Seahawks vs Us....

[Angry Pope]

Raiders Travel to Seattle


The Oakland Raiders, The Team of the Decades and members of the American Football Conference Western Division, face the National Football Conference Western Division Seattle Seahawks this Thursday in their fifth and final preseason game.

TELEVISION: This week's game will be televised live locally on KTVU FOX 2, with Grant Napear handling play-by-play, Raider Legend Jim Plunkett and veteran football analyst and former college and NFL coach Artie Gigantino as color analysts. Raider Legend George Atkinson will handle sideline reporting duties while Jim Gray will serve as host of the telecast.

RADIO: KSFO 560 AM is the Raiders flagship for the multi-state Raiders Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 10th straight year. The pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO's Rich Walcoff.

SPANISH RADIO: Univision radio station KLOK 1170 AM serves as the team's official flagship station for The Oakland Raiders Spanish radio broadcasts. Veteran broadcasters Armando Botello and Ramon Diaz handle announcing duties.

RAIDERS-SEAHAWKS SERIES: This game marks the fifth preseason game between the Raiders and Seahawks with the teams tied in the series (2-2). The Raiders and Seahawks first met in the preseason 30 years ago in Oakland. The last time the two teams met in the preseason was in 2000. The Raiders hold a 27-22 advantage over the Seahawks in regular season action since the teams first met in 1977 in Oakland. The teams met twice a year while Seattle was in the AFC West Division between 1978-2001.

CONNECTIONS

RAIDERS: QB Marques Tuiasosopo and brother FB Zach Tuiasosopo grew up in Woodinville, Wash....DE Tyler Brayton is from Pasco, Wash....DT Rashad Moore was drafted by and played for Seattle from 2003-04...DE Bobby Hamilton signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted fee agent in 1994 and was with the team until 1995...QB Andrew Walter was teammates with Seahawks WR Skyler Fulton at Arizona State...DE Tyler Brayton played with Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett and T Tom Ashworth at Colorado...P Shane Lechler was teammates with Seahawks DT Rocky Bernard at Texas A&M...WR Rick Gatewood played with Seahawks QB Travis Lulay at Montana State...CB Fabian Washington and Seahawks K Josh Brown played together at Nebraska...WR Ronald Curry played for North Carolina with Seahawks DT Russell Davis...RB John Paul Foschi and CB Dennis Davis played for Georgia Tech with Seahawks TE Will Heller and RB Jimmy Dixon...DE Bryant McNeal, DT Donnell Washington and G Cory Hulsey all played for Clemson with Seahawks LB Leroy Hill and G William Henry...T Robert Gallery played with Seahawks WR C.J. Jones at Iowa...LB Darnell Bing, WR Will Buchanon, and RB Justin Fargas were teammates with Seahawks FB David Kirtman and LB Lofa Tatupu at USC...S Stuart Schweigert and Seahawks LB Niko Koutouvides and DT Craig Terrill played together at Purdue...TE James Adkisson and T Jabari Levey went to South Carolina with Seahawks LB Lance Laury...Rookie S Michael Huff was teammates with LB D.D. Lewis and DT Marcus Tubbs at Texas...C Jake Grove played with Seahawks C Jason Murphy at Virginia Tech...Rookie TE Derek Miller and Seahawks TE Matt Murphy were teammates at Maryland...LB Ricky Brown and Seahawks C Pat Ross attended Boston College...S Jarrod Cooper, RB Joe Hall, and DE Kevin Huntley played for Kansas State with Seahawks RB Josh Scobey...LB Isaiah Ekejiuba was teammates with Seahawks RB Marquis Weeks at Virginia...C Adam Treu and Seahawks DE Grant Wistrom were teammates at Nebraska...DT Tommy Kelly and Seahawks T Floyd Womack both attended Mississippi State...SS Derrick Gibson, K Sebastian Janikowski, RB Zack Crockett, and Seahawks T Walter Jones, CB Gerard Ross, SS Michael Boulware, WR Peter Warrick, and T Ray Willis played at Florida State.

SEAHAWKS: Offensive line coach Bill Laveroni coached at Cal in 1970, USF in 1971, St. Ignatius High School from 1972-76, Piedmont High School in 1977, Cal's linebackers and tight ends in 1978 and came back to coach the offensive line from 1983-89, San Jose State linebackers and special teams and offensive line 1991-94, and the San Jose Sabercats in 1995...Assistant offensive line coach Keith Gilbert was the head coach at Cal from 1992-95...Special teams coach Bob Casullo worked with the Raiders special teams from 2000-03...Head Coach Mike Holmgren was a Lincoln High School assistant coach in 1971, Sacred Heart High School assistant coach from 1972-74, Oak Grove HS (San Jose) 1975-80, and offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for San Francisco State in 1981...Special teams assistant John Jamison coached with Holmgren at Sacred Heart HS in 1973, went to Lincoln HS in San Francisco before he attended Cal and played football one year...WR Maurice Mann grew up in Seaside, Calif...DE Joe Tafoya is from Pittsburg, Cailf.

LAST WEEK: The Oakland Raiders defeated the Detroit Lions at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland. QB Aaron Brooks went 9 of 15 for 187 yards and two touchdowns - both to WR Randy Moss. Moss hauled in three passes on the night for 102 yards. RB Justin Fargas led the way on the ground with 10 carries for 62 yards. RB LaMont Jordan added a 14-yard touchdown run for the Raiders.


SILVER LININGS

THREE MORE TAKEAWAYS: The Raiders added three more takeaways during last Friday's action versus the Detroit Lions, bringing their total to 12-seven interceptions and five fumble recoveries.

LOTSA YARDS: For the second consecutive week the Raiders topped the century mark on the ground. The team racked up 123 yards on 37 attempts, led by Justin Fargas' 62 yards. The previous week against San Francisco, the Silver and Black totaled 156 yards rushing. The Raiders have accumulated 454 rushing yards in four games.

ALL GOOD SO FAR: Sebastian Janikowski added three successful PATs last Friday versus the Lions to stay perfect on kicks. Janikowski is seven-for-seven on field goal attempts, including three from 50 yards and beyond. His 55-yard field goal on Monday night, August 14, at Minnesota matched his Raider record for the longest field goal made in the regular season (11-2-03 at Detroit) and his career long. Janikowski is the Raider leader in field goal accuracy entering 2006 at an 80.8 percent clip.

AIR ATTACK: Randy Moss became second Raider receiver to join the century club in the preseason with his 102 yards against the Lions last Friday. Moss joins Johnnie Morant, who posted 108 yards against the Minnesota Vikings on August 14.

