree. Hackett's work is evident. he's the best QB coach in the business.

I had an optimistic feel watching our offense for the first time since the year after the Super bowl. They looked like they've built off of the end of last year. They've added to the strong finish, and Cable's play calling has impressed since taking over. The numbers don't lie.

As someone who didn't want to draft Russell, he's only impressed me as time goes on, and I'm quite sure we have our offensive leader for the forseeable future. he doesn't make the same mistake twice, and he's learning to be great. All he needs is stability.

The later it gets, the more I keep thinking...

Man, we had a lot of receivers catch balls. There were 37 passes thrown to 18 different players with 15 players making the 22 receptions. That is absolutely OUTSTANDING! And there were NO INTERCEPTIONS thrown!
Well done by our QB'ing staff.

I watched ESPN and it wasn't about the Raiders. It was all about "Romo" being in great form.

I have to say, Russell looked great, surrounded by a really up and coming cast of receivers and backs who are going to be a terrific group. This is not the same old Raiders who couldn't put together drives, or get the ball into the endzone to receivers. This team is going to put it together and put it on other teams.

I liked what I saw tonight. That was a good show. Couple that with the nicely won games to end the 08' campaign and I think we're seeing the fog lifted and the sun begin to shine on our team. Things are looking up. :)

[Raider Outlaw]

Funny you mention the "skinny" legs. I was reading about how the Steelers haven't been impressed with Rashard mendenhall in training camp, much like last season.

Funny, I remember one analyst swearing he was the back you should have taken instead of McFadden.

What also impressed me was his pass protection and positive gains when the line wasn't getting a push. He's the real deal.


No way. Did you see how skinny his legs are? :rolleyes:

[Raider Bill]

I'm going to stop complimenting guys.. as soon as I said Norris looked like he moved pretty good out there he whiffed that tackle...

[Raider Bill]

If we're going to continue to play this much man to man.. Stanford Routt is useless.

We should probably play more umbrella zone coverage in long down distance situations when he's in the game.

I was happy to see dudes blitzing but damn, Morrison keeps getting washed out. I would put Ricky Brown at Mike in my base with Howard at strong and Morrison at weak and take Brown out for the nickel. Especially since our DT's are so shitty you need a bigger guy out there who can get off a block

[Raider Outlaw]

I hated Mario henderson because he underachieved so much while at FSU, but he's winning me over, I must admit.

i didn't think this guy would ever be able to play. What a find if this play continues.



Mario Henderson does it AGAIN - Very impressive- This kids had to go up agaisnt the best DE's in the game and has really shown alot to me. Did we finally get pass from the football draft gods?

Chaz Schillens- You're up bro - Wear that number proudly

Kirk Morrison is simply NOT gettin' it done at the MLB position. We got 2 serious needs I see - DT and MLB - I think our hands are "tied" on what we can do at the DT but we can surely replace Kirk like yesterday. I love the guy and met him, and understand his ties to the bay area. He aint getting it done there.

2010 Draft focus --- DT,CB,MLB - I dont think we are as deep at the CB as most seem to think. We should really consider taking a CB in rd 2 next year

[RaiderNorth]

All in all, a very positive game. The biggest concern was THAT DRIVE. It looked almost effortless, as the Cowboys moved the ball down the field before pulling their starters.
I think the Raiders offence is going to put up some points this year. Schillens is the real deal. Russell looked comfortable. Considering Gallery and Barnes were out, the O-line looked real solid. McFadden is explosive and Bush looks like he has something to prove. Did anyone see him pick up that blitz up the middle and just destroy the guy.
Reading the training camp reports, I really thought Routt might challenge for a starting role. Now, afraid not. We desperately need a DT and dime back. I know deals aren't easy in today's NFL, but I think we should seriously consider shopping Fargas and Garcia.

[Raider Outlaw]

Agreed...morrison looks like a liability out there manning the middle.

Also, they're going to have to play more zone to Johnson/Rout's side, which they actually did at times with Chris Johnson last year.

past Asomugha, we have some issues in the CB department.

I never thought I'd be saying this at this point, but I think the offense is ahead of the defense in progress and overall talent right now.



If we're going to continue to play this much man to man.. Stanford Routt is useless.

We should probably play more umbrella zone coverage in long down distance situations when he's in the game.

I was happy to see dudes blitzing but damn, Morrison keeps getting washed out. I would put Ricky Brown at Mike in my base with Howard at strong and Morrison at weak and take Brown out for the nickel. Especially since our DT's are so shitty you need a bigger guy out there who can get off a block

[Madturk]

Overall a pretty solid offensive performance even if it was mainly against their 2's and 3's. Wasn't expecting this kind of output especially since we'd been struggling in practices. We're really stacked at WR and RB and finally have some decent depth at the QB position. Carlisle appears to be the weak link on the OL but doesn't look like anybody is poised to take over his job anytime soon. I hope passing on Max Unger isn't going to come back and bite us in the ass.

I still have major concerns defensively. Still saw a lot of confusion and overpursuit on that second offensive drive by Dallas. If we're going to drop 8 guys in coverage especially against the Chargers, Rivers is going to shred us. Like I told Bones, I'm hoping its Marshall playing vanilla and not tipping his hat too much in pre-season because we were not getting much pressure at all from our front four. Sands was absolutely atrocious. On one play I saw one of the Dallas OL just absolutely destroy him. I know we need DT depth but I just assume take my chances with Boschetti or Bryant at this point and hopefully pick up someone off the waiver wire.

Real good effort from our 2's and 3's though. There's going to be some difficult cuts to make this pre season.

[Raider Outlaw]

I doubt if either of those players would get you anything ina trade. Certainly not any players of consequence. When Garcia was a free agent, he came to Oakland because 31 other teams passed on him.

On the other hand, Fargas is a 30 year old RB with limited receiving skills, who's only had success in a zone blocking scheme. Therefore, his trade value is limited to the Texans and Bucs, as the only other teams who employ the scheme as heavily as we do.

Why don't the patriots start scratching the Raiders back, too. why not send Wilfork to us for those Burgess compensatory picks back, lol. Seems like they're the only people who can make a deal with Al these days.

I don't know why they didn't go after leigh Bodden after the Lions cut him. Also, I know Al always liked Shawn Springs coming out of Ohio state, but the patriots got to him first, too.


All in all, a very positive game. The biggest concern was THAT DRIVE. It looked almost effortless, as the Cowboys moved the ball down the field before pulling their starters.
I think the Raiders offence is going to put up some points this year. Schillens is the real deal. Russell looked comfortable. Considering Gallery and Barnes were out, the O-line looked real solid. McFadden is explosive and Bush looks like he has something to prove. Did anyone see him pick up that blitz up the middle and just destroy the guy.
Reading the training camp reports, I really thought Routt might challenge for a starting role. Now, afraid not. We desperately need a DT and dime back. I know deals aren't easy in today's NFL, but I think we should seriously consider shopping Fargas and Garcia.

[brick]

Only saw the 1st half last night on one of those shakey internet feeds (thanks for the links guys) and rewatched the 1st few drives this morning on TiVo.

At 1st glance, that 2nd Cowboys drive is a jaring look at what will happen to the Raiders if Nnamdi is off the field for any length of time.

The Raiders went from very aggressive on that 1st drive to passive on the 2nd. Without the benifit of breaking down the tape, it looked like the Raiders have no confidence in either Route or Johnson handling things on an island. Where as with Nam in there, the Raiders were able to cheat a safety. The Raiders just don't have another playmaker on defense to pick up the slack.

[TheMadStork]

Agreed...morrison looks like a liability out there manning the middle.


I live in Maryland and about 3 years ago, Ravens fans were saying that Ray Lewis was over the hill. Then Ozzie Newsome (hands down the best GM in the game) drafted Haloti Ngata (who was available when we picked, damn it) and all of a sudden Lewis starts looking like a Pro Bowler again. Good DT's will make an average Mike look good and a good Mike great. I'm not sure any Mike will look good with our crappy DT's. Warren is inconsistent, Kelly still hasn't done a single thing to show me why he got that ginormous contract, and Sands is the biggest (literally!) waste of a roster spot imaginable.

Where have you gone, B.J. Raji-o? Raider Nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Woo-woo-woo.
What's that you say, Mr. Al Davis? 40 times just make you pop a huge woody.
Wee-wee-wee.

(Alright, I'm not Paul Simon. Sue me.)

[Raider Bill]

I live in Maryland and about 3 years ago, Ravens fans were saying that Ray Lewis was over the hill. Then Ozzie Newsome (hands down the best GM in the game) drafted Haloti Ngata (who was available when we picked, damn it) and all of a sudden Lewis starts looking like a Pro Bowler again. Good DT's will make an average Mike look good and a good Mike great. I'm not sure any Mike will look good with our crappy DT's. Warren is inconsistent, Kelly still hasn't done a single thing to show me why he got that ginormous contract, and Sands is the biggest (literally!) waste of a roster spot imaginable.

Where have you gone, B.J. Raji-o? Raider Nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Woo-woo-woo.
What's that you say, Mr. Al Davis? 40 times just make you pop a huge woody.
Wee-wee-wee.

(Alright, I'm not Paul Simon. Sue me.)




The situation is waht it is now... the front office has neglected the interior defensive line for years. You have to put the guy out there who gives you the best chance of success.

[Raider Outlaw]

We've all advocated adding someone in the mix at DT to eat space. I don't agree that kelly hasn't played well. he gets a good push on the pocket.

More of the problem is that Warren should be his backup, and we should have traded for Rogers/Jenkins/Stroud instead of hall last year, or they should have drafted Raji or Brace in the spring.

A Space eating DT would make a world of difference for the smallish LB's taht we have, but I still have never thought morrison should be in the middle, more for his mentality there than anything. Brown is about the same size, but he has a better demeanor to be a middle LB.


I live in Maryland and about 3 years ago, Ravens fans were saying that Ray Lewis was over the hill. Then Ozzie Newsome (hands down the best GM in the game) drafted Haloti Ngata (who was available when we picked, damn it) and all of a sudden Lewis starts looking like a Pro Bowler again. Good DT's will make an average Mike look good and a good Mike great. I'm not sure any Mike will look good with our crappy DT's. Warren is inconsistent, Kelly still hasn't done a single thing to show me why he got that ginormous contract, and Sands is the biggest (literally!) waste of a roster spot imaginable.

Where have you gone, B.J. Raji-o? Raider Nation turns its lonely eyes to you. Woo-woo-woo.
What's that you say, Mr. Al Davis? 40 times just make you pop a huge woody.
Wee-wee-wee.

(Alright, I'm not Paul Simon. Sue me.)

[Raider Bill]

I always liked Sam Rayburn.. not a huge guy but strong as hell, wonder if Miami clips him

[TheMadStork]

We've all advocated adding someone in the mix at DT to eat space. I don't agree that kelly hasn't played well. he gets a good push on the pocket.

More of the problem is that Warren should be his backup, and we should have traded for Rogers/Jenkins/Stroud instead of hall last year, or they should have drafted Raji or Brace in the spring.

A Space eating DT would make a world of difference for the smallish LB's taht we have, but I still have never thought morrison should be in the middle, more for his mentality there than anything. Brown is about the same size, but he has a better demeanor to be a middle LB.

You're probably right about Morrison. He's a smart player, but he doesn't have the mean streak of a prototypical Mike. The best MLB's would kick their grandmothers in their false teeth and laugh about it. Kirk would probably be serviceable with good DT's, though.

Kelly hasn't played badly, but in the salary-cap era, he's making way, way too much for what he's giving us. It's not his fault he's making that much, but I'd like to see some dominating performances for what he's getting paid.

If Sands doesn't step up in the next game, I think they need to think about cutting him. He's a 300 lb. turnstile.

