SBNation.com User Blog: B.A.Armstrong

Patrick Patterson Passes

B.A.Armstrong — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 01:57:16 -0000

Patrick Patterson Passes

Thoughts from the Darkside and Examiner writer Patrick A. Patterson passed away early Thanksgiving morning due to a blood clot in his lung. Please take a moment of silence to remember our beloved Raider Nation Family Member

Darren McFadden's turnaround

B.A.Armstrong — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:15:23 -0000

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden is making a strong case for being the most improved player in the league this year. His 999 all purpose yards and six touchdowns have NFL insiders mentioning his name with regards to the 2010 NFL Most Valuable Player award. He's certainly been the most valuable contributor to the Raiders' offense this season. And here's the real kicker, McFadden missed two games and most of the preseason with nagging hamstring injuries. So much for those who thought McFadden should be traded while he still had some value earlier this offseason. That would've been a dumb move.

But head coach Tom Cable never wavered from his thinking that the only thing holding this kid back was the injury bug. According to Cable trading McFadden was never even considered by the team.

Looking back now you could say the injuries were due to McFadden not being old enough for his body to live up to the rigorous expectations of a 16 game football schedule. And if you had asked Raider's coaching staff, earlier this year, which runner was going to start at halfback for them for a majority of the games, I'm quite confident they would've said it was probably going to be Michael Bush. But this kid from Arkansas who couldn't even be expected to hang on to the ball when he received handoffs before is now far exceeding any expectation there may have been for him coming into this year.

And McFadden is the first person who will give credit to his teammates for his improvement, "Offensive linemen are doing a great job. (Running backs) Coach (Kelly) Skipper's been doing a great job working with me. (Marcel Reece) has been doing a great job out there, whether it's catching passes out of the backfield or moving guys up on blocks, he's been helping us out a whole lot.

The 2008 fourth overall draft choice has gone from being on the verge of bust to being a surefire candidate to play in his first Pro Bowl in February 2011. It's his 108 rushing yards per game average that has the Raiders on the fast track to a potential AFC West crown in 2010. This is the same offense that couldn't stay on the field in 2009 and scored 17 touchdowns. Already this year, they have 24 touchdowns and a field goal kicker who has made 22 of 29 field goal attempts and is leading the NFL in scoring. To put that into perspective of just how far this offense has come, last year the Raiders only attempted 29 field goals during the whole season and their opponents beat them in time of possession by three minutes per game---this year the Raiders are beating their opponents by three minutes per game which is a six minute per game turnaround.

Maybe Hue Jackson, the Raiders' new offensive coordinator, deserves some credit as well. But the bottom line is that coaches can only teach it, it's the players who have to go out and execute and make things happen. Darren McFadden is making things happen for Hue Jackson and the Oakland Raiders' offense.

McFadden's 20 carries per game average more than doubles what he did in his first two seasons. His 757 rushing yards through seven games is just 99 yards short of his total in his first 25 NFL games. His eight 20-plus yard runs this year are three more than he had coming into this season and his three 40-plus yard runs more than make up for the fact that he only had one of that distance prior to this year.

McFadden's 34.6 yards receiving per game this season is around 14 yards more per game than he had in his first two years. His six touchdowns in seven games is one more than he had in the prior 25 games of his career.

"I feel a lot more comfortable out there," McFadden sights as the reason behind his improvement. "I guess my first two years, I was trying to just find my way and get feel comfortable out there. I think it comes back to working moves on the second level and trying to make guys miss instead of going through them."

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Poll

Does McFadden deserve consideration for NFL MVP this year?

Yes, absolutely he is the best in the league this year

520 votes

Yes, he deserves consideration, but likely won't win

1045 votes

No, this is way premature

174 votes

No, there are several players better than DMC this year

55 votes

1794 votes | Poll has closed

Contenders, not Pretenders

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:35:01 -0000

For seven long years, fans of the Oakland Raiders hung their heads in shame watching the sham that Mr. Allen Davis was calling a football team in the Oakland Coliseum. In fact, it was so bad that some probably were not even watching, choosing instead to enter the solitude of bag on the head syndrome. But for the first time in a long time, the Raiders are a team that you can go watch and have a good time.

Three in a row, four out of five, and the like are not things that are supposed to be associated with the Oakland Raiders nowadays. Al Davis is crazy, the Raiders need a G.M., and the Patriots are getting a great first round pick next year; isn't that how this story line is supposed to go?

Well what happened? I tell you what happened, Al Davis hired Tom Cable. Immediately following that occurrence, Cable learned from his predecessor "Lance" Kiffin's mistake and got in good with the boss. From that moment forward, the rest was bound to happen.

Cable's first year, the interim year, he led these young Raiders to victory in three of the last six games, including two in a row over an up and coming Houston Texans team and the playoff bound Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But more importantly, that year, they got their first lesson in learning to never quit. That happened in a 49-26 beat down at the hands of the New England Patriots. The Raiders were getting stomped and went into the locker room hanging their heads. They came out with a different vibe, and they fought back hard, regardless of the loss.

In 2009, the Raiders hit a speed bump, and it was large...a large speed bump that played college football at LSU and was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. But later in that year, they learned they could match-up well with most teams and they found something else too, leadership.

Nnamdi Asomugha became more of a voice in the locker room, contributing his input and study habits to not only fellow defensive teammates, but offensive wide receivers and other skill players as well. Robert Gallery became a leader for the offensive line. While Gallery missed a lot of action in 2009, it was clear from the get go that the line was much better when he was a part of it. Bruce Gradkowski came in and put some fire in the offensive huddle, something that was desperately lacking and definitely needed during the short duration of the speed bump's career.

And Richard Seymour was brought in via trade for a first round draft choice.

In 2010, Seymour has been a beast. Currently tied for second on his team in the sack department (4.5), this 6'6" 310 mammoth has proven to be worth every penny of that first round draft choice money for next year during the current season. And Seymour's leadership has been second to none on this team. Making a statement by coming into training camp on the rookies' bus, pulling out his three Super Bowl Championship rings and awing even Nnamdi Asomugha by telling this young team that none of those teams he won championships with were as talented as these Raiders.

For fans that have been following this thing since it started with the hire of head coach Tom Cable (perhaps the year before when Davis Hired Cable as his O-Line coach), the 2010 may not be such a surprise as it is to some outsiders. Cable said he would deliver a winner to Raider Nation. He said it has been a long time since the Raiders were winners. He initiated his "win today" philosophy and the players bought in. For those who have stayed loyal, the road has been very, very long. But from about the end of 2008, it was clear that the team may in fact be headed in the right direction.

Yet some people still continue to say things like, "Tom Cable doesn't have a choice, Al said so..." to which I reply, isn't the point of a team to work together? Don't you think that Davis and Cable might have a mutual understanding of the nature of the matter at hand? Or is Tom Cable just another Davis Puppet?

I don't know, really it's neither here nor there. The point is this: the Raiders' are contenders, not pretenders. I, for one, believe what Richard Seymour told this team. They are more talented than the New England Patriots ever were. This team wouldn't have to rely on the tuck rule at the end of a game to finish that one out.

I think it's good that the rookies are getting their credit for contributing, yay! Jason Campbell for getting that dirt off your shoulder, and the defense is getting it done period, you really can't say enough good things about this whole process, special teams have improved...it's all coming together now. But one group that has been a little over looked during this whole resurgence is the offensive line.

Since Jared Veldheer took over permanently for Mario Henderson, this unit has produced two five-hundred yard games and a very impressive second half against the Kansas City Chiefs. Also a factor in the process of this insanity has been left guard Robert Gallery---whom I just voted for to go to the Pro Bowl. Seriously, the left side of this offensive line has been lights out...well maybe not lights out, but let's go with a lot better.

So it's all coming together for the Raiders now. This plane has been cleared for take-off. And this plane is going places fast, like a speedy wide receiver. This team could hang with any team in the league and now they know it, so watch out NFL. Not only that but now they are proving that they've even got quality back-ups that can hang with NFL starters on a play in and play out basis. The Raiders are a tough and gritty bunch, they are scrappy and young and fast, and now they are all grown up.

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AFC West Winner 6-10?

B.A.Armstrong — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:12:49 -0000

Somebody said earlier this year, on some other blog network's "comments" section, that the team that wins the AFC West this year will be the first 6-10 team to ever make the playoffs. At first, I giggled at the thought, surely the team would have to win more games then that. However over the last two weeks, the AFC West teams are a combined 1-7, with the only victory coming from the Raiders over the Chargers...a game one AFC West team HAD to win.

Next week one of the AFC West teams will HAVE to win also as the Raiders head to Denver to take on the Broncos. This week, the Kansas City Chiefs blew a late lead against the Houston Texans, the San Diego Chargers lost to the St. Louis Rams---they are now 0-4 on the road, the Broncos shot themselves in the foot against the New York Jets, and the Raiders showed us why the Washington Redskins were willing to trade a former first-round pick to the Raiders for a fourth round pick in a draft that is a year-and-a-half away.

Now, sometimes I'm a skeptic, but I'm beginning to wonder if I jumped the gun with the whole laughing at the 6-10 comment. It appears that the Chiefs are the most consistent team in the division, but they are certainly not the most talented. Then you have the Bolts and Broncos who are throwing the ball very well on offense, but have very little to no sort of running game.

And then there's the Raiders, or as I like to call them now---The Gradkowski's. What is the deal with this guy? Why is it that every quarterback except for Bruce gets their faces smashed in behind this offensive line, but when Gradkowski is in there the offense suddenly becomes a top ten threat?

The only problem that lies with Gradkowski is obviously the injury factor. And it's wierd things too like tearing the MCL's in BOTH knees, or tearing a muscle lifting weights, or seperating your shoulder by taking the same kind of hit by the same guy two times in the same game...who does this happen to? Only Bruce Gradkowski. Only the Oakland Raiders only hope of a winning season over the last seven years.

But will anybody in the AFC West have a winning record at the end of this season? Is this really the worst division in the NFL, or will one of the AFC West teams sweep the NFC West and make them officially the worst division in football?

I'm asking you right now Raider Nation---Will the winner of the AFC West really be a 6-10 team this year?

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Couple things from my Dark Mind

B.A.Armstrong — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 23:29:09 -0000

I got a lot to say so listen.

This time there will be no long intro, so that's a plus in your favor reader. I'm going to get straight to bussiness on this one.

Raiders need to figure out whose playing

I'm not talking about McFadden or Groves, but Robert Gallery might get involved here really soon. Last season the Raiders kept Nick Miller on the roster for 15 weeks before placing him on IR. At that point what is the point. Is Travis Goethel really worth a roster spot? How long is this wait going to be. If he can't go, put him on IR...it's not complicated. He's a rookie, he could certainly use a year to just learn.

Chaz Schilens missed the first eight weeks of the season last year. He had a minor arthroscopic surgery this year, supposed to be out 3-4 weeks. It's been six and a half weeks now and he still isn't practicing. Why was he not at least placed on the PUP list?