POINT ON POINTS: The Raiders have outscored their opponents 76-33 in the preseason.


LAST TIME: The last time the Raiders were 4-0 in the preseason was in 1975. The Silver and Black finished that preseason 5-1 and the regular season, 11-3.


NEXT WEEK: The Oakland Raiders prepare for the 2006 regular season opener on Monday night, September 11 versus the San Diego Chargers at McAfee Coliseum. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

 

[Angry Pope]

Gearing Up for Seattle

August 29, 2006


The Oakland Raiders conclude the 2006 preseason with a trip to Seattle this week to face the Seahawks at Qwest Field at 7:00 p.m. Thursday night. It will mark the Raiders first appearance at the Seahawks' stadium which opened in 2002. The last time the Raiders played in Seattle, the two teams played at the University of Washington's Husky Stadium. Raiders players are excited for the opportunity to finish the 2006 preseason undefeated and head into the regular season on a high note. But, they also realize the challenges and work ahead of them.

Offensive lineman Corey Hulsey, who filled in for Jake Grove at center last week in the team's win over Detroit, is relishing the opportunity to get on the field and contribute. "It felt good to back out there with the guys, making the calls is special, everybody goes off [the center's line] call, if you're not right, the whole line is wrong." Hulsey said. "It felt good to be back out there with the 'ones.' We're ready to go out there and do it again. The more we've gotten to play together, it's another week in the system, the more you play with each other, the more you know each other. We executed well (vs. Detroit), we're going to just keep building on that."

"The [Seahawks] front seven is quick and aggressive, you can tell they're a solid group. They really have a feel for each other, it's going to be a good challenge for us. Seattle is going to be the best defense we've faced. It's going to get us ready," Hulsey said.


The Raiders have improved each week during this preseason and have put together impressive back-to-back performances with a 23-7 win over San Francisco, and a 21-3 victory over the Detroit Lions, after 16-10 and 16-13 wins over the Eagles and the Vikings respectively.

Safety Jarrod Cooper said of Thursday's game at Seattle, "It's important to not only take another step up as a team, so when our 'ones' go out there they perform like they did last week, if not better, but whenever they come out, the people that take their places, there isn't a hitch, it looks like the same offense, same defense, no mental mistakes. When you're backing somebody up, you're one play away. You have to know where your back-ups are."

So far during the preseason, the Raiders have outscored their opponents 76-33, have close to a 34:00 - 27:00 time of possession advantage, and have caused 12 turnovers in four games.

"It's going well, each and every week as a team we've gotten better and improved across the board, from player to player, from coach to coach," DE/LB Grant Irons said. "Of all the years I've been a part of the Raiders, this has been the most enjoyable preseason. Each and every week it's coming together, closer and closer. We're all excited for the season."


"They did make it to the Super Bowl and this is a talented team. They have a good running game, they run downhill. They have a great quarterback in [Matt] Hasselbeck, we have to make sure we look at the game plan and execute and go out there to play to win," Irons said.

The last time the Raiders were 4-0 in the preseason was in 1975. The Silver and Black finished that preseason 5-1 and the regular season with an 11-3 mark. The Raiders are hoping to finish this preseason 5-0 and carry the momentum into the 2006 regular season opener against the San Diego Chargers on ESPN's Monday Night Football.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is a video of Sunday's Raider Celebration...

Hit it here...

 

[Angry Pope]

Oakland Raiders: fan essentials

FAN ESSENTIALSStadium: McAfee Coliseum.

Capacity: 63,132.

On the air: KSFO (560-AM) will be the flagship radio station, with Greg Papa (play-by-play) and Tom Flores (color) as the broadcasters.


Tickets: Single-game tickets, priced from $26 to $151, and season tickets, priced from $260 to $1,510, are available by calling (800) 724-3377 or online at www.raiders.com.

How to get there: The stadium is located at 7000 Coliseum Way in Oakland. From San Jose: Take I-880 north to Oakland, exit at 66th Avenue. From San Francisco: Go east on the Bay Bridge; take I-580 toward Hayward to downtown Oakland then I-880 south, exit at 66th Avenue.

Parking: The cost of parking is $20 for cars, $50 for RVs, limos and buses. The parking lot opens five hours before kickoff.

Public transportation: The Coliseum is accessible via BART; the Coliseum stop is just outside the stadium gates. From San Francisco or Richmond, take the Fremont line. From Concord, take the San Francisco line, transfer at MacArthur. From Fremont, take either the San Francisco or Richmond lines.

 

[Angry Pope]

Where none has gone before
Raiders team looks for its first unbeaten preseason in history tonight

By Bill Soliday


SEATTLE — It has already been a season of surprises for the Oakland Raiders. The biggest may be yet to come.

As they prepare to face the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field, the Raiders are fully aware that an unbeaten exhibition season is just 60 minutes away.

What they might not know is that no Raiders team has ever gone through the practice games without a defeat — not even the glory teams of Art Shell's day.

"It means a lot ... it means we won another game," the Raiders coach said. "I want to win. I expect to win. I always do. I don't want to go into any game thinking we don't have a chance to win. I want our players to believe they can win every single game they approach."

And yet, in tonight's 7 o'clock kickoff Shell will not leave his starters on the field for long — they could appear for as little as one series and then disappear in order to start thinking about the Sept.11 opener against San Diego.

But some of the players have apparently been listening to Shell's pitch about always feeling victory was within reach.

"It would be really nice to be 5-0," safety Stuart Schweigert said. "We're trying to get a winning mentality around here, and 5-0 is a pretty good mentality to have.

"I know the starters aren't going to play a bunch, but this is an opportunity for our young guys to come out and show what they can do. They've played very well the last four games, so I expect our twos, threes and fours to be better than Seattle and that we should come out with a 'W.'"

The win and the 5-0 record would be remembered by a lucky 53. However, 22 others face the prospect of being cut victims on Saturday by 1 p.m.

Shell has been impressed with the reserve depth the Raiders have collected, and althoughdreading the actual process of telling a player at an exit interview that he wasn't good enough, the coach already has an idea who will and will not make the final roster.

"But there are always two or three guys ... who will make you make a decision," Shell said. "There are guys that still have the opportunity to show what they can do."

Schweigert is elated he doesn't have to make the decision confronting Shell.

"I don't know what they are going to do," Schweigert said. "We have a lot of good players on this team. There is no one that stands out in my mind as somebody who is definitely going to be gone (cut).

"It's going to be tough, real tough. We need to let the guys who are on the fence show what they can do, let them have a fighting chance to not get cut off the team."

