Crossbones
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Brooks with two TD's to Randy Friggin' Moss.
Now that's postive.
Now that's postive.
Brooks-to-Moss
- Thread starter Crossbones
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Crossbones
Same shit. Different day.
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Hahahaha. That was funny.Rupert said:
Angry Pope
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ERIC GILMORE
Passing combo finally clicking
OAKLAND - That wasn't so hard, was it?
You send Randy Moss deep, he sprints past the entire Detroit Lions secondary, and you hit him in stride with a 63-yard touchdown pass.
Simple, huh?
You send Moss deep again, he zips past everyone wearing silver, white and blue, and you find him with a 25-yard dart in the back of the end zone.
Ho-hum. Another Moss touchdown in a 21-3 Raiders victory Friday night, making them 4-0 in the exhibition season.
Those in the Raider Nation -- especially Al Davis -- expected Moss to be a touchdown-scoring highlight machine last season after he came to Oakland in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
The reality?
There were only a handful of Moss highlights last year when Norv Turner coached the Raiders and called the plays, Kerry Collins started at quarterback and Moss battled injuries.
Moss, one of the most dangerous wide receivers in NFL history, all but disappeared from the offense.
Turner was fired. Collins was dumped. In large part, they paid with their jobs for failing to get the ball into Moss' hands.
Here's what we learned Friday night.
New Raiders coach Art Shell, new offensive coordinator Tom Walsh and new quarterback Aaron Brooks won't make the same mistake.
Yes, it took until the Raiders' fourth exhibition game. But Brooks-to-Moss-for-six made an eye-popping 2006 debut. Moss caught three passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns -- in the first half.
"As I've said before, in this system Randy will get his shots," Shell said. "He'll get his opportunities. Tonight, the opportunities were there."
One of those opportunities came on the game's third play with the Raiders facing third-and-nine from their 37.
Lined up left, Moss ran a deep post, broke wide open over the middle and grabbed Brooks' bullet at the Lions 20. Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant dived at his feet at the 5, but Moss dived into the end zone.
"That was nice," Brooks said. "It was nice to finally hook up for six points today. He just ran a heck of a route."
Moss' second touchdown, also on third down, covered only 25 yards, but it was no less spectacular. He shot off the line of scrimmage, stutter-stepped, then accelerated, passing Lions left and right.
Brooks stepped up in the pocket and threw a dart, deep down the middle. Moss made a leaping catch at the back of the end zone behind three Lions defenders and got both feet down.
"That's something we work on in practice from time to time," Brooks said. "The thing about that, the defenders had their backs turned. Randy did a wonderful job of keeping his feet in bounds."
Shortly after Moss' second touchdown catch, television cameras zeroed in on Walsh in the Raiders' coaching booth.
Walsh had been running a bed and breakfast and serving as mayor of Swan Valley, Idaho, before Shell hired him for a second stint together with the Raiders.
It's clear that Walsh had been doing more than cooking eggs Benedict and worrying about potholes while waiting for another shot in the NFL.
By the looks of the Raiders' offense Friday night, Walsh must have been designing deep passing plays on napkins, plays that were made-to-order for the speedy Moss.
Walsh and Moss appear to be in sync. So do Brooks and Moss.
Collins was known for having a strong arm. Brooks' arm looks to be just as strong, but he has a much quicker release -- he doesn't telegraph his passes -- and much, much quicker feet than Collins.
Collins wore a sack-me sign on his back. Brooks is nimble enough to sidestep pass rushers and buy enough time to Moss to get open deep.
Turner talked a good game about power running and deep, play-action passing but rarely delivered on that promise with the Raiders.
Shell and Walsh are committed to power running and the long ball, to taking their shots deep down the field. That all bodes well for Moss.
For probably the first time since coming to the Raiders, Moss looked like the unstoppable offensive force he was with the Vikings.
Just three seasons ago, Moss caught 111 passes for 1,632 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Last year he caught 60 passes for 1,005 yards and eight scores. Granted, he was slowed by injuries, but he never missed a game. Somehow, some way, you have to get the ball in his hands.
Brooks surely understands that. He also knows better than to force passes to Moss when he's covered and other Raiders receivers are wide open.
"We all know he's the man, but the offense is not centered around Randy," Brooks said. "We all know what Randy's capable of. We've all seen what Randy has done on Monday nights."
Brooks completed one pass to six other receivers in the first half, but it was Moss who put on the dazzling show the Raiders have been waiting so long to see.
Passing combo finally clicking
OAKLAND - That wasn't so hard, was it?
You send Randy Moss deep, he sprints past the entire Detroit Lions secondary, and you hit him in stride with a 63-yard touchdown pass.
Simple, huh?
You send Moss deep again, he zips past everyone wearing silver, white and blue, and you find him with a 25-yard dart in the back of the end zone.
Ho-hum. Another Moss touchdown in a 21-3 Raiders victory Friday night, making them 4-0 in the exhibition season.
Those in the Raider Nation -- especially Al Davis -- expected Moss to be a touchdown-scoring highlight machine last season after he came to Oakland in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings.
The reality?
There were only a handful of Moss highlights last year when Norv Turner coached the Raiders and called the plays, Kerry Collins started at quarterback and Moss battled injuries.
Moss, one of the most dangerous wide receivers in NFL history, all but disappeared from the offense.
Turner was fired. Collins was dumped. In large part, they paid with their jobs for failing to get the ball into Moss' hands.
Here's what we learned Friday night.
New Raiders coach Art Shell, new offensive coordinator Tom Walsh and new quarterback Aaron Brooks won't make the same mistake.
Yes, it took until the Raiders' fourth exhibition game. But Brooks-to-Moss-for-six made an eye-popping 2006 debut. Moss caught three passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns -- in the first half.
"As I've said before, in this system Randy will get his shots," Shell said. "He'll get his opportunities. Tonight, the opportunities were there."
One of those opportunities came on the game's third play with the Raiders facing third-and-nine from their 37.
Lined up left, Moss ran a deep post, broke wide open over the middle and grabbed Brooks' bullet at the Lions 20. Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant dived at his feet at the 5, but Moss dived into the end zone.
"That was nice," Brooks said. "It was nice to finally hook up for six points today. He just ran a heck of a route."
Moss' second touchdown, also on third down, covered only 25 yards, but it was no less spectacular. He shot off the line of scrimmage, stutter-stepped, then accelerated, passing Lions left and right.
Brooks stepped up in the pocket and threw a dart, deep down the middle. Moss made a leaping catch at the back of the end zone behind three Lions defenders and got both feet down.
"That's something we work on in practice from time to time," Brooks said. "The thing about that, the defenders had their backs turned. Randy did a wonderful job of keeping his feet in bounds."
Shortly after Moss' second touchdown catch, television cameras zeroed in on Walsh in the Raiders' coaching booth.
Walsh had been running a bed and breakfast and serving as mayor of Swan Valley, Idaho, before Shell hired him for a second stint together with the Raiders.
It's clear that Walsh had been doing more than cooking eggs Benedict and worrying about potholes while waiting for another shot in the NFL.
By the looks of the Raiders' offense Friday night, Walsh must have been designing deep passing plays on napkins, plays that were made-to-order for the speedy Moss.
Walsh and Moss appear to be in sync. So do Brooks and Moss.
Collins was known for having a strong arm. Brooks' arm looks to be just as strong, but he has a much quicker release -- he doesn't telegraph his passes -- and much, much quicker feet than Collins.
Collins wore a sack-me sign on his back. Brooks is nimble enough to sidestep pass rushers and buy enough time to Moss to get open deep.
Turner talked a good game about power running and deep, play-action passing but rarely delivered on that promise with the Raiders.
Shell and Walsh are committed to power running and the long ball, to taking their shots deep down the field. That all bodes well for Moss.
For probably the first time since coming to the Raiders, Moss looked like the unstoppable offensive force he was with the Vikings.
Just three seasons ago, Moss caught 111 passes for 1,632 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Last year he caught 60 passes for 1,005 yards and eight scores. Granted, he was slowed by injuries, but he never missed a game. Somehow, some way, you have to get the ball in his hands.
Brooks surely understands that. He also knows better than to force passes to Moss when he's covered and other Raiders receivers are wide open.
"We all know he's the man, but the offense is not centered around Randy," Brooks said. "We all know what Randy's capable of. We've all seen what Randy has done on Monday nights."
Brooks completed one pass to six other receivers in the first half, but it was Moss who put on the dazzling show the Raiders have been waiting so long to see.
Angry Pope
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Curry's comeback finally complete
After a career marred with injuries, Oakland receiver shows promise
By Steve Corkran
OAKLAND - The play netted only 7 yards. Sure, it also turned a third-down situation into a first down. But it was so much more than the result of the play that mattered to wide receiver Ronald Curry and Raiders fans.
The seemingly innocuous play signified Curry's return from a torn left Achilles tendon. Make that his second return from a similar injury. It also showed Raiders coach Art Shell that he now has one more receiver to add to his already deep receiving corps.
Curry's reception came late in the first quarter on a simple down-and-in route. He caught the ball, picked up the necessary yardage for the first down and ... got up without limping or needing help from team trainers.
That one play in Friday's game against the Detroit Lions culminated more than 11 months or resting, rehabilitating and working out for Curry since he sustained his second torn Achilles in less than a year Sept. 18, against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Curry left the field to thunderous applause from those well aware of his snake-bitten career and the lengths to which he went to get this far. Players and coaches greeted Curry on the sideline with high-fives and pats on the head and back.
Porter shows up
Fellow receiver Jerry Porter also made his first catch of the exhibition season. However, fans weren't nearly as appreciative of the player who has asked to be traded as they were of Curry.
Porter sat out Oakland's first two exhibition games while he nursed a calf strain. He played a handful of downs against the 49ers last Sunday but didn't have any balls thrown his way.
He finally broke through with a reception early in the second quarter. Just as many fans booed Porter as those who cheered. Porter demanded a trade after a disagreement with Shell in an offseason meeting in Shell's office.
What's in a number?
The Raiders improved to 4-0 with their victory Friday night. This marks the first time since the 1975 season that they won their first four exhibition games. Also, this is the first time since the 1994 season that they won as many as four exhibition games.
Silver-and-black fest
Current Raiders players and coaches, former Raiders and the Raiderettes are scheduled to be in attendance for the Raider Nation Celebration at the Coliseum on Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Among the activities will be kids zones, autograph and photo opportunities with the Raiderettes and Raiders legends, a Hall of Fame area featuring the Super Bowl trophies and other memorabilia.
Also, the Raiderettes will perform in advance of Shell introducing his coaching staff and players. Admission is free for suite and season-ticket holders. Non-season-ticket holders will be charged $5.
Marinelli in the house
Lions coach Rod Marinelli interviewed with the Raiders in January before managing general partner Al Davis first met with Shell. Marinelli met with the Lions soon thereafter and accepted their coaching job. Shell, of course, got hired by the Raiders.
Extra points
Left guard Barry Sims (elbow), center Jake Grove (shoulder) and strong safety Michael Huff (ankle) did not play. Kelvin Garmon replaced Sims, Corey Hulsey filled in for Grove, and Derrick Gibson started in place of Huff. ... Doug Gabriel fumbled a punt for the second time in three games. The Raiders retained possession both times. He and Chris Carr share punt return duties. ... Marques Tuiasosopo relieved starting quarterback Aaron Brooks in the second half. Backup quarterback Andrew Walter was held out so that he could rest his ailing right (throwing) shoulder.
After a career marred with injuries, Oakland receiver shows promise
By Steve Corkran
OAKLAND - The play netted only 7 yards. Sure, it also turned a third-down situation into a first down. But it was so much more than the result of the play that mattered to wide receiver Ronald Curry and Raiders fans.