The Raiders are wasting roster spots and it's not new, they did it for Nick Miller for almost an entire season last year. There's no miracles in healing---so figure out what you've got and use it, otherwise throw it on the IR list. Schilens could probably use a year to recover anyways and I want to see what this Nick Miller kid has as a wide receiver, not just on special teams. Put him in coach, he's ready to play!

Win Streak

Both Raiders' tackle, Langston Walker, and Chargers Linebacker, Kevin Burnett, said this 13 game win streak by the Chargers means nothing...BS!

It means everything...everyting?...Ya EV-ER-Y-Thang!

If I ever get beat 13 straight times by somebody, I really don't care at that point, I'll cheat if that's what it takes to win. Ever lost 13 straight games to anybody at anything? This streak means everything this week, I don't care if it's a new season, new decade, new century, new freakin' teams.

This game is the season for the Raiders. They need to play every down, every snap, every freaking seat they take on the bench seriously. They need to play like they will never put on a uniform ever again, they need to play that way for four full quarters, and they need to end this streak...the atrocity. They need to get their heads back on straight, and come away with the W or else it will be a very looooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng season.

Marty

See, now there is a reason nobody hires you; Cursing at everybody and whatnot. But how do the Chargers have a 14-2 season and then fire their head coach...I'm sorry Marty, it was foul what they did to you and if anybody in the world should be wearing Raiders' gear on Sunday it is you.

Say what you want about when you were a coach forever and a day ago, but don't you be attacking these Raiders. They have got fight in them. They led three potential game winning drives against Arizona in week 3 at Arizona only to have the kicker miss kicks. They had an opportunity to tie the game against Houston late in the game and really, who knows what happens if Louis Murphy is 100 percent and makes that 4th down catch. We might be talking about a come from behind win instead of a 1-3 record.

So sit on your sack Marty and tell it to STFU. Acting as if Raiders fans and players liked you before or something...just shut up, seriously. This teams' problem is not that they quit, it's that they keep beating themselves. That is a problem that they won't have come December.

Crybabies

Ya, you know who you are and you need to go and cry to Marty because nobody wants to hear that crap. This team needs encouragement, not sarcasm and dribble-drool-snot from their own fans. They are young, very young. There are going to be a ton of mistake until A) they build some chemistry, and B) They gain some NFL experience.

Why can't you just be satisfied with the progress the team has made instead of ridiculing them for the mistakes they have yet to correct. Blah, blah, blah Kansas City...I said shut up!

I read a commnet the other day (maybe even today) that said something of this effect, "The question is whether it will be the run defense from last week, or the run defense that they can be, bottling up RB’s and not giving up the big play. Which one shows up will be a key factor in the game."

I'm not going to ridicule the comment, or call the guy who made it a crybaby, because I agree with it--- It's true. The trouble is, when was the last time you were able to question that? When was the last time it was actually plausible for a Raiders defense to "bottle up the runner"?

Hamstrings

WTF...STRETCH!

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Raiders Questionable Roster Calls

B.A.Armstrong — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:47:23 -0000

The Oakland Raiders may not have made any big splashes with their cut list from Saturday afternoon, but I must say that for me, personally, I was a bit confused by some of their choices. Certainly, I could narrow my list down to just a handful of guys who I thought should be kept or released. One thing that definitely catches my attention is the recently documented drama with the safeties.

The Raiders kept almost every 2010 rookie on their 53-man roster with one exception, 7^th round pick Stevie Brown. I thought that Brown played so well that it was finally time to say goodbye to a consistent but never outstanding player named Hiram Eugene. Evidently there are reports that the Raiders wanted to keep free safeties Brown, Eugene, and Michael Huff while parting ways with both back-up strong safeties Mike Mitchell and Jerome Boyd.

To this point it still makes no sense to me why you would want to have three so-so free safeties and only one strong safety. So I'm just going to throw that whole theory right out the window now as if it never happened. Nevertheless, I still think Stevie Brown as a rookie is greater than Hiram Eugene as a veteran to be the back-up to Huff. But the fact of the matter is that it doesn't really matter what I think as long as Brown is eligible for the practice squad.

In another puzzling twist of fate, the Raiders released defensive end Jay Richardson. Richardson has been a reliable back-up for the team and fit the criteria of what the Raiders were looking for in their front seven on defense with his 280-pound bulk. Either the injury to Richardson's knee was worse than originally reported or the Raiders just committed defensive end suicide. I hope they don't expect Richardson to hang around like William Joseph does, because I just don't see that happening. I think some team will take the bait on Jay Richardson and he will be successful and could even eventually become a starter somewhere.

UPDATE:

According to Vittorio Tafur, the initial announcement of Jay Richardson's release has been overruled as the Raiders decided to place Richardson on the IR list. Richardson has started 22 games in three years for the Raiders and the move to cut him left some folks, myself included,scratching their heads.

According to Raiders.com, DE Alex Daniels and CB Joey Thomas will join the list as well. Currently, the Raiders already have QB Charlie Frye and WR Jonathan Holland on IR for the season.

But for Richardson, it could still mark the end of the road with the Raiders. He was penciled in to make $550 K this year, but would be a free agent at the end of the season. Still, I see no plausible reason why the Raiders wouldn't let Richardson just get healthy and come back next year at 100 percent and give him another try with a 75-man roster throughout most of training camp.

Continuing the moves that made my brain feel all scrambled inside, the Raiders decided to keep Sam Williams around for another year. I'm not sure there is another team in the league that puts so much value into their special teams unit, but here's the real kicker for me, the coverage units, which are supposed to be where Williams excels, have just plain flat-out sucked this preseason. I know Williams made some big hits, well a couple and none like the Mike Mitchell hit on Justin Forsett, but this was supposed to be one of those guys who was so "tough to cut" in my opinion. His shoes can definitely be filled.

Even if the Raiders plan to use Trevor Scott exclusively as a back-up to Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy, Williams presence on the roster gives the Raiders seven linebackers (not including John Condo) to play three positions: Thomas Howard, Ricky Brown, Travis Goethel, Rolando McClain, Williams, Quentin Groves, and Kamerion Wimbley.

Most definitely, from that group, Brown and Williams could've both taken the next train out of town and the Raiders would be just as well off without them. Brown is a tough competitor but his small 235 pound frame was not cut out for playing linebacker in the NFL and he definitely does not fit the mold of the "trying to get bigger" atmosphere around Raiders camp this year.

Nonetheless, it is a solid unit that the Raiders have this year, but I'm going to say this very politely, Al Davis better get back up on his horsey and ride back off to wherever it is that he goes when he is just letting the coach do their job. I don't like this new "secrecy movement" that Tom Cable has had with the press lately and I got a feeling the Davis' are the cohorts behind some of this roster mischief as well.

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Houshmandzadeh to the Raiders?

B.A.Armstrong — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 01:49:56 -0000

It's another Over/Under for Oakland. Wide Receiver Chaz Schilens is hurt. Running back Michael Bush is probably going to miss at least the opening game of the year. With these two out, Oakland's offense becomes suspect. Louis Murphy has been dropping the ball a lot this offseason and he has missed some time. Wide Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has looked much better and probably produced his most spectacular catch on Thursday night against the Seattle Seahwaks when he went up high over the man in coverage and snatched the ball out of the air and tip-toed both feet inside of the out-of-bounds line.

Still what can the Raiders rely on in their passing offesne aside from TE Zach Miller?

What are the odds that the Raiders go after T.J. Houshmandzadeh?

A guy that Hue Jackson is credited for helping to develop. A guy whose play once out-shined the glimmery teammate from Cincinnati Chad Johnson. A guy who made the mistake of going to Seatltle, where receivers end up taking their career to it's funeral ever since Jerry Rice cursed them with that trend.

I want an over-under on T.J. re-uniting with Hue Jackson and adding another weapon to Jason Campbell's arsenal.

Still what can the Raiders rely on in their passing offesne aside from TE Zach Miller?

What are the odds that the Raiders go after T.J. Houshmandzadeh?

I want an over-under on T.J. re-uniting with Hue Jackson and adding another weapon to Jason Campbell's arsenal.

Poll

What are the odds that OAkland signsWhose-yo-Daddy?

90-100% done deal

517 votes

80-90% not so fast

375 votes

60-80% it's hard to say right now

971 votes

40-60% he may not want to come here

483 votes

0-40% it's not happening

543 votes

2889 votes | Poll has closed

Over-Under for McFadden/Bush in Week 1

B.A.Armstrong — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:19:16 -0000

Alright, yesterday we discussed the possibilities for Chris Johnson against the Raiders defense. Here are the results of the poll:

Poll

Chris Johnson will have...

at least 150 yards and two TD's

63 votes

42%

100 yards with @ least one TD

277 votes

48%

under 100 yards

317 votes

657 votes

Today, let's flip the script. I want to know what you think Darren McFadden and Michael Bush will do against the Titans defense.

Last year, the (un)dynamic duo combined for 946 yards on the ground. That's less than half of what Chris Johnson had by himself. They totaled four rushing touchdowns, that's only a quarter of what Johnson did. They combined for 38 catches, 11 less than Johnson, and had no receiving touchdowns, which is not surprising because the Raiders only threw a handful altogether.

However, now that Justin Fargas is a memory for the Raiders offense, McFadden and Bush will see more field time than they have in the past. Word on the street is that they are pushing each other hard every day in camp and head coach Tom Cable likes what he is seeing from both of them. There's no doubt they have the talent to be a top ten combination in the league this year and could be near the very top with the like of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams in Carolina and Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas in New Orleans.

What do you think Nation, will the Raiders tailbacks have a break out year this year, or will sloppy offensive line play or the lack of a viable passing attack continue to hold the Raiders runners back?

Let's hear it, S&B Pride, what's your projection for week one against Tennessee?

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Poll

How many total Yards will McFadden and Bush combine for in the opener?

200-plus with 2-3 TD's

172 votes

150-plus with two touchdowns

707 votes

100-plus with one TD

482 votes

under 100 yards with no scores

42 votes

1403 votes | Poll has closed

Over-Under: Chris Johnson in Week 1

B.A.Armstrong — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:54:32 -0000

We all know Chris Johnson was monstrous for the Tennessee Titans offense last season. This guy broke off huge gainers all year last year, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, caught 50 passes and hit the endzone 16 times. He also ended the season with a streak of 11 straight 100 yard games despite the fact that teams were trying (unsuccessfully) to key on him.

The new and improved Oakland Raiders defense has the daunting task of stopping the Titans rusher on opening day September 12^th. You know Johnson is going to want to get off to a fast start against a sloppy rushing defense. So what is the over/under for Johnson on opening day?

The general consensus in the forums is around 100-120 yards with one to two touchdowns. This is a fair number, being that he is supposed to be the best halfback in the league.