Should Schweigert and his fellow starters get off the field without giving up a touchdown, they have incentive to be sure the reserves remain motivated and keep the clamps on the Seahawks.

The Raiders defense — starters and subs combined — have allowed just one touchdown over the past 11 quarters, a major factor in why Oakland is undefeated.

What the Raiders have done stacks up nicely compared to last year's preseason. Denver (4-0) was the only team to go undefeated. No team came close to the defensive production the Raiders have put forth this year. Their four-game total of 33 points allowed comes to 8.3 a game. Last year, Dallas had the best preseason defense, allowing 52 points in four games (13.0 ppg).

The only defense in Raiders history that has done better than the current group through four games was the 1977 squad that Shell played on. In five exhibitions, the Raiders pitched three shutouts and gave up 39 points (7.8 points a game) coming off their win in Super Bowl XI.


EXTRA POINTS: QB Andrew Walter is expected to play most of the game, relieved by Marques Tuiasosopo. ... Tuiasosopo will be making his second professional appearance in the city where he was a college hero (University of Washington). ... He last played in Seattle his rookie year in a preseason game won by the Seahawks 34-27. ... Kelvin Garmon will start at RG for Barry Sims, who is being held out. ... Rookie SS Michael Huff will return after missing time with an ankle sprain.

 

[Angry Pope]

A 5-0 preseason? Just wins, baby

By Jason Jones
Published 12:01 am PDT Thursday, August 31, 2006

SEATTLE -- The game doesn't count.

For the Raiders, that doesn't matter.

A victory, regardless of whether it's an exhibition or regular-season game, is a big deal. Tonight's preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks would give the Raiders a 5-0 preseason record, the first perfect preseason in franchise history.

The Raiders have been close to exhibition perfection four times in their heyday. Oakland was 5-1 in exhibition games four times (1971, '74, '75 and '76). The Raiders' 1-3 preseason last year was followed by a 4-12 campaign.

With a 13-35 record over the past three regular seasons, the team will take the wins with the belief they can instill confidence for the regular season.

That's why tonight's game is more than an opportunity for young players to try to make the team. The Raiders want to win.

"It means a lot," said Raiders coach Art Shell of an undefeated preseason. "It means we won another game. I want to win. I don't want to go into any game thinking we don't have a chance to win."

And you can't convince the Raiders winning tonight doesn't matter. The Raiders have enjoyed the feeling of being a winner, even if it is only August.

"With the seasons we've had the last couple of years, a win's a win, no matter when it is," safety Stuart Schweigert said. "When they blow the whistle and you're on TV, we consider that a real game. It feels good to be around that type of atmosphere, and it feels good to have it."

The four teams the Raiders have defeated in preseason -- Philadelphia, Minnesota, the 49ers and Detroit -- have a combined 6-7 preseason record.

Carolina, Dallas and Cincinnati -- three teams figured to be in the playoff hunt -- also have a chance to go undefeated in the preseason. Each of those teams, however, plays a four-game schedule.

Shell won't call this a rebuilding season, but unquestionably the team's psyche could stand to be rebuilt after three consecutive losing seasons following their Super Bowl XXXVII loss.

"We talk about getting a winning mentality around here, and 5-0 is a pretty good mentality to have," Schweigert said.

Starters like Schweigert, however, won't have the final say as to whether the Raiders finish 5-0.

Throughout the preseason, the Raiders' backups have been solid. With 22 cuts still to be made by Saturday, the reserves have incentive to play well.

"It's really important for us," said wide receiver Johnnie Morant, who likely will see plenty of action tonight. "And this game, most of the young guys are going to play. We want to go out there and have fun."

Shell added that the game has meaning for players who could break out and earn a spot on the roster.

"You pretty well have a feel for who is going to make it and who is not going to make it," Shell said. "But there are always two or three guys who are sitting there that will make you make a decision."

Raiders (4-0) at Seattle (1-2)

Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Qwest Field

TV: 31

Radio: KHTK 1140, KSFO 560.


Three keys for the Raiders

1. Stay healthy. It's a key for every team in the final preseason week. With two offensive linemen (Barry Sims, Jake Grove) not playing, the Raiders don't need any more to go down.

2. Tui Time.Reserve quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo should play extensively in his home state, where he starred at the University of Washington. With the Raiders signing Jeff George this week, Tuiasasopo can play well and solidify his spot on the roster.

3. Just win, baby. The Raiders relish the chance to be the first team in franchise history to go undefeated in the preseason. A loss wouldn't be devastating, but this team needs all the confidence it can gain.


Three keys for the Seahawks

1. No jinx. Running back Shaun Alexander is the reigning NFL MVP and on the cover of the "EA Sports Madden 07" video game. Others to be honored before him -- Marshall Faulk, Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick -- have suffered injuries.

2. Let Seneca loose. A former Cordova High and Sacramento City College star, Seneca Wallace is the No. 2 quarterback but has lined up all over the field. Look for him under center tonight.

3. Greene showing.Third-team quarterback David Greene could play in the first half. The Seahawks hope to see Greene, having secured his spot on the roster, relaxed on the field.

 

[Angry Pope]

This game means a lot for players on the bubble

David White

Thursday, August 31, 2006


The Raiders want to finish the exhibition season undefeated, but not if they have to use their starters for very long.

The first-team offense and defense will take few snaps tonight at Seattle before giving way to teammates who are fighting for a precious slot on the 53-man roster.

"Those guys on the fence, let them show what they can do," starting free safety Stuart Schweigert said. "Let them have a fighting chance."

Some backup competitions worth watching:

-- At cornerback, Duane Starks has started throughout his eight-year career. Picked up as a free agent by the Raiders, he's vying for a spare secondary slot.

His chief competitors are Stanford Routt and Tyrone Poole.

-- At linebacker, Danny Clark has started 31 of 32 games for the Raiders. Now a reserve, he's surrounded by players out for his spot.

Ryan Riddle and Isaiah Ekejiuba score bonus points for special-teams duties. Robert Thomas, Grant Irons and Darnell Bing have missed time with injuries, but are intriguing prospects. Backup jobs will be won tonight.

-- At defensive end, there is lots of experience and little cargo space for extra pass rushers.

Bobby Hamilton has 12 years of experience, Lance Johnstone has 11. Kevin Huntley is second on the depth chart behind Derrick Burgess and feeling the heat as the youngest of them all.

"You're looking at this game, it can make you or break you," said Huntley, a first-year player. "You can't look at it like, 'If I don't do well in this game, I'll get cut.' You just have to go out there and play."