The seemingly innocuous play signified Curry's return from a torn left Achilles tendon. Make that his second return from a similar injury. It also showed Raiders coach Art Shell that he now has one more receiver to add to his already deep receiving corps.
Curry's reception came late in the first quarter on a simple down-and-in route. He caught the ball, picked up the necessary yardage for the first down and ... got up without limping or needing help from team trainers.
That one play in Friday's game against the Detroit Lions culminated more than 11 months or resting, rehabilitating and working out for Curry since he sustained his second torn Achilles in less than a year Sept. 18, against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Curry left the field to thunderous applause from those well aware of his snake-bitten career and the lengths to which he went to get this far. Players and coaches greeted Curry on the sideline with high-fives and pats on the head and back.
Porter shows up
Fellow receiver Jerry Porter also made his first catch of the exhibition season. However, fans weren't nearly as appreciative of the player who has asked to be traded as they were of Curry.
Porter sat out Oakland's first two exhibition games while he nursed a calf strain. He played a handful of downs against the 49ers last Sunday but didn't have any balls thrown his way.
He finally broke through with a reception early in the second quarter. Just as many fans booed Porter as those who cheered. Porter demanded a trade after a disagreement with Shell in an offseason meeting in Shell's office.
What's in a number?
The Raiders improved to 4-0 with their victory Friday night. This marks the first time since the 1975 season that they won their first four exhibition games. Also, this is the first time since the 1994 season that they won as many as four exhibition games.
Silver-and-black fest
Current Raiders players and coaches, former Raiders and the Raiderettes are scheduled to be in attendance for the Raider Nation Celebration at the Coliseum on Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Among the activities will be kids zones, autograph and photo opportunities with the Raiderettes and Raiders legends, a Hall of Fame area featuring the Super Bowl trophies and other memorabilia.
Also, the Raiderettes will perform in advance of Shell introducing his coaching staff and players. Admission is free for suite and season-ticket holders. Non-season-ticket holders will be charged $5.
Marinelli in the house
Lions coach Rod Marinelli interviewed with the Raiders in January before managing general partner Al Davis first met with Shell. Marinelli met with the Lions soon thereafter and accepted their coaching job. Shell, of course, got hired by the Raiders.
Extra points
Left guard Barry Sims (elbow), center Jake Grove (shoulder) and strong safety Michael Huff (ankle) did not play. Kelvin Garmon replaced Sims, Corey Hulsey filled in for Grove, and Derrick Gibson started in place of Huff. ... Doug Gabriel fumbled a punt for the second time in three games. The Raiders retained possession both times. He and Chris Carr share punt return duties. ... Marques Tuiasosopo relieved starting quarterback Aaron Brooks in the second half. Backup quarterback Andrew Walter was held out so that he could rest his ailing right (throwing) shoulder.
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A favorable impression
BROOKS, MOSS COMBINE FOR TWO TD PASSES
By Steve Corkran
The play took only nine seconds. It took about as long as it takes to ask, ``Can the Raiders' offensive line block well enough for quarterback Aaron Brooks to set up in the pocket and scan the field for an open receiver?''
Or, ``Is Brooks accurate enough to execute the kind of deep throws Coach Art Shell envisions a staple of his offense?''
Or, ``Is wide receiver Randy Moss still the dynamic player he was before he got injured five games into his Raiders career last season?''
Nine seconds. That's how long it took to answer an off-season's worth of questions. The answer came with a resounding play on Oakland's first possession against the Detroit Lions on Friday night, a 63-yard pass-catch-and-run play from Brooks to Moss that resulted in a touchdown. The Raiders prevailed 21-3 and improved to 4-0.
With that one play, the Raiders' offense was off and running on its way to a near-flawless performance in the first half. Suddenly, all those questions don't seem so pertinent. The naysayers no longer have the ammo to fire away with doubt-filled concerns.
As if to hammer home the point, Brooks and Moss connected again three plays into the second quarter. This time, Brooks stepped up in the pocket, avoided a furious pass rush and threaded a pass to Moss that resulted in a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Moss blew past cornerback Fernando Bryant on his 63-yard touchdown reception. All he had to do was catch the ball and cover the remaining yards between him and the end zone.
His second touchdown reception necessitated his catching the ball while draped by a defender and with two defenders closing in. Oh, and he had to get his feet down before he ran out of the back of the end zone.
Those two plays highlighted a dominating all-around performance by the Raiders in their second-to-last exhibition game. Most important, it came in the final game in which the projected starters received extensive playing time.
The Raiders conclude their exhibition schedule against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. Brooks, Moss and Co. figure to be long gone before halftime.
Defensively, the Raiders on Friday recorded their sixth and seventh interceptions in four games. This bears note because the Raiders had a league-low five interceptions last season. They also recovered a fumble and made life difficult for Lions quarterback Jon Kitna.
Linebacker Kirk Morrison and cornerback Chris Carr had the interceptions. Strong safety Derrick Gibson recovered the fumble.
Reigning NFL sack king Derrick Burgess got his first takedown this year and the Lions starters scored no points in two quarters.
Add it all up and the Raiders appear to have come a long way in a short time. They looked disjointed on offense and defense their first two games. They did little wrong their past two games.
Not bad for a litmus test. However, Shell and the Raiders won't know for certain what this all means until his team plays the San Diego Chargers in the regular-season opener Sept. 11.
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp proffered a guess, saying, ``I like our chances.''
BROOKS, MOSS COMBINE FOR TWO TD PASSES
By Steve Corkran
The play took only nine seconds. It took about as long as it takes to ask, ``Can the Raiders' offensive line block well enough for quarterback Aaron Brooks to set up in the pocket and scan the field for an open receiver?''
Or, ``Is Brooks accurate enough to execute the kind of deep throws Coach Art Shell envisions a staple of his offense?''
Or, ``Is wide receiver Randy Moss still the dynamic player he was before he got injured five games into his Raiders career last season?''
Nine seconds. That's how long it took to answer an off-season's worth of questions. The answer came with a resounding play on Oakland's first possession against the Detroit Lions on Friday night, a 63-yard pass-catch-and-run play from Brooks to Moss that resulted in a touchdown. The Raiders prevailed 21-3 and improved to 4-0.
With that one play, the Raiders' offense was off and running on its way to a near-flawless performance in the first half. Suddenly, all those questions don't seem so pertinent. The naysayers no longer have the ammo to fire away with doubt-filled concerns.
As if to hammer home the point, Brooks and Moss connected again three plays into the second quarter. This time, Brooks stepped up in the pocket, avoided a furious pass rush and threaded a pass to Moss that resulted in a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Moss blew past cornerback Fernando Bryant on his 63-yard touchdown reception. All he had to do was catch the ball and cover the remaining yards between him and the end zone.
His second touchdown reception necessitated his catching the ball while draped by a defender and with two defenders closing in. Oh, and he had to get his feet down before he ran out of the back of the end zone.
Those two plays highlighted a dominating all-around performance by the Raiders in their second-to-last exhibition game. Most important, it came in the final game in which the projected starters received extensive playing time.
The Raiders conclude their exhibition schedule against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night. Brooks, Moss and Co. figure to be long gone before halftime.
Defensively, the Raiders on Friday recorded their sixth and seventh interceptions in four games. This bears note because the Raiders had a league-low five interceptions last season. They also recovered a fumble and made life difficult for Lions quarterback Jon Kitna.
Linebacker Kirk Morrison and cornerback Chris Carr had the interceptions. Strong safety Derrick Gibson recovered the fumble.
Reigning NFL sack king Derrick Burgess got his first takedown this year and the Lions starters scored no points in two quarters.
Add it all up and the Raiders appear to have come a long way in a short time. They looked disjointed on offense and defense their first two games. They did little wrong their past two games.
Not bad for a litmus test. However, Shell and the Raiders won't know for certain what this all means until his team plays the San Diego Chargers in the regular-season opener Sept. 11.
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp proffered a guess, saying, ``I like our chances.''
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Raiders clovver Lions
Saturday, August 26, 2006
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks look as if they’re already in midseason form.
Moss caught two touchdown passes from Brooks and the Oakland Raiders opened the preseason with four straight wins for the first time since 1975, beating the Detroit Lions 21-3 Friday night.
“It’s going in the right direction,” coach Art Shell said. “We’re making progress in all aspects of our team. But it’s still a work in progress. We have a lot to do.”
Brooks got off to a slow start in his first season in Oakland, completing only one pass in each of his first two exhibition games. But after an improved performance last week against San Francisco, Brooks showed signs of being able to click with Moss better than Kerry Collins did last season.
On just the third play from scrimmage, Brooks lofted a deep ball down the middle to Moss, who easily beat Fernando Bryant for a 63-yard touchdown catch and dove into the end zone. Moss flipped the ball to the fans in the Black Hole after his first touchdown catch from Brooks this preseason.
“It was nice to finally hook up for six,” Brooks said. “He ran a hell of a route. The safety bit on the crossing route. Randy did his job diving into the end zone. It was a great effort on his part.”
Brooks went 5-for-7 for 65 yards on the Raiders’ third drive, connecting with Moss on a 14-yard pass on a third-and-7 and then finding the big-play receiver on a twisting 25-yard catch in the back of the end zone.
Brooks went 3-for-3 for 59 yards on the next drive, which was capped by LaMont Jordan’s 14-yard touchdown run that made it 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
The Raiders also excelled on defense, forcing three turnovers and holding the Lions scoreless until Jason Hanson’s 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter. The performance improved Oakland to 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since Shell was a player.
Shell, brought in to change the attitude in Oakland after three straight losing seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner has the Raiders looking good with one exhibition game remaining.
“He is leading us in the right direction and the best thing about it is we’re following,” defensive tackle Warren Sapp said.
Detroit tried to revamp its offense in the offseason by cutting quarterback Joey Harrington loose, bringing in Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and hiring Rod Marinelli as head coach. With one preseason game remaining, the Lions still need plenty of work.
Detroit’s only touchdown the past two games came on a 15-yard drive after a turnover in last week’s 20-16 loss to Cleveland.
“It’s no reason to panic and start doubting what we’re doing,” quarterback Jon Kitna said. “There’s no reason for that.”
The team came out flat after flying into Oakland Friday morning, instead of the usual practice of traveling a day in advance.
Kitna went 11-for-22 for 118 yards and one interception and the team managed only 76 yards rushing. Dan Orlovsky, who has moved ahead of Josh McCown as the No. 2 quarterback, went 7-for-15 for 88 yards and one interception.
“The first half wasn’t what we want. We had two or three breakdowns, and those things just can’t happen,” Marinelli said. “It’s inexcusable. Those types of things can’t happen. ... I would have been disappointed (even) if it was a scrimmage.”
Brooks, who was let go after a rough season in New Orleans last year, is showing signs of a revival in Oakland. He was 9-for-15 for 187 yards, while Moss had three catches for 102 yards.
After being challenged for the starting job by Andrew Walter early in camp, Brooks has solidified the job with the two string performances. He is 19-for-32 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception the last two weeks and appears ready for the season.
“I will say this, we would love to have that kind of performance on Monday night,” Brooks said, referring to the season opener against San Diego. “That’s what we’re working for.”
Notes: WR Mike Williams, Detroit’s No. 1 pick in 2005, did not play. ... Walter sat out with a sore right shoulder. ... Ronald Curry, who had been sidelined since the second game last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, played for the first time this preseason for Oakland and caught a 7-yard pass in the first quarter. ... Raiders WR Jerry Porter, who demanded a trade earlier this summer, was booed after making his first catch of the preseason.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks look as if they’re already in midseason form.
