Great read!

Stu's blog...Carr getting married...

Blogging with FS Stuart Schweigert

June 29, 2007
Stuart Schweigert

By Stuart Schweigert.
Raiders free safety


Long time, no talk to all you Raiders fans out there! I hope everyone is having a fun and relaxing summer. It has been a couple of weeks since my last blog because I have been traveling.

First things first, our last Mini-Camp was great and finished our off-season the way it should be finished. We had three days of intense practice and competition. With it being the last Mini-Camp guys could have let up and started thinking about their five weeks off but I saw none of that. We got better every week and the last week was no exception. We also had some great visitors come through to see how hard the team has been working. My favorite was a man who starred in my favorite movie, Predator and who also whipped up on Rocky Balboa. He was a linebacker for the Raiders – the great Carl Weathers. He was with the defense all three days taking notes, watching film, and even gave us an inspirational speech. The next visitor was a phenomenal player for many years in the NFL. He is a future Hall of Famer, a former Raider, and a fellow Boilermaker. Do you know who it is? Rod Woodson. It was great to have a chance to talk with Rod on the field. There is a reason why he has had so much success in the league – not only because he is a gifted athlete but he knows everything is there to know about football. We were also visited by legendary Head Coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Walsh. I didn't get a chance to talk to him but, it was a great to see him out on our practice fields.

After the Mini-Camp was over, the next day was The Oakland Raiders Golf Classic benefiting Special Olympics of Northern California. It is a great event benefiting a great cause and I know everyone had a tremendous time. I don't think I could have been put into a better foursome. I was partnered up with a Sergeant, the Lieutenant, and the Captain of the Alameda Police Department.

Once the golf tournament was over, Isaiah Ekejiuba., Kirk Morrison., and I went to Vegas for the weekend. It was great to get away with some of my teammates and not have to worry about coaches or schedules. I got back Sunday evening and flew out the next morning to good ol' Michigan. I got a chance to surprise my family and I also got to do something I haven't done in a long time – spend my birthday with my family. My birthday was June 21st and I spent it the only way I know how in Saginaw – at the bowling alley! With such a big family and a ton of friends it is hard for all of us to go to a place where kids and adults can have fun so I rented out 14 lanes and we had a ball. I left from Detroit’s airport on Saturday along with my little brother Brandon. It was awesome to spend some time with him because he plays hockey at Ohio University and has a very busy schedule himself. On Sunday Brandon and I, along with Jarrod Cooper. and Robert Gallery., met down in San Jose for a car show my "Stuart Schweigert. Shadow" suit line was sponsoring. It turned out great and all the proceeds went to help The Liver Foundation. Things don’t slow down there. This weekend I am on my way Chris Carr.'s wedding.

Thanks again for signing on to Raiders.com and I will talk to you later. Bye and GO RAIDERS!
 
Introducing the Raiders leading rusher in '07...

Raiders Insider: Bush's bad break good for Oakland?
http://www.sacbee.com/100/v-print/story/249918.html
By Jason Jones - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, June 30, 2007

Michael Bush is asked constantly, "Which leg?"

Which leg did he break the first game into what was supposed to be a Heisman Trophy caliber 2006 season at Louisville? Which leg underwent surgery to insert a steel rod in March?

"It's the right leg," Bush answered at the Raiders' last mincamp. "You couldn't tell while I was moving? That's good."

Bush stayed at Louisville in hopes of helping the Cardinals earn an appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game. But Bush suffered the injury early in the third quarter of Louisville's 59-28 season-opening win over Kentucky after rushing for three touchdowns and 124 yards.

Instead of being picked in the first round, as projected before the injury, Bush slipped to the fourth round. And should Bush progress well in his return, the Raiders will have landed one of the nation's best runners for a middle-round draft choice.

Yet, there's no rush to get Bush on the field. Holding him out most of the season is a realistic option. Bush is also prepared not to practice every day once training camp opens if the leg bothers him.

Just don't tell Bush he should accept not playing as a rookie.

"I'm looking to play," Bush said. "It's just a bone injury. Those heal. It's already been about nine months, so it's about time for me to get going."

