Angel
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Raiders season preview
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Angry Pope
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I hope you don't mind me posting this here, Angel...
49ers, Raiders and Cowboys Players Team up with Washington Mutual to Score Touchdowns for Tots; NFL Stars Arnaz Battle, Lamont Jordan and Jason Witten Serve as Spokesmen for Seventh Annual Program
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2006--Kids and teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Dallas, Texas are rooting for the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys to put a lot of points on the scoreboard this NFL season.
Washington Mutual's "Touchdowns for Tots," now in its seventh year, donates $500 to support school-based children's education for every touchdown scored by the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys. The three organizations that will receive donations this season are Cesar Chavez Elementary School in San Francisco, Oakland Charter Academy of Oakland and Dallas Achieves! -- Dallas Independent School District.
"We're excited to be able to continue our support of quality education for children," said Warren Wilcox, Senior Vice President, Washington Mutual. "Since this program began in 2000, we have donated more than $229,000, and we hope the teams light up the scoreboard this season to help kids and teachers."
The player-spokesmen for this year's "Touchdowns for Tots" program are Arnaz Battle, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers; Lamont Jordan, running back, Oakland Raiders; and All-Pro tight end Jason Witten from the Dallas Cowboys.
Throughout the season, play-by-play announcers on the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys radio networks will acknowledge Washington Mutual's $500 contributions each time the teams reach the end zone. Radio spots featuring Battle, Jordan and Witten will air during the game broadcasts, with Battle and Jordan also appearing on in-stadium video promoting the program at each home game.
About Washington Mutual
Washington Mutual, through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading consumer and small business banks. As of June 30, 2006, Washington Mutual and its subsidiaries had assets of $350.70 billion. The company has a history dating back to 1889 and its subsidiary banks currently operate more than 2,600 consumer and small business banking stores throughout the nation. Washington Mutual's press releases are available at http://newsroom.wamu.com.
49ers, Raiders and Cowboys Players Team up with Washington Mutual to Score Touchdowns for Tots; NFL Stars Arnaz Battle, Lamont Jordan and Jason Witten Serve as Spokesmen for Seventh Annual Program
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 10, 2006--Kids and teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Dallas, Texas are rooting for the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys to put a lot of points on the scoreboard this NFL season.
Washington Mutual's "Touchdowns for Tots," now in its seventh year, donates $500 to support school-based children's education for every touchdown scored by the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys. The three organizations that will receive donations this season are Cesar Chavez Elementary School in San Francisco, Oakland Charter Academy of Oakland and Dallas Achieves! -- Dallas Independent School District.
"We're excited to be able to continue our support of quality education for children," said Warren Wilcox, Senior Vice President, Washington Mutual. "Since this program began in 2000, we have donated more than $229,000, and we hope the teams light up the scoreboard this season to help kids and teachers."
The player-spokesmen for this year's "Touchdowns for Tots" program are Arnaz Battle, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers; Lamont Jordan, running back, Oakland Raiders; and All-Pro tight end Jason Witten from the Dallas Cowboys.
Throughout the season, play-by-play announcers on the 49ers, Raiders and Cowboys radio networks will acknowledge Washington Mutual's $500 contributions each time the teams reach the end zone. Radio spots featuring Battle, Jordan and Witten will air during the game broadcasts, with Battle and Jordan also appearing on in-stadium video promoting the program at each home game.
About Washington Mutual
Washington Mutual, through its subsidiaries, is one of the nation's leading consumer and small business banks. As of June 30, 2006, Washington Mutual and its subsidiaries had assets of $350.70 billion. The company has a history dating back to 1889 and its subsidiary banks currently operate more than 2,600 consumer and small business banking stores throughout the nation. Washington Mutual's press releases are available at http://newsroom.wamu.com.
Angry Pope
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Raiders: It's risky to bet on Black
Aug. 10, 2006
This is the latest in a Fantasy Source series examining the fantasy prospects of every NFL team. Today, a look at the Raiders:
WHAT'S NEW
The something new for the Raiders is a lot like a Silver and Black wedding would be -- it comes with the something old and something borrowed, which should add up to something blue in the standings again.
The something old is the coach, Art Shell, whose first six-year coaching stint with the team finished 12 years ago. Hiring a former right-hand man on the field also means this team remains firmly in the grasp of owner Al Davis.
The something borrowed are the offensive and defensive philosophies. Much like the Super Bowl champion Steelers, this team will look to be run-first with LaMont Jordan, despite the flashiness of the receiving corps. Much like another champion, the Patriots, coordinator Rob Ryan will lean on added linebacker depth from the draft to throw different alignments at opponents.