Moss caught two touchdown passes from Brooks and the Oakland Raiders opened the preseason with four straight wins for the first time since 1975, beating the Detroit Lions 21-3 Friday night.
“It’s going in the right direction,” coach Art Shell said. “We’re making progress in all aspects of our team. But it’s still a work in progress. We have a lot to do.”
Brooks got off to a slow start in his first season in Oakland, completing only one pass in each of his first two exhibition games. But after an improved performance last week against San Francisco, Brooks showed signs of being able to click with Moss better than Kerry Collins did last season.
On just the third play from scrimmage, Brooks lofted a deep ball down the middle to Moss, who easily beat Fernando Bryant for a 63-yard touchdown catch and dove into the end zone. Moss flipped the ball to the fans in the Black Hole after his first touchdown catch from Brooks this preseason.
“It was nice to finally hook up for six,” Brooks said. “He ran a hell of a route. The safety bit on the crossing route. Randy did his job diving into the end zone. It was a great effort on his part.”
Brooks went 5-for-7 for 65 yards on the Raiders’ third drive, connecting with Moss on a 14-yard pass on a third-and-7 and then finding the big-play receiver on a twisting 25-yard catch in the back of the end zone.
Brooks went 3-for-3 for 59 yards on the next drive, which was capped by LaMont Jordan’s 14-yard touchdown run that made it 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
The Raiders also excelled on defense, forcing three turnovers and holding the Lions scoreless until Jason Hanson’s 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter. The performance improved Oakland to 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since Shell was a player.
Shell, brought in to change the attitude in Oakland after three straight losing seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner has the Raiders looking good with one exhibition game remaining.
“He is leading us in the right direction and the best thing about it is we’re following,” defensive tackle Warren Sapp said.
Detroit tried to revamp its offense in the offseason by cutting quarterback Joey Harrington loose, bringing in Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and hiring Rod Marinelli as head coach. With one preseason game remaining, the Lions still need plenty of work.
Detroit’s only touchdown the past two games came on a 15-yard drive after a turnover in last week’s 20-16 loss to Cleveland.
“It’s no reason to panic and start doubting what we’re doing,” quarterback Jon Kitna said. “There’s no reason for that.”
The team came out flat after flying into Oakland Friday morning, instead of the usual practice of traveling a day in advance.
Kitna went 11-for-22 for 118 yards and one interception and the team managed only 76 yards rushing. Dan Orlovsky, who has moved ahead of Josh McCown as the No. 2 quarterback, went 7-for-15 for 88 yards and one interception.
“The first half wasn’t what we want. We had two or three breakdowns, and those things just can’t happen,” Marinelli said. “It’s inexcusable. Those types of things can’t happen. ... I would have been disappointed (even) if it was a scrimmage.”
Brooks, who was let go after a rough season in New Orleans last year, is showing signs of a revival in Oakland. He was 9-for-15 for 187 yards, while Moss had three catches for 102 yards.
After being challenged for the starting job by Andrew Walter early in camp, Brooks has solidified the job with the two string performances. He is 19-for-32 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception the last two weeks and appears ready for the season.
“I will say this, we would love to have that kind of performance on Monday night,” Brooks said, referring to the season opener against San Diego. “That’s what we’re working for.”
Notes: WR Mike Williams, Detroit’s No. 1 pick in 2005, did not play. ... Walter sat out with a sore right shoulder. ... Ronald Curry, who had been sidelined since the second game last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, played for the first time this preseason for Oakland and caught a 7-yard pass in the first quarter. ... Raiders WR Jerry Porter, who demanded a trade earlier this summer, was booed after making his first catch of the preseason.
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Lions hit town, run down
By Jerry McDonald
OAKLAND — Either the Detroit Lions are going to have to rethink their travel itinerary, or they simply ran into a much faster team Friday night.
The Oakland Raiders looked fresher, quicker and more explosive as their first team ran up a 21-0 halftime lead against the Detroit Lions at McAfee Coliseum.
The Lions looked like a team of players who had just gotten off the team flight and barely had time to stretch their legs. Which is, in fact, true.
Arriving on the same day of a game is almost unheard of in the NFL, and judging from the way the Lions played in the first half, with good reason.
Of course, it's also possible that all the moves the Raiders have made to infuse speed into the lineup have simply paid off.
Among the ways Oakland's speed showed itself in a dominating first-half performance:
-Left defensive end Derrick Burgess blew past right tackle Barry Stokes for a 10-yard sack of Jon Kitna.
-Wide receiver Randy Moss got loose twice behind the Detroit secondary for touchdown passes from Aaron Brooks, the first from 63 yards and the second from 25 yards.
-Linebacker Kirk Morrison, moved into the middle to bring youth and speed to the position, intercepted Kitna.
-Outside linebacker Thomas Howard, a speedy linebacker drafted in the second round from Texas El-Paso, sprinted down the field in punt coverage to drop Eddie Drummond at the 5-yard line.
-Cornerback Stanford Routt stayed stride-for-stride on a dig by Detroit's Roy Williams, and even made it back to break up the pass when Williams slammed on the brakes.
BROOKS SHINES: Brooks, who played well last week in a 23-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers, had a nearly flawless first half against Detroit.
Brooks completed nine of 15 passes for 187 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a quarterback rating of 143.6. A perfect rating in the NFL system is 158.3.
He completed passes to seven receivers, and at least temporarily halted concern over a perceived chemistry issue with Moss with his two touchdown passes.
TUIASOSOPO GETS CALL: Andrew Walter, the Raiders backup quarterback since training camp began, surrendered that role to Marques Tuiasosopo against Detroit.
With the Raiders leading 21-0 at halftime, Tuiasosopo opened the second half with the second team.
Walter did not practice Wednesday, with Shell saying he had a "tired arm." He threw the ball in practice Thursday.
CURRY RETURNS: Wide receiver Ronald Curry, who made his practice debut Tuesday, got into the game in the first half and caught a 7-yard pass from Brooks on a third-and-5 for a first down.
The wide receiver has had his season ended by a torn left Achilles' in each of the past two seasons.
Wide receiver Jerry Porter, meanwhile, drew scattered boos after catching an 11-yard pass from Brooks for a first down in the second quarter.
INTERCEPTIONS GALORE: Morrison's interception gave the Raiders six interceptions in 14 quarters.
Last season, the Raiders had five interceptions in 64 quarters of regular-season football — the lowest total in NFL history over a 16-game season.
WILLIAMS HURT: Tight end and special teams player Randal Wiliams left the game late in the third quarter, and the team was working on his right knee on the sideline.
Williams, who dropped a pass in the end zone in last week's win over San Francisco, had another drop against Detroit. The tight end position appears wide open behind starter Courtney Anderson, with Williams, veterans O.J. Santiago and Marcellus Rivers and undrafted rookie free agent John Madsen in the mix.
HELPING HAND: Jarred Stirrup, a senior nose tackle at Bowness High School in Calgary, Alberta, has properly fitting shoulder pads thanks to his favorite team.
Stirrup, 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, has played throughout his high school career with pads that didn't fit. A friend called the Raiders for help.
Raiders equipment manager Bob Romanski ordered pads and had them shipped to the 17-year-old football player.
RAIDER NATION CELEBRATION: Raiders players, coaches, former players and Raiderettes will be featured Sunday at the Raider Nation Celebration at McAfee Coliseum.
EXTRA POINTS: Oakland's first-round pick, S Michael Huff, sat out with a sprained ankle. ... Corey Hulsey made his first NFL start at center in place of Jake Grove, and veteran Kelvin Garmon started for LG Barry Sims.
By Jerry McDonald
OAKLAND — Either the Detroit Lions are going to have to rethink their travel itinerary, or they simply ran into a much faster team Friday night.
The Oakland Raiders looked fresher, quicker and more explosive as their first team ran up a 21-0 halftime lead against the Detroit Lions at McAfee Coliseum.
The Lions looked like a team of players who had just gotten off the team flight and barely had time to stretch their legs. Which is, in fact, true.
Arriving on the same day of a game is almost unheard of in the NFL, and judging from the way the Lions played in the first half, with good reason.
Of course, it's also possible that all the moves the Raiders have made to infuse speed into the lineup have simply paid off.
Among the ways Oakland's speed showed itself in a dominating first-half performance:
-Left defensive end Derrick Burgess blew past right tackle Barry Stokes for a 10-yard sack of Jon Kitna.
-Wide receiver Randy Moss got loose twice behind the Detroit secondary for touchdown passes from Aaron Brooks, the first from 63 yards and the second from 25 yards.
-Linebacker Kirk Morrison, moved into the middle to bring youth and speed to the position, intercepted Kitna.
-Outside linebacker Thomas Howard, a speedy linebacker drafted in the second round from Texas El-Paso, sprinted down the field in punt coverage to drop Eddie Drummond at the 5-yard line.
-Cornerback Stanford Routt stayed stride-for-stride on a dig by Detroit's Roy Williams, and even made it back to break up the pass when Williams slammed on the brakes.
BROOKS SHINES: Brooks, who played well last week in a 23-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers, had a nearly flawless first half against Detroit.
Brooks completed nine of 15 passes for 187 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a quarterback rating of 143.6. A perfect rating in the NFL system is 158.3.
He completed passes to seven receivers, and at least temporarily halted concern over a perceived chemistry issue with Moss with his two touchdown passes.
TUIASOSOPO GETS CALL: Andrew Walter, the Raiders backup quarterback since training camp began, surrendered that role to Marques Tuiasosopo against Detroit.
With the Raiders leading 21-0 at halftime, Tuiasosopo opened the second half with the second team.
Walter did not practice Wednesday, with Shell saying he had a "tired arm." He threw the ball in practice Thursday.
CURRY RETURNS: Wide receiver Ronald Curry, who made his practice debut Tuesday, got into the game in the first half and caught a 7-yard pass from Brooks on a third-and-5 for a first down.
The wide receiver has had his season ended by a torn left Achilles' in each of the past two seasons.
Wide receiver Jerry Porter, meanwhile, drew scattered boos after catching an 11-yard pass from Brooks for a first down in the second quarter.
INTERCEPTIONS GALORE: Morrison's interception gave the Raiders six interceptions in 14 quarters.
Last season, the Raiders had five interceptions in 64 quarters of regular-season football — the lowest total in NFL history over a 16-game season.
WILLIAMS HURT: Tight end and special teams player Randal Wiliams left the game late in the third quarter, and the team was working on his right knee on the sideline.
Williams, who dropped a pass in the end zone in last week's win over San Francisco, had another drop against Detroit. The tight end position appears wide open behind starter Courtney Anderson, with Williams, veterans O.J. Santiago and Marcellus Rivers and undrafted rookie free agent John Madsen in the mix.
HELPING HAND: Jarred Stirrup, a senior nose tackle at Bowness High School in Calgary, Alberta, has properly fitting shoulder pads thanks to his favorite team.
Stirrup, 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, has played throughout his high school career with pads that didn't fit. A friend called the Raiders for help.
Raiders equipment manager Bob Romanski ordered pads and had them shipped to the 17-year-old football player.
RAIDER NATION CELEBRATION: Raiders players, coaches, former players and Raiderettes will be featured Sunday at the Raider Nation Celebration at McAfee Coliseum.
EXTRA POINTS: Oakland's first-round pick, S Michael Huff, sat out with a sprained ankle. ... Corey Hulsey made his first NFL start at center in place of Jake Grove, and veteran Kelvin Garmon started for LG Barry Sims.