Briefly: Left guard Kelvin Garmon will make his second straight start in place of Barry Sims, who is being held out with an elbow injury as a precaution. ... The Raiders will attempt to go 5-0 in the exhibition season for the first time in franchise history. ... Top draft pick Michael Huff, the starting strong safety from Texas, is expected to play after missing Friday's game against Detroit with a sprained ankle.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here are a couple of more videos on the Raider Celebration last Sunday...


Hit it here...


Hit it here...

 

[Crossbones]

If we win tonight and are 5-0 we're never going to hear the end of it if we go 4-12!

 

[Angry Pope]

Bones, hope you have a great time tonight at the game.

 

[Crossbones]

Bones, hope you have a great time tonight at the game.

thaks. I used to go every year but this is the first time the Raiders have played in the new stadium and only the third time I have been there. I was there for the Hag/Niner game a few years back when Owners did his "sharpie" thing! Funny. Then last year I wen to a preseason game against the Cardinals.

The last two times the Raiders played up here was in Husky stadium. Rupert can tell you about one of those fiascos. Then we had the rain in the Marques Pope game!

The Hag fans have always been a little touchy but that was back when the Raiders were really good...so now they probably just think we're a bump in the road.

 

[Angry Pope]

A meaningless exercise

August 31st, 2006
By Jerry McDonald

If it had been a practice, Art Shell would have ordered the Raiders from the field.

Fortunately for the Raiders, or unfortunately if you’re one of those so-called “haters'’ hoping for 2-14, it was less important than a practice. It was the final pre-season game.

Nothing better than to get the San Diego Chargers overconfident than 104 yards of offense, 3-for-12 on third down conversions and a 30-7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field.

It could have been worse. The Seahawks and Raiders could have played a scoreless overtime, as Minnesota and Dallas did.

Worse than that, somebody in a key role could have gotten hurt, which nobody did.

The Raiders lose out on the pre-season championship to the New York Giants (4-0) and Carolina Panthers (4-0) and could be joined tonight by the Cincinnati Bengals (3-0).

No Lombardi Trophy on the line, however. Maybe they can all share the Kotite Trophy.

Detecting a lack of enthusiasm here?

It probably would have meant about the same if the Raiders had won 30-7. Truth be told, Oakland may be better off with a humbling loss than a big win and an artificial 5-0 record going into its opener.

If pre-season games are meaningless, pre-season finales are less than that. Shell said Tuesday he had a pretty good idea of who would make the team and who wouldn’t, so Thursday night’s game was merely a vanilla exercise designed to give the Chargers nothing to go on.

Shell seemed angry at halftime, but he’ll get over it. He’s got more important things to worry about.

Some bits and pieces as the Raiders close in on the real drama _ who will make up the final 53-man roster:

— Hopefully special teams coach Ted Daisher got a seat with plenty of leg room on the way home. Chris Carr provided the only scoring with a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown, Sebastian Janikowski recorded a pair of touchbacks and Shane Lechler averaged 51 yards per punt including four inside the 20-yard-line.

It really seems as if something good is happening with Oakland’s special teams from top to bottom.

— Erase a 46-yard reception by Johnnie Morant, and the Raiders passed for 48 yards. And even on that play, Morant had to catch it twice.

— It sure looked like John Madsen is a part of Oakland’s plans. He was in with the first team, going in motion, and threw a key block on Carr’s punt return for a touchdown. The dropped pass in the flat didn’t help, however.

— Why on earth would Seattle have Shawn Alexander carrying the ball even one time? If I had a guy who had 27 rushing touchdowns on a team that hadn’t changed its offense, he’d be in a glass case until the season opener.

— Strong safety Derrick Gibson looks to be in midseason form. Pretty good near the line of scrimmage, a liability in pass coverage.

— Defensive end Kevin Huntley was playing late in the game with a heavy wrap protecting a broken thumb. If he was a sure-fire lock to make to make the team, he’d be on the sidelines.

— Judging from the fourth quarter, if the Raiders ever line up Chad Slaughter, William Obeng, Chris Morris, Kevin Boothe and Jabari Levey at the same time, they’re in big trouble.

– A few nice breakups to open the game in the secondary, two from Nnamdi Asomugha and one from Fabian Washington. Asomugha, it appears, may get his share of pass interference penalties as well.

— Raiders place kicker Sebastian Janikowski looked svelte compareted to Seahawks punter Ryan Plackemeier.

– Jeff George missed his big chance. He hadn’t experienced a sack in five seasons.

— A terrible night for the Oakland offense as directed by Tom Walsh, but not nearly as alarming as the first two games because of the mere fact that the Raiders have demonstrated they have at least some capability to get things done.

That wasn’t the case after the Philadelphia and Minnesota games.

– Wide receiver Alvis Whitted did not play and wasn’t mentioned as being injured during the week of practice.

 

[Angry Pope]

Raiders flattened in finale in Seattle

By Steve Corkran


SEATTLE - If you got home from work late Thursday night or forgot to tune in to the start of the Oakland Raiders game against the Seattle Seahawks, you missed seeing most of the players who figure to do most of the heavy lifting during the regular season.

Put another way, several Raiders spent more time in a baseball cap than they did in a helmet. Such is the nature of the way teams approach their final exhibition game these days.

That isn't to say that the game was meaningless. Not with roster spots in question two days before the final cutdown to 53 players, starting jobs to solidify and playing time to be earned.

With that in mind, Raiders coach Art Shell had ample time to get one last look at the 75 players under his command before making firm decisions on the matters at hand in anticipation of Saturday's roster cutdown and the season opener Sept. 11 against the San Diego Chargers. That made the 30-7 outcome in Seattle's favor a secondary concern.

"We got better each game, and we showed what we are capable of doing ... ," running back LaMont Jordan said. "We have a confident team, but we have to make sure we execute our plays and our game plan."

The quarterback situation seemed muddled earlier this week. Not so much anymore.

The Raiders signed veteran Jeff George on Monday in light of a lingering shoulder injury to No. 2 quarterback Andrew Walter. However, Walter practiced without pain all week and replaced Aaron Brooks after one drive.

Shell has said he isn't averse to carrying four quarterbacks on the roster. The more likely scenario involves the Raiders releasing George and sticking with their original top three or trading Marques Tuiasosopo and keeping George for his vast NFL experience.

Shell still hasn't named his starting quarterback. Not that he needs to. The answer came in the form of Brooks' starting all five exhibition games and outperforming his challengers.

Randy Moss and Jerry Porter ended the 2005 season as the starting wide receivers. Much has changed there. Moss remains a starter, but Porter has dropped behind Doug Gabriel and Ronald Curry on the depth chart.