So why might the near future be blue? Although there is some big-name talent (Randy Moss), a combination of too many inconsistent veterans (new QB Aaron Brooks), a shaky offensive line and a younger defense will make it hard for this team to stay on the field and produce consistently week after week, especially in a tough division.
5-Star Players
LaMont Jordan, RB. The Raiders felt like he would be a perfect fit with them when he was a Jet, and once he became Raider last season, carrying the full load as a versatile running and receiving back, he didn't disappoint. The yards from scrimmage and receptions should be gaudy totals again, and an increased emphasis on the run hopefully will mean some more TD punch-ins. Because Oakland is bound to trail often again, Jordan won't get much help from his line or often be in a position to close out games with late carries. So his value isn't as high as it could be on a better all-around team. Still, he is a solid first-round, No. 1 fantasy back -- anywhere from picks No. 5 through 9, depending on your scoring system.
Randy Moss, WR. He and Terrell Owens are in the same boat. Their marquee names and tantalizing talent will draw us to them in Round 2, but their diva-like issues make us feel like we're living on the edge by drafting them there. If you're a risky investor, you'll put Moss in your portfolio, er, I mean roster. While Steve Smith, Chad Johnson and Marvin Harrison are the "safe" veteran No. 1 wideout picks, Moss is capable of rebounding and exploding with big game after big game. Of course, injury concerns (the groin, ouch) and a QB change to Brooks add to the risk factors. Considering head-to-head fantasy is all about big scoring in a given week, I think it's worth gambling on gathering Moss that high.
4-Star Players
Derrick Burgess, DE. Pop quiz: Who led the NFL in sacks last season? I'll give you a hint -- it's this guy, with an even one for every game (16). Will Burgess defend his title? It's unlikely the total will be that high again because of the double-teams he'll draw, but no matter what fronts Ryan uses, he'll put Burgess in position to succeed again. For a pass-rushing IDP, consider Burgess in the latter part of the top 10.
Key additions: LB Darnell Bing, QB Aaron Brooks, LB Thomas Howard, S Michael Huff, DE Lance Johnstone, CB Duane Starks.
Key losses: QB Kerry Collins, TE Zeron Flemister, DB Renaldo Hill, DT Ted Washington, CB Charles Woodson.
3-Star Players
Aaron Brooks, QB. It's too bad he is no longer in New Orleans, because he and former teammate Will Smith no longer can form the cast of Bad Boys 3. I've had the Martin Lawrence doppleganger on several of my teams in the past, and he has worked well in a platoon in the right matchups. I'm not "so crazy" to think, however, that Brooks will Rebound from a dismal 13-TD and 17-pick season to suddenly blossom with Moss. If you draft Brooks in the second wave of QBs, you can't directly commit him to a committee -- just ask those who were burned by taking Kerry Collins (um, me) too high and seeing him succumb to giveaway-fests. Instead, Brooks is someone you should stash behind a weekly-type starter and use with caution for anything beyond a bye-week replacement.
Jerry Porter, WR. We're still waiting for his first 1,000-yard and double-digit TD season. Appropriately, his level of unhappiness in Shell's camp matches those of his 2005 owners. He should be lighting up No. 2 corners instead of lighting up his coach. I've seen Porter tabbed like a higher-end fantasy No. 2. I think he has that kind of upside with his experience and talent opposite Moss, but he also could just as easily flop again and produce like a No. 3 or even a reserve in shallower leagues. I would rather take the risk on Moss early than on Porter in the middle rounds.
2-Star Players
Sebastian Janikowski, K. You know that indescribable excruciating headache you get when you're hung over after a long Saturday night? I guarantee Seabass does, but to me, it always seems to feel worse to see that Janikowski is your starting kicker on Sunday morning. He converted only 20-of-30 field-goal attempts last season and was tied for 28th among all scorers. Who needs an aspirin?
1-Star Players
Courtney Anderson, TE. Everyone rushed to pick up Anderson after last season's Thursday night opener at New England in which he caught two TD passes. The rest of the year, he caught only 21 balls with one more score. There should be much better options for a bye-week filler during the season.
Zack Crockett and Justin Fargas, RBs. Crockett and Fargas aren't nearly as cool as Crockett and Tubbs or even Starsky and Hutch, even though Fargas is the son of Huggy Bear (um, that would be Antonio Fargas, not Snoop Dogg). Speaking of vice squads, neither is worth "handcuffing" to Jordan in drafts. Find your Jordan insurance elsewhere.
Michael Huff, S. This former Longhorns stud is a long way from the national championship game -- figuratively, because geographically, Pasadena is not that far from Oakland. The team's first-round draft pick has the size, speed, instincts and playmaking flair to eventually be an IDP producer in the class of, say, the Cowboys' Roy Williams. The chances of that happening as early as this season for Huff are unlikely, however, with all the question marks around him in the secondary.
