OAKLAND RAIDERS OFFSEASON THREAD

[Solitary 1]

Raiders’ burning question: What should be Russell’s role?
By Vinnie Iyer - SportingNews
5 hours, 31 minutes ago

Buzz Up Print

When the Oakland Raiders kick off their 2008 season, all eyes will be on two offensive skill-position players: rookie Darren McFadden, the draft’s fourth overall pick, and second-year man JaMarcus Russell, the first overall pick in ‘07.

For Russell to be successful as the team’s starting quarterback, he needs to take a back seat to McFadden and the team’s dynamic rushing attack. Russell has a big frame and a big arm, but the Raiders need to avoid becoming enamored of the big passing game, especially after adding wide receiver Javon Walker.

They shouldn’t be scared to let Russell loose a few times, but the more games in which they keep Russell to fewer than 20 pass attempts, the better their chances of finishing a surprising .500 or better.

The Raiders were awesome at running the ball last season. They finished sixth in the league (130.4 rushing yards per game), though they were one of only two teams ranked in the top seven that didn’t make the playoffs. It didn’t matter who was in the backfield—they kept pounding away old-school style for rookie coach Lane Kiffin.

They produced eight individual 100-yard games, starting with LaMont Jordan, then going to breakout rusher Justin Fargas, then closing with Dominic Rhodes. Rhodes is gone, but McFadden, arguably the most talented player in college football last year, provides a considerable upgrade in both speed and explosiveness.

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The combination of Fargas and McFadden could be very productive and devastate run defenses. The Raiders averaged more than 30 rushing attempts per game last season, meaning they wisely stuck with the run in games in which they fell behind during their 4-12 season. They need to dial up the carries to around 40 to make full use of the running skills of Fargas and McFadden.

That leaves Russell to play smart football and not try to do too much with his arm. He needs to play off the run, take calculated deep shots to both Walker and Ronald Curry, and most importantly, protect the ball.

The Raiders figure to see plenty of eight-man fronts this season as defenses work to stop the established Fargas and the promising McFadden. That will put pressure on Russell to make plays, but he also will face favorable coverage. In those situations, he needs get the ball to Curry or tight end Zach Miller on shorter, high-percentage routes.

Many young quarterbacks step into starting situations with little help around them. Russell is fortunate, because Fargas and McFadden can primarily handle the offensive load, while Walker, Curry and Miller offer nice-sized targets with good hands.

Up front, the Raiders have two new starters at positions key to the quarterback. Oakland gave up 41 sacks last season, so it’s imperative that former 49er Kwame Harris has a good year at left tackle. In addition, former Buccaneer John Wade takes over at center for Jeremy Newberry, who had one pretty solid year in Oakland. Russell needs to work on clicking with both Harris and Wade in training camp to make it easier on himself in the passing game.

As long as the Raiders don’t succumb to the Al Davis-style temptation to chuck and duck and stick with a run-first, play-action pass type of offense, they can help Russell reduce turnovers and produce points. Russell may eventually turn into a consistently good gunslinger, but it’s wise to initially bring him on as more of a caretaker.

The Raiders did a good job of controlling the ball last season, but they need to boost their time of possession while putting more points on the scoreboard. Russell can’t afford to force the ball and make big mistakes because of the team’s issues on defense.

The Raiders have an aggressive defense, so they need to keep their legs on that side of the ball as fresh as possible. The Raiders’ front seven will need to play much better than it did last season—both against the run and when rushing the passer—for the team to truly contend. But those things are out of Russell’s control.

Even if there’s frustration that stems from the defense struggling again, it’s important for the Raiders to keep running the ball rather than making Russell drop back and try to win the game in pass-happy mode.

This year is about developing the second-year quarterback into an efficient, confident passer. If that happens, then once the Raiders right things on defense down the line, they will emerge as a strong all-around young team.

 

[Tony]

I agree with some of dudes points in that article... but when need be Russell should be able to slang that mf down the field to make defenses fear us... that way the running game will really open up because defenses will begin to fear JR and his strong arm... plus JR may develop more confidence. Mistakes are going to happen regardless it's how JR learns from them. But I do agree with most of his points but like I said if need be... JR will have to learn how to lead us down the field in late game situations when we're down and can't run the ball. Good article!

 

[Solitary 1]

TONY YOU BE KILLIN ME SOMETIMES BUT I LOVE YA MAYNARD!

