State of The Raiders--Looking Ahead--Defense

massraider

massraider

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Defensive Line--I see 4 DT here, and 4 DE making this team. Is that too many? Sapp/Terd/Kelly/Taj, and Burgess/Huntley/Brayton/Moses. I'd like to see Jay Richardson make the team, I think the plan is to try him at base end, backing up Burgess. Make or break year for Taj. He needs to push his way into the rotation, or we may as well look elsewhere. The drafting of Richardson and Moses means Kelly at DT, I woud say. We need to make sure Burgess is happy.

Linebackers--Starters are set. Williams, Morrison, Howard. Three guys all in their first year at their respective slots, last year. Think about that. That's exciting. Now, maybe Williams gets pushed by Thomas or Bing, but I doubt it. Room here for another guy, right? Grant Irons, Ricky Brown, or the kid from Cal Poly. One thing, and maybe this was just because teams didn't pass a lot on us, but we need to see more impact plays from these guys. 0 sacks from Howard disappointed me. I am rooting for a St nobody with upside to make this team. I think Irons is gone.

Defensive Backs--Starters are set. Beyond that, nothing is set. I want to see Stanford make the nickel spot his own, and maybe push for more. Stu and Huff are set I think. Same story woth the LBs, we need more big plays from Huff to justify the draft pick. Stu can be decent, he was a 3rd rounder. Huff was #7. Make it happen, Huff. Scrabble's contract is gonna hang over Raider nation like a cloud. Carr is in big trouble this year. His return job is in jeopardy, and we've brought in Bowie and Frampton. At least one, and probably both, make this team. Lotta bodies here to sort out. I would say Gibson, and maybe Cooper, are done. I do not want to see Starks make this roster.



Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
 
Few things, Irons and Gibson aren't on the team, they remain unsigned UFA.

Defensive end is the place of real mystery on defense. Lot of bodies there to sort out. Reading between the lines with Kiffen, he doesn't believe in speciality players. Kiffen wants guys who can do everything. From what we've seen so far DE that best fits that description is Huntley. Huntley is stong at the point of attack, and he has an excellent bull rush. Huntley could use some additional pass rush moves but he's the best 3 down guy at RDE from what I've seen so far. Brayton is a backup period. Ultimately this should be Brayton's last year. Moses will need a year or two to pound the weights before we consider him for anything more than a situational pass rusher.

I disagree completely about Carr. I think his job is perfectly safe. Carr is coming along nicely as a nickel/dime back. He will compete with Routt for that spot. As to the kick returning, Carr was completely beat up by the end of last year. The addition of Higgins means Carr can share the load. Carr may not have to return kickoffs but I still think he's out punt return guy.

Another interesting battle on Defense will be BJ Ward and Frampton. I saw Ward play for the Ravens, he's a very good player. If not for his issues with migranes, he might still be starting strong safety for the Ravens. I know Kiffin loves Frampton, but Ward is bigger, faster, and probably much better in coverage from what the scouting reports say. That will be a good training camp fight. If both of Ward and Frampton play as advertised, Cooper may be the one on the hot seat.

The 6th linebacker will be Ricky Brown, evidently the coaches really like him.

The DT rotation is probably the same as last year with Sands getting more snaps.

The starting lineup is probably the same as last year with the exception of Brayton's spot.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?

No, I think both are role players that produce better when their snaps are limited a bit... I'm still a little baffled by our decision to pass on Alan Branch when he fell to us (not that Zach Miller wasn't an excellent choice)... I know the emphasis this past few years has been on youth, but I wouldn't mind trying to squeeze another year out of a guy like Big Daddy Wilkinson as a 10-15 snap space eater... I'd also like to see us resign Irons and put 10 pounds on him and see how he does as inside as a DT... I love his intensity...

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?

No... Moses has got alot of work to put in to get NFL ready... I think we'll see the two headed monster of Brayton/Huntley for the most part this year... Down the road when/if Burgess slows down, I could envison Huntley and Moses as our starting DE's...

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?

I am William Wallace!


Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?

Probably, though I think Kelley starts and they play about the same amount of game reps...


Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?

Yes... but he'll be pushed for a starting spot by Robert Thomas and eventually Darnell Bing... This is also the year Ryan unleashes my man Ekejiuba with some snaps at LB...


Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:

Ricky Brown

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?

Unfortunately, no for now... It just hasn't been the way we've done business... Hopefully that changes...


Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?

Yes....

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?

Cooper... I actually thought Carr did very well when he got playing time on defense...
 
