Minicamp....

[Angry Pope]

Some more from camp....

Shell envisions good things in Raiders' future

Michelle Smith, Chronicle Staff Writer

Saturday, May 6, 2006


The Raiders' second mini-camp of the offseason, which began Friday, was the first public sign of Oakland's new direction since Art Shell was rehired as the head coach in February.

The Raiders' first mini-camp was held in seclusion, without the intrusion of the media. This camp, a mandatory three-day affair, revealed much on its first day, including rookie arrivals, position changes and a quarterback competition. Shell said Friday he's already preparing his team for success and talking in terms of championships.

"I said to them ... it doesn't matter what anyone thinks outside these walls. It's what we believe in. That's what counts," Shell said. "We believe we can win if you prepare. I keep saying it. If you visualize being successful, we can get it done."

The day marked the debut of three Oakland draft picks -- Michael Huff, Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing. First-round choice Huff, a defensive back from Texas, worked with the first team on his first day and cemented his status as the team's great hope by assuming both the jersey number and locker of former star Charles Woodson.

Huff said he got Woodson's permission to wear No. 24. Huff said lining up against Randy Moss for the first time was a heady moment.

"It was my first experience and he scored on me," Huff said. "But that's kind of part of the territory, so I've got to go out there and get better every day."

Moss, meanwhile, caught his first passes from quarterback Aaron Brooks after missing the first camp with an excused absence.

"Being a quarterback and being on the same team and in the same offense as he is, it just brings a smile to your face, because he can make the weakest quarterback the best," Brooks said. "To have an opportunity to play with a receiver who's as talented as he is, you've just got to embrace it and try to do everything you can to get him the ball, but not try to overdo it."

Brooks worked with the No. 1 offense in the morning practice, but finds himself in an open quarterback competition with backups Marcus Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter, who took snaps in that order Friday.

"That's the way we are today," Shell said. "The last camp was different. It might be different next time."

Shell said he would like the position settled before training camp.

"But if it's not, we'll go to camp and try and find that guy," Shell said.

Shell is also shuffling the offensive line, moving Barry Sims to left guard as Robert Gallery moves to left tackle. Sims has been the Raiders' starter at left tackle since 1999, but is resigned to the change.

"It's learning a new position, even though they're side by side," Sims said. "There's a lot of different aspects to it, but things are going pretty good so far. It's a process that takes time."

The adjustment to a new coaching staff has been easier.

"It feels good. It feels like we're on the right path, everybody's doing the right thing. Everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do," Sims said. "The only way you'll be successful is to have that accountability and this coaching staff is different than the last couple where everybody gets held accountable and we are doing the right things. It takes me back a little bit to my first couple of years with Gruden. It's a lot like that. Everybody's in charge of what they're supposed to be doing. If they don't do it, then put someone else in there to do it."

Sims said that was not always the case.

"The last few years, it seemed a little too loose, like we didn't really have the leadership that we have now," he said.

Camp notes: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who missed the final month and a half of last season, said he's ready to play after months of rehabbing his surgically repaired rotator cuff. Sapp was in uniform Friday, but saw limited action. ... Still healing is wide receiver Ronald Curry, who will be inactive this weekend. ... Tyrone Poole, the former Patriots cornerback who signed as a free agent in March, was given an excused absence.

[Angry Pope]

Sims makes way for Gallery at LT

By Jerry McDonald, STAFF WRITER



ALAMEDA — Barry Sims was given the inside story in March.
He was to trade life on the island for an existence in a phone booth.

The Oakland Raiders starting left tackle since 1999, Sims was asked to move to left guard and make way for Robert Gallery.

"I wasn't completely surprised," Sims said Friday on the first day of the Raiders' mandatory three-day minicamp. "I figured they'd like to see Robert where he was drafted to play. I was happy I was able to stay over there for two more years. We'll see how things go."

While Sims conceded the switch is going to take some adjustment, Gallery, who started at right tackle the past two years after being the No.2 pick overall in the 2004 draft, said he felt right at home.

"I'm comfortable already," Gallery said. "I'll get the little things down and move on."

Gallery wasn't the only player moving to a familiar position. Langston Walker, drafted as a tackle in 2002, but the starting left guard last season before suffering an intra-abdominal hemorrhage, has moved back to right tackle and was running with the first team.

"It was like forgetting what you'd learned your whole life, playing guard," Walker said. "So coming back, it's easy."

The other two-line starters on the first day were Jake Grove at center and Brad Badger at right guard. Grove gave way to Adam Treu during Friday's second practice, as the Raiders plan to work Grove only in the mornings through this weekend as he recovers from knee surgery.

Sims, Raiders coach Art Shell said, surrendered his position gracefully but grudgingly.


SENSORY OVERLOAD: Top draft pick Michael Huff was immediately working with the first-team defense and was moved about the secondary on his first day of practice, meaning he'll probably used in the manner of the departed Charles Woodson — as a roving playmaker.

Huff, in fact, said he received permission from Woodson to wear his No.24 and may call him again for advice.

Part of his indoctrination Friday included getting burned on a deep ball by Randy Moss for a touchdown.

"That's kind of part of the territory," Huff said. "You've got to go out there and get better every day."

Shell had no qualms about loading up Huff's plate on the first day.

"We watched him in college, he's capable of doing a lot of different things, and his versatility is very important to what we're doing on defense," Shell said. Shell said he could sense some of the rookies were thinking as much as they were playing.

"When they came in last night, we were only able to meet with them for one hour," Shell said. "I told them, 'We're going to throw a lot of things at you, you've just got to try and decipher it and learn it as best you can This morning you could see it in their eyes. You'd call a play and their eyes would get as big as balloons. By this afternoon, you could see improvement."

Linebacker Thomas Howard, a second-round draft pick from Texas-El Paso, was trying to learn and enjoy himself at the same time.

"I make a mistake. It's the first day. But I'm going to try and make the mistake going 100 percent," Howard said. "They want to see you run fast and be fast in everything you do."

EXTRA POINTS: Veterans added to the roster included RB Rod Smart and LB Robert Thomas. Smart has been predominantly a kickoff return specialist with Philadelphia in 2001 and Carolina from 2002-05. Thomas, a former first-round pick out of UCLA, played with St. Louis from 2002-04 and was with Green Bay last season. ... LB Sam Williams has recovered well enough from ACL surgery last August to play with the first-team defense at outside linebacker.



WR Ronald Curry (Achilles' surgery) was dressed but did not practice, and DT Warren Sapp (rotator cuff surgery) was limited but said he would be ready to go full speed by the June minicamp.


... The experiment of using Tyler Brayton as a linebacker is officially over. Shell said Brayton is a defensive end. ... Veteran CB Tyrone Poole was excused from the minicamp for undisclosed reasons.

[Angry Pope]

More on Brooks....

Raiders' Brooks chooses not to live in the past

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, May 6, 2006


ALAMEDA - Aaron Brooks wants to move on after last year.
That was the message from the quarterback on his first day taking snaps as a Raider.


After finishing his sixth season with New Orleans on the Saints' bench in 2005, Brooks signed a two-year contract with Oakland in March in hopes of proving he still is capable of starting in the NFL.
Brooks, a seven-year veteran, was benched by the Saints after 13 games last season. For the first time in his career, he finished a season with more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes (13). It was a difficult situation for Brooks and the Saints, who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Friday, he worked with the Raiders' first-team offense on the first day of minicamp. He was happy with his new surroundings but reflected on how his tenure with the Saints ended.

"Yeah, it was tough," Brooks said. "It was extremely difficult, frustrating, even at times irritable. It's something we all went through. We got through it. It's a new year. Hopefully nothing like that happens again in the city, or in the country anyway. ... It's a thing of the past now, and we're just moving on."

The irritation last season came to a head for Brooks in a television interview in which he criticized Saints owner Tom Benson and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue for their handling of the Saints, who were forced to play a "home" game last season against the New York Giants in the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

New Orleans released Brooks after the season and signed Drew Brees as a free agent.

"New Orleans is New Orleans, and it's back there in the past," Brooks said. "The only thing I've got left there is a lot of memories, a lot of friends, teammates and a house that I'm trying to sell."

With a fresh start, Brooks is optimistic.

"Hopefully an earthquake doesn't hit Oakland," Brooks said. "I think everything will be fine so I don't have to worry about anything, just rely on the coaches and take their coaching points."

Brooks already has made an impression on teammates, who like his arm strength and athleticism.

"It will be exciting to have someone in there that's got some mobility and some leadership," guard Barry Sims said. "He's a good quarterback, and we're excited to have him in here."

Brooks looked crisp in practice, but coach Art Shell said "there's nothing set in stone" regarding the depth chart at quarterback.

Brooks isn't putting much emphasis on being No. 1 now. He said he will work hard "until the first regular-season game starts and I'm the one under center."

"I'm a polished vet," Brooks said. "I've thrown for 20,000 yards and over 100 touchdowns. ... I don't have to prove anything. I've got to play football the way Aaron Brooks knows how."

[Angry Pope]

Art showing who is boss...

Things are going to be different around here, the new coach says. How many times have you heard that whenever a change of leadership takes place?

Art Shell said as much upon his replacing Norv Turner as Raiders coach Feb. 12. Any doubts as to the veracity of Shell's comments were erased in face-to-face meetings with the players soon after his hiring.

In one such meeting, veteran wide receiver Jerry Porter tested the waters and soon learned that this no longer is Turner's team. A get-to-know-you meeting turned into a war of words and ended with Shell booting Porter from his office. But not before letting Porter know who is in charge.

"Attitudes and things like that will have to be changed somewhat ... ," Shell said. "I have to set the tone. I expect to set the tone."

[CrossBones]

Ooooooohhhhh...Porter you little dickhead...I love it that Art put him in his place. The guy is becoming a cancer on this team. Wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit if the Raiders shipped him to another team. Unfortunately I don't think that is going to happen because of cap implications! :mad:

[Angry Pope]

Saturday's photos....