Bush's size (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) and quick feet would give the Raiders a bruising back they can use in both the running and passing game.

Just don't assume Bush only wants to run and catch the ball.
"If they throw a halfback pass (play) out there that'd be great, too," Bush said.

As a prep, Bush was a quarterback at Male High School in Louisville, tossing 35 touchdown passes as a senior. Bush admits he misses playing quarterback "every now and then, but it's gone now."

If he gets the chance to throw a pass, questions will center on Bush's left arm, not his right leg.

Et cetera

The Raiders signed two of their draft picks this week. Fifth-round choice Jay Richardson, a defensive end from Ohio State, signed Tuesday, and sixth-round pick Oren O'Neal, a fullback from Arkansas State, signed Thursday.

Terms for the contracts were not disclosed.

Cornerback John Bowie, a fourth-round choice, signed with the team earlier in the month. He was the player taken with the draft pick that was acquired in the Randy Moss trade.

The big news will be when first overall pick JaMarcus Russell scores a deal expected to be worth at least $60 million -- $30 million in guaranteed money.

• The Raiders are offering half-season ticket packages. For more information, call 1-800-RAIDERS or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
 
The list: Bay Area's top 25 most powerful sports people

By Mark Purdy

BAY AREA'S TOP 25 MOST POWERFUL SPORTS PEOPLE

1. Lew Wolff, owner and managing partner, A's: Still has irons in many fires, including the Fremont ballpark project and a proposed San Jose soccer stadium.

Last year: No. 1.

2. John York, owner, 49ers: Made some major moves on the stadium front in the past 12 months, and controls the final sign-off in Santa Clara or San Francisco.

Last year: No. 4.

3. Al Davis, owner, Raiders: With his McAfee Coliseum lease expiring after the 2010 season, he's in a position to wield clout on the team's future stadium plans.

Last year: No. 3.

4. Peter Magowan, president and managing general partner, Giants: Has asserted himself anew since last year, making the decision to bring back Barry Bonds and putting G.M. Brian Sabean on notice.

Last year: No. 7.

5. Greg Jamison, president and CEO, Sharks and Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment: Is involved with nearly every South Bay pro sports venture, including a potential Major League Soccer expansion team, and controls HP Pavilion.

Last year: No. 5.

6. Ted Griggs, vice president and interim general manager, Fox Sports Net Bay Area: Took over for Jeff Krolik, who left for Fox Sports in L.A., and seems to be thriving under new ownership.

Last year: Not ranked.

7. Mike Nolan, coach, 49ers: His success in building the roster (and winning more games) has earned him even more influence with the Bay Area's most popular team.

Last year: No. 8.

8. Billy Beane, vice president and general manager, A's: Now a partial owner of the team, Beane's savvy and boldness have given him a higher profile than any other Bay Area G.M.

Last year: No. 9.

9. Don Nelson, coach, Warriors: In less than 12 months, he has become the organization's most indispensable personality; he has made the NBA matter again in the Bay Area.

Last year: Not ranked.

10. Jed York, special projects manager, 49ers: Has made a stunning ascendancy in the team's hierarchy, and the stadium project (a future Super Bowl site?) is obviously his baby.

Last year: Not ranked.

11. Jeff Novitzky, IRS investigator: His doggedness in the ongoing investigation of baseball's drug culture still has plenty of players, and team executives, on edge.

Last year: No. 6.

12. Doug Wilson, executive vice president and general manager, Sharks: The Bay Area's hockey team is his vision and his passion; he's also become a respected voice in NHL matters.

Last year: No. 12.

13. Amy Trask, chief executive, Raiders: She keeps moving up the list and gaining more of Davis' confidence in the team's highly secretive front office.

Last year: No. 17.

14. Barry Bonds, outfielder, Giants: He wangled another contract year out of the Giants, but after breaking Aaron's record, will he have any juice at all?

Last year: No. 10.

15. Sandy Barbour, athletic director, Cal: Slipped two spots because the Memorial Stadium improvement project has seemingly stalled; settling in after three years at school.

Last year: No. 13.

16. Steve Page, CEO, Infineon Raceway: Continual improvements at Northern California's top racing facility make him the local king of internal combustion.