[DonkeyKilla]

here's my take on the game:
1. JaMarcus looked pretty good- how bout that run! if he can tuck and run more like that he will become a more complete QB. He still stared down reciever too often but clearly light years ahead of where he was last year.
2. Recievers look fantastic- Chaz is going to be the man this year. Murphy looks great and we need to keep this nick miller kid. I'd say roll with Chaz, Bey, Murphy, JLH, Walker, and Miller.
3. Mario Henderson held up- announcer was saying he held Ware on that PI call- anyone catch that? if true our drive would have probably ended there
4. Bye bye Fargas- please- roll with DMAC, Bush, Rankin. Why pay Fargas? we don't need him and i believe all three of these guys are better.
5. We are looking pretty stupid for not bringing in more competition at RG- I guess i'll give Carslisle a preseason game to get into form but he killed us with the holding and false start calls. Sure would be nice if there was someone decent there to push him...
6. I thought i hated Green more than Carslisle but he actually played pretty good.
7. We all knew it already and it was exposed something ugly: our DTs fucking suck. That second drive they got tossed around like rag dolls.
8. We don't need Garthia- why not keep Gradkowski and Frye? they have futures and likely would be just as effective as Garthia.
9. Not sure i'm comfortable with any CBs not named Aso.
10. A win is a win- great to see! Great job Cable and staff!

oh but last- what the fuck was that rush 3 shit on the Whiten TD?? LAME.

[CrossBones]

I suppose most noticed the incredible speed on this team.

Looks like Al has a good idea there. Louis Rankin has a nice burst. Murphy is kinda fast. McFadden :eek:

Who said it? Speed Kills.

[Jack's sore libido]

I hated Mario henderson because he underachieved so much while at FSU, but he's winning me over, I must admit.

i didn't think this guy would ever be able to play. What a find if this play continues.

Totally agree. Rep.

[Raider X]

I suppose most noticed the incredible speed on this team.

Looks like Al has a good idea there. Louis Rankin has a nice burst. Murphy is kinda fast. McFadden :eek:

Who said it? Speed Kills.

I did: our overall team speed is awesome.

What I would have liked to have seen is better tackling and some bigger hits, especially from our LBs and DBs.

I hope Mitchell plays next week...

[Crow]

I could taste this sack.

Chaz Schilins should sell A LOT of jerseys! Dude is the REAL DEAL! Handsome mofo too!

:bugeye:

[bigboy3333]

I think the only guy that didn't catch a ball tonight was TE Miller. Go figure. But UFA Nick Miller's a stud. Game ball for that catch.

Props for coach Cable, too. The 2nd teamers came out at halftime and won the 3rd quarter, strong.

McFadden's fast, and can get through a hole, quickly, but (a) he still can't make people miss, and (b) I don't care if a guy has an angle, beat him to the flag, zig-zag or something.

Carlisle has to step up. He looked like the weak link on the OL. JR looked better than our running game.

Cable's got to stop calling silly bombs with JR staring down DHB. What a waste of a play.

Seet U are right, Raiders do need to fine a spot to put Nick Miller..if nothing else ST...Raiders also need to trade Fargas, L Rankin is cheaper and as good if not better.
I also seen a few miss tackles that need to be work on. All in all it was a good game, being a preseason.

[PDX Raider]

here's my take on the game:
1. JaMarcus looked pretty good- how bout that run! if he can tuck and run more like that he will become a more complete QB. He still stared down reciever too often but clearly light years ahead of where he was last year.
2. Recievers look fantastic- Chaz is going to be the man this year. Murphy looks great and we need to keep this nick miller kid. I'd say roll with Chaz, Bey, Murphy, JLH, Walker, and Miller.
3. Mario Henderson held up- announcer was saying he held Ware on that PI call- anyone catch that? if true our drive would have probably ended there
4. Bye bye Fargas- please- roll with DMAC, Bush, Rankin. Why pay Fargas? we don't need him and i believe all three of these guys are better.
5. We are looking pretty stupid for not bringing in more competition at RG- I guess i'll give Carslisle a preseason game to get into form but he killed us with the holding and false start calls. Sure would be nice if there was someone decent there to push him...
6. I thought i hated Green more than Carslisle but he actually played pretty good.
7. We all knew it already and it was exposed something ugly: our DTs fucking suck. That second drive they got tossed around like rag dolls.
8. We don't need Garthia- why not keep Gradkowski and Frye? they have futures and likely would be just as effective as Garthia.
9. Not sure i'm comfortable with any CBs not named Aso.
10. A win is a win- great to see! Great job Cable and staff!

oh but last- what the fuck was that rush 3 shit on the Whiten TD?? LAME.

Spot on assessment. I watched most of the game went back and watched a few plays again.
The good: DMAC and Bush(for the love of God, bench Fargas), M. Henderson (may have a legit left tackle after all), the linebackers (all played well), the competition b/w Morrison and Brown is good KM was active, and yes Brown got a sack, but he whiffed on a tackle badly. Schillens is the real deal, great hands, strength, and control. The strength of the offense is still the running game, but we have young receivers who can play, and the passing game will improve as the season progresses. The backup QB situation is good.

The average: the safeties. Other than Huff's INT, nothing stood out except they were rarely out of position. Still no playmakers at that position. The o-line is ok, still ran a number of max protection plays. JR played ok, not great. He still has a tendency to stare down his receivers. His short/medium passes are much better, his long throws not so much. DHB played ok. He ran good routes and it's way way too early to say the guy is a bust. Perhaps b/c the team hasn't done it in 5 years, but our blitzing has to improve a bit. Special teams was ok, not great.

Areas of Concern- Absolutely, the defensive line. We are absolutely going to regret not having another tackle (or two). Warren and Kelly are at best average. Scott did very little, and we can't expect the starting four to bring pressure by themselves. If we run the vanilla defense we ran last few years, we're screwed, as the QB will have all day to throw. gap responsibility is still a problem. The Cowboys ran at least two misdirection plays that completely flummoxed the defense. Right guard is a problem. I thought Carlisle was not very good last year, and I think he may have actually regressed. I hope this is not another Cable man crush like the one he had on Kwame last year. McQuistan should be given a chance there.

This team will be better, but the defensive and offensive lines have significant talent holes (what else is new???)

PDX

[Raider Outlaw]

Jamarcus will eventually lead us to the Super Bowl as long as he's protected and we surround him with good, stable parts on and off the field. He's learning the position, but he rarely repeats mistakes. I can't wait to see the finished product.

In addition, he has this cocky attitude, not arrogant like cutler or Rivers, which draws his teammates to him. It's a quiet confidence.

As far as getting rid of Garcia, unless he demonstrates an inability to play when he gets over this calf strain (still wondering where that came from...one of his gay ass pounding trysts away from the wife during the hiatus, lol), I wouldn't because his experience is invaluable if Russell goes down. You still have to consider that Frye has been awful in 2 different spots, and Gradkowski failed before and after Garcia came to Tampa with the same parts on offense there.

Also, we need to keep 6 receivers for that very point...miller is a player, not just a camp sensation. He won't last on the practice squad. The patriots would probably be all over him since they like our players so much, lol.

[QUOTE=DonkeyKilla;110221]here's my take on the game:
1. JaMarcus looked pretty good- how bout that run! if he can tuck and run more like that he will become a more complete QB. He still stared down reciever too often but clearly light years ahead of where he was last year.
2. Recievers look fantastic- Chaz is going to be the man this year. Murphy looks great and we need to keep this nick miller kid. I'd say roll with Chaz, Bey, Murphy, JLH, Walker, and Miller.
if true our drive would have probably ended there
8. We don't need Garthia- why not keep Gradkowski and Frye? they have futures and likely would be just as effective as Garthia.

[Madturk]

NFLN replaying the game right now

[Crow]

Fates willing, Routt and Johnson are just slow starters. I can't stomach the idea of drafting yet another 1st round CB.

[Raider Outlaw]

They're not the ones i'm worried about. There's absolutely no one behind those two who have demonstrated NFL ability.

granted, I said the same about Johnson 2 years ago, so stranger things have happened.



Fates willing, Routt and Johnson are just slow starters. I can't stomach the idea of drafting yet another 1st round CB.

[Crow]

They're not the ones i'm worried about. There's absolutely no one behind those two who have demonstrated NFL ability.

granted, I said the same about Johnson 2 years ago, so stranger things have happened.

They're the one that need to be worried about. They're going to be on the field a lot, and no one is going to test Nnamdi if free yardage is being given away on the other side.

[Sleet]

1. Justin Fargas Flat out should be Traded, Rankin is more of a threat even in pre-season, so tired of watching a fish struggle back to water. 1st hand off was exactly what I said 1 yard gain, 2nd hand off toward endzone 1 yard gain Fargas equals quick 3 and outs. while Mcfadden, Bush, and Rankin are moving the chains, and scoring touchdowns. This is not a good look for the 2 time commitment to excellence award winner. Fargas is already killing the line bad enough they have to worry about whats coming in front of them, they have to worry about fargas stepping on their ankles and running into their backs.

X, you're having back-up QB syndrom with a 4th string RB. I agree McFadden and Bush should be #1 & #2, no doubt. And I like Rankin's size, speed and potential. But Rankin has the maddening happit of running backwards or failing to see a cut-back and turning bad plays into worse plays, and not getting the most out of average plays. Fargus has eliminated most negative yard plays, gets the most of what's there, and is a far better blocker. Would I be disappointed if Fargas is traded in favor of Rankin, no way. Would I be surprised, yes.

2. Sands is just as worse as the UFL 2nd team. standing around looks like he is looking for a hug on the field. sands made no sense played for 4 quarters and no sack no getting into the backfield or disrupting plays. Making our D-line look real bad. william joseph shows more muster.

Can't figure this one out. Sands came to camp, they say, in the best shape since '06, when he had his best year. There were moments last year where Sands played well. But Sands looks worse than two years ago. WFT? Has Marshall/Board already told him he's gone, so he's not trying anymore?

3. Huff showed he can intercept the ball, signs of progress earned a grin from me. please let the light stay on & continue good progress. routt needs to find the light.

I still don't trust Huff or Routt. It seems as if they both have a big bull-eye on the front of their helmets or something.

4. Nick Miller Deserves to make this team. better receiver hands than expected looks great in 89 jersey wiped the funk off of it, and turned it back into a threat good kick returner.

Game ball. Watkins, Franklin, Holland who?

5. RUN DMC- BEAST, Chaz Shillens- BEAST, DHB is already a Huge problem for Defensive Coordinators, Didnt think he would draw as many double teams as he did. As a matter of fact the cowboys Defense acted as if Bey was Randy moss or T.O. which opened up the underneath game. Russell looked Great, the big run, he is slimming down.

It looks like we might have a lot of weapons, and JR and the other QBs looked comfortable using them last night.

Other players that stood out, Brandon Myrers, slade norris, RG Michael Johnson, pears, 2nd string offensive line was good drawn a few flags yet could hold up for the pass. Louis Rankin is Fargas replacement, Sands can be dropped today, and the Raiders Defensive line would become more deadly. william joesph looks like he wants to play.

Still Ricky brown is horrible against any form of run, please come here brooks.

2nd and 3rd strings looked sharp, not doubt. Brown whiffed, once, bad, but otherwise had a good night. Norris was promising. Hopefully after seeing us play last night, Brooks wouldn't mind ending his career, here, like Woodson.

well, DHB allows alot, Great career ahead, will look at him to get automatic double team. he is a game player. already see With DHB and Mcfadden Russell Schilenz and miller, hell of a offense.

as of today, Fargas can go, Sands can go, Ricky brown third string, cooper carsile can go, making roster spots for real stars to emerge.

looking foward too next week..

