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Training camp, Day 5
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, July 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Monday’s Raiders’ practice:
– A few Napa Valley restaurants cashed in Monday night thanks to Sebastian Janikowski.
Janikowski nailed a 43-yard field goal at the end of practice, giving the players a one-night respite from the healthy diet instituted in camp this year by coach Lane Kiffin and strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll.
“That just made their coaches have to buy them dinner,” Kiffin said. “We kind of changed the menu a lot. It’s wearing on them. It’s extremely healthy, whole wheat pasta, and they’re getting a little worn out by it.
“Myself and Brad Roll sat down and put a menu together with the chefs here. It’s really good. It’s helped our guys and we’re the best shape we’ve ever been in. And we’ve changed our food at the facility, too. But they needed a little break and we’re hoping he could make it.”
Defensive end Jay Richardson promised to research the most expensive restaurant available. Guard Robert Gallery was dubious as to whether Tom Cable would splurge.
The previous evening, again with a potential fat-laden meal on the line, Janikowski missed from 57 yards.
“They had to eat whole wheat again,” Kiffin said.
– Mark Wilson, who had played both guard and tackle, sustained a broken left leg and Kiffin said he was probably “done.”
Fred Wakefield, who came to the Raiders as a blocking tight end who could play offensive line in a pinch, only to be moved to defensive end, found himself playing right guard. He even got in a few snaps with the first team.
Three seasons ago, Wakefield started four games at guard and three at tackle for the Arizona Cardinals. Wakefield said changing positions as well as position coaches is not too much of a strain.
“Once you’ve been in a system, you kind of know how it all works, what the concepts are and how things are supposed to go,” Wakefield said. “It’s just a matter of learning terminology more than anything.”
Kiffin conceded that in the NFL, it’s unlikely a player would make a 53-man roster on the basis of playing on both lines given the time devoted to each. Wakefield doesn’t look at the constant shifting as a curse.
“I’m one of those people, I really enjoy coming out here, I really enjoy being around these guys . . . but as long as I get a chance to play and do something, I’m not really too concerned how it shakes out,” Wakefield said. “Coach Kiffin this morning, he pretty much asked me if I could do it. He said, ‘I know that you will, I want to know if you can.’ I’m like, ‘It’s not a problem.”
– Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha missed practice to attend a funeral in the Bay Area and is expected to be back for Tuesday’s double session at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Safety Greg Wesley (back spasms), and linebacker Grant Irons (hamstring) did not practice.
– An inconsistent day for quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Included among a handful of excellent throws was an overthrow intended for John Madsen which was stolen by safety Rashad Baker.
During a seven-on-seven drill, Russell failed to notice strong side linebacker Ricky Brown dropping into coverage and threw the ball directly to him for another pick.
– During one sloppy exchange from beginning to end, Russell bobbled a center snap, then managed to get a shaky handoff to Louis Rankin, who was immediately met by Thomas Howard and Gibril Wilson in the backfield and somehow managed not to fumble.
Russell gave way to Andrew Walter and was seen flexing and shaking his left hand. He returned later and seemed fine.
– Brown, competing with Sam Williams and Robert Thomas, is making a case for himself as the starting strong side linebacker. He also stopped Michael Bush in his tracks on an inside run.
– Cornerback Michael Waddell, victimized regularly since the start of camp, actually grabbed the shirt of Johnnie Lee Higgins so the receiver couldn’t get away, with the ball sailing incomplete.
“Nice coverage,” defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said.
– Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo found Chris McFoy for a 17-yard touchdown in a seven-on-seven drill between an apparently blown bracket, with neither cornerback DeAngelo Hall nor free safety Michael Huff getting to the play on time.
– Walter rolled to his right on one play and ended up throwing the ball out of bounds, but was given time to throw the pass when fullback Oren O’Neal buried defensive end Greg Spires, riding him to the ground with a block.
– Marcel Reece, the undrafted free agent from Washington with intriguing size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), lined up at fullback for a few plays and has been working with the running backs on occasion during drills, possibly to see if he can be an H-back.
– Although he has virtually no chance to make the 53-man roster if Justin Fargas, Bush and McFadden remain healthy, undrafted Washington free agent Louis Rankin has had a solid camp and could end up on the practice squad or perhaps be claimed by another team with a strong preseason performance.
– What might have been the best catch of training camp so far came from undrafted rookie free agent tight end Darrell Strong from Tuiasosopo. Running across the middle from right to left, Strong reached back and pulled the ball in with his left hand, transferring it to his right, before falling to the ground and holding on.
– Raiders receivers were running a drill in which they ran under a metal archway less than 6-feet tall, caught a quick pass, then maneuvered through a series of cones. Rookie Chaz Schillens struck the bar with his helmet the first time and dropped a pass. The second time he made under and dropped it again.
