Oakland Raiders Quarterly Report: Defense

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On defense, the Oakland Raiders have not done much well. They have faced plenty of growing pains in a new scheme with a new defensive coordinator. Between Jack Del Rio and Ken Norton Jr. leading this group, they should be playing a lot better.

Against the Bengals, Jeremy Hill tore apart the Raiders defense. Versus the Ravens, Joe Flacco looked precise and comfortable. Then against the Browns, Josh McCown kept his team in the game. Even Jay Cutler looked like a good quarterback against the Raiders.

So what has been consistent?

It has not been the passing defense. Everyone knows the Raider can not cover a tight end. Someone on Twitter said they want to be reincarnated as a tight end versus the Raiders, get in line bruh.

Then the secondary has been a mixed back. They make plays but they also make plenty of mistakes.

Here are some more specifics on position grades, after four games played.

Defensive Line: B-

The Raiders defensive line has played respectable. They have not been terrible, but they have not dominated either.

They find ways to create pressure, but not as a unit. To be fair, Aldon Smith just joined the unit. Justin Tuck and Justin Ellis have been on the injury report for a while. Khalil Mack also suffered an injury.

Outside of that, Denico Autry and Stacy McGee proved they are a little more than bums. C.J. Wilson and Mario Edwards should perform better with whatever snaps they get.

Hopefully they can bring it all together before the mid point of the season.

Linebacker: C+

The Raiders made headlines by completely rebuilding their linebacker corps. Gone are starters Miles Burris and Sio Moore from the past regime. Khalil Mack plays defensive end now.

However, the new additions have not been lights out. Ray Ray Armstrong struggled early. He seems to be getting more comfortable, but is he anything more than a depth guy?

Curtis Lofton struggles in pass coverage still. Personally, I would like to see him create some turnovers.

Malcolm Smith has probably been the best in the group. He too struggles in pass coverage though.

As a unit, their best games were probably against the Browns and Bears. Aldon Smith also plays linebacker but he gets a pass as he was a late addition.

Secondary: C

The Raiders secondary was mediocre at best. Now, they are mangled and doing their best to stay afloat. D.J. Hayden and T.J. Carrie both take turns getting picked apart. Charles Woodson and whoever has played in Nate Allen’s void also get beat in coverage.

Kudos to the coaching staff for finding David Amerson, he looks like he can be a contributor.

Nonetheless, the group is banged up. They’ve also saved themselves by creating some crucial turnovers. Against Baltimore and Cleveland, the secondary saved the game with an interception in the final moments.

What do you think about the Raiders defense thus far?

The Oakland Raiders Quarterly Report: Offense

Editor’s note: Sorry, I have neglected my own voice on Silver and Blog. I’ve been wrapped-up in obligations with Endzonescore.com, Justblogbaby.com and Sportsoutwest.com. You can find plenty of Raiders opinion and news on my personal Twitter: @Petecertified.

via NFL.com

For some odd reason, people like to think in fours. In this case, the Raiders played four games in the 2015 season, which is a quarter of their sixteen.

Thus far it has been a mix bag for the rising Raiders. Against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders fielded a high-powered offense. Their defense found ways to make plays that sealed the game in an Oakland victory.

In the Chicago Bears game, the offense looked inconsistent as well as the defense. Then there was the week one game against the Cincinnati Bengals, which resulted in a blow-out.

Through four games the Oakland Raiders provide more questions than answers. The truth is, the Raiders have not established an identity through four games.

Are they truly a team on the rise? Or are they really a young team destined for more growing pains?

Here is how the positions groups fared thus far.

Quarterbacks: B-

Derek Carr pretty much sums up the Raiders by his inconsistency. One week he delivers bombs through tight windows. Another week he is the same dump-off quarterback from last season. Carr delivers some beautiful balls and avoids pressure. However, he also misfires more than a few times.

Nonetheless, he gets a positive grade for being the developing leader.

Running Backs: B

Latavius Murray racked-up one monster game versus the Cleveland Browns. Outside of that, Murray has been effective in the passing game. With the exception of the Chicago Bears game, Murry also found cut-back seems and trucked defenders in each game.

Taiwan Jones, Roy Helu and Marcel Reece also looked good throughout the season. It is rewarding to see the offense actually trying to give them roles.

