Team Report 09.03.2006..

[Angry Pope]

Team Report

By Steve Corkran

September 3, 2006


PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: : Projected starting WR Doug Gabriel was traded to the New England Patriots despite spending all of training camp opposite Randy Moss. Ronald Curry's return from a second ruptured Achilles' tendon hastened Gabriel's departure because Curry has shown that he can be a go-to receiver, whereas Gabriel has been a situational player during his three-year career. Disgruntled WR Jerry Porter now factors into Oakland's plans more than he has at any point since coach Art Shell got hired during the offseason. The Raiders now are more dependent upon Porter because of his experience, reliable hands and playmaking ability. Porter hardly played during Oakland's exhibition games, and he figured to be the one traded based on his demand for just that after a run-in with Shell soured him on the Raiders. Losing Gabriel doesn't affect the Raiders all that much because of their impressive depth at that position. Curry and Porter figure to split time as the Nos. 2 and 3 receivers until one distinguishes himself as the clear-cut option.

NEWCOMER REPORT: Veteran LB Robert Thomas played well enough during training camp and in exhibition games for the Raiders to release two-year starter Danny Clark. Thomas is slotted behind Kirk Morrison at middle linebacker. His primary role, for now, is that of a core special teams player. However, he is Oakland's most experienced backup linebacker so he figures to be the first one off the bench if a starter gets injured or doesn't perform well. Thomas isn't a dominant player or one who stands out by being flashy. However, he is a reliable tackler and someone who makes the plays expected of him, though he lacks blazing speed.

PROBLEM SPOT: K Sebastian Janikowski entered training camp as a huge question mark for the Raiders. No one was certain how he would respond to his having finished with the worst percentage of field goals made last season (among those with at least 10 attempts). Also, the Raiders brought in two kickers to compete against Janikowski. He allayed any concerns the Raiders had by making all seven of his field goal attempts, including three from beyond 50 yards -- a distance he didn't convert from all last season. He attributed his rebound to having lost 10 pounds or so and blocking out last season

 

[Rupert]

I don't know that salary was a very big issue with Clark. I think one of the main reasons they kept Thomas over Clark was the speed factor. Even though Thomas isn't a speed demon, he has more of it than Clark, and his contributions on ST make him that much more valuable. I'm pretty sure they also asked Clark if he wanted to ride the pine here or try for a starting position elsewhere. I think we all know he wanted to start.

Yeah, I think Jano lost the "or so" pounds. He looks at least 20lbs lighter than last season.

 

[Crossbones]

When I saw Jano in person I couldn't believe my eyes. I had the glasses on him and kept saying ``is that really him?"... He looked great.

 

[Angry Pope]

Grove's status still up in the air

David White

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Raiders left guard Barry Sims is a go, but center Jake Grove remains a wait-and-see.

Sims is cleared to start Monday night's season opener against San Diego, but Grove's return does not seem as imminent, Raiders coach Art Shell said Monday.

Grove, out for two weeks with a shoulder injury, worked out with the team Monday. Shell won't make a decision until week's end.

Don't be stunned to see backup center Corey Hulsey make his first regular-season start since his 2001 rookie season in Buffalo.

"Oh, you want your guys out there," Shell said. "But, you've got to be smart and understand this is just the first game. You've got 15 more after that, so you can't do something that's going to hurt you in the long run."

The absence of any starting lineman can hurt in the short run, especially against a Chargers team that led the league in run defense last season. San Diego held Oakland to a combined 120 rushing yards in two games last year, both Raiders losses.

The recent injuries to Sims (elbow) and Grove hindered the progress of a front five that struggled during camp to get in sync. Four starters are learning a new position, and all have been asked to use new Shell-approved blocking techniques.

"Nothing's ever easy," Sims said. "It does take a little time. I don't feel like I've fallen off too much by not being out there a few games. Unless I get hit by a car or something, I'm ready to go."

Grove, the only starter playing the same position this year, said he is ready to play. He'll have to convince Shell by week's end.

"He's pushing other people (to play) and I'm hearing about him," Shell said. "He's not feeling any pain, at least that's what he's telling us. ... In the history of doing this stuff, if a guy is supposed to be ready to go this week, most of the time you hold him another week just as a precaution."

Practice signings: The Raiders signed six recently cut players to their practice squad, including former Cal receiver Burl Toler.

Toler is a graduate of Oakland's Bishop O'Dowd High. He's joined on the squad by tight end Derek Miller, receiver Will Buchanon, linebacker Ricky Brown, center Chris Morris and defensive end Bryant McNeal.

Morris was the team's seventh-round draft pick in April. The team has room for two more practice players.

Number games: With the 53-man roster completed Saturday, three players made a mad dash for a former teammate's number.

Outside linebacker Robert Thomas snagged No. 55, which was worn by middle linebacker Danny Clark before the two-year starter was cut.

First-year tight end John Madsen swooped in for No. 85, worn by starting wide receiver Doug Gabriel until he was traded to New England. Tight end James Adkisson switched to No. 88, previously owned by Marcellus Rivers.

Briefly: Ronald Curry replaced Gabriel as the No. 2 receiver behind Randy Moss in practice Monday. Shell won't commit to a starter at the other receiver spot, and Jerry Porter seems in the mix. ... Cornerback Alvin Nnabuife was placed on injured reserve and will not be available to play for the Raiders this season.