Training Camp - Day 2

[Angry Pope]

Training camp, Day 2 (A.M. practice)

Jerry McDonald

News and notes from the Raiders' second day of training camp as relayed by Medianews Regional reporter Steve Corkran:

– Tight end Zach Miller returned to Napa Friday night, signed his contract and was on the field Saturday morning. He got in some work with the first team.

"He was up untill about midnight working with coach (Kelly) Skipper to make sure we could catch him up for this morning’s practice. No updates on JaMarcus (Russell). He’s still not here. Still making movement on his contract but obviously not there yet."

– The first day in full pads featured RB LaMont Jordan as the recipient of two big hits _ one courtesy of Donovin Darius in a 7-on-7 drill and another by Kirk Morrison in a one-on-one blocking drill in which linebackers get a five-yard head start.

"We got ourselves a hitter, I know that much. He about knocked LaMont out of practice," Kiffin said of Darius.

– The defense dominated the early portion of practice, with the offense later finding a rhythm and some moderate success.

"This is real football now and they responded," Kiffin said. "If you noticed there were a lot of one-on-one drills, full speed, live contact drills, running back-linebackers, tight ends-safeties. That was for a purpose. We need to find out who these players are and find out what we have on our team. Then we’ll have to go from there.

– DT Warren Sapp scolded Sam Williams for blowing an assignment. Sapp stormed across the line of scrimmage after the play, said "You can't tell me a thing if you don't know the (bleeping) calls" and then slammed his helmet to the ground and stomped away.

Williams sought out Sapp across the field, on the sideline, and Sapp used the time to show him hands-on what he was talking about. They seemed to reach some kind of accord, with Sapp patting him on the helmet.

Sapp later pushed rookie tackle Mario Henderson for getting in his way when Sapp was engaged with Gallery in a one-on-one pass-rush drill.

– Wide receiver Ronald Curry made a great play on a deep pass from Josh McCown, blowing past Stanford Routt and Stuart Schweigert, adjusting to the ball's flight and hauling in the pass for a long touchdown.

– Veteran cornerback Duane Starks made a nice interception of a McCown pass earlier in practice.

– Line coach Tom Cable was permitted to talk to the media after the morning practice and spoke of building the line back up after a difficult season. His story will be featured in Sunday's Medianews newspapers.

– Cornerback Fabian Washington, who left Friday afternoon's session after an unspecified "tweak," was back at practice. Isiah Ekejiuba, carried back to the field house after practice Friday with a "body cramp" was back on the field Saturday morning.

– The portable lights were in position for Oakland's second practice, and first at night. Kiffin wondered aloud how much of the media contingent would show up to watch.

 

[Angry Pope]

Good to here that everyone of the injured were back on the field.

Loved the part about Sapp..among other things.

 

[RZ]

This is what I like to see... Signs a contract friday night and gets right to work with the coachs to catch up what he missed on day 1....

Tight end Zach Miller returned to Napa Friday night, signed his contract and was on the field Saturday morning. He got in some work with the first team.

"He was up untill about midnight working with coach (Kelly) Skipper to make sure we could catch him up for this morning’s practice. No updates on JaMarcus (Russell). He’s still not here. Still making movement on his contract but obviously not there yet."

 

[Angry Pope]

Safety Darius making good first impression with his new team

July 28, 2007 5:05 PM

NAPA, Calif. (AP) - Donovin Darius wanted to make a good first impression. Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan just happened to get in his way.

Darius, the veteran safety who signed with the Raiders as a free agent in June after eight seasons in Jacksonville, delivered a hit on Jordan during a 7-on-7 drill Saturday that momentarily dazed the 5-foot-10, 230-pound runner and left coach Lane Kiffin with an ear-to-ear grin.

''We got ourselves a hitter, I know that much,'' Kiffin said. ''He about knocked LaMont out of practice.''

While the Raiders would prefer Darius save such hits for the opposition, it was also precisely the same reason they pursued him as quickly and vigorously as they did after he was released by the Jaguars.

Oakland owned the NFL's top-ranked pass defense in 2006, allowing just 150.8 yards a game. The Raiders were third in overall defense, as well, the lone bright spot on a team that finished 2-14 and out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

What Oakland lacked in its secondary, however, was a veteran presence, not to mention a physical hitter. Darius, who turns 32 next month, fit the bill perfectly.