Last year: No. 15.

17. Chris Mullin, executive vice president of basketball operations, Warriors: Made his best decision as an exec by hiring Nelson, and pulled off a key trade, but does the coach answer to him or vice versa?

Last year: No. 11.

18. Tony Salvadore, vice president and general manager, KNBR: Ratings are up and down, but he controls the people who control the Bay Area's over-the-air sports conversation.

Last year: No. 16.

19. Bob Bowlsby, athletic director, Stanford: Had a rugged first year with the firing of his football coach, empty stadium seats and a swimming records scandal. Whew.

Last year: Not ranked.

20. Patricia Mahan, mayor, Santa Clara: As the potential 49ers stadium travels the rocky political road, she will be at her city's steering wheel.

Last year: Not ranked.

21. Gary Radnich, broadcast personality, KNBR and KRON-TV: His energy continues to shape NorCal opinions and perspective across two mediums; who else on the air is more credible?

Last year: No. 21.

22. Bill Duffy, president, BDA Sports Management: Continues to be a force in NBA agentry; brought top draft pick Greg Oden into the fold this year.

Last year: No. 19.

23. Brian Sabean, senior vice president and general manager, Giants: Bowed to Magowan's will in signing Bonds and Barry Zito; needs to assert himself soon in order to keep his job.

Last year: No. 18.

24. Baron Davis, point guard, Warriors: Was smart enough to follow Nelson's guidelines, but the Warriors were his team and no one else's during the playoffs.

Last year: Not ranked.

25. Don Kassing, president, San Jose State: He deserves major credit for SJSU's football resurgence; he pulled the plug on a proposed soccer stadium deal with Wolff.

Last year: Not ranked.


10 WHO JUST MISSED

In alphabetical order

Tom Bowen, athletic director, SJSU.

Chris Cohan, owner, Warriors.

Dan Coonan, athletic director, Santa Clara.

Patricia Ernstrom, acting executive director, San Jose Sports Authority.

John Fry, electronics retailer and major sports advertiser.

Aaron Goodwin, sports agent.

Lee Hammer, program director, KNBR.

Fr. Paul Locatelli, president, Santa Clara University.

Gavin Newsom, mayor, San Francisco.

Jeff Tedford, football coach, Cal.
 
If he gets the chance to throw a pass, questions will center on Bush's left arm, not his right leg.
Click to expand...

I had not realized that he was a lefty but I can see it now.
 
Scout NFL Roundtable: Top Players Tumbling?

Jun 27, 2007

Putting up impressive numbers in one season doesn't automatically translate into another big season. Just ask any NFL general manager -- or fantasy football owner across the nation if you need confirmation. Our NFL team experts share their insight on who they thing could take a tumble this year.

"Who are the top players on your roster whose production might suddenly drop this year?"

That's the question we posed to our Scout NFL team experts. Find out what they had to say about it in this exclusive Scout.com feature!



Todd Korth, PackerReport.com
Green Bay Packers

Donald Driver is a Pro Bowl receiver who is coming off a career season with 92 catches for 1,295 yards and eight touchdowns. He's had three straight 1,200-plus yards receiving campaigns, but he is entering his ninth NFL season. Though he keeps himself in excellent shape, he will be double- and triple-covered constantly, in 2007, which will affect his numbers -- especially if younger receivers like Greg Jennings, Ruvell Martin and James Jones get open because of the focus on Driver.

Jon Scott, PatriotsInsider.com
New England Patriots

Reche Caldwell is the top candidate who will see his production level drop in New England. The free agent acquisition from 2006 became Tom Brady's No. 1 receiver by default after the team failed to re-sign Deion Branch.

Caldwell managed a career-best 61 receptions for 760 yards to lead all Patriots' receivers. But the addition of Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker and Kelly Washington will put the heat on Caldwell just to make the final roster, let alone match his 2006 season.

Asante Samuel, who turned in a career-best 10 interceptions last year, should see a decline in production. If Samuel holds out, he'll suffer because he won't be ready for the season, or may even miss some games. If he reports in time for the season, teams will likely go after whomever is across from him. Either way it will be hard for Samuel to repeat his 2006 success.