Click and release.... (http://www.raiders.com/fanzone/galleryPhoto.jsp?contentId=25135)

[Rupert]

Porter was a potential cancer on the team. He was a cyst. Art just performed a biopsy. We'll see if it's cancerous very soon.

[Angry Pope]

More info....

Huff already impressing Raiders' veterans

Saturday, May 6, 2006



(05-06) 21:13 PDT Alameda, Calif. (AP) --


Michael Huff is making a good first impression.


The defensive back out of Texas, who was the Oakland Raiders' first round choice (seventh overall pick) in the recent draft, is dazzling some of his new teammates during this weekend's minicamp at the team's practice facility.


"He has to be one of the best cover safeties in the league right now, without even playing a game," veteran Raider defensive back Jarrod Cooper said Saturday. "And that's just after watching him practicing two days."


Head coach Art Shell also likes what he sees from Huff, though he is a little more restrained. "He's doing well," Shell said. "He's exactly what we expected."


The Raiders are not restricting Huff to one position but plan on his lining up at different spots.


"He's capable of doing those things, that's why he's in there working, Shell said. "We watched him in college, he's capable of doing a lot of different things, and his versatility is very important to what we're planning on doing on defense."


Huff said that in his four seasons at Texas he played cornerback, strong safety, free safety and even linebacker, so position shifting is nothing new.


"I think it was to put me in the best position to make plays," Huff said. "If the other team had a hotshot receiver they put me on him. A hot shot tight end, I'd be on him."


Cooper said that do-it-all defensive backs are becoming the NFL norm.


"That's what you need," he said. "Nowadays you can't just be a safety or a corner. You have got to do everything. That's one of the reasons they drafted him — his versatility."


The most recent Raiders multi-use defensive back was four-time Pro Bowl participant Charles Woodson, now with the Packers after eight years in Oakland.


"Huff reminds me a lot of Woodson when he first came in the league," said Cooper. "He has a lot of the same mannerisms, and he's real smooth, like Woodson."


Huff has even taken Woodson's uniform number 24 and is using the same locker in the practice facility. The two have spoken, and Huff received Woodson's blessing to take the number and even made himself available for counsel.


"He told me to call him if I need some advice, if I'm struggling or I see anything I need to learn, I maybe would call him, but I've got great defensive backs here that I can learn from," Huff said.


Fabian Washington, another defensive back who was the Raiders' first round pick a year ago, said Huff has some time to learn the ropes but may not need it.


"I told him yesterday, 'This camp is not the end of the world. If you don't get it in this camp, it's still a long summer,'" said Washington, who became a starter halfway through the 2005 season. "But the way he progressed yesterday and today, he is going to get it. He is going to be ready to play. He's coming on a lot faster than I did."


___


NOTES: Defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha left the field after twisting a knee during the morning practice Saturday and did not return. "He tried to break up a pass, and he just landed the wrong way, turned his knee," Shell said. "You're always concerned when a player goes down. But we sent him to the medical people and they'll let us know what's going on." ... Barry Sims, the starter at left tackle since 1999, continued to work out at left guard as 2004 top draft pick Robert Gallery has assumed the left tackle spot. "Many years he played tackle for the Raiders and played well. And he's doing a good job at the guard position," Shell said. "I didn't expect anything less, because he's a good football player."

[Raiders_Rock]

Huff is a top 10 pick, and the draft's top DB - I would expect for him to look sharp

[CrossBones]

It's pretty exciting to hear these comments from players. Huff is gonna be a monster for us. :D

[Rupert]

And only one of us had the balls to select him in our draft poll. :D

I hope it's obvious by now that I rarely, if ever, guess right on these things and am having fun with it.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders notes: Jordan is seeking to fuel the Raiders

The running back hopes for more opportunities to carry the ball this year.

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, May 7, 2006
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C9



ALAMEDA - It takes a fan of World Wrestling Entertainment to appreciate the T-shirt LaMont Jordan wore Saturday.

His "Diesel Power" T-shirt was in reference to Diesel (Kevin Nash), the former 6-foot-11 WWE champion during the mid-1990s, who always entered the ring to the sound of truck horns blaring and won matches by overpowering the opposition with his jackknife power bomb.


Pro wrestling history aside, Jordan would like to be the diesel that puts the Raiders' underachieving offense of last season into high gear.
In 2005, he ran for a career-high 1,025 yards in 14 games and nine touchdowns for the Raiders after four seasons as Curtis Martin's backup with the New York Jets.

Jordan didn't shy from criticizing his own play. But former coach Norv Turner's offense didn't use the 5-10, 230-pound Jordan like someone given a five-year contract worth a reported $27.5 million.

Jordan carried the ball fewer than 20 times in eight games, all losses. Oakland was 4-2 when Jordan had at least 20 carries.

Jordan had a career-best 70 catches for 563 yards and two scores, but he wasn't brought to Oakland to be second on the team in receptions.

First-year coach Art Shell said he is committed to beating up teams up front, and Jordan looks forward to fueling the offense.

"If you look at Art Shell's history, he's an offensive lineman," Jordan said. "And those guys like to lay hands on people, and they like to run the ball. I've been told we're going to run the ball, so I have to make sure I'm prepared."

Jordan said he is curbing the excesses of his lifestyle and changing his eating habits. He is also looking into yoga as an offseason training method.

It's all a part of discipline and sacrifice, Jordan said.

Rugged redhead - Derrick Burgess was asked about a rookie on offense, and like most veterans he wasn't sure about his name.

"Seventy-nine ... mullet?" Burgess asked.

"Mullet" is actually tackle Paul McQuistan, the team's third-round pick from Weber State. After two days of practice, he has shown the nasty disposition the Raiders desire.

"He looks like one of those tough guys," Burgess said.

McQuistan's surliness was evident in morning pass-blocking drills. McQuistan was physical with defensive end Tyler Brayton, eliciting a shove from Brayton after the whistle.

McQuistan traded nastiness for humility after the morning session.

"I don't really put too much stock into that," McQuistan said. "It probably takes away from the game and what I'm trying to do as far as getting better."

Still, Shell has been impressed with McQuistan.

"He has a chance to be a pretty good football player," Shell said. "Every snap he's getting better, and he's learning something different and new."

Mirroring Woodson - Rookie defensive back Michael Huff not only was issued jersey No. 24, formerly worn by the player he idolized growing up, the first-round pick from Texas also was given Charles Woodson's former locker.

One fewer corner - Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha twisted his knee during one-on-one drills against wide receivers during morning practice. He left the field and did not come out for the afternoon session.

[Angry Pope]

Raiders' rookie accustomed to hype
It took only one play in high school for Huff's star to start shining

By Steve Corkran
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

ALAMEDA - Michael Huff's collegiate career at the University of Texas ended with people wondering if there is anything he can't do on a football field. He played every secondary position, returned kicks, blocked kicks, whatever coaches asked him to do.

If people only knew how far he had traveled to get to that point.

Four years earlier, Huff arrives at the school's campus in Austin, confident but uncertain what awaits him. His father, Michael, is there to temper any unrealistic expectations.

"When his father dropped him off he said, 'Coach, Michael is really fast, but he's not a great football player. See what you can do with him,' " recalled Duane Akina, the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Texas.

It isn't long before Akina realizes there isn't much Huff can't accomplish. Huff developed into an instant starter his freshman season and remained a starter through Texas' final game, a Rose Bowl victory over Southern Cal for the national championship in January.

A little more than three months later, the Raiders selected Huff at No. 7 in the first round of the NFL draft. Today, he is right back where he was when he arrived at the University of Texas, draped by lofty expectations and the subject of much hype.

Huff is hesitant to make any bold predictions about the impact he'll have on the Raiders. His sole focus is to be prepared for whatever they throw his way and rely upon his immense athletic talent to make that a reality.

To that end, Huff has been preparing for this moment since his Texas career ended.

Most of his college teammates attended a ceremony at the White House in their honor on Valentine's Day. While they hammed it up with President Bush, Huff worked out in Tempe, Ariz.

"He will gain his respect from the veterans, from everybody, because of who he is ... ," Akina said. "The Oakland fans, coaches, everybody, is going to love him."

No one loves Huff more than his mother, Birdie King. She was so protective of the lone child she had with his father that she refused to let him play football when it first sparked his interest.

"He was 9 years old and he wanted to play," King said from her home in Irving, Texas, a short distance from Texas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys. "When he asked, I told him the team was full."

In reality? "I kind of lied to him," she confessed. "I didn't want my baby to get hurt."

King had no recourse but to give in the next year, when Huff learned that his Little League coach also coached the youth football team.

"I couldn't tell that story again," King said.

Huff dabbled in football, baseball, basketball and track well into high school. His mother envisioned her son being a baseball player.

Huff was unsure which sport he wanted to pursue, so much so that he turned down a spot on the Nimitz High School varsity football team his sophomore year so he could play more on the junior varsity.

He got summoned to the varsity once the playoffs started that season. Huff thought he was there as a reward for his play on the junior varsity. His coaches had other ideas.

Late in a playoff game at Texas Stadium against The Colony High School, Huff got sent in as an extra wide receiver. Run a post route, his quarterback instructed him.

Huff used his sprinter's speed to blow past the defender, caught the ball and turned the play into a game-tying touchdown. Huff didn't play the rest of the game. Nimitz won the game in double overtime.

One play, one touchdown, a star is born.

"That is when I realized that I could play football at a high level," Huff said. "That was the turning point."

Some so-called experts criticized the Raiders for taking Huff instead of a quarterback, with Southern Cal's Matt Leinart and Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler still available.

After all, the Raiders lack a marquee quarterback, and safeties usually don't go in the top 10. Huff is only the third safety drafted with a top-10 selection since 1991 -- the Dallas Cowboys took Roy Williams at No. 8 in 2002 and the Washington Redskins snared Sean Taylor at No. 5 in 2004.

