**Oakland Raiders 2010 offseason Thread**
- Thread starter Joey
- Start date
You're right the o-line has to block but at the same time, running backs have to be creative. Sometimes a hole might not be there so you have may to juke a defender or two to make a defender miss and to gain some positive yards. Plus in the open field he has to do the same instead of just running directly into a defender and getting tackled. He runs the ball too high.
So I think it goes both ways... the o-line has to step up but at the same time so does McFadden. I don't understand how Michael Bush has a better per carry average than McFadden. He has to learn how to run the ball inside too...
So I think it goes both ways... the o-line has to step up but at the same time so does McFadden. I don't understand how Michael Bush has a better per carry average than McFadden. He has to learn how to run the ball inside too...
Oakland Raiders notebook: Tom Cable emphasizing two-minute offense
By Steve Corkran
[email protected]
Posted: 08/03/2010 10:11:34 PM PDT
Updated: 08/03/2010 10:11:35 PM PDT
The Raiders are placing a huge emphasis on the two-minute drill early on in training camp. For good reason, too.
Time and again last season, the Raiders found themselves in games that could have gone either way in the final two minutes.
"We talked a lot about, when we first put in the two-minute system, it's going to be the difference in the game," Raiders coach Tom Cable said.
One way or the other, as it turned out. The defense faltered in the final two minutes of the regular-season opener against San Diego, and the Raiders suffered a painful defeat.
They also used late drives to their advantage in come-from-behind victories over Kansas City, Cincinnati, Denver and Pittsburgh.
Wide receivers Chaz Schilens (foot) and Louis Murphy (concussion) continue to make progress, Cable said. Both missed the morning practice. Schilens participated in a limited capacity in the afternoon workouts.
A handful of league officials will be on hand to oversee practices Friday and Saturday. They also will meet with players and coaches to go over rules changes for the upcoming season and to answer any questions. Cable said he intends to ask the officials to concentrate on presnap penalties and defensive holding, especially in the secondary.
Richard Seymour continues to work primarily at defensive tackle. He spent most of his time at defensive end last season but at times lined up at all four positions in one game.
Rookie Lamarr Houston still is running with the first-team defense at end, with second-year player Matt Shaughnessy holding down the left end spot occupied by Greg Ellis for most of last season.
Seymour played mostly defensive tackle when he was named to four Pro Bowls with the New England Patriots. He was traded to the Raiders before last season.
Seymour, defensive tackle John Henderson and guards Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle were excused from the afternoon practice so they could rest. Fullback Marcel Reece missed the afternoon practice with a sore left foot.
A public viewing of Jack Tatum will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home at 3665 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. Tatum, who played safety for the Raiders from 1971-79, died from a heart attack July 27 in Oakland. He was 61. A private funeral is planned
By Steve Corkran
[email protected]
Posted: 08/03/2010 10:11:34 PM PDT
Updated: 08/03/2010 10:11:35 PM PDT
The Raiders are placing a huge emphasis on the two-minute drill early on in training camp. For good reason, too.
Time and again last season, the Raiders found themselves in games that could have gone either way in the final two minutes.
"We talked a lot about, when we first put in the two-minute system, it's going to be the difference in the game," Raiders coach Tom Cable said.
One way or the other, as it turned out. The defense faltered in the final two minutes of the regular-season opener against San Diego, and the Raiders suffered a painful defeat.
They also used late drives to their advantage in come-from-behind victories over Kansas City, Cincinnati, Denver and Pittsburgh.
Wide receivers Chaz Schilens (foot) and Louis Murphy (concussion) continue to make progress, Cable said. Both missed the morning practice. Schilens participated in a limited capacity in the afternoon workouts.
A handful of league officials will be on hand to oversee practices Friday and Saturday. They also will meet with players and coaches to go over rules changes for the upcoming season and to answer any questions. Cable said he intends to ask the officials to concentrate on presnap penalties and defensive holding, especially in the secondary.
Richard Seymour continues to work primarily at defensive tackle. He spent most of his time at defensive end last season but at times lined up at all four positions in one game.