However, if the Raiders decide to stack the line of scrimmage with defenders and force the Titans to throw the ball, the number could potentially be much lower than that. If Johnson is breaking off big gainer with the Raiders keeping 8 and sometimes nine players in the box, then we will know right from week one that it's going to be a long year.

So let's hear it, S&B Pride, what's your projection?

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Poll

Chris Johnson will have...

at least 150 yards and two TD's

103 votes

100 yards with @ least one TD

376 votes

under 100 yards

410 votes

889 votes | Poll has closed

Rolando Mcclain is for Real

B.A.Armstrong — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:19:20 -0000

Rolando McClain is the real deal. The last player the Oakland Raiders got from Alabama was a flop, but this guy is for real. McClain told his agent to get him in to the first training camp no matter what. Only three other first round rookies had inked deals when McClain signed his contract.

McClain comes in as the first string middle linebacker for the Raiders. He is a man of his word. About a month ago, he said that his contract would not be an issue. As he said, it was not an issue. As I said, it is very similar to the 7^th overall pick from last year, Darrius Heyward-Bey's. Heyward-Bey got $500,000 more in guaranteed and $2 million less in maximum value.

McClain recently sat down to chat with Greg Papa, the Raider's radio play-by-play announcer. McClain sat down with his defensive playbook as an extension of his right arm. He told Papa of how Nick Saban taught him to see the game in a different way. Of how Saban stretched his mind to places where he didn't know he was capable of going. He told Papa that Saban taught him how to slow the game down in his mind and see it how others cannot.

Saban's coaching at Alabama led the Crimson Tide and Rolando McClain to a National Title early in 2010. It led their Saban coached defense to be ranked second in the entire nation against the run. It led Rolando McClain to the Oakland Raiders as the 8^th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft. Saban's coaching gave the Raider Nation hope for a better run defense in 2010.

Rolando McClain is backing up the knowledge of his prior teacher.

Rolando McClain will wear the coveted green dot helmet for the Raiders. "It's something different, one day (John Marshall) told me, it was like the fourth of fifth practice of OTA's he said, ‘We gonna have to start using microphones' and I was just sitting there. I thought he was just going to signal the play in like usual and all the sudden I hear this loud screechy noise, I was like ‘What is this', it was something different, but also something I like. You don't have to worry about him getting the signal in or calling it or nothing, you're ready."

What's going to be interesting to see is if McClain can garner the kind of respect that the middle linebacker needs to establish to be the leader of the defense. With the veterans on this squad, namely Nnamdi Asomugha and Richard Seymour, it will be semi-entertaining and semi-heart pounding to see what happens with the chemistry on this squad. Will they direct leadership to this first year player, or will they make more of an effort to establish themselves as that person who is the leader?

McClain thinks he can be that leader, "Just like when I was a freshman at Alabama, it takes time, you have to grow on guys. You just can't come in and start demanding stuff. Guys tend to shy away from that. The thing you have to do is, if you're a leader and you come in day after day, they are going to see it and they are going to respect it. They are going to respect you and then they are going to respect you as a leader. It comes with time. I have a great group of veteran guys in front of me so I'm going to let them do their thing and I'm going to do my thing and I'm not going to push it. The thing I'm going to do is come out there every day and be the leader I can be. I know that eventually, whether it's this year or the following year, everybody will know who 's the true leader."

I don't think you could ask for a better answer to the question. I mean, c'mon, this guy is professional and he is all business. And I don't mean sly and cunning business. I mean straight forward and hard working. Rolando McClain is for real. He is the total package, brains and braun.

On opening day, September 12^th, 2010, McClain will have the task of leading this defense in shutting down the best running back in football, Chris Johnson, as well as the best running quarterback in football, Vince Young. Johnson recently signed a restructured contract and Young was not suspended for any time by the NFL for his recent incident.

"I watched a little bit of film from last year...if everybody is not doing their job on a particular play then that's when you get the long runs. I think everybody just being accountable for their own job and we'll be just fine."

Let the games begin.

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Can Raiders overcome inevitability with current squad?

B.A.Armstrong — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:12:57 -0000

During my weekend downtime, something occurred to me regarding the Oakland Raiders. It seems like for the longest time, the Raiders and the NFL have been head-butting each other in a power struggle. I know they had a little run of success during the Gruden/Gannon era, but other than that stretch, the team has found very little success. Some say the NFL holds a grudge against the Raiders for all the courtroom maneuvering done by Al Davis over the years. Some say that every team has to overcome the bad official calls and injury bug. I think both sides are probably right to an extent.

However, the question remains to be answered: How will the young Raiders deal with the bad calls, actual committed penalties, and injury bug?

Louis Murphy had to get over a mental hurdle last year after two plays in which the ball may have been called a catch for a different team. After the second bad call against Houston, Murphy went through a string of dropped passes and missed opportunities. Therefore it is logical to say that the bad calls can get to an individual. And it is common sense to say that an individual's performance affects the entire team around him.

How about the no-calls that should've been penalties, like the time Hines Ward grabbed Chris Johnson and pulled Johnson into him in order to get around him and score a go ahead touchdown? How will the young Raiders deal with that kind of thing this year? Obviously, it did not have detrimental effects on the outcome of that particular game, but inevitably there will be a call that does affect the outcome like the aforementioned calls against the favor of the young wide receiver Murphy.

Bad calls, no-calls, and the injury bug can be the difference between a winning record headed into the playoffs and sitting at home on the couch watching the playoffs wishing you could partake in the excitement. The question that must be asked is if this team is good enough to overcome the inevitable in 2010.

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Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Raider Nation is still alive and well

B.A.Armstrong — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:58:10 -0000

Despite constant out lash from the fans of other teams in the AFC West, the Raider Nation is still loud and proud. Regardless of the reports from "journalists" (I call some of them Jokesters) like Cam Inman, and Monte "fool, stool, tool" Poole, as well as countless ESPN Psycho"anal"ysts and Warren Sapp, Raider Nation Stands united in the face of adversity. You can take the Raiders fan base out of the pride, but you'll never take the pride out of Raider Nation.

The Nation will fight for their team as hard as the fans of any other team in professional sports. Despite seven straight seasons of 11 or more losses, Raider Nation is still as strong as ever. No matter who says what about the team, the central hub of Raider Nation still contends that every year will be the year the Raiders turn it around and rise from the ashes.

But how much is too much? When does it become time to say enough is enough...it's just never going to happen? Seriously, this franchise is a train wreck, right?

There is a guy on bleacherreport.com who (I don't know if he still does) used to wander around that website to the different Raiders articles and pick fights with the Raider Nation. He always used to close his statement by saying, "From the ‘Real Nation', the original ‘Charger Nation'". I don't know why he thought the Chargers have a Nation. Theirs is more like a gaytion. Yeah, Charger Gaytion; I like it, I'm going to trademark, you ready:

The Original Charger Gaytion ^TM

Is it too much, I don't think so. Sorry if I offended anyone. It's just that the Raider Nation eats lightning and craps thunder. I think the Nation could take "Bolt Man".

Anyhow, getting back to my story, every game the Raiders play is entered with hopes and prayers from Raider Nation, no matter how hollow the hope might be. You see, Raider Nation believes in "Any Given Sunday" and it is the opinion of the Nation that you can ask Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia about that.

I got some good news Raider Nation. This year, the hopes are not false. I know beyond any reasonable doubt that the Raiders will get out of the double digit loss column this year. They will get over the hump of beating the Chargers this year. They were on the brink last year and now they are better. In their two games against the Chargers in 2009, they lost by a combined 12 points. In 2008, the combined deficit was 37 points, 2007 it was 27, 2006 was 34. This twelve point discrepancy was with JaMarcus Russell at quarterback!

I'm confident that in 2010, the Chargers will go back under the doormat to be walked all over and that is right where they belong. There is only one REAL Nation, and that is Raider Nation.

In Chiefs news, check this out: Sporting News Magazine thinks the Chiefs will finish second in the AFC West with a 9-7 record. Notwithstanding the fact that they gave the team the following position grades:

Quarterbacks = C-

Running Backs = A-

Receivers = C

Offensive Line = D+

Defensive Line = D

Linebackers = C-

Secondary = B

I can't make this stuff up guys. It's really too good for T.V. and that's why they had to put it in a magazine. They say, "While Kansas City is at least another year away from being serious playoff contenders, this should be a season where major progress is made towards that goal." The overall grade given by Kansas City Star reporter and the writer of the Sporting News article, Adam Teicher, was an 85. Now, granted I'm no math whiz, but I don't see how you get an 85 with two D's, three C's, one A, and a B. Taking what I know these grades to be, my average of the sum of all pieces is 76.142857142857142857142857. Also known as, not a 9-7 team.

The Oakland piece in the magazine was written by the Nation's finest, Steve Corkran. (He, He)

Their grades are as follows:

Quarterbacks = C+

Running Backs = B

Receivers = D+

Offensive Line = C-

Defensive Line = D+

Linebackers = C

Secondary = B-

The Raiders grade was a bit more accurate according to their calculations. They graded the Raiders a 72, but really it should be a 75.285714285714285714285714. Which should actually be a lot closer to an 85 according to the Chiefs numbers, but that is that old Raiders bias.

Yes, Raider Nation is strong in the face of adversity. It is very rare that you see credit given to the owner of the Raiders these days. So it was very manly of Clay Travis to say things like, "Al Davis is more responsible for the modern-day NFL than anyone else alive in the country. He is, without a doubt, the single greatest living influence in the NFL.

"Given that the NFL is far and away the most successful pro sports outfit in the country; that means that Davis is the man most responsible for the league's success. That also means, take a deep breath, Al Davis is the man most responsible for the state of American sports in the 21st century.

"I know, I know, it comes as a shock to think that a wrinkled old man who still uses the same kind of overhead projector that your seventh grade pre-algebra teacher did in 1991 could be the man most responsible for the NFL's success today. But Al Davis is."

By the way, this is an article that everyone in Raider Nation should read. (For those who don't know, to read it just click on the "manly of clay" gray area above.) Clay will probably get an earful about it from fellow fan house writer Jay Mariotti, but I've never really cared for Jay...most people don't.

My point is, in the face of adversity, Raider Nation stands united. Weathering the storms of a thousand and one cast away comments looking to take a dig at the fans who have supported the team so prudentially in good times and in bad. When they do turn this thing around, I will know who the real Raider Nation consists of, will you?

Follow me on Twitter: Raidersblogger

Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Darrius Heyward-Bey Dishes with ESPN

B.A.Armstrong — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:37:33 -0000

Darrius Heyward-Bey Dishes with ESPN

Click on the title to watch Darrius Heyward-Bey's four minute chat with ESPN. Find out what his desire is for life post football.