I'm trying to remember, did those 1990's Cowboys have any huge DT's to rotate?

I can really only think of Castillo,Lett and Russ Maryland...

BTW, I agree that Turd and Kelly probably aren't fulltime guys... Kelly inside anyway. I actually really like Kelly at DE. He may not rack up sacks, but he seems to make alotta plays in the backfield on run downs and holds his position well.
 
Byron2112 said:
I'm trying to remember, did those 1990's Cowboys have any huge DT's to rotate?

I can really only think of Castillo,Lett and Russ Maryland...

BTW, I agree that Turd and Kelly probably aren't fulltime guys... Kelly inside anyway. I actually really like Kelly at DE. He may not rack up sacks, but he seems to make alotta plays in the backfield on run downs and holds his position well.
Click to expand...

I agree with you. Kelly is better suited at DE so he can help stop the run. He gets decent pressure from the outside too, he is not double team worthy or anything but not terrible. I think if we wanna stop the run this year we need the rotation to look like this:

DE- Kelly, Huntley/Moses
DT- Sands, Hawthorne , Kelly
DT- Sapp, Brayton, Kelly
DE- Burgess, Brayton, Richardson

I think we can move Kelly inside certain games if DT is thin, but we should start him at DE. Brayton can play back-up at both spots. Huntley and Moses can help on pass downs. Hawthorne has to play big this year or we are in trouble at DT. I thought Richardson was a run stopping DE contrary to all these reports i keep hearing. If thats true he can fight for snaps spelling Burgess on short yardage downs.

Kelly, Sands, Sapp and Burgess need to be on the field as much as possible together.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?

No, they are rotational guys who play well. We still need a starting calibur DT, preferably a run stuffer.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?

No, both will make the team... Brayton for his motor and Huntley for his size. I imagine we'll carry at least 9 defensive linemen.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?

No, but can you imagine how cool that would be when we played the Chargers? Sandy-Eggo SUPERchargers... BOOM... Shawn Merriman just shot out of Moses' ass!

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?

I guess so, but he better be coming off the field on 3rd downs.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?

Yes, until Bing is ready to blossom full-time in '08

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:

Ekejiuba

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?

Unfortunately, no. But not because he doesn't deserve one. The money he'll command, and get, will make it prohibitive to have Al agree to an extension during the season. Hate to say it, but don't be surprised to see him get the Franchise tag next year.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?

Yes... easiest position to determine on the team.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?

Cooper gets cut in this scenario. Carr's got too much return ability and actually played well last year as the 4th corner. Cooper's mouth sometimes gets him in trouble and he's a one-dimensional safety who is a good ST'er. Those guys can be found throughout the league.
 
Defensive LineAre Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
- Terdell Sands is a long term answer... but there's no way the big man can go all game. As for Kelly, I love the guy... but not at DT and I think that if we leave him at DT, he's going to fade out. I'm excited about Kelly at DE, pessimistic about him at DT. Until he starts making some plays from that spot, I'll remain that way.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
- No. I'll be surprised if Brayton gets axed, to tell the truth. Even if the great motor and work ethic only show in practice, that's something valuable on a young defense. Word is that the coaching staff loves the guy. I do think, however, that the acquisition of Moses and extra playing time given to Huntley last year mean that Brayton's time on the field may be more limited this year. As for Huntley, I think that both of our draft picks would have to positively SHINE for us to cut Huntley loose at this point.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
- Yes, he is and, yes, they do.

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
- Yes... and no. I don't think he's got the stamina to be an every down guy. I would like to see more playing time for him, but I wouldn't want us to go overboard with it.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
- Yes, he does. Thomas was re-signed because of his versatility. I view him as the #1 linebacker off the bench, not a starter. With Bing, I'll have to see it before I go giving him Sam's job. Bing looked exciting in pre-season... but I remember when Larry Ned looked exciting in pre-season, too.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
- Darnell Bing. I think we'll carry 5 linebackers: Morrison, Howard, Williams, Thomas, and Bing. I will be secretly pulling for the guy from Cal-Poly (hyphenated, just for donovan!) though.

Do you think Scrabble gets an extension before next offseason?
- I hope so, but I have no idea.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
- They will, but the nickelback slot is up for grabs. Routt, it has been reported, is comfortable on the outside, but not at nickel.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
- I'd hate to lose either one of them, but I'd cut Cooper before I'd cut Carr.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
I've never liked Kelley at DT. I'd like to see him at DE but I think they may have decided that he's better suited for DT. Oh well. I like Terd at DT and once Sapp is done he may really come to life even more so than he has.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Sadly Brayton just hasn't been able to cut it at this level. we hear all the time about his "motor? Really although it's nice his production at DE has really be below average. Cya.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
No and yes. :confused:

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Yes...I'd like to see that myself.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
Yes. I'm a Sam believer. I love the guy. This year he may really break out now that he knows staying healthy IS possible.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Got to go with Darnel Bing.

