Category: Oakland Raiders

Sparano deserves another shot

Don’t get me wrong, the man is still 2-8 as the Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders but another team should consider adding him.

Playing the toughest schedule in the NFL combined with a rookie quarterback and roster filled with post prime veterans, Sparano wasn’t put into a position to succeed.

The fact that Sparano has had this team competing is a testament to the kind of coach he is. Two wins isn’t enough to make him the Raiders future coach but beating the two playoff contenders decisively proves Sparano can be a NFL Head Coach.

But we knew that! Sparano was responsible for turning around the Dolphins a few years back. Either way, rookie Derek Carr bought into Sparano and endorsed him as the coach of the future.

But really, what else is Carr going to do? Of course he’ll endorse Sparano but that doesn’t mean he should be back next season.

If Sparano did come back he would face too much pressure to win immediately. Any losses would put him right on the hot seat and the Raiders would be in the same spot we are now.

So it is best for the Raiders to move on and find a new visionary to start on a clean slate in 2015. Regardless, another team would be wise to consider Tony Sparano for a head coaching job.

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If you want to win bring Harbaugh in

Bringing Jim Harbaugh in as coach for the Raiders is one of those things that just makes almost too much sense for it to actually happen.

Many of us fans have heard the anecdote about Al Davis telling Harbaugh he would one day be a Raider despite the owner not signing him as a player. Harbaugh was a Raider as an assistant in the early 2000s and he should come back.

Not only would he not have to leave the Bay Area, where his family loves living, but he embodies a mentality. He got to NFC title games running the ball and having a great defense. Guess what, the Raiders have the pieces in tack to make it happen.

Further, Mark Davis can bring him in as a token to his late great father. Plus the Raiders can throw some money at him, as he is sure to have many suitors in the college and NFL ranks.

Plus, those 49ers were a joke until Harbaugh took the reigns. In Oakland he’ll have one of this decades defensive players Khalil Mack combined with an infusion of youth and veterans in the secondary. The defense is already scheme versatile and could get better with Harbaugh’s recruiting abilities and draft knowledge.

On offense we have a young core centered around Derek Carr. Again, draft picks and a slew of cap space can surround him with better talent.

Hence, the former Stanford coach won’t back down from the challenge just like he didn’t in Stanford or San Fran.

He already wears black every Sunday. He has tremendous respect for Al Davis and the greatness of the Raiders, so make Harbaugh a Raider already.

Either way, it doesn’t take a genius to see Harbaugh to the Raiders makes sense for both side. However egos amongst millionaires has a way of making the common sense seem outlandish so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen.

Week Four Reaction Podcast: Raiders mauled by Dolphins in London

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Pete D. Camarillo rants about how tough it has been to be a Raider fan. Talks about why the Dennis Allen era should end. Also brings up the topic of acquiring N. Suh from the Lions

Cowboys Raiders practice gets chippy

Fortunately I attended today’s practice and got the live effect of Raidernation. Our fans were probably the most spectacular position group on display. Besides regular chants of Raiders, fans cheered for every big play and hit.

From my vantage point, defense was my main focus point. The defensive line impressed me with a variety of moves. Pat Simms showed some good pad level against the Cowboys’ offensive line. Antonio Smith also showed some great hands and secondary pass rush moves. On the other hand Khalil Mack showed he needs to add some size on his frame. Macks’ reps I saw featured him getting washed into and past the quarterback.

Nick Roach, Miles Burris, and SIo Moore did not fair much better in the screen drill. All of them beat in pass coverage and that carried into the team position.

The team defense never seemed in position to make plays against the pass. Brandon Weeden and Tony Romo both carved their way through the defense. Luckily they were able to make a stop in the end zone, and also made an interception.

On offense, the Raiders scored against the Cowboys’ defense on a strike from Matt Schaub. THey also scored to end the team position. Mostly, Schaub showed poise in the pocket despite a few badly placed throws. Derek Carr also lead a drive despite displaying his happy feet.

Check out the podcast as well:
http://mixlr.com/silverandblog/showreel/raiders-cowboys-joint-practice/

Also, our running backs continued showcasing their big play ability.