Competition Creates Character

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:09:14 -0000

One thing that has been missing for some time in Oakland is a strong sense of competition. That's not to say that competition has not been present in Oakland over the past few years, but it was nowhere near the level it is at this season. In the past, you may have seen a competition like the battle for the starting QB position in 2007 between Daunte Culpepper and Josh McCown, or the competition for middle linebacker in 2009 between Ricky Brown and Kirk Morrison. But never recently have there been so many positions up for grabs in the Oakland Raiders camp as there is this season. Let's take a look at some position that will be up for grabs.

Quarterback:

Jason Campbell might not feel much pressure right now, only being pushed in mini-camp and OTA's by Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller, but once Bruce Gradkowski puts himself into the mix, he will be under tremendous pressure. Gradkowski is not going to lay down and let this job that he believes to be his go unchallenged to the newcomer, regardless of their past draft stocks or stat lines.

While Jason Campbell attempts to form a bond with his new teammates, Gradkowski has already been to battle with many of these guys and they believe that he has the tools to get the job done despite whoever outside of the team thinks that Gradkowski is not the long-term solution. Some have already declared this job as belonging to Jason Campbell, but Bruce Gradkowski would certainly disagree with that assessment. It's not like Gradkowski already has a fork in him, as I'm sure JaMarcus Russell does as we speak.

Running Back:

Although they are teammates and will certainly need to work together to accomplish a sound ground game for Oakland this year, Michael Bush and Darren McFadden will be at each other's throats this preseason vying for the starting position. It is certain that with the dismissal of Justin Fargas, Oakland is looking for a new good man to take the bulk of the carries and lead this team to glory.

McFadden has never lived up to the hype of being the best running back from the class of 2008, with his ongoing injury issues and fumble issues. So far, his best contributions have come via the receiving game, in contrast to Michael Bush who currently owns the Raiders previous three 100 yard rushing games. Bush has also shown a knack for making those break-away runs that McFadden was supposed to show his skills on. By all accounts, the leader of this race should be Bush as he has more between-the-tackles potential. In the NFL you need to have a back who can punch it up the gut, and McFadden is more a change-up, outside type runner who wants to beat you around the corner. Plus in the five games where Bush has been given the ball 15 or more times, Bush has averaged 134.8 yards from scrimmage.

Wide Receiver:

I've heard this question asked so much over the past few weeks: Who are the starting WR's this year? The good news is it's a wide open competition between players who all have tremendous upside. The bad news is that they are all, for the most part, inexperienced in the NFL.

However, they are not all inexperienced as football players. Louis Murphy won two NCAA National Championships during his time as a Florida Gator. He also showed glimpses into a bright future outperforming many rookie wide receivers of other teams in 2009. Johnnie Lee Higgins was expected to make an impact in last year's receiving corp., the trouble was, Higgins got blown up in the first game of the year by Chargers safety Eric Weddle and then when he finally did get over that shoulder injury, he got smashed in the face in Pittsburgh on an illegal hit by Steelers safety Ryan Mundy. It was a setback for Higgins, who now enters his fourth NFL season as the Raiders most experienced NFL receiver.

The Raiders WR's of 2010 will feature two more Higgins type talents with 2009's UDFA Nick Miller expected to return to action, and the addition of fourth round pick Jacoby Ford. Miller was nicknamed "Mr. Darkhorse" for his outstanding performance in the 2009 offseason activities and the early part of the preseason; however he never fully recovered from a broken shin. His potential showcased last season was enough to keep him around for another stint. Ford is expected to be used exclusively in the return game, but his potential is also bursting at the seams as a wide receiver. With a little bit of developmental work on route running, he could be a featured deep threat for Oakland.

Todd Watkins made some big time plays for Oakland last year. Both plays that come to my immediate memory converted huge third downs, one against the Kansas City Chiefs in week two, and one against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 13. During his first season at BYU, Watkins totaled 52 receptions for 1042 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged a Mountain West Conference record 94.7 yards per game, and averaged 20 yards per catch. Following that season, he was named a first team all MWC and honorable mention All-American. Sports Illustrated named him the best deep threat in the nation. In Oakland, Watkins abilities are highly underrated, but could come in handy in those much needed third down situations.

All these guys aside, my projected starters this year are Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens. Heyward-Bey is said to have made significant improvements to his game and showcased his newfound hands on the Raiders media day OTA practice last Wednesday. Schilens has yet to put on his running shoes this year, but had a tremendous offseason in 2009 in which it's been said that he did not drop a single pass. One thing for sure, as Jason Campbell recently put it, "It's a young football team, but at the same time, we have a lot of speed." Speed and QB timing will be the key to success for the Raiders 2010 receivers.

Offensive Line:

Several position are going to be wide open along the offensive line this year, however, I'd expect the starting line-up to be similar to the one that ended the season last year, except with Robert Gallery returning to left guard, and his replacement, Langston Walker finding his natural position back at right tackle.

The thing about the offensive line that makes it different this year will be the competition that the back-ups provide as they attempt to make themselves well known commodities. LT Mario Henderson and RT Langston Walker will have a big time challenge from offensive tackle back-ups, Khalif Barnes and rookie Jared Veldheer. Right guard Cooper Carlisle, I suspect, will have significant competition from rookie Bruce Campbell as well as veteran G/C Chris Morris. While the line may not be exactly what the doctor ordered, the competition will create better play than many outsiders project.

Defensive End:

2009 rookie Matt Shaughnessy made a name for himself in the second half of the 2009 season filling in for recently released DE Greg Ellis. Odds are in his favor to start at the position at the beginning of the 2010 season, but odds don't always come through in Vegas, so why would they always come through in Alameda?

Shaughnessy and returning starter Richard Seymour will have heavy competition from the very competitive rookie Lamarr Houston, who comes from the #1 ranked NCAA run defense, as well as fourth year pro Jay Richardson, who is quietly becoming a steady competitor with the Raiders organization. Quentin Groves, who I believe will end up playing DE, and UDFA out of Cincinnati Alex Daniels will be giving Houston and Richardson a run for their money as back-ups on the squad.

Outside Linebackers:

The Raiders brought in a plethora of linebackers this year and brought the total on the squad this year to 11. With only three available positions in the 4-3 defense, somebody is going to be the odd man out. There are some new faces in the mix like Kamerion Wimbley and Travis Goethel. Then there are some veterans like last year's starters Ricky Brown and Thomas Howard. Also in the mix will be 2009 rookies Slade Norris and David Nixon. Trevor Scott finished the 2009 season as a weak-side starting linebacker, but he has his work cut out for him facing a high level of competition that will be looking to take his place at every bump in the road.

Right now, the projected starters would be Scott, 2010 rookie Rolando McClain in the middle, and the strong-side LB would be Kamerion Wimbley. I expect Wimbley's position to be the one in highest doubt, being that he is new to the team and will be challenged strongly by both Howard and Brown, two guys who started at his position in 2009.

Free Safety:

Last year, this position was split between Michael Huff and Hiram Eugene. Both guys are good players, but the trouble is, each one has what the other one lacks. Michael Huff is supposed to be the guy who is good in coverage, and Eugene is supposed to be the sure tackler that the defense can depend on to stop the run. The wildcard of this group is Mike Mitchell, the 2009 second round pick from Ohio University. Mitchell has great range on the field, good vision, and he is sure to be a solid tackler at this level.

Throw in one of head coach Tom Cable's favorites from the 2009 offseason, Jerome Boyd as well as newcomer from Michigan Stevie Brown and you got yourself a good old fashioned wide open competition. My personal favorite at this point is Mike Mitchell. I'd love to see a Branch/Mitchell combination in the deep secondary for Oakland. With Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson, who are both good in coverage, tackling, and run support playing the cornerback positions it could mark the return of the "Soul Patrol" in the Raiders secondary come 2010.

This competition where no one is safe will result in positive results for the Oakland Raiders moving forward. The competition will create character amongst the brothers on this team who will battle together as soldiers in 2010. Each player will push the other to their limit in offseason activities and training camp. These guys are all competitors and they are all NFL caliber talents. They will all want to be on the field just as much as their counterparts do. It's going to be fun to watch how this whole thing shakes out during the four preseason games. The Raiders 2010 offseason has given Raider Nation a legitimate reason to be excited for the upcoming season.

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Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Under the Microscope: CB #37 Chris Johnson

B.A.Armstrong — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:01:06 -0000

A two-year letter winner in college at Louisville after transferring from Blinn Junior College (Brenham, Texas), Chris Johnson played in 13 games in his senior year, and started seven of his last eight contests. With 44 total tackles (32 solo), one tackle for loss and seven passes defended, he was not particularly impressive. However, he also stood out on a special teams unit that ranked among the nation's best that year. He was also honorable mention (enter Cris Carter: "honorable mention, HONERABLE MENTION!") junior college All-America choice following his sophomore season at Blinn JC where he had seven interceptions and a pair of blocked field goals in 2000.

It's been a long road for the Raiders starting cornerback. Drafted late in the seventh round by the Green Bay Packers coming off of a knee surgery, "The doctor told me that I would probably never play because the position that I play would be too much on my knee, and here it is my seventh season in the NFL being a starter for the Oakland Raiders. It's just a true testimony and a true blessing to me that I have lasted this long," Johnson said recently. "I want to play five or six more years, so to have a ten plus year career going into this league is a blessing alone. Numbers don't mean anything, it's about what work you put in; how long you put in the work to stay in the league. They always tell me, ‘N.F.L. stands for not for long', but I have a lot to improve so I know I can get better over the next couple of years while I finish my career up."

He was tossed around a bit, spent a few years in St. Louis trying to earn his way into a starting role with the Rams. He played in 14 games and started one at cornerback. He scored one kickoff return touchdown, had 24 tackles and one forced fumble and fumble recovery. In 2006, he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, but released before the season started. They may live to regret that decision, as in 2007, he signed with the Raiders, a bitter rival.

"Being drafted in the 7^th round in '03 really was the best thing that could've happened for me because I think I stayed hungry, the whole time, throughout my career," says Johnson. "You see a lot of guys who get drafted in the first or second round, they don't make it but like for two or three years. But this is my seventh year as a late 7^th round draft pick. To keep that passion and keep that fire burning inside of me to provide for my family and provide for my kids; my goal is to overcome the obstacles in front of me."

Johnson likes what he sees forthcoming in Oakland and he is very grateful for his opportunity to be a part of the franchise. But basically, until his blossoming late in 2008, he was an above average special teams player. The Raiders definitely have an eye for good special team players, with one of the best special teams units in the NFL. There's no doubt that he was brought in to play special teams.

However, after DeAngelo Hall was paid $8 million for eight games ($7 million signing bonus, $1 million base salary), and Atlanta received a 2nd and 5th round draft pick, Al Davis released the Pro Bowl corner who would not restructure his 7 year $72 million contract. It was said, at that time, that Hall couldn't hang in the Raiders man-to-man scheme. Nnamdi Asomugha said that Hall wasn't given time to adjust. He believed, at the time, that the move was detrimental to the team and the locker room atmosphere.