X

Cooper Carlisle looked bad. But we don't have anybody else.

[Sleet]

I think if Myeers continues his progress from camp, Tony Stewartwill be released in a similar fashion to Crockett when orren o'Neal came on. I don't think they'll carry 3 tight ends.

I thought Richardson played well last night. Right now, I like Joseph as the third DT, which isn't saying much with that group.

Trevor Scott was still pushed around more than I'd hoped, too.

Trever Scott was my biggest disappointment. He looked/played like a tweener. Not fast enough to cause a LT trouble, too small to be noticed.

[Rupert]

Tommy Kelly in coverage huh?

If not for Kelly in coverage it would have been a quick TD. He dropped right into the passing lane on the quick slant. Then route gave the TE a shoulder massage on the TD catch.

It was almost a perfect play call. I'd have liked to have seen a backer or safety blitzing instead of only rushing 3.

[Rupert]

Overall a pretty good effort. Except for a couple drives the defense held it's own.

We've had a couple people talking about aggressive defense, that TD drive Dallas put up was what happens when an aggressive defense gets caught in a lot of wrong calls without defenders that can overcome the call.

Overall a much better effort by these guys.

The offense looked pretty good. I liked the route combinations. I liked the depth and width.

It looks like we have solid schemes on both sides.

[Sleet]

Overall a pretty good effort. Except for a couple drives the defense held it's own.

We've had a couple people talking about aggressive defense, that TD drive Dallas put up was what happens when an aggressive defense gets caught in a lot of wrong calls without defenders that can overcome the call.

Overall a much better effort by these guys.

The offense looked pretty good. I liked the route combinations. I liked the depth and width.

It looks like we have solid schemes on both sides.

Nothing looked good on the 2nd drive, except Dallas' holding penalty. But when Marshall got Dallas into a 3rd and goal, obvious passing situation, he pulled a Ryan, rushed 3, and gave Romo all day to pass. He then did the same thing in later on with Kitna looking at 3rd and long. Kitna almost found an open WR, even though he was doubled.

I know Aso was not in, and it is preseason. So, things can change. I sure hope so. With Champ Baily and a suspect D otherwise, ShannaRat always brought pressure in 3rd and long passing situations. I'd rather cover 5 v. 3 (with Aso manning 1 and rushing 5 v. 6), than 6 v. 4 (rushing 4 v. 5) or 7 v. 4 (rushing 3 v. 5). The math works for me. It worked for ShannaRat, and works for others. I hate prevent D and watching us unable to get enough pressure with 4.

[hawaiianboy]

So the only question for Fargas is: Does he make too much money to be the No. 3 guy?

JMac mentioned in his chat that Fargas has restructured his contract... I'm going to take a wild guess and say that part of the reason he was in the game that first series is we wanted to take a couple of shots deep to test things out and we wanted Fargas in for pass pro... McFadden is making strides in that area but still whiffed on the one sack we took I believe...


I find it hard to break down guys without the benefit of replays, but I do know I feel A LOT better about this team today than a week ago... The OT's held up, the center held up, the QB's looked poised, the WR's flashed a bunch of potential, the head coach looked in control, etc...

* If someone has the game on DVR, I'd sure like an assessment of Tommy Kelly... At first blush, he looked like he was super glued to blocks out there... If he doesn't get the penetration that spot calls for, the MLB's are going to be hung out to dry all year... Witness Brian Urlacher looking remarkedly average when Tommie Harris struggles... Kelly was a better player when in the 300 lb range... He still looks heavy and sluggish to me...

* Short yardage blocking still looks to be a concern and probably will continue to be the Achilles Heel of this blocking scheme... We're going to need to utilize a back with yards after contact skills, be it Bush or Russell, to overcome the inability to line up and blow guys off the ball...

* I don't have a problem with playing zone in the red zone since offenses run so many pick plays there, but I really don't like dropping 8 under any circumstance... I'm thinking/hoping someone in the back 7 missed their hot call on that zone blitz where Dallas scored their TD...

* Game balls to Chaz Shillens and Ike Ekijiuba... I've already got a bunch of "Who the hell is that Chaz guy?" questions from friends... We may have actually found a potential stud WR that doesn't have the diva/asshole factor working against him...

All in all a pretty damn good first showing IMO... A bunch of guys flashed positive and maybe the organization got a better idea that we need to look to more aggressively add to the DT rotation and maybe give a couple of guys harder looks at the RG spot in coming games...

[Rupert]

JMac mentioned in his chat that Fargas has restructured his contract... I'm going to take a wild guess and say that part of the reason he was in the game that first series is we wanted to take a couple of shots deep to test things out and we wanted Fargas in for pass pro... McFadden is making strides in that area but still whiffed on the one sack we took I believe...


I find it hard to break down guys without the benefit of replays, but I do know I feel A LOT better about this team today than a week ago... The OT's held up, the center held up, the QB's looked poised, the WR's flashed a bunch of potential, the head coach looked in control, etc...

* If someone has the game on DVR, I'd sure like an assessment of Tommy Kelly... At first blush, he looked like he was super glued to blocks out there... If he doesn't get the penetration that spot calls for, the MLB's are going to be hung out to dry all year... Witness Brian Urlacher looking remarkedly average when Tommie Harris struggles... Kelly was a better player when in the 300 lb range... He still looks heavy and sluggish to me...

* Short yardage blocking still looks to be a concern and probably will continue to be the Achilles Heel of this blocking scheme... We're going to need to utilize a back with yards after contact skills, be it Bush or Russell, to overcome the inability to line up and blow guys off the ball...

* I don't have a problem with playing zone in the red zone since offenses run so many pick plays there, but I really don't like dropping 8 under any circumstance... I'm thinking/hoping someone in the back 7 missed their hot call on that zone blitz where Dallas scored their TD...

* Game balls to Chaz Shillens and Ike Ekijiuba... I've already got a bunch of "Who the hell is that Chaz guy?" questions from friends... We may have actually found a potential stud WR that doesn't have the diva/asshole factor working against him...

All in all a pretty damn good first showing IMO... A bunch of guys flashed positive and maybe the organization got a better idea that we need to look to more aggressively add to the DT rotation and maybe give a couple of guys harder looks at the RG spot in coming games...

Assessment of Kelly is right on. He looked to be the target of double teams now and again. He still got penetration on most plays, but never really shed the blocks.

Dropping Kelly on that TD play was perfect and problematic. Kelly dropped right into the passing lane that would have been a quick TD. Instead we only sent 3 and gave up the TD because we had no pressure.

The team definitley looked like an NFL competitor didn't they?

[Madturk]

Kelly and Scott were a non-factor in watching the replay right now. Scott was just overwhelmed on that Dallas scoring drive. I'm having my doubts if he's actually ready to play every down yet.

[Rupert]

Nothing looked good on the 2nd drive, except Dallas' holding penalty. But when Marshall got Dallas into a 3rd and goal, obvious passing situation, he pulled a Ryan, rushed 3, and gave Romo all day to pass. He then did the same thing in later on with Kitna looking at 3rd and long. Kitna almost found an open WR, even though he was doubled.

I know Aso was not in, and it is preseason. So, things can change. I sure hope so. With Champ Baily and a suspect D otherwise, ShannaRat always brought pressure in 3rd and long passing situations. I'd rather cover 5 v. 3 (with Aso manning 1 and rushing 5 v. 6), than 6 v. 4 (rushing 4 v. 5) or 7 v. 4 (rushing 3 v. 5). The math works for me. It worked for ShannaRat, and works for others. I hate prevent D and watching us unable to get enough pressure with 4.

I think you have to take the game as a whole as indicative of how we'll play. You have to look at the play calling in pre-season as an exercise in situational experimentation.

Trying things does several things:
1) It give the coach an idea of whether a particular play is viable in that situation.
2) It gives opposing offenses something to think about.
3) It gives the coach an idea of how well he scouted the opposing team.

I think we saw good diversity from both offense and defense. There was a lot of good learning. Etc.

Very valuable game. We're going to see similar things in the pre-season.

[Rupert]

Kelly and Scott were a non-factor in watching the replay right now. Scott was just overwhelmed on that Dallas scoring drive. I'm having my doubts if he's actually ready to play every down yet.

Scott was definitely invisible. Usually held his ground and occupied his blocker. But never noticed him.

[gst8]

Thoughts on Satele?

I only watched a few series and lord knows I'm not an expert in breaking down OL play, but it looked like the interior was getting shoved around to me.

Was I missing something?

[Sleet]

I think you have to take the game as a whole as indicative of how we'll play. You have to look at the play calling in pre-season as an exercise in situational experimentation.

Trying things does several things:
1) It give the coach an idea of whether a particular play is viable in that situation.
2) It gives opposing offenses something to think about.
3) It gives the coach an idea of how well he scouted the opposing team.

I think we saw good diversity from both offense and defense. There was a lot of good learning. Etc.

Very valuable game. We're going to see similar things in the pre-season.

Don't get me wrong. Very promising start for the "team." I liked our coaching staff coming into the season, and I think they did a good job. You can see the job Hackett and Tollner have done to the passing game. Kiffin and Knapp weren't nearly as good teachers, planners.

You can also see that Cable/Maz have their work cut out for them, talent wise, but they appear up to the task. By and large, the OL held up, nicely, most of the night.

Marshall/Board have the hardess job, and we knew that coming in. Aso might be key to Marshall's ability/willingness to bring pressure. I sure would like to know what Marshall and Board are thinking about our DL and LBs.

[Raider Outlaw]

I was always concerned about that. I had wanted to bring Ellis in to pair with burgess because i thought together that they would cause major havoc for QB's.

right now, Scott is a situational 3rd down DE who should be spelling Richardson.



Kelly and Scott were a non-factor in watching the replay right now. Scott was just overwhelmed on that Dallas scoring drive. I'm having my doubts if he's actually ready to play every down yet.

[hawaiianboy]

Fates willing, Routt and Johnson are just slow starters..

The memory wasn't what it once was, but did Routt struggle on both sides or just when he stepped into Nnamdi's strongside corner spot?... If, as reported, he's been looking good as the weakside corner, could this be a case of trying to give the guy more than he can handle as far as flip flopping his footwork?...


I don't know why they didn't go after leigh Bodden after the Lions cut him.

A lot of here were wondering the same thing when he was available... Seemed like a real good fit... Then again, it's hard not to wonder why we didn't take a run at Rocky Bernard considering our situation at DT and his history with our DC...

[Sleet]

I was always concerned about that. I had wanted to bring Ellis in to pair with burgess because i thought together that they would cause major havoc for QB's.

right now, Scott is a situational 3rd down DE who should be spelling Richardson.

How many of Scott's 5 sacks last year were from Burgess' side? I agree he should be a situational pass rusher, if nothing else, to keep him fresh. He gets worn down, he won't have the burst necessary to pressure the QB. The problem, Richardson will get no respect, and Ellis will then get doubled. So, Houston, we have a problem!!!

[PDX Raider]

The entire defensive line is the big weakness of this team. Kelly and Warren don't look like they can handle a lot of snaps. The DEs have to play in a rotation to be effective. Scott just looks like he will get overpowered by LTs. Given his playing weight, that should not be a surprise. Sands is atrocious. He needs to be cut ASAP. Another stupid contract by the Raiders. He can't penetrate, and looks like a seal out there. The other problem area is the right side of the line. I'm not comfortable with any of the RTs, and Carlisle does not look good, and the problem is that Cable is hell bent on making him a starter in the same maddening way he kept turnstile Harris in the lineup. This team needs lineman, and unfortunately the chances of getting any b/w now and the start of the season are slim to none. Right now, not drafting an offensive lineman or defensive tackle in the first three rounds looks pretty stupid.