Kirk Morrison, MLB. IDP is all about tackles, not savvy and talent, which lands him on this list.
0-Star Players
Defense/special teams. The unit won't give you much in terms of yards allowed, sacks beyond Burgess or takeaways. Any questions?
Tyler Brayton, DE. Will get some sacks because of Burgess but not enough.
Ronald Curry and Doug Gabriel, WRs. Considering Brooks, Moss and Porter all come with their share of risks, multiple that tenfold for Curry, who has torn the same Achilles' tendon twice in consecutive seasons, and Gabriel, the occasional flash in the pan.
Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopu, QBs. No offense to Huff, but why didn't they draft Matt Leinart?
Fabian Washington, CB. If this blinding second-year speedster can start plucking a few interceptions early, he will quickly shoot up the star chart.
TO KNOW LIST
Ultimate Fantasy Football Tip: Although Moss is worth the risk of jumping on early in traditional Draft and Trade leagues, he is someone you'll want to avoid when buying your wideouts. He is the third highest-priced at $7.5 million, making Chad Johnson look like an absolute steal at $1.26 million cheaper.
Coaching: Shell and coordinator Tom Walsh will combine to make Jordan the centerpiece of their offense, sometimes to the point of frustrating owners of Brooks, Moss and Porter. Davis' love for big plays downfield might take a backseat to more running between the tackles, dump-offs and designed screens.
Defensively, Ryan is imparting his wisdom to several players at key positions who will need time to learn it, most notably rookies Huff, Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing, who all will be called upon to be quick contributors. It's unreasonable to expect a big improvement from last season as young players try to mesh with the system.
Offensive line: It's too bad Shell, an eight-time Pro Bowler who shined on the Raiders' line of the 1970s, is too old to suit up and play, because they could sure use him again. The biggest concern is pass protection. Left tackle Robert Gallery hasn't lived up to expectations of a high first-rounder, and right tackle Langston Walker hasn't put it all together yet. They're only average at best in the middle, where they're set to break in rookie Paul McQuistan at right guard. Jordan's value won't be affected too much by what's in front of him, but Brooks better be prepared to get the ball out even more quickly than he did in New Orleans.
Schedule analysis: The AFC West competition will be tough again, with Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all having playoff potential. The team also must play Super Bowl participants Pittsburgh and Seattle, but the league has thrown the Raiders plenty of bones in the form of fellow '05 dog teams Cleveland, San Francisco, Houston and the Jets. That kind of schedule will mean up-and-down results -- just be sure to choose to exploit the Raiders' weakest matchups. Fantasy Strength of Schedule: 22nd toughest (or 11th easiest).
Aug. 10, 2006
This is the latest in a Fantasy Source series examining the fantasy prospects of every NFL team. Today, a look at the Raiders:
WHAT'S NEW
The something new for the Raiders is a lot like a Silver and Black wedding would be -- it comes with the something old and something borrowed, which should add up to something blue in the standings again.
The something old is the coach, Art Shell, whose first six-year coaching stint with the team finished 12 years ago. Hiring a former right-hand man on the field also means this team remains firmly in the grasp of owner Al Davis.
The something borrowed are the offensive and defensive philosophies. Much like the Super Bowl champion Steelers, this team will look to be run-first with LaMont Jordan, despite the flashiness of the receiving corps. Much like another champion, the Patriots, coordinator Rob Ryan will lean on added linebacker depth from the draft to throw different alignments at opponents.
So why might the near future be blue? Although there is some big-name talent (Randy Moss), a combination of too many inconsistent veterans (new QB Aaron Brooks), a shaky offensive line and a younger defense will make it hard for this team to stay on the field and produce consistently week after week, especially in a tough division.
5-Star Players
LaMont Jordan, RB. The Raiders felt like he would be a perfect fit with them when he was a Jet, and once he became Raider last season, carrying the full load as a versatile running and receiving back, he didn't disappoint. The yards from scrimmage and receptions should be gaudy totals again, and an increased emphasis on the run hopefully will mean some more TD punch-ins. Because Oakland is bound to trail often again, Jordan won't get much help from his line or often be in a position to close out games with late carries. So his value isn't as high as it could be on a better all-around team. Still, he is a solid first-round, No. 1 fantasy back -- anywhere from picks No. 5 through 9, depending on your scoring system.
Randy Moss, WR. He and Terrell Owens are in the same boat. Their marquee names and tantalizing talent will draw us to them in Round 2, but their diva-like issues make us feel like we're living on the edge by drafting them there. If you're a risky investor, you'll put Moss in your portfolio, er, I mean roster. While Steve Smith, Chad Johnson and Marvin Harrison are the "safe" veteran No. 1 wideout picks, Moss is capable of rebounding and exploding with big game after big game. Of course, injury concerns (the groin, ouch) and a QB change to Brooks add to the risk factors. Considering head-to-head fantasy is all about big scoring in a given week, I think it's worth gambling on gathering Moss that high.