But Johnson seized an opportunity to be more than just a special team's guru for the Raiders. "Chris Johnson, we believe, was the third best corner here and at some point it became he was the second best corner here," Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable said after the release of DeAngelo Hall. "That facilitated the ability to make this decision the way we have."

Johnson's first Raiders start at cornerback came in a September 28th, 2008 game against San Diego. In that game, he recorded the first interception of his NFL career. Yet the real impact of Johnson was felt later in the season. Against the Dolphins he recorded nine solo tackles. He assumed his permanent starting role in the next game against the rival Broncos on November 20th, 2008. Denver had torched Hall in the season opener; and conversely Johnson held his ground against Jay Cutler and a sound passing attack in Denver. Oakland won 31-10.

Johnson held his own for the remainder of the year as well. His second career interception against Kansas City the next week he returned 44 yards. He followed that up with five tackles and an assist with a tipped pass against the Patriots. Three tackles, three tipped passes and an interception against Houston while the Raiders cornerbacks held Andre Johnson to two catches. He had four tackles and a tipped pass against Tampa Bay to end the season.

He finished the '08 season on such a high note that www.Walterfootball.com ranked him the seventh best free agent cornerback in the 2009 offseason, ahead of former Raiders CB's Phillip Buchanan, who was ranked tenth, DeAngelo Hall, who was eleventh.

Johnson received all sorts of praise from local media for his 2008 performance as well. Patrick A. Patterson of the Oakland Raiders Examiner said, "Johnson came out of nowhere to play like a madman when he took over for the departed DeAngelo Hall," adding, "Chris Johnson had a stellar half season."

Jerry MacDonald of The Oakland Tribune reported, "[Johnson] was credited by owner Al Davis with being the sole reason for a reversal of fortune against the Denver Broncos."

Levi "Dizzle" Damien from Thoughts from the Darkside wrote; "CJ was nothing short of amazing...he was a thorn in the side of the opposing quarterbacks as well as the receiver's he was covering." He started eight games and made the TFDS Ballers List five times.

"I've always tried to emulate Deion Sanders, that's my guy, that's the guy I look up to," Johnson says. "Until I get my respect, I know [quarterbacks] are coming after me. I don't really look at it as being picked on, but it's having the opportunity. I know [Nnamdi Asomugha] says week in and week out he gets bored. He gets bored just playing the right side, [and] I'm getting all the action. I get more work so I guess I'm not having a quote/unquote ‘boring day' like Nnamdi normally has Sunday in and Sunday out."

During the course of the 2009 season, Johnson lost a bit of his initial luster, but he still put together a solid year. Playing and starting in 15 games, Johnson had 18 defended passes, three interceptions, 58 solo tackles and nine assists. Aside from matching his interceptions total of 2008, all those numbers were improved significantly in 2009.

Along with Nnamdi Asomugha, Johnson helped establish one of the best run support and tackling CB tandems in the NFL in 2009. "A lot of people don't think corners can tackle, but I wrap my game around being a hard-hitter and a sure tackler. Last year I had a couple of good hits, and I always look for a good hit that would make the crowd stand up out of their seats, make the crowd go crazy, and swing the momentum to the defensive side of the ball," says Johnson. "So if you come out to see me and you see a running back coming at me, either one of two things is going to happen: either he's gonna get knocked out, or he's gonna get scared and go in a different direction."

In 2010, Johnson is looking forward to having better play up front. "It would help me out tremendously to have the D-line generating a good pass rush and make the QB's rush their throws," Johnson says. "As a DB it helps you to make more plays. So if we can pull all this together, I'll be looking at a seven or eight pick season. We have some good young guys who can do that, so whoever steps up, you know, it's whoever's ball that wants it."

I expect Johnson to keep grinding in his attempt to become a player the value of his idol, Deion Sanders. He has proven that he has the capability to be the Pro Bowl talent he wants to be, but he needs to continue pushing himself to be better. He says, "I never want to say ‘I made it' because once you say that, you settle. I always want to advance my game each and every time I step foot on the field."

Follow me on Twitter: Raidersblogger

Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Let's Chat tonight at 8 est / 5 pst.

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:20:29 -0000

Tonight at Eight east, 5 pacific, here's a little teaser. The Oakland Raiders offense appears to be getting on the same page early in the season. The return of Chaz Schilens to full speed practices can only help. With DHB’s improved performance and what the Raiders got out of Louis Murphy last year, the addition of Jason Campbell may be the grinding pad that smoothes out the rough edges that appeared in the offense last year. The offense added two new linemen and a new wide receiver to their practice participants. Tom Cable says he hasn’t had to encourage the new off field connectivity that the Raiders players are currently participating in, "I think that’s something we talk about in team meetings, looking out for each other and all that; I just think they’re taking the bull by the horns and all that. They’re putting it upon themselves to do those kinds of things and that’s important for the team. It’s good, it’s very good." Cable says that joint practices with the 49ers or the Cowboys will not happen because it doesn’t fit in the schedule. Autumn Wind, a commenter on one of my recent articles asked a very good question on an article today, "What was more important to fix this year in the draft and in free agency, the offensive line or run defense?" Taking into consideration which unit was closer to being complete, what do you think Nation? Tom Cable also adds that he doesn’t know what to do about the RB situation; he likes both guys and thinks both could be number one backs at this level. What’s up Raider nation, what do you think? I’ve listened to all the commentary from the Raiders players, I’ve read all the reporters articles, I’m ready to chat, are you? Follow me on Twitter: Raidersblogger Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Raiders sign another CB

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:46:52 -0000

Raiders sign another CB

The Raiders have signed former Rutgers CB and track star Joe Porter. It's obvious they know they need more help than the high tendered Stanford Routt

Not Really a Story, More Like Some Tidbits

B.A.Armstrong — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:19:57 -0000

I have these feelings burning inside of me and they are not really organized. There is not enough material to post an article about each one individually, but they are definitely topics of conversation that I believe will ake people think a little bit. I'm not gonna lie, some are bizzarre, so only proceed if you are brave.

First off, I want to speak in response to the Buffalo writers who keep saying that Oakland is the most likely landing spot for Terrell Owens. I want to speak to them because I want to know why they think that. T.O. had a quietly productive season in Buffalo, so why is it that a team from across the country that is most certainly familiar with his actions while he was a 49er want to sign this loser? In my opinion the most likely landing spot for Terrell Owens is right back in Buffalo in about Week 5 of the regular season when the pathetic Bills realize that they don't have anybody their who will catch passes, let alone someone who can throw them.

Which brings me to my next puzzler: Will JaMarcus Russell play football in 2010? It looked, for a second and a half, as though Russell was bound to be a Cincinnati Bengal in 2010. I can't say I blame the Bengals for at the very least being very patient about it. I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb here. I predict JaMarcus Russell and Terrell Owens both end up in either Cincinnati or Buffalo. What do you think Raider Nation?

Breaking off the subject of players for a moment, the possibility of the Raiders going to Dallas to play them as an extra exhibition during a practice week before they play the Cowboys in the preseason has been brought up by some as a real possibility lately. I just have one thing to say about it, I hope it's an outside week of practice. Remember last year when the Cowboys training facility collapsed, trapping some players and coach under the weight of the building. Ya, this could be a ploy by the NFL to continue holding down the team of the decades right. What if Jerry Jones (or worse, the NFL) rigs this thing to fall again on top of the up and coming Raiders squad? That would be so uncool.

Everybody is all hyped up about talking to Hue Jackson, 'We need an interview with Hue Jackson, he's got personality, we need to talk to him.' Why is that mainstream media, so you can ask him stupid questions about JaMarcus Russell? 'Hey Hue, are you sad that you won't have the opportunity to turn JaMArcus Russell's career around?' Yeah, you guys always ask the questions the fans want to hear. I want to know what Tom Cable plans to do with the Offensive line. What are the plans for the defensive tackles? Is Seymour going to play more defensive tackle? But no, you Oakland Tribune writers and SF Gate writers only want to know more about JaFatLard to the point that the head coach has to be like "QUIT!"

Sorry, that was venting a little I guess. This is raw Nation, this is uncensored (to a point) and uncut.

And Bill Williamson says. "This grievance doesn’t solve anything." I disagree, the Raiders are doing it to prove a point. Nobody messes with Al Davis. Davis doesn't pay if Davis doesn't want to just ask "Lance" Kiffin and Mike Shanahan. Mike almost paid Davis to take Jason Campbell off his hands for crying out loud. I agree with the guy who commented on www.Profootballtalk.com and said something to this effect: Al Davis has a lot more money than JaMarcus Russell does and he will run Russell through the courts until he can't take it anymore. He doesn't want the $9.55 million back, he just wants to break JMR's will unitl the guy feels bad for himself.

Sorry there is so much about Russell in here. I sincerely apologize, just trying to create conversation. One last thing before I go. I just want to make sure everybody knows that Tyvon Branch was named most underrated NFL player this year but www.CBSspots.com.

And with that, let the chit-chat begin!

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their...

B.A.Armstrong — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:57:40 -0000

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored. ~Daniel Webster
The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:
Their courage nerves a thousand living men.
~Minot J. Savage
But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for,
Is their monument to-day, and for aye.
~Thomas Dunn English
Better than honor and glory, and History's iron pen,
Was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.
~Richard Watson Gilder
A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. ~Joseph Campbell
These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead. ~Robert G. Ingersoll
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou
Peace to each manly soul that sleepeth;
Rest to each faithful eye that weepeth...
~Thomas Moore
SPecial Thanks to all of them men and women who have served this country so proudly. It is something I could never bring myself to do. Thank you for protecting us in times of hostility from the mongers of hatred and disruption. Without you, we couldnot be us. Best wishes to the families of these brave soldiers who lost their lives, and the ones who are still currently worried about on a daily basis. ~B.A. Armstrong

Raiders History 101, courtesy of Mallard Davis

B.A.Armstrong — Sat, 29 May 2010 12:39:55 -0000

Not so long ago, I received an email from a gentleman who has been buzzing around the Silver and Black Pride website lately. He calls himself Mallard Davis, and I don't know his entire real name, however, I do know that his first name is Bob. Now, Bob asked me to talk about the early stages of the Oakland Raiders...before they were the Raiders, and how they came to be the Raiders. He said he would like me to do this "for some of the young bucks who were born after the Raiders last won a Super Bowl."

Now, the Raiders last Super Bowl win was in 1983, and I was born in 1982, so I had just turned a year old at that point in my life. He may or may not have known this, but Bob was about to make me embark on a historical journey to uncover documents that may have been lost to many fans (although they are easily accessed on the internet) over the 50 year history of the NFL's greatest franchise.

It's interesting, because Bob said in the email that "anyone can Wiki this stuff," but I'm not sure that anyone ever does. Bob is quickly making a name for himself as the history buff on Silver and Black Pride, asking people questions during my last live chat like, "What Raider D Lineman graduated from ‘The University of Mars'?" as well as, "What player broke Namath's jaw in a 1967 game?"

