Category: Oakland Raiders

What to look for in the dress rehearsal

The third preseason game is usually referred to as the “Dress Rehearsal,” because players play the most. The Oakland Raiders face the Arizona Cardinals for their Dress Rehearsal.

Here are a few story-lines to keep an eye during tomorrow’s bout.

D.J. Hayden’s rebound

Hayden must show some improvement. Forget not making mistakes. Forget winning a starting position. Hayden must simply grow as a football player. His amount of playing action has been limited the past two seasons. However, he is healthy and must improve.

I know he got ate up by the Minnesota Viking’s Charles Johnson, last week. Yet a defensive back is only as good as his last play. Hayden must rebound and put the poor performance behind him. The Raiders do not have any better options, so Hayden must develop.

Sio Moore’s health

This week, Head Coach Jack Del Rio said Moore is battling for a role-player position. Moore spent most of camp rehabbing a hip-injury. Therefore, Moore needs to prove he is healthy. If he plays against the Cardinals, he must show the same explosiveness and swagger which has made him successful the past two seasons.

More importantly, Moore must show an understanding of the new defense. Moore received plenty of mental reps this offseason, so he can implement that knowledge. At the vary least, few mental errors will help Moore find a situational role.

Taylor Mays addition

Did the Raiders sign Taylor Mays because they believe he can add something to the team? Or is it simply a favor for a once prominent collegian player via Ken Norton Jr., who coached Mays at USC?

Mays may not know the defense, but he needs to prove he still has potential. He has been in the league five years, but has not established himself. You can not teach his god-given talents and hitting ability. Therefore, maybe the Raiders gamble on Mays could pay off.

In closing, there are several jkey players who need a stand-out performance against the Arizona Cardinals.

Who are some players you will be looking at for a big game?

Reaction from game one

What I liked

The offensive line faced a big task against a you-gun St. Louis Rams defensive line. They passed the test by keeping Carr upright and springing Latavius Murray for a 17-yard run.

Amari Cooper wasted no time proving he can be a ballet. He did not seem nervous at all, as he caught three passes from quarterback Derek Carr.

Carr showed a grown confidence. He seemed more willing to sling the ball around. This group of receivers made a few plays the would not have made last year.

What I did not like

A couple of time Gabe Jackson did not block anyone when he was the pulling guard. Jackson is one of our bright spots, but he needs to grow his consistency. Rodney Hudson should help him with better push on down blocks.

Mychael Rivera did not start the game, and I wanted him to. Everyone had been raving about how good he looks but I wanted to see it with the first team.

On the opening drive, Carr threw a pick in scoring position. Our team is not talented enough to turn the ball over. He needs to work on the read and placement. I also would have liked him to redeem himself with one more drive. Let him prove he is a winner and can bounce back.

Keith McGill played a lot with the second team. He made a few plays here and there. However, I caught him with some bad technique a few times. McGill should have an extended role with the defense if he can work on consistency.

Overall, it is only preseason, so let’s not get our panties in a bunch. I can’t wait to see how the team improves next week.

Reaction to Raiders’ first official depth chart

Depth Chart via Raiders.com.
Depth Chart via Raiders.com.

The Oakland Raiders released their first depth chart, Aug. 10. Headlining some of the surprises are some position changes and incumbents who have fallen behind because of injuries.

Khalil Mack shocked a lot of people, because he is listed as DE. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who follows the team, because they have been adamant about him rushing the passer. My worries are about his long-term development. How many times did Jacksonville need a DE when JDR was head coach there?

Speaking of high draft-picks. D.J. Hayden claimed his rightful spot a top the depth chart. Then again, it shouldn’t be an accomplishment for the player drafted No. 12 in 2013. Moreover, it is a testament to the lack of talent the Raiders have at the position. Regardless, Hayden has displayed the right mentality so far in the offseason. Hayden said he plans to play all-out, without worrying about mistakes.

Then there were the snubbs. Rod Streater has yet to practice in training camp, so it is no surprise he has fallen behind. The Raiders have signed lots of competition at the position. Streater has the versatility to reclaim the spot, however, the coaching staff needs to see it.

Other injured players tumbling include Sio Moore. He is listed as a Will linebacker on the depth chart. The Will and Sam have some slightly different specifics, but I think Moore is better fitted at the Sam. Either way, he faces a tough challenge getting back into the starter role. Ray-Ray Armstrong has the coaching staff praising him constantly. Then there is the starting Will, former Super Bowl MVP, former Trojan and Seahawk Malcolm Smith. Smith’s versatility in coverage better suits the other two linebackers. Plus, Ken Norton Jr. is familiar with him from Seattle.