Angry Pope
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Raiders look to be mastering Art of football
Column by Art Spander
OAKLAND — Tom Flores, who has been there and done that, twice in fact, coaching the Raiders to Super Bowl wins a long, long time ago, put the whole business into perspective for those of us unsure whether to get giddy or skeptical about current events.
The Raiders, having whipped the day-tripper Detroit Lions 21-3 on Friday night, are now 4-0 in what the NFL chooses to call the preseason. While presumably it's better than 0-4, the question is, How much better?
Back in 1973, the days of six-game exhibition schedules, the New York Football Giants were a perfect 6-0. They then proceeded to lose seven of their first nine games in the real season, and 11 of 14 overall, proving the preseason was nothing but a big con job.
So while the Raiders were scoring touchdowns on long passes — hey, this Randy Moss is pretty good if somebody throws him the ball — and playing great defense, you wondered if it actually meant anything.
When radio play-by-play guy Greg Papa tossed the conundrum to Flores, the analyst, Tom offered a bit of analysis.
"They're playing well," Flores said about the Raiders, "they've got tremendous team speed, and their spirit is up. I know it's only the preseason, and the games don't count. But they do count when you've had poor seasons. Your credibility is at stake."
Moss, we've been advised, was incredible, and sometimes incorrigible, when he was with the Minnesota Vikings. For whatever reason — can you say Kerry Collins? — Randy's brilliance was rarely in evidence throughout the regular season of'05 or the preseason of'06.
But against a Lions team that got up Friday morning in Detroit and played something resembling football on Friday evening in Oakland, Moss and new Raiders QB Aaron Books looked like a new version of Stabler-Branch or Montana-Rice. Take your pick.
Randy entered the game with only two receptions for a total of 30 yards. But the third play from scrimmage he caught one for 63 yards and a touchdown from Brooks, and then early in the second quarter, leaping and spinning, Moss grabbed a 25-yarder in the end zone for another TD.
At the end of the half, and the end of his work, Moss had three catches for 102 yards and the two scores. Maybe this kid has a future. Maybe the Raiders have a future.
"As I said before," Raiders coach Art Shell insisted, "Randy will get his shots, get his opportunities, and tonight those opportunities were there. When there was single coverage, Randy got open.
"Aaron did a good job of searching him out and finding him."
Brooks was 9-for-15 for 187 yards. There were a couple wild throws, but all in all, he was on target, especially when the target was Moss.
"I thought our team took another step in the process of getting ready for the season," Shell explained.
For what it's worth, the Raiders in their history never have had an unbeaten preseason, and since they play at Seattle on Thursday, the probability is they won't have one this time either. Still, as Shell pointed out, it's where they're going that's important.
"We came out (on the field) with a lot of energy," said Shell, whose selection by Al Davis as the man to revitalize the franchise for which he once played and once coached looks more brilliant by the minute.
Art is a no-nonsense individual, and thus far his team has played no-nonsense football, very few penalties but a great deal of aggressiveness.
"We played hard with a lot of intensity," Shell said, "and smart for most of the game."
That means not jumping offside, not shoving people when they're already out of bounds, not taking cheap shots, seemingly a Raider tradition. And a tradition apparently about to end.
Art wants them tough. Art doesn't want them careless or unthinking.
"The only way to play this game is to be a physical team," Shell reminded. "If you're physical you have a chance to make a lot of things happen."
What they made happen Monday night was to have a too-small crowd of 43,889 at McAfee Coliseum start to believe maybe the bad days are in the past, although, yes, as stated, these are only glorified exhibitions.
"We're going in the right direction," Shell conceded, "but we're still a work in progress."
The thing is they're making progress. Aren't they?
Column by Art Spander
OAKLAND — Tom Flores, who has been there and done that, twice in fact, coaching the Raiders to Super Bowl wins a long, long time ago, put the whole business into perspective for those of us unsure whether to get giddy or skeptical about current events.
The Raiders, having whipped the day-tripper Detroit Lions 21-3 on Friday night, are now 4-0 in what the NFL chooses to call the preseason. While presumably it's better than 0-4, the question is, How much better?
Back in 1973, the days of six-game exhibition schedules, the New York Football Giants were a perfect 6-0. They then proceeded to lose seven of their first nine games in the real season, and 11 of 14 overall, proving the preseason was nothing but a big con job.
So while the Raiders were scoring touchdowns on long passes — hey, this Randy Moss is pretty good if somebody throws him the ball — and playing great defense, you wondered if it actually meant anything.
When radio play-by-play guy Greg Papa tossed the conundrum to Flores, the analyst, Tom offered a bit of analysis.
"They're playing well," Flores said about the Raiders, "they've got tremendous team speed, and their spirit is up. I know it's only the preseason, and the games don't count. But they do count when you've had poor seasons. Your credibility is at stake."
Moss, we've been advised, was incredible, and sometimes incorrigible, when he was with the Minnesota Vikings. For whatever reason — can you say Kerry Collins? — Randy's brilliance was rarely in evidence throughout the regular season of'05 or the preseason of'06.
But against a Lions team that got up Friday morning in Detroit and played something resembling football on Friday evening in Oakland, Moss and new Raiders QB Aaron Books looked like a new version of Stabler-Branch or Montana-Rice. Take your pick.
Randy entered the game with only two receptions for a total of 30 yards. But the third play from scrimmage he caught one for 63 yards and a touchdown from Brooks, and then early in the second quarter, leaping and spinning, Moss grabbed a 25-yarder in the end zone for another TD.
At the end of the half, and the end of his work, Moss had three catches for 102 yards and the two scores. Maybe this kid has a future. Maybe the Raiders have a future.
"As I said before," Raiders coach Art Shell insisted, "Randy will get his shots, get his opportunities, and tonight those opportunities were there. When there was single coverage, Randy got open.
"Aaron did a good job of searching him out and finding him."
Brooks was 9-for-15 for 187 yards. There were a couple wild throws, but all in all, he was on target, especially when the target was Moss.
"I thought our team took another step in the process of getting ready for the season," Shell explained.
For what it's worth, the Raiders in their history never have had an unbeaten preseason, and since they play at Seattle on Thursday, the probability is they won't have one this time either. Still, as Shell pointed out, it's where they're going that's important.
"We came out (on the field) with a lot of energy," said Shell, whose selection by Al Davis as the man to revitalize the franchise for which he once played and once coached looks more brilliant by the minute.
Art is a no-nonsense individual, and thus far his team has played no-nonsense football, very few penalties but a great deal of aggressiveness.
"We played hard with a lot of intensity," Shell said, "and smart for most of the game."
That means not jumping offside, not shoving people when they're already out of bounds, not taking cheap shots, seemingly a Raider tradition. And a tradition apparently about to end.
Art wants them tough. Art doesn't want them careless or unthinking.
"The only way to play this game is to be a physical team," Shell reminded. "If you're physical you have a chance to make a lot of things happen."
What they made happen Monday night was to have a too-small crowd of 43,889 at McAfee Coliseum start to believe maybe the bad days are in the past, although, yes, as stated, these are only glorified exhibitions.
"We're going in the right direction," Shell conceded, "but we're still a work in progress."
The thing is they're making progress. Aren't they?
Rupert
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Why is everyone saying it was a torn LEFT achilles tendon? He tore that in college and hasn't had a problem with it since. He tore the RIGHT tendon twice with us. I can still see him carrying that oddly handing RIGHT foot off the field the second time. You don't walk on the foot of the tendon you tore. Someone do something other than restate the next guy's article, GEEEEZ!
Angry Pope
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Dynamic duo sparks Raiders
Brooks throws two touchdown passes to Moss in win over Lions
By Bill Soliday
OAKLAND — The question had burned for nearly a month. When was somebody going to do something in earnest about the care and feeding of Randy Moss?
In other words, when would Aaron Brooks and Moss get acquainted and find peace, happiness and a passing togetherness?
It happened Friday night.
The Oakland Raiders' passing combination found each other big-time in the span of the game's first 161/2 minutes at McAfee Coliseum. During that time, Brooks found Moss for touchdown passes covering 63 and 25 yards.
That staked the Raiders to a 14-0 lead, more than enough to put the them on the road to their fourth exhibition victory without a defeat, a 21-3 domination of the Detroit Lions.
The Lions already had a pretty good idea of what kind of havoc Moss can wreak. He'd been doing it to everybody in the NFC North for years. But, he entered Friday's game with just two catches for 30 yards in three preseason games.
After the second catch, at his old digs in Minnesota, Moss pitched a hissy, complainingabout not being given a chance to stretch his legs in Art Shell's new offense. He went so far as to slam his helmet on the turf in disgust.
Shell was nonplussed.
"Randy will get the ball when it comes time for him to get the ball," the coach said.
That time came Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 43,889.
In half a game, Moss caught three passes for 102 yards, 88 on the two touchdowns from Brooks, who accounted for 187 yards on 9-of-15 passing. It was 34 yards more than he had thrown for in the first three exhibitions in 26 attempts.
"He's (Brooks) becoming more and more comfortable," Shell said. "He's clearing old systems out of his head and putting in a new system."
Both touchdowns came on post plays, and the second came with him surrounded by three defenders — safeties Kenoy Kennedy and Daniel Bullocks and linebacker LeVar Woods.
"We work on that in practice from time to time," Brooks said. "The thing is the defenders had their backs to me. I was able to get the ball in faster than they were able to turn around."
LaMont Jordan circled right end for a 14-yard touchdown run shortly before halftime for a 21-0 lead. The second half, with reserves on the field, only resulted in one score ... a 38-yard field goal by Detroit's Jason Hanson.
After misfiring badly on his first pass, a play later on the third play of the game, Brooks uncorked a perfect pass to Moss running a post against cornerback Fernando Bryant.
Just like that, a minute in the game the Raiders had a 7-0, and Brooks had his first scoring pass — and presumably the right connection — with Moss. Furthermore, the Raiders had the deep part of their power run/deep pass clicking.
When Kirk Morrison intercepted Jon Kitna's pass later in the first quarter, the Raiders were in business again to collect on the Brooks-to-Moss connection.
The 59-yard drive ended with Brooks zeroing in on Moss under the goal posts, where he outjumped three defenders and came down with the ball for a 25-yard score.
Through the first 16-plus minutes, Moss had three catches for 102 yards, and any question about whether the Raiders had Moss dialed in to their passing game appeared answered.
The rout continued five minutes later when Jordan got into the act with a 14-yard touchdown run around right end to cap a 75-yard drive. Featured plays on the drive were a 31-yard Brooks pass to Courtney Anderson and a 12-yard completion on a third-and-9 by Brooks — a completion that was booed.
It drew hoots because the completion went to Jerry Porter — his first catch of the year and the first chance Raiders fans had had to let him know how they feel about his demands to be traded.
Tyler Brayton's big hit on Kitna forced a fumble (recovered by Derrick Gibson) and left the Raiders with a 21-0 lead at the half. Brooks' 187 passing yards, 102 to Moss, were the unquestioned highlight.
Late into the third quarter, the Raiders were still working on a shutout for the second straight week.
However, any such thoughts ended with 2:07 left in the third quarter when Jason Hanson split the goal posts with a 38-yard field goal.
The Lions only got two first downs on their 62-yard drive, but one of them was a Dan Orlovsky pass to Eddie Drummond that victimized Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt for a 45-yard gain.
Brooks throws two touchdown passes to Moss in win over Lions
By Bill Soliday
OAKLAND — The question had burned for nearly a month. When was somebody going to do something in earnest about the care and feeding of Randy Moss?
In other words, when would Aaron Brooks and Moss get acquainted and find peace, happiness and a passing togetherness?
It happened Friday night.