A mainstay in the Jaguars' secondary, he was released in the offseason after the Jags drafted Reggie Nelson in the first round of the April draft. Jacksonville also used its fifth-round pick on a safety, Josh Gattis of Wake Forest, signaling a youth movement that ended with Darius being let go.

Darius wasn't surprised when he was released. If anything, he feels Jaguars' coach Jack Del Rio did him a favor.

''They were in a position where they had been doing some talking about me, and some of the young (players) had started to come around,'' Darius said. ''Jack said he respected me enough that he didn't want to diminish my role. He wanted to give me an opportunity to get other offers. I'm grateful for that.''

Donovin put up big numbers in Jacksonville, leading the secondary in tackles his first seven seasons in the league while playing primarily strong safety. But it was his leadership and work ethic that attracted the Raiders' attention most.

According to Kiffin, Darius is generally the first player out to practice and is frequently on the field long before his teammates. That work ethic is not surprising for someone who spends his free time as a member of the players' union executive committee and on the players' advisory committee to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

''Anyone who's known the guy knows that that's what the guy is,'' Kiffin said. ''He'll be out here 25 minutes before practice going through his steps. He's been in the league 10 years but he acts like a rookie. Those are the type of people you build your team around.''

The Raiders already have established starters in Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff, the team's first-round pick last season. But through the first two days of training camp, Darius has been alternating with both players as Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan seeks which combination of the two he prefers. Ryan might also be tempted to use all three in the 4-2-5 formation the Raiders used with good success two seasons ago.

Darius, who missed 14 games because of a torn knee ligament in 2005 and the final six games of 2006 after breaking his leg Nov. 20 against the New York Giants, figures to be in the rotation somewhere.

''One thing I told my wife yesterday is that I don't have anything to prove to anyone, not even myself,'' Darius said. ''I talked to the safeties here and I just let them know, 'I'm going to learn from you and you're going to learn from me and we're going to learn together.'''

Notes: The Raiders signed second-round draft pick Zach Miller. Miller, who played at Arizona State, missed the team's first training camp practice Friday but was on the field for two-a-day workouts Saturday.

 

[Angry Pope]

Camp Notebook - Day Two

July 28, 2007

By Ravi Savitala

Head Coach Lane Kiffin addressed the media yesterday, informing them the players would be wearing pads today. In fact, the obvious addition to this morning’s practice was the players looked bigger with full pads on. This is another marker on the road to the 2007 season.

Another addition is the presence of rookie TE Zach Miller.. He signed his rookie contract last night at the team’s Napa Valley Training Complex. “I wanted to be out here for that first practice. It just didn’t work out. I ended up getting signed last night,” said Miller. “I just have to do what I can when I’m out here. That’s what my goal is – to play as well as I can every chance I get. I got my first hit, it felt good again.”

Head Coach Lane Kiffin was encouraged by the addition of Miller. “I would say the initial, obvious thing is that we got Zach (Miller) out here. That was real big for us. I know he’s excited,” Kiffin expressed. “He’s a great competitor. He always has been, all the way back to high school. He’s a guy who’s going to give it up for you, the type of guy we’re looking for.”

The addition of pads ratchets up the level of competition in camp as this is one step closer to the pre-season opener. “They (the players) were told this is your first test. As far as putting full pads on, we’ve seen a lot stuff, we’ve seen you move around. [We’ll] see if you learned your playbook. This is real football now. They responded. We need to find out who these players are…find out what we have on our team.”

Offensive line coach Tom Cable joined the Raiders this off-season. He’s learning how each of the offensive linemen responds to his coaching. It’s imperative everyone be on the same page. “There’s a lot of work to do. Let’s just call it like it is. You kind of have to start over. There are some guys who have some talent, you’ve got some guys who’ve got very little belief in themselves. Thus far, they’ve done everything that I’ve asked – they’ve worked hard, they’re learning to compete, now they have to learn to play together. I like what their doing.”

C Jeremy Newberry. joined the Raiders as a free agent this off-season. The last two years have been tough for him because of injuries, but he’s feeling healthy and is here to compete. He’s encouraged by the talent level he is competing with. “There’s a ton of talent here, as much as I’ve ever been around. I think we’ll have a pretty good line this year,” stated Newberry.

The Raiders continue Training Camp with practice tonight. The lights are on, the field is prepped, and the players will be ready.

 

[hawaiianboy]

– The first day in full pads featured RB LaMont Jordan as the recipient of two big hits _ one courtesy of Donovin Darius in a 7-on-7 drill and another by Kirk Morrison in a one-on-one blocking drill in which linebackers get a five-yard head start.