Rookie right guard Paul McQuistan opened eyes with his overpowering play in minicamps and the early part of training camp. His performance Thursday no doubt gives Shell pause as to whether he can start a rookie.

McQuistan got beat for a sack on one play and allowed his man an unimpeded path to running back Justin Fargas on another. Not what Shell wanted to see 11 days before the Chargers roll into town.

Defensively, rookies Michael Huff and Thomas Howard did nothing to warrant their being replaced as the starters at strong safety and outside linebacker, respectively. Their speed and penchant for making plays have relegated incumbent starters Derrick Gibson and Danny Clark to backup roles on defense and primary roles on special teams.

"We know where we fit and our roles on this team," middle linebacker Kirk Morrison said. "I'm excited about getting the regular season started."

The Raiders wrapped up their exhibition season by losing for the first time. What does it all mean? Who knows? But, as several players said, it doesn't hurt to get in the habit of winning, whether the games count in the standings or not.

 

[Angry Pope]

Shell manages to get his point across about 'stupid' penalties


SEATTLE -- Coach Art Shell harped on the Raiders' penchant for committing so many penalties in recent seasons. It was one of the first topics he addressed with his players upon his arrival in February, he said.

Don't lose your aggressiveness, Shell told his players. Just be disciplined enough to avoid the "stupid" penalties. That is, things such as false-start penalties on offense and jumping offsides on defense.

"We've been talking about it since I got here," Shell said. "It is a point of emphasis. Make sure we don't give away cheap stuff. The rest of the stuff, you can live with, but anything cheap, like pre-snap penalties, that is unacceptable."

The results in the exhibition season were nothing short of encouraging. In five games the Raiders committed only 27 penalties for 266 yards, a per-game average of 5.2 penalties for 53.2 yards. Last season, they averaged 9.2 penalties for 70.8 yards in their 16 regular-season games.

There's still work to be done, Shell said, and plenty of room for improvement. Several of the penalties committed so far fell into the "stupid" category, including late-hit infractions and blocks away from the play.

That became evident when the Raiders committed two penalties on one drive in the first quarter Thursday night. Both fouls gave the Seattle Seahawks first downs and aided their scoring drive.

Jano's perfect ride

Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski wrapped up a perfect exhibition without ever attempting a field goal Thursday. He made all seven of his field goal attempts in Oakland's five games.

This, after missing 10 of 30 attempts last season, the worst percentage among NFL kickers with at least 10 attempts.

Not so special

The sight of Seattle special teams coach Bob Casullo screaming at a player after one of his coverage teams allowed a big play no doubt looked familiar to Raiders fans.

Casullo got fired by the Raiders after his special teams floundered for most of his four seasons with the team from 2000-03. Things went so badly for the Raiders under Casullo's guidance that the team canned him despite Phillip Buchanon returning a punt for a touchdown and Doug Gabriel returning a kickoff for a score in his final game.

He was at it again Thursday, only four plays into the game. The Raiders exploited Casullo's special teams for a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown that prompted Casullo to yell at punter Ryan Plackemeier at the end of the play.

Casullo got heat for the play of his special teams last season, especially in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Ted Daisher has transformed Oakland's special teams into a strength in his first season.

Extra points

Center Jake Grove (shoulder), left guard Barry Sims (elbow) and linebacker Darnell Bing (stinger) were among those who didn't play Thursday. Sims is expected back for the regular-season opener against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 11. Grove's status for that game is uncertain. Bing's status will be re-evaluated this week. ... The Raiders won't practice again before Saturday's mandatory roster cutdown. The next time they assemble on a football field will be with the 53 players they intend to take into the regular-season opener. ... The Seahawks offense outgained the Raiders 185 yards to 10 in the first half. Oakland's 10 yards came on 22 plays.

-- Steve Corkran

Thumbs up

• TE John Madsen: His lead block freed up Chris Carr on a punt return that went for 72 yards and a touchdown at the end of Seattle's game-opening drive. This is the kind of play that gets the attention of coaches and helps a young player such as Madsen earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

• PR Chris Carr: His punt return for touchdown cemented his role as the No. 1 man in that role. Challenger Doug Gabriel's two fumbles in earlier games did almost as much to end any debate as to who is the best option at punt returner.

• WR Johnnie Morant: He caught a 46-yard pass late in the game despite tight coverage. He led the Raiders in receiving yardage during exhibition games and bolstered his chances of making the team for a third straight season.

Thumbs down

• G Paul McQuistan: He got beat for a sack on a third-down play on the lone drive by Oakland's first-team offense. On the next drive, he got beat by his man on a run play that resulted in a 4-yard loss.

• QB Andrew Walter: He failed to generate any scoring drives in his most extensive action so far. He entered the game in the first quarter and engineered three straight drives that ended with punts. He dropped the ball on a third-down play on his third drive, recovered the loose ball but failed to get off a pass.

• CB Stanford Routt: He got called for a pass interference penalty that cost the Raiders 25 yards and gave the Seahawks a first down at the Oakland 12-yard line in the second quarter. Seattle scored a touchdown one play later.

 

[Angry Pope]

There's still some work to do
Seahawks end Raiders' bid for perfect preseason

By Bill Soliday

SEATTLE — The feel-good feeling was gone in a wink Thursday night for the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders emerged from the tunnel punchless, penalty-prone and looking nothing like the team that had grinded its way to a 4-0 exhibition start. The defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks were more than willing to cash in, taking a 20-7 halftime lead and then polishing off Oakland 30-7.

How bad was it? Very bad.

"This wasn't pretty," coach Art Shell said. "We got beat. We got off the bus, and they were waiting for us. They got better, and we didn't."

In the first half, the Raiders' offense could manage only 10 total yards in 22 plays, an average of 0.5 yards per attempt. Worse, they netted minus three yards passing thanks to three sacks for minus 28 yards.

On defense the penalties were back. Two interference calls — one on Nnamdi Asomugha and one on Stanford Routt — led to both Seattle's first-half touchdowns. There were also a pair of facemask penalties — against linebacker Thomas Howard and safety Jarrod Cooper — that figured in Seattle's quick start.

Putting an exclamation mark on things, the Raiders were also gashed on two quarterback scrambles — by Matt Hasselbeck (25 yards) and his relief, Seneca Wallace (21 yards). With quarterbacks leading the way, Seattle averaged 7.1 yards a rush in that sickly first half.All told, the four penalties added up to 62 yards against Oakland — six times the number of yards their offense actually gained.