The Oakland Raiders' passing combination found each other big-time in the span of the game's first 161/2 minutes at McAfee Coliseum. During that time, Brooks found Moss for touchdown passes covering 63 and 25 yards.
That staked the Raiders to a 14-0 lead, more than enough to put the them on the road to their fourth exhibition victory without a defeat, a 21-3 domination of the Detroit Lions.
The Lions already had a pretty good idea of what kind of havoc Moss can wreak. He'd been doing it to everybody in the NFC North for years. But, he entered Friday's game with just two catches for 30 yards in three preseason games.
After the second catch, at his old digs in Minnesota, Moss pitched a hissy, complainingabout not being given a chance to stretch his legs in Art Shell's new offense. He went so far as to slam his helmet on the turf in disgust.
Shell was nonplussed.
"Randy will get the ball when it comes time for him to get the ball," the coach said.
That time came Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 43,889.
In half a game, Moss caught three passes for 102 yards, 88 on the two touchdowns from Brooks, who accounted for 187 yards on 9-of-15 passing. It was 34 yards more than he had thrown for in the first three exhibitions in 26 attempts.
"He's (Brooks) becoming more and more comfortable," Shell said. "He's clearing old systems out of his head and putting in a new system."
Both touchdowns came on post plays, and the second came with him surrounded by three defenders — safeties Kenoy Kennedy and Daniel Bullocks and linebacker LeVar Woods.
"We work on that in practice from time to time," Brooks said. "The thing is the defenders had their backs to me. I was able to get the ball in faster than they were able to turn around."
LaMont Jordan circled right end for a 14-yard touchdown run shortly before halftime for a 21-0 lead. The second half, with reserves on the field, only resulted in one score ... a 38-yard field goal by Detroit's Jason Hanson.
After misfiring badly on his first pass, a play later on the third play of the game, Brooks uncorked a perfect pass to Moss running a post against cornerback Fernando Bryant.
Just like that, a minute in the game the Raiders had a 7-0, and Brooks had his first scoring pass — and presumably the right connection — with Moss. Furthermore, the Raiders had the deep part of their power run/deep pass clicking.
When Kirk Morrison intercepted Jon Kitna's pass later in the first quarter, the Raiders were in business again to collect on the Brooks-to-Moss connection.
The 59-yard drive ended with Brooks zeroing in on Moss under the goal posts, where he outjumped three defenders and came down with the ball for a 25-yard score.
Through the first 16-plus minutes, Moss had three catches for 102 yards, and any question about whether the Raiders had Moss dialed in to their passing game appeared answered.
The rout continued five minutes later when Jordan got into the act with a 14-yard touchdown run around right end to cap a 75-yard drive. Featured plays on the drive were a 31-yard Brooks pass to Courtney Anderson and a 12-yard completion on a third-and-9 by Brooks — a completion that was booed.
It drew hoots because the completion went to Jerry Porter — his first catch of the year and the first chance Raiders fans had had to let him know how they feel about his demands to be traded.
Tyler Brayton's big hit on Kitna forced a fumble (recovered by Derrick Gibson) and left the Raiders with a 21-0 lead at the half. Brooks' 187 passing yards, 102 to Moss, were the unquestioned highlight.
Late into the third quarter, the Raiders were still working on a shutout for the second straight week.
However, any such thoughts ended with 2:07 left in the third quarter when Jason Hanson split the goal posts with a 38-yard field goal.
The Lions only got two first downs on their 62-yard drive, but one of them was a Dan Orlovsky pass to Eddie Drummond that victimized Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt for a 45-yard gain.
Angry Pope
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Brooks breaks out
QB leads Oakland on 3 TD drives
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- Aaron Brooks refuses to discuss his time in New Orleans, but even he would admit that it takes time to break old habits.
Coach Art Shell said Brooks needed time to erase his knowledge of the plays and terminology he used with the Saints and allow the Raiders' offense to become second nature.
Brooks took another step in his quest for New Orleans amnesia Friday night.
The quarterback led the Raiders on three scoring drives in the first half in a 21-3 exhibition victory at McAfee Coliseum.
The Raiders improved to 4-0 in the preseason. A victory Thursday in Seattle would give Oakland the first undefeated preseason in franchise history.
Exhibition wins are big for a team that is 13-35 over the last three seasons.
And they mean a lot when a new quarterback makes big strides in leading an offense that looked erratic in its first two exhibition outings.
Another solid outing from an improving defense won't mean much in the regular season if the Raiders can't score, so as Brooks grows, the team's prospects improve.
Brooks looked nothing like the quarterback who managed only two completions in his first two preseason games.
Brooks was 9 of 15 for 187 yards and two touchdowns Friday. It was the second consecutive steady showing by the eight-year veteran who looked comfortable running the Raiders' offense in his fourth try of the preseason.
"I've been in one system for seven years," Brooks said. "That's why when I talk to (the media), I always tell you it's a process. It's going to take a lot of the preseason to continue to get better with what we're trying to get done."
Brooks completed passes to seven receivers with Randy Moss the only player with more than one catch from Brooks.
"He's becoming more and more comfortable with what we're doing and what we're asking him to do," Shell said of Brooks. "He's clearing the old system out of his head and putting in the new system. That comes around, and he sees things a lot clearer now."
And everyone likes it when Moss is involved.
Moss caught three passes for 102 yards and both of Brooks' touchdown passes. When the Lions tried to cover Moss one-on-one, Brooks went to him.
Brooks found Moss over the middle for a 63-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game. In the second quarter, Brooks fired the ball by Lions defenders who had their heads turned to connect with Moss in the back of the end zone for a 25-yard score and a 14-0 Raiders lead.
There were no long runs from Brooks such as his 25-yard jaunt against the 49ers. Brooks just had to be light on his feet to evade defenders and get the ball downfield.
He credited the offensive line for giving him time in the pocket. Corey Hulsey started at center for the injured Jake Grove, and Kelvin Garmon filled in for Barry Sims at left guard.
Peppered with questions about his chemistry with Moss, Brooks conceded Moss is "the man" but kept the focus on everyone.
"This offense isn't centered around Randy," Brooks said. "This offense will utilize every individual out there, down to the offensive guard. We're all getting better, and that's what you want to see."
And as long as Brooks doesn't have New Orleans on his mind, he could prove to be the quarterback the Raiders want to see.
QB leads Oakland on 3 TD drives
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- Aaron Brooks refuses to discuss his time in New Orleans, but even he would admit that it takes time to break old habits.
Coach Art Shell said Brooks needed time to erase his knowledge of the plays and terminology he used with the Saints and allow the Raiders' offense to become second nature.
Brooks took another step in his quest for New Orleans amnesia Friday night.
The quarterback led the Raiders on three scoring drives in the first half in a 21-3 exhibition victory at McAfee Coliseum.
The Raiders improved to 4-0 in the preseason. A victory Thursday in Seattle would give Oakland the first undefeated preseason in franchise history.
Exhibition wins are big for a team that is 13-35 over the last three seasons.
And they mean a lot when a new quarterback makes big strides in leading an offense that looked erratic in its first two exhibition outings.
Another solid outing from an improving defense won't mean much in the regular season if the Raiders can't score, so as Brooks grows, the team's prospects improve.
Brooks looked nothing like the quarterback who managed only two completions in his first two preseason games.
Brooks was 9 of 15 for 187 yards and two touchdowns Friday. It was the second consecutive steady showing by the eight-year veteran who looked comfortable running the Raiders' offense in his fourth try of the preseason.
"I've been in one system for seven years," Brooks said. "That's why when I talk to (the media), I always tell you it's a process. It's going to take a lot of the preseason to continue to get better with what we're trying to get done."
Brooks completed passes to seven receivers with Randy Moss the only player with more than one catch from Brooks.
"He's becoming more and more comfortable with what we're doing and what we're asking him to do," Shell said of Brooks. "He's clearing the old system out of his head and putting in the new system. That comes around, and he sees things a lot clearer now."
And everyone likes it when Moss is involved.
Moss caught three passes for 102 yards and both of Brooks' touchdown passes. When the Lions tried to cover Moss one-on-one, Brooks went to him.
Brooks found Moss over the middle for a 63-yard touchdown pass on the third play of the game. In the second quarter, Brooks fired the ball by Lions defenders who had their heads turned to connect with Moss in the back of the end zone for a 25-yard score and a 14-0 Raiders lead.
There were no long runs from Brooks such as his 25-yard jaunt against the 49ers. Brooks just had to be light on his feet to evade defenders and get the ball downfield.
He credited the offensive line for giving him time in the pocket. Corey Hulsey started at center for the injured Jake Grove, and Kelvin Garmon filled in for Barry Sims at left guard.
Peppered with questions about his chemistry with Moss, Brooks conceded Moss is "the man" but kept the focus on everyone.
"This offense isn't centered around Randy," Brooks said. "This offense will utilize every individual out there, down to the offensive guard. We're all getting better, and that's what you want to see."
And as long as Brooks doesn't have New Orleans on his mind, he could prove to be the quarterback the Raiders want to see.
Angry Pope
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RAIDERS REPORT CARD
Who helped themselves
WR Ronald Curry: Caught a pass for the first time in almost a year in his return from a torn Achilles tendon. This bodes well for his earning playing time in a deep receiving corps.
C Corey Hulsey: While filling in for injured regular Jake Grove, he avoided penalties, handled the line calls without difficulty and snapped the ball without flaw.
RB Justin Fargas: Ripped off several nice runs in relief of LaMont Jordan, the kind of running Coach Art Shell wants to see before he gives Fargas some of the workload on run plays.
Who hurt themselves
G Kelvin Garmon: Got beat for a sack on a play on which he also got called for holding. The sack stood and ended a promising drive in the first quarter.
PR Doug Gabriel: Fumbled a punt for the second time in three games. Chris Carr is the main returner, but Shell wants to use Gabriel in a two-man setup. Gabriel won't be part of the tandem if he can't hold onto the football.
CB Stanford Routt: Got beat by Lions receiver Eddie Drummond on a pass play late in the third quarter. He compounded the matter by missing a tackle on a play that went for 49 yards and set up a field goal.
Who helped themselves
WR Ronald Curry: Caught a pass for the first time in almost a year in his return from a torn Achilles tendon. This bodes well for his earning playing time in a deep receiving corps.
C Corey Hulsey: While filling in for injured regular Jake Grove, he avoided penalties, handled the line calls without difficulty and snapped the ball without flaw.
RB Justin Fargas: Ripped off several nice runs in relief of LaMont Jordan, the kind of running Coach Art Shell wants to see before he gives Fargas some of the workload on run plays.
Who hurt themselves
G Kelvin Garmon: Got beat for a sack on a play on which he also got called for holding. The sack stood and ended a promising drive in the first quarter.
PR Doug Gabriel: Fumbled a punt for the second time in three games. Chris Carr is the main returner, but Shell wants to use Gabriel in a two-man setup. Gabriel won't be part of the tandem if he can't hold onto the football.
CB Stanford Routt: Got beat by Lions receiver Eddie Drummond on a pass play late in the third quarter. He compounded the matter by missing a tackle on a play that went for 49 yards and set up a field goal.
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In step with the program
SHELL'S SCOLDING STILL REVERBERATES AS RAIDERS BEAT THE LIONS
By Ann Killion
The most telltale moment of Friday night's Raiders game wasn't the same as the most exciting moment.
The most exciting moment happened not long after the coin flip, while the anthem was still reverberating in the air. Aaron Brooks stood up to the Detroit Lions' blitz and fired a perfect pass to Randy Moss, who was outdistancing his single coverage. Brooks' pass traveled about 40 yards before landing in Moss' outstretched hands. Moss loped the rest of the way to the end zone, where he reached the ball across the line for a touchdown.