Yet, the decision to pick Huff was made by Raiders managing general partner Al Davis three weeks or so before the draft, according to a person in the front office.

Huff clocked a blazing 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in Indianapolis in February. Davis craves speed. The Raiders needed a replacement for departed veteran defensive back Charles Woodson.

Huff grew up imitating Michael Jackson in song and dance. To this day, he still owns every Jackson album and video, his mother says. Yet, when it comes to football, Huff patterns himself after Woodson.

He called Woodson soon after getting drafted to ask permission if he could wear the No. 24 jersey Woodson donned from 1998-2005. Woodson consented. He also made himself available to Huff if he ever needs advice.

Fortunately for the Raiders, Huff differs from Woodson in many ways. Woodson disdained practicing, watching videotape of games and lifting weights. Not Huff.

"He had a work ethic about him and he really worked on mentally seeing the game," Akina said. "He came in with great track times, had great physical size, but he wasn't a polished physical player. He was smart enough to look at it on tape and understand it. ... If he doesn't get it the first time, he's going to work harder at it. You're going to know he's giving you his best shot."

The Raiders already are seeing many of the things that Akina and the other Texas coaches did for four years. It's enough to make fans salivate over the prospect of the Raiders finding a stud safety for the first time since Rod Woodson retired in 2003.

"He'll come in and help us right away with his ability to play the position of safety who also has the ability to be a coverage guy for us," Raiders coach Art Shell said.

Is there anything he can't do?

[Angry Pope]

Shell is Raiders' Pied Piper
New head coach convinces players to do things his way

By Bill Soliday, STAFF WRITER


ALAMEDA — When he speaks, they listen.
Art Shell stands tall on the practice field with his own football team, one for whom he can speak because he knows the Oakland Raiders so well. And they know him, which is why he is here.

He's been there. He knows. What he has to say has meaning in the history books.

"They know exactly where I'm coming from, and they know where we want to be," Shell explains.

That place would be in the champions' seat.

"There's nothing wrong with talking about it," Shell said. "I'm not going to soft sell the championship. Every team in the National Football League wants to play in the Super Bowl. So, hey, why not us?"

It is Shell's second minicamp, and if there was any doubt before, his team is getting the picture. Play tough, play disciplined, play proud. Play like their coach did.

"Players seem to be taking to Shell's direction. Young players, certainly, but older veterans and those in between, too.

"Tell you what," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "You'd have to be a dead man to not know who Art Shell is."

Center Jake Grove added: "He's done this. He knows whathe's talking about. He's got that credibility. He's a presence out there on the field, and he's someone you're going to listen to and respect."

Center Adam Treu has been an active Raider longer than any other, 10 years, and he sees a difference.

"There's an emphasis on individual accountability," he said. "If something is done wrong on the field, we repeat and correct it."

It is an approach Shell grew accustomed to playing for John Madden. Madden's practices were famous for repeating drills until players got it right. A two-hour practice frequently went into triple overtime.

Those were the Raiders' salad years, and even though modern players might never have seen their new coach play in person, they know the legends.

"They know I have three Super Bowl rings," Shell said. "I played in two and coached in one, so I understand what it takes to win and what we have to do in order to get there. So we have their attention ... and they want to win. They're tired of losing."

Guard Barry Sims agrees.

"It feels good, like we're on the right path," he said. "Everybody's doing the right thing. Everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do. That's the only way you'll be successful is to be held accountable, and this coaching staff is different than the last couple. The last few years



it seemed a little too loose, like we didn't really have the leadership we have now."

"It takes me back to my first couple of years with (Jon) Gruden. It's a lot like that. Everybody is in charge of what they're supposed to be doing. If they don't do it, then put someone else in there to do it."

Tackle Robert Gallery said: "I think the attitude is changing because he's demanding it. We'll see when we put the pads on, but I think it's moving in the right direction, that's for sure."

Sapp also likes what he sees.

"It (the response) has been real good. The thing about it is, everybody is closing ranks and getting in line and following one leader in one direction.

"That is one thing that kind of went awry a year ago. We had groups of guys here and groups of guys there, but now everybody has closed ranks. Let's get in line and march like soldiers. If you're leading in the right direction, people will follow.

"That's the only way you are going to win anything in this league. It's about one goal, one purpose, one direction, and that's where we are right now. And if we are all rowing the same way, the boat is going to move."

Although Shell's public persona is not that of a screamer, Sapp just laughs when a reporter suggests he comes across as soft spoken.

"He can get a little fiery at times," he said. "He is a great dude. His reputation precedes him. We haven't won many games around here, and if you haven't won many games around here, you might want to follow the lead of the guy who has won games, who has been there and done that."

Meanwhile, Shell seems to be enjoying himself.

"Smell the grass," he said after an afternoon workout, enjoying the atmosphere so much that he repeats that three-word sentence three times. "Being around the players, the practice ... there's nothing like it.

"We're all working for the same thing and just to be out here watching them work, to see kids do something. You preach it over and over again, 'do it this way,' and all of a sudden he does it right.

"That's a great feeling ... a great feeling."

[Angry Pope]

New sheriff for Raiders

By Steve Corkran
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

ALAMEDA - Things are going to be different around here, the new coach says. How many times have you heard that whenever a change of leadership takes place?

Art Shell said as much upon his replacing Norv Turner as Raiders coach Feb. 12. Any doubts as to the veracity of Shell's comments were erased in face-to-face meetings with the players soon after his hiring.

In one such meeting, veteran wide receiver Jerry Porter tested the waters and soon learned that this no longer is Turner's team. A get-to-know-you meeting turned into a war of words and ended with Shell booting Porter from his office. But not before letting Porter know who is in charge.

"Attitudes and things like that will have to be changed somewhat ... ," Shell said. "I have to set the tone. I expect to set the tone."

He continued that process Friday during the first practice of the team's three-day minicamp that concludes Sunday.

"The (team's) attitude has changed because he's demanding it," offensive tackle Robert Gallery said. "This place is moving in the right direction."

Shell inherits a team that has won only 13 games the past three seasons. Those three losing seasons are one more than Shell experienced as a player from 1968-82 and as a coach in his five full seasons -- he replaced Mike Shanahan five games into the 1989 season.

"I know how to win," Shell said. "I know how to lead. I expect that we will have the kind of success that this organization deserves."

Veteran offensive lineman Barry Sims said he already notices a stark contrast to the way Shell runs the team compared with the way things operated under Turner the past two seasons and Bill Callahan in 2002 and '03.

The players know what is expected of them, Sims said. Everybody knows his role. What Shell says, he means. Defensive tackle Warren Sapp said last year's team was a fractured bunch.

"The last few years, it seemed a little too loose, like we didn't really have the leadership that we have now ... ," Sims said. "It feels like we're on the right path, everybody's doing the right thing.

"Everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do. The only way you'll be successful is to have that accountability."

You get the feeling that a player won't take to the airwaves to vent his frustration over Shell's coaching style, the way cornerback Charles Woodson did toward Callahan in 2003. Or that wide receiver Randy Moss won't be bolting the locker room just as Shell is entering to deliver his postgame speech, as Moss did after Turner's final game last season.

Such is the benefit of being a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, playing on two Super Bowl-winning teams and guiding a team to the playoffs three times as coach. It doesn't hurt that Shell commands respect by standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 250 pounds or so.

That intimidating presence is something Shell wants opposing teams to feel from his players.

"I expect to be a tough football team," Shell said. "When you walk out there, when you walk into that stadium, you walk out there with a presence. Mr. Davis (Al, managing general partner) called it a swagger. Yeah, a swagger.

"You walk out there with a presence. And I just want to get back to the point where when we walk into a stadium, they know the Raiders are in town. And when we walk into the Coliseum, the Raiders are here."

[Angry Pope]

Curry is lone inactive from group of injured players

Raiders notebook

ALAMEDA -- Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry has spent most of his athletic career standing out from his teammates through his jaw-dropping playmaking. On Friday, he stood out because he was standing around.

Curry was the only inactive player among a group of Raiders who missed all or part of last season because of serious injuries. He still is rehabilitating the left Achilles tendon that he ruptured against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 18.

Defensive tackle Warren Sapp (rotator cuff), linebacker Sam Williams (knee), strong safety Derrick Gibson (wrist), running back LaMont Jordan (toe), offensive lineman Langston Walker (abdomen) and quarterback Andrew Walter (groin) practiced and showed no lingering effects from injuries that required surgery.

Walker has been moved from left guard to right offensive tackle as part of coach Art Shell's makeover of the offensive line. The move comes less than seven months after Walker needed surgery to stop abdominal bleeding, rendering him unsure he would be able to play again.

"Thank God, it's not a career-ender," Walker said as he knocked on a wooden bench in front of his locker stall. "I went through the surgery, went through the rehab, rehab went good, did what I had to do. I'm out here feeling fine."

Walter declared himself fit and ready to go only four months or so after surgery to repair a groin injury he sustained during training camp last year. That injury came on the heels of a shoulder injury near the end of his college career.

"The shoulder feels great, my groin feels just as good, so I'm about as pieced together as I have been in a while," Walter said.

Play of the day
Veteran wide receiver Randy Moss served notice on first-round draft pick Michael Huff early on during Friday's morning practice by blowing past the rookie safety on a deep route and turning the play into a long touchdown.

"My first experience against Randy Moss, and he scored on me," Huff said afterward, "but that's kind of part of the territory, so I've got to go out there and get better every day."

Moss did not speak with the local media, as has been his custom since Oakland's regular-season opener last year.

There's only one 2

Cornerback Charles Woodson made No. 2 a familiar sight during his eight seasons with the Raiders. He wore that number during practices in keeping with the jersey number he wore during his stellar collegiate career at Michigan.