Both times, the response from receivers coach James Lofton was the same: “It’s a catch drill, 84.”
– Rookie defensive end Trevor Scott is still having trouble getting free from offensive lineman, getting manhandled on one rush by right tackle Mario Henderson.
– It is conceivable that none of the 30 or over veterans brought in this offseason _ linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, Spires, Wesley and Wade _ will make the team based on how the first seven practices have played out.
Hartwell and Spires have made few plays to speak of, Wesley has missed considerable time with back spasms, and the Raiders appear to be giving Jake Grove every chance to win the starting job at center. Chris Morris would be the more likely choice as the backup because he can also play guard, while Wade is strictly a center.
– No chance Grady Jackson returns to the Raiders. He decided to go back and play in Atlanta. Probably wouldn’t have liked the “healthy” diet in Napa, anyway.
– Kiffin came to the post practice press briefing to discover a new podium.
“And they said we were out of money,” Kiffin said.
Training camp, Day 5
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, July 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Monday’s Raiders’ practice:
– A few Napa Valley restaurants cashed in Monday night thanks to Sebastian Janikowski.
Janikowski nailed a 43-yard field goal at the end of practice, giving the players a one-night respite from the healthy diet instituted in camp this year by coach Lane Kiffin and strength and conditioning coach Brad Roll.
“That just made their coaches have to buy them dinner,” Kiffin said. “We kind of changed the menu a lot. It’s wearing on them. It’s extremely healthy, whole wheat pasta, and they’re getting a little worn out by it.
“Myself and Brad Roll sat down and put a menu together with the chefs here. It’s really good. It’s helped our guys and we’re the best shape we’ve ever been in. And we’ve changed our food at the facility, too. But they needed a little break and we’re hoping he could make it.”
Defensive end Jay Richardson promised to research the most expensive restaurant available. Guard Robert Gallery was dubious as to whether Tom Cable would splurge.
The previous evening, again with a potential fat-laden meal on the line, Janikowski missed from 57 yards.
“They had to eat whole wheat again,” Kiffin said.
– Mark Wilson, who had played both guard and tackle, sustained a broken left leg and Kiffin said he was probably “done.”
Fred Wakefield, who came to the Raiders as a blocking tight end who could play offensive line in a pinch, only to be moved to defensive end, found himself playing right guard. He even got in a few snaps with the first team.
Three seasons ago, Wakefield started four games at guard and three at tackle for the Arizona Cardinals. Wakefield said changing positions as well as position coaches is not too much of a strain.
“Once you’ve been in a system, you kind of know how it all works, what the concepts are and how things are supposed to go,” Wakefield said. “It’s just a matter of learning terminology more than anything.”
Kiffin conceded that in the NFL, it’s unlikely a player would make a 53-man roster on the basis of playing on both lines given the time devoted to each. Wakefield doesn’t look at the constant shifting as a curse.
“I’m one of those people, I really enjoy coming out here, I really enjoy being around these guys . . . but as long as I get a chance to play and do something, I’m not really too concerned how it shakes out,” Wakefield said. “Coach Kiffin this morning, he pretty much asked me if I could do it. He said, ‘I know that you will, I want to know if you can.’ I’m like, ‘It’s not a problem.”
– Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha missed practice to attend a funeral in the Bay Area and is expected to be back for Tuesday’s double session at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Safety Greg Wesley (back spasms), and linebacker Grant Irons (hamstring) did not practice.
– An inconsistent day for quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Included among a handful of excellent throws was an overthrow intended for John Madsen which was stolen by safety Rashad Baker.
During a seven-on-seven drill, Russell failed to notice strong side linebacker Ricky Brown dropping into coverage and threw the ball directly to him for another pick.
– During one sloppy exchange from beginning to end, Russell bobbled a center snap, then managed to get a shaky handoff to Louis Rankin, who was immediately met by Thomas Howard and Gibril Wilson in the backfield and somehow managed not to fumble.
Russell gave way to Andrew Walter and was seen flexing and shaking his left hand. He returned later and seemed fine.
– Brown, competing with Sam Williams and Robert Thomas, is making a case for himself as the starting strong side linebacker. He also stopped Michael Bush in his tracks on an inside run.
– Cornerback Michael Waddell, victimized regularly since the start of camp, actually grabbed the shirt of Johnnie Lee Higgins so the receiver couldn’t get away, with the ball sailing incomplete.
“Nice coverage,” defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said.
– Quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo found Chris McFoy for a 17-yard touchdown in a seven-on-seven drill between an apparently blown bracket, with neither cornerback DeAngelo Hall nor free safety Michael Huff getting to the play on time.
