Angry Pope
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Raiders' defense looks aggressive
The first unit has been impressive in the past two games.
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- The Raiders believe they have a good defense and are making a case the unit will be solid in 2006.
Quarterback Aaron Brooks' improvement over the past two preseason games and Randy Moss' two touchdown catches Friday against Detroit were important, but defense hasn't been shabby.
The defensive starters shut out the 49ers and Lions in the first half of the past two exhibitions. The defense was expected to be ahead of the offense because the players are in their third year under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
"I think the defensive coaches under Rob Ryan's direction have really done an outstanding job putting this thing together," coach Art Shell said. "Guys are working very hard for him."
Lions quarterback Jon Kitna could attest to that. The Raiders treated Kitna to a rough night. He was sacked three times, fumbled twice and threw an interception while completing 11 of 22 passes for 118 yards.
This five days after the defense intercepted 49ers quarterback Alex Smith twice.
"They're really playing good ball the last couple of weeks," Shell said. "They're really turning it up a little bit."
New additions such as rookie linebacker Thomas Howard are more comfortable, and having linebacker Sam Williams and defensive tackle Warren Sapp healthy has helped.
Safety Michael Huff, a first-round pick, didn't play against Detroit. But he had an interception against the 49ers before leaving the game with a sprained ankle.
The defense also has been more aggressive as the preseason has progressed and cut down on things like offsides penalties.
A smarter, hard-hitting defense is what Shell wants.
"The only way you can play this game is to be physical," Shell said. "That's the way we're going to play."
Cuts looming -- Today's practice is the last before the Raiders have to trim their roster from 90 to 75 players by 1 p.m Tuesday. Teams must have 53 players by 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Raiders have not cut a player all of training camp, and Shell isn't looking forward to the process.
"It's a difficult thing anytime you have to part ways with guys who have become a part of your family," Shell said.
The first unit has been impressive in the past two games.
By Jason Jones
OAKLAND -- The Raiders believe they have a good defense and are making a case the unit will be solid in 2006.
Quarterback Aaron Brooks' improvement over the past two preseason games and Randy Moss' two touchdown catches Friday against Detroit were important, but defense hasn't been shabby.
The defensive starters shut out the 49ers and Lions in the first half of the past two exhibitions. The defense was expected to be ahead of the offense because the players are in their third year under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
"I think the defensive coaches under Rob Ryan's direction have really done an outstanding job putting this thing together," coach Art Shell said. "Guys are working very hard for him."
Lions quarterback Jon Kitna could attest to that. The Raiders treated Kitna to a rough night. He was sacked three times, fumbled twice and threw an interception while completing 11 of 22 passes for 118 yards.
This five days after the defense intercepted 49ers quarterback Alex Smith twice.
"They're really playing good ball the last couple of weeks," Shell said. "They're really turning it up a little bit."
New additions such as rookie linebacker Thomas Howard are more comfortable, and having linebacker Sam Williams and defensive tackle Warren Sapp healthy has helped.
Safety Michael Huff, a first-round pick, didn't play against Detroit. But he had an interception against the 49ers before leaving the game with a sprained ankle.
The defense also has been more aggressive as the preseason has progressed and cut down on things like offsides penalties.
A smarter, hard-hitting defense is what Shell wants.
"The only way you can play this game is to be physical," Shell said. "That's the way we're going to play."
Cuts looming -- Today's practice is the last before the Raiders have to trim their roster from 90 to 75 players by 1 p.m Tuesday. Teams must have 53 players by 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Raiders have not cut a player all of training camp, and Shell isn't looking forward to the process.
"It's a difficult thing anytime you have to part ways with guys who have become a part of your family," Shell said.