The scoring drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, in precisely one minute.
Very fast. Very vertical. Just the way Al Davis likes it.
But the most telltale moment came in the second quarter, after Moss left the game. That's when Jerry Porter caught his first pass of the preseason.
If anyone had any delusions about where the Nation's sympathy lies, they were cleared up immediately. The disgruntled one's first reception was greeted with loud boos. The fans are clearly on the side of their Hall of Fame coach and his no-nonsense style.
After all, could it be only a coincidence that ever since a furious Art Shell yanked his team off the practice field for not working hard, eight days ago, the Raiders have been clicking on all cylinders?
I think not.
After that abrupt dismissal in Napa, Warren Sapp said ``everyone got the message.'' The Raiders came out three days later and thrashed the 49ers. Friday, they built on that, beating Detroit 21-3.
``That was something that hadn't happened to too many of us,'' Sapp said. ``And we took notice. We don't want to be put in the position where he's not pleased with us. And we've started playing really well.''
Really well. If the Raiders' demolition of the 49ers last week was a good sign for the offense, Friday's game spelled out, in giant blinking neon, G-R-E-A-T.
And if a chief goal was to get Moss more involved, then offensive coordinator Tom Walsh accomplished it. If he was as efficient a mayor as he was calling plays on Friday night, then Swan Valley, Idaho, must be a municipal delight.
The first touchdown came while the Black Hole was mostly green -- the color of empty seats. All the buzz was out in the Coliseum parking lot, where the crowd was arriving for the Red Hot Chili Peppers show at the arena.
But the Brooks-to-Moss moment was electric. And full of promise for the Raiders' season.
And it didn't stop with that first touchdown. In the second quarter, Brooks again stepped up in the pocket and found Moss in the back of the end zone. Moss rose up between two Lions defenders, caught the ball, pirouetted and came down in bounds for another score.
Three catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns in 16 minutes, 21 seconds of football. That's the kind of production we should expect from Moss. And he didn't have any complaints about not being ``in the flow of the game.''
``We all know the potential,'' Brooks said. ``We've all seen what Randy has done on many Monday nights.''
In one crisp half of fake football, the Raiders put their budding quarterback controversy on hold, established chemistry between Brooks and Moss, added a nice 14-yard touchdown run by LaMont Jordan, dominated on defense, proved effective on special teams and established a 21-0 lead.
Of course, it didn't hurt that Jon Kitna appeared to be channeling the Chili Peppers tunes next door, obeying instructions to ``give it away, give it away, give it away'' (oh, go ahead and groan, but we must amuse ourselves during exhibition football). Kitna threw one interception, two near-interceptions and fumbled twice, losing the ball once.
The Raiders took what he gave them, and then some. Brooks posted an eye-popping passer rating of 143.6 (9 of 15 for 187 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions). And the Raiders went to 4-0 in the preseason. We're not quite sure what that means, but it can't be bad.
It's debatable how much you can tell from these games, especially against teams as woeful as the 49ers and the Lions. But it appears that the Raiders are absorbing Shell's demand for efficiency, for eliminating mistakes, for playing hard on every down.
``We believe in Coach,'' Brooks said. ``And we're actually starting to see the things that he's been saying.''
That's the big story of these games.
SHELL'S SCOLDING STILL REVERBERATES AS RAIDERS BEAT THE LIONS
By Ann Killion
The most telltale moment of Friday night's Raiders game wasn't the same as the most exciting moment.
The most exciting moment happened not long after the coin flip, while the anthem was still reverberating in the air. Aaron Brooks stood up to the Detroit Lions' blitz and fired a perfect pass to Randy Moss, who was outdistancing his single coverage. Brooks' pass traveled about 40 yards before landing in Moss' outstretched hands. Moss loped the rest of the way to the end zone, where he reached the ball across the line for a touchdown.
The scoring drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, in precisely one minute.
Very fast. Very vertical. Just the way Al Davis likes it.
But the most telltale moment came in the second quarter, after Moss left the game. That's when Jerry Porter caught his first pass of the preseason.
If anyone had any delusions about where the Nation's sympathy lies, they were cleared up immediately. The disgruntled one's first reception was greeted with loud boos. The fans are clearly on the side of their Hall of Fame coach and his no-nonsense style.
After all, could it be only a coincidence that ever since a furious Art Shell yanked his team off the practice field for not working hard, eight days ago, the Raiders have been clicking on all cylinders?
I think not.
After that abrupt dismissal in Napa, Warren Sapp said ``everyone got the message.'' The Raiders came out three days later and thrashed the 49ers. Friday, they built on that, beating Detroit 21-3.
``That was something that hadn't happened to too many of us,'' Sapp said. ``And we took notice. We don't want to be put in the position where he's not pleased with us. And we've started playing really well.''
Really well. If the Raiders' demolition of the 49ers last week was a good sign for the offense, Friday's game spelled out, in giant blinking neon, G-R-E-A-T.
And if a chief goal was to get Moss more involved, then offensive coordinator Tom Walsh accomplished it. If he was as efficient a mayor as he was calling plays on Friday night, then Swan Valley, Idaho, must be a municipal delight.
The first touchdown came while the Black Hole was mostly green -- the color of empty seats. All the buzz was out in the Coliseum parking lot, where the crowd was arriving for the Red Hot Chili Peppers show at the arena.
But the Brooks-to-Moss moment was electric. And full of promise for the Raiders' season.
And it didn't stop with that first touchdown. In the second quarter, Brooks again stepped up in the pocket and found Moss in the back of the end zone. Moss rose up between two Lions defenders, caught the ball, pirouetted and came down in bounds for another score.
Three catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns in 16 minutes, 21 seconds of football. That's the kind of production we should expect from Moss. And he didn't have any complaints about not being ``in the flow of the game.''
``We all know the potential,'' Brooks said. ``We've all seen what Randy has done on many Monday nights.''
In one crisp half of fake football, the Raiders put their budding quarterback controversy on hold, established chemistry between Brooks and Moss, added a nice 14-yard touchdown run by LaMont Jordan, dominated on defense, proved effective on special teams and established a 21-0 lead.
Of course, it didn't hurt that Jon Kitna appeared to be channeling the Chili Peppers tunes next door, obeying instructions to ``give it away, give it away, give it away'' (oh, go ahead and groan, but we must amuse ourselves during exhibition football). Kitna threw one interception, two near-interceptions and fumbled twice, losing the ball once.
The Raiders took what he gave them, and then some. Brooks posted an eye-popping passer rating of 143.6 (9 of 15 for 187 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions). And the Raiders went to 4-0 in the preseason. We're not quite sure what that means, but it can't be bad.
It's debatable how much you can tell from these games, especially against teams as woeful as the 49ers and the Lions. But it appears that the Raiders are absorbing Shell's demand for efficiency, for eliminating mistakes, for playing hard on every down.
``We believe in Coach,'' Brooks said. ``And we're actually starting to see the things that he's been saying.''
That's the big story of these games.
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Finally, into the black
Brooks, Moss kick-start offense
David White
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Randy and Aaron, together at last.
After three weeks of awkward footwork and subtle vertical flirtations, Randy Moss the wide receiver and Aaron Brooks the quarterback hooked up Friday for the first substantial time this exhibition season, and the Raiders remain unbeaten for it.
Moss had three catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, with Brooks spoon-feeding him each deep pass. That's the short answer as to how the Raiders dismantled the Detroit Lions 21-3 at the Coliseum and sailed to their first 4-0 exhibition mark in 30 years.
Moss had touchdown grabs of 63 and 25 yards. Brooks completed 9 of 15 passes for 187 yards with no interceptions. All this came by halftime.
Keep this up, and the two separate entities could mesh into a run-on sentence by the Sept. 11 season opener against San Diego.
MossandBrooks, maybe. Or, BrookstoMoss.
"I will say this," Brooks said. "I would like nothing more than to see this kind of performance on Monday night against San Diego."
Before this, Brooks and Moss had struggled to get acquainted in games and practice.
Three exhibition games produced two catches for 30 yards between Moss, the All-Pro receiver coming off an injury-hampered season, and Brooks, the quarterback brought in to make better use of Moss.
Wait until training camp ends, Moss said two weeks ago.
The process takes time, Brooks said this week.
Well, camp broke Wednesday, and they seem to have timed the hiccup removal perfectly.
"Every game is a confidence builder," Brooks said. "Today was a huge confidence builder, for all of us. We just want to build on that and get better and better."
Start with the sensational. Opening drive of the game, 3rd-and-9 at the Raiders 37.
Brooks dropped five steps, then stepped forward to avoid an outside rush. Far away, he saw Moss undefended over the middle with two Lions nipping at his heels.
Moss was running south toward the end zone and looking back to eyeball Brooks' arcing spiral. The pass hit Moss' hands in stride near the Lions' 10. Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant dived at Moss and caught an ankle at the 5.
Moss lunged forward, stretched the ball across the goal line, and scored for the first time all preseason. The Raiders led, 7-0, exactly 1 minute into the game.
"In this system, Randy will get his shots," Raiders coach Art Shell said. "Tonight, the opportunities were there. Aaron did a good job of finding the right guy to get the ball to."
On to the methodical. Third-and-7 on the first play of the second quarter. Moss ran a route over the middle -- so much for being a sideline receiver who won't go inside -- and pulled in a 14-yard catch at the Lions' 15. Brooks put the pass where only Moss could catch it, and not the two defenders behind him.
Three plays later, Brooks dropped back five steps, took two steps forward and air-gunned a 25-yard pass to Moss in the back of the end zone.
Moss made a jumping catch above three defenders, each within 5 yards of his personal space. Raiders 14, Lions 0, with 13:39 left in the second quarter.
Brooks opened Oakland's next drive with a 31-yard pass to tight end Courtney Anderson. He followed with an 11-yard pass to Jerry Porter -- yes, he caught his first pass of the second Art Shell-era -- and a 17-yard pass to Doug Gabriel.
The Lions were reeling. The safeties dropped back in expectation of more long-distance shots. Perfect time to spring running back LaMont Jordan around the far right corner for a 14-yard race to the orange stick.
Six plays, 75 yards, 21-0, Raiders.
Brooks' nine completions went to seven receivers. He finished with a quarterback rating of 143.6. He drove to the game with an overall rating of 58.7.
All this, and they played defense.
The Lions came out with a quick-huddle offense. The Raiders helped them expedite the process with a first-half shutout by the first-team defense.
Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison had six tackles by halftime. Detroit's second drive of the game started at its own 7-yard line and ended at the Raiders' 29. That's where Morrison intercepted a Jon Kitna pass, going backward.
Morrison ended Detroit's next drive with a third-down pass deflection in pass coverage. He nearly recovered a Kitna fumble on the Lions' next drive, but strong safety Derrick Gibson beat him to it. The fumble was forced by defensive end Tyler Brayton, who put a chest-level crunch on the scrambling Kitna from behind.
"It's going in the right direction," Shell said. "It's still a process."
Brooks, Moss kick-start offense
David White
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Randy and Aaron, together at last.
After three weeks of awkward footwork and subtle vertical flirtations, Randy Moss the wide receiver and Aaron Brooks the quarterback hooked up Friday for the first substantial time this exhibition season, and the Raiders remain unbeaten for it.
Moss had three catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns, with Brooks spoon-feeding him each deep pass. That's the short answer as to how the Raiders dismantled the Detroit Lions 21-3 at the Coliseum and sailed to their first 4-0 exhibition mark in 30 years.
Moss had touchdown grabs of 63 and 25 yards. Brooks completed 9 of 15 passes for 187 yards with no interceptions. All this came by halftime.