It would have been worse had it not been for Chris Carr's 72-yard touchdown on a punt return a little over a minute into the game. It was the first return for a touchdown by Carr that counted. Last year he had a kickoff return touchdown called back.

And so, the Raiders go into their Monday night opener against San Diego wondering which is the better measure of the

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, right, gives running back Shaun Alexander (37) a pat after Alexander's first-quarter touchdown run. (Associated Press)

team — the feel-good unbeaten string or the massive head wound that occurred Thursday.

The best thing that happened to them was that punter Shane Lechler got lots of exercise.

The challenge was to keep the confidence up.

"We have things we need to correct, but as a whole, I think we came out and played some very good football," cornerback Fabian Washington said. "I'm confident in our ability and the prospects for this team."

The Raiders kicked off to start the game. They scored 67 seconds later without ever running an offensive play.

Carr, who had a kickoff runback for a touchdown called back on a penalty last year in his rookie season, got this one clean when he took Ryan Plackenmeier's punt back 72 yards for a score and a 7-0 lead.

It was the end of the highlights, though. What Raiders safety Stuart Schweigert said earlier in the week that he feared most then happened.

Schweigert said, "I think the game will be a success if we were to have a 3-and-out. Just so long as they don't have a 10-11 play drive that ends up in a touchdown ... then I'll be happy with the game."

Both happened. The Raiders' first defensive series was a three-and-out. And their second was a 10-play series covering 80 yards and ending in a 5-yard touchdown run by Shaun Alexander.

For the Raiders defense, which had given up just one touchdown in the previous 11 quarters, it was a gruesome display.

Twice the Raiders gave up first downs on penalties — Howard's facemask infraction and Asomugha's interference call giving the Seahawks a first down at the Raiders 5.

But the big play was Hasselbeck's 25-yard romp through the middle of the Oakland defense. There wasn't a Raider within 10 yards.





Seahawks 30, Raiders 7


Oakland7000—7Seattle71373—30First Quarter


Oak—Carr 72 punt return (Janikowski

Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks, left, fakes a handoff to Raiders running back Zack Crockett in the first quarter of an NFL exhibition football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006, at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

kick), 13:53.

Sea—Alexander 5 run (J.Brown kick), 9:42.

Second Quarter


Sea—FG J.Brown 44, 12:21.

Sea—FG J.Brown 51, 6:34.

Sea—Hackett 12 pass from S.Wallace (J.Brown kick), 3:10.

Third Quarter


Sea—Weeks 1 run (J.Brown kick), 2:38.

Fourth Quarter


Sea—FG J.Brown 43, 4:32.

A—67,158.


OakSeaFirst downs524Total Net Yards104360Rushes-yards22-3935-152Passing65208Punt Returns1-726-58Kickoff Returns5-1000-0Interceptions Ret.0-01-21Comp-Att-Int7-17-123-38-0Sacked-Yards Lost4-292-9Punts9-51.05-40.0Fumbles-Lost1-00-0Penalties-Yards5-725-38Time of Possession24:4535:15

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS


RUSHING—Oakland, Lee 6-16, Fargas 8-15, Smart 5-10, Jordan 2-0, Walter 1-(minus 2). Seattle, Weeks 22-78, Hasselbeck 1-25, S.Wallace 1-21, Alexander 5-18, Weaver 1-9, Kirtman 2-7, Greene 3-(minus 6).

PASSING—Oakland, Brooks 2-3-0-17, Walter 3-8-0-26, M.Tuiasosopo 2-6-1-51. Seattle, Hasselbeck 2-6-0-15, S.Wallace 8-13-0-58, Greene 13-19-0-144.

RECEIVING—Oakland, Morant 2-55, Gabriel 1-15, Porter 1-9, Curry 1-8, Z.Tuiasosopo 1-5, Madsen 1-2. Seattle, Hackett 7-60, Mann 4-25, C.Jones 2-19, Warrick 2-17, Heller 2-9, Surrency 1-29, Weeks 1-26, Burleson 1-9, Stephens 1-9, Murphy 1-8, Engram 1-6.

MISSED FIELD GOALS—None.

 

[Angry Pope]

Not quite perfect
First preseason loss will keep Raiders busy

David White

Friday, September 1, 2006

(09-01) 04:00 PDT Seattle -- Put aside for a moment that last-call exhibition games don't matter and consider the multiple truths worth gleaning from the Raiders' first preseason loss, 30-7 to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday at Qwest Field.

Some are good, like the intense pass coverage and special-teams play. Others are cause for concern, such as the right-side pass protection and system-wide penalties.

The Raiders get the next 10 days to mull over these matters before hosting the San Diego Chargers in a Monday night season opener.

"After this game, it's for real and we get ready for San Diego," running back LaMont Jordan said. "That's when it counts. We have a confident team, but we have to make sure we execute our plays and our game plan."

That starts with the offensive line, because the five king-sized blockers will determine how much mileage the offense gets per play.

The Raiders went without injured starters Barry Sims at left guard and Jake Grove at center for a second straight game, but their real problems were with the healthy players on the right side of the ball.

On Oakland's first drive of the game, Langston Walker, new to the right tackle position, got bulldozed by Rocky Bernard. Aaron Brooks, mobile as he may be, had no chance to escape a 10-yard sack on 3rd-and-10.

One drive later, rookie right guard Paul McQuistan -- a left tackle at Weber State -- did nothing to keep Bryce Fisher from breaking through and dropping running back Justin Fargas for a 4-yard loss.

Jordan tried to get through the right side two times. He finished with no yards.

The Raiders want to be a power-running team. They can't run to the left side alone, lest they become predictable. And defenses tend to stack the right side with their best tackle and pass rusher, so this can become an issue.

On to the penalties, a tired talking point after all these years.

Oakland forced Seattle into a three-and-out on the game's first drive. Chris Carr returned the ensuing punt 72 yards for a touchdown and 7-0 lead. Then, the flags came flying on the next drive, and soon the game was tied.

Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison gave up a first down with an illegal use of hands. Faced with a 3rd-and-3 at the Raiders' 28, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck went long to Nate Burleson. Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha swooped in for a 17-yard pass interference at the Oakland 5.

On the next play, Shaun Alexander swept right, then cut wide left for a 5-yard touchdown run against an overpursuing defense.

Want more? Fast forward to late in the second quarter. Backup cornerback Stanford Routt got dinged for pass interference, giving the Seahawks a 25-yard free pass to the Oakland 12.

On cue, quarterback Seneca Wallace and D.J. Hackett hooked up on the next play for a 12-yard touchdown and 20-7 halftime lead.