– Walter rolled to his right on one play and ended up throwing the ball out of bounds, but was given time to throw the pass when fullback Oren O’Neal buried defensive end Greg Spires, riding him to the ground with a block.
– Marcel Reece, the undrafted free agent from Washington with intriguing size (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), lined up at fullback for a few plays and has been working with the running backs on occasion during drills, possibly to see if he can be an H-back.
– Although he has virtually no chance to make the 53-man roster if Justin Fargas, Bush and McFadden remain healthy, undrafted Washington free agent Louis Rankin has had a solid camp and could end up on the practice squad or perhaps be claimed by another team with a strong preseason performance.
– What might have been the best catch of training camp so far came from undrafted rookie free agent tight end Darrell Strong from Tuiasosopo. Running across the middle from right to left, Strong reached back and pulled the ball in with his left hand, transferring it to his right, before falling to the ground and holding on.
– Raiders receivers were running a drill in which they ran under a metal archway less than 6-feet tall, caught a quick pass, then maneuvered through a series of cones. Rookie Chaz Schillens struck the bar with his helmet the first time and dropped a pass. The second time he made under and dropped it again.
Both times, the response from receivers coach James Lofton was the same: “It’s a catch drill, 84.”
– Rookie defensive end Trevor Scott is still having trouble getting free from offensive lineman, getting manhandled on one rush by right tackle Mario Henderson.
– It is conceivable that none of the 30 or over veterans brought in this offseason _ linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, Spires, Wesley and Wade _ will make the team based on how the first seven practices have played out.
Hartwell and Spires have made few plays to speak of, Wesley has missed considerable time with back spasms, and the Raiders appear to be giving Jake Grove every chance to win the starting job at center. Chris Morris would be the more likely choice as the backup because he can also play guard, while Wade is strictly a center.
– No chance Grady Jackson returns to the Raiders. He decided to go back and play in Atlanta. Probably wouldn’t have liked the “healthy” diet in Napa, anyway.
– Kiffin came to the post practice press briefing to discover a new podium.
“And they said we were out of money,” Kiffin said.
Training camp, Day 6 (A.M. practice)
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Raiders practice Tuesday morning:
– The morning after players went on a calorie binge with the blessing of coach Lane Kiffin, the Raiders had their most physical practice of training camp. By Kiffin’s count, there were 85 plays in the full team sessions, easily the most since camp opened.
“I thought they responded well and were very physical,” Kiffin said. “It was great to see (Oren) O’Neal show up in short-yardage and really go after our linebackers today.”
The Raiders have high hopes for O’Neal as a lead blocker, and he had once nice catch of a swing pass which gained yardage.
Don’t bother asking him about it, though.
“He doesn’t say a word. He’s never going to say a speech. He’s never going to talk to the guys. Sometimes he doesn’t talk the whole day,” Kiffin said. “He lets his play do the talking and he’s valuable to us on special teams as well as fullback.”
Kiffin conceded on Day 1 his demeanor has changed a little with a program in place, but he can still bring a little intensity when warranted. Very early in practice, during a kick coverage drill, Kiffin barked, “ Trevor Scott is offsides! Do things right. Practice the way you’re going to play.”
Then Kiffin spiked the kicking tee.
– Drew Carter, working much of the day with the No. 1 unit at wide receiver along with Javon Walker, continued to impress. He did draw the criticism from offensive coordinator Greg Knapp during one drill for not being decisive enough following a reception.
“You’re dancing with the stars,” Knapp said.
One of Carter’s better plays was a tough catch for a touchdown on a Russell pass in tight quarters against DeAngelo Hall and Michael Huff.
– Tight end Zach Miller, who made a bobbling catch in the end zone while he was unguarded, also heard it from Knapp.
“One catch per ball. Let’s go,” Knapp said.
– Miller worked the middle seam for several nice catches during the course of the day and has gone from a rookie to taken for granted in one year. Kiffin believes Miller would have caught more than 44 passes last season (the highest total for any tight end among NFL rookies) had he not had to pass block so much.
With the Raiders’ situation at tackle, it remains to be seen whether Miller will be freed up any more this year.
– Walker is not making the kind of plays one might expect considering the amount of money the Raiders paid to get him. On one pass, when quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw behind Walker, receivers coach James Lofton criticized Walker for being four yards off on his pattern.
“We continue to try to put him in situations,” Kiffin said. “We’re working on a lot of press coverage versus him. We told our corners to get up and press him to really challenge him. We need him and JaMarcus to understand when guys are pressed out there we have to go at them. We need it to be a mentality we develop and those two develop.”
– Kiffin said Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo are in competition to become the backup quarterback to Russell, with fewer turnovers likely the deciding factor. Neither turned the ball over Tuesday morning, but Walter had the better day passing. He was particularly adept at finding John Madsen and Miller on touch routes 15 to 20 yards down field.