Keep this up, and the two separate entities could mesh into a run-on sentence by the Sept. 11 season opener against San Diego.
MossandBrooks, maybe. Or, BrookstoMoss.
"I will say this," Brooks said. "I would like nothing more than to see this kind of performance on Monday night against San Diego."
Before this, Brooks and Moss had struggled to get acquainted in games and practice.
Three exhibition games produced two catches for 30 yards between Moss, the All-Pro receiver coming off an injury-hampered season, and Brooks, the quarterback brought in to make better use of Moss.
Wait until training camp ends, Moss said two weeks ago.
The process takes time, Brooks said this week.
Well, camp broke Wednesday, and they seem to have timed the hiccup removal perfectly.
"Every game is a confidence builder," Brooks said. "Today was a huge confidence builder, for all of us. We just want to build on that and get better and better."
Start with the sensational. Opening drive of the game, 3rd-and-9 at the Raiders 37.
Brooks dropped five steps, then stepped forward to avoid an outside rush. Far away, he saw Moss undefended over the middle with two Lions nipping at his heels.
Moss was running south toward the end zone and looking back to eyeball Brooks' arcing spiral. The pass hit Moss' hands in stride near the Lions' 10. Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant dived at Moss and caught an ankle at the 5.
Moss lunged forward, stretched the ball across the goal line, and scored for the first time all preseason. The Raiders led, 7-0, exactly 1 minute into the game.
"In this system, Randy will get his shots," Raiders coach Art Shell said. "Tonight, the opportunities were there. Aaron did a good job of finding the right guy to get the ball to."
On to the methodical. Third-and-7 on the first play of the second quarter. Moss ran a route over the middle -- so much for being a sideline receiver who won't go inside -- and pulled in a 14-yard catch at the Lions' 15. Brooks put the pass where only Moss could catch it, and not the two defenders behind him.
Three plays later, Brooks dropped back five steps, took two steps forward and air-gunned a 25-yard pass to Moss in the back of the end zone.
Moss made a jumping catch above three defenders, each within 5 yards of his personal space. Raiders 14, Lions 0, with 13:39 left in the second quarter.
Brooks opened Oakland's next drive with a 31-yard pass to tight end Courtney Anderson. He followed with an 11-yard pass to Jerry Porter -- yes, he caught his first pass of the second Art Shell-era -- and a 17-yard pass to Doug Gabriel.
The Lions were reeling. The safeties dropped back in expectation of more long-distance shots. Perfect time to spring running back LaMont Jordan around the far right corner for a 14-yard race to the orange stick.
Six plays, 75 yards, 21-0, Raiders.
Brooks' nine completions went to seven receivers. He finished with a quarterback rating of 143.6. He drove to the game with an overall rating of 58.7.
All this, and they played defense.
The Lions came out with a quick-huddle offense. The Raiders helped them expedite the process with a first-half shutout by the first-team defense.
Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison had six tackles by halftime. Detroit's second drive of the game started at its own 7-yard line and ended at the Raiders' 29. That's where Morrison intercepted a Jon Kitna pass, going backward.
Morrison ended Detroit's next drive with a third-down pass deflection in pass coverage. He nearly recovered a Kitna fumble on the Lions' next drive, but strong safety Derrick Gibson beat him to it. The fumble was forced by defensive end Tyler Brayton, who put a chest-level crunch on the scrambling Kitna from behind.
"It's going in the right direction," Shell said. "It's still a process."
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Brooks-Moss impressive as Raiders roll
By Jerry McDonald
OAKLAND - About that perceived chemistry issue between Aaron Brooks and Randy Moss . . . never mind.
Brooks completed touchdown passes of 63 and 25 yards to Moss Friday night and the Raiders rolled up a three-touchdown halftime lead en route to a 21-3 win over the Detroit Lions at McAfee Coliseum.
The Raiders, 4-0 in pre-season, have a chance to complete the first unbeaten pre-season in franchise history Thursday night in Seattle Seahawks.
More pressing to players on the roster is simply making the team. The Raiders must cut 15 players from the roster to be at 75 players Tuesday.
Brooks had a nearly flawless first half, completing 9 of 15 passes for 187 yards and completing passes to seven different receivers. Moss had three receptions for 102 yards and two scores, seven other receivers had as single catch.
LaMont Jordan added a 14-yard touchdown run as Oakland took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
Coming into the game, Moss had just two receptions for 30 yards in two pre-season games. He also hasn't had nearly as many big plays during training camp as he did last season with Kerry Collins at quarterback.
Any connection problem that existed between Brooks and Moss - if there ever was one - was erased on Oakland's first drive.
On the third play from scrimmage, Brooks dropped back and Moss in stride on a post pattern over a badly beaten Fernando Bryant, Moss stumbled into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
The second touchdown by Moss came when he found a tiny space behind three Detroit defenders in front of the goal post. Brooks hit him with a perfect pass to give the Raiders a 14-0 lead.
Detroit, which elected to fly to the Bay Area Friday, played like a tired team. The Lions fell to 1-2 in the preseason.
By Jerry McDonald
OAKLAND - About that perceived chemistry issue between Aaron Brooks and Randy Moss . . . never mind.
Brooks completed touchdown passes of 63 and 25 yards to Moss Friday night and the Raiders rolled up a three-touchdown halftime lead en route to a 21-3 win over the Detroit Lions at McAfee Coliseum.
The Raiders, 4-0 in pre-season, have a chance to complete the first unbeaten pre-season in franchise history Thursday night in Seattle Seahawks.
More pressing to players on the roster is simply making the team. The Raiders must cut 15 players from the roster to be at 75 players Tuesday.
Brooks had a nearly flawless first half, completing 9 of 15 passes for 187 yards and completing passes to seven different receivers. Moss had three receptions for 102 yards and two scores, seven other receivers had as single catch.
LaMont Jordan added a 14-yard touchdown run as Oakland took a 21-0 lead into halftime.
Coming into the game, Moss had just two receptions for 30 yards in two pre-season games. He also hasn't had nearly as many big plays during training camp as he did last season with Kerry Collins at quarterback.
Any connection problem that existed between Brooks and Moss - if there ever was one - was erased on Oakland's first drive.
On the third play from scrimmage, Brooks dropped back and Moss in stride on a post pattern over a badly beaten Fernando Bryant, Moss stumbled into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.
The second touchdown by Moss came when he found a tiny space behind three Detroit defenders in front of the goal post. Brooks hit him with a perfect pass to give the Raiders a 14-0 lead.
Detroit, which elected to fly to the Bay Area Friday, played like a tired team. The Lions fell to 1-2 in the preseason.
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Raiders 21, Lions 3
By JOSH DUBOW
Friday, August 25, 2006
(08-25) 22:45 PDT Oakland, Calif. (AP) --
Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks look as if they're already in midseason form.
Moss caught two touchdown passes from Brooks and the Oakland Raiders opened the preseason with four straight wins for the first time since 1975, beating the Detroit Lions 21-3 Friday night.
"It's going in the right direction," coach Art Shell said. "We're making progress in all aspects of our team. But it's still a work in progress. We have a lot to do."
Brooks got off to a slow start in his first season in Oakland, completing only one pass in each of his first two exhibition games. But after an improved performance last week against San Francisco, Brooks showed signs of being able to click with Moss better than Kerry Collins did last season.
On just the third play from scrimmage, Brooks lofted a deep ball down the middle to Moss, who easily beat Fernando Bryant for a 63-yard touchdown catch and dove into the end zone. Moss flipped the ball to the fans in the Black Hole after his first touchdown catch from Brooks this preseason.
"It was nice to finally hook up for six," Brooks said. "He ran a hell of a route. The safety bit on the crossing route. Randy did his job diving into the end zone. It was a great effort on his part."
Brooks went 5-for-7 for 65 yards on the Raiders' third drive, connecting with Moss on a 14-yard pass on a third-and-7 and then finding the big-play receiver on a twisting 25-yard catch in the back of the end zone.
Brooks went 3-for-3 for 59 yards on the next drive, which was capped by LaMont Jordan's 14-yard touchdown run that made it 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
The Raiders also excelled on defense, forcing three turnovers and holding the Lions scoreless until Jason Hanson's 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter. The performance improved Oakland to 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since Shell was a player.
Shell, brought in to change the attitude in Oakland after three straight losing seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner has the Raiders looking good with one exhibition game remaining.
"He is leading us in the right direction and the best thing about it is we're following," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said.
Detroit tried to revamp its offense in the offseason by cutting quarterback Joey Harrington loose, bringing in Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and hiring Rod Marinelli as head coach. With one preseason game remaining, the Lions still need plenty of work.
Detroit's only touchdown the past two games came on a 15-yard drive after a turnover in last week's 20-16 loss to Cleveland.
"It's no reason to panic and start doubting what we're doing," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "There's no reason for that."
The team came out flat after flying into Oakland Friday morning, instead of the usual practice of traveling a day in advance.
Kitna went 11-for-22 for 118 yards and one interception and the team managed only 76 yards rushing. Dan Orlovsky, who has moved ahead of Josh McCown as the No. 2 quarterback, went 7-for-15 for 88 yards and one interception.
"The first half wasn't what we want. We had two or three breakdowns, and those things just can't happen," Marinelli said. "It's inexcusable. Those types of things can't happen. ... I would have been disappointed (even) if it was a scrimmage."
Brooks, who was let go after a rough season in New Orleans last year, is showing signs of a revival in Oakland. He was 9-for-15 for 187 yards, while Moss had three catches for 102 yards.
After being challenged for the starting job by Andrew Walter early in camp, Brooks has solidified the job with the two string performances. He is 19-for-32 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception the last two weeks and appears ready for the season.
"I will say this, we would love to have that kind of performance on Monday night," Brooks said, referring to the season opener against San Diego. "That's what we're working for."
Notes
WR Mike Williams, Detroit's No. 1 pick in 2005, did not play. ... Walter sat out with a sore right shoulder. ... Ronald Curry, who had been sidelined since the second game last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, played for the first time this preseason for Oakland and caught a 7-yard pass in the first quarter. ... Raiders WR Jerry Porter, who demanded a trade earlier this summer, was booed after making his first catch of the preseason.
By JOSH DUBOW
Friday, August 25, 2006
(08-25) 22:45 PDT Oakland, Calif. (AP) --
Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks look as if they're already in midseason form.
Moss caught two touchdown passes from Brooks and the Oakland Raiders opened the preseason with four straight wins for the first time since 1975, beating the Detroit Lions 21-3 Friday night.
"It's going in the right direction," coach Art Shell said. "We're making progress in all aspects of our team. But it's still a work in progress. We have a lot to do."
Brooks got off to a slow start in his first season in Oakland, completing only one pass in each of his first two exhibition games. But after an improved performance last week against San Francisco, Brooks showed signs of being able to click with Moss better than Kerry Collins did last season.
On just the third play from scrimmage, Brooks lofted a deep ball down the middle to Moss, who easily beat Fernando Bryant for a 63-yard touchdown catch and dove into the end zone. Moss flipped the ball to the fans in the Black Hole after his first touchdown catch from Brooks this preseason.
"It was nice to finally hook up for six," Brooks said. "He ran a hell of a route. The safety bit on the crossing route. Randy did his job diving into the end zone. It was a great effort on his part."
Brooks went 5-for-7 for 65 yards on the Raiders' third drive, connecting with Moss on a 14-yard pass on a third-and-7 and then finding the big-play receiver on a twisting 25-yard catch in the back of the end zone.
Brooks went 3-for-3 for 59 yards on the next drive, which was capped by LaMont Jordan's 14-yard touchdown run that made it 21-0 midway through the second quarter.