Rookie Lamarr Houston still is running with the first-team defense at end, with second-year player Matt Shaughnessy holding down the left end spot occupied by Greg Ellis for most of last season.
Seymour played mostly defensive tackle when he was named to four Pro Bowls with the New England Patriots. He was traded to the Raiders before last season.
Seymour, defensive tackle John Henderson and guards Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle were excused from the afternoon practice so they could rest. Fullback Marcel Reece missed the afternoon practice with a sore left foot.
A public viewing of Jack Tatum will be held today from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home at 3665 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. Tatum, who played safety for the Raiders from 1971-79, died from a heart attack July 27 in Oakland. He was 61. A private funeral is planned
Oakland Raiders? Don't ask him
By Gary Peterson
[email protected]
Posted: 07/29/2010 08:15:05 PM PDT
Updated: 07/30/2010 08:32:31 AM PDT
NAPA — If first training camp impressions mean anything, new Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson appears to favor the run.
First he ended Thursday's morning practice by joining players in a series of four 100-yard jogs. Then, approached by reporters after practice ended, he broke into a nifty backpedal.
"I can't," he said when asked if he had time to answer a couple of questions.
Raiders assistants, you see, have long been forbidden from consenting to interviews. Beginning this regular season, the NFL will require teams to make coordinators available once a week. So mark the week of Sept. 6 down for the first big matchup of the season: Raiders obstinacy vs. NFL mandate.
Meanwhile, this is not the regular season. And as we all know, the Raiders are still the Raiders.
Too bad. Jackson, by all accounts, is a departure from the norm. This makes him a perfect fit for the Raiders, who have seven years of soul-sucking norm from which they would like to distance themselves.
"He's a lot of fun," defensive end Jay Richardson said. "He keeps it live and exciting. He likes to challenge us on defense. Sometimes he'll tell us the plays — 'Now see if you can stop it anyway.' He's the first (coach) I've been around with that kind of personality. I think it's a great change."
"He doesn't keep anything inside," tight end Zach Miller said. "He goes ahead and says what he's thinking. He's not as full-throttle yet because we're doing so much install right now and getting the whole offense in. But Hue gets loud and he talks a lot of stuff so (eventually) you'll be hearing him a lot."
Competition, fun and offense installation are themes. It would be nice to hear the specifics of Jackson's plan for applying defibrillator paddles to an Oakland offense that finished 31st in the NFL in both yards and scoring last season. But short of breaking bread with the man himself, we're a little short on those.
"What he preaches to us in the meeting rooms, he says we're going to run the ball to open up the passing game," running back Michael Bush said. "Once we get that going we'll build up a good offense."
So that's something. So is Jackson's manner on the practice field. He's not a large man, yet he's a magnet for even the untrained eye. He looks and acts like a man in full control of his environment.
"He's taken charge of the huddle, taken charge of the offense," Richardson said. "He's trying to get the guys right and get everything perfect."
Intrigued? Join the crowd. Jackson began his coaching career at Pacific, where he played football, in 1987. He has been relentlessly, if incrementally, upwardly mobile ever since. He's been an offensive coordinator in Washington and Atlanta. He is well-regarded to the point that he is considered by some to be head coaching material.
Interestingly enough, Raiders owner Al Davis hired Jackson in late January, before publicly committing to retaining Tom Cable as head coach. "We continue to evaluate the staff and make changes to get better achievement," Raiders executive John Herrera said at the time. "It's still an ongoing process."
Well, from there it's as if the conspiracy theory practically jumps in your lap: With such a bright light on his staff, one to whom he has already surrendered play-calling duties, Cable might be well-advised to avoid a two-game losing streak this season.
Keen insight, or a misrepresentation of the facts in evidence? Maybe we should consult Lane Kiffin on that one.
Either way, Jackson's plan for the Raiders' offensive renaissance is classified information. Despite several requests for access to Jackson (the Raiders' response: Talk to the patch), he still hasn't been formally introduced to the media or to Raiders fans.