Madsen made a diving grab which was the session’s best reception, drawing applause from a Raiders booster club which was invited to the closed session.
– The Raiders are experimenting with defensive end Derrick Burgess, using him on occasion on the right side. They even had him working with linebackers during seven-on-seven sessions for a brief time Monday.
“You’ve seen Derrick out there on both sides, and we’re looking at a number of different things keeping him on the open edge, keep him away from tight ends and be able to rush the passer more and play on the split end side,” Kiffin said.
Said defensive end Jay Richardson: “Last year teams slid protections to him, double-teamed him, chipped him with backs and he still got eight (sacks).”
A grand idea, but what about the seven-on-seven drills?
“He went to seven-on-seven because we’re standing (him) up a little bit, looking at some open things where he’s dropping so we’ve got to see how well he can do that,” Kiffin said.
Burgess in pass coverage instead of rushing the passer? Perhaps they shouldn’t overthink this one.
– Jarrod Cooper unloaded on Madsen on one play over the middle, nearly a helmet-to-helmet blow that Kiffin seemed to think it was OK because it was a high hit. A second hit, low against tight end Darrell Strong, had Kiffin and defensive backs coach Darren Perry both talking to Cooper about being more careful.
“I probably shouldn’t have tackled the rookie, but first of all, he’s a rookie so I’m not worried about him,” Cooper said.
A good line, but not one he would have used had the rookie been named Darren McFadden.
– Adimchinobe Echemandu, who earned a roster spot last year because of his training camp performance, is having a rough go of it this time around. He fell and fumbled on one carry, and it isn’t the first time he has gotten his feet tangled and gone down without contact.
– Johnnie Lee Higgins made the sort of leaping catch against Stanford Routt that Raiders coaches want to see more of.
– Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha made two perfectly-timed breakups, including one in which he raced back on a play-action pass and broke up a Russell post intended for Walker. Walker appeared to have a step on Asomugha, and for one of the few times in camp, Russell’s pass wobbled and allowed Asomugha the chance to make up the difference.
– Linebacker Jon Alston closed off a draw play to Justin Fargas and stopped the running back in his tracks, drawing praise from Rob Ryan. Alston has also assumed Stuart Schweigert’s role as the personal protector for Shane Lechler on punts _ an indication he has a good chance of making the team again.
– Safety Greg Wesley missed practice again with back spasms. Grant Irons did not practice with a hamstring pull. Tommy Kelly took off the morning session as scheduled and will practice this evening. John Bowie sustained a knee injury of undetermined severity and left the field.
– A double-standard for lap runners? After a false start by Kwame Harris, Seth Wand was dispatched to take his place at left tackle but never took the field as Harris stayed in. When Paul McQuistan did the same thing, he was off and running. McQuistan has been the Raiders’ most frequent jogger for false starts.
– Speaking of double standards, it seems the defensive line got the best end of the deal Monday night after Sebastian Janikowski’s 43-yard field goal freed them from their healthy Napa diets.
The defensive line dined at Cole’s Chop House, a high-end, expensive steak house. Running backs went Italian in downtown Napa. Defensive backs went to a popular restraurant in Yountville.
There was some good natured grumbling among the offensive linemen and linebackers, who went to a Cantina-style Mexican restaurant down the road from the hotel.
“My stomach is still feeling it,” one lineman said. “Defensive linemen were telling me what they got last night and I said, `I don’t want to hear it.’ ”
Linebackers coach Don Martindale was unapologetic.
“The defensive coordinator and the linebackers coach love Mexican food,” Martindale said. “Can’t you tell?”
– A second practice is scheduled for 7 p.m.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 1:33 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Raiders practice Tuesday morning:
– The morning after players went on a calorie binge with the blessing of coach Lane Kiffin, the Raiders had their most physical practice of training camp. By Kiffin’s count, there were 85 plays in the full team sessions, easily the most since camp opened.
“I thought they responded well and were very physical,” Kiffin said. “It was great to see (Oren) O’Neal show up in short-yardage and really go after our linebackers today.”
The Raiders have high hopes for O’Neal as a lead blocker, and he had once nice catch of a swing pass which gained yardage.
Don’t bother asking him about it, though.
“He doesn’t say a word. He’s never going to say a speech. He’s never going to talk to the guys. Sometimes he doesn’t talk the whole day,” Kiffin said. “He lets his play do the talking and he’s valuable to us on special teams as well as fullback.”
Kiffin conceded on Day 1 his demeanor has changed a little with a program in place, but he can still bring a little intensity when warranted. Very early in practice, during a kick coverage drill, Kiffin barked, “ Trevor Scott is offsides! Do things right. Practice the way you’re going to play.”