 

[PoLLo LoC831]

Cats and dogs living together? 49ers, Raiders to hold joint practice?

http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2224250

The 49ers and Raiders are in talks to hold one day of joint practices leading up to their exhibition game Friday, Aug. 8. The teams do not play in the regular season.

If the sides finalize the agreement, the practice session would likely take place in Napa -- home of Raiders training camp -- and be closed to the general public.

Coach Mike Nolan in the past has expressed his desire to practice against another team to break up the monotony of going head-to-head against teammates all through training camp.

The 49ers held discussions last year with the Denver Broncos about holding joint practices leading up to the first exhibition game for both teams. But the Broncos ran into logistical problems in finding hotel space for an extended stay in the Bay Area.

The 49ers' first practice of training camp is scheduled for July 25 at the club's Santa Clara practice facility. Camp closes Aug. 22.

* * *

Check out the hard-to-see attachment below for NFL training camp reporting dates and sites, as well as the national TV schedule for the exhibition season.

 

[radiostationrep]

im looking forward to seeing 8 man fronts.

i think we will be better than people think in the passing game because teams will try and stack the box. put mcfadden in motion one on one with a safety and run a quick out and watch him break it. man i cant wait. curry should have a breakout year and should be healthier and stronger than ever.

 

[Defy]

Cats and dogs living together? 49ers, Raiders to hold joint practice?

http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2224250

The 49ers and Raiders are in talks to hold one day of joint practices leading up to their exhibition game Friday, Aug. 8. The teams do not play in the regular season.

If the sides finalize the agreement, the practice session would likely take place in Napa -- home of Raiders training camp -- and be closed to the general public.

Coach Mike Nolan in the past has expressed his desire to practice against another team to break up the monotony of going head-to-head against teammates all through training camp.

The 49ers held discussions last year with the Denver Broncos about holding joint practices leading up to the first exhibition game for both teams. But the Broncos ran into logistical problems in finding hotel space for an extended stay in the Bay Area.

The 49ers' first practice of training camp is scheduled for July 25 at the club's Santa Clara practice facility. Camp closes Aug. 22.

* * *

Check out the hard-to-see attachment below for NFL training camp reporting dates and sites, as well as the national TV schedule for the exhibition season.

that'd be odd.....but if they do that I hope they allow the media inside

 

[Tony]

TONY YOU BE KILLIN ME SOMETIMES BUT I LOVE YA MAYNARD!

Haha... right on S1. I mean I agree with the article because Russell is still a rookie but at some point in time we gotta take them training wheels off and let him do what he does best... slang that mf down field... that's why I think we're so dependent on Walker coming through.

 

[Tony]

i think we will be better than people think in the passing game because teams will try and stack the box. put mcfadden in motion one on one with a safety and run a quick out and watch him break it. man i cant wait. curry should have a breakout year and should be healthier and stronger than ever.

Exactly... McFadden is going to cause match up problems in the passing game, especially when you motion him out of the backfield because that'll tip off the coverage.... a safety or linebacker won't be able to hang with him in one on one coverage. And if that safety does help out to cover McFadden does that mean Walker/Carter will see one on one coverage against a corner????? Good football spit mayne!!

 

[MRTHECOSE]

i think we will be better than people think in the passing game because teams will try and stack the box. put mcfadden in motion one on one with a safety and run a quick out and watch him break it. man i cant wait. curry should have a breakout year and should be healthier and stronger than ever.

oh yeah.. that lil scenario got me pumped.. we lookin better in the pass game i agree 100%

 

[MooreBlock530]

Exactly... McFadden is going to cause match up problems in the passing game, especially when you motion him out of the backfield because that'll tip off the coverage.... a safety or linebacker won't be able to hang with him in one on one coverage. And if that safety does help out to cover McFadden does that mean Walker/Carter will see one on one coverage against a corner????? Good football spit mayne!!

thats what our fans our trying to say about chris johnson....if you think about it the raiders and titans have similarites on offesne...other then the titans have a way better o-line...

 

[Tony]

Yeah Chris Johnson will cause some serious match up problems.... that mf is fast. He has the breakaway speed to turn a simple screen into a touchdown so teams may not blitz the Titans as much or they'll pay. Same with the Raiders... can't wait til football season starts.

 

[radiostationrep]

exactly. but i dont think any team will match up a linebacker with him.