How about the Raiders other top position battles?

Well, the right tackle position has pretty much been Menelik Watson’s to lose. The former second round pick is listed as the starter, despite missing some time. Austin Howard and his $6 million dollars who? The tight end position will probably be an on-going one, throughout the season.

Mychael Rivera is listed as a No. 2, despite media praising him as a camp stand-out. His chemistry with Derek Carr gives him an advantage over the rookie third round pick Clive Watford. However, Lee Smith is the one getting the nod for the first pre-season bout. The primary blocker listed as a starter probably has more to do with the offense’s commitment to running the ball then anything else.

Remember Trent Richardson? Vic Tafur said his chances of making the team were 50/50, but I would put them higher. Helu is currently listed as the No. 2 runner behind Latavius Murray. However, Helu is primarily a receiving back. With Marcel Reece and Rivera taking most of the snaps at H-back, Helu might be repetitive. Maybe, just maybe, Richardson can seize the spot. The slimmed down Richardson has too much potential not to.

Yes, it is only preseason. Lets not read into these too much just yet. Not to be corny, but it is not where you start on the depth chart, but where you finish. The Raiders will sort out their depth chart more in a preseason game against the Rams.

How the combine effected the Raiders’ board

The Combine makes prospects stock rise and fall every year. Here are some performances that should impact the Raiders’ big board.

Pass Rushers

Always at a premium, the combine helped differentiate some of the nation’s top pass rushers.

Dante Fowler from Florida stole the show displaying fluidity and charisma in drills and with the media. He has the long arms to be a true 4-3 end, which are hard to come bye as stand up rushers are more utilized now a days. He may be worth reaching for but could also be a target the Raiders move down for.

Randy Gregory from Nebraska didn’t do bad but he didn’t do great either. He was underweight and proved he is more stand up end than hand in his ground. Raiders should eliminate him from consideration at four.

Vic Beasley made headlines displaying an explosive 41′ vert combined with 35 reps on the bench press. Combined with displaying great tape at Clemson, Beasley should earn top ten consideration. He also showed up bigger than expected.

Odighizuwa Owamaghe also had a great outing at the combine. He looks like a pure hand down defensive end, and he should be the Raiders pick if available at the top of the second

Preston Smith also did well showing a 2.71 fourty yard dash. He too could get consideration at top of the second round, If he lasts until the third, he could be the highly productive collegian steal McKenzie finds in the draft.

Wide receivers

The big three reminded everyone why they are some of the best players in the draft period. DaVante Parker got lost in the shuffle behind Kevin White and Amari Cooper. Still Parker’s sub 4.5 fourty dispels any myths about his speed. Hence, Parker could be a viable option if the Raiders move down.

White shocked the world running a 4.35. His frame combined with mentioned speed make him receiver with the most potential. Enough that many have the Raiders selecting him.

Cooper did not bomb the combine. He showcased the numbers people expected. It would have been fine if White and Parker didn’t do so well. I still prefer Cooper’s resume of production over the other guys, but it is definitely a matter of taste when separating the three.

Inside linebackers

Denzel Perryman and Tavrion Dawson both bombed the fourty yard dash. Good news is they are still the type of players with instincts and production that will translate. Better news is, either could be available in third our fourth rounds as Raiders have a glaring need at inside linebacker.

Meanwhile, Stephone Anthony increased his draft stock massively running a 4.5. He may be the type of athlete at inside linebacker that the Raiders reach for at the top of the second. Added, Kendricks out of UCLA did not hurt his stock, he may still be top Mike prospect.

Running Backs

None of the running backs cemented themselves as the top guy. Most performed as expected, hence it will be a matter of preference based.

Even with cap space to throw at a free agent back and an incumbent Latavius Murray, I still expect them to make a move in the draft.

Depending on how the draft shapes up, I’d love to see Jay Ayayi, TJ Yelton, Duke Johnson or Ameer Abdullah wearing silver and black.

All of the information above is from NFL.com

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Raiders Strike Gold with Norton

Ken Norton Jr. via Google images.

The Raiders received some flak for not hiring a sexy visionary name as Head Coach. They got even more hate when defensive coordinators spurned them.