4-Star Players
Derrick Burgess, DE. Pop quiz: Who led the NFL in sacks last season? I'll give you a hint -- it's this guy, with an even one for every game (16). Will Burgess defend his title? It's unlikely the total will be that high again because of the double-teams he'll draw, but no matter what fronts Ryan uses, he'll put Burgess in position to succeed again. For a pass-rushing IDP, consider Burgess in the latter part of the top 10.
Key additions: LB Darnell Bing, QB Aaron Brooks, LB Thomas Howard, S Michael Huff, DE Lance Johnstone, CB Duane Starks.
Key losses: QB Kerry Collins, TE Zeron Flemister, DB Renaldo Hill, DT Ted Washington, CB Charles Woodson.
3-Star Players
Aaron Brooks, QB. It's too bad he is no longer in New Orleans, because he and former teammate Will Smith no longer can form the cast of Bad Boys 3. I've had the Martin Lawrence doppleganger on several of my teams in the past, and he has worked well in a platoon in the right matchups. I'm not "so crazy" to think, however, that Brooks will Rebound from a dismal 13-TD and 17-pick season to suddenly blossom with Moss. If you draft Brooks in the second wave of QBs, you can't directly commit him to a committee -- just ask those who were burned by taking Kerry Collins (um, me) too high and seeing him succumb to giveaway-fests. Instead, Brooks is someone you should stash behind a weekly-type starter and use with caution for anything beyond a bye-week replacement.
Jerry Porter, WR. We're still waiting for his first 1,000-yard and double-digit TD season. Appropriately, his level of unhappiness in Shell's camp matches those of his 2005 owners. He should be lighting up No. 2 corners instead of lighting up his coach. I've seen Porter tabbed like a higher-end fantasy No. 2. I think he has that kind of upside with his experience and talent opposite Moss, but he also could just as easily flop again and produce like a No. 3 or even a reserve in shallower leagues. I would rather take the risk on Moss early than on Porter in the middle rounds.
2-Star Players
Sebastian Janikowski, K. You know that indescribable excruciating headache you get when you're hung over after a long Saturday night? I guarantee Seabass does, but to me, it always seems to feel worse to see that Janikowski is your starting kicker on Sunday morning. He converted only 20-of-30 field-goal attempts last season and was tied for 28th among all scorers. Who needs an aspirin?
1-Star Players
Courtney Anderson, TE. Everyone rushed to pick up Anderson after last season's Thursday night opener at New England in which he caught two TD passes. The rest of the year, he caught only 21 balls with one more score. There should be much better options for a bye-week filler during the season.
Zack Crockett and Justin Fargas, RBs. Crockett and Fargas aren't nearly as cool as Crockett and Tubbs or even Starsky and Hutch, even though Fargas is the son of Huggy Bear (um, that would be Antonio Fargas, not Snoop Dogg). Speaking of vice squads, neither is worth "handcuffing" to Jordan in drafts. Find your Jordan insurance elsewhere.
Michael Huff, S. This former Longhorns stud is a long way from the national championship game -- figuratively, because geographically, Pasadena is not that far from Oakland. The team's first-round draft pick has the size, speed, instincts and playmaking flair to eventually be an IDP producer in the class of, say, the Cowboys' Roy Williams. The chances of that happening as early as this season for Huff are unlikely, however, with all the question marks around him in the secondary.
Kirk Morrison, MLB. IDP is all about tackles, not savvy and talent, which lands him on this list.
0-Star Players
Defense/special teams. The unit won't give you much in terms of yards allowed, sacks beyond Burgess or takeaways. Any questions?
Tyler Brayton, DE. Will get some sacks because of Burgess but not enough.
Ronald Curry and Doug Gabriel, WRs. Considering Brooks, Moss and Porter all come with their share of risks, multiple that tenfold for Curry, who has torn the same Achilles' tendon twice in consecutive seasons, and Gabriel, the occasional flash in the pan.
Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopu, QBs. No offense to Huff, but why didn't they draft Matt Leinart?
Fabian Washington, CB. If this blinding second-year speedster can start plucking a few interceptions early, he will quickly shoot up the star chart.
TO KNOW LIST
Ultimate Fantasy Football Tip: Although Moss is worth the risk of jumping on early in traditional Draft and Trade leagues, he is someone you'll want to avoid when buying your wideouts. He is the third highest-priced at $7.5 million, making Chad Johnson look like an absolute steal at $1.26 million cheaper.