BAM!

"We got ourselves a hitter, I know that much. He about knocked LaMont out of practice," Kiffin said of Darius.

BAM!!

"This is real football now and they responded," Kiffin said. "If you noticed there were a lot of one-on-one drills, full speed, live contact drills, running back-linebackers, tight ends-safeties.

BAM!!!

Sapp later pushed rookie tackle Mario Henderson for getting in his way when Sapp was engaged with Gallery in a one-on-one pass-rush drill.

Hey rook! BAM!

 

[Angry Pope]

Nice HB...

Here are some pictures from training camp while the homesite ones are not in yet...

Running back Zack Crockett catches passes during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Oakland Raiders tackle Robert Gallery gets some instruction during morning workouts at the team's training camp Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Running back Zack Crockett relaxes momentarily during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Veteran defensive lineman Warren Sapp gives some instruction to other players during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070728/capt.fe7250cfb4a74127bcdc307d968b3a72.raiders_camp_football_cadv111.jpg

Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan pauses during morning workouts at the team's training camp Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Running back LaMont Jordan catches passes during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Linebacker Kirk Morrison pauses during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Veteran receiver Jerry Porter catches a pass during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' football training camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Oakland Raiders receiver Will Buchanon catches a pass during morning workouts at the team's football training camp Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


Quarterback Andrew Walter throws to receivers during morning workouts at the Oakland Raiders' training football camp, Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.


New Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin tosses the football around during morning workouts at the team's training camp Saturday, July 28, 2007, in Napa, Calif.

 

[SoCalRaider]

"We got ourselves a hitter, I know that much. He about knocked LaMont out of practice," Kiffin said of Darius.

This guy is my new favorite player. If he can just knock LaMont out for the season, I'll buy 10 of his jerseys and send him a bottle of Cristal to celebrate.

 

[TommyGirl]

I liked reading about Curry. I'm very much rooting for this guy.

 

[Rupert]

I liked reading about Curry. I'm very much rooting for this guy.

I liked the fact he blew by one of the fastest guys in the game (Routt) for the TD. And everyone says he's slow. Huh?

 

[Angry Pope]

Training camp, Day 2 (P.M. practice)

Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer on Saturday at 9:41 pm

Sights and sounds, news and notes from the Raiders practice Saturday night:

– Either JaMarcus Russell isn't coming any time soon, or quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo was worried he might need rotator cuff surgery if he has to throw too many more passes.

Whatever the reason, there was a new arm at practice _ former 49ers quarterback Cody Pickett.

Pickett mostly watched along with Jeff Otis during team sessions as Josh McCown and Andrew Walter split the work, but was available to throw passes for drills.

In 2005, Pickett was briefly the starter for the 49ers, in addition to playing on special teams. During practice in San Francisco, Pickett filled in at wide receiver and defensive back. He was dealt to the Houston Texans but released before the season started.

Pickett started two games for San Francisco, both losses, and was 1-for-13 for 7 yards in a wind-blown 17-9 loss to the Bears in Chicago.

Most recently, Pickett was the quarterback for Rhein Fire in NFL Europa, completing 127 of 197 passes for 1,314 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions for a 4-6 team.

– Tight end Randal Williams missed practice for reasons that were not specified.

– Take it for what it's worth, remembering past camp flashes such as Alex Van Dyke and Erric Pegram, but so far the most explosive looking running back on the Raiders is Adimchinobe Echemandu.

– It was enough to strike terror into fans who want to see someone new at wide receiver _ Alvis Whitted streaking under a long pass from McCown, well ahead of the coverage.

– Walter has thrown his share of well-timed passes to wide receivers, but where he simply doesn't measure up to McCown is on the perimeter. McCown is consistently hitting running backs and tight ends on rolls outside the pocket.

– Not that McCown has ignored his wideouts _ Johnnie Lee Higgins had the night's most conspicuous drop on McCown's perfectly thrown deep post.

Higgins, after he made his way back to his position group, dropped to the ground to do push-ups under the watchful eye of Jerry Porter.

– Visual evidence suggests wide receiver Mike Williams is bigger than tight end James Adkisson.

– In what was a generally a good night for the passing game _ mostly operating against second- and third-team units _ veteran Travis Taylor caught short passes and others from medium range.

– Will Buchanon, who made the practice squad based on his training camp performance as an undrafted rookie a year ago, reached out for a spectacular finger-tip reception on a sideline pass.