[Raider Outlaw]

Satele was okay. I thought losing Grove was a down grade in the off-season although i wouldn't have paid him what the Dolphins gave him either because his past play didn't warrant.

Satele struggled at times last night, but nothing alarming. he's coming off of Shoulder surgery as well, you have to remember.

i feel that we'll need to address that position with a more powerful player going forward, but he and Waide will be adequate for now. Seems like Grove had finally hit his stride last season after the microfracture surgery, but then we lost him. It's like we developed him for the Dolphins and won't see any of the benefits.

Thoughts on Satele?

I only watched a few series and lord knows I'm not an expert in breaking down OL play, but it looked like the interior was getting shoved around to me.

Was I missing something?

[gannoncannon]

Thoughts on Satele?

I only watched a few series and lord knows I'm not an expert in breaking down OL play, but it looked like the interior was getting shoved around to me.

Was I missing something?

Satele was okay. I thought losing Grove was a down grade in the off-season although i wouldn't have paid him what the Dolphins gave him either because his past play didn't warrant.

Satele struggled at times last night, but nothing alarming. he's coming off of Shoulder surgery as well, you have to remember.

i feel that we'll need to address that position with a more powerful player going forward, but he and Waide will be adequate for now. Seems like Grove had finally hit his stride last season after the microfracture surgery, but then we lost him. It's like we developed him for the Dolphins and won't see any of the benefits.

I felt that overall Satele did well. I think more of our issues inside the line were with our Guards. Our tackles were pretty solid last night.

[Crow]

The memory wasn't what it once was, but did Routt struggle on both sides or just when he stepped into Nnamdi's strongside corner spot?... If, as reported, he's been looking good as the weakside corner, could this be a case of trying to give the guy more than he can handle as far as flip flopping his footwork?...

It's a possibility worth hoping for.

[massraider]

Impressions, 1st half:





QB:
Aside from the two underthrown deep balls, I was encouraged by JaMarcus. Zipped the short stuff on target. Threw one away when no one was there. Funny how guys that catch the ball make the QB look better. Was looking guys off, going to the 2nd option (or maybe the look-off was designed). I saw no accuracy problems.

I thought Gradkowski did alright. Some nice throws, some not so great ones under pressure.


RB:
As much as I loved DMC's runs, I think my favorite play was Russell's scramble, when DMC flat-out stoned a blitzing LB, and JRock ran right by him. One thing about DMC, he seems to be a tough guy, and has no problem sticking his helmet in there.

Nice to see O'Neal playing.

Fargas: You know, I love the guy, but I wouldn't be mad if Rankin took his spot. Bush had a good game,

WR:

I didn't like that DHB didn't go up for that deep ball. JaMarcus should have led him more, but if DHB goes up for it, maybe you get that PI call that Shilens got the next play. BTW, great block by DHB on that long DMC run.

Chaz......I mean, tough to not get over-excited. If Russell trusts him, it seems like Chaz will go get the ball. He went up and grabbed one, with a man on him, in the 1st quarter, and last year, we had no guy that could do that, and the ball would have sailed over the WRs head and out of bounds (which would have led to snarky JaMarcus comments). That play where he caught it on the ground, then got up, even switched hands, and jumped past the first down marker, was just great.

I am pretty excited about Murphy too. You can tell he came from a passing offense. Always seemed to be open, and seemed to know where the holes in the zones were. I can see why everyone says he's smooth. Looks natural out there.

OL:

Well, I guess we should be nervous about Carlisle. That Brooking sack was his fault, IMO, DMC had no way to get there in time. Holding, false starts, yeesh.......Henderson did a workman-like job vs. Spencer and Ware. So did Green actually. I will be surprised if anyone other than Barnes can beat him out. Morris was OK in pass pro, I wouldn't mind seeing him give Carlisle some competition. Satele got the 2nd level quite a bit, could have been more decisive on that DMC screen. McQuistan appears to be the suck. James Marten actually looked OK at RT.

DL:

Surprised off the bat that we seem to be flopping the LBs, and the DTs. Kelly was over the nose, and Warren at the UT. Also noticed Scott in a 4 pt stance, which I saw Shaugnessy doing later. On that running play that Scrabble stopped, Scott got completely pancaked by Flozell. He then got blocked right out of the play by Witten, on the first Barber run, but he had plenty of cmpany, as both Kelly and Warren were getting driven to the sideline as well. No bueno. Scott then got hooked inside on that reverse. He did not ahve a good game. On short yardage, the Boys O-line pushed the DTs wherever they wanted. We weren't getting pressure with just 4 rushers.

Terdell Sands: :shakehead: If he is practicing like this, and if this keeps up, someone needs to give me a reason why he shouldn't be cut. Gets an initial shove, then seems to lose interest. The alarming thing was on pass plays, he'd get shoved back, then kind of wander back in coverage. He was fricking awful. William Joseph looked a lot better than he did. And he didn't look great.

Shaugnessy got got shoved around in the run game pretty good. I don't see him taking Richardson's snaps, based on one game.

LB:
Ricky Brown isn't going to push Morrison to the outside if he can't tackle Tashard Choice in the hole. Seems like Marshall is toying with flipping the LBs, which is good. Howard shouldn't be taking on TEs.

Slade Norris showed me a little something. looks like he has wheels, and likes to mix it up.

David Nixon looked really small to me. Longshot.


DB: I am sure everyone wants to roast Routt, but both those completions were on plays when Romo had all day. They weren't blown coverages, just too much time. He won't be beating out Johnson, but he's the nickel, cause it sure ain't Bowie.

I don't recall seeing any blown coverages by the starting safeties. Michael Huiff, I was real happy for him when he got that pick. And that was a great play, by any measure. That PI call in the endzone looked like a nice play to me.

John Bowie, oof. That long run that got called back, when Ricky missed Choice, Bowie made Sam Hurd look like Jason Dunn. Zero effort to disengage. I think the ref called holding out of pity.


I did like the blitzing. I saw two safety blitzes, some blitzes up the middle.

[DonkeyKilla]

"Right now, not drafting an offensive lineman or defensive tackle in the first three rounds looks pretty stupid. "

Actually it looked pretty stupid on draft day too.

[Crow]

I felt that overall Satele did well. I think more of our issues inside the line were with our Guards. Our tackles were pretty solid last night.

I would agree for the most part. Satele won't ever be accused of being a powerful guy, but he didn't appear to be a significant liability either.

[Blackened]

First series Tommy Kelly

1st down-against the Dallas first team Kelly got a little push up the middle Greg Ellis really with the pressure to deflect the pass though.

2nd Down-Not a factor blocked decently and the is play going away from him.

3rd Down-starts to push then it looks like he's dropping into coverage I guess.

2nd Series.

1st Down-Cowboys guard keeps him out of the play...Romo completes pass.

2nd Down-meh....

3rd Down-Gets double teamed

1st and 10 for the Cowboys again

1st Down-Dallas guard blocks him out with a good shove Felix Jones blows by.

2nd down-gets somewhat of a push but penalty on one of our DB's

1st down-again for the Cowboys, reverse play Kelly gets blocked slows down watches play.

2nd down-drops into coverage slows down,screen pass to Jones...Kelly kind of watches the play develop and slows down again.

After a breather and a penalty on Dallas for holding

2nd and goal-Kirk jumps up to line slaps Kelly on the ass,Kelly waves him off drops into coverage and Romo has about 4 or five Mississippi to throw. Routt gets beat touchdown...Kelly did hold the zone well watch out Huff!

Kelly basically a non factor :shakehead:

Third series

Dallas has second team out Kitna under center.

1st down-Kelly gets pushed back no real penetration or burst. Just kind of manages to get in the way.

2nd down meh...

3rd down-Cowboy guard whiffs Kelly but a RB is there to help pick him up. Still helped force Kitna to throw it short.

That's it HB. Nothing at all spectacular to mention.

[Random Dude]

Sorry if any of this is a repeat. I don't have the time or energy to read all the posts since last night. I log on from work...

1) Defensive line still sucks. I can't stand the fact that Al won't draft a DT. :mad:

2) How is it that McQ's twin brother is good enough to start on the Dallas O-Line, but he can't beat out anyone on the right side of the Raider's O-Line?

3) Huff looks bigger than in past years. I think HB or someone here mentioned he attended some kind of off season strength and conditioning program. It sure looks like it to me. I am not sure if it will translate him into a better starter...sure would be nice tho. I am not going to get to excited over the pick he made.

4) Chaz is and will be the #1. Great story.

5) RB's look solid. I want to see as little of Fargas as possible during the regular season.

6) Rankin deserves his shot. Not sure why he is sitting around in Oakland with no chance to play.

7) JRuss was proficient. Nothing to get too excited about yet.

8) The score means nothing. Dallas first team O went right through the Raiders first team D on their second series. I doubt Oakland's D finishes better than 25 this year.

9) The offense will be solid and a little more balanced IMO, but I am not sure it will be on the field enough to rank in the top 15. Opposing O's are going to chew a lot of clock running the ball.

10) The Coliseum is the most polished turd I have ever seen.

11) I saw a funny haircut or two. Was is Shaughnessy who had the Friar Tuck haircut? Rookie hazing must be a bitch.

12) I would have taken BJ Raji and Max Unger in the draft. Not saying I don't like the kids Al picked (jury still out), but fuck this team needs line help...I've been rather quite on this, but I am joining the chorus and singing a song about beating a dead horse until April 2010.

13) Unlucky 13...this team is gonna win the SB. :koolaid:

[Crow]

"Right now, not drafting an offensive lineman or defensive tackle in the first three rounds looks pretty stupid. "

Actually it looked pretty stupid on draft day too.

Preach.

[PDX Raider]

"I would have taken BJ Raji and Max Unger in the draft. Not saying I don't like the kids Al picked (jury still out), but fuck this team needs line help...I've been rather quite on this, but I am joining the chorus and singing a song about beating a dead horse until April 2010"

Yep.

[gannoncannon]

I'm wondering if Carlisle could lose his spot on the line by the season opener. If so, who'd be the guy to take his place? Morris? McQuistan?

[gannoncannon]

One thing I'm not sure anyone's touched on yet: Higgins returning punts. Not sure how much of it was the blocking vs. him just dancing around too much, but he really didn't do much last night.

[PDX Raider]

I'm wondering if Carlisle could lose his spot on the line by the season opener. If so, who'd be the guy to take his place? Morris? McQuistan?

i'm open to giving either a shot, but that means letting them play quite a bit in the pre-season to see which one is better. Cable really likes Carlisle (refers to him a as a leader). Not sure why he likes him so much, but the dude can't play, as was apparent last year, and last night.

[Random Dude]

i'm open to giving either a shot, but that means letting them play quite a bit in the pre-season to see which one is better. Cable really likes Carlisle (refers to him a as a leader). Not sure why he likes him so much, but the dude can't play, as was apparent last year, and last night.

Like I said how does McQ's twin start for Dallas, but he can't beat anyone out on the Raider's O-Line?

[NIPS]

"Right now, not drafting an offensive lineman or defensive tackle in the first three rounds looks pretty stupid. "

Actually it looked pretty stupid on draft day too.