Then Kiffin spiked the kicking tee.
– Drew Carter, working much of the day with the No. 1 unit at wide receiver along with Javon Walker, continued to impress. He did draw the criticism from offensive coordinator Greg Knapp during one drill for not being decisive enough following a reception.
“You’re dancing with the stars,” Knapp said.
One of Carter’s better plays was a tough catch for a touchdown on a Russell pass in tight quarters against DeAngelo Hall and Michael Huff.
– Tight end Zach Miller, who made a bobbling catch in the end zone while he was unguarded, also heard it from Knapp.
“One catch per ball. Let’s go,” Knapp said.
– Miller worked the middle seam for several nice catches during the course of the day and has gone from a rookie to taken for granted in one year. Kiffin believes Miller would have caught more than 44 passes last season (the highest total for any tight end among NFL rookies) had he not had to pass block so much.
With the Raiders’ situation at tackle, it remains to be seen whether Miller will be freed up any more this year.
– Walker is not making the kind of plays one might expect considering the amount of money the Raiders paid to get him. On one pass, when quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw behind Walker, receivers coach James Lofton criticized Walker for being four yards off on his pattern.
“We continue to try to put him in situations,” Kiffin said. “We’re working on a lot of press coverage versus him. We told our corners to get up and press him to really challenge him. We need him and JaMarcus to understand when guys are pressed out there we have to go at them. We need it to be a mentality we develop and those two develop.”
– Kiffin said Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo are in competition to become the backup quarterback to Russell, with fewer turnovers likely the deciding factor. Neither turned the ball over Tuesday morning, but Walter had the better day passing. He was particularly adept at finding John Madsen and Miller on touch routes 15 to 20 yards down field.
Madsen made a diving grab which was the session’s best reception, drawing applause from a Raiders booster club which was invited to the closed session.
– The Raiders are experimenting with defensive end Derrick Burgess, using him on occasion on the right side. They even had him working with linebackers during seven-on-seven sessions for a brief time Monday.
“You’ve seen Derrick out there on both sides, and we’re looking at a number of different things keeping him on the open edge, keep him away from tight ends and be able to rush the passer more and play on the split end side,” Kiffin said.
Said defensive end Jay Richardson: “Last year teams slid protections to him, double-teamed him, chipped him with backs and he still got eight (sacks).”
A grand idea, but what about the seven-on-seven drills?
“He went to seven-on-seven because we’re standing (him) up a little bit, looking at some open things where he’s dropping so we’ve got to see how well he can do that,” Kiffin said.
Burgess in pass coverage instead of rushing the passer? Perhaps they shouldn’t overthink this one.
– Jarrod Cooper unloaded on Madsen on one play over the middle, nearly a helmet-to-helmet blow that Kiffin seemed to think it was OK because it was a high hit. A second hit, low against tight end Darrell Strong, had Kiffin and defensive backs coach Darren Perry both talking to Cooper about being more careful.
“I probably shouldn’t have tackled the rookie, but first of all, he’s a rookie so I’m not worried about him,” Cooper said.
A good line, but not one he would have used had the rookie been named Darren McFadden.
– Adimchinobe Echemandu, who earned a roster spot last year because of his training camp performance, is having a rough go of it this time around. He fell and fumbled on one carry, and it isn’t the first time he has gotten his feet tangled and gone down without contact.
– Johnnie Lee Higgins made the sort of leaping catch against Stanford Routt that Raiders coaches want to see more of.
– Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha made two perfectly-timed breakups, including one in which he raced back on a play-action pass and broke up a Russell post intended for Walker. Walker appeared to have a step on Asomugha, and for one of the few times in camp, Russell’s pass wobbled and allowed Asomugha the chance to make up the difference.
– Linebacker Jon Alston closed off a draw play to Justin Fargas and stopped the running back in his tracks, drawing praise from Rob Ryan. Alston has also assumed Stuart Schweigert’s role as the personal protector for Shane Lechler on punts _ an indication he has a good chance of making the team again.
– Safety Greg Wesley missed practice again with back spasms. Grant Irons did not practice with a hamstring pull. Tommy Kelly took off the morning session as scheduled and will practice this evening. John Bowie sustained a knee injury of undetermined severity and left the field.
– A double-standard for lap runners? After a false start by Kwame Harris, Seth Wand was dispatched to take his place at left tackle but never took the field as Harris stayed in. When Paul McQuistan did the same thing, he was off and running. McQuistan has been the Raiders’ most frequent jogger for false starts.
– Speaking of double standards, it seems the defensive line got the best end of the deal Monday night after Sebastian Janikowski’s 43-yard field goal freed them from their healthy Napa diets.