Coaching: Shell and coordinator Tom Walsh will combine to make Jordan the centerpiece of their offense, sometimes to the point of frustrating owners of Brooks, Moss and Porter. Davis' love for big plays downfield might take a backseat to more running between the tackles, dump-offs and designed screens.
Defensively, Ryan is imparting his wisdom to several players at key positions who will need time to learn it, most notably rookies Huff, Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing, who all will be called upon to be quick contributors. It's unreasonable to expect a big improvement from last season as young players try to mesh with the system.
Offensive line: It's too bad Shell, an eight-time Pro Bowler who shined on the Raiders' line of the 1970s, is too old to suit up and play, because they could sure use him again. The biggest concern is pass protection. Left tackle Robert Gallery hasn't lived up to expectations of a high first-rounder, and right tackle Langston Walker hasn't put it all together yet. They're only average at best in the middle, where they're set to break in rookie Paul McQuistan at right guard. Jordan's value won't be affected too much by what's in front of him, but Brooks better be prepared to get the ball out even more quickly than he did in New Orleans.
Schedule analysis: The AFC West competition will be tough again, with Denver, Kansas City and San Diego all having playoff potential. The team also must play Super Bowl participants Pittsburgh and Seattle, but the league has thrown the Raiders plenty of bones in the form of fellow '05 dog teams Cleveland, San Francisco, Houston and the Jets. That kind of schedule will mean up-and-down results -- just be sure to choose to exploit the Raiders' weakest matchups. Fantasy Strength of Schedule: 22nd toughest (or 11th easiest).
Angry Pope
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Training-camp postcard: Raiders
Posted: Friday August 11, 2006 10:56AM; Updated: Friday August 11, 2006 12:16PM
Oft-complaining running back LaMont Jordan should have more than enough work this fall under new Raiders coach Art Shell.
AP
Napa, Calif., where the Oakland Raiders train on the practice fields behind the Napa Valley Marriott.
Here's the Drill
1. Raiders fans should expect more production from running back LaMont Jordan this season. Head coach Art Shell wants his offense to become a power-running unit, and that means Jordan, who ran for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, shouldn't be complaining about a lack of carries anymore. He became very frustrated with the offense of former coach Norv Turner last season, especially because Jordan had signed a fat free-agent deal to be its feature back. "We're finally going to have an identity on offense," Jordan says.
2. Cornerback Fabian Washington has turned a few heads in his second season. He's shown more consistency and confidence during this camp and he's revealed a penchant for making big plays in practice. Washington, a first-round pick in '05, also intercepted a pass in the Raiders' 16-10 victory over Philadelphia in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday. With his 4.3 speed and explosiveness, he should be a player to watch this fall.
3. Barry Sims is making one of the most important moves on the Raiders offensive line. A former starter at left tackle, he's moving to left guard to clear room for Robert Gallery, the previous starter at right tackle. "Barry didn't really like the move at first but he saw it would help the unit as a whole," Shell says. "He can pull and trap and do a lot of things we want from that position."
4. If there's one thing that Shell wants to see more of from his beleaguered defense, it's intensity. That unit has ranked among the league's worst in each of the last two seasons, and Shell believes more players need to be flying around. In his eyes, if that unit can generate more big plays and give up less, this team can win more games.
5. Defensive end Lance Johnstone is enjoying his second stint with the Raiders. He spent the first five years of his career with Oakland and the last five in Minnesota. As with the Vikings, he'll be a situational pass rusher. "I'm not upset that I didn't stay in Minnesota," says Johnstone, who has 70 career sacks. "I saw the writing on the wall because they've used first-round picks on two defensive ends in the last two drafts (Kenechi Udezi and Erasmus James). They had to play those guys at some point."
Factoid
The Raiders have used five first-round picks on defensive backs since '01. Along with this year's top pick, safety Michael Huff, the list includes Washington, safety Derrick Gibson and two other cornerbacks -- Nnamdi Asomugha and Phillip Buchanon (whom the Raiders traded to Houston last year).
Fantasy Geek Note
Until quarterback Aaron Brooks proves he can be steady, be wary of Randy Moss. Though Brooks has better mobility than last year's starter, Kerry Collins, that doesn't exactly mean Moss will generate bigger numbers
Camp Confidential
Shell says his public feud with disgruntled wide receiver Jerry Porter has settled down. Porter wanted Mike Martz to fill the head coaching vacancy instead of Shell. He was so overbearing, in fact, that Raiders owner Al Davis granted him permission to seek a trade. But Porter has been quiet lately. "I'm not dealing with that issue anymore," Shell says. "The media makes more of it now than Jerry or I do."
Posted: Friday August 11, 2006 10:56AM; Updated: Friday August 11, 2006 12:16PM
Oft-complaining running back LaMont Jordan should have more than enough work this fall under new Raiders coach Art Shell.