With Woodson having signed a free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers last month, the player donning the No. 2 jersey is new quarterback Aaron Brooks. He asked for the number because it's the same number he wore for the New Orleans Saints.

-- Steve Corkran

[Angry Pope]

Hair may need cutting, but rookie's a keeper

By Steve Corkran
Knight Ridder

Two days ago, third-round draft pick Paul McQuistan was known as ``the goofy-looking big dude with the red-headed mullet,'' according to one teammate.

Now he is the offensive lineman of whom defenders are most wary after two days of watching McQuistan throw around defensive linemen as if they were blocking dummies.

``Obviously, he has a long ways to go, but he and all the rookies on the line have done a good job,'' veteran offensive lineman Barry Sims said Saturday. ``They seem to be further ahead of the game than the other groups we've had.''

That bodes well for a Raiders team beset by injuries and uneven play from its offensive linemen last season.

McQuistan, 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, was one of three offensive linemen selected by the Raiders in the NFL draft last month. None is expected to crack the starting lineup this season, though McQuistan is making an early push for consideration at right guard.

``He gets better every time you take a snap,'' Raiders Coach Art Shell said. ``He has a chance to be a pretty good football player. That's why we took him in the third round.''

Sims has been moved from left tackle to left guard. Langston Walker is at right tackle after spending last season at left guard. Robert Gallery has moved from right tackle to left tackle. Jake Grove remains at center, with Brad Badger seeking to replace departed veteran Ron Stone at right guard.

McQuistan, 23, said he has modest expectations his first season.

``Make the squad, the 53 (-man roster), learn the plays, be willing to do what is needed for the success of the team,'' McQuistan said in his matter-of-fact style.

However, don't be fooled by his calmness off the field. He has a mean streak and an edge to him on the field that manifests itself in his throwing down defenders and hounding them until the play is over.

``I have always tried to play with that edge, just to make it fun,'' McQuistan said. ``That's the way I enjoy playing it.''

Reigning NFL sack king Derrick Burgess said he's well aware of McQuistan, both because of McQuistan's distinct hairstyle and his blocking prowess.

``Oh, the mullet?'' Burgess said. ``I've seen him. He looks like one of those tough guys. It looks like he has pretty good feet, though.''

• Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha sustained a twisted knee in the morning practice and missed the rest of the full-squad drills. He went into the locker room for treatment.

• The Raiders conclude their mini-camp with one practice today.

[Angry Pope]

Setting the Tone

May 7, 2006


The Oakland Raiders mandatory three-day mini-camp concludes this morning with a final practice session at the team's Alameda, Calif., facility. The team has spent the past two days putting what they've learned this off-season to the test on the gridiron. While learning new plays and working on fundamentals, they have also been getting to know their new teammates and coaches.

According to many players, Raiders Head Coach Art Shell has set the tone throughout the mini-camp as he leads the full squad for the first time in 2006.

"I think the one thing you get from him is that that's what he's about, he's about a championship," DT Warren Sapp said. "When everybody's about a championship everybody marches the same way, everybody goes to the same beat. When you have that, you have a chance to go out and win."

"All players want to know what is expected of them, where are we going," Coach Shell said. "Our expectations are very high. They have responded. They know exactly where I'm coming from. I am not going to soft sell a Championship. Every team in the National Football League wants to play in the Super Bowl, why not us? We can play in the Super Bowl. It has to be done on the field, not through verbiage. These guys understand that."

The Raiders acquired free agent QB Aaron Brooks in March. Brooks, who spent the bulk of his career with the New Orleans Saints, has spent the past two months learning the playbook and has been acclimating himself to his new environment.


"I'm loving the fresh start, I think it was very necessary particularly, coming to a place like this, a great tradition, to have a coach with a lot of experience, particularly a Hall of Famer and a lot of Hall of Fame coaches around him, so what better situation to be in, than this one right here?" Brooks said. "I'm very excited to be here, I'm very excited to be working with [Head Coach] Art Shell, and having the opportunity to be able to throw the ball to arguably the best receiver in the game today, and the guys around him that are so good. I wouldn't trade it for the world, I'm just very happy to be a Raider right now."

"We're going to come after you. I believe in power, I believe in being tough, tough up front, we're going to do that on both sides of the ball," Coach Shell articulated. "I want that defense flying around getting after people. That's the only way to play the game. I want our offensive line coming off the ball and knocking people on their behinds."

Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is entering his sixth season with the Raiders and is genuinely excited about what he has seen so far. "We want to get back to being a physical team that's going to come out and hit you in the mouth, compete and make plays," Tuiasosopo said. "I think definitely our attitude out here is let's be a physical team, let's bring it back to the Raider style that everybody knows about."

Coach Shell, the coaching staff and the 2006 Oakland Raiders will continue working toward their goals through the off-season work-out program, Organized Team Activities and a June mini-camp, with training camp set to open in late July.

[Angry Pope]

The photos now include ten from the afternoon....same link.

[Rupert]

I like the word on McQuistan. Sounds like a Wiz sort of dude. Good sign. We need a nasty mofo or three.

[CrossBones]

My intital reaction was "WHO"? But now that I'm getting more facts it looks to me like the Raiders did their homework. This guy may end up being a steal.

[Angry Pope]

On Carr from Corkran...

Second-year player Chris Carr already is considered one of the top kick returners in the league. However, the Raiders are counting upon Carr to be just as effective and productive on punt returns. To that end, he is getting added time during the offseason at working on his decision making and protecting the ball. Carr is fast, elusive and decisive on returns. That makes him capable of being a player who can give the Raiders a huge edge in terms of field position on punt returns. Yet, he has to be more consistent in his deciding when to field punts and when to let them bounce. Also, he can't fumble as often as he did last season. There isn't any reason to think that Carr can't and won't be much improved this season, especially after receiving extra attention during offseason workouts.

[Angry Pope]

Other photos from minicamp....

Michael Huff, facing Alvin Nnabuife, said he got Charles Woodson's approval to wear No. 24. (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_305_mac.jpg)

Art Shell is talking in terms of championships. (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_208_mac.jpg)

Thomas Howard, the second-round pick from UTEP, made his debut in a Raiders uniform (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_137_mac.jpg)


Michael Huff, the Raiders' top draft pick, takes practice during the team's second mini-camp of the season (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_011_mac.jpg)


New head coach Art Shell keeps an eye on practice at the Raiders' second mini-camp of the season (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_097_mac.jpg)




Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) is set to hand off to running back Zack Crockett during mini-camp (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_156_mac.jpg)


[/url]



[url=http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_331_mac.jpg]Raiders defensive lineman Warren Sapp says he's ready to play after months of rehabbing his surgically repaired rotator cuff (http://www.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2006/05/06/sp_raiders06_231_mac.jpg)

[CrossBones]

Great pictures.

THANKS.

[Angry Pope]

Some info on "He Hate Me"....

Gallery is moving to left tackle on O-line

By Steve Corkran
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

ALAMEDA - Barry Sims knew it was only a matter of time. The Raiders didn't use the second pick of the 2004 NFL draft on Robert Gallery so that he could play right offensive tackle his entire career.

A player drafted that high is viewed as a long-term fixture at left offensive tackle, the spot considered by many the most important of the five offensive line positions because the left tackle is responsible for blocking a team's best pass-rusher and protecting the quarterback's blind side.

"I wasn't completely surprised," Sims said upon learning in March that new coach Art Shell had moved Gallery to left tackle and Sims to left guard. "I figured they'd like to see Robert, the No. 2 overall, over where he was drafted to play. I was happy that I was able to stay over there for two more years. We'll see how things go."

Sims has occupied the left tackle spot full time the past five seasons. He started all but two games at left tackle during that span and fended off challenges from three players drafted in the first round who were projected as left tackles -- Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb and Gallery.

For Gallery, the switch represents a return to the position he played during a stellar career at Iowa. He has started 31 games in his pro career, all at right tackle.

"I'm comfortable already," Gallery said. "I'll get the little (stuff) down and move on."

Shell said Gallery has the talent and work ethic necessary for him to succeed at left tackle. Shell knows a thing or two about the position, given he forged a Pro Football Hall of Fame career at left tackle with the Raiders from 1968-82.

"We are trying to find a home for him, and left tackle seems to be the home," Shell said. "We're trying to find a home for everybody."

They like me

One of the more curious new faces in Raiders camp belongs to that of running back Rod Smart. He faces long odds of making the 53-man, opening-day roster, yet everyone knows who he is.

Such is the enduring effects from an innocent move Smart made when he was an unknown player for the Las Vegas Outlaws in the now-defunct XFL. He showed up for a game one day in 2001 with the words "He Hate Me" on the back of his jersey.

From then on, everyone knew who he was. That goes a long way for fringe players such as Smart looking for a way to get discovered by coaches who see scores of players come and go each year.

"People are going to recognize talent," Smart said Sunday, "but using that name got the cameras turning in my direction. Then I could show people that I'm not just a name, that I can play, too."

Smart eventually caught on with the Carolina Panthers and played there from 2002 through last season. He even played on their Super Bowl team in the 2003 season.

Smart, 29, is a capable kick returner and special teams player. The Raiders always are on the lookout for someone with Smart's versatility and special teams skills.

Time and again the past three days, Smart's teammates yelled, "He hate me," whenever Smart touched the ball.

"They love it, I love it, too," Smart said. "It's funny because it was going to be a one-time thing, but it got so much hype I said, 'Maybe I should keep it on here.' If nothing else, it was a steppingstone to get to the NFL."

The stroke of genius also provided an extra source of income for Smart, he said. He got the catch-phrase trademarked and now sells T-shirts, hats and other items that bear the three words that turned a no-name player in a strange-named league into a household name overnight.