The Raiders also excelled on defense, forcing three turnovers and holding the Lions scoreless until Jason Hanson's 38-yard field goal late in the third quarter. The performance improved Oakland to 4-0 in the preseason for the first time since Shell was a player.
Shell, brought in to change the attitude in Oakland after three straight losing seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner has the Raiders looking good with one exhibition game remaining.
"He is leading us in the right direction and the best thing about it is we're following," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said.
Detroit tried to revamp its offense in the offseason by cutting quarterback Joey Harrington loose, bringing in Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and hiring Rod Marinelli as head coach. With one preseason game remaining, the Lions still need plenty of work.
Detroit's only touchdown the past two games came on a 15-yard drive after a turnover in last week's 20-16 loss to Cleveland.
"It's no reason to panic and start doubting what we're doing," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "There's no reason for that."
The team came out flat after flying into Oakland Friday morning, instead of the usual practice of traveling a day in advance.
Kitna went 11-for-22 for 118 yards and one interception and the team managed only 76 yards rushing. Dan Orlovsky, who has moved ahead of Josh McCown as the No. 2 quarterback, went 7-for-15 for 88 yards and one interception.
"The first half wasn't what we want. We had two or three breakdowns, and those things just can't happen," Marinelli said. "It's inexcusable. Those types of things can't happen. ... I would have been disappointed (even) if it was a scrimmage."
Brooks, who was let go after a rough season in New Orleans last year, is showing signs of a revival in Oakland. He was 9-for-15 for 187 yards, while Moss had three catches for 102 yards.
After being challenged for the starting job by Andrew Walter early in camp, Brooks has solidified the job with the two string performances. He is 19-for-32 for 312 yards, three touchdowns and one interception the last two weeks and appears ready for the season.
"I will say this, we would love to have that kind of performance on Monday night," Brooks said, referring to the season opener against San Diego. "That's what we're working for."
Notes
WR Mike Williams, Detroit's No. 1 pick in 2005, did not play. ... Walter sat out with a sore right shoulder. ... Ronald Curry, who had been sidelined since the second game last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, played for the first time this preseason for Oakland and caught a 7-yard pass in the first quarter. ... Raiders WR Jerry Porter, who demanded a trade earlier this summer, was booed after making his first catch of the preseason.
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Marcos Bretón: No grass grows under Moss
By Marcos Bretón
Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, August 26, 2006
OAKLAND -- It took one play to remind all of us what we've been missing.
The real Randy Moss. The outrageous, audacious, game-breaker who, when he is on, is the best wide receiver in the NFL.
He suddenly reappeared Friday night, jolting the landscape like a Kansas thunderclap, reaching high into the sky to catch a perfectly thrown Aaron Brooks pass on the Raiders' first series.
Touchdown, baby.
It was a 63-yard scoring strike that was pure Raiders football and pure Moss -- a thrilling marriage of team legacy and player reputation that was so muted last season.
Yes. In Oakland, Moss had faded to Silver and Black. He had become almost superfluous in his first Raiders season last year. He was the Raiders' savior who wasn't after a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Vikings had brought him here -- delivered to Raiders headquarters in a stretch limo escorted by a phalanx of Alameda motorcycle cops.
Then it was as if he had been whisked away to a police-guarded safehouse for fading superstars.
It was as if the Raiders had no idea how to use a five-time All-Pro, an elite talent -- or they had few ways of getting him the ball.
And now? Speaking strictly as a football fan, the only thing I wanted to see Friday was Moss catching the ball deep and running with it, to see Moss get behind the defense and change the way teams matched up against Oakland.
Then there he was, torching Fernando Bryant of the Detroit Lions so badly that suddenly, the Lions had to play the Raiders honest.
And with Lions eyes trained warily on No. 18, Brooks took an idling Raiders engine out for a spin, dishing to LaMont Jordan or finding Doug Gabriel to devastating effect.
Oh, and Moss caught another touchdown pass to finish with two and 102 receiving yards.
Brooks had told The Bee's Jason Jones that Moss was his go-to guy and seems to have the arm to make it happen.
It's a no-brainer as a strategy, and it was a 21-3 Raiders win.
Keep it up, and more victories are sure to follow.
Afterward, Moss was Moss. He blew past reporters with nary a word and shot out of the building with the same authority he blew past the Lions.
You wished he weren't that way, that his personality matched his talent. But this is a guy who either says nothing or causes a ruckus with his unvarnished honesty.
Moss often is grouped with Terrell Owens as a skilled malcontent, but that's not right.
Moss is a hick but not a team buster. He's the antithesis of Owens, happy to be left alone off the field.
That's fine, because what he can do on the field says so much more than his often anti-social ramblings.
The guy is a monster, a future Hall of Famer if the Raiders can just get him the ball.
It happened Friday, though few Raiders fans showed up to see it.
With more nights like this, however, they definitely will come.
By Marcos Bretón
Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, August 26, 2006
OAKLAND -- It took one play to remind all of us what we've been missing.
The real Randy Moss. The outrageous, audacious, game-breaker who, when he is on, is the best wide receiver in the NFL.
He suddenly reappeared Friday night, jolting the landscape like a Kansas thunderclap, reaching high into the sky to catch a perfectly thrown Aaron Brooks pass on the Raiders' first series.
Touchdown, baby.
It was a 63-yard scoring strike that was pure Raiders football and pure Moss -- a thrilling marriage of team legacy and player reputation that was so muted last season.
Yes. In Oakland, Moss had faded to Silver and Black. He had become almost superfluous in his first Raiders season last year. He was the Raiders' savior who wasn't after a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Vikings had brought him here -- delivered to Raiders headquarters in a stretch limo escorted by a phalanx of Alameda motorcycle cops.
Then it was as if he had been whisked away to a police-guarded safehouse for fading superstars.
It was as if the Raiders had no idea how to use a five-time All-Pro, an elite talent -- or they had few ways of getting him the ball.
And now? Speaking strictly as a football fan, the only thing I wanted to see Friday was Moss catching the ball deep and running with it, to see Moss get behind the defense and change the way teams matched up against Oakland.
Then there he was, torching Fernando Bryant of the Detroit Lions so badly that suddenly, the Lions had to play the Raiders honest.
And with Lions eyes trained warily on No. 18, Brooks took an idling Raiders engine out for a spin, dishing to LaMont Jordan or finding Doug Gabriel to devastating effect.
Oh, and Moss caught another touchdown pass to finish with two and 102 receiving yards.
Brooks had told The Bee's Jason Jones that Moss was his go-to guy and seems to have the arm to make it happen.
It's a no-brainer as a strategy, and it was a 21-3 Raiders win.
Keep it up, and more victories are sure to follow.
Afterward, Moss was Moss. He blew past reporters with nary a word and shot out of the building with the same authority he blew past the Lions.
You wished he weren't that way, that his personality matched his talent. But this is a guy who either says nothing or causes a ruckus with his unvarnished honesty.
Moss often is grouped with Terrell Owens as a skilled malcontent, but that's not right.
Moss is a hick but not a team buster. He's the antithesis of Owens, happy to be left alone off the field.
That's fine, because what he can do on the field says so much more than his often anti-social ramblings.
The guy is a monster, a future Hall of Famer if the Raiders can just get him the ball.
It happened Friday, though few Raiders fans showed up to see it.
With more nights like this, however, they definitely will come.
Angry Pope
All Raider
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QB Walter sits out with a sore right shoulder
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- Raiders backup quarterback Andrew Walter sat out the game with a sore right shoulder.
Raiders coach Art Shell said the decision was made before the game because Walter couldn't throw all the passes needed to run the offense. Shell said Walter had a "tired" shoulder during practice this week and didn't throw Tuesday.
Marques Tuiasosopo, normally the third quarterback, played the entire second half.
Starters get a sack -- Defensive end Derrick Burgess recorded the first sack by a Raiders starter during the exhibition season by tackling Lions quarterback Jon Kitna for a 10-yard loss on Detroit's first drive.
Shell said the staff had emphasized sacks after the Raiders had only three in the first three exhibitions.
Friday, the Raiders had two in the first half and kept pressure on Kitna.
Linebacker Kirk Morrison intercepted a Kitna pass as Warren Sapp pressured the quarterback up the middle and Burgess closed in from the edge.
Kitna was forced out of the pocket several times, absorbed some big hits and fumbled twice.
No home love -- Receiver Jerry Porter caught his first pass and learned Raiders fans aren't forgiving.
Porter was booed after an 11-yard grab for a first down. Porter asked to be traded during the offseason because of friction with Shell.
More injuries -- Running back LaMont Jordan left the game with 11:00 left in the first quarter with a right leg injury. He returned and caught a 15-yard pass on his first play back and added a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
• Linebacker Grant Irons had a slight concussion, and linebacker Darnell Bing sprained his neck.
• Guard Kelvin Garmon played with a muscle spasm in his side.
• Three starters -- strong safety Michael Huff (ankle), guard Barry Sims (elbow) and center Jake Grove (shoulder) -- were inactive, in addition to running back DeJuan Green, linebacker Timi Wusu, tight end James Adkisson, defensive tackle Michael Quarshie and receiver Carlos Francis.
Nationalists -- The Raider Nation Celebration is Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at McAfee Coliseum. Current and former Raiders players and coaches and Raiderettes will be in attendance.
There will be autograph and photo opportunities with Raiderettes and Raiders legends and interactive zones for kids. The team's three Super Bowl trophies also will be on display, and coach Art Shell will introduce this year's players and coaching staff.
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- Raiders backup quarterback Andrew Walter sat out the game with a sore right shoulder.
Raiders coach Art Shell said the decision was made before the game because Walter couldn't throw all the passes needed to run the offense. Shell said Walter had a "tired" shoulder during practice this week and didn't throw Tuesday.
Marques Tuiasosopo, normally the third quarterback, played the entire second half.
Starters get a sack -- Defensive end Derrick Burgess recorded the first sack by a Raiders starter during the exhibition season by tackling Lions quarterback Jon Kitna for a 10-yard loss on Detroit's first drive.
Shell said the staff had emphasized sacks after the Raiders had only three in the first three exhibitions.
Friday, the Raiders had two in the first half and kept pressure on Kitna.
Linebacker Kirk Morrison intercepted a Kitna pass as Warren Sapp pressured the quarterback up the middle and Burgess closed in from the edge.
Kitna was forced out of the pocket several times, absorbed some big hits and fumbled twice.
No home love -- Receiver Jerry Porter caught his first pass and learned Raiders fans aren't forgiving.
Porter was booed after an 11-yard grab for a first down. Porter asked to be traded during the offseason because of friction with Shell.
More injuries -- Running back LaMont Jordan left the game with 11:00 left in the first quarter with a right leg injury. He returned and caught a 15-yard pass on his first play back and added a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
• Linebacker Grant Irons had a slight concussion, and linebacker Darnell Bing sprained his neck.
• Guard Kelvin Garmon played with a muscle spasm in his side.
• Three starters -- strong safety Michael Huff (ankle), guard Barry Sims (elbow) and center Jake Grove (shoulder) -- were inactive, in addition to running back DeJuan Green, linebacker Timi Wusu, tight end James Adkisson, defensive tackle Michael Quarshie and receiver Carlos Francis.
Nationalists -- The Raider Nation Celebration is Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at McAfee Coliseum. Current and former Raiders players and coaches and Raiderettes will be in attendance.
There will be autograph and photo opportunities with Raiderettes and Raiders legends and interactive zones for kids. The team's three Super Bowl trophies also will be on display, and coach Art Shell will introduce this year's players and coaching staff.
- Status