Brad Keller, CardinalInsider.com
Arizona Cardinals

The two players on the Cardinals most likely to see a decline in production are Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt has never had two receivers go over 1,000 yards in the same season in his system, something that Boldin and Fitzgerald did in 2005 and would have easily duplicated in 2006 had Fitzgerald not missed three games.

There will be a new emphasis on the running game under Whisenhunt and, hopefully, Arizona will not be playing from behind as much this season, which would limit both receivers' numbers in garbage time.

Barry McBride, TheOBR.com
Cleveland Browns


The first area concern is the team's defensive line. Ancient warrior Ted Washington (39) is edging closer to the end of his career and defensive stalwart Orpheus Roye (33) is coming from off a poor season due to injury. As with many players his age, there are questions about whether Roye's lower production is a one-year blip due to injury or simply a sign of decline. The Browns hope that the answer is the former, because the they have few options behind Roye at right defensive end.

Another position the long-suffering team's fans and fantasy players need to watch is running back. While Jamal Lewis has looked great in workouts so far, displaying tremendous quickness and no hesitation getting to the hole, his yards per carry have decayed steadily over the past three years. This is generally one of the early signs of a player reaching the end of his career.

Did the Browns sign Lewis in time for a revival of his career or simply get a washed-up back who will do less at running back than Reuben Droughns? Stay tuned.

John Crist, BearReport.com
Chicago Bears

Tight end Desmond Clark enjoyed a career year in 2006, catching 45 passes for 626 yards and 6 touchdowns. Quarterback Rex Grossman was at his best when Clark was heavily involved in the offensive attack, but with the addition of first-rounder Greg Olsen from Miami, Clark's numbers will most likely take a dip this season. Although nobody can deny the fact that Clark is a good player, Olsen is simply a better athlete and offers more big-play ability.

Clark will continue to be the starter in Chicago, but offensive coordinator Ron Turner has already created a package for Olsen and lined him up everywhere from tight end to H-back to fullback during mini camp and OTAs. The Bears will most likely feature a generous amount of two-tight sets, as well. Olsen could be the next in a long line of great Hurricane tight ends, so look for him to eat into Clark's productivity to some degree.

Michael Lombardo, SDBoltReport.com
San Diego Chargers

LaDainian Tomlinson’s numbers are almost certain to drop, as there is nowhere to go but down from the 31 touchdowns and 2,323 yards from scrimmage he posted a season ago. Michael Turner should see some more touches as the Chargers attempt to justify his $2.4 million price tag.

Also, no one should count on Nate Kaeding making a return trip to the Pro Bowl. His 2006 numbers were inflated by kicking for the league’s highest scoring team, but his confidence appears to be at an all-time low. He missed field goals in both of the Chargers’ regular-season defeats and -- for the second time in three years – he missed a clutch kick in the postseason that would have extended San Diego’s season.

cont'd...
 
cont'd...

Doug Farrar, Seahawks.net
Seattle Seahawks

After a 2006 season in which the starting quarterback, running back and top receiver from the year before all saw their output plummet due to injuries and other concerns, it’s difficult to point out another marquee Seahawks player whose totals could be headed downward in 2007. If Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander and Bobby Engram return to reasonable facsimiles of their 2005 totals, the team will be in good shape.

On defense, end Bryce Fisher might see fewer reps as youngsters Darryl Tapp and Baraka Atkins get time on the field. Other than that, I think the Seahawks saw such a downturn in production in so many areas last year, you’d almost have to point to a set of completely unpredictable injuries as a reason for further decline.

Matthew Postins, BucsBlitz.com
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The one player who could suffer a big hit in terms of production in 2007 is wide receiver Joey Galloway. His production the past two seasons -- 145 receptions, 2,344 yards and 17 touchdowns -- rivals his production during his four seasons in Seattle. He's never had a better two-year stretch in terms of receptions of 20 yards or more (36) and first downs (101).

But Galloway is 35 and he must be handled with care due to his hamstrings. He regularly practices just once a day during training camp. Plus, he'll be catching passes from 37-year old Jeff Garcia. If Garcia gets hurt, then it's likely second-year man Bruce Gradkowski, who struggled to get the ball to Galloway last year will step in. Physical breakdowns by either Garcia or Galloway could spell a downturn in Galloway's career resurgence.