Really coulda used Ron Brace there in rd 2. Raiders didnt ne tackle help on the OL - they knew this - a guard in rd 1? naw -

I been bashing Carlisle since last year - Should took a guard in rd 3 but we also did need to addrsss the DE - so its a catch 22 in that 3rd rd

Really disagreed with the 2nd pick

Man - could had Ron Brace - So 'nuff fucked that all up - have to wait 3 years from now and see who has the better career - Mitchell or Brace

We should be able to land some help reaching the 53 man cut down - every year theres a player cut that raises an eyebrow

[PDX Raider]

Really coulda used Ron Brace there in rd 2. Raiders didnt ne tackle help on the OL - they knew this - a guard in rd 1? naw -

I been bashing Carlisle since last year - Should took a guard in rd 3 but we also did need to addrsss the DE - so its a catch 22 in that 3rd rd

Really disagreed with the 2nd pick

Man - could had Ron Brace - So 'nuff fucked that all up - have to wait 3 years from now and see who has the better career - Mitchell or Brace

We should be able to land some help reaching the 53 man cut down - every year theres a player cut that raises an eyebrow

Hope so. Honestly, other than the dude from Wisconsin we took a few years back, I don't remember the last time the Raiders drafted a defensive tackle. I thought they should have taken big ole Grady Jackson when they had the chance. It's going to be a long year on that side of the ball, unless we get turnovers.

[Random Dude]

I been bashing Carlisle since last year - Should took a guard in rd 3 but we also did need to addrsss the DE - so its a catch 22 in that 3rd

I was really expecting a mid to late round pick of O-Line. I figured TC would look for a guy who had the measurables that fit his system...a la Henderson.

[NIPS]

Hope so. Honestly, other than the dude from Wisconsin we took a few years back, I don't remember the last time the Raiders drafted a defensive tackle. I thought they should have taken big ole Grady Jackson when they had the chance. It's going to be a long year on that side of the ball, unless we get turnovers.

Ya know, Dewayne Robertson was axed by the Broncos a couple months back - he was due to make 6 mil

Wonder if we can get on the bat phone with that fugger

[gannoncannon]

Anyone watching ESPN? They're talking about Russell like he had a bad game and that we couldn't throw the ball.

[PDX Raider]

Not sure about Dewayne Robertson. Denver's defensive line is atrocious (may be worse than ours). If they cut him, that should be a sign the guy can't play. Then again, they traded Cutler, and signed Orton, so they may have a case of head up ass syndrome. I would explore a trade with Fargas being the prime candidate to a team like the Eagles who have d-line depth, but need more RBs with Westbrook getting up there in age. I now think that Burgess trade wasn't the smartest move in the world, particularly if Al uses the picks for (insert name, CB, 40 time sub 4-3, and can't play).

[Raider Outlaw]

Well, paul did get hurt last year. His only extensive playing time at RT in relief of the injured Green at the end of '07 was positive, which is all I can grade him on. If anyone should get the chance to take that job, I think he warrants.

Btw, is brother, pat, is a backup for Dallas, too.

McQuistan's not as agile as Carlisle, but he's stronger at the point. I've seen enough of Morris to know that he's just a capable backup.

I was hoping that former tackle from Minnesota, Johnson, could be reformed into a super guard, much like Gallery, but he looked like shit at times last night.



Like I said how does McQ's twin start for Dallas, but he can't beat anyone out on the Raider's O-Line?

[TheMadStork]

Not sure about Dewayne Robertson. Denver's defensive line is atrocious (may be worse than ours). If they cut him, that should be a sign the guy can't play. Then again, they traded Cutler, and signed Orton, so they may have a case of head up ass syndrome. I would explore a trade with Fargas being the prime candidate to a team like the Eagles who have d-line depth, but need more RBs with Westbrook getting up there in age. I now think that Burgess trade wasn't the smartest move in the world, particularly if Al uses the picks for (insert name, CB, 40 time sub 4-3, and can't play).

Burgess wasn't going to play us for no matter what. If he did show up, he'd be a cancer. And he was no help against the run. As long as we don't screw the picks up too badly, it was a good deal.

Maybe we can trick Al into thinking a scale is a stopwatch. "Al, he tops out at 345." "3.45!! Holy crap, that's fast!!!"

[Random Dude]

Btw, is brother, pat, is a backup for Dallas, too.

I thought I saw him running with the 1st team??? Maybe that third white russian wasn't such a good idea after all.

[Raider Outlaw]

Richardson really looked better to me last night though. I think Scott was spelling Richardson on passing downs last season.


How many of Scott's 5 sacks last year were from Burgess' side? I agree he should be a situational pass rusher, if nothing else, to keep him fresh. He gets worn down, he won't have the burst necessary to pressure the QB. The problem, Richardson will get no respect, and Ellis will then get doubled. So, Houston, we have a problem!!!

[Postmaster]

I thought I saw him running with the 1st team??? Maybe that third white russian wasn't such a good idea after all.

White Russian? Did you have a banana daiquiri for dessert?

[Madturk]

He was running with the 1's. We got the shittier twin.

[Postmaster]

I will be curious to see if J-Rich starts eating into to Trevor Scott's practice time. We might need to platoon that DE spot.

[Crow]

He was running with the 1's. We got the shittier twin.

3 or 4 rounds earlier.

[DarkDays]

Lowlights first.

I will be detailing the many highlights in another post so don't get pantie stained fellas, and if you don't like criticism move on.

First and worst our Dline.

Sands has no concept of leverage, Scott will never be an every down D/E. No protection for our beleaguered LBs who are walled off by Oline men with full heads of steam more often than not.

As long as Al continues to put the carriage before the horse and not do heavy reconstruction on both lines than we will continue to struggle. Our first team defense opened up like a two cent whore and I saw, on numerous occasions, our LBs getting stonewalled by O-linemen. I saw Morrison getting tossed like a rag doll. Everybody is going after the LBs but they have zero fucking protection by the most over payed over hyped (by Al) Dline ever.

Tirade (skip if you like):As far as production to dollar value is concerned, these guys should be charged with embezzlement. We are far out paying any team with half a brain and a wet behind the ears GM. All of this money for perhaps the worst Dline in the game as it pertains to stopping the run. As long as castoffs like Joseph are Al's answer to our glaring needs on the O and D lines than we are never going to get over the hump.

Al stop building your house on the sand, It's insane, everybody is laughing at you, or they want to buss-a-cap-in-dat-ass.

Tirade complete.

Close second to the disaster that is the Dline is our Oline,
the only reason they are not first, for killing drive after drive, is that two key members were absent. Our boy Carslile is at the end of his rope, holding, false start(s) and if I'm not mistaken he got bulldozed on that Russell sack. Another reason we have got to go hard in F/A and the draft on the line(s).

Mcqestion is never going to be a consistent starter and as it looks he will be put in that position sooner than later.

As with the Dline the Oline has zero depth.

Mini tirade: Al we know you are snake bit from the Gallery and grove draft but something must be done and pet projects are not cutting it!

Now that the worst is over I will nitpick just a few more things.

Russell: and this is hard because the kid is growing but positivity has no place in this post. The Rock has got to stop telegraphing plays and his footwork needs help. His mental game needs sharping to some extent. Russ is not dealing with kids who will never see an NFL practice field, these are pro's and the DBs will make you pay for staring down your WR. Fact.

Dmac: You have got to play the field better, yes you can run fast but this is not collage strait line running is not enough. You can not outrun an NFL calaber safety who has a good angle on you, you have got to shake him, do not let him pin you to the sideline. If mack shakes the guy with a stunt left and goes right the guy loses the angle and it's seven points instead of three. When we can score outside the redzone we need to because everybody, coach and players, seem to lose their mind when we get down there. This means guys like JLH and Dmac have got to finish plays.

And that takes me to the bizarreo world of the Raiders redzone O;

Fargas up the gut for nada, false start, harebrained screen passes that net nada, Third and imposable goal situation with a short field and out comes Jano. The true grit of a team is tested in the redzone where speed and trickery are negated by a short field and a revved up defense. We must out will, out scrap and demoralize the apposing defense. We have no teeth as it pertains to the Redzone. I'm not talking about our second and thirds either, I am directing this to our starters.

Lost in the excitement of big plays last night was an offense and defense that still need to work on fundamentals. The big play is not always going to be there you have got to get down and dirty and have an unbending will to win you have got to have the vision to get that TD, to shed that block and make that tackle.

[PDX Raider]

Lowlights first.

I will be posting the many highlights in another thread so don't get pantie stained fellas, and if you don't like criticism move on.

First and worst our Dline.

Sands has no concept of leverage, Scott will never be an every down D/E. No protection for our beleaguered LBs who are walled off by Oline men with full heads of steam more often than not.

As long as Al continues to put the carriage before the horse and not do heavy reconstruction on both lines than we will continue to struggle. Our first team defense opened up like a two cent whore and I saw, on numerous occasions, our LBs getting stonewalled by O-linemen. I saw Morrison getting tossed like a rag doll. Everybody is going after the LBs but they have zero fucking protection by the most over payed over hyped (by Al) Dline ever.

Tirade (skip if you like):As far as production to dollar value is concerned, these guys should be charged with embezzlement. We are far out paying any team with half a brain and a wet behind the ears GM. All of this money for perhaps the worst Dline in the game as it pertains to stopping the run. As long as castoffs like Joseph are Al's answer to our glaring needs on the O and D lines than we are never going to get over the hump.

Al stop building your house on the sand, It's insane, everybody is laughing at you, or they want to buss-a-cap-in-dat-ass.

Tirade complete.

Close second to the disaster that is the Dline is our Oline,
the only reason they are not first, for killing drive after drive, is that two key members were absent. Our boy Carslile is at the end of his rope, holding, false start(s) and if I'm not mistaken he got bulldozed on that Russell sack. Another reason we have got to go hard in F/A and the draft on the line(s).

Mcqestion is never going to be a consistent starter and as it looks he will be put in tha position sooner than later.

As with the Dline the Oline has zero depth.

Mini tirade: Al we know you are snake bit from the Gallery and grove draft but something must be done and pet projects are not cutting it!

Now that the worst is over I will nitpick just a few more things.

Russell: and this is hard because the kid is growing but positivity has no place in this post. The Rock has got to stop telegraphing plays and his footwork needs help. His mental game needs sharping to some extent. Russ is not dealing with kids who will never see an NFL practice field, these are pro's and the DBs will make you pay for staring down your WR. Fact.

Dmac: You have got to play the field better, yes you can run fast but this is not collage strait line running is not enough. You can not outrun an NFL calaber safety who has a good angle on you, you have got to shake him, do not let him pin you to the sideline. If mack shakes the guy with a stunt left and goes right the guy loses the angle and it's seven points instead of three. When we can score outside the redzone we need to because everybody, coach and players, seem to lose their mind when we get down there this means guys like JLH and Dmac finnish playes.

And that takes me to the bizarreo world of the Raiders redzone O;

Fargas up the gut for nada, false start, harebrained screen passes that net nada, Third and imposable goal situation with a short field and out comes Jano. The true grit of a team is tested in the redzone where speed and trickery are negated by a short field and a revved up defense. We must out will, out scrap and demoralize the apposing defense. We have no teeth as it pertains to the Redzone. I'm not talking about our second and thirds either, I am directing this to our starters.

Lost in the excitement of big plays last night was an offense and defense that still need to work on fundamentals. The big play is not always going to be there you have got to get down and dirty and have an unbending will to win you have got to have the vision to get that TD, to shed that block and make that tackle.

Pretty much everyone who saw the game and who has posted, agrees with this. Between the oline and dlines, we have one above avg player, and he didn't suit up last night. I do think M. Henderson will be at least an avg NFL tackle, particularly w/ Gallery to his right. The D-line, is a f-in disaster, and the old man is to blame. Silver lining is the position players. The development of Schillens, JLH, DHB, Louis Murphy, DMAC, Miller and Bush means this team is set at skill positions for more than a few seasons. The next two drafts should be nothing but linemen.

[Raider Outlaw]

I think that'll have to be the plan. Scott's not ready to be full time, if he ever will.

Nothing wrong with being the next lance Johnstone, lol.



I will be curious to see if J-Rich starts eating into to Trevor Scott's practice time. We might need to platoon that DE spot.