Extra points

Tyler Brayton spent the entire minicamp working with the first-team defense at defensive end. Incumbent starter Bobby Hamilton worked with the second team. Shell said Brayton's days as an outside linebacker are over. Brayton played defensive end his rookie season in 2003 but bounced between linebacker and end the past two seasons, with mixed results. ... Defensive tackle Terdell Sands (knee) and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (knee) both missed practice as a precautionary measure, Shell said. ... Rookie safety Michael Huff intercepted a pass Sunday for the second straight day. "He's the real deal," Raiders safety Jarrod Cooper said.

[Angry Pope]

A short video of Howard talking about completing his first minicamp....

Hit it here... (http://www.kdbc.com/news/sports/2761031.html?skipthumb=Y)

Thomas Howard Completes Raiders Mini Camp

05/07/06

Former UTEP linebacker Thomas Howard has wrapped up rookie mini camp with the Oakland Raiders.

And so far things are going well. Howard admits he was a little star stuck when he saw teammates like Randy Moss, but now hes just one of the guys. Howard also knows he still has a lot to work on.

[Angry Pope]

Sunday's minicamp photos....

Hit it here.... (http://www.raiders.com/fanzone/galleryPhoto.jsp?contentId=25230&mediaPathTypeId=0&startAt=2&endAt=12&currentDisplayOrder=2)

[CrossBones]

Look at that picture of Schweigert.

He's looking more and more like an old time Raider!

[Rupert]

I bet it's tough to post those pictures. People want to see the offense successful, but when they're playing your front-line defense, you can't make them look too good or people will think we have no defense. Ohhhhhhh! :( :D

[Angry Pope]

Here is some info on Johnstone, Adkisson and Cooper....

Johnstone glad to be back in black

After six years away, DE eager to merge forces with Burgess

Jerry McDonald


ALAMEDA — Lance Johnstone, sitting directly across from the locker stall which used to be his six years ago, feels in some ways as if he has never left.

"It was always in the back of my mind I'd end up here," Johnstone said Sunday after the Raiders wrapped up a three-day, mandatory minicamp. "I wasn't surprised by it. I'm happy to be back."

Johnstone, who turns 33 in June, admits he wasn't sure a decade ago if the Oakland Raiders knew what they were doing when they took a svelte, linebacker out of Temple in the second round and decided he would make a solid pass-rushing defensive end.

Ten years and 70 sacks later, Johnstone — who spent the past five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings — is back where it all started.

If all goes according to plan, he'll serve as a situational pass rusher to give opposing offensive lines something to think about other than defending NFL sack leader Derrick Burgess.

Although credited with a career-low 15 unassisted tackles last season, Johnstone had 7.5 sacks — indicating he can still bring the heat even if he's on the field for fewer plays.

Only six players remain from when Johnstone played his last game with the Raiders in 2000 — Zack Crockett, Sebastian Janikiowski, Shane Lechler, Jerry Porter, Barry Sims and Adam Treu.

"It's amazing how much things can change in five years," Johnstone said. "But there are still a lot of the people, outside of the players, within the organization."

Johnstone, an unrestricted free agent, said he was courted by the Raiders and two other teams which he declines to name. Although released following the 2000 season, he said he left on good enough terms that coming back was no problem.

The thought of playing on a defensive line with Burgess was also appealing.

"The best years I've had have been when there's another good pass rusher with you," Johnstone said. "So (Burgess) was part of the decision. Hopefully we'll get Sapp coming off his injury pretty good, and we'll have three good pass rushers in there. I think we can do some things."

ADKISSON CATCHES ON: For three days anyway, tight end James Adkisson seemed to be as much a primary receiver as Randy Moss or Porter.

On and off the Raiders practice squad since 2003, Adkisson was an undrafted free agent with a pedigree owner Al Davis loves — he was an oversized (6-foot-5, 230 pounds) wide receiver with track experience and a willingness to move to tight end.

Adkisson received a late promotion to the 53-man roster in 2005 but did not play. Although officially listed as a wide receiver on the Raiders Web site, Adkisson is now a 250-pound tight end who was a frequent target over the past three days.

"I've been under the radar for three years, practice squad and all that, and I'm learning day by day, watching big Courtney (Anderson) and Randal (Williams)," Adkisson said. "The way this offense is geared, it's much more tight-end friendly."

Coach Art Shell has taken notice.

"He has the ability to catch the ball, and we all know he can run," Shell said. "He has to learn to block better, and that's improving."

COOPER'S HAPPY RETURN: Just as he promised at the close of the 2005 season, Jarrod Cooper looked nowhere else in free agency and re-signed with the Raiders.

"This is where I wanted to be all along," Cooper said. "With the changes we're making, I mean what I said last year — squared."

Former teammate Renaldo Hill also voiced his wish to return to the Raiders last season, but signed with Miami. Cooper understands his decision perfectly.

"They wrote him a big check," Cooper said. "It's still a business. He couldn't turn down money."

EXTRA POINTS: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, who suffered a twisted knee Saturday, missed Sunday's final practice. Shell said Asomugha wanted to practice but was held out. DT Terdell Sands was held out with a quadriceps strain, with Rashad Moore getting additional plays at defensive tackle. ... Although big on tradition, Shell elected not to have rookies run gassers — an annual event critical veterans look forward to each year. "They'll have plenty of time to run," Shell said. ... The Raiders will hold their sixth annual Youth Skills camp June 10-11 at the club's practice facility in Alameda. The camp, for boys and girls ages 8-14, will be conducted by Raiders coaches and players in conjunction with Bay Area high school and college coaches, feature instruction in football fundamentals. To register, visit the team's Web site, Raiders.com, or Raidersforkids.com.

[Angry Pope]

Hasn't missed a beat

Shell back to basics, title talk in second stint with Raiders

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer
Monday, May 8, 2006


ALAMEDA - Art Shell left the practice field Sunday morning with pep in his step and a song on his mind.
The Raiders' coach could be heard humming something with a "cha, cha, cha" and said, with a smile, he liked "music when it was music."

The music of rapper-producer Lil' Jon was playing loudly in the Raiders' locker room a few feet away - and it definitely wasn't Shell's cha-cha tune.

Musical tastes may change with the generations, but Shell remains a believer that what it used to take to win football games still works today.


Shell, who played with the Raiders from 1968 to 1982 and coached them from 1989 to 1994 when he was fired, was rehired in February with marching orders to return the Raiders to the days when their "Commitment to Excellence" motto wasn't just for mocking.
When Shell played for the Raiders, they were intimidating. They haven't had that physical reputation in recent years.

But Shell's confidence in the basics - a physical offensive line and a punishing defense - has not changed.

With honesty and a focus on the Super Bowl, Shell has begun to rally the team. Shell's second regime is in its infancy, but his presence has already influenced the locker room.

"The last few years, it seemed a little too loose, like we didn't really have the leadership that we have now," guard Barry Sims said.

Shell's communication skills with today's players remain solid more than a decade removed from his last head-coaching job and more than two from his last season as a player.

With two Super Bowl rings as a player and one as an assistant coach, Shell keeps championship talk at the forefront. That rings true with players.

"The thing about it is everybody is closing ranks and getting in line and following one leader in one direction," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "He is leading us toward a championship. That is one thing that kind of went awry a year ago. We had groups of guys here and groups of guys there, but everybody has closed ranks."

Super Bowl? The Raiders have won 13 games in the past three seasons. Shell believes there's nothing else to aim for.

"There's nothing wrong with talking about it," Shell said. "I'm not going to soft-sell the championship. That's where we want to be. Every team in the National Football League wants to play in the Super Bowl. So hey, why not us?"

Players on offense have said there is more direction this season. They also appreciate Shell's honesty about expectations and clearly defined roles.

"Last year when I played left guard, they didn't tell me until Thursday that I was starting at left guard," center Jake Grove said. "I had never played left guard in my life."

Shell is emphasizing details and said he started cracking down on penalties when he was hired.

And Shell isn't giving anyone a free pass thus far.

He told kicker Sebastian Janikowski - who made a career-worst 66.7 percent of his field-goals attempts - the team would run a lap for every field goal he missed in practice.

Janikowski didn't miss Sunday, making a 55-yarder.

Sims said Shell's demand of responsibility reminds him of Jon Gruden's tenure as coach.

"Everybody's held accountable for our actions and what we do," Sims said. "The only way you'll be successful is to have that accountability, and this coaching staff is different than the last couple, where everybody gets held accountable and we are doing the right things."

Shell might not dance to his players' music, but he'd be happy with his "cha, cha, cha" as long they follow his lead on the football field.

[CrossBones]

The ultimate breath of fresh air > Art Shell.

[Angry Pope]

Joy lost when Sapp went out

Raiders struggled down stretch without injured team leader

Bill Soliday



ALAMEDA — Last winter, by Thanksgiving the Oakland Raiders were a 4-6 football team coming off a 16-13 road win over playoff-bound Washington.
Not that there is anything heroic about a 7-9 finish, which at the time seemed quite likely. But what actually followed — a collapse in which the Raiders found ways to lose that stretched the borders of the imagination — were six losses by a cumulative 154-72. That, and a 4-12 record.

The victory in Washington, the last the Raiders have tasted, may have proved a demarcation point. It was the last 2005 game defensive tackle Warren Sapp appeared in.

And the implosion that followed?

"No coincidence," safety Jarrod Cooper noted. "It was bad. It was too quiet, way too quiet, without him. It was almost sad not to have that little goofy laugh around here."

Not to mention what went with the laugh — when he went down, Sapp had been experiencing a revival. Five sacks in 10 games only told part of the story. The defense, last in the league the previous year, was finally starting to hit its stride when it lost Sapp.

Although end Derrick Burgess went on to lead the NFL in sacks with 16, the complete package was missing. The Sapp part, meanwhile, was going through something of a personal hell.

"I woke up the following week and didn't have a job to go to," Sapp said of the torn rotator cuff that put him out of action for the first time in his 11-year NFL career.

If he was looking for something to do, he found it when he went home for several weeks immediately following the injury.