The defensive line dined at Cole’s Chop House, a high-end, expensive steak house. Running backs went Italian in downtown Napa. Defensive backs went to a popular restraurant in Yountville.
There was some good natured grumbling among the offensive linemen and linebackers, who went to a Cantina-style Mexican restaurant down the road from the hotel.
“My stomach is still feeling it,” one lineman said. “Defensive linemen were telling me what they got last night and I said, `I don’t want to hear it.’ ”
Linebackers coach Don Martindale was unapologetic.
“The defensive coordinator and the linebackers coach love Mexican food,” Martindale said. “Can’t you tell?”
– A second practice is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Sore elbow sidelines Russell
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell sat out Tuesday night’s practice with a sore elbow, but it sounds as if it is premature for there to be panic on the streets of Raider Nation.
Russell was seen shaking his right arm during the morning session, and when Kiffin said, “He’s fine,” without elaborating.
Following practice Tuesday evening, during which Russell spent part of the time with an ice bag wrapped around his right elbow, Kiffin came directly over to reporters.
“He did nick his elbow a little bit today on the back of (Darren) McFadden’s helmet and we didn’t foresee it as an issue because when we checked him out after practice he was fine,” Kiffin said. “He came out, warmed up, threw the ball, and it just stiffened up a little bit on it so we erred on the side of safety and pulled him out at that point. If it were a game he could have very easily played. I don’t see it as an issue at all.”
Kiffin said he expected Russell to practice Wednesday in the lone session at 3 p.m.
A practice review will follow . . .
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 9:28 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell sat out Tuesday night’s practice with a sore elbow, but it sounds as if it is premature for there to be panic on the streets of Raider Nation.
Russell was seen shaking his right arm during the morning session, and when Kiffin said, “He’s fine,” without elaborating.
Following practice Tuesday evening, during which Russell spent part of the time with an ice bag wrapped around his right elbow, Kiffin came directly over to reporters.
“He did nick his elbow a little bit today on the back of (Darren) McFadden’s helmet and we didn’t foresee it as an issue because when we checked him out after practice he was fine,” Kiffin said. “He came out, warmed up, threw the ball, and it just stiffened up a little bit on it so we erred on the side of safety and pulled him out at that point. If it were a game he could have very easily played. I don’t see it as an issue at all.”
Kiffin said he expected Russell to practice Wednesday in the lone session at 3 p.m.
A practice review will follow . . .
Training camp, Day 6 (P.M. practice)
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Tuesday night’s Raiders practice:
– The absence of JaMarcus Russell with a sore elbow meant plenty of work for Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo. Walter had another excellent practice, finishing his best passing day of camp.
– The Raiders hired officials for the first time this training camp, and pre-snap penalties continued to be a problem.
Tuesday night joggers included Kwame Harris (false start), Cornell Green (false start), Trevor Scott (lining up in the neutral zone), Robert Thomas (offsides) and Darrell Strong (false start).
During one sequence, with the loud music playing to simulate crowd nose, there were three flags in four plays.
– One of Walter’s big plays was a completion to Chaz Schilens in which Nnamdi Asomugha was in position to make the play and even lost his shoe on his leap, only to have Schilens catch a deflection. Late in practice, he dropped a perfect deep throw along the left sidelines into the hands of Drew Carter.
– Defensive end Jay Richardson, a decent run defender last year, stopped McFadden in the backfield.
– Cornerback DeAngelo Hall has had a habit of jumping routes in hopes of getting interceptions going for touchdowns but arriving late and giving up the completion. It happened against Carter in a team session and against Oren O’Neal in a seven-on-seven. On the latter, defensive Rob Ryan was imploring Hall to “make a house call.”
Later, Hall was a fraction late on a pass from Walter to Drisan James.
Hall was also beaten on a deep out by Johnnie Lee Higgins.
– Wide receiver Todd Watkins ran a streak into the end zone that appeared to be broken up by the oft-torched Michael Waddell on a pass from Tuiasosopo, only to catch the ball Waddell thought he had batted away.
– When it was suggested by a teammate that Jarrod Cooper could have made a play on a pass, Cooper responded, “Hey, I don’t catch the ball, I knock (expletive) down, OK?”
– When H-back Marcel Reece shifted out of his position in the backfield and moved toward the line, Kiffin screamed, “This is got nothing to do with you. Get back in the I.” Reece dutifully moved back into position.
– Cornerback John Bowie, who injured a knee in the morning practice, missed the evening session and Kiffin doesn’t expect him to practice Wednesday afternoon. Safety Greg Wesley missed another practice with back spams, and wide receiver Javon Walker, center Jake Grove and guard-tackle Fred Wakefield also sat out the session as scheduled.
Defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back Justin Fargas did some work in individual drills but were rested in the team sessions. John Madsen, who took a blow to the head from Cooper in the morning, watched in a baseball cap in the evening.
– The Raiders went through drills at a fairly leisurely pace for more than an hour before picking up the intensity for the second hour.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 at 9:52 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Quick hits from Tuesday night’s Raiders practice:
– The absence of JaMarcus Russell with a sore elbow meant plenty of work for Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo. Walter had another excellent practice, finishing his best passing day of camp.
– The Raiders hired officials for the first time this training camp, and pre-snap penalties continued to be a problem.
Tuesday night joggers included Kwame Harris (false start), Cornell Green (false start), Trevor Scott (lining up in the neutral zone), Robert Thomas (offsides) and Darrell Strong (false start).
During one sequence, with the loud music playing to simulate crowd nose, there were three flags in four plays.
– One of Walter’s big plays was a completion to Chaz Schilens in which Nnamdi Asomugha was in position to make the play and even lost his shoe on his leap, only to have Schilens catch a deflection. Late in practice, he dropped a perfect deep throw along the left sidelines into the hands of Drew Carter.
– Defensive end Jay Richardson, a decent run defender last year, stopped McFadden in the backfield.
– Cornerback DeAngelo Hall has had a habit of jumping routes in hopes of getting interceptions going for touchdowns but arriving late and giving up the completion. It happened against Carter in a team session and against Oren O’Neal in a seven-on-seven. On the latter, defensive Rob Ryan was imploring Hall to “make a house call.”
Later, Hall was a fraction late on a pass from Walter to Drisan James.
Hall was also beaten on a deep out by Johnnie Lee Higgins.
– Wide receiver Todd Watkins ran a streak into the end zone that appeared to be broken up by the oft-torched Michael Waddell on a pass from Tuiasosopo, only to catch the ball Waddell thought he had batted away.
– When it was suggested by a teammate that Jarrod Cooper could have made a play on a pass, Cooper responded, “Hey, I don’t catch the ball, I knock (expletive) down, OK?”
– When H-back Marcel Reece shifted out of his position in the backfield and moved toward the line, Kiffin screamed, “This is got nothing to do with you. Get back in the I.” Reece dutifully moved back into position.
– Cornerback John Bowie, who injured a knee in the morning practice, missed the evening session and Kiffin doesn’t expect him to practice Wednesday afternoon. Safety Greg Wesley missed another practice with back spams, and wide receiver Javon Walker, center Jake Grove and guard-tackle Fred Wakefield also sat out the session as scheduled.
Defensive end Derrick Burgess and running back Justin Fargas did some work in individual drills but were rested in the team sessions. John Madsen, who took a blow to the head from Cooper in the morning, watched in a baseball cap in the evening.
– The Raiders went through drills at a fairly leisurely pace for more than an hour before picking up the intensity for the second hour.
LOL
Cutler has no competition. Kurt Warner is a proven, solid QB. He has skills.
You always come back to ''dog you gotta watch more of this" or ''dog i know my sports" or "dog on madden..."
Yet you've been wrong more often than not. Why?
Like I said. Fuck your squabble, IMO, Lienert's the better QB.
Cutler has no competition. Kurt Warner is a proven, solid QB. He has skills.
You always come back to ''dog you gotta watch more of this" or ''dog i know my sports" or "dog on madden..."
Yet you've been wrong more often than not. Why?
Like I said. Fuck your squabble, IMO, Lienert's the better QB.
Brooks, the Raiders record, Kiffen needing to be fired, then 'no, keep him', Russell having a breakout year...the list goes on.
I'm a Raiders fan, but again, you'll be wrong this year. Didn't you predict they'd finish with what...12 wins? LOL! I'm realistic; you must be doing lines of baby powder.
And I wasn't talking about boxing, but LOL @ "I've been wrong about boxing matches lately..."
You've been wrong about boxing matches always.
And I'm sorry to say it, but Javon's going to prove to you that he's nothing more now than a decent 2nd WR.
I'm a Raiders fan, but again, you'll be wrong this year. Didn't you predict they'd finish with what...12 wins? LOL! I'm realistic; you must be doing lines of baby powder.
And I wasn't talking about boxing, but LOL @ "I've been wrong about boxing matches lately..."
You've been wrong about boxing matches always.
And I'm sorry to say it, but Javon's going to prove to you that he's nothing more now than a decent 2nd WR.
Yep, I've been wrong about my predictions in regards to the Raiders these last few seasons... but so what. I predict what I feel and this year I predict we'll win at least 11 games. You gotta set your expectations high if you want to be a winner. With the talent the Raiders have on paper (and the money Al spent bringing in free agents) they should win at least 11 games.