Michael John Schon, BroncosUpdate.com
Denver Broncos

A huge question mark for the Denver Broncos heading into 2007 is at the wide receiver position, with thirty-seven year old Rod Smith coming off the worst season of his career, due in part to a severe hip injury. Although the hip was surgically repaired in February, the question remains whether or not the fourteen-year veteran has enough left in the tank to fend off second-year standout Brandon Marshall, who many consider to be the leading candidate to take over the starting role.

While not as predominate as Smith, another Bronco finding himself in an uphill battle is former University of Arizona running back Mike Bell, who broke out a very respectable 677-yards on 157 carries, playing alongside starter Tatum Bell. With Bell packaged in the Dre Bly trade with Detroit during the offseason, the Broncos look to have a shift in philosophy, moving newly acquired Travis Henry into the featured back position and limiting Bell’s carries to short yardage situations. While he may prove effective over the long haul, Bell’s value on the fantasy market will undoubtedly drop severely.

Denis Savage, SilverandBlack.com
Oakland Raiders

The Raiders offense was so anemic last year that it would be improbable to see any production drop. As the only team in the league not to surpass 210 points offensively (168), the only way to go is up in all categories.

We turn to the defense where Warren Sapp had a renaissance of sorts, tracking and wrapping the quarterback up 10 times last year, his highest total since the 2000 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Expecting that kind of production from the 34-year-old veteran may be a bit much to ask. Also, Nnamdi Asomugha came into his fourth season without an interception to his credit and picked off eight in 2006. If the Oakland offense can control the ball more, the odds of Asomugha coming close to equaling his impressive feat last year will be slim.

Charlie Bernstein, JagNation.com
Jacksonville Jaguars

The top player on the Jaguars whose production may take a hit in 2007 could be Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew surprised many in the league last season when the second-round pick ran over and around defenses en route to 2,250 total yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns. Since Jacksonville played without their starting quarterback for most of 2006, they instantly became a run-first team, and Jones-Drew flourished with all the extra touches. The second-year player will not only have to share the backfield with a healthy Fred Taylor in 2007, but also with Greg Jones as well.

In 2007, teams will be keying on stopping the Jaguars' third-ranked rushing attack, and Maurice Jones-Drew is likely to garner attention every time he steps on the field. With quarterback Byron Leftwich returning from injury, and an infusion of talent at the wide receiver positions, the Jaguars will likely throw the football considerably more and that should take away some opportunities for Jones-Drew to carry the ball, and subsequently score touchdowns.

Alain Poupart, DolphinDigest.com
Miami Dolphins

This actually is a very difficult question to answer for the Dolphins, particularly from a fantasy football standpoint, because none of their returning offensive players really had great numbers in 2006. That would include wide receivers Chris Chambers and Marty Booker, and could apply as well to running back Ronnie Brown. Brown did reach 1,000 yards rushing in his second season, but he missed some time because of injuries and he's likely to be able to duplicate -- and probably surpass -- his 2006 stats.

If we take it outside the realm of fantasy football, the logical answer to this question would have to be Jason Taylor, if only because he had such a monstrous 2006 season. Taylor is too good not to put up numbers again in 2007, but he'll be hard-pressed to match his two interception returns for touchdowns as well as his 10 forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed.
 
Behind Enemy Lines: Offseason Edition

Michael Lombardo
Jun 24, 2007

In a special offseason edition of Behind Enemy Lines, we check in on the Oakland Raiders with team expert Denis Savage. Coming off another distant last-place finish, the Raiders appear to have closed the gap this offseason. From the defense’s quest to maintain excellence to the offense’s drive to rise from the ashes, here is everything Chargers fans need to know about their most hated rivals.

Who will be the Raiders starting quarterback on opening day: top pick JaMarcus Russell or journeyman Josh McCown?

Denis Savage: Despite scoring a league-low 168 points last season, the offense has talent and should not be dismissed out-of- hand. The year before that – with a hated Kerry Collins at quarterback – the team scored 290 points, placing them in the middle of the pack offensively that season.