[Sleet]

The memory wasn't what it once was, but did Routt struggle on both sides or just when he stepped into Nnamdi's strongside corner spot?... If, as reported, he's been looking good as the weakside corner, could this be a case of trying to give the guy more than he can handle as far as flip flopping his footwork?...




A lot of here were wondering the same thing when he was available... Seemed like a real good fit... Then again, it's hard not to wonder why we didn't take a run at Rocky Bernard considering our situation at DT and his history with our DC...

Routt, CJ and even Miller held up well against Tampa last year, who had Garcia and Bryant, and Bryant was having huge year. So, they have good moments, sometimes at least.

[Jack's sore libido]

He was running with the 1's. We got the shittier twin.

I wish I'd saved the game so I could refute this.

I know one thing's for sure: Pat McQuistan DID NOT start for the Cowboys. And will not start, either.

Their starters were, and are:

LT Flozell Adams
LG Kyle Kosier
C Andre Gurode
RG Leonard Davis
RT Marc Colombo

[Sleet]

He was running with the 1's. We got the shittier twin.

Its scheme. Art Shell drafted McQue and Boothe, the big round dude from the Ivy League, who signed with NYG after he was cuy, to power block. Cable is a ZB guy. He likes tall and lean. Boothe was cut immediately. McQue was given a chance to convert, but apparently, he just doesn't have what Cable is looking for. It does not mean he wouldn't in a power running game. My guess is that he would be as good as his twin. :D

[Random Dude]

White Russian? Did you have a banana daiquiri for dessert?

I'm a fan of the Big Lebowski!

Nothing sissy about 4 ozs of Vodka 2 ozs of Kalua and a little cream.

[Sleet]

One thing I'm not sure anyone's touched on yet: Higgins returning punts. Not sure how much of it was the blocking vs. him just dancing around too much, but he really didn't do much last night.

Higgins had this problem even last year at times. Its a constant battle with him. But when he does run straight, before he jukes, he's very effective. Just didn't happen last night for him, I think.

My concern is that we have a new ST coach. Our ST didn't look as good as they did last year in coverage or return. Hopefully, that's b/c it is preseason.

[Sleet]

Anyone watching ESPN? They're talking about Russell like he had a bad game and that we couldn't throw the ball.

What a bunch of fuckin haters. But good deal. Keep giving JR the business. We want him motivated, and players on other teams to underrate him. You know they watch BSPN more than our games. ;)

[massraider]

Impressions, 2nd half:

Rankin has speed that Fargas doesn't have anymore. He did a nice job in pass pro as well.

Gotta like Murphy. Holland vs. Miller for the 6th spot?

Myers looks like a keeper. If he can catch the occasional pass, all the better, still gonna be tough to unseat Stewart.


Shaugnessy is consistently the last man off the snap.

I'll take Boschetti and Bryant over Sands, right now. Bryant is wuick off the snap.

They pulled Seth Wand off the street, and he's better than Eric Pears.

Marcus Johnson has done alright at RG.

Sammy Pushup made some nice plays in the 2nd half.

Guys who looked good that won't make this team:

Marcel Reese (:()
Will Franklin
James Marten
Des Bryant
Louis Rankin

[Random Dude]

Guys who looked good that won't make this team:
Louis Rankin

I would like to see Louis against a first team D. He looks good but we only see him against 2's and 3's. If he were to shine, then maybe trade Fargas to a team that needs a RB for a conditional pick.

[Sleet]

Lowlights first.

I will be detailing the many highlights in another post so don't get pantie stained fellas, and if you don't like criticism move on.

First and worst our Dline.

Sands has no concept of leverage, Scott will never be an every down D/E. No protection for our beleaguered LBs who are walled off by Oline men with full heads of steam more often than not.

As long as Al continues to put the carriage before the horse and not do heavy reconstruction on both lines than we will continue to struggle. Our first team defense opened up like a two cent whore and I saw, on numerous occasions, our LBs getting stonewalled by O-linemen. I saw Morrison getting tossed like a rag doll. Everybody is going after the LBs but they have zero fucking protection by the most over payed over hyped (by Al) Dline ever.

Tirade (skip if you like):As far as production to dollar value is concerned, these guys should be charged with embezzlement. We are far out paying any team with half a brain and a wet behind the ears GM. All of this money for perhaps the worst Dline in the game as it pertains to stopping the run. As long as castoffs like Joseph are Al's answer to our glaring needs on the O and D lines than we are never going to get over the hump.

Al stop building your house on the sand, It's insane, everybody is laughing at you, or they want to buss-a-cap-in-dat-ass.

Tirade complete.

Close second to the disaster that is the Dline is our Oline,
the only reason they are not first, for killing drive after drive, is that two key members were absent. Our boy Carslile is at the end of his rope, holding, false start(s) and if I'm not mistaken he got bulldozed on that Russell sack. Another reason we have got to go hard in F/A and the draft on the line(s).

Mcqestion is never going to be a consistent starter and as it looks he will be put in that position sooner than later.

As with the Dline the Oline has zero depth.

Mini tirade: Al we know you are snake bit from the Gallery and grove draft but something must be done and pet projects are not cutting it!

Now that the worst is over I will nitpick just a few more things.

Russell: and this is hard because the kid is growing but positivity has no place in this post. The Rock has got to stop telegraphing plays and his footwork needs help. His mental game needs sharping to some extent. Russ is not dealing with kids who will never see an NFL practice field, these are pro's and the DBs will make you pay for staring down your WR. Fact.

Dmac: You have got to play the field better, yes you can run fast but this is not collage strait line running is not enough. You can not outrun an NFL calaber safety who has a good angle on you, you have got to shake him, do not let him pin you to the sideline. If mack shakes the guy with a stunt left and goes right the guy loses the angle and it's seven points instead of three. When we can score outside the redzone we need to because everybody, coach and players, seem to lose their mind when we get down there. This means guys like JLH and Dmac have got to finish plays.

And that takes me to the bizarreo world of the Raiders redzone O;

Fargas up the gut for nada, false start, harebrained screen passes that net nada, Third and imposable goal situation with a short field and out comes Jano. The true grit of a team is tested in the redzone where speed and trickery are negated by a short field and a revved up defense. We must out will, out scrap and demoralize the apposing defense. We have no teeth as it pertains to the Redzone. I'm not talking about our second and thirds either, I am directing this to our starters.

Lost in the excitement of big plays last night was an offense and defense that still need to work on fundamentals. The big play is not always going to be there you have got to get down and dirty and have an unbending will to win you have got to have the vision to get that TD, to shed that block and make that tackle.

DD, no qualms, points strongly reiterated, well taken, well deserved. My hope coming into this offseason was 3 new starters (preferrably 4) on the OL as compared to last year's starting line. Two (Hendo, Satele) ain't getting it done. I thought Green would be the weak link; but Carlisle looked bad.

The DL has me more concerned, and it is not just the DT. Scott, who was supposed to make Burgess expendable, didn't. O'Shucks, well, his game looked more limited than Richardsons. Sulak's already been cut. I didn't see Gunheim. Was he even playing?

My proposal, other than sheer panic, (a) move the rookie Bryant outside. Let him rotate at DE like Kelly did to break into the starting lineup. Give him 3 pre-season games to understand the position, and (b) bring in more bodies at DE and DT. The DL is killing our LBs. Dallas' starting OL wasn't doubling anybody on run downs (or hardly much); they were getting to our 2nd-level with ease.

[hawaiianboy]

Mcqestion is never going to be a consistent starter and as it looks he will be put in that position sooner than later.


Maybe I am missing something, but I thought he did pretty well when I focused on him... He will never be confused with Eric Steinbach past the 1st level, but he could offer us more of a power guy to follow at the RG spot... McQ looks like a guy that could get better the more reps he gets, especially as he more fully recovers from the surgery he had...

Its way too early to be talking absolutes, but I am pleasantly pleased with the O-line at this point.... If Green and Henderson play as well as they did last night and Barnes bounces back, I think we will be okay...

The DTs worry me, but I would like to give some of the young guys we have at DE a little more time to get adjusted before I throw them under the bus...

[massraider]

JMac mentioned in his chat that Fargas has restructured his contract... I'm going to take a wild guess and say that part of the reason he was in the game that first series is we wanted to take a couple of shots deep to test things out and we wanted Fargas in for pass pro... McFadden is making strides in that area but still whiffed on the one sack we took I believe...
DMC did good to even get close enough to dive at Brooking. Carlisle probably should have picked him up, he was double-teaming someone else.




* If someone has the game on DVR, I'd sure like an assessment of Tommy Kelly... At first blush, he looked like he was super glued to blocks out there... If he doesn't get the penetration that spot calls for, the MLB's are going to be hung out to dry all year... Witness Brian Urlacher looking remarkedly average when Tommie Harris struggles... Kelly was a better player when in the 300 lb range... He still looks heavy and sluggish to me... Did nothing. no push., no nothing. I have the game on DVR, if some kelly fanboys wanna remind of a play, I will happily go rewatch it.

* Short yardage blocking still looks to be a concern and probably will continue to be the Achilles Heel of this blocking scheme... We're going to need to utilize a back with yards after contact skills, be it Bush or Russell, to overcome the inability to line up and blow guys off the ball...

Yeah, the ZBS means you don't have maulers. Which dallas does, making our D-line look even weaker.

[Jack's sore libido]

I wouldn't count Des Bryant out.

Especially given how putrid Terdell has looked.

[Sleet]

Guys who looked good that won't make this team:

Marcel Reese (:()
Will Franklin
James Marten
Des Bryant
Louis Rankin

If Nick Miller makes it at the expense of Reese and Rankin, well, shit happens.

Bryant needs more opportunity, not just at DT, but also at DE. Kelly rotated and worked himself into a starting spot at DE early in his career. Give Bryant a similar opportunity, now, with 3 pre-season games left. Let him win a spot over O'Shucks, if necessary. Somebody's got to work on O'Shucks' twitch. That guy's got to get off the line. (Kelly, himself, needs to drop 10 lbs and find his burst. No wonder he jumps offsides, he needs it to get any penetration.)

Will Franklin's a tall, fast, 2nd round KC bust. A year or two ago, he would have made this team.

[massraider]

Bryant needs more opportunity, not just at DT, but also at DE. Kelly rotated and worked himself into a starting spot at DE early in his career. Give Bryant a similar opportunity, now, with 3 pre-season games left. Let him win a spot over O'Shucks, if necessary.
.

Well, that simply isn't going to happen.

Bryant at DE? We already have Shaugnessy and Richardson, how many not-fast Des do we need?

[Sleet]

Well, that simply isn't going to happen.

Bryant at DE? We already have Shaugnessy and Richardson, how many not-fast Des do we need?

Actually, I don't know who's faster, Des, O'Shucks or Richardson. It would not surprise me either way. But that's not my point. From what I saw, Des was quicker off the ball. My guess is that he's more powerful, too.

Kelly performed better than Richardson at DE before his injury, if I recall. He had a quick first step, power game. Maybe Des can duplicate that. I don't know. I haven't seen him at DE. I do know that in write ups, it was mentioned that he and Boschetti might get a look, there, so as to give them a better chance at making the 53 man roster (i.e., more valuable).

O'Shucks, to me, looked too slow. I would not be surprised if Des could perform better. If so, take him. I would rather have Des rotating at DT and DE, than O'Shucks just at DE in that case. (All this is being said with a caveat, I have not seen Des play against starters or even 2nd-teamers yet. This very well could be desperate, back-up QB syndrome.)

[Byron2112]

Clearly the big negative is that we have nothing on the D-line... I mean nothing.