Exactly... McFadden is going to cause match up problems in the passing game, especially when you motion him out of the backfield because that'll tip off the coverage.... a safety or linebacker won't be able to hang with him in one on one coverage. And if that safety does help out to cover McFadden does that mean Walker/Carter will see one on one coverage against a corner????? Good football spit mayne!!

are recievers are gonna see alot of one on ones this year. safeties will have to worry about mcfadden. he will eat linebackers up for big gains all year. i was upset last year with kiffin's play calling, but i thinik he will open the offense up this year. dont forget about zach miller. hes a solid recieving tight end and will be difficult for linebackers also. atleast we are under 30 days to some action. we should easily be in the top 5 rushing. plus some upgrades defensively. its gonna be interesting.

 

[Solitary 1]

Hackett set to join Raiders
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, July 11th, 2008 at 7:57 pm in Oakland Raiders.

I’ll come clean. The last four posts were done in advance of a family vacation and posted while I was driving to and from Long Beach and a cruise ship headed to Catalina Island and Mexico. Never checked an e-mail or my phone during that time.

Upon my arrival home today, I received word the Raiders had hired or were going to hire Paul Hackett, the veteran offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach who was most recently with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Raiders senior execuitve John Herrera confirmed coach Lane Kiffin and Hackett have talked about a consultant’s job, but said nothing had been finalized. Kiffin is currently on vacation and there likely would be no announcement _ if there is one at all _ until next week.

The Raiders often simply add people to their organization, with confirmation coming the day they’re either seen on the field or around the building or when their name is added to the Web site.

Hackett is regarded within the league as an excellent technician and teacher of offense, and particularly quarterbacks.

It was Hackett who hired Jon Gruden on his college staff at Pittsburgh. It was Hackett who recommended Rich Gannon to both Al Davis and Gruden. He sent Gruden a tape of Gannon converting a broken play against the Raiders in 1997 for a touchdown, and extolled Gannon’s skills as a leader.

He worked for Gruden on the Bucs staff, on the same staff with Monte Kiffin.

Hackett would give the Raiders an extra set of eyes as the Raiders work on developing Russell, assisting Kiffin, Greg Knapp and John DeFilippo.

Hackett’s critics, however, believe his offense is far too conservative and horizontal. His teams will pile up a high completion percentage, but too often will throw in front of the stake and miss a chance at moving the chains or getting big plays.

As offensive coordinator, Hackett was a punching bag for the media with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock instituted a campaign to “sack the Hack.”

While Hackett has ties to the Kiffins, he also has a relationship with Davis. It would put Hackett in roughly the same position as Marc Trestman, who was brought in in a similar role under Gruden and was elevated to offensive coordinator once Gruden was sent to the Bucs.

In other words, if Kiffin or Knapp were to leave, there is an immediate in-house candidate with a depth of knowledge of both Russell and the offense for the sake of continuity. Hackett’s offense may not be what Davis prefers, but the owner has historically been much more open to suggestions regarding offensive philosophy than defensive philosophy.

Kiffin’s status was tenuous in the early stages of the offseason, and he may need a quick start to retain his job. Knapp is in the final year of his contract and it’s widely believed among knowledgable NFL people that he will be asked to join Jim Mora in Seattle next year as offensive coordinator.

 

[Solitary 1]

Raiders backup plan is flawed
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at 11:56 am in Oakland Raiders.

Last in a series of concerns regarding the makeup of the 2008 Raiders with the reporting date approaching on July 23 at the Napa Marriott:

The last two quarterbacks of the future will compete to see which one will emerge as the backup to the new quarterback of the future, and it’s entirely possible neither man will end up being the No. 2 quarterback to JaMarcus Russell.

That is assuming, of course, that Russell himself doesn’t wind up being No. 2 by virtue of the Raiders pulling off the unlikely maneuver of bringing in Brett Favre. (I’ll explore the possibilities and ramifications of such a deal in a future blog).

Marques Tuiasosopo, drafted in the second round of the 2001 draft, was once the heir apparent to Rich Gannon. He had the requisite mobility, was a developing passer and had a string of clutch performances to pull out games at Washington that left Jon Gruden slackjawed. Gruden campaigned hard to get Tuiasosopo aboard, and Al Davis gave the coach what he wanted.

Surely, Tui would absorb everything he could from Gannon and then step in, with the offense never missing a beat.

Five years after Tuiasososopo was drafted, with the offense having changed in philosophy, Andrew Walter was a third-round pick out of Arizona State. A tall stand-up thrower with excellent touch on his deep throws, Walter succeeded Tuiasosopo as the quarterback of the future in the play-action system of coach Norv Turner.