Finally, the Raiders named a defensive coordinator and it was Ken Norton Jr. Formally of the Seahawks.

Not only does Norton come from the Pete Carroll coaching tree dating back to USC, but he and Del Rio started together in Dallas under Jimmie Johnson.

 

The two have already agreed to have a good working relationship. While Del Rio plans to help with the Xs and Os, Norton will ultimately make the calls on Saturday.

Why should Raider fans be excited? Not only does Norton Jr. Have relationships with pending Free Agents Byron Maxwell and Malcolm Smith but he also was one of the most vocal coaches for the Seahawks.

The Raiders have a slew of talent at linebacker with Sio Moore and Khalil Mack who should thrive under a firey Norton. As a former linebacker coach, Norton is lucky to have two solid young linebackers as well as Miles Burris as extra depth.

Norton Jr. may not be the mad genius that Jason Tarver was, but he has fire and experience as a player that current players and free agents should connect with.

Not to mention, Norton Jr. has a Superbowl ring as an assistant as does Del Rio.

Eitherway, fans should be excited because he should employ many of the Seahawks’ defensive philosophies including: depth, swagger, tenacity, speed, and development. Most of all development and depth across the entire defensive roster regardless of where a player is drafted. That is what the Raiders need most.

Raider nation get excited as a Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. combination means the Raiders should get back to playing defense the Raider way!

NFL snubs Khalil Mack but Tim Brown finally gets in

Well if we let Tim Brown in, Raider fans can’t be mad at us for snubbing Khalil Mack of the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

It may seem like that to Raider fans who already think The NFL has a bias against the Raiders.

The fact that Tim Brown waited five years to go to the Hall of Fame might be an indicator of that. However, a seventh year would have been a complete injustice no matter who his receiving competition is.

I don’t care that Marvin Harrison was superior in statistics and all pros. Tim Brown impacted the game offensively and on special teams. Not to mention he didn’t have an all pro quarterback throwing to him.

Hence, I was nearly in tears when one of my all time favorite Raiders was finally selected to be immortalized in Cleveland. He waited patiently and it was about damn time.

Still, it could not upstage the fact that Khalil Mack was robbed of Defensive ROY.

I get Aaron Donald had 10 sacks and I get CJ Mosley had more than 100 tackles. Those two players had great seasons, but both were on superior teams and defenses.

There is a reason why so many people have recognized Mack. From opposing coaches and players to analysis in the media and profootball talk have all raved about this guy.

Anyone who watched a Raider game saw Khalil Mack was the best player on the field. He was always accounted for and still was able to make plays.

Either way, I won’t cry for Khalil Mack. He has plenty of years to prove he is an elite player. I know he will only use the snub as motivation to get better.

One thing is for sure, had Tim Brown and Khalil Mack been robbed, there would have been riots by Raider Nation.

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Who should come back

The Oakland Raiders began their off-season by re-signing veteran Charles Woodson. Woodson had a redemption season by not only providing leadership and swagger but also as one of the best players in Silver and Black.

However, The Raiders have quite a few other decisions to figure out starting with the players whose contracts expired.

Who’s going

Andre Holmes

Proved his value this season equating almost 700 yards for the season. Well Holmes has shown flash as a deep threat for the Raiders, the team needs to upgrade the position. I see Holmes becoming a third or fourth receiver on a really good team.

Darren McFadden

As much as it hurts me to say, it is probably time to move on from the Run DMC era. At 27 years old, McFadden finally stayed healthy but had his worst season as a pro. McFadden still has value as a third down and spot play back. However, a change of scenery may be better for both teams. McFadden probably needs to go to an offensive juggernaut who will not only utilize him, but defenses won’t be able to key on only him.

Carlos Rodgers

Injuries and age make Rogers an easy decision. He played well before getting injured but aging corners are always available on the market.

Tarrell Brown

Brown too played well before injury, however, McKenzie has proved willing to substitute corners over the past few seasons. Combined with a new head coach and salary cap, the Raiders should upgrade the position with Antonio Cromartie among other names.

Pat Simms

I was all for bring Simms back last season after he played well as a starter. However, with Justin Ellis blossoming, having another run stuffing end may be redundant.

CJ Wilson

As a career back-up, the journey man should be able to find another gig. Wilson’s inability as a pass rusher just doesn’t warrant him coming back.