"You get plenty of honey-do's," Sapp said with a laugh. "The wife and kids take up all your time. I leaned on them. I had nothing else. I didn't have the guys. It was really a different perspective, to sit back and look at it from the outside more than from the inside looking out."

As the losses piled up in Oakland, Sapp tried to watch games from his home on television.

"That's no place for me," he concluded. "I had to turn it off a couple of times. I'd go get a drink of water, say 'I've got to take a break from this,' then come back and say 'Let's go at it again.'

"Those are your guys, and you can't help them. I felt helpless. I don't ever want to go through it again. The thing about it is we had it going at that point."

Last weekend, Sapp was on the field with his guys, but he wasn't an active participant in minicamp drills and won't be until at least the next minicamp in June.

"He's just getting himself healthy and in shape," Burgess said. "We need him for the season. He knows what's going on. He didn't just start playing football."

Some wondered if Sapp might want to return for a 12th year at age 33. But he never had doubts. He is back and determined to pick up where he left off.

"All I've been doing for the last five months is rehabbing and working out every day," he said. "Normally I'm taking a rest at that point. When they let this horse out of the gate, it's gonna be a nice run."

The Raiders added defensive horsepower when they picked up Minnesota free agent Lance Johnstone in free agency. That gives them three linemen who have posted double-digit sack numbers at various times in their careers — Johnstone with four, Sapp three and Burgess one.

Sapp predicted the pass rush will be the defensive strength of the team.

"He (Burgess) is a beast," Sapp said. "He plays the game the way it is supposed to be played. If he gives the same effort he had a year ago, it should bode well for everybody on the whole line because maybe the light will shine a little bit over there, and they'll give me more one on ones."

Cooper figures on a return of that goofy laughter to the team.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a draft profile for James Adkisson...

James Adkisson

Position: Wide Receiver
College: South Carolina
Height: 6-4
Weight: 219
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.


ANALYSIS

Positives: Tall, well-built receiver with excellent linear speed … Has a wide shoulder frame, flat chest, tight waist and long legs … Sudden in his movements, flying down the sidelines, showing explosive acceleration … Has the flexibility and athletic agility to make adjustments on the ball … Shows adequate cut-and-roll-block ability … Long-strider who has the size to defeat press coverage … Will bust through the jam to get into his routes and gets off the line quick and low … Can run tight routes when working the sidelines and is very shifty under coverage to separate … Shows good wiggle after the catch.

Negatives: Durability is a big question as he tends to linger in recovering from injuries … Must get tougher fighting the defensive back for the ball and run at a lower pad level … Needs to do a better job working back for the ball … Should have his vision checked as he seems to lack hand/eye coordination … Gets his hands up late going for the pass and does not make proper body adjustments to the ball … Has the speed that is ideal when going deep, but has to stop running so upright and rounding his cuts … Very shifty and easily defeats coverage on the deep ball, but needs to get tougher eluding defenders in the short area … At times, he just flat-out beats his man, but he frequently lets the smaller defensive backs beat him for the ball … Needs to develop more mental toughness and experience. Seems to lack confidence in his superb athletic ability, similar to Marcus Robinson at this stage … Has great linear speed, but runs too upright and lacks crispness in his routes … Not a natural route runner, as he fights for the ball in traffic and fails to work back for the pigskin.

CAREER NOTES

Called by coach Lou Holtz, "as talented a receiver as I've ever coached," but saw his Gamecock career curtailed by injuries … Has the size, speed and physical tools to be outstanding, lacking only in experience … Finished his career with 28 receptions for 347 yards (12.4 avg.) in three seasons … Began his collegiate career at Kemper Junior College.

2002 SEASON

Had an outstanding preseason and was primed to be the team's primary target, but a knee injury in the Virginia game and subsequent eye (vs. Tennessee) and hamstring (Arkansas) injuries would limit his play to only five games (started vs. New Mexico State, Virginia, Louisiana State and Tennessee. Played vs. Arkansas) … Finished with 9 catches for 112 yards (12.4 avg.) and a touchdown … Had a 5-yard kickoff return and gained 35 yards (11.7 avg.) on 3 carries.
New Mexico State - Scored his first touchdown as a Gamecock on a 44-yard grab.
Virginia - Had 3 receptions for 39 yards and returned a kickoff 5 yards before suffering a knee sprain on the play … The injury would sideline him for the Georgia, Temple, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Kentucky contests.
Louisiana State - Came back to make a 1-yard catch.
Tennessee - Gained 27 yards on a reverse.
Arkansas - Snatched 3 passes for 28 yards and ran twice for 8 yards before suffering an eye bruise.

2001 SEASON

Played in the Boise State and Georgia games before being granted a medical redshirt (back) … Made a pair of catches for 8 yards (4.0 avg.).

2000 SEASON

Appeared in 11 games, starting vs. Eastern Michigan, Mississippi State, Alabama and Arkansas … Made 17 catches for 227 yards (13.4 avg.).

JUNIOR COLLEGE

One of the leading receivers in the junior college ranks, playing at Kemper (Boonville, Mo.) Military School in 1999 … Earned junior college All-America honors … Had 59 receptions for 1,375 yards (23.3 avg.) and 7 touchdowns … Against Northeast Oklahoma, he had 7 catches for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns … Started 10 games at Kemper as a freshman (1998).

TRACK

Sprinter for the Gamecocks' track team … Competed at the 2001-02 SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships.

INJURY REPORT

Underwent right thumb surgery (internal fixation of the first metacarpal, on 4/12/00) … Dislocated the middle finger on his left hand (12/17/00) … Redshirted after two games in 2001 due to a back sprain that he first suffered prior to spring drills (2/7/01) … Underwent an MRI on his knee later to determine the extent of an injury suffered vs. Virginia (9/7/02). He injured the knee returning a kickoff. The initial prognosis was that there could be possible ligament damage but results showed only a sprain … Suffered an eye bruise vs. Tennessee (11/2/02) … Strained his hamstring vs. Arkansas (11/9/02).

CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS

4.34 in the 40-yard dash … 3.69 20-yard shuttle … 44-inch vertical jump … 11-foot-6 broad jump … Bench presses 225 pounds 8 times … 265-pound bench press.

HIGH SCHOOL

All-state selection as a kickoff returner at Ritenour (St. Louis, Mo.) High … Played one year of football and also played basketball … Competed on the U.S. Junior Olympic track team.

PERSONAL

Retailing major … Born Jan. 11, 1980 … Resides in St. Louis, Mo.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a story on Adkisson ...mentions Moss...notice the date...


Fond Memories, New Challenge

June 17, 2005

By Stefanie Boewe

For the better part of three months, he could see his newest great love when he looked out of his hotel room window - just a few steps away, it was waiting for him on the opposite side of the street. Whenever Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Adkisson left his temporary home in Cologne, Germany, he walked over to the train station from where his beloved tram train would take him to his desired destination - such as the practice facility or downtown Cologne - within minutes, every day, at any time, about every five minutes.

"Getting around is the point I enjoyed most about Germany," said Adkisson. "I will miss the train system, I am most impressed with it. Not matter where you wanted to go, without wondering about gas prices or maps you just got on a train and got there easily."

Adkisson particularly enjoyed the ride to the opposite river bank from where he liked to look at the old town and its distinctive landmark which is enthroned above the city: The Cologne Cathedral. Germany's best-known church overlooks the whole town because Cologne was set up in an unusual way - no downtown building is allowed to reach the same height as the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, and so the impressive basilica offers a wonderful and even moving sight from almost every spot in Cologne. "Going across the river Rhine and looking at the cathedral was beautiful in the evenings," said the 25-year-old Adkisson.

His arrival in Europe was shocking, though - in a positive way. "Like many Americans I was ignorant to it all and prejudiced before I came here," said Adkisson who had left the United States for the first time when he got on the plane that flew him into Cologne, Germany in March. "So when I first got here, I was surprised - people were really nice, and they wanted to know all about you." In the end, Adkisson only found one single issue to criticize, "Everybody seems to smoke over here. But other than that I have no complaints - I even like the food."

However, the 6'4", 230-pound receiver looked forward to getting back home. He missed his lovely three-year-old daughter Kaya and his girlfriend Leena dearly. "Halfway through the season I kind of hit a wall when I was ready to see my family," stated Adkisson. "But I pushed myself through it."

"This was a great
opportunity. Even
though I'm leaving
Germany, Germany
will never leave me."
- Raiders WR James Adkisson

Now Adkisson, who started for the Centurions in the NFL Europe League and added 11 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown to push Cologne to a 6-4 record, and was re-assigned to the eventual World Bowl champion Amsterdam Admirals just prior to the championship game, is looking forward to entering training camp with the Silver and Black rather than looking for a break. "I hope to get a couple of mini-camps prior to training camp. I really don't want to get out of shape," said Adkisson who had spent time of the 2003 and 2004 seasons on the Raiders practice squad. While he is well aware of the fact that he started training camp with NFL Europe in early March and might not get a chance to rest his body through the end of the regular NFL season in January, he won't rest before the Raiders' training camp. "Overall, it is a long season of 10 months," admitted Adkisson. "But everybody outside of football has only about two weeks of vacation a year, so everybody outside of football works even more. So a season of 10 months is still a blessing."

While being allocated to Germany Adkisson worked on his mental strength as well as on taking over responsibility on the field. Still, he is not satisfied with his achievements. "I wanted to get in shape and that I did. But I also wanted to be more productive and become a leader for the group of receivers, and I didn't get near where I wanted to get."

But back in Oakland Adkisson hopes to learn from the best there is, Randy Moss, who even used to me a role model for Adkisson. "That will be very interesting. I will be trying to take things from his game and put it into mine," said Adkisson who graduated from South Carolina. "A few years ago in college I was asked this. 'If you could have dinner with an NFL player, who would it be?' Randy Moss was my answer."