Receivers: B+

Amari Cooper is as advertise. If you’ve watched a game you know that. He has made crucial plays in each of the Raiders games. Michael Crabtree revived his career as a possession receiver. He seems to be the consistent pass catcher the Raiders need complimenting Cooper.

Further, undrafted rookie Seth Roberts surprised me with his touchdown plays this season. He brings an added element stretching the field. I’m still waiting for Rod Streater or Andre Holmes to remind people of their potential. I might be waiting for a while.

Tight Ends: D

This grade is more a result of the group’s preseason hype. Between Mychael Rivera, Lee Smith, and Clive Watford, the Raiders have talent at the position. Yet, has one racked up more than ten yards a game?

They’ve been decent blockers. However, Carr could use one of them as a weapon in the middle of the field. Someone needs to step-up as a receiver moving forward.

Offensive Line: B-

Speaking of inconsistent, insert the Raiders offensive line. They have not been terrible. Carr has not been sacked a lot. However, they lack significant push for their running backs. Moreover, it might be unfair to group these guys together. The leftside deserves an A grade, while the right side is just above average. I can’t forget about Rodney Hudson’s penalties the first couple of weeks too.

How would you grade the Raiders performance through four games?

Stay posted for the Defensive Quarterly Report, tomorrow

 

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?

Throwback Thursday: remembering Kenny Stabler

Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter

One Oakland Raider went into the Hall of Fame earlier this month. That was Tim Brown.

Now one Raider, who has waited even longer than Brown, has an opportunity to go into Canton. Kenny “The Snake” Stabler was nominated by the senior committee, and will be on the ballot in 2016.

Stabler has been on the regular ballet three-times, but failed to get enough votes.

Stabler should be in, because he lead the Raiders to five AFC Championship games and one Superbowl victory.

But what do I know? I am just another Raider fan and blogger.

The truth is, I never witnessed Stabler play. All I know about the 1970s’ All-Decade team member is what I have seen on NFL films and heard via legends.

Still, I get chills hearing about those great Raider teams. A team that dominated and did so in style. So much style, that one player even arrived on a horse for training camp.

Could you imagine how many retweets that would have gotten?

No one embody the  swagger and image of those Raider teams better than Stabler. When he passed away last month I heard all types of stories.

Most people know about the historic games. The “Ghost to the Post,” and “Sea of Hands” playoff games. Stabler was also on the receiving end of a great comeback via the “Immaculate Reception.”

Then there are legends among bars in the bay-area. There is the story about the quarterback who would get bailed out of jail before games.

Stabler even received a repetition as a womanizer. The two-time divorcee once said players in his day did not have agents and managers. Instead, they had girlfriends and bartenders.

Most of all, he was an approachable guy, who Raider and Alabama Crimson Tide fans still love.

In a lot of ways, Stabler was an athlete ahead of his time. Players did not make nearly as much as they do now, but Stabler still stunted in high fashion and sports cars.

On the field, teammates and coaches loved Stabler’s tireless work-ethic. He was a brilliant player calling his own plays long before Peyton Manning. Stabler was not known for a big arm. However, what he lacked in arm-strength he made up for in accuracy. Not to mention, Stabler stood strong in the pocket and took hits that would be illegal in today’s NFL.

John Madden said he would take Stabler over any quarterback in history. That probably has to do with Stabler helping Madden win his own Superbowl.

None the less, Stabler was a winner, renegade and Raider. There are plenty of articles that throw statistics as to why Stabler should be in the Hall of Fame. He has more passing yards than Brian Griese and Joe Nammoth. However, my appeal goes beyond the statistics.

I am privileged to know about the legend of the left-handed Snake. However, the entire football culture needs to know about Stabler. Look at how crazy the internet went when the Snake passed.

Fans, media and former-teammates grieved for the player who was quiet about his illness. Everyone chimed in stories about him in Oakland, Alabama and New Orleans. It goes to show exactly how much he meant to the game of football.

Canton needs to enshrine Stabler, so future fans can enjoy the legend of the Snake.

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.

Touchdown Timmie Immortalized

Getty Images via Google images

Tim Brown finally enters the Hall of Fame. Getty Images via google images.Aug. 8 was an amazing day to be Raider fan. Legend Tim Brown finally got into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.