"We have things we need to correct, but, as a whole, I think we came out and played some very good football," cornerback Fabian Washington said. "I'm confident in our ability."

Teams have taken shots at Asomugha all month. Outside the costly penalty, he held up well enough against Burleson, a 1,000-yard receiver two years ago with Minnesota.

On the game's first two plays, Asomugha successfully kept Burleson away from incoming throws. He had another pass defense on Burleson two drives later, giving him a team-high three for the game to go with one tackle for a loss.

Meanwhile, on special teams, Carr's touchdown return was made possible by big blocks at all corners. The return teams have excelled all month under new special teams coach Ted Daisher.

When the Raiders had to punt -- nine times, if you're counting -- the Seahawks were back-pedaling. Shane Lechler averaged 51 yards per punt, with two over 60 yards and four placed inside the Seattle 20.

But, that only stalled the inevitable. The Seahawks are the defending NFC champions and they saw to it that the Raiders had no chance to go 5-0 for the first time in the franchise's exhibition history.

"I think we got better each game and we showed what we are capable of doing," Jordan said.

 

[Angry Pope]

Special teams produce with TD
Chris Carr returns a punt 72 yards for a score and wants three touchdowns this year.

By Jason Jones
Published 12:01 am PDT Friday, September 1, 2006


SEATTLE -- Coach Art Shell has been pleased with special teams for most of training camp.

Chris Carr gave Shell another reason to be happy.


Carr returned the Seattle Seahawks' first punt 72 yards for a touchdown at Qwest Field.

Carr's goal is to return at least three punts or kickoffs for touchdowns this season. He had been close several times during the exhibition season until finally breaking loose Thursday.

John Madsen's block sprung Carr, who broke three tackles before breaking away for good down the sideline. Carr said if the blockers can hold up the opposition a little bit, he always has a chance to break a long run.

"If I can get space I can find a seam and I can get at least 10 yards every time," Carr said. "So the initial holdup is the most important thing."

The return came against the unit of former Raiders special teams coach Bob Casullo, who was with Oakland from 2000 to 2003.

The Raiders haven't returned a regular-season kick or punt for a score since Dec. 28, 2003, against San Diego under Casullo -- and in that game they had two, a kickoff and a punt.

The Raiders also had the NFL's worst kickoff coverage and third-worst punt coverage units in Casullo's last season.

Too valuable -- Former Cordova High School and Sacramento City College standout Seneca Wallace entered the game for the Seahawks' third offensive series at quarterback.

Seattle would like to get Wallace to play more, regardless of position. Last season, Wallace made an impressive catch as a wide receiver during the NFC Championship game.

But without another veteran quarterback on the roster, the Seahawks won't risk a Wallace injury, which would leave the team depleted at quarterback.

Wallace completed eight of 13 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He also had a 21-yard run.

Injury report -- Guard Barry Sims (elbow) and center Jake Grove (shoulder) were the only starters out. Kelvin Garmon replaced Sims while Corey Hulsey started at center.

Defensively, linebackers Darnell Bing (neck sprain) and Grant Irons (concussion) also didn't play.

Safety Michael Huff (ankle) and backup quarterback Andrew Walter (shoulder) both returned after missing last Friday's game against Detroit.

 

[Angry Pope]

Raiders return to Shell game
Undisciplined Oakland seeks to regain its footing under the guidance of a familiar face.

By MICHAEL LEV

NAPA – Scenes from Oakland Raiders practice tell you everything you need to know about their new/old coach, Art Shell. Especially when there is no practice.

Toward the end of training camp here, Shell didn't like what he was seeing from his players. So he dismissed them about halfway through an afternoon session. Was he trying to send a message?

"Yeah, obviously," veteran center Adam Treu said the next day, the message being: "It's not acceptable."

The Raiders reached into their past to try to end an unacceptable string of losing seasons. A 13-35 record over the past three years prompted Al Davis to bring back Shell, who played for the Raiders from 1968-'82 and coached them from '89-'94 - before Davis fired him.

Shell wasn't the Raiders' first choice, but he was the only candidate for whom their famed "Commitment to Excellence" really meant something. Accountability has been his mantra.

"He made that clear when he first met with us in March," Treu said. "The consequences it would scare me to find out what they are."

Jerry Porter knows. The receiver who started 31 games the past two seasons isn't starting. His practice time is spent with the backups.

Porter and Shell clashed earlier in the offseason, with Shell reportedly kicking Porter out of his office. Porter since has demanded a trade. Shell won't reinstate Porter just because of his résumé.

"He makes everyone accountable for how they play and their actions," guard Barry Sims said. "You've got everybody basically signing their name to their job. If you have 10 guys doing one thing and one guy doing something else, that's not good for the team."

Sims wasn't referring to Porter specifically, but you get the idea: Shell won't tolerate dissenters.

HOMEWORK

Shell had a 54-38 regular-season record with the Raiders but only 2-3 in the playoffs. After a 9-7 mark in 1994, Davis let him go. Oakland didn't finish above .500 again until 2000.

Shell spent six years as an assistant in Kansas City and Atlanta and five as an executive in the league office. He insists he never had hard feelings for Davis.

"Did it bother me that I was released? Sure, it bothered me. But I understood the business," Shell said earlier this year. "And I also understood that he gave me a chance to be a player, he gave me a chance to be an assistant coach, he gave me an opportunity to be a head coach. So how can I say anything bad about him?

"I have too much respect for him. He's like a father to me."

On several occasions, Shell has described his return to the Raiders as "coming home." As such, he feels responsible for restoring the house in which he once lived.

"I don't mind a challenge," Shell said. "The Raiders that's home to me. That's where I grew up. I spent 27 years in that organization before I left. So to try to be a part of bringing that team back to its winning ways was exciting for me."

'NO PLAYING AROUND'

It won't be easy. The Raiders have a new quarterback, a reconfigured offensive line, a green defense and many bad habits to break, including a lack of discipline on and off the field.

"The last couple of years there have been times where people missed some workouts where it didn't actually get up to the head coach," safety Stuart Schweigert said. "Now there's no playing around."

For the most part, the players are responding. "No one wants to be that guy," fullback Zack Crockett said.

They do it out of respect for Shell's Hall of Fame playing credentials and his direct approach. He reminds the new quarterback, Aaron Brooks, of Ray Rhodes, who coached Brooks in Green Bay in 1999.

"Both are 'been there, done that,'" Brooks said. "They don't try to throw it down your throat (and ask you to) become something that you're not. They just expect the best out of you."

Case in point: underachieving former first-round pick Robert Gallery. Gallery is back at left tackle, the position he dominated in college. Shell expects him to dominate on this level as well and told him as much, one offensive tackle to another.