We know you're dying to know more, and we're here to help. So in lieu of allowing a grown man to speak for himself, here are snippets of Hue-isms gleaned from the first practice of the first day of training camp:
"You've got to move your feet a little bit."
"Here we go!"
(After confusion at the line of scrimmage.) "Get back in the huddle. We ain't going to do that. Come on, quarterback." (In this case, Bruce Gradkowski.)
"Our pads need to be down."
"I don't want to see any black (defensive) shirts (in the offensive backfield). I don't care if it is a walk-through."
Further updates as they slip past the censors.
By Gary Peterson
[email protected]
Posted: 07/29/2010 08:15:05 PM PDT
Updated: 07/30/2010 08:32:31 AM PDT
NAPA — If first training camp impressions mean anything, new Raiders offensive coordinator Hue Jackson appears to favor the run.
First he ended Thursday's morning practice by joining players in a series of four 100-yard jogs. Then, approached by reporters after practice ended, he broke into a nifty backpedal.
"I can't," he said when asked if he had time to answer a couple of questions.
Raiders assistants, you see, have long been forbidden from consenting to interviews. Beginning this regular season, the NFL will require teams to make coordinators available once a week. So mark the week of Sept. 6 down for the first big matchup of the season: Raiders obstinacy vs. NFL mandate.
Meanwhile, this is not the regular season. And as we all know, the Raiders are still the Raiders.
Too bad. Jackson, by all accounts, is a departure from the norm. This makes him a perfect fit for the Raiders, who have seven years of soul-sucking norm from which they would like to distance themselves.
"He's a lot of fun," defensive end Jay Richardson said. "He keeps it live and exciting. He likes to challenge us on defense. Sometimes he'll tell us the plays — 'Now see if you can stop it anyway.' He's the first (coach) I've been around with that kind of personality. I think it's a great change."
"He doesn't keep anything inside," tight end Zach Miller said. "He goes ahead and says what he's thinking. He's not as full-throttle yet because we're doing so much install right now and getting the whole offense in. But Hue gets loud and he talks a lot of stuff so (eventually) you'll be hearing him a lot."
Competition, fun and offense installation are themes. It would be nice to hear the specifics of Jackson's plan for applying defibrillator paddles to an Oakland offense that finished 31st in the NFL in both yards and scoring last season. But short of breaking bread with the man himself, we're a little short on those.
"What he preaches to us in the meeting rooms, he says we're going to run the ball to open up the passing game," running back Michael Bush said. "Once we get that going we'll build up a good offense."
So that's something. So is Jackson's manner on the practice field. He's not a large man, yet he's a magnet for even the untrained eye. He looks and acts like a man in full control of his environment.
"He's taken charge of the huddle, taken charge of the offense," Richardson said. "He's trying to get the guys right and get everything perfect."
Intrigued? Join the crowd. Jackson began his coaching career at Pacific, where he played football, in 1987. He has been relentlessly, if incrementally, upwardly mobile ever since. He's been an offensive coordinator in Washington and Atlanta. He is well-regarded to the point that he is considered by some to be head coaching material.
Interestingly enough, Raiders owner Al Davis hired Jackson in late January, before publicly committing to retaining Tom Cable as head coach. "We continue to evaluate the staff and make changes to get better achievement," Raiders executive John Herrera said at the time. "It's still an ongoing process."
Well, from there it's as if the conspiracy theory practically jumps in your lap: With such a bright light on his staff, one to whom he has already surrendered play-calling duties, Cable might be well-advised to avoid a two-game losing streak this season.
Keen insight, or a misrepresentation of the facts in evidence? Maybe we should consult Lane Kiffin on that one.
Either way, Jackson's plan for the Raiders' offensive renaissance is classified information. Despite several requests for access to Jackson (the Raiders' response: Talk to the patch), he still hasn't been formally introduced to the media or to Raiders fans.
We know you're dying to know more, and we're here to help. So in lieu of allowing a grown man to speak for himself, here are snippets of Hue-isms gleaned from the first practice of the first day of training camp:
"You've got to move your feet a little bit."
"Here we go!"