AP
Napa, Calif., where the Oakland Raiders train on the practice fields behind the Napa Valley Marriott.
Here's the Drill
1. Raiders fans should expect more production from running back LaMont Jordan this season. Head coach Art Shell wants his offense to become a power-running unit, and that means Jordan, who ran for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns in 2005, shouldn't be complaining about a lack of carries anymore. He became very frustrated with the offense of former coach Norv Turner last season, especially because Jordan had signed a fat free-agent deal to be its feature back. "We're finally going to have an identity on offense," Jordan says.
2. Cornerback Fabian Washington has turned a few heads in his second season. He's shown more consistency and confidence during this camp and he's revealed a penchant for making big plays in practice. Washington, a first-round pick in '05, also intercepted a pass in the Raiders' 16-10 victory over Philadelphia in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday. With his 4.3 speed and explosiveness, he should be a player to watch this fall.
3. Barry Sims is making one of the most important moves on the Raiders offensive line. A former starter at left tackle, he's moving to left guard to clear room for Robert Gallery, the previous starter at right tackle. "Barry didn't really like the move at first but he saw it would help the unit as a whole," Shell says. "He can pull and trap and do a lot of things we want from that position."
4. If there's one thing that Shell wants to see more of from his beleaguered defense, it's intensity. That unit has ranked among the league's worst in each of the last two seasons, and Shell believes more players need to be flying around. In his eyes, if that unit can generate more big plays and give up less, this team can win more games.
5. Defensive end Lance Johnstone is enjoying his second stint with the Raiders. He spent the first five years of his career with Oakland and the last five in Minnesota. As with the Vikings, he'll be a situational pass rusher. "I'm not upset that I didn't stay in Minnesota," says Johnstone, who has 70 career sacks. "I saw the writing on the wall because they've used first-round picks on two defensive ends in the last two drafts (Kenechi Udezi and Erasmus James). They had to play those guys at some point."
Factoid
The Raiders have used five first-round picks on defensive backs since '01. Along with this year's top pick, safety Michael Huff, the list includes Washington, safety Derrick Gibson and two other cornerbacks -- Nnamdi Asomugha and Phillip Buchanon (whom the Raiders traded to Houston last year).
Fantasy Geek Note
Until quarterback Aaron Brooks proves he can be steady, be wary of Randy Moss. Though Brooks has better mobility than last year's starter, Kerry Collins, that doesn't exactly mean Moss will generate bigger numbers
Camp Confidential
Shell says his public feud with disgruntled wide receiver Jerry Porter has settled down. Porter wanted Mike Martz to fill the head coaching vacancy instead of Shell. He was so overbearing, in fact, that Raiders owner Al Davis granted him permission to seek a trade. But Porter has been quiet lately. "I'm not dealing with that issue anymore," Shell says. "The media makes more of it now than Jerry or I do."
Angry Pope
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Preseason Preview: Raiders at Vikings
John Holler
Date: Aug 14, 2006
The Oakland Raiders still tag themselves as the “Team of the Decades,” but they would be happy to simply get a better handle on their rotation at certain positions after a preseason game with the Vikings tonight.
For months there was plenty of speculation as to what the 2006 Vikings would look like. After hiring a new coaching staff, adding several players and losing several more, fans will get their first chance to see the 2006 Vikings – both locally and nationwide – as the team becomes the last in the NFL to open the preseason schedule when it hosts the Raiders Monday night.
The game has national significance because it will be the first “Monday Night Football” game since the NFL moved the Monday night package from ABC to ESPN. But to Vikings fans, the significance of the game will center on the return of Randy Moss to the stadium in which he electrified fans for years.
Unlike the Vikings, the Raiders will be playing their second preseason game of the year – they played in the Hall of Fame game against the Eagles last week to open the preseason schedule. They might play their starters a little longer than the Vikings and, from the looks of things, they may need to.
Like the Vikings, the Raiders are a team in transition after firing their coaching staff and, after being rebuffed by several coaching candidates, brought Art Shell out of retirement to return to the team. Shell is trying to install discipline and a return to the vertical passing game, which should help not only Moss, but quarterback Aaron Brooks.
Brooks has been one of the more erratic quarterbacks in the league, posting great numbers at times, but often making critical mistakes that cost his Saints teams games. He was effectively run out of town at the end of last season and landed with the Raiders. He has plenty of weapons to use in the passing game, starting with but not exclusive to Moss. Jerry Porter is a tremendous talent, but has already found himself in Shell’s doghouse after getting into a shouting match with him during the pre-training camp workouts. He has been the subject of several trade rumors, but remains in the mix as an excellent complement receiver to Moss. While they likely will only play a couple of series, several other Raiders receivers are using the Porter situation to improve their own stock.