Interestingly enough, Centurions head coach Peter Vaas believes that Adkisson has similar physical abilities as Moss. "James is big, fast and he has good hands. He has all those physical abilities, he is a world of talent, said Vaas. "He only needs to mature mentally and to concentrate on every play. But over the past few weeks I have seen him developing a much better work ethic."

Adkisson has learned his lesson, and he is willing to keep on working. "This was a great opportunity I am grateful for," said Adkisson. "Even though I'm leaving Germany, Germany will never leave me." Sweeter words about the NFL Europe League and its goals have hardly ever been spoken.

[Angry Pope]

More from Jordan....

Jordan's goal: Less food, more yards

Running back plans to take up boxing, yoga in vow to shed weight

May 8, 2006


PHIL BARBER


ALAMEDA -- No one has to ask LaMont Jordan how he spent his offseason, because we all saw it on TV. As the Maryland women's basketball team advanced to its first national championship, alumnus Jordan emerged as the Terrapins' No. 1 fan, sitting courtside, doing halftime interviews and even getting his hands on the title trophy.


"I've been following women's basketball since high school," Jordan said. "Very first women's basketball game I watched was in '94 -- Louisiana Tech against Carolina in the national championship, and (North Carolina's) Charlotte Smith hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer. I watched the whole game, and I was just like 'wow, women's basketball.'"


Unlike coach Brenda Frese and her Terrapins, Jordan said, he has never won a championship at any level. If he has reason to believe that can change in Oakland, it's because new coach Art Shell is bringing a power running game to the Raiders -- something Jordan openly advocated in 2005.


Last year was a season of extremes for Jordan. He got $11 million in bonus money and his first starting opportunity, and he quickly became the focal point of the Raiders' offense. He finished with 1,025 yards. At the same time, the team sputtered to six season-ending losses and an overall 4-12 record. Jordan finished the term on the sideline with a turf toe injury and became increasingly frustrated with Norv Turner's offense, which he felt adapted too much and asserted too little.


"I'm very excited," Jordan said. "Last year was all about what Denver was able to do, or 'Kansas City did this.' Coach Shell is: 'This is what we do. We're not gonna do what other teams do just because they're successful.' And what he does fits my style of running perfectly."


Or as tackle Robert Gallery put it: "I think we're going to have our bread-and-butter plays, which I don't think we've had in the past. We were so random as far as what we did. We really didn't have a go-to play. It's going to be hard-nosed, straight up, and that will open up the passing game."


To take advantage of this new, physical approach, Shell wants Jordan to lose some weight. He played at 235 to 238 pounds last season, figuring he'd have to bulk up to stay strong in what he thought would be a power-oriented offense. Shell wants him at 230, a readout Jordan hasn't seen on his scale since college.


Jordan declined to state what he weighs these days, but he knows it will take some work to get there.


"I love to eat," Jordan admitted with a wide grin. "I love to eat. I love fried foods. I love cakes and all that good stuff."


Jordan said his eating habits have caused him to inflate a little in the past, but that the Jets -- especially strength and conditioning coach John Lott -- gave him some latitude for weigh-ins. Those days are gone, and Jordan seems to be embracing the challenge.


And it isn't just eating habits. Jordan declared that he is taking a more businesslike approach to his profession this season. He plans to take up boxing and yoga (on the advice of the wife of his college position coach) this offseason, to increase his quickness and flexibility. More important, he is committed to a more balanced life.


"I'm gonna do more things geared toward helping me grow as a person," Jordan said. "I've partied, I've had a good time. I'm not saying I'm gonna cut that out completely. But basically I have to do everything in moderation."


As always, Jordan seems to be taking his cues from the ultra-productive Martin, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. Finally out of Martin's shadow, Jordan wants to reach a similar plane.


"What I want to do is make sure I leave my mark on the league," he said. "I think two words I have to use to constantly remind myself are 'discipline' and 'sacrifice.' ... I'm looking forward to coming back (for summer workouts) -- my weight will be down, have a great attitude and be the running back that the Raiders paid for."


EXTRA POINTS


Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was doing "much better" Sunday, a day after twisting his knee, but Shell held him out of drills to be cautious.


Defensive tackle Terdell Sands strained a quadriceps muscle Saturday and also missed practice Sunday. With Warren Sapp also getting downtime, third-year DT Rashad Moore got most of the first-team repetitions next to Tommy Kelly.


The Raiders' next mini-camp is in June.


OAKLAND'S EXHIBITION GAMES


Aug. 6 vs. Philadelphia, 5 p.m.


TV: Ch. 3


Aug. 14 at Minnesota, 5 p.m.


TV: ESPN


Aug. 20 vs. 49ers, 5 p.m.


TV: Ch. 5


Aug. 26 vs. Detroit, TBA


Aug. 31 at Seattle, TBA

[Angry Pope]

Art's opinion of Randy...

Raiders notes: Moss has an admirer in Shell
The coach likes the receiver's talent and off-field presence.

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer



ALAMEDA - Raiders coach Art Shell echoed what several teammates have said about Randy Moss - he is a good guy.
After a few conversations with Moss, it didn't take Shell long to see why those who knew the receiver in Minnesota told him he would "love Randy Moss."


"Randy Moss is a smart person," Shell said. "He is football-savvy."
Moss had 60 catches for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns while dealing with various injuries last season. A healthy Moss would be expected to have a better season statistically, but Shell is looking for more - he wants to see Moss' influence elsewhere.

"Randy Moss is good in the locker room because when things get quiet in there, you know, guys are kind of dragging in training camp, he comes in and starts saying something and cracks everybody up," Shell said. "You need guys like that on the football team. You need people who do those types of things. So he's good for this football team."

Rookie breaks - Players just out of college cannot work out with their pro team until the school year has ended, per NCAA rules. Shell expects all the rookies on May 16. Most of the veterans will still be around for offseason workouts. The Raiders' next minicamp will be next month.

The time off until mid-May isn't the only break for the rookies. The first-year players also received a reprieve from post minicamp conditioning that has been the tradition recently.

"That's past years," Shell said. "Not when I was coaching. They'll have plenty of time to run."

Injuries - Defensive tackle Terdell Sands sat out Sunday's practice because of a strained quadriceps. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (knee) sat out his second consecutive practice. The injuries weren't serious, Shell said.

[RaiderIVlife]

Wow - Thanks for the mini-camp reads !!!!!!

I see the Raiders are embarking on yet another TE conversion/project. Any reason to think that Adkisson will become the next Shannon Sharpe? Because IMHO, this is what Al Davis has been seeking for years.

[Rupert]

Adkisson and Randall Williams both have an oportunity to be the next Shannon Sharpe. They're great athletes and WR's being asked to bulk up and become TE's.

The real thing about Sharpe was his attitude and desire. Do they have the desire Sharpe had? Good question.

[RaiderIVlife]

I like the word on McQuistan. Sounds like a Wiz sort of dude. Good sign. We need a nasty mofo or three.

Good, because to this point I haven't seen this attribute in either Robert 'The Big Softy' Gallery or Jake Grove.

[CrossBones]

Good, because to this point I haven't seen this attribute in either Robert 'The Big Softy' Gallery or Jake Grove.That's the truth.

Both these guys were characterized as "nasty" coming out of college. So far they've been schooled in the NFL as far as I am concerned. They both need to step up and show they are the players we thought they were.

[RaiderIVlife]

Adkisson and Randall Williams both have an oportunity to be the next Shannon Sharpe. They're great athletes and WR's being asked to bulk up and become TE's.

The real thing about Sharpe was his attitude and desire. Do they have the desire Sharpe had? Good question.

No doubt. Aside from Shannon Sharpe, Al Davis has surely taken note of Antonio Gates in San Diego. Wasn't this the reason we drafted Teyo Johnson (who has since flamed out of football - I think) a few years back? To get that pass catching TE that could out-quick LB'er and out-muscle safeties?

[RaiderIVlife]

That's the truth.

Both these guys were characterized as "nasty" coming out of college. So far they've been schooled in the NFL as far as I am concerned. They both need to step up and show they are the players we thought they were.

Well, it appears that the first team offensive line thus far is:

LT - Robert Gallery
LG - Barry Sims
C - Jake Grove
RG - Brad Badger
RT - Langston Walker

Being that Gallery, Grove and Walker were all drafted in rounds 1 or 2, they are being given every chance to suceed at their "natural" position. My guess is that if Walker can't cut the mustard this time around, he's done in Oakland. Wouldn't it be great if these three talents settled in and anchored this line for the next 5-7 years?

I'm personally hoping that McQuistan (or anyone else) can unseat Badger at RG. He is rapidly fading and I also have doubts about Sims at LG. He looks like a player that is nearly 'spent' IMHO and I don't believe he's strong enough for the position anyway. Could be wrong.

[Rupert]

No doubt. Aside from Shannon Sharpe, Al Davis has surely taken note of Antonio Gates in San Diego. Wasn't this the reason we drafted Teyo Johnson (who has since flamed out of football - I think) a few years back? To get that pass catching TE that could out-quick LB'er and out-muscle safeties?
Not so fast! Dude is down in Miami trying to catch on (so to speak). I think he's finally over the strained labia.

[Angry Pope]

Some thoughts from Art....

What's Next for Raiders?

May 9, 2006


The Oakland Raiders put the wraps on their mandatory three-day mini-camp with a final practice session this past Sunday. Although the players and coaches will receive a brief respite from the full team on-field work, Head Coach Art Shell says the work has only just begun.

The Raiders will hold one more mini-camp, participate in Organized Team Activities and continue to build strength and endurance through the off-season workout program. Coach Shell and the coaching staff will also continue to refine and reinforce what has been taught and drilled so far.

"We'll continue to go over stuff that we've already installed, we put in a lot of things," Coach Shell said. We have to refine the little points that we're doing as far as the blocking, the pass protection, blocking in the run game, the routes, how we want them run, the timing on everything."