Old Faces New Places

Before the second week of Preseason Football begins, I want to take one last look at some of last years contributors who are no longer on the team. As these guys make roles for themselves, I think it is important to have one last memory of them as Oakland Raiders. I know I tend to route for former Raiders regardless of their current teams, because remember once a Raider always a Raider.

Lamar Houston, Defensive End, Chicago Bears

Jared Veldheer, Left Tackle, Arizona Cardinals

Terrelle Pryor, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks

Jacoby Ford, Wide Receiver/ Returner, New York Jets

Mike Jenkins, Corner Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tracy Porter, Corner Back, Washington Redskins

Depth Chart Battle Continues

The Raiders unofficial depth chart revealed Matt Schaub having new targets on offense, as well as veterans continuing their hold on the starting line up.

Andre Holmes surprised a lot of people in camp by establishing himself as a starting wide receiver. I hope he can continue the progress throughout the preseason, as he will not be facing the corners he has in camp. James Jones listed at Number two should still be a veteran alternative, but Denarius Moore listed on the third team could mean the play-makers’ tenure with the team is in jeopardy.

David Ausberry captured the starting tight end position, before suffering an undisclosed knee injury. Luckily his number two, Mycheal Rivera has shown promise and growth in his second season. It will be interesting to see who is the other tight end if Ausberry misses extensive time.

Maurice Jones Drew dethroned Darren McFadden as the number one back on the depth chart. McFadden is too good, with too much to prove to not have a role on this team. MJD is a hard runner and competitor, but I am not sold on his big play ability like McFadden. Hopefully this will light a fire under McFadden and force him to step his game up.

Incumbent starter Khalif Barnes is currently listed as the starter at Left Guard. His battle with Gabe Jackson should persist throughout training camp as the young guard gains experience. Either way, this is a testament to the tenacity Barnes possess as he continues to prove himself on one year deals.

Defense was full of less surprise. Sio Moore has beaten out Miles Burris as the starter OLB opposite of Khalil Mack. This should be another on going battle, but considering Moore has more upside he should capture all the reps. The competition will be good for both players development.

Further, Tarrell Brown and Carlos Rodgers are still listed as the starting corners, despite good play from young guys like Chidekwa, Carrie, McGill, and Jones. Ideally, Hayden should push those starters sooner rather than later, but any development in the D Block is needed.

For more on my opinion on the new depth chart, listen to the podcast: http://mixlr.com/silverandblog/showreel/raiders-depth-chart-podcast/

Defensive Backs creating a Culture

Dennis Allen is most notably connected to the New Orleans Saints Championship Team. What did he coach? Defensive Backs, and it seems like he is finally transferring that knowledge to the silver and black. That Saints team was noted for takeovers in the secondary, but the only thing the Raiders secondary has been noted for is giving up records, having a revolving door, and of course injuries.

Dj Hayden being hurt is not news, but it has still been the news of training camp. In his place, Chidekwa and T.J. Carrie have been capturing Raiders fans’ hearts. Combined with veterans Tarrell Brown and Carlos Rodgers, it seems like the Raiders defensive backs can be a building block of the future.

From top to bottom, this group has a lot to be excited about. Taiwan Jones has already carved a niche as a special teamer, and rookie Keith McGill looks to do the same. Safeties Ras-Dowling, Brandan Ross and Usama Young look to compete for playing time and a roster spot, as well.

We already know how good our starting safeties are with Tyvon Branch and Charles Woodson. The knowledge and intangibles of the four veterans in the group seem to be trickling down, and should stay with the team as it continues to grow a winning culture. Evident by the level of competition from Carrie and Chidekwa, it seems that the Raiders could have a legion of boom brewing. The Seawhawks most notably developed their infamous secondary mostly from mid level draft picks.

As long as the Raiders continue to inspire a culture of competition, I expect to see the late round draft picks continuing to develop into contributors able to utilize their potential. Either way, I am glad to finally see Dennis Allen’s specialty coming to the Raiders.

Who wins Tight End position?