About Kiffin' being fired... yeah I said it because he chose to start McCown over Culpepper. And he or Rob Ryan blew a defensive call in that Bears game. Remember the single high safety... when they left Carr(4th string CB) one on one in man coverage against the Bears fastest receiver and Carr ended up getting beat deep for the go ahead TD? What about the typical sweep calls on 4th and 2 that kept getting stuffed? Al Davis apparently wanted him (Kiffin) gone too.
Man up, don't be sorry to say anything so we'll just have to see about Javon being a "decent" 2nd WR.
About Kiffin' being fired... yeah I said it because he chose to start McCown over Culpepper. And he or Rob Ryan blew a defensive call in that Bears game. Remember the single high safety... when they left Carr(4th string CB) one on one in man coverage against the Bears fastest receiver and Carr ended up getting beat deep for the go ahead TD? What about the typical sweep calls on 4th and 2 that kept getting stuffed? Al Davis apparently wanted him (Kiffin) gone too.
Man up, don't be sorry to say anything so we'll just have to see about Javon being a "decent" 2nd WR.
ROFL @ ''man up''
"I'm sorry to say..." is a phrase. I'm not actually ''feeling'' sorry about it. LOL I'm just SORRY that we paid WAY TOO MUCH for Walker.
By setting high expectations, I don't see anything 'wrong' with that. I set 'high' expectations, also. My 'high' expectations just differ from yours; I have the Raiders winning 7-9 games, which is a HUGE improvement, with them having the second worse run defense in the league this year, and having to deal with Larry Johnson and Ladainian Tomlinson (twice), Marshawn Lynch, Willis McGahee, Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk, and Cadillac Williams...
That just goes to show they have their work cut out for them, as (IMO) that's a tough matchup almost every single week for a run defense that was horrid last year, and wasn't addressed (much) this year. I can only hope that bringing in Wilson will help by moving Huff to his natural position of SS.
That's true... our run defense has to improve. They know it... I guess Tommy Kelly is supposed to be the man at this position (3 technique defensive tackle) now that Sapp is gone. I see why you're concerned because we hardly didn't do anything (besides re-sign Tommy Kelly) to address our poor run defense.
Ex-Raider Barry Sims is happy with 49ers
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ershead...nclick_check=1
As offensive lineman Barry Sims makes the transition from Raider to 49er, a few things require an adjustment.
Take the playbook, for instance.
"In Oakland, we only had a handful of plays and just disguised them up to look different," Sims said. "Here, we're actually running different plays."
That jab aside, Sims speaks mostly fondly about his days with the Silver and Black. His nine seasons with the Raiders included a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Sims keeps in touch with his old teammates and is looking forward to the 49ers' joint practice in Napa on Aug. 4 as well as their exhibition opener at McAfee Coliseum on Aug. 8.
But Sims is also excited about putting his Raiders days behind him. The past few years of chaos and infighting took a toll. He recalled the revolving door of coaches and playbooks - with the Raiders rarely on the same page.
"In Oakland, it seemed like there was a lot of individuals there," Sims said. "Here, everybody kind of works together as a team. It's a good environment to be around."
Sims started 119 games for the Raiders, including all 16 last season, but he is listed as a backup for the 49ers.
He is coming off a trying season. Sims tied for third in the NFL with 14 penalties.
But he swears he isn't finished at 33.
"I feel like I'm 27," he said.
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ershead...nclick_check=1
As offensive lineman Barry Sims makes the transition from Raider to 49er, a few things require an adjustment.
Take the playbook, for instance.
"In Oakland, we only had a handful of plays and just disguised them up to look different," Sims said. "Here, we're actually running different plays."
That jab aside, Sims speaks mostly fondly about his days with the Silver and Black. His nine seasons with the Raiders included a trip to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Sims keeps in touch with his old teammates and is looking forward to the 49ers' joint practice in Napa on Aug. 4 as well as their exhibition opener at McAfee Coliseum on Aug. 8.
But Sims is also excited about putting his Raiders days behind him. The past few years of chaos and infighting took a toll. He recalled the revolving door of coaches and playbooks - with the Raiders rarely on the same page.
"In Oakland, it seemed like there was a lot of individuals there," Sims said. "Here, everybody kind of works together as a team. It's a good environment to be around."
Sims started 119 games for the Raiders, including all 16 last season, but he is listed as a backup for the 49ers.
He is coming off a trying season. Sims tied for third in the NFL with 14 penalties.
But he swears he isn't finished at 33.
"I feel like I'm 27," he said.
I firmly believe that spending money like Al spent on free agents like Walker and Hall.... "should" equal at least 11 wins. Defeats the whole purpose of spending money like that if the Raiders don't win. We're top 10 talent wise on paper. Will it equal wins? I don't know but it "should" and we as Raider fans should expect it.