The Oakland Raiders story begins in 1959, when the National Football League offered a spot in their league to a yet to be named Minneapolis expansion team who was playing, at that time, in the American Football League. We now know this team to be the Minnesota Vikings. After the owners of the Minneapolis team accepted the NFL's invitation, this sent the AFL scrambling to find a replacement for the lost team. On January 30^th, 1960, that replacement team was awarded to the city of Oakland, California.

At the time, the city of Oakland seemed like an unlikely place to start a football team. But Los Angeles Chargers owner, Barron Hilton, threatened to forfeit his franchise unless another west coast team was added to the AFL. Despite having no ownership group and no stadium suitable for professional football, as well as the successful NFL's San Francisco 49ers franchise very close by, the AFL gave the new team to the city of Oakland.

After they received the franchise, Oakland civil leaders began looking for business men willing to invest in the new team. A limited partnership was formed between Y. Charles Soda, Ed McGah, Robert Osborne, F. Wayne Valley, Don Blessing, Harvey Binns, and Charles Harney. A "name the team" contest was held by a local newspaper, and the team was given its original name, the Oakland Señors. Many local residents, however, were not pleased with the name and Y. Charles Soda was known within the Oakland business community for calling his acquaintances "señor". The team's name would be changed nine days later. Their original colors were black, gold, and white.

The Raiders ownership wanted their team to play at the field of the University of California Berkeley, but they were refused the right to let the team play at Memorial Stadium. So, they chose Kezar Stadium in San Francisco as the site of their home games. The first home game played by the Raiders was September 11, 1960 and it was a loss to the Houston Oilers, 37-22. Raiders' games were called locally by Bud Foster, handling play-by-play, and Mel Venter, providing color analysis, for local radio station, KNBC 680-AM (now known as KNRB). When the Raiders' games were on KDIA (1310 AM) Bob Blum, did the play-by-play and Dan Galvin, did the color. In 1966, Bill King was hired for the play-by-play and Oakland Tribune sports writer, Scotty Sterling as color man.

For the final three home games of the 1960 season, the Raiders were allowed to play at Candlestick Park after approval by the San Francisco's Recreation and Park Commission. It was the first time that professional football was played at the new stadium. But the change of venue failed to draw larger crowds, and the Oakland team finished the year with a 6-8 record. They lost $500,000 and found themselves desperately in need of money in order to continue running the team. F. Wayne Valley may have saved the future of one of the greatest NFL franchises when he took a $400.000 loan from Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. That's right everybody, the Buffalo Bills franchise is the reason why there is an Oakland Raiders franchise today.

At the conclusion of that 1960 season, General Partner Y. Charles Soda dropped out and on January 17, 1961, limited partners Valley, McGah and Osborne bought out the remaining four limited partners. Soon after that, Valley and McGah purchased Osborne's interest, with Valley named as the managing general partner. After splitting the previous home season between Kezar and Candlestick, the Raiders moved exclusively to Candlestick Park in 1961, where total attendance for the season was about 50,000, the team finished 2-12.

Valley threatened to move the Raiders out of the area unless a stadium was built in Oakland, but in 1962 the Raiders moved into 18,000-seat Frank Youell Field for their first home in Oakland. It was a temporary home from 1962-1965 for the team while the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum was under construction. Mallard Davis recalls:

"My Dad had seats on the 50 yard line for a couple years. I remember that seats were wood bleachers and we did not seem to have much room. It was the first time I ever peed in a trough (funny how you remember that) and we got felt hats. Being 8, I don't remember much, except I do know that the backs were Clem Daniels and Hewert Dixon. We lived in the High Street/MacAurthur area and Clem Daniels had a liquor store a couple blocks from us. I just find it interesting that the Raiders could have been the Señors and the original field is now where Laney College is at."

In 1963, Valley hired Al Davis, a former Chargers assistant coach, to be the head coach and GM of his Oakland team. At 33, Al Davis was the youngest person in professional football history to hold these positions. Reportedly inspired by the University of Army's black and gray uniforms, Davis immediately changed the team's colors to Silver and Black. He installed what he called the "Vertical Game" which was originally inspired by Chargers Head Coach Sid Gillman's "West coast offense". In 1963, the Raiders finished the season with a 10-4 record and Al Davis was named the AFL's coach of the year.

In 1966, Davis left the team to be the commissioner of the AFL, two months later, the AFL merged with the NFL, and Davis' heated history with the NFL was ignited after he found out that he would no longer be the commissioner of the AFL. On July 25^th, 1966, Al Davis returned to the Raiders as part owner. He bought a 10 percent share of the team for $18,000, and became the team's third general partner and head of football operations.

Under Davis' leadership, the team saw continued improvement. Davis' hand-picked successor at head coach, John Rauch, coached the team to the 1967 AFL Championship, beating the Houston Oilers 40-7, and they earned a bid in Super Bowl II which they lost to the Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers 33-14. The Raiders continued their success for the next two years, finishing the respective seasons by winning the Western Division Title.

In 1970, the AFL-NFL merger took place and the Raiders joined the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the newly merged NFL.

In 1969, John Madden became the team's sixth head coach, and under his leadership, the Raiders became one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, winning six division titles during the 1970s. The achievement was marred somewhat by three consecutive losses in AFC Championships from 1973 to 1975, two against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their "Steel Curtain" defense. In 1976, the Madden's Raiders finished the year 13-1 and finally defeated the Steelers 24-7 in the AFC Championship game. Then they beat the Minnesota Vikings, the team they originally replaced in the AFL, 32-14, in Super Bowl XI for the franchise's first Super Bowl Ring.

In 1972, with Wayne Valley attended the Olympic Games in Munich, for a period of several weeks; during that time, Davis' attorneys drafted a revised partnership agreement that gave him total control over all of the Raiders' operations. McGah, a strong supporter of Davis, signed the partnership agreement. Under partnership law, by a 2-1 vote of the general partners, the new agreement was thus ratified. This infuriated Valley, who immediately filed a grievence, but the courts sided with Davis and McGah. In January 1976, Valley sold his interest in the team, and 25 percent owner, Al Davis, took the master reigns of the Raiders.

In 1979, after ten consecutive winning seasons and one Super Bowl championship, John Madden left the Raiders to pursue a career as a television football commentator. His replacement as head coach was former Raiders quarterback Tom Flores, the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history. In the fifth week of the 1980 season, starting quarterback Dan Pastorini broke his leg and was replaced by former number-one draft pick Jim Plunkett. Plunkett led Oakland to an 11-5 record, a wild card berth, and ultimately a 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV. With the victory, the Raiders became the first ever wild card team to win a Super Bowl.

Since their inception in 1960, the Raiders have participated in five Super Bowls, winning three, and have inducted eleven players who made their primary contribution to professional football while with the Raiders, in addition to owner Al Davis and head coach John Madden inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. The Raiders' total of thirteen Hall of Famers is tied for seventh-highest with the St. Louis Rams.

This project was a history lesson for me and I have to thank Bob for that. Bob is obviously a die-hard fan, who has followed the team all these years and I'm sure he would love to watch the Raiders win their next Super Bowl Championship, just the same as Al Davis would, and just the same as the rest of Raider Nation. So, next time you see the name Mallard Davis post a comment, makes sure you ask him a question about the rich history of the Oakland Raiders. And if he asks you a question, be prepared to do some research!

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Let's Chat, LIVE, Right Now Only on S&B Pride

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:45:46 -0000

It's been a week chalk full of optimism for this revamped Raiders team. National press is taking notice of the improvements made by this team during the 2010 offseason. And there is news happening everywhere. Open this page, read all the Raiders updates, and Let's Chat, Raider Nation. Anyone can Ask questions, and anyone can answer. Let's have a great talk!

Oh, and one more thing, if you vote on the poll, you have to add a comment!

-There is talk of the positive buzz provided to the team by new Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson.

-This is breaking news- From Thoughts From the Darkside---Raiders seek repayment in the amount of $9.55 million from JaMarcus Russell. Click here for the full article.

-Jerry MacDonald has proclaimed that he can no longer bad mouth Coach Cable concerning Darrius Heyward-Bey who had his best professional practice on Wednesday in front of the media and closed some mouths while dropping some jaws...

-Like the jaw of Nnamdi Asomugha, who says he is happy to be Hue Jackson's scapegoat if it is for the greater good of the team, ""Any time [Hue] sees me out there, he's gonna talk trash to me, ‘We're coming at you', and he told me this early on, he said ‘when we can complete balls on you, then we know we're progressing; we know that we're going in the right direction'," said the two time Pro bowl CB. "So I think it's good. Every now and then, I'll let him complete one so he feels good about himself, but...no it's good, he talks a lot of trash."

-Jason Campbell is the talk of the town, receiving praise from teammates, like Louis Murphy, "He loves to work, so we're out here putting in the work and time it takes to be great. He's teaching me so much, with me being in just my second year, going through all the different offenses he's been through and all types of defensive coverage's, it's teaching me a lot, it's just good to have that veteran QB to show us what we have to do." As well as praise from the big man on campus, Tom Cable, "His accuracy goes a lot towards the development of [the WR's], including your tight ends in that group, and just overall, I've mentioned this before, just when you have someone throwing them the ball where you can catch it and on time and those kinds of things it gives them a chance to have success and build their confidence and grow as a unit. I think it's having a lot to do with what's going on."

-Tyvon Branch, CBSsports.com's most under-rated NFL player, had some encouraging words for Raider Nation too, "The team seems to be together; both on the field and off. Scheme wise, everyone is getting better. Another season has really allowed some of us to step up and take charge. Although this is a complex game, it is all about making plays. That is what we plan to do in 2010."

So with all this in mind, Let's Chat Raider Nation!

Follow me on Twitter: Raidersblogger

Email me your Raiders questions @ bret@tfdssports.com

Poll

What is the Raiders best offseason addition this year?

Hue Jackson, OC

226 votes

New LB's

25 votes

Release of Russell

437 votes

franchising Richard Seymour

7 votes

Jason Cambell

242 votes

2010 NFL Draft

109 votes

1046 votes | Poll has closed

Some Cam Inman we Should All Enjoy

B.A.Armstrong — Wed, 26 May 2010 23:53:30 -0000

Some Cam Inman we Should All Enjoy

Cam is actually excited about today's OTA's. Here is his take.
"Yes, folks, the JaMarcus Russell era is done. Campbell looked smooth, sharp and genuinely efficient."

Thursday At 8 pm East, 5 pm West

B.A.Armstrong — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:11:04 -0000

Let's Chat

Let's Chat I want to hear what you have to say Raider Nation. this will be an organized chat where we all just chat with eachother. Anyone can ask the questions and anyone is free to answer them. I want to see a full fledged a Raiders Chat

Chat With Me Live Right Now

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:54:02 -0000

Welcome to my live chat. Here's how it works, just post a question in the comments section and I'll answer it. The page will automatically refresh, so please give me a second to answer the questions. Here are a few things you may or may not know before we get started. And I got a question for you guys too: Which team do you dislike most in the Raiders' division, and which team outside of it?