In addition to learning the playbook, the players and coaches have been using the past few weeks to get to know each other. New members of the coaching staff, free agent acquisitions, draft choices, undrafted free agents and returning members of the Silver and Black all worked together as a complete team for the first time this past weekend.

"I thought we had a good five practices. Our guys are really working hard and they are getting better," Coach Shell said. "These guys want to win and they are doing everything they can to get into the winning ways."

According to Coach Shell, the classroom is a high priority for the rest of the off-season.


"The attitude is just wonderful, they want to work, they want to compete and they want to get better, I can't ask for any more than what we're getting," Coach Shell said. "The physical part will get taken care of, it's the mental part that has to be done. We're pushing them, the coaches are pushing them."

The Raiders will have the opportunity to begin Training Camp 2006 a week early by virtue of being tabbed to play in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on August 6.

"I've always liked the fifth game, I think it gives you a head start on most teams," Coach Shell said. "That's going to be invaluable for us."

Although Coach Shell says he is encouraged by the progress during the on-field work, he realizes that an NFL season is a marathon. "We have a long, long ways to go. The only way you can get there is by doing the right things."

If this mini-camp is any indication, the 2006 Raiders are headed in the right direction and are striving to achieve their goals.

[gst8]

Jordan said he is curbing the excesses of his lifestyle and changing his eating habits. He is also looking into yoga as an offseason training method.

I'm glad to hear this.

Other than the obvious poor line play, I think Jordan's weight was one of the primary reasons we struggled to run the ball last season. Hopefully dropping a couple of pounds will help him to regain some of the quickness he displayed in NY.

[Angry Pope]

Here is Lamont's draft profile...


#15-LAMONT JORDAN University of Maryland Terrapins 5:10.1-219

ANALYSIS

Positives... Powerful tackle-breaker who runs low to the ground with excellent body control...Shows superb hip swerve and strong leg drive...Catches the ball well coming out of the backfield, extending properly, rather than trying to body catch...Shows a strong arm for the option pass...Has the agility to spin away from tacklers and the power to gain yardage after initial contact...Can make defenders miss in the open with his juking moves...Has the in-stride quickness to adjust his direction...Displays the vision to find the seam on the move and runs with good body lean... Has the awareness to pick and slide through the holes...Maintains balance well while driving forward... Has a sharp outside burst and shows explosive acceleration around the corner...Can slide laterally with ease...Securely protects the ball running through traffic...Very flexible adjusting to the ball in flight...Solid-effort blocker who will face up and position properly in pass protection.

Negatives... Needs to drastically upgrade his work ethic...Not a student of the game and has very poor off-season conditioning habits...Indifferent player who needs to be prodded often by the coaching staff...Lacks classroom intelligence, basically because he does not apply himself... Needs to develop maturity in order to succeed at the next level...Lacks aggression when playing without the ball, tending to only get motivated when he's the focal part of the offense (poor supporting cast member).

CAREER NOTES

The anchor of the Terrapins' offense since the late stages of his freshman year, LaMont started 33 of 43 games he played in at Maryland...Shattered school game, season and career rushing records, gaining 4147 yards with 36 touchdowns on 807 carries (5.2 avg), surpassing the previous Terp marks of 769 attempts for 3317 yards by Charles Wysocki (1978-81)...Only Rick Badanjek (44, 1982-85) scored more touchdowns rushing in school annals...His 18 100-yard games rushing broke Wysocki's old Terrapins record of 17...Became only the fourth player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to gain over 4000 yards rushing in a career...Also gained 737 yards with a score on 76 receptions during his career...Holds the school career-records with 888 total plays from scrimmage for 4980 all-purpose yards, topping the previous marks of 788 plays by Wysocki and 3950 yards by Jermaine Lewis (1992-95).

REMIND ME OF... Washington's Stephen Davis.

GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL... This is a player that I think will benefit from a "reality check." His questionable work ethic will probably keep him out of the first round, but once he realizes the amount of money that it cost him, he will settle down and rededicate himself to his craft. I keep seeing Purple (Vikings) on this guy in the second round. Hopefully, Dennis Green will agree that purple suits Jordan just fine.

[Angry Pope]

Here is a video of Lamont's carries in our 2005 season....

Hit it here... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=-L3s6mSsgf8&search=lamont%20jordan)

[Angry Pope]

I can't remember if I posted this before. Here is an article from December written by Sims on the comraderie among our linemen. Good to see they do things together off the field....

Comraderie

12/05/2005


Hey, everyone. It’s been good to get back to practice this week, after last week’s loss. In the NFL, the best way to be successful is to have a short memory, because everything is not always going to go your way. If you have a bad game, you learn from it, and you move on. You have another chance next week to redeem yourself, and that’s what we’re hoping to do.

You never like to have a bad game, so when it happens, you feel weird about yourself as you enter the training facility. I take a lot of pride in my game, and when I have a rough game like I did last weekend, I get down on myself. I feel like I let everybody down, and the last thing I want to do is let my teammates down, who are out there fighting alongside me, for me and for the fans.

A bad loss can help bring a team together in that way. It’s a gut-check for everybody to see where we stand and make sure that doesn’t happen again. Even though we know we are not going to make the playoffs, we want to salvage what we have left. Even though it may not seem like there’s much to play for, we’re playing for the pride of the organization and those loyal fans who continue to support us every week.

We’re also playing for each other. If you look at the amount of turnover there is in football from year to year, so many guys change teams, get injured or leave football, you definitely want to fight for each other so you can stay together as long as possible. My first four years with the Raiders, we had the same offensive line and we gelled really well: three straight AFC West Championships, two appearances in the AFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance. We had a group that was together for a long time, and we had more wins and better results in the long run.

Continuity and bonding is so important for a team. The linemen spend a lot of time together. In addition to practice, we watch a lot of film together. And off the field, we try to spend time together as well. Once in a while, we’ll head out to a steakhouse like Ruth’s Chris. You’ve never seen as many heads turn as when 10 300-pound linemen walk into a steakhouse together. The people eating there will look at you like you’re a side of beef yourself! We’ll sit down together and pick five different types of appetizers and order five of each—just huge amounts of food that we’ll eat while we’re waiting for our main course. Then we’ll each get a big steak. Some guys will even get one of those pieces of cake that are the size of a football. We may talk a little about football, the way you might talk about work with some of your colleagues. But the rest of the time, we talk about life—building that camaraderie and trust that you need out on the field.

We have to work as a group on the line, because all five of us have to be working in sync and it takes a lot of time to develop those relationships where you can trust your linemates and know what they’re thinking at the same exact time. If one guy makes a mistake, it’s a sack. It might even result in a turnover. And if one of us fails, we all fail.

[Angry Pope]

Here are two highlight videos of Aaron...one short and one longer....

Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=JqjSB6wxJ2E&search=aaron%20brooks)


Hit it here.... (http://youtube.com/watch?v=XeRizXIX8G4&search=aaron%20brooks)

[CrossBones]

Couple of things:

First, I like giving Langston another solid shot at RT. I think the guy got punked. The man didn’t all of a sudden forget how to play RT. That coaching staff was out in cyber space somewhere IMO. Back to Langston, two years ago in training camp Turner was singing his praises and the next thing we saw was the man was benched for the remainder of the season. WTF? I can't get that out of my head.

I think Barry Sims will be just fine at LG and I'm looking forward to seeing this line play together. RG is still the big question mark. If McQ or McMullets (or whatever they call this clown) or whoever can unseat Badger I'm in! Funny how the average guy is all enamored with McQ. It’s a great story but until he does something on the field in the NFL I’m still a little skeptical although what I have read about the guy tells me the Raiders did their homework. Now it’s up to the kid to do something at the next level.

I'm glad to hear this.

Other than the obvious poor line play, I think Jordan's weight was one of the primary reasons we struggled to run the ball last season. Hopefully dropping a couple of pounds will help him to regain some of the quickness he displayed in NY.All last year I thought Jordan looked like he could use to shed a few lbs. I'm glad he thinks so too. I wonder if Art had a little talk with him?

Also Art Shell is saying all the right things. They sound great. But let's not forget it's May and almost anything sounds good right now. Having said that, the whole attitude seems to be focused better. I hope this carries through to the regular season and the Raiders can get this thing turned around.

[Rupert]

Bones: Keep them peepers peeled. Art did have a little chat with Jordan and told him to get down to 230. Benedict brought it to ya.

[Angel]

Bones: Keep them peepers peeled. Art did have a little chat with Jordan and told him to get down to 230. Benedict brought it to ya.
^^^^Rupert.....memory like an elephant!! :p

[RaiderIVlife]

Crossbones - I'm not going to sit here and say that Langston Walker was playing like Lincoln Kennedy in his prime, but I still think Walker was pulled rather quickly in the 2004 opener in Pittsburgh because the team was desperate to get Robert Gallery on the field, after the latter failed to secure a starting job anywhere along the line during camp. I like the idea of Walker and Slaughter battling for the RT job with the loser providing solid depth.

Sims - I don't think he's strong enough to play the position, but Sims has suprised us all before with his ability to adapt and play solid football (IMO). I still contend that he's done, but it would be great to see him play the LG spot well, allowing us to focus on the C, RG, RT battles to come.

[gst8]

Crossbones - I'm not going to sit here and say that Langston Walker was playing like Lincoln Kennedy in his prime, but I still think Walker was pulled rather quickly in the 2004 opener in Pittsburgh because the team was desperate to get Robert Gallery on the field, after the latter failed to secure a starting job anywhere along the line during camp. I like the idea of Walker and Slaughter battling for the RT job with the loser providing solid depth.

Damn... You stole my thunder on that one. I've always felt that Walker was a casulty of Gallery's inability to take the LT spot. Everyone seems to forget that Walker was a high draft pick himself and he looked pretty good filling in for Kennedy and Sims in 2003.