Turner lasted just two years, Walter became a punching bag in the Art Shell-Tom Walsh offense, giving the Raiders the chance to land Russell with the top pick in the 2007 draft.

It’s Russell’s job. His contract, not to mention his skill set, say it is so.

As for Walter and Tuiasosopo, there is nothing approaching hard evidence that either will be a starting quarterback for anyone, let alone the Raiders.

Assuming Sam Keller’s best shot is the practice squad and the status quo holds, Walter or Tuiasosopo would be entrusted with the offense if Russell were to be injured.

Not exactly the stuff dream seasons are made of.

Walter is simply not a fit for the type of offense the Raiders run, which is heavy on bootlegs and rollouts and puts a premium on the quarterback getting rid of the ball. There were plenty of hints last year at training camp that Walter is not Kiffin’s cup of tea, either.

Kiffin is big on body language, and Walter doesn’t exude confidence when things aren’t going his way, instead giving off a “woe is me” vibe rather than inspiring or lifting his teammates.

There was a supposed “competition” between Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper and Walter last season to be the starter, but Walter’s fate may have been sealed the day he failed to go after a fumble during a team session.

Tuiasosopo moves as well as ever, but the concern is that if he hasn’t become a bonafide NFL quarterback by now, it is unlikely to happen at all.

The two times Tuiasosopo got the job as the Raiders starter due to injury he got injured himself. When Turner came aboard, he fell behind Walter, who was perceived as a better system fit.

When Tuiasosopo’s contract finally expired, he signed with the New York Jets but barely held on at No. 3 quarterback, behind Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens.

There were questions when Tuiasosopo came out of college whether he would ever be a truly high-percentage passer, and those questions remain.

There are also those in the organization who believe Tuiasosopo gradually put less time in as a student of the game, partiularly after Gannon’s departure, choosing to rely on the playmaking skills that won him games at Washington.

If neither man impresses Kiffin during training camp, the Raiders could be looking hard at the waiver wire, or ponder someone like Quinn Gray, who had starting experience with Jacksonville last season. However, there are sure to be red flags after Gray signed with Houston and then was cut, as the Texans run a system similar to the one Kiffin installed in Oakland.

One of Russell’s qualities in college was that he was so big that he could shake off hits which would fell other quarterbacks and remain on the field. No doubt the Raiders are counting on that skill this season.

Then again, if Davis managed to cap off a whirlwind offseason and sign Brett Favre, then Russell would be the backup with Walter and Tuiasosopo hoping to be No. 3.

I’ll take a look at that problems with that scenario in a future blog . .

 

[Solitary 1]

Why Favre is a bad idea
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 8:55 am in Oakland Raiders.

Let’s go ahead and assume for the sake of a blog file that Brett Favre would consider joining the Raiders.

It would seem to be a near-certainty it won’t happen, with Favre resisting the notion of being dispatched to a franchise which has been the NFL’s Siberia five years running and hoping for one last shot at the postseason.

But imagine Al Davis getting a one-on-one audience with Favre. He is his usual persuasive self, stunning Favre with minute details about his background, holding him spellbound with tales about the greatness of the Raidahs, reminding him of the magic he held at the Coliseum following the death of his father and making the point that he could be the difference in a young team which added considerable talent this past offseason.

Like the Packers last season, the Raiders would be running a zone-blocking running game and a pass offense that has West Coast roots but also the propensity for the occasional big play. Favre would be reunited with Javon Walker and be the quarterback most likely to bring out all that talent.

Favre could serve as a mentor to quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who wouldn’t have to be force-fed to the NFL. Imagine what it would do to Favre’s legacy to turn a a team with a 19-61 record over the last five years into a winner.

It sounds appealing . . . kind of like the acquisition of Randy Moss did once upon a time.

I was having a discussion with another NFL writer at one of the minicamps about Russell and which quarterback he most resembles. Names such as Daunte Culpepper and Steve McNair invariably surface, given the quarterback’s size, arm strength and the color of his skin. He has been linked to John Elway because of the throwing arm.

If I had to chose, the best model for Russell is Favre. Like Favre, Russell has the big throwing arm. Like Favre, Russell can move, but uses the movement to get extra time to pass rather than take off and run. Like Favre, Russell had a laid-back decidedly Southern outlook on things.

We won’t know for sure, but there are early indications that Russell, provided he makes enough plays, could be an unconventional kind of leader in that regard just as Favre has been for the Packers. He won’t be a Rich Gannon taskmaster so much as a relaxed prodder who keeps others calm because of his own demeanor.