Growing up a Raider fan, there are few instances I can recall about Tim Brown. I am only in my twenties, so I did not witness his greatness first hand. Most of my memories center around Brown being the best player on the football games I played. As i grew up, I had appreciation for the veteran who gave it his all late into his thirties.

Once I got older, I could appreciate all the stats Brown put together. The records he set for our beloved franchise. He has the records in games played. He put together a phenomenal ten year stretch. He ranks No. 6 in receiving yards. I looked up his highlights, many of which happened when I was a baby. That meant, I had to respect the greatness of the one they called Mr. Raider.

Now that I have entered the sports media, I have learned more about Brown as a man. The larger than life spiritual man who GMs a Texas indoor football team. Moreover, I learned the stories about Brown lying to his parents about playing in the band instead of football. I learned about the young receiver who was more renowned for his utility in space and return kicks than his receiving ability. I learned that Brown was the first receiver to win the Heisman. Hence, I grew tremendous respect for Brown as an individual.

So when it was announced Tim Brown was finally going into the Hall, I was enthralled. After more than five years of waiting, it was great to hear he would finally take his rightful spot in history. It was a great moment for the Raider brand, as their top receiver would finally be immortalized.

I was just so happy, because future generations of Raider Nation will know about Tim Brown. They will know about the man who caught passes from 20 starting quarterbacks. They will know about the competitor who could not be stopped, despite not having much of a supporting cast. Most of all, I was proud that all football fans will know and respect the greatness of Tim Brown.

Raiders Blew it letting Antonio Smith go

 

I get it. Antonio Smith was on the wrong side of thirty for a team that wanted to get younger. Still, a team with so many roster wholes can not afford to let a player with Smith’s leadership and production go. Even if he was a liability against the run, the ninja assassin would have brought value in pass rushing situations.

The Raiders let Smith’s three sacks and force fumble walk for nothing. Instead they opted to re-up with CJ Wilson last week. This might signal the Raiders are in play for a three technique such as Leonard Williams. They might also grab one at the top of the second round in Michael Bennett or Carl Davis. Regardless, the Raiders need as much talent and leadership as possible and letting Smith go just adds another roster whole.

So why did they do it then? I think it is clear Smith didn’t fit the new team’s scheme. Even more than that, maybe Smith was team Sparano. Smith was one of the biggest advocates for the interim coach last season and maybe he didn’t buy into the JDR regime. I thought Reggie McKenzie would have at least stuck to one of his key acquisitions from last season for at least another year. The team had nothing to lose playing Smith in a limited role

Whatever the Reason, cutting Smith just made the Raiders roster even more talent deprived. Further, Smith gave Raider nation a year of great media quotes and we thank him for that.

Revisiting Raiders’ Key Free Agent Signings and Draft Implications

Rodney Hudson

The Raiders had to spend on someone. Hudson was the Raiders only marquee signing and got almost 9 million a year. The center is one of PFF top rated centers and is just entering his prime. He should be the middle anchor of the offensive line and Derek Carr’s key protector.

Draft Implications: Center was not the biggest positional need for the Raiders. Even if Hudson is a clear upgrade over the regressing Wisniewski, the Raiders still need help in the interior offensive line. They gave versatile Khalif Barnes and extension but giving him competition at right guard should be a draft priority.

Dan Williams

No his name is not Suh or Pot Roast. We have heard all about how Dan Williams being among leaders for QB hurries and being a better run defender than Knighton. Well he isn’t the big name, Williams is the big presence to anchor the defense. Expect him to move all over the defensive line as the Raiders try to get their best four guys on the field between Justin Tuck, Williams, Antonio Smith, Justin Ellis, and whoever plays left end.

Draft Implications: Free Agency proves Jack Del Rio wants to build both sides of the ball inside out. Williams addition sures up the tackle position but their is still a need for someone who can legitimately rush the quarterback from a three point stance. Well tackle is not the need, do not be surprised if the Raiders take the best player available if Leonard Williams is there at No. 4. JDR wants a stout middle and L. Williams could easily be best prospect in entire draft.  