It's kinda scary how thin we are there, and I can't ever recall not having a single up-and-comer in the the mold of Grady or Coleman... this particular version of low round castoffs and guy's off the street isn't going to be helping this D get much accomplished this season IMO.

Why Al chose to stand pat this off season is a real mystery to me...

[Sleet]

Clearly the big negative is that we have nothing on the D-line... I mean nothing.

It's kinda scary how thin we are there, and I can't ever recall not having a single up-and-comer in the the mold of Grady or Coleman... this particular version of low round castoffs and guy's off the street isn't going to be helping this D get much accomplished this season IMO.

Why Al chose to stand pat this off season is a real mystery to me...

Yes, but somebody other than Al will take the fall. :mad:

[PDX Raider]

Clearly the big negative is that we have nothing on the D-line... I mean nothing.

It's kinda scary how thin we are there, and I can't ever recall not having a single up-and-comer in the the mold of Grady or Coleman... this particular version of low round castoffs and guy's off the street isn't going to be helping this D get much accomplished this season IMO.

Why Al chose to stand pat this off season is a real mystery to me...

It's a major mess. All good teams (even avg teams) have good players along the d-line. You either bring heat (Indy, Giants, Philly), or you have multiple good players who are right for the scheme (Pitt, NE, Minn). We have a vanilla scheme, don't bring pressure, and have pathetic players (though i'm not yet writing Scott off yet). What's really odd is that anyone w/ half a brain could have seen that the d-line needed real help. You can't finish DFL in run defense and not upgrade the line w/ new players, unless of course you're deranged and think that a safety was not even supposed to be drafted is the answer to all this. Someone needs to have Sands sit on Al during the draft and let anyone else in the bldg make the picks.

[CrossBones]

Clearly the big negative is that we have nothing on the D-line... I mean nothing.

It's kinda scary how thin we are there, and I can't ever recall not having a single up-and-comer in the the mold of Grady or Coleman... this particular version of low round castoffs and guy's off the street isn't going to be helping this D get much accomplished this season IMO.

Why Al chose to stand pat this off season is a real mystery to me...It was the ffirst pre-season game but I can't give those DL dopes a pass. Same shit we saw all last year. Turd needs to be cut even tholugh we're thin on the DL. WTF? Dude looked slow, fat and uninterested.

When the real bullets start flying we're gonna be in deep trouble seeing as we put no pressure whatsoever on the QB. Out defensive backfield are going to be hung out to dry. No surprise here. Out pass rush sucks. Period.

[Byron2112]

It was the ffirst pre-season game but I can't give those DL dopes a pass. Same shit we saw all last year. Turd needs to be cut even tholugh we're thin on the DL. WTF? Dude looked slow, fat and uninterested.

When the real bullets start flying we're gonna be in deep trouble seeing as we put no pressure whatsoever on the QB. Out defensive backfield are going to be hung out to dry. No surprise here. Out pass rush sucks. Period.

I'm not going negative, but I think it's clear to anyone watching that our defense is going to be bad with this D-line starting. It's not to say we don't have two or three guys that are good rotational players, or that I don't think Scott could grow into a force as a specialist on a strong defense, but there isn't one starter that you can say, "that guy is an outstanding player at his position, or he's gonna be with more experience"... I personally don't think we have one legit quality starter, I mean a guy you can count on in the run and pass through the season.

It's disappointing because I think we're seeing an offense that's getting fleshed out and growing, but the defense isn't going to give them any help... and the wins(and confidence that comes with them) may not be there in the end.

I'm not kidding when I say this D-line is scary. I forsee us getting run on and passed on at will.

[PDX Raider]

“The very definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results.” - Philip Mangano ...


I really don't understand why every frickin year the old man drafts a CB, or safety when the main problem with the defense is the line. Bowie, Huff, Mitchell, Branch, Routt, and on and on. These guys are not going to make a difference on the overall defense. Shit, for three years the Raiders have had the best CB in the game, and still had a terrible defense. And no the Art Shell defense doesn't count. If you scored three points against the Raiders that year, you were guaranteed a win. Anyone out there still think this team would not have been better w/ Raji, and Britton, rather than DHB and Mitchell?? Hell, I would have picked nothing but lineman w/ the first four picks, two on each line.

[Crow]

I personally don't think we have one legit quality starter.

I see you guys are finally coming around. ;)

[Xplosive]

sleet. Look for Big Michael Johnson RG to take cooper's spot..

He was solid in picking up any form of blitz, made the right side of the ball look runable. Johnson is my new O-line Fix for the Right side. I think he should get first team reps, i got my radar on him

Pears did well also

X

[Langlier]

sleet. Look for Big Michael Johnson RG to take cooper's spot..

He was solid in picking up any form of blitz, made the right side of the ball look runable. Johnson is my new O-line Fix for the Right side. I think he should get first team reps, i got my radar on him

Pears did well also

X

johnson was bad for most of what I saw of him. he's not the fix you're looking for. Pears however I think we could shift inside and work with. Marten looked good enough that I wonder if he could push Green (however Green had a very good game as well)

[BigTron]

Tommie Kelly is a starting quality DL and so is Ellis. Other than that we are fucked. Scott should be working his way into the line-up. Richardson is average and our DT's suck. Warren is a TK clone and Sands is a pussy.

We shouldnt have traded Burgess if you guys wanted to see some pass rush. I knew that would kill what little pass rush we had.

[Crow]

Tommie Kelly is a starting quality DL.

:shakehead:

[Byron2112]

I think Kelly looks 30 lbs overweight. He's got a fat belly and a big fat ass.

When he first came to the team and flashed he was very lean and athletic looking.

[CrossBones]

:shakehead:Good call.

Dude has his pockets lined with cash but the Raiders are not getting their money's worth! Not at all. :mad:

[Sleet]

sleet. Look for Big Michael Johnson RG to take cooper's spot..

He was solid in picking up any form of blitz, made the right side of the ball look runable. Johnson is my new O-line Fix for the Right side. I think he should get first team reps, i got my radar on him

Pears did well also

X

Here is where Speed, aka Professor Eyepatch is needed.

Sometimes I wonder if Cable needs a Redzone OL. Bring in bigger guys like Johnson who bring more power at the point of attack in short-yardage situations. :D

[Sleet]

I think Kelly looks 30 lbs overweight. He's got a fat belly and a big fat ass.

When he first came to the team and flashed he was very lean and athletic looking.

What's up with that? Whose coaching the DT? From what I read, Board is a good DL coach, but, man, WTF's up with Kelly's sluggish, fat-ass body, etc. :mad:

[Byron2112]

I dunno... I wonder if they told him to beef up? 300#'s isn't exactly big for a DT, but he just doesn't seem to be the athlete he was... I don't think any of us fans ever expected him to develop into a stout run stopper, so whatever happened I wish they'd just have him focus on what he does best with quickness and penetration and help him get his body back to where it belongs.

[Sleet]

I dunno... I wonder if they told him to beef up? 300#'s isn't exactly big for a DT, but he just doesn't seem to be the athlete he was... I don't think any of us fans ever expected him to develop into a stout run stopper, so whatever happened I wish they'd just have him focus on what he does best with quickness and penetration and help him get his body back to where it belongs.

Three more weeks to the real deal. Cable better get on his fat-ass to drop a few friggin pounds, quickly.

[Crow]

I dunno... I wonder if they told him to beef up? 300#'s isn't exactly big for a DT, but he just doesn't seem to be the athlete he was... I don't think any of us fans ever expected him to develop into a stout run stopper, so whatever happened I wish they'd just have him focus on what he does best with quickness and penetration and help him get his body back to where it belongs.

Same problem now is the same problem he had at MSU: He's lazy, and he has a bad attitude. He doesn't care. He's got his money. No point in him overexerting himself now.

[TheMadStork]

Same problem now is the same problem he had at MSU: He's lazy, and he has a bad attitude. He doesn't care. He's got his money. No point in him overexerting himself now.

It's our own damn fault. Who else gives that kind of money to a guy with no body of work AND who is coming off ACL surgery???

It's a moot point now, but I'd love to know if Ryan was over-hyping Kelly and Sands to Al, or if Ryan was hyping them publicly because Al liked them so much. If it's door number one and Ryan couldn't judge talent, we should start getting better when his guys get cut. On the other hand, if these are bad judgment calls from Al, we're going to stay on the same ugly road.

[Crow]

It's our own damn fault. Who else gives that kind of money to a guy with no body of work AND who is coming off ACL surgery???

It's a moot point now, but I'd love to know if Ryan was over-hyping Kelly and Sands to Al, or if Ryan was hyping them publicly because Al liked them so much. If it's door number one and Ryan couldn't judge talent, we should start getting better when his guys get cut. On the other hand, if these are bad judgment calls from Al, we're going to stay on the same ugly road.

And, to really make you love the situation, you have to wonder what role the total investment in Kelly, Terd, and Warren had in Al not even making an effort to add new talent to the position.

It's a mess, and it's not getting any better.

[gannoncannon]

And, to really make you love the situation, you have to wonder what role the total investment in Kelly, Terd, and Warren had in Al not even making an effort to add new talent to the position.

It's a mess, and it's not getting any better.

:(

[BigTron]

T.Kelly had a decent season last year for a DT. Coming off the injury too. I know 1 whole preseason game is over and people are ready to start crying and losing their shit, but take a deep breathe, relax and tell yourself it will be ok.


Its one game, with less than 1/2 of it w/ actual starters playing.

If anybody should be posting it should be the people who wanted to rush Burgess outta town. Now we have 0 pass rush. That preseason T.Scott hype was crazy. We got rid of a legit pro-bowl type pass rusher so who thought that would make us better? please feel feel to chime in and comment on that?

[Byron2112]

Meh, Burgess could just as easily go out on a stretcher at any moment... hard t count on anything from him over time at this point IMO.

But it doesn't help subtracting him when we've added................................




NOTHING all off season.

[hawaiianboy]

I think the NFL should cut the preseason down to one game... We've got everything figured out after watching each player for a quarter or two in the first pre-season game...


Guaranteed some of yesterdays heroes will be zeros after next weeks game and visa versa...

[Langlier]

Meh, Burgess could just as easily go out on a stretcher at any moment... hard t count on anything from him over time at this point IMO.

But it doesn't help subtracting him when we've added................................




NOTHING all off season.

Ellis/Shaughnessy = nothing? :confused:

[Byron2112]

Ellis/Shaughnessy = nothing? :confused:

My definition is, are those guys gonna make us better?

We're treading water at best IMO, so it adds up to nothing.

[massraider]

I think the NFL should cut the preseason down to one game... We've got everything figured out after watching each player for a quarter or two in the first pre-season game...


Guaranteed some of yesterdays heroes will be zeros after next weeks game and visa versa...

Oh great, do I have to take down the Nick Miller monument in my front yard?

[hawaiianboy]

Oh great, do I have to take down the Nick Miller monument in my front yard?


Nah... I've still got the Dave Moretti one up... Keep hope alive...

[CrossBones]

Nah... I've still got the Dave Moretti one up... Keep hope alive...Is that right next to the Dameane Douglas placard?

[Madturk]

Ryan Riddle blow up doll still intact here.

[Byron2112]

What the fuck am I gonna do with this Andrew Walter themed den?

[CrossBones]

What the fuck am I gonna do with this Andrew Walter themed den?Just hang your head and pout.

[Byron2112]

Looks like a campaign headquarters... guy broke my heart. :p

[Sleet]

What the fuck am I gonna do with this Andrew Walter themed den?

Change the colors to red, white and blue. :D

[hawaiianboy]

This is the year Shurron Pierson breaks through...