Doug Gabriel has spent the early part of training camp working with the first unit offense and Ronald Curry has been slowed with injuries that will give veteran Alvis Whitted and young players Johnnie Morant and Carlos Francis more opportunities. The tight ends are scarce on the Raider roster, with Courtney Anderson used more as a blocker than a receiver and backup Randal Williams transitioning from being a wide recevier to a tight end.
While the passing game has weapons for Brooks and backups Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter, the running game is expected to be the private domain of LaMont Jordan once the regular season rolls around. Similar to the Vikings’ Chester Taylor, Jordan spent his early career as a backup – playing behind Curtis Martin with the New York Jets. Given his opportunity to shine, he made the most of it last year, leading the Raiders in both rushing and receptions. However, the Raiders are more concerned about having him healthy for the regular season, so he will likely see just a cameo appearance Monday, giving way for backups like Justin Fargas, RaShard Lee and Rod Smart of “He Hate Me” fame to get their chance to make an impression on the coaching staff.
The biggest change up front for the Raiders will be the return of former top pick Robert Gallery to his natural left tackle position, one of the first moves Shell – a former offensive lineman himself – made. The move will return Langston Walker to right tackle with Jake Grove at center and Barry Sims and Paul McQuistan at guards. Among the projected backups include former starters Adam Treu at both center and guard and former Viking Brad Badger as a backup right tackle.
The defensive front didn’t have a single player start all 16 games and only two – tackle Tommy Kelly and end Derrick Burgess – that even played all 16 games. The Raiders have some star power on the line with longtime Vikings nemesis Warren Sapp at the other tackle spot and converted linebacker Tyler Brayton at the rush end position. Among the Raiders looking to hook on is former Viking Lance Johnstone, who returns to Oakland after several productive years with the Vikings.
The linebacker corps has a new look to it with the addition of rookie Thomas Howard, who is expected to be an immediate starter at outside linebacker. He’ll join Sam Williams and Kirk Morrison in the starting lineup. Neither player is overly flashy or dominant in pass coverage or as blitzers, but both are very aggressive and chase down a lot of plays. There is plenty of competition for backup roles, with converted rookie safety Darnell Bing, Grant Irons, Robert Thomas and Isaiah Ekejiuba fighting for roster spots on the outside and Danny Clark and Ryan Riddle in a position battle on the inside. The backup spots are wide open and nothing is assured, which should make for some good camp competition.
The Raiders secondary is also a work in progress. After letting former All-Pro cornerback Charles Woodson go, the Raiders enter their second season with starting corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington. Both have good speed and weren’t burned often last year, despite being targets of deep passes. A pair of veterans looking to reclaim their careers – Duane Starks and Tyrone Poole – are among the players looking to hang on as backups and potential nickel backs. The bigger competition could be at safety, where first-round pick Michael Huff is trying to unseat former first-rounder Derrick Gibson at strong safety, while Stuart Schweigert seems relatively set at free safety. Jarrod Cooper will also see action, but his forte is on special teams, which should be enough to keep him on the roster.
One training camp battle to watch is at kicker. Oakland has been known as having one of the best kicking units in the league with kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. But Janikowski had his worst season as a pro last year and the Raiders aren’t letting him sit on his laurels of past seasons. He’s in a battle with youngsters Tim Duncan and David Kimball and, if he struggles, Janikowski could be done as a Raider.
The Raiders are a good opponent for the Vikings. Coming off a lackluster opening performance at the Hall of Fame game, Oakland is looking to make a big impression. The Vikings, meanwhile, want to get their 2006 season off to a winning start. The game promises to have many of the elements that make a first preseason game what it is – a chance for the starters to get a cameo workout and let the guys fighting for their NFL lives decide the outcome.
John Holler
Date: Aug 14, 2006
The Oakland Raiders still tag themselves as the “Team of the Decades,” but they would be happy to simply get a better handle on their rotation at certain positions after a preseason game with the Vikings tonight.
For months there was plenty of speculation as to what the 2006 Vikings would look like. After hiring a new coaching staff, adding several players and losing several more, fans will get their first chance to see the 2006 Vikings – both locally and nationwide – as the team becomes the last in the NFL to open the preseason schedule when it hosts the Raiders Monday night.
The game has national significance because it will be the first “Monday Night Football” game since the NFL moved the Monday night package from ABC to ESPN. But to Vikings fans, the significance of the game will center on the return of Randy Moss to the stadium in which he electrified fans for years.
Unlike the Vikings, the Raiders will be playing their second preseason game of the year – they played in the Hall of Fame game against the Eagles last week to open the preseason schedule. They might play their starters a little longer than the Vikings and, from the looks of things, they may need to.