Nate Allen

Allen had a down year last season for the Eagles. Still, he is an upgrade over Usama Young and Brandin Ross. Considering both the draft and free agency safety classes were thin, it should be no surprised Allen cashed out. The good news is, Allen is versatile enough to play either safety position so he should be savy enough to mesh with Charles Woodson. As long as he doesn’t have the same injury history as Tyvon Branch it will be an Upgrade.

Draft Implications: Safety class is so weak in this draft. Still the Raiders need an eventual replacement for Woodson. Added, Allen is not elite so competition will not hurt him. Raiders should still consider the best safety available in the final days of the draft. Otherwise Keith McGill could be a candidate for a move to safety?

Curtis Lofton

Lofton was Cut after just one season with the Saints. Regardless, he is on the right side of thirty and has consistently racked up tackles each season. Lofton sures up the middle of the defense for the Raiders as long as he can stay health.

Draft Implications: It is a shame the Raiders put such a priority into middle linebacker because this class is deep. However, McKenzie, Del Rio, and Norton are former linebackers so I am sure they will take a chance on someone in the late rounds. They will probably be a special teamer, but RM will take one if they are best player available. Eitherway, the position went from weakness to strength.

Malcom Smith

Smith’s addition was probably the most intriguing of all the signings. Is the former Super Bowl Player a Sam, Will, or Mike? Or is he just a back up relegated to special teams? Whatever the case he is great insurance should Sio Moore suffer anymore injury and could be used in four linebacker sets with Moore, Mack and Lofton. Reuniting with Ken Norton Jr. should be good for him.

Draft implications: See Lofton

Trent Richardson

Raiders made the most headlines signing the former No. 3 overall pick. At 24 years old, Richardson is certainly worth the squeeze. He should compete with Latavius Murray for touches. If Richardson can even reach half of his potential the Raiders could look like genius. At worst he is a camp body.

Draft Implications: This running back class is also very deep. Raiders could have got a great value pick in the middle rounds. With Richardson, Murray, Reece, and Helu the Raiders may have already filled all of their running back roles and will probably not draft a runner.

Lee Smith

Do the Raiders really need another blocking tight end? I would have loved to see Jermaine Gresham added as he is a young steady blocker and pass catcher. However, back concerns probably deterred the Raiders. Either way the addition of Lee over better pass catching tight ends prove the Raiders are happy with Mychael Rivera’s production.

Draft Implications: Again, I think this proves the Raiders feel like they have a quality starter in Rivera. With Lee there, the tight end role should be filled and the Raiders probably won’t draft tight end.

Ron Helu

The running back brings value as a third down back and H back. With the team already struggling to get Reece involved, I don’t see Helu being a huge contributor.

Draft Implications: See Richardson.

NFL Free Agency: Dark Horses

Neither too high of odds to be a long shot nor small enough to be the logical candidates, these players have the potential to land in Silver and Black. They might not be the Raiders first options, but they still have a chance of playing in Oakland. Depending on how the market pans out, why not bet on these guys signing with the Raiders?

1. Torrey Smith – Receiver

If the Raiders miss on Maclin and Cobb, Smith would be the next best target. Even if he fits the Raiders’ old philosophy of chucking the ball deep, Smith has proven he can be a number one receiver. Raiders should feel comfortable giving him big bucks if he is available.

2. Brandon Graham- Edge

Raiders could do worse than an under 30 pass rusher. He’s never had more than six sacks in a season but he has some versatility. Raiders won’t pay him big money but if they miss on other edges, Graham could be a last option.

3. Mike Lupati- Guard

Lupati is big and knows how to open running lanes. Having played his whole career on the otherside of the bay makes it a convenient move for Lupati. The Raiders’ need offensive line help, and Lupati is still 27. Oakland may still look for help at interior linemen in the draft, but having Lupati means they won’t have to draft a guard.

4. Antonio Cromartie- Cornerback

The past few times Cromartie has hit the open market the Raiders have been interested. Eventhough he is not the same athlete as he was early in his career, he knows how to be a starting cornerback. Cromartie probably goes to the Jets but the Raiders should try to get the veteran in Oakland. The Raiders need players who can create takeaways.

5. Rahim Moore- Safety

Moore led the Broncos in interceptions when Del Rio was the coordinator in Denver. Still don’t think Moore is the answer for the Raiders as they need someone more capable of playing in the box.