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
I hope so but man he's gonna want a bag of money. Frankly I really wonder if he'll be resigned. Could be he'll get tagged...just dunno at this point.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
Yep. Same dudes getting better and better. I love Washington. Huff has something to prove IMO. I think he'll step it up this year.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
With the addition of Higgins I think Carr may be the one who goes. Kind of early to be making that kind of prediction though. Should be fun to watch those two battle in training camp and preseason games.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?

I also like Kelly at DE and re-signing Terd was huge but we need Taj to step up this season. DT should be a huge priority next draft. I realize the draft class for DT's was weak this year but I was at least hoping for another body in training camp.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?

Huntley came along nicely at the end of last season so he should get some serious reps. Brayton is, errr... Brayton. We need to get some production opposite Burgess and I think we're moving in the right direction with Moses and Richardson. Hopefully Moses can live up to the Jason Taylor comparisons. Unless Brayton can morph into an UT, I think his days in Oakland are numbered.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?

I sure hope so

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?

No question. That was huge re-signing IMO.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?

He's going to have some people breathing down his neck but unless he gets injured, he'll probably retain the starting job. He was an Al Davis pick.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:

I'd like to see the kid from Cal-Poly on there.

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?

Man I hope so but Natty is probably right. He probably gets the tag next season. Let's just hope that his west coast roots will have something to do with him re-signing. We have the makings of one sick defense if we can get him and Burgess done.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?

No doubt, probably one of the better secondaries in the NFL, although I'd like to see if Frampton can make us think about moving Huff back to FS.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?

Definitely Cooper. Carr is just too valuable a return guy and he's a fan favorite. Would be a very unpopular decision. While I love Cooper, he's a career ST'r.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
I think Brayton getting a shot inside might make him one of the better options there. Terd I think is a future guy here... I don't know whos going to be the long term answer beside him

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Nope. He's going to start for us eventually... but Brayton has versatility and Huntley might be gone anyway

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
I'm hoping so

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Should he be? Heck I'm certain he will be.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
Yea hes our best athlete there. Unless Bing really blows up and we have to start him.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Ekijuba

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
Probably in the next offseason.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
Most certainly

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
Carr and its not a question. Coop is more versatile and provides special teams leadership. I like Carr and that 100 yard int will be permanently etched into my mind but hes the weaker of the two.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
Not long term. I liked the idea of moving Kelly to DE, but I don't think he will see much more than limited snaps there after we drafted 2 DEs and no DTs. This is a position we will need to look at next offseason. I would have liked to have picked one up this year, but the pickings were a bit on the slim side and you can't fix all the holes on a 2-14 team in one go.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Possibly, but I doubt it. Huntley showed some progress last year and Brayton is a solid player as a back up.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
Yes and he uses the lightning to cook himself up some horse meat which he eats with a little ketchup and mustard.

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Yes he should, although we need to keep his snaps limited to maximise his effectiveness.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
I see two risks to this, him getting injured and Bing impressing enough at WLB to move Howard over. I think he stays, but he will be under pressure.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Ricky Brown

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
No I don't. I do think he will sign a long term deal as I think he really likes it here and will see we are finally on the way up.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
Absolutely, barring injuries.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
Cooper. Carr is always this >< close to taking one the distance and with the increased emphasis on special teams it should happen this year.
 
massraider said:
Defensive Line--I see 4 DT here, and 4 DE making this team. Is that too many? Sapp/Terd/Kelly/Taj, and Burgess/Huntley/Brayton/Moses. I'd like to see Jay Richardson make the team, I think the plan is to try him at base end, backing up Burgess. Make or break year for Taj. He needs to push his way into the rotation, or we may as well look elsewhere. The drafting of Richardson and Moses means Kelly at DT, I woud say. We need to make sure Burgess is happy.

Linebackers--Starters are set. Williams, Morrison, Howard. Three guys all in their first year at their respective slots, last year. Think about that. That's exciting. Now, maybe Williams gets pushed by Thomas or Bing, but I doubt it. Room here for another guy, right? Grant Irons, Ricky Brown, or the kid from Cal Poly. One thing, and maybe this was just because teams didn't pass a lot on us, but we need to see more impact plays from these guys. 0 sacks from Howard disappointed me. I am rooting for a St nobody with upside to make this team. I think Irons is gone.