"I told him, 'You're too good a football player not to be mentioned (for) the Pro Bowl,'" Shell said. "'We've got to get you there.'"

Shell offered similar support to kicker Sebastian Janikowski, another former first- rounder who hasn't lived up to expectations.

After making only 66.7percent of his field-goal attempts last season - worst in the league - Janikowski arrived in better shape, per Shell's request. Through four exhibition games, Janikowski had gone 7 for 7, including 3 for 3 from 50-plus yards. During one recent practice, the player known as much for partying as place-kicking dropped down and did pushups.

The practice went the distance, too, Shell's message clearly received.

 

[Angry Pope]

Raiders finish with a big dud
Although Oakland ends the exhibition season 4-1, coach Art Shell is not pleased.

By Jason Jones
Published 12:01 am PDT Friday, September 1, 2006


SEATTLE -- The Raiders didn't end up perfect, but it wouldn't have counted anyway.
The notion of an undefeated exhibition season wasn't fulfilled, with the Raiders losing 30-7 to the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field.


From now on, the games will count, starting with the season opener Sept. 11 against the San Diego Chargers.
The starters played sparingly, leaving the game with an eye toward the regular season, where a 4-1 record -- Oakland's exhibition mark -- would be significant.

Had the Raiders won, it would have been the first undefeated preseason in franchise history.

Players were happy to be finished with exhibition games, even if the final one was a loss.

"I think we got better each game, and we showed what we are capable of doing," running back LaMont Jordan said. "After this game it's for real, and we get ready for San Diego. And that's when it counts."

Nevertheless, Raiders coach Art Shell wasn't pleased with the effort.

Outside of Chris Carr's 72-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, the Raiders were ineffective. Seattle outgained them 360-104.

"It wasn't pretty," Shell said. "No excuses. We got beat. We didn't play tonight, so I take responsibility for the team not playing tonight. We got off the bus, and they were waiting for us. They got better tonight, we didn't."

It was the first time in five games Shell was noticeably disappointed in the Raiders' effort.

"It happened now, and I'll hope we learn from it and we will," Shell said.

Quarterback Aaron Brooks, wide receiver Randy Moss and Jordan played one series. Most of the defensive regulars played two series.

The only offensive starter to play the whole first half was rookie guard Paul McQuistan. He is learning a new position after playing tackle in college, so the Raiders have given McQuistan extra reps.

The starters showed there are some things the coaching staff will need to address.

The Seahawks' first touchdown drive was aided by two penalties, including a 17-yard pass interference call on cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Running back Shaun Alexander, the 2005 MVP, ran for a five-yard touchdown on the next play.

There also was a face-mask penalty on linebacker Thomas Howard, who was tangling with a lineman.

"On interference calls, we have to have better technique in what we're doing," Shell said. "On the personal foul Howard got on him, he said his hands slipped from the guy's chest up to his face and they both were pushing each other."

But for the most part, the starting defense has been solid during exhibition games.

"We have things that we need to correct, but as a whole I think we came out and played some very good football," cornerback Fabian Washington said. "I'm confident in our ability and the prospects for this year."

Brooks completed 2 of 3 passes and was sacked in six plays.

Thursday's brief appearance didn't mean Brooks was any less pleased with the progress the Raiders made in five exhibition games.

"I feel that we got a lot done in the preseason," Brooks said. "I really like this team, and I like our chances for the upcoming regular season."

 

[Angry Pope]

Shell points finger at himself

By Bill Soliday

SEATTLE — Art Shell was disappointed after that 30-7 beating, about as disappointed as you'd expect.

But when he pointed fingers he pointed them right back at himself.

"There are no excuses, and I am not going to alibi about any of this," he said. "We didn't play tonight, so I take responsibility for the team not playing tonight. It was every aspect of our football team (that failed), and that falls back on me."

The brutality of the Raiders play was visible in the statistics. The Raiders gained all of 104 yards and had five first downs altogether. Until Marques Tuiasosopo hit Johnnie Morant for 46 yards in the fourth quarter, the Raiders had more penalty yardage than offensive yardage.

"In the NFL, you can't just throw your uniform on the field and expect to win," Shell said. "When you travel, you have to be focused. But it happened, and I hope we learn from it. And we will."


NO MORE POPGUNS: Defensive tackle Warren Sapp refused to be brought down by the defeat.

"We can't hang our heads here in Seattle," he said. "We came up here, and they got in our (butt). Chalk it up, and let's go play ball now. We'll get another shot at them when we come back, but it's San Diego now."

The Raiders return to play the Seahawks at Qwest Field on Nov.6 in a Monday night tilt.

Defensive end Lance Johnstone said the game had conflicting messages.

"It brings us down, but it definitely makes us refocus," he said. "Next week we'll be PO'd more than anything."

Sapp said the loss was no reason to feel it detracted from the club's 4-0 exhibition start.

"Not for me," he said. "Forget all the popguns, the caps and the blanks. There's live rounds being shot now. We'll get in there for a week and lock into what we've got. Monday night the lights come on, and the show goes on. That's what we've all been working for.

"Now we will get a chance to see what kind of ballclub we have for four quarters against a damn good San Diego club. I'm just happy we're healthy. We're lining up with all our parts intact, and that's what you want."

CARR'S RETURN: The only Raiders' score all evening came on a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown in the opening 67 seconds of the game.

"My guys on that play were doing a great job of blocking, and our coach (Ted Daisher) has done a great job of teaching the fundamentals," second-year return specialist Chris Carr said. "I was really proud of everybody."

Carr from Boise State, who had a kickoff return for a touchdown called back on a penalty in his rookie year in an exhibition game, said he did not look for flags this time.

"If it was a regular-season game, I would have, but this doesn't count," he said. "The thing about this is people know it (the return game) should be good every time we step on the field. They know we've done it before."

Make of it what you will: Carr's touchdown came against a Seattle special teams coached by former Raiders special teams coach Bob Casullo.

OUT OF TIMEOUTS: On Seattle's touchdown that gave them a 20-7 lead, wide receiver D.J. Hackett appeared to keep his feet inside the end line, but the Raiders might have challenged.

They didn't for a very good reason. They had already burned all three of their timeouts.



EXTRA POINTS: Andrew Walter had his bell rung by 270-pound defensive tackle Chuck Darby in the second quarter on a sack that lost 1 yard. Afterward, Walter said he was OK. "I've been hit harder, but not for a long, long time," he said ... QB Jeff George was in uniform on his third day as a Raider but did not play.