– On offense the Raiders have stayed with the same starting offensive line _ Barry Sims at left tackle, Robert Gallery at left guard, Jake Grove at center, Cooper Carlisle at right guard and Cornell Green at right tackle _ while rotating quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers in and out.

– Jon Condo is listed on the roster as a long-snapper but was getting some reps with the reserves at linebacker _ scooping up a fumble on one play.

– LaMont Jordan continues to struggle with his receiving, even in drills which are not contested by a defender. Tight end Fred Wakefield, a converted tackle, has also had his share of drops.

Jordan did recover to make a few nice catches later in practice.

– DT Lauvale Sape, who played last season in Buffalo, was waived.

– Practice started in daylight, but finished in darkness, with the quality of lighting about what you'd expect for a local high school game. There is one portable light standard in the Redwood Middle School parking lot on one side of the field, with another near the opposite end zone in the parking lot of the Napa Marriott.

Double-sessions are followed by a single practice the next day at 2:45 p.m.

 

[Angry Pope]

Coach Kiffin Q & A, Day Two

July 28, 2007

Head Coach Lane Kiffin addressed the media following the morning practice on the team's second day of Training Camp. Coach Kiffin talked about the arrival of rookie TE Zach Miller., his impression of the team to date, and Donovin Darius' impact during the morning practice.


Coach Kiffin: We got Zach (Miller) in here and it was a big for us. We did a great job back at the office of finishing up, getting his contract nailed so we could get to work with him. He couldn’t have been more excited. Last night he was up until midnight working with [tight ends] coach Kelly Skipper to make sure that we could catch him up for this morning’s practice.

Q: How did Zach (Miller) look today on the practice field?

Coach Kiffin: (He looked) really good, that’s who he is. The thing about Zach is that you won’t have to worry about him coming back out of shape or that he hasn’t been working out and that’s a part of what went into drafting him. He’s a great competitor; he always has been all the way back to high school. He’s a guy that’s going to give it up for you and that’s the type of guy that we’re looking for.

Q: When did he arrive?

Coach Kiffin: He got here last night.

Q: How did you like today’s first session?

Coach Kiffin: Somebody asked the question yesterday if it felt different. Today it did feel a little different and we did that for a reason. We gave them one practice with just the spider pads on and then to come out today we put them in full pads and they knew too. They were told that ‘this is your first test as far as putting full pads on. The coaching staff has seen a lot of stuff, seeing guys run around seeing if you guys have learned your playbook.’ We’ve done that all of the off-season but this is real football now and they responded. You noticed that there was a lot of one-on-one drills full speed, live contact drills and that was for a purpose. We need to find out who these players are and find out what we have on our team and then we’ll go from there.

Q: You’re first impressions of Donovin Darius?

Coach Kiffin: We’ve got ourselves a hitter I know that much. He about knocked LaMont (Jordan) out of practice. (Darius) is a great competitor, anybody whose ever known the guy knows that’s what he is. He’s out here 25 minutes before practice and he’s going through his steps. He’s been in the league for 10 years but acts like he’s a rookie while also taking the young guys aside. Those are the type of people that you build your team around.

Q: How does Josh (McCown) look at quarterback?

Coach Kiffin: He’s done really well, made good decisions at yesterday’s practice and didn’t have a turnover. We had two picks today, but we have to protect the football. We’re going to win games just based on not turning the football over and getting the ball back on defense and also correcting our turnover margin…That’s the number one thing around here it’s about the ball and we’ve got to correct that and Josh is doing really well with that as well as Andrew Walter..

 

[Angry Pope]

Photo gallery for today...

Hit it here...

 

[Angry Pope]

Jordan with more drops today...incredible. I would like to hear some news on Hawthorne, Morant, Adkisson and Buchanon. Liked the part where Darius is 25 minutes early to practice.

 

[Angry Pope]

Article goes along with training camp..

Raiders linemen drilled by Cable

David White

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Tom Cable is the new Raiders offensive line coach who yells and screams and curses and curses some more. The job title doesn't suggest it, but he might be the most important person in the eye-patch organization this season.

Think about it: Rookie coach Lane Kiffin can scheme as much as he wants, quarterback JaMarcus Russell can throw as far as possible and the defense can be stingy as ever, but if the offensive line cannot block, the Raiders will end up 2-14 as can be.

So yeah, Cable is kind of important.