[Byron2112]

Change the colors to red, white and blue. :D

I'm looking forward to him starting for the patriots at some point this season... no seriously, nothing would make me happier. :D

[Byron2112]

I'm having a hard time peeling my Franz "The Destroyer" Joseph FatHead off my bedroom wall.

[TheNextStep]

I've still my Sam Sword underoos...

[hawaiianboy]

I'm having a hard time peeling my Franz "The Destroyer" Joseph FatHead off my bedroom wall.


Keep that one, only five more years till he's eligible for the Hall of Fame...


Ken-yon Rambo bitches!

[Byron2112]

LOL


At least Rambo's in the name Hall of Fame... so we got that.

[Sleet]

Post-Game AFC West training camp one-liners
Posted by Evan Silva on August 14, 2010 7:30 PM ET

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell didn't show much chemistry with rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in Thursday night's preseason opener. JR goes 6-9, with 2 incomplete bombs, and this is what is reported. :confused:

Chris Johnson will win the Raiders' starting left cornerback job, according to David White of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Raiders worked out free agent linebacker Morlon Greenwood on Friday.

Andy Behrens of Yahoo Sports calls Raiders flanker Chaz Schilens a sleeper in fantasy football. Better, but JR still gets no credit or respect.

[DonkeyKilla]

Really- why should he get credit or respect. It isn't like he played lights out- he played ok. He's lucky that first pass to DHB wasn't picked. The bomb to Schilenz was also badly underthrown and if the DB turns around.. that's a pick too.
When you are a $60M QB and you show up to camp out of shape then you don't get credit or respect unless you play lights out.

[TheNextStep]

I confess that I had to go back and look up the names, but for 4 years in a row, I was all about safeties...

Clifton Black
Raymond Perryman
Keyon Nash
Siddeeq Shabazz

[Postmaster]

McFadden races to fast start
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 14, 2009 3:08 PM ET
Darren McFadden doesn't look like he's struggling with turf toe anymore.

The Raiders running back put on an impressive display in Oakland's preseason opener, the most noteworthy story to come out of their 31-10 win over Dallas Friday night. (Most of the scoring came when backups were in.)

McFadden totaled 72 yards on only five offensive touches, including a 47-yard run to end the first quarter. While it's dangerous to get seduced by preseason results, McFadden's speed through the hole on his big run was something we didn't see much of during his rookie year.

As Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune points out, performances like this should help the Raiders decide to grow McFadden's role in relation to "starter" Justin Fargas. (Michael Bush deserves more work for that matter as well.)

McFadden may not be a 300-carry workhorse, but he should be the most explosive element on an Oakland offense sorely needing big plays.

All he has to do has to keep those toes healthy.

[hawaiianboy]

Sapp tweets to Kirk:

QBKILLA@kirkmorrison52 Man Y'all better Come up with Gaps Responsibles! Long Year And Denver Is a running team again!! KC, SD, Hurry!!

[Jack's sore libido]

Has Johnnie Morant really gone unmentioned in this tangent?

[SoCalRaider]

Defense
- The play calling on the Cowboys TD drive really drove me up the wall. I'll never understand why Al insists on rushing 3 on 3rd down when none of the 3 has any chance of sniffing the QB....

- I really focused on the DTs in the 1st quarter... and it looks like I just wasted my time. Warren didn't show up... surprise, surprise... Joseph was even worse. He was getting snowplowed on every play.... Kelly was the biggest disappointment though. Before his injury, he was unblockable in the preseasons. Constantly in the backfield, constantly wreaking havoc. He never once got in the backfield yesterday.... Though on one hand, he was double teamed on every play he was in... but on the other hand... where was his burst and first step?

- It looks like teams will continue to pick on Routt.... He just doesn't really have enough football instinct to understand how to adjust his coverage to play to safety help. I'll be really scared if Al puts him in the slot....

- The biggest positive was how much more intensity our 2nd and 3rd units had out there that the Cowboys units. That's 100% coaching in my opinion. I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of talent difference from one NFL team's backups to another team's generally speaking... I think the difference comes from Cable having that much more buy in from the team than Phillips has from the Cowboys... Maybe that's more of a sign of how bad Dallas might be this year... but that's definitely a step up from anything we've had around here in a while....


Offense
- I really had no idea who Schillens was before the game... but I certainly do now. No clue where he came from... but he sure has all the makings... The play that jumped out at me the most is where he fell down to make a tough grab, and then had both the athleticism and instinct to get up, shake a defender, and get another 10 yards. Wow. That's shit you can't teach. I anticipate he'll be double teamed on every passing down.

- McFadden is exciting. The only question is can he stay healthy... and if so... will he be a 25-carry a game back... or more of a Nap Kaufman who was good for about 12-15 carries a game.

- Dallas didn't really blitz much, but when they did... Russell got lit up. I liked his one scramble a lot... something that could really open up our offense big time.... but something I've now seen ever since he was a rookie... his deep ball is horrendous. For all his supposed "arm strength", his accuracy is absolutely brutal.

- You could tell Gradkowski is a Gruden disciple. The hard counts, fake audibles, voice inflections.... He sure had no problem moving the offense and made some sweet throws. If he can repeat that.... I'd sure be real interested to see what he would look like with the 1st team.....

- Cable's 4th down game management was a real head scratcher for me... 4th and goal inside the 5 and we're kicking field goals... in the pre-season? Really? Is there any part of an NFL offense that needs more work than a goal line situation inside the 5... Come on. Pooch punting from inside the 45 just blew me away... We already know who Lechler is. The camp body back up didn't really need the work.

[Byron2112]

Offense
- I really had no idea who Schillens was before the game... but I certainly do now. No clue where he came from... but he sure has all the makings... The play that jumped out at me the most is where he fell down to make a tough grab, and then had both the athleticism and instinct to get up, shake a defender, and get another 10 yards. Wow. That's shit you can't teach. I anticipate he'll be double teamed on every passing down.


Yeah, the guy's 6'4", 225... the way he popped up and accelerated past those guys was really impressive athleticism for such a big man, but I like his sticky hands even better... might have something special there.

[Sleet]

Defense
For all [JR's] supposed "arm strength", his accuracy is absolutely brutal.


His belly's still gettin in the way. :D

[NIPS]

We're just to undersized at the MLB position - 230 ish 239 max - aint gonna get it done - we need guys in the 250 range

Micah Johnson from Kentucky in rd 3

[DarkDays]

Sapp tweets to Kirk:

QBKILLA@kirkmorrison52 Man Y'all better Come up with Gaps Responsibles! Long Year And Denver Is a running team again!! KC, SD, Hurry!!

Hey sapp you have always been shit against the run. Shut the fuck up... even though you are right.

[DarkDays]

[QUOTE=SoCalRaider;110507]



- McFadden is exciting. The only question is can he stay healthy... and if so... will he be a 25-carry a game back... or more of a Nap Kaufman who was good for about 12-15 carries a game.

- Dallas didn't really blitz much, but when they did... Russell got lit up. I liked his one scramble a lot... something that could really open up our offense big time....

If Mack had not swallowed up a blitz to perfection that 18 yard scramble never happens Mac took his guy out. When you are taking on a 3-4 it is imperative that your RB's are able to pick up the blitz. Huge props to Cable for demanding that intensity from our RBs. The more Mack can do in blitz pick ups the more he can stay on the field and give the apposing DCs major headaches.

As for Russ as I had mentioned before he has allot to work on still but he is getting better, he is much more decisive than at almost any point last year I think he will end up just fine.

[Limee]

Looks like we need to call Bronco Greg in here to give some tips on using the quote function.

I know it's naive, but I would have liked to see a 3rd drive from Russell.

Impressed as everyone else was with Schilens performance.

Eugene was just falling off tackles.

Oline held together ok, albeit facing little blitzing.

Routt still not there.

I think we will get more from the passing offense this year which should help to open things up.

Defense was horrible on that second drive, we can still be attacked on the ground or in the air. Unless the other teams offense sucks they will score points on us.

We have a very good group of RBs.

Sands getting pushed on his arse with a little shove was flat out embarrasing.

Back up QBs looked alright. Gradkowski looked better when given time, Frye better when under some pressure.

Pears made a couple of nice run blocks.

Myers shows some promise as a number 2 TE.

Some decent players will not make the roster which is nice to be able to say.

Some shit ones will.

Overall pleasantly surprised.

[Sleet]

Hey sapp you have always been shit against the run. Shut the fuck up... even though you are right.

Sapp predicated that Garcia was going to win the job, outright. Sapp said we didn't have any weapons on the outside. We put up 31 points, pass the ball all over the field, and that's his tweet? He rups Morrison's face in gap responsibility? Nice friend. Pisses me off that Sapp's right. :mad:

The Donks, I guess, are a running team by default. :pound:

[RaiderNorth]

Jesus, what would be happening now if the Raiders had lost? Going through this thread I had to look up a few times to make sure it wasn't just a transcript of an ESPN broadcast.
Don't get me wrong, I see plenty to be concerned about ... but really. The defense was roasted on that second drive ... but they did OK on the first one. So which is for real? I have my doubts, but I'm not wringing my hands just yet. I don't have the time to record the game and go over it on a chalkboard ... but I seem to recall Ellis getting pretty good pressure on that first drive. And while Romo took an early exit, I'm not sure how many other starters were still around when we got to Kitna.
We need help on the D-line, no doubt. But I think one quality signing could improve the play quite a bit. We're not going to be a dominant D, but it's still way to early to predict zero improvement from last year. And I think the offence will be considerably better. But then maybe it's just my morning kool-aid kicking in.:koolaid:

[Blackened]

Jesus, what would be happening now if the Raiders had lost?

Yeah the past six years probably has some of us being over critical at times. However being over critical of the D-line is warranted. I'll take the win and the positives from this game. It's good to see a team with some many young players that are competing for jobs. I also like the fact we stretch the field with the deep ball. Hopefully Russel can start learning to bait safeties and learn to check down when the deep ball just isn't available. Really a lot more positives in this game than negatives, but that six year cloud still casts it shadow. I think if we find some answers for the D-line 10 or even 11 wins is possible :koolaid:

[CrossBones]

This ----> :koolaid: seems to be a very popular emoticon these days.

We might have to switch to this one if that DL doesn't step up quickly...

http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/blog_images/kool-aid-thumb-200x201.gif

Raider on!

[Raider Bill]

What about Kenny Shedd?


or that RB that used to lead the preseason in yardage?

[BigTron]

Fuck Warren Sapp. I hope he contracts mouth crabs.

[Sleet]

What about Kenny Shedd?


or that RB that used to lead the preseason in yardage?

Wasn't Kenny Shedd a WR that came to the team around the same time as Morant?

[TheNextStep]

No, Kenny Shedd is going waaay back. Receiver, but stuck with the team for a couple of years as a ST gunner. Late 90s, if memory serves.

Raider Bill - Are you talking about Larry Ned?

[Rupert]

I think the NFL should cut the preseason down to one game... We've got everything figured out after watching each player for a quarter or two in the first pre-season game...


Guaranteed some of yesterdays heroes will be zeros after next weeks game and visa versa...

Shhhhh, you're getting the way of some good (silly) rants.

[Jack's sore libido]

Raider Bill - Are you talking about Larry Ned?

Or Madre Hill maybe?

[NIPS]

Larry Ned had one eye didnt he?

[Postmaster]

Larry Ned had one eye didnt he?

Joe Aska.

[Raider Bill]

Or Madre Hill maybe?

That's it..

[Crow]

Tui to Mondriel Fulcher FTW

[GRIM]

Fuck Warren Sapp. I hope he contracts mouth crabs.

Could be possible.
His mother has em.

[BigTron]

Could be possible.
His mother has em.

Haha nice,

[GRIM]

Haha nice,

I don't know why, but it just feels good to me to say something about Warren Sapp's mama.