RB Chris Johnson's holdout could be just what the new and "improved" Raiders run defense needs for the first week of the 2010 season. According to several different sources, neither side is budging. The Titans expect Johnson to "be a professional" and honor his contract, and Johnson understands the average career-span of a running back in the NFL and he wants more money right now. This holdout could certainly last through training camp, and possibly into the season. Keep your fingers crossed.

Brian Westbrook is likely to be a Bronco. I haven't really been following Denver (Surprise!) so I just learned of this today. It appears the Donkey's have an appeal for aging former Philadelphia Eagles players. Perhaps Westbrook will give them a couple of good games this year, and with the luck the Raiders have, it would be the two games against them right?

Bill Williamson is convinced that Bruce Gradkowski has no shot to be Oakland's QB opening day, saying, "The Raiders didn't trade for [Jason Campbell] and then extend his contract so he can be the backup. I know Oakland coach Tom Cable talks about an open competition. But come on. Campbell is the guy. End of story."

Chaz Schilens is out until training camp. I gotta say I like the move; if it was up to me, I'd keep him out until opening day just to make sure he's there to help set the tone for the season.

There is still no Richard Seymour in Raiders camp. You guys can say what you want about Seymour, but that sack of Phillip Rivers on opening night last year where he split two offensive lineman and grabbed Rivers one handed by the shirt was the absolute most impressive sack I've ever seen in my life. PAY THAT MAN!!

Jason Campbell is getting comfortable in the offense, but he hasn't bought a house yet. Is anyone selling real estate?

Bruce Gradkowski has a sling-less arm, but Coach Cable said he won't do any physical work on the field until Training Camp. Gradkowski, however, said he could be throwing sooner than that. He is shooting for early July. Gradkowski was disappointed by the trade for Campbell, but also excited because it will make the team better. Both QB's are excited about working with new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.

Michael Bush opened Wednesday's OTA's getting reps with the first team ahead of Darren McFadden. While the competition is ongoing, it appears, the Raiders are willing to give Bush credit for being the better early-down back of the two. NBC Sport's thinks that McFadden's draft status will not affect the final decision.

Cable's press conference on Wednesday:

"We're going to try and have as much blitz pressure as we can and that's on a daily basis, at least every other day throughout OTA's, and that's another emphasis for the offense. I like what I saw, they're going to get there sometimes, but as they get more confidence and understand what they are doing, we'll pick it up better and throw the ball better."

On shuffling offensive line: "I think it's just moving some pieces around there, trying to expose them to as much as we can."

"Our attitude has changed because of where we are headed and what we are."

"Our football character, our football IQ, which are two things I think are very important are growing every day."

Jason Campbell after Wednesday OTA practice:

"The best time to get used to everyone is now, during the summer. Today was pretty much a blitz drill; all day long. It's not just for us; it's for the offensive line to see different looks, for the defense to see different looks. It was good on both sides of the ball, I felt like guys competed. You know, the defense is going to make some plays on blitz and the offense is going to make some plays. It's definitely exciting to be able to do all these drills because it's a lot of teaching tape."

"I'm definitely excited about what I'm seeing; a lot of guys out here fighting and screaming hard. It's a young football team, but at the same time, we have a lot of speed. Guys are willing to work because they want to win...that's what we're all here for."

"I think we all know who most of the starters are going to be, but at the same time everyone is out here competing like it's an open field. You wanna get better, and the only way to get better is competing against each other. The offense is talking to the defense and the defense is shouting back. It's a very competitive environment and that's what you want to see."

"The guys here have been great too. They've all embraced me and I've gotten a chance to know them off the field as well, so we're getting to know each other."

"With Zach [Miller], everyone knows he's an extreme talent at tight end, just like [Chris] Cooley. Cooley is a guy who helped us stretch the field in Washington because of his ability to make plays and Zach has that same type of mentality, so I look forward to connecting with him."

"When you go fast in practice, then you get into games and things tend to slow down for you and that's how it should be. Sometimes I think practice is the hardest thing to go through because you have to go through so many situations, so many environments, but you don't have pads on so it's hard to see a lot of things as far as a run game, but at the same time everyone wants to get to their assignments and techniques."

As always, you can follow me on twitter: Raidersblogger

Or see more of my stuff at: www.tfdssports.com

Poll

Who will start at QB for the Raiders?

Jason Campbell

1243 votes

Bruce Gradkowski

75 votes

Charlie Frye

9 votes

Kyle Boller

13 votes

1340 votes | Poll has closed

Chat with me on the frontpage At 8 est, 5 pst.

B.A.Armstrong — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:14:51 -0000

Just post your question or comment in the comments section and I'll respond live starting at 8 pm est. and 5 pm pst

Chat With B.A. Thursday at 8 est, 5 pst.

B.A.Armstrong — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:32:56 -0000

Chat with B.A. Armstrong live on Thursday night following the Raiders OTA's. 8 eastern, 5 pacific. Here's how it works, On thursday night, I'll post another fanshot. All you have to do is post your questions in the comments section and I'll answer them live via the auto refresh feature used on this website. I'll answer any questions you have regarding the first session of OTA's and the 2010 Raiders offseason. I look forward to hearing from you

Under the Microscope: WR Chaz Schilens

B.A.Armstrong — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:28:46 -0000

Chaz Schilens is 6'4", 225 lbs and runs a 4.38 40 yard dash with a 43" vertical jump. He has tremendous potential and made a name for himself at the end of the 2008 season for Raider Nation catching two TD's in the last two games. He became a starter in Week 9 of 2008, opposite of Javon Walker, but injuries hampered him until late in the season. This guy has all the intangibles to be a dominant force in the Raiders passing game. I expect him to be that hard-to-stop player, and catch at least 70 passes, 8-10 TD's, and at least 900 receiving yards if he can stay healthy in 2010.

Chaz Schilens may be the next Marques Colston. A seventh-round draft pick with great size, good hands, and Raider speed out of a low profile college; Schilens played his college ball at San Diego State, Colston played at Hofstra.

Chaz Schilens is widely considered to be the best WR currently on the Oakland roster. A broken foot left him out of the first half of the 2009 season for Oakland, but over the final 8 games of the year, he did manage 29 catches and two touchdowns, finishing the year with an eight catch, 99 yard performance against a stingy Baltimore Ravens defense.

With his 29 catches for 365 yards, he matched about 80 percent of Louis Murphy's 34 receptions for 531 yards in only half as many games. Any quarterback would develop a fondness for the massive pass catcher from San Diego State. The coaching staff has raved about his performance thus far in his young career and it's been said that he didn't drop a single pass in the team's practices prior to the season in 2009.

Chaz Schilens will impact the passing game tremendously. He knows how to get into a position to fight for the ball. The Oakland QB's will know they can count on the big receiver. They will know if Zach Miller is covered, then Schilens is another option...another element. Combined with Louis Murphy, Miller and Schilens would be much more dangerous.

I say that Chaz adds a whole different element to the passing game; that Chaz Schilens is an experienced wide receiver who knows how to read coverage's as well or better than any other 3^rd year wide receiver in the league. He knows how to find lanes for quarterbacks to throw the ball. He knows how to re-direct his route to get open in space.

With Schilens on the field with Zach Miller, and with QB Jason Campbell being so effective in the red-zone (18 of his 20 TD passes were in the red-zone in 2009), the Raiders are going to be very dangerous in the red-zone this year. Throw Michael Bush into that equation and it begins to look unfair.

Schilens is a factor in the exterior blocking game for Oakland as well. He has been responsible for several key blocks that have sprung Raiders runners. He has made his living thus far making tough catches in crowds of people. He is known for making tough plays on under thrown balls like when he made a spectacular play on a ball that was severely underthrown in the first preseason game of 2009. His play at the ball was so convincing that he garnered a 54 yard pass interference call in his favor. Chaz Schilens is an impact player.

I don't know about the rest of Raider Nation, but I'm excited to see what the guy can do in his third year of pro football. My only fear is that injury bug that keeps getting the best of him and that goes back to his days in college, thus the reason why he only achieved seventh round status. However, Schilens is one of those late round steals that the Raiders seem to be keen on grabbing in recent drafts.

To see Chaz Schilens Highlights click Here

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Poll

Who is the best Oakland WR?

Chaz Schilens

1310 votes

Louis Murphy

868 votes

Darrius Heyward-Bey

58 votes

Johnnie Lee Higgins

42 votes

Todd Watkins

10 votes

Nick Miller

32 votes

Yamon Figurs

7 votes

Jacoby Ford

25 votes

2352 votes | Poll has closed

Never Satisfied...Media Still Doubts Oakland

B.A.Armstrong — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:01:34 -0000

I've just been rummaging through some websites here for a little while and I've come across some things that make me scratch my head. The Oakland Raiders have had some of the best offseason work this year that they've done in ages, and yet there is still talk of who else could help this team win.

One story involved Terrell Owens, the other involves Shawne Merriman.

Now, it's important to remember that I'm not the GM of the Raiders; and I am not in contact with the organization or any members of the coaching staff. That being said, I highly, highly doubt there is any talk what-so-ever of bringing in either one of these players.

Bill Williamson answers a question out of his mailbag this week that asks, "Will Terrell Owens be an Oakland Raider this year?"

Williamson's response, "We will hear that rumor until he signs elsewhere. Many folks around the league have long expected Owens to be a Raider. Now that he has been available for the entire offseason, it seems no one (Oakland included) is interested. Owens is 36 and he is on the decline. But he can still help a team this season. Oakland should think about Owens. The Raiders are very young and unreliable at receiver because of injuries and issues with dropped passes. Owens' presence could give this unit a solid boost in 2010."

The first part that got me was, "Oakland should think about Owens."

Okay, I get the whole the receivers are too young thing, but come on man. Oakland could've got Owens last year if they wanted and guess what; the receivers were even younger then. Why should the Raiders think about Owens, because he is a cancer in the locker room? Perhaps it is because he thinks he is a lot better than he really is?

The next part that took me for a loop was when Williamson says, "The Raiders are very young and unreliable at receiver because of injuries and issues with dropped passes."

What it should say is very young with a ton of upside, like 81 times the upside of the downtrodden Terrell Owens. In addition to that, Owens has issues with dropping passes all by his self; he does not need any help in that regard from the young squad in Oakland. I've seen Owens break wide open before and drop the ball with nobody around him...more than once! Also, to clarify, one wide receiver has issues with drops in Oakland, Darrius Heyward-Bey. Chaz Schilens is a solid starter if he could stay healthy and Louis Murphy does not have issues with drops, he has issues with referee's making totally obscene calls that say he did not catch the ball when he actually did. After that happens three or four times, it kind of gets in your head a little bit; it's like why bother?