"There's a lot of work to do," Cable said at training camp Saturday in Napa. "You kind of having to start over. I like what they're doing, but it's definitely a project to rebuild it."

Last year, the Raiders gave up an NFL-worst 72 quarterback sacks and created holes only big enough for a 3.9-yard average per carry. Players said they had three coaches giving them conflicting instructions: head coach Art Shell and co-offensive line coaches Jackie Slater and Irv Eatman.

With all three dismissed after the season, they now have one coach relaying one message, usually by way of screaming and yelling and cursing and more cursing.

Left guard Robert Gallery said, "He's going to push us." Rookie tackle Mario Henderson said, "He's going to give it to you."

Raiders center Jeremy Newberry said they haven't heard the half of it.

"He's calmed down 500 percent," said Newberry, who played for Cable at Cal 10 years ago. "This is the calmest I've ever seen him."

Not so much anymore. Cable is too busy explaining to last year's players (four starters are back) a new zone-blocking scheme, where players are assigned certain areas instead of singling out particular players on every play.

Cable is Oakland's fifth offensive line coach since 2004, when Gallery was drafted second overall. The Raiders' record in that span is 11-37.

You'd think the linemen would be sick of learning new systems that come with lofty expectations, but frankly, after last year, they're willing to give anything a chance.

Cable helped the Atlanta Falcons led the NFL in rushing last season, so they're listening.

"To not have somebody come in and change everything you've ever done, it's refreshing," Gallery said. "We're a lot farther ahead than we were at any point last year."

Some of that is improved technique. More of it has to do with how the players are feeling about themselves, especially carryovers from last year's team.

Gallery's confidence was shot. Sims was left baffled by his late-season benching. Center Jake Grove still doesn't know what he was supposed to be doing. Leave it to Cable to lift their spirits in his own bleepity-bleep way.

"You've got guys who got talent, (but) you've got guys who have very little belief in themselves," Cable said. "I just worry about their minds right now because they've got the bodies.

"In order for us to move and grow, you've got to forget what's happened. Don't forget how much that hurts and how people kicked you in the (groin) and talk about you the way they do; remember that part. But forget what you know and let's just start over."

And all the hollering? Cable says that's just him being himself. He's the kind coach who "loves 'em and is (ticked) at them all at the same time."

If players get tired of it, Newberry said there's a great way to get Cable to pipe down.

"As you learn to work consistently, he won't ride you like that," said Newberry, a former Pro Bowler who never gets chewed out. "That's his way of getting people motivated. If that bothers you and you can't deal with that, then it's probably the wrong game for you."

Miller signs: Second-round draft pick Zach Miller, a tight end from Arizona State, was signed late Friday night and joined the team at practice Saturday.

He got a four-year deal worth $5.18 million with a $965,000 signing bonus, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. Incentives could bump the contract to more than $5.5 million.

Miller shared first-team snaps and is considered a leading contender to start. The Raiders thought enough of him after offseason workouts to waive former starting tight end Courtney Anderson on Thursday.

Russell, the No. 1 pick overall, is the final player unsigned. He's home in Mobile, Ala.

 

[Angry Pope]

July 28, 2007

It's only Day 2...

NAPA - Computer issues prevented me from checking in earlier. This morning featured the first practice in pads (the first practice that counts for my viewing purposes) and the high tempo Lane Kiffin loves was still in effect.

With the pads on, the offensive line was able to really apply the new scheme being taught by offensive line coach Tom Cable. There were some good moments such as Adimchinobe Echemandu bursting through a huge hole.

There were also the moments that looked like last season where the defense was able to slice through in pass protection. But it's Day 2 of camp so I won't condemn the line yet.

The day wrapped up with an evening practice in the OTA mold -- shorts, jerseys and not so much contact. The players love the late sessions that start at 7 p.m. They get plenty of rest between practices because the morning session ended about 11 a.m.

But of course everyone is happy. It is just Day 2

--Jason Jones

 

[hawaiianboy]

Photo gallery for today...

Hit it here...

I don't know if the NFL would allow it, but I would love to see the whole team go with the white shoes spatted black tape look Morrison is sporting in pic #2...


Ahem... I would like to call attention to pic #19 where my man Ike is just destroying the blocking sled in Chuck Norris like fashion...

 

[Crossbones]

Photo gallery for today...

Hit it here...

I need a program!

 

[NIPS]

Oh lets not stop now....