So what could possibly be the problem with Favre becoming a Raider in this pipe dream?

Favre has wafflled about whether he wants to play for each of the past few years. If he comes to the Raiders and finds it too strange for his liking, and a few losses pile up, he won’t be totally committed.

Not exactly what you want Russell to see on a day-by-day basis from a living legend.

Legends, by the way, often don’t make good mentors.

I’ve been told Favre never really went out of his way to be any kind of guiding light for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was just a guy looking to take his job, much as Russell would be. Only Russell is infinitely more talented and more of a threat.

I’ve worked in the 49ers locker room and watched as Joe Montana, out with a bum arm, would say loud and clear with body language that he was revolted by the way Steve Young was going out of his way to chat up the media while he was the starting quarterback.

When Young was having issues with concussions, the normally friendly quarterback would walk off in a huff as Jeff Garcia was giving impromptu press conferences.

The best mentors aren’t necessarily star quarterbacks, but seasoned backups who have been through the mill and can verbalize what it is to struggle. Legends protect their turf, and it’s part of what makes them legends.

Favre is first-ballot Hall of Fame player, but for all but a few years of his career has been a guy who makes the inexlicable throw into traffic, someone who tries to make a play when it isn’t there, and often at the worst time.

That happens to be the one thing Lane Kiffin and Co. are working on with Russell at this time, hoping to first teach him to be safe and conservative before learning when to take chances.

Favre’s, `What the hell, I’ll take a shot,” approach isn’t necessarily what would be best for Russell at this point in his development.

Would Favre give the Raiders a couple of more wins this season? Probably.

But in the longterm development of both Russell and the franchise, six wins with Russell could be more beneficial than eight under Favre. It’s a more difficult call if you’re talking eight wins under Russell and 10 with Favre.

Regardless, in 2009, you’d be right back to where we are now _ with Favre zig-zagging on his desire to play, and Russell having lost a full season of expereince.

 

[radiostationrep]

theres no way.

Why Favre is a bad idea
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, July 14th, 2008 at 8:55 am in Oakland Raiders.

Let’s go ahead and assume for the sake of a blog file that Brett Favre would consider joining the Raiders.

It would seem to be a near-certainty it won’t happen, with Favre resisting the notion of being dispatched to a franchise which has been the NFL’s Siberia five years running and hoping for one last shot at the postseason.

But imagine Al Davis getting a one-on-one audience with Favre. He is his usual persuasive self, stunning Favre with minute details about his background, holding him spellbound with tales about the greatness of the Raidahs, reminding him of the magic he held at the Coliseum following the death of his father and making the point that he could be the difference in a young team which added considerable talent this past offseason.

Like the Packers last season, the Raiders would be running a zone-blocking running game and a pass offense that has West Coast roots but also the propensity for the occasional big play. Favre would be reunited with Javon Walker and be the quarterback most likely to bring out all that talent.

Favre could serve as a mentor to quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who wouldn’t have to be force-fed to the NFL. Imagine what it would do to Favre’s legacy to turn a a team with a 19-61 record over the last five years into a winner.

It sounds appealing . . . kind of like the acquisition of Randy Moss did once upon a time.

I was having a discussion with another NFL writer at one of the minicamps about Russell and which quarterback he most resembles. Names such as Daunte Culpepper and Steve McNair invariably surface, given the quarterback’s size, arm strength and the color of his skin. He has been linked to John Elway because of the throwing arm.

If I had to chose, the best model for Russell is Favre. Like Favre, Russell has the big throwing arm. Like Favre, Russell can move, but uses the movement to get extra time to pass rather than take off and run. Like Favre, Russell had a laid-back decidedly Southern outlook on things.

We won’t know for sure, but there are early indications that Russell, provided he makes enough plays, could be an unconventional kind of leader in that regard just as Favre has been for the Packers. He won’t be a Rich Gannon taskmaster so much as a relaxed prodder who keeps others calm because of his own demeanor.

So what could possibly be the problem with Favre becoming a Raider in this pipe dream?

Favre has wafflled about whether he wants to play for each of the past few years. If he comes to the Raiders and finds it too strange for his liking, and a few losses pile up, he won’t be totally committed.

Not exactly what you want Russell to see on a day-by-day basis from a living legend.

Legends, by the way, often don’t make good mentors.

I’ve been told Favre never really went out of his way to be any kind of guiding light for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was just a guy looking to take his job, much as Russell would be. Only Russell is infinitely more talented and more of a threat.