"Owens' presence could give this unit a solid boost in 2010," said Williamson.

Let me fill you in a little bit here, Owens' supporters. If Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, and DHB are all healthy going into the year, then Terrell Owens won't even be in the top three spots for Oakland. Schilens is far better; he is just as big as Owens and faster, plus he has great hands and he will actually fight for the ball in the air. Murphy is better because he has heart, he is a team player, he is faster, and much younger. DHB will be in the top three just because...like the same reason that McFadden will get the starts over Michael Bush.

So let me answer the question, "Will Terrell Owens be in Oakland this year?"

WHY? Tell me why, make it really good, and maybe you could get me to actually contemplate it for more than a minute. Tell me why the Raiders would want Jason Campbell or Bruce Gradkowski to have to go thru Owens' Trail of Tears to find a good home on the west coast.

The next story I read came from Steve Corkran who is filling in for Jerry McDonald this week while Jerry takes a vacation. He wrote an article called, "Raiders should resist urge to trade for Merriman".

What urge are you talking about? You are assuming, for some reason, that the Raiders have an urge in the first place. Acquiring the soon to be 26 year old linebacker from the Chargers would require at least a second round pick in the 2011 draft. That would mean giving up the two top picks in next year's draft. Seymour was worth it, Merriman has not been worth anything since the NFL forced him to stop using steroids (no offense to Brian Cushing). Merriman sites injuries as the cause of his recent decline, but Raider Nation knows the truth about the Chargers former Super Steroid Stud.

"The Raiders still have a need for players who can change the complexion of games. Merriman once was that kind of player," said Corkran in his article.

So, basically you're saying that the Raiders could trade for Merriman and still be in need of that kind of player?!?!?!

Are you that bored that you can't think of a better story than trading for a guy who is still recuperating from a knee injury he suffered almost two seasons ago...seriously? You force people like me to question your investment in the team. Are you covering the Raiders, or are you just looking to dig at them and garner the attention of BSPN? Have you even been following what's going on this season? Do you know there are a wide variety of linebackers already on the roster?

Man, I tell you what, Raider Nation, these media types need to get a grip. They call for Shady Acres to come get the Raiders owner, Al Davis, because he is crazy and here they are coming up with all kinds of crazy ideas that they are trying to plant. It is almost like they think, ‘no news from Alameda, so now we better make some more stuff up.'

PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE!!!

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Should the Raiders go After Merriman or Owens?

Yes, both of them

364 votes

No, who wants them?

1813 votes

Merriman, not Owens

350 votes

Owens, not Merriman

606 votes

3133 votes | Poll has closed

Two Top Five Lists; One JaMarcus Russell Article

B.A.Armstrong — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:22:31 -0000

As JaJoking and JaLaughter fill the air around Oakland, it is JaImportant not to forget the Legacy of JaBroni Russell. After all, if he is not the biggest (No pun intended) bust in NFL history, he certainly is the biggest (literally) bust in Raiders history.

The purpose of this article is to address an issue that other Raiders writers like Cam Inman will not discuss. Cam held a "Live Chat" as soon as Russell was released on Jerry McDonald's Ibabuzz.com page. During the chat, Cam discussed almost all of the JaMarcus Russell issues on the fans minds. He even told one guy what to do with his #2 Jersey, "Why do you fools buy jerseys with active players' names on them? If you are going to spend money, do it on someone who has proven his worth. Or just go trade it in for a Tebow one."

Yeah...go trade it for a Donkey's jersey. That's going to happen. Inman hit a lot of topics, but there's one issue Inman would not touch on. One questioner asked him, "What were your favorite JaMarcus insults or nicknames? I like JaPrecious."

Inman replied, "I have never heard of a player with more nicknames (enhanced by the power of Internet message boards). All nicknames were very degrading, so I won't mention them. Plus, his name was a unique blend of two men special to his family, so mocking the "Ja" aspect also seems crude."

Well, guess what Raider Nation...I have a #2 jersey, and I have no issues whatsoever with discussing this issue. In fact, I'll even give you a top five of my favorite JaMarcus Russell insults and nicknames. I'll get my $70 worth out of it too!

Here we go, let's start with the insults. Keep in mind that these quotes are from around the internet, they are not from me, but rather straight from Raiders fans.

5. Russell can laugh all the way to the bank, but people will be laughing at Russell for the rest of his life.

4. He's trash and will always be trash. He won't succeed anywhere with his attitude. Who wants to baby a guy in the pros?

3. And the question doesn't become "what is next for Russell?" .... it becomes "Who cares?"

2. It really doesn't matter who starts at QB next year. Just knowing it WILL NOT be JaMarcus gives me a lot of hope for the season.

1. They could have drafted a pig, an actual PIG that snorts and rolls in mud, and their record for the JaMarcus years would be no worse.

And now, for my top five favorite JaMarcus Russell Nicknames.

5. JaPorkus (JaPorkchop)- I have to put this one on here, just because it was so popular, this was right up there with the highest number of times used.

4. JaMeatloaf- Again a reference to his weight that was highly and widely used on the interenet.

3. JaFumbles- This one describes his play during the '09 season. As soon as I saw it, I thought it was an instant classic.

2. JaWalrus- This is definitely a great one. This is one that people will remember 20 years from now and they'll say, "Hey who was that guy that used to play for the Raiders, remember he was a number one pick?" And their buddy will be like, "Yeah, JaWalrus." It is also a refrence to a nickname he previously had, J. Russ; someone added the "wal" later on.

But the number one nickname of all time...

1. JaBustus- Not only does this describe what he ended up being in his life, but it also refers to him having a bigger bust than most women when it was all said and done. And that deserves to be number one.

Feel free to add your own insults and comments. Don't forget to get your JaHard JaEarned Jersey JaMoney's JaWorth.

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Welcome to Planet Asomugha

B.A.Armstrong — Sun, 02 May 2010 14:31:24 -0000

You know the name, you know the face, and I'm sure a few of you have seen him up close and personal. Quarterbacks know his name and they don't want to throw the ball in his direction anymore. During the final four games of 2007, Oakland Raiders all star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha faced Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, David Garrard, and Phillip Rivers --- he was thrown at just four times. That was two seasons ago, yes, but this past season he improved his game enough to earn Associated Press All-Pro honors for the third consecutive time and earn his second straight starting Pro Bowl appearance (third overall appearance).

Mike Shanahan, the former Donkeys head Coach, said before a game between the Raiders and the Broncos in 2008, "I've never met him but I'm going to shake his hand after the game because I keep on looking for him but I never get a chance to talk to him. He's one of my favorite players, even though he is with the Raiders. That shows you how much I like him."

Many others, around the league, call him the best cornerback in the league. QB's and coach's around the league are learning that he is a true shut down corner who you'd be lucky to obtain a completion against, and it certainly wouldn't happen twice in a row. So now the question posed by those who have nothing better to do with their time than to compare one player to another (like me) is: Who is better, Nnamdi Asomugha or Darrelle Revis?

Well, to start my argument off on the right foot, let me begin by saying I bet you've never heard New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick say, "I wanna shake Darelle Revis' hand after this game, because he is one of my favorite players."

I'm certainly going to answer this question for you though. It is my opinion that if Revis has an island, then Nnamdi deserves a planet: Planet Asomugha. It is an idea first posted by a man simply named "Bobby" in an NFL.com chat with the Raiders superstar cornerback. Bobby asked Nnamdi the following question: Is it true that when WR's come to visit Planet Asomugha, they never come back?

I could not help myself; the question sparked a thought in my head that has yet to die down. I felt immediately that I must make an impact with this "Planet Asomugha" saying and try to get it to stick because, in my mind, it was perfect to describe the realistic relationship of one CB to the other. Simple mathematics folks, surely you remember math from high school with the "proofs" such as: if Darrelle Revis is an island, then Nnamdi Asomugha is a planet.

Now, I'm not going to sit here and give you a bunch of numbers to compare the two elite NFL corners, this is a Raiders site, therefore the battle is going to be one sided. In 2007, opposing quarterbacks tested him only 31 times with 10 completions the entire season (1 interception, 2008 Pro Bowl Appearance).
In 2008, opposing quarterbacks tested Asomugha only 27 times with 8 completions allowed the entire season (1 interception, 2009 Pro Bowl Starter). In 2009, opposing quarterbacks tested him only 27 times and allowed 13 completions the entire season (1 interception, 2010 Pro Bowl Starter).

His tackling stats are not all that impressive, until you take into consideration that this is a cornerback who, most of the time, is not tackling the guy he is lined up across from to start the play. During this... shall I say slow period... in which opponents have been scared of him, Nnamdi has earned himself the reputation of being a vicious hitter. If you don't believe that, then watch this video.

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcJEbt23hU8)

Nnamdi is one of the hardest working and most motivated players in the league. Before people started to ignore his side of the field completely, he racked up an eight interception season in 2006. That stat was tied for third best in the league that year. That just happens to be the season before Darelle Revis even got drafted. Yet, despite all his recent fame in the league and recently becoming the highest paid cornerback in the NFL, Nnamdi Asomugha remains one of the most humble guys you'll ever meet.

"I take a lot of pride in my performance and preparation before games and I expect so much of myself. I think that's what allows me to play at the level that I play at and still keep a level head. I think any times that you've done the work beforehand, it allows you to be more relaxed and you don't have to talk about it. You can just let it show on the field," Asomugha told NFL.com in an interview with the eight year pro.

He did continue on to say that it is a bit irritating being on the radar these days, "Of course it gets frustrating, and you definitely want more opportunities to make plays. Especially when you finish a play and you've got great position and you look back and the ball is not coming. That happens often. Hopefully I'll be able to be a little more involved this year in disrupting the offense and creating turnovers."

ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski, aka "Jaws," once said, "Nnamdi plays with great intelligence. He understands how to play the position. He may not be the most gifted physically, But Nnamdi [talks] about reading routes, how the quarterback drops, things coaches talk about a lot of times [that] players don't get. He gets the cerebral side of playing the position."

His charity work with the Asomugha Foundation and OWIN recently earned him the 2009 Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year award. Additionally, Asomugha distributes backpacks to the incoming freshmen each year at Narbonne High School in Los Angeles. He also outfits the football and basketball team with shoes, a mandate he wrote into an endorsement contract he signed with Nike.

Yes, in today's sports world of folks going to clubs and beating up strippers, NBA stars cheating on their wives and attempting to make it up with $4 million diamond rings, and every Bengals player on their roster getting arrested for some reason or another, Asomugha is a man amongst boys. Just ask Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger, who was recently suspended for not using his time more wisely.

Therefore, this man has earned a reputation and we must refer to his territory on the football field and in life as Planet Asomugha. Maybe if Revis is feeling lucky one day, he can ask Nnamdi nicely and perhaps Nnamdi will let Revis move his little island to Planet Asomugha. Until that day, Nnamdi stands alone.

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