Defensive Backs--Starters are set. Beyond that, nothing is set. I want to see Stanford make the nickel spot his own, and maybe push for more. Stu and Huff are set I think. Same story woth the LBs, we need more big plays from Huff to justify the draft pick. Stu can be decent, he was a 3rd rounder. Huff was #7. Make it happen, Huff. Scrabble's contract is gonna hang over Raider nation like a cloud. Carr is in big trouble this year. His return job is in jeopardy, and we've brought in Bowie and Frampton. At least one, and probably both, make this team. Lotta bodies here to sort out. I would say Gibson, and maybe Cooper, are done. I do not want to see Starks make this roster.
Click to expand...



Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
I would say that this depends on how our DEs turn out. If we get great play from our DEs, I think they could anchor a DT rotation with a couple other contributers.
Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Not this season. I could see one or both getting a tryout at DT.
Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
No, but he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Yes.
Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
Not for the full season.
Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
I'll go with Shotwell, I think he finds a way to make the team.
Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
Yes.
Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
Not the full season. I think Frampton (SS) and Huff (FS) will be our starting safeties at the end of the year.
You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
It doesn't look like we will have to cut either one IMO, but I would say Cooper unless one of the backup CBs really steps up and takes over the sub-package positions.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
No, but both are valuable rotational players.
Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
Neither, Keep 4 DE's on the team. Brayton will start at RDE with Moses coming in on passing downs. Huntly will back up both Burgess and Brayton.
Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
Yes, and he just saved alot of money on his car insurance.
Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Not unless he has picked up a pass rush move in the offseason. Otherwise teams will just pass away on 1st down against the Raiders base set.
Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
No, he gets injured in the preseason and Bing starts.
Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Williams, if he isn't on IR.
Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
Hopefuly he gets some of that Moss money, but I wonder how much Bonus money is going to be left after signing Russell.
Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
Yes
You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
Cooper, he is ST only. Kiff has already mentioned that there are too many specialist on the Raiders. Carr's ability to play a little CB saves his ass.
 
Are Terd and Kelly the long term answer at DT?
I think so. I hope so. And Oakland's handling of them seems to indicate that. Unless the Raiders trade LaMont for Corey Williams, I think we can pencil Kelly and Terd in as starters when Sapp eventually retires.

Does Moses mean the end for Huntley or Brayton?
I hope it means the end for Brayton.

Is Moses 8 feet tall, and do lightning bolts fly out of his arse?
I'd rather have drafted his teammate, Charles Johnson. But we'll see.

Should Terdell be starting next to Sapp?
Yes.

Does Sam Williams retain his job at SLB?
Yes.

Give us the name of the linebacker on the end of the bench:
Isiah Ekejuba

Do you think Scrablle gets an extension before next offseason?
No. I think he and his agent will look at the free agent money that was tossed around, and will have learned from the way Charles Woodson handled his situation to get big paydays. I think the Raiders will have to franchise him.

Will the DB starters remain the same as last year?
They better.

You have to cut Cooper or Carr, who gets the axe?
Carr, no doubt. Cooper seems like more of a leader to me, and Carr's too brave for his own good returning punts.
 
Cooper/Carr > Bowie/Starks.
 
Crow said:
Cooper/Carr > Bowie/Starks.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree. But are they really up for the same jobs?

If I am Cooper, the guy I hope falls down the stairs is Frampton. And Carr better forget about Bowie, and worry about JL Higgins.

I certainly hope Starks is nowhere in the picture. Carr can be 4th CB and play a little safety as well. BUt I wonder if he keeps his roster spot, if he can't keep his return job. They brought in a lot of competition for him.
 
yea gotta agree with mass here

Coop has a job... likely backup FS and leader on STs
Carr is a dime DB and primary returner

Bowie is a nickelback development guy and gunner/coverage guy on STs
Frampton is a wedgebuster/developmental SS
Starks is a backup DB... that will struggle to make this team

Higgins is a return guy... if carr loses his job this will be the guy to get it
Holland is an ST gunner and return guy... also could cause carr to lose his job
 
Not sure where to put this, but a vet that I wouldnt mind looking at is our old buddy, Eric Barton. Has been miscast as a 3-4 ILB in New York, and with the drafting of David Harris, may be a candidate to be cut.

If our backups were Thomas, Bing, and Barton, I'd be stoked.
 
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