I’ve worked in the 49ers locker room and watched as Joe Montana, out with a bum arm, would say loud and clear with body language that he was revolted by the way Steve Young was going out of his way to chat up the media while he was the starting quarterback.

When Young was having issues with concussions, the normally friendly quarterback would walk off in a huff as Jeff Garcia was giving impromptu press conferences.

The best mentors aren’t necessarily star quarterbacks, but seasoned backups who have been through the mill and can verbalize what it is to struggle. Legends protect their turf, and it’s part of what makes them legends.

Favre is first-ballot Hall of Fame player, but for all but a few years of his career has been a guy who makes the inexlicable throw into traffic, someone who tries to make a play when it isn’t there, and often at the worst time.

That happens to be the one thing Lane Kiffin and Co. are working on with Russell at this time, hoping to first teach him to be safe and conservative before learning when to take chances.

Favre’s, `What the hell, I’ll take a shot,” approach isn’t necessarily what would be best for Russell at this point in his development.

Would Favre give the Raiders a couple of more wins this season? Probably.

But in the longterm development of both Russell and the franchise, six wins with Russell could be more beneficial than eight under Favre. It’s a more difficult call if you’re talking eight wins under Russell and 10 with Favre.

Regardless, in 2009, you’d be right back to where we are now _ with Favre zig-zagging on his desire to play, and Russell having lost a full season of expereince.

favre wants to be starter. jr didnt get 30 million to sit in the bench for 2 years. rumors are crazy. i dont even know why mcdonald would write about it to fuel this non-sense.

 

[Tony]

Yeah there's no way Favre would play for the Raiders... got love for Favre and I think he's one of the greatest QB's but it's time for Russell.

 

[Solitary 1]

Deadline passes _ no deal for Asomugha
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008 at 3:42 pm in Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders passed out signing bonus money this offseason as if it were Halloween candy, but opted to pay for cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on a week-by-week basis in 2008.

The deadline for signing franchise players to multi-year contracts has come and gone, meaning Asomugha will play for the one-year tender for an exclusive franchse cornerback.

The only announcement by the Raiders Tuesday came on the transactions page of their Web site, where fourth-round pick Tyvon Branch, a safety out of UConn, was reported as having signed a contract.

That leaves three draft picks _ wide receiver Arman Sheilds, defensive end Trevor Scott and wide receiver Chaz Schilens _ unsigned with the reporting date eight days away.

Steve Baker, the agent for Asomugha, could not be reached for comment and has chosen to remain silent throughout the signing period.

Asomugha has also declined comment, mindful of the fact that even a whisper of complaint from someone scheduled to make more than $570,000 per week throughout the 17-week pay period is the worst kind of press.

Should the Raiders elect to franchise Asomugha again next season, he would get a 20 percent increase in salary and would stand to make more than $20 million over a two-year period, cashing in on the back-to-back franchise tags much the same way that Charles Woodson did as a Raider.

Woodson not only made great money from the Raiders, but signed with the Green Bay Packers when the Raiders opted not to franchise him a third time. Asomugha, depending on the future of the collective bargaining agreement, could find similar riches.

Yet the probability remains that Asomugha will not immediately sign the tender, letting the Raiders know through his inaction that while he has no animosity toward the organization, he does have a problem with the franchise tag.

The guess here is the only way Asomugha shows up to camp on time is if the Raiders promised not to franchise him again in 2009, much the same way that that New England Patriots did with Asante Samuel and the Chicago Bears did with Lance Briggs.

As much money as Asomugha stands to make, one bad step or a block at the knees could make all the future riches beyond this season vanish in the blink of an eye. While he won’t say it, Asomugha can be forgiven for wondering why a loyal soldier who has been one of the elite at his position for the last two years will play week by week when unproven commodities such as JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden and Tommy Kelly cashed in with huge signing bonuses.

The Raiders also doled out huge money to free agents Javon Walker and Gibril Wilson, not to mention giving trade aquisition DeAngelo Hall _ a cornerback, like Asomugha _ some $24 million in guaranteed money.

The weekly paydays ensure Asomugha won’t miss any regular season games, but the possibility of getting him in camp right away and getting used to two new starters _ Hall and Wilson _ seems remote.

 

[MRTHECOSE]

bogus.. asomugha deserves the skrilla, he out once he gets his chance...

 

[KaizerSosae]

They'd better lock him up he's a golden bear besides.