Given that information, and with many of the weapons at wide receiver still intact, McCown will get the nod. If the loses pile up, Russell could very well be ushered in as they prepare for 2008 and beyond.

What is new offensive line coach Tom Cable doing to help the once- promising Robert Gallery get his career back on track?

Denis Savage: There is no position that requires a more able coach than along the offensive line. Part of the problem last year was the ineffective leadership along the line – particularly from the coaching staff. Cable has restored confidence by going back to the fundamentals and teaching his players the basics again.

Gallery lost confidence as the year progressed but has been reassured by Cable who expects the best from everyone but has a way of reaching players that his predecessors did not.

Will the trade of Randy Moss – combined with the addition of Lane Kiffin – allow Jerry Porter to return to the fine form he showed in 2004 and 2005?

Denis Savage: With a new coaching staff and a fresh outlook on life, it is conceivable that Porter returns to the form that saw him lead the team in receptions in 2005. Ronald Curry should not be forgotten either. He is a talented player that finds the open field and can go deep. The two of them should prove to be a formidable pair in the coming year.

The Raiders ranked No. 3 in the league in total defense in 2006. Was that a statistical anomaly or is the Oakland defense capable of repeating that feat?

Denis Savage: The team will regress in some areas defensively but should actually be stronger as a unit.

Consistent pressure from the opposite side of Derrick Burgess could be gained with the quick burst of rookie Quentin Moses and while it is unlikely the cornerbacks play as well as they did last year, Michael Huff will pick up the slack with improved play.

Given that the Chargers, Broncos and Chiefs all finished the 2006 season with winning records, what will it take for the Raiders to climb out of the AFC West cellar?

Denis Savage: A miracle. The Raiders are a team that are just beginning their rise to prominence and while they have elements in place to make a significant jump this year, the quarterback position is one that will take time to come together.
 
Michael Bush ...the next great Raider?

Angry Pope said:
Here is a video of Bush made on June 27...

Hit it here...
Click to expand...
Are you kidding me? And we got this guy in the fourth round? We might have pulled off the coup of the decade if this guy blows up at the NFL level. And frankly, why not? He broke a bone. Not as if he torn up his knee or worse. I'm so hyped about Michael Bush.

Thaks for the vid AP. :D
 
See, it's this sort of quality stuff that we poor shlubs would never find. This is one of the reasons why we appreciate your presence, Pope/Muff/Sand Man.
 
The way Bush is gaining a cult following in Raider land, the dude better be the real deal.

Not to be the pessimist, but in the end, you gotta wonder why the guy dropped to the 100th pick in the draft...I mean McGahee tore his leg off and went top 25.

I sure hope he's as advertised, because a three headed monster of Russell-Miller-Bush could be just what the fans around here need.
 
Raiderfan007 said:
The way Bush is gaining a cult following in Raider land, the dude better be the real deal.

Not to be the pessimist, but in the end, you gotta wonder why the guy dropped to the 100th pick in the draft...I mean McGahee tore his leg off and went top 25.

I sure hope he's as advertised, because a three headed monster of Russell-Miller-Bush could be just what the fans around here need.
Click to expand...

At think at the very least Michael Bush will be a monsterous 2nd RB. I hope he becomes a full time starter. But if he can only provide a threat coming off the bench and filling in when our #1 is hurt then thats good value still. If he is back to full speed he is going to be a #1. If he is slower than college he might be a #2. I personally would love to pair him up with another young RB like S.Slaton, R.Rice or McFadden(hopefully we arent drafting that high). Im a big fan of the dual RB. We need a Reggie Bush to go with our LenDale White for Kiffins offense.
 
Raiderfan007 said:
Not to be the pessimist, but in the end, you gotta wonder why the guy dropped to the 100th pick in the draft...I mean McGahee tore his leg off and went top 25.
Click to expand...

Mcgahee had the luxury of playing the whole season b4 getting injured in the bowl game. Thats the difference that kept his stock high. The draft stock is very fickle, more so these days than a few years ago. If you arent on the field and able to improve your stock, then you're screwed.
 
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