Like the Vikings, the Raiders are a team in transition after firing their coaching staff and, after being rebuffed by several coaching candidates, brought Art Shell out of retirement to return to the team. Shell is trying to install discipline and a return to the vertical passing game, which should help not only Moss, but quarterback Aaron Brooks.
Brooks has been one of the more erratic quarterbacks in the league, posting great numbers at times, but often making critical mistakes that cost his Saints teams games. He was effectively run out of town at the end of last season and landed with the Raiders. He has plenty of weapons to use in the passing game, starting with but not exclusive to Moss. Jerry Porter is a tremendous talent, but has already found himself in Shell’s doghouse after getting into a shouting match with him during the pre-training camp workouts. He has been the subject of several trade rumors, but remains in the mix as an excellent complement receiver to Moss. While they likely will only play a couple of series, several other Raiders receivers are using the Porter situation to improve their own stock.
Doug Gabriel has spent the early part of training camp working with the first unit offense and Ronald Curry has been slowed with injuries that will give veteran Alvis Whitted and young players Johnnie Morant and Carlos Francis more opportunities. The tight ends are scarce on the Raider roster, with Courtney Anderson used more as a blocker than a receiver and backup Randal Williams transitioning from being a wide recevier to a tight end.
While the passing game has weapons for Brooks and backups Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter, the running game is expected to be the private domain of LaMont Jordan once the regular season rolls around. Similar to the Vikings’ Chester Taylor, Jordan spent his early career as a backup – playing behind Curtis Martin with the New York Jets. Given his opportunity to shine, he made the most of it last year, leading the Raiders in both rushing and receptions. However, the Raiders are more concerned about having him healthy for the regular season, so he will likely see just a cameo appearance Monday, giving way for backups like Justin Fargas, RaShard Lee and Rod Smart of “He Hate Me” fame to get their chance to make an impression on the coaching staff.
The biggest change up front for the Raiders will be the return of former top pick Robert Gallery to his natural left tackle position, one of the first moves Shell – a former offensive lineman himself – made. The move will return Langston Walker to right tackle with Jake Grove at center and Barry Sims and Paul McQuistan at guards. Among the projected backups include former starters Adam Treu at both center and guard and former Viking Brad Badger as a backup right tackle.
The defensive front didn’t have a single player start all 16 games and only two – tackle Tommy Kelly and end Derrick Burgess – that even played all 16 games. The Raiders have some star power on the line with longtime Vikings nemesis Warren Sapp at the other tackle spot and converted linebacker Tyler Brayton at the rush end position. Among the Raiders looking to hook on is former Viking Lance Johnstone, who returns to Oakland after several productive years with the Vikings.
The linebacker corps has a new look to it with the addition of rookie Thomas Howard, who is expected to be an immediate starter at outside linebacker. He’ll join Sam Williams and Kirk Morrison in the starting lineup. Neither player is overly flashy or dominant in pass coverage or as blitzers, but both are very aggressive and chase down a lot of plays. There is plenty of competition for backup roles, with converted rookie safety Darnell Bing, Grant Irons, Robert Thomas and Isaiah Ekejiuba fighting for roster spots on the outside and Danny Clark and Ryan Riddle in a position battle on the inside. The backup spots are wide open and nothing is assured, which should make for some good camp competition.
The Raiders secondary is also a work in progress. After letting former All-Pro cornerback Charles Woodson go, the Raiders enter their second season with starting corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington. Both have good speed and weren’t burned often last year, despite being targets of deep passes. A pair of veterans looking to reclaim their careers – Duane Starks and Tyrone Poole – are among the players looking to hang on as backups and potential nickel backs. The bigger competition could be at safety, where first-round pick Michael Huff is trying to unseat former first-rounder Derrick Gibson at strong safety, while Stuart Schweigert seems relatively set at free safety. Jarrod Cooper will also see action, but his forte is on special teams, which should be enough to keep him on the roster.
One training camp battle to watch is at kicker. Oakland has been known as having one of the best kicking units in the league with kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. But Janikowski had his worst season as a pro last year and the Raiders aren’t letting him sit on his laurels of past seasons. He’s in a battle with youngsters Tim Duncan and David Kimball and, if he struggles, Janikowski could be done as a Raider.
The Raiders are a good opponent for the Vikings. Coming off a lackluster opening performance at the Hall of Fame game, Oakland is looking to make a big impression. The Vikings, meanwhile, want to get their 2006 season off to a winning start. The game promises to have many of the elements that make a first preseason game what it is – a chance for the starters to get a cameo workout and let the guys fighting for their NFL lives decide the outcome.
Angry Pope
All Raider
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It was because sometimes it is an article that is off topic from the thread 
Angry Pope
All Raider
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2006
- Messages
- 8,457
- Reaction score
- 547
Disregard...posted in wrong thread ...