Chimdi Chekwa

Rather it is the practice squad, special teams, or spot up play Chekwa has been a contributor since he was drafted. Hopefully he has enough tape to stay in the league, but with young Carrie and Thorpe on the roster Chekwa is probably the odd one out.

Who’s Staying

Brandin Ross

I have never been a huge Ross supporter, but he got a lot better from the 2013 season to the end of the 2014 season. Therefore, why not? He is young, could be a special teams player or add depth to the team at a relatively cheap price.

Rod Streater

The media might have forgotten about the third year player who almost eclipsed 1,000 yards as a sophomore but fans have not. He is a fan favorite and one of the few weapons in the cupboard. He has a combination of size and speed that make him viable in the slot and outside. Please don’t let him get away!

Stephan Wisniewski

The Wiz kid regressed last season. He was ranked in the 20s by PFF and had a few fumbled exchanges throughout the season. Still, resigning the center means there is one less need on the team. McKenzie preaches building through the draft and it is time for him to continue that strategy by developing the young center. Plus, he is a Raider legacy!

Matt McCants

McCants played center last year, however, he did well as a tackle the season before. His versatility makes him a viable depth option for the Raiders.

Marquette King

No brainer. Keep the great punter lineage going. King is not only a developing young punter, but he is also an athlete and stable in the community.

Chopping Block

Tyvon Branch

I might take some heat for this one, but Branch has not been a reliable contributor since signing his last big deal. He was supposed to flourish under Dennis Allen but he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. If it is time to close the door on McFadden than why not do the same by cutting Branch and converting his salary into cap space. Why not replace him with Antrei Rolle?

Matt Schaub

Self explanatory. I would rather have Mark Sanchez or a laundry list of other quarterbacks backing up Derek Carr.

Maurice Jones Drew

Hype up the JDR MJD connection all you want. The two bay area natives worked to perfection in Jacksonville, but this is years later. MJD hasn’t been the same back in a few years despite a lighter body and lighter load. He is one of my favorite players an a bay area guy but their are far greater options in the free agency market and draft.

David Ausberry

Another no brainer. Has not met the hype. Should be cut in favor of adding any other veteran tight end.

LaMarr Woodley

Woodley’s stock has been trending down over the past seasons as fast as Sears. Either way, there are plenty of other free agent veterans worth taking a shot on. Woodley needs to go back to being a stand up end anyways, as 2014 had him relatively ineffective.

Nick Roach

It was admirable for Roach to play more than 90 percent of the defensive snaps in 2013. It is clear it took a toll on him as he missed the season to concussion. The Raiders have a younger Miles Burris to compete for snaps on special teams or as a starter. Hence, they do not need Roach as they should address the Mike position in the draft or free agency anyways.

Earning their Keep

Antonio Smith

No doubt the 30+ year old is on the decline. Still he proved he had value last season in spots. Using him as a three technique pass rusher or run stuffing end should increase his shelf life and effectiveness. Cutting him should not be an option as he also has playoff experience.

Austin Howard

Another one of McKenzie’s free agency additions that was ehhh…. Howard playing out of position at guard may give him another season in silver and black. Besides that is one less need the team needs to fill.

Frankly this team does not need another overhaul. This new regime faces it’s first test by getting their own free agents to buy into them. Otherwise, let’s cut the dead weight and get more cap space!

Bill Musgrave as Offensive Coordinator can’t be worse than previous OCs

Well atleast his name is not Greg.

Today, it was reported that the Oakland Raiders would hire Bill Musgrave as their offensive coordinator.

Some fans were underwhelmed by the hire considering they wanted Marc Trestman as the play caller. Trestman would have been a great candidate due to his work with quarterbacks like Rich Gannon, Josh McCown and others in the CFL.

But come on, do we really want a retread from the 02 season where we were dominated by the Buccaneers?

Either way, Musgrave would be a solid hire for the Raiders. His offenses have never been elite but they have finished in the top half of the league each year. He even did so with a 2013 quarterback disaster of Christian Ponder/ Josh Freeman/ Matt Cassell.

Plus, Musgrave helped Foles transform from a young quarterback into a borderline star. Imagine what he could do with Derek Carr?

Combine that with the fact that his team has finished within the top of rushing attempts and the Raiders have themselves someone who can help the offensive unit build into a bully.

It should be good to see Murray combining with another free agent or drafted running back to carry the load of the offense. Especially if the Raiders can build a dominate defense.