(After confusion at the line of scrimmage.) "Get back in the huddle. We ain't going to do that. Come on, quarterback." (In this case, Bruce Gradkowski.)
"Our pads need to be down."
"I don't want to see any black (defensive) shirts (in the offensive backfield). I don't care if it is a walk-through."
Further updates as they slip past the censors.
Raiders play some real football
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 1:55 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders made it through their longest sustained training camp session of full contact in recent memory unscathed Thursday morning, although there was at least slight scare when Robert Gallery fell awkwardly in a pile, only to arise and proclaim himself OK.
Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday there would be some to-the-ground tackling in the near future, and it arrived the next morning when he announced, “I don’t want any cut blocks but this is a live period.’’
What followed was about a dozen plays, mostly runs, with the rare sight of ballcarriers being brought to the ground as if in a game.
There were no big gains until the second-to-last snap, when Michael Bennett broke free on the left and ran right through an attempted tackle of Joey Thomas.
Darren McFadden and Michael Bush had some inside carries, none gaining more than five yards.
Afterward, it sounded as if the tackling will be a sporadic occurrence, rather than a regular one.
“We’ll probably have a little more tackling somewhere along the line before we go to Dallas,’’ Cable said.
Cable didn’t think the tacklers or ballcarriers looked all that crisp.
“It looked like the first time we had been tackled or tackled anybody, but that’s why we’re doing it because it’s obviously been since last January when we tackled anybody, so we’ve got worked to do,’’ Cable said.
McFadden said the full-on contact changes the way a practice feels.
“You go through one drill live and it’s like the whole practice because it’s something that you’re not used to,’’ McFadden said. “But everybody made it through healthy for the most part. A few guys got dinged up, but I think they’re going to be all right.”
Defensive end Jay Richardson saw value in the contact.
“It’s important to build those good habits and do live drills so you don’t get in th game and pull up because it’s all repetition and mechanics,’’ Richardson said. “You’ve got to have some live time, plus you’ve got to have fun, too. It gets the guys a little juiced up to get a chance to get out there and hit.’’
More news and notes following Thursday’s morning session:
– The Raiders injury list has grown, but aside from a possibly serious ankle injury to wide receiver Jonathan Holland, nothing seems overly serious.
Holland left the field house on a cart and was headed for X-rays after falling during a seven-on-seven drill.
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who Cable said didn’t practice Wednesday because he was being rested, sat out this time because he was “still sore,’’ according to the coach.
Heyward-Bey acknowledged taking a Michael Huff helmet to the shoulder Tuesday but doesn’t consider it a serious issue.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy, who had his foot stepped on by Stanford Routt Wednesday in his first day back after a concussion, said his foot was swollen the previous night but thought he would be back on the field soon.
Those who didn’t finish practice (or didn’t practice at all) were wide receiver Jacoby Ford (quad), wide receiver Paul Hubbard (hamstring), fullback Luke Lawton (headache), fullback Marcel Reece (foot), fullback Manase Tonga (knee), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (rest), cornerback Jeremy Ware (heel) and quarterback Charlie Frye (wrist).
– With the dearth of fullbacks, Alex Daniels, the undrafted free agent defensive end who is taking some snaps in the backfield, got some work in the live contact scrimmage.
He went after linebacker Trevor Scott so enthusiastically on one block that Scott warned him to “chill.’’
– The day after Cable talked about limiting pre-snap penalties, an eight-man officiating crew arrived at the Napa Marriott. On the first play with officials, Matt Shaughnessy drew a flag for lining up in the neutral zone.
Cable counted six flags on the day, although it didn’t seem like that many.
“That’s still too many. You would like to dial this thing in where you’re so disciplined and so good before the ball is snapped on offense, and defensively have the discipline to cover with your feet,’’ Cable said.
– Nick Miller, the diminutive wideout from Southern Oregon who made the 53-man roster last year as an undrafted free agent and then was deactivated for 15 weeks because of a broken tibia, is starting to look like he did a year ago.
Miller made one terrific downfield grab during Wednesday night’s session and is in the mix competing