Day 2 Jordan watch:

– LaMont Jordan continues to struggle with his receiving, even in drills which are not contested by a defender. Tight end Fred Wakefield, a converted tackle, has also had his share of drops.

Alright fellas, anybody concerned about this?

 

[Angry Pope]

Darius hits hard like Lott, Atkinson

Monte Poole

07/29/2007

NAPA — Extremely physical and utterly fearless, he was an athlete straight out of the Raiders' dreams. A throwback who would have fit perfectly once upon a time, back in the day, when they led the NFL in intimidation.
Which is why Oakland expressed interest last summer in signing offensive lineman Larry Allen. The line was a soft spot, and Allen is a rock, easily the most decorated free agent lineman who was available.

But the East Bay resident signed with the 49ers, in part because the Raiders, according to several sources, severely overestimated their appeal. They assumed Allen, a perennial All-Pro, would be honored to wear the uniform.

We all know how that turned out.

So do the Raiders.

Which brings us — and brought them — to Donovin Darius.

By signing Darius this month, the Raiders addressed the kind of glaring weakness they neglected when they failed to sign Allen.

Consider Darius' presence another indication that things have changed for the better within the organization. In the wake of a 2-14 season, the Raiders rightfully have gone from self-delusion and pinching pennies to making the kinds of moves that actually could improve the team.

At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Darius is bigger than either of Oakland's incumbent starting safeties, Stuart Schweigert (6-2, 210) and Michael Huff (6-1, 200). While both generally play satisfactory pass defense, neither has distinguished himself against the run.

Darius, who turns 32 Aug.12, is here to change that.A two-time Pro Bowl alternate and one of the most respected safeties in the league during nine seasons in Jacksonville, he announced himself in the team's first practice Saturday morning by walloping running back LaMont Jordan during a seven-on-seven drill.

Darius, it appeared, hijacked a bit of Jordan's spirit.

"We got ourselves a hitter," coach Lane Kiffin said. "I know that much."

The Raiders have sought an impact safety since, well, Rod Woodson retired after the 2003 season. They have been without a high-velocity tackler in the secondary since Ronnie Lott moved on after the 1992 season.

Three years ago, hoping to replace Woodson, they brought in veteran Rodney Harrison for a workout and interview. Harrison, who had been released by San Diego, signed with New England and went to a couple of Super Bowls.

The Raiders this time closed the deal. Upon being released by the Jaguars, Darius and his wife, Alemnesh, shopped several teams. They got to Oakland and liked what they saw. Moreover, the Raiders did not let them leave.

"I just looked at it as an opportunity to come and be part of a great program," Darius said. "With (the Raiders) changing, in transition, there were a lot of positive things about it. The defense, the personnel they have, was definitely attractive."

While Woodson was a playmaker and a leader, Darius fits the profile of the old-school Raiders safety. He's a leader — a member of the NFL Players Association executive committee and the commissioner's advisory committee — but also an intimidator.

Darius initiates loud collisions. He is the kind of safety, like legends Jack Tatum and George Atkinson, who can invade the minds and hearts of opposing runners and receivers.

Darius led the Jaguars in tackles in each of his first seven seasons. While he realizes he is competing for a job, he also must know he offers a level of ferocity no one else has shown.

He also has the advantage of experience. Schweigert is in his fourth season, Huff his second.

"In Jacksonville, I played with 17 different safeties," Darius said. "I talked to the safeties here and let them know I'm going to learn from then and they're going to learn from me. We're going to learn together.

"I love to teach, by nature. I love to develop men, by nature."

For Darius, this is a second life. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who has praised Darius' ability and leadership, opted to release the safety before training camp to allow him a chance to earn a spot elsewhere. There are, Darius insists, no hard feelings.

"I don't have anything to prove to anyone. Not even myself. Not even (the Jaguars)," he said. "God has blessed me tremendously. I'm here because He has opened up a great opportunity and a door for me. My job is just to walk into and give my best.

"That said ... I want to be great."

The Raiders need him to be nothing less. Owner Al Davis is one of the NFL's great scavengers, picking through the veterans on the market and often coming up with a valuable player. He had success with Woodson and Lott, and with Jerry Rice.

When Davis failed to sign Allen what followed was a historically bad offensive season, the hallmark of which was an abysmal line.

Allen, meanwhile, became Frank Gore's escort and the primary force in San Francisco's resurgent running game.

If Darius can do half as much for Oakland's secondary, Al has found a nugget. A painful lesson is, after all, no less a lesson.