Either way, can he be any worst than the poor innovation and underwhelming play-calling of Greg Olsen and Greg Knapp over the past few seasons?

Musgrave spent a season under Chip Kelly and maybe some of those fast, spread elements can transfer to the Raiders. Further, it gives Jeremy Maclin a familiar face when he explores his options in Free Agency.

Also noted, Musgrave understand Del Rio’s philosophies having worked under him in Jacksonville, and he understands the bay area having been here in 1997. Hence, the Raiders could have done worse than hiring Musgrave.

Raiders got it right with Del Rio

Call it uninventive, or predicted but the Raiders got it right hiring Jack Del Rio.

The former Jaguars Head Coach wasn’t much of a candidate for any other coaching jobs but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t the perfect fit for the Raiders.

Granted, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano earned the support of veteran players like James Jones among others. Still, Del Rio’s experience as player and coach combined with his connection to the Bay Area just made a ton of sense. So much sense even Al Davis would have liked this move.

Even if he isn’t the hot, innovative coordinator, Del Rio still had a top ranked defense each of the years he was in Denver. With almost 30 years of experience, Del Rio should net some experienced coordinators. Plus you remember the last bright young minds the Raiders hired? Cough, Lane Kiffin. Cough, Dennis Allen.

Either way, a lot rides on this coming season. It is year four of the Reggie McKenzie era and both he and Owner Mark Davis need a winning season.

The Raiders are amongst the leagues’ worst in attendance and tv ratings. They have been losing for more than a decade. Plus their stadium status is in complete limbo.

Therefore, why not give the coaching reigns to someone who the fans and owner can be excited for?

He and the organization stand with a lot to prove. It took Del Rio a while to net his second head coaching gig. Del Rio understands that he must seize this current opportunity with the Raiders as there might not be a third coaching job.

For the first time in a while, the Raiders have young pieces to be excited for and signing Del Rio is just another reason Raider Nation should be enthralled for the upcoming season.

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My First Raider Game

My pilgrimage to the Mecca for Raider Nation was everything I had ever imaged. A place where I can be loud and drunk in favor of my R-A-I-D-E-R-S what else could I ask for? To make things even better, the Raiders got the W over the Buffalo Bills. Here are somethings I noticed on my trip.

The O.Co Colisem

With all the controversy over the Raiders trying to find a new home, you would think the Coliseum is a horrible place. I did experience the toilets flooding by aesthetic wise, the arena isn’t any worse than Dodger Stadium. Sure, it doesn’t have the same upgraded big screens but outside of that the Coliseum isn’t ugly. I never noticed the green seats though, #A’scity. Either way, their wasn’t a bad seat in that whole house.

Raider Nation

Words can not express how enthralled I was to be immersed within Raider Nation. It felt like home being amongst people with the same knowledge and love for the Raiders as I. Our fans get such a bad rep but it is not even necessary. I did not witness a fight now did I even hear a curse word. Not to mention it was new seeing white Raider fans opposed to the minority Raider fans I am used to seeing in So Cal.

Derek Carr’s improvement

From seeing Carr against the Cowboys in Training Camp til now, the improvement was exponential. Carr went from looking like an NFL QB and playing like a college QB to being the intangible franchise quarterback of this team. He did miss some open receivers but overall he showed much improved footwork and comfort in the pocket which was one of his biggest knocks coming out of the draft.

Bill’s young receivers

If you have read this blog before, you might recall my man crush on Sammy Watkins. It was a privilege seeing him play as he is the real deal. His explosiveness is as advertised and he should be a cornerstone for the Bills. Robert Woods also looked good. Meanwhile, Kyle Orton looked like Kyle Orton.

Raiders finally learning to win

From the get go, the Raiders never seemed intimidated by the potentially playoff bound Bills. The Raiders looked like a team with enough confidence to beat them. Then when it seemed like the Raiders might blow it, the Defense made the plays to stop the Bills including a Brandin Ross interception. Not to mention some of the big plays the Raiders put together on Offense via McFadden, Murray, and Rivera.

Credit Tony Sparano for getting this team to believe in themselves. Don’t look now, but the Raiders losing culture seems to be on the downswing. Maybe, this rookie class and home stretch is enough to save Reggie McKenzie’s Job.

Finally, it was one of the best days of my life. I will always remember my first Raider Game, and I am glad it was capped off with a win!