Tight end has become an increasingly transitioning position in the NFL. Unfortunately, The Raiders have not had a dominate tight end since Zach Miller left a few seasons ago. They will need one as starting quarterback Matt Schaub utilized the tight end efficiently in Houston.

The talk of Jermichael Finley to the Raiders has settled down, but not due to the guys on the Roster. The Raiders currently have Mycheal Rivera who showcased a unique skill set last season. However, he has yet to showcase a consistent ability to be a consistent blocker necessary for the Raiders rushing attack.

Last season’s favorite, David Ausberry returns from injury hoping to finally piece it all together. Until now he has yet to prove himself as the starter.

Another name to keep an eye on is Nick Kasa. Last season’s rookie is relatively new to the position having played defense in College, so he can be a real darkhorse. However, with all the two tight end sets in the running game, Kasa can carve out a real niche.

Ausberry is my personal favorite, but who do you think will win?

Linebacker Corps, strength of Raiders

Khalil Mack heads an already strong group of Line Backers

Linebackers are no longer the prominent three down players they once were. With the use of more defensive backs and pass rushers the linebacker often gets lost in the shuffle.

Lucky for the Raiders, they have five starting caliber linebackers. The group should be the strength of the entire team after adding No. 5 pick Khalil Mack. Nick Roach played most of the Raiders snaps last season and should be more effective his second season playing middle line backer. Added, last season’s rookie sensation Sio Moore should also be pegged for another big season as a pass rusher and run stuffer.

Lost in the shuffle has been veteran Kevin Burnett. Burnett was the primary starter until the selection of Mack put him into a completion at either outside backer position. The veteran still offers value as a leader and pass rusher.

Miles Burris is also the dark horse of the group. Burris started as a rookie, but lost his last season due to injury. Burris should be in the mix as he possess a skill set and experience capable of playing inside or outside.

It is going to be very critical that the Raiders have their linebackers play at a high level. With the amount of solid quarterbacks and running backs on the Raiders’ schedule they will need the linebackers to be the strength of their defense.

This type of depth will be needed for the Raiders to be constant competetors. Each player can carve out a role as a pass rusher or in different downs, packages and situations. Plus linebackers have tremendous value on special teams as punt returns, kick off, kick return and etc.

Either way, the Raiders will need their linebackers to get better and develop chemistry headed into training camp

Training Camp: Reciever is Raiders’ biggest batlle

Denarius Moore works with coaches during O.T.A's

Without a dominate number one receiver, the Raiders need training camp to establish who will be their number one receiver. Veteran James Jones seems to be the favorite, well Rod Streater, the team’s incumbent leading receiver looks to break-out in only his third year. Combined with Denarrius Moore’s highlight reel play making ability, there should be a constant battle for playing time. Moore seems to have fallen out of favor with the team, but his ability to impact games could put him back into the limelight.

Also, last years’ mid-season star Andre Holmes should not be forgotten either as he caught more than 500 yards in only a season. Further, Cleveland Brown’s cast off Greg Little is another dark horse for some playing time.

In a passing league, you can never have enough receivers and competition among the top four receivers means the Raiders should successfully stretch the field with three and four receiver sets.

However, outside of those four, the competition gets even more difficult for the final one or two roster spots. Usually teams carry four to five receivers on their active roster, and may carry another one for a role on special teams.

Yet the Raiders will have tough cuts to make. Underrated receiver Mike Davis leads a group of undrafted free agents at the position. He played well at Texas and was a surprise free agent signing. He does have a combination of size and speed which make him a nice player for the future.

But the Raiders already have two developmental receivers on their roster. Juron Criner has the type of size you can not teach, and he has shown that in practice, but failed to do it on the field.

Brice Butler, last season’s late round selection, has also shown instances of potential. However, he too has yet to put a complete product on the field.

The thing about putting together a complete product on the field is, a player can not just run crisp routes and catch the ball. As constructed, the Raiders are set to pound the ball so it is just as critical for receivers to blcok. Further, without any star power a receiver can find plays in the screen, reverse, and trick play category. Moreover, the Raiders have a vacancy at punt and kick return which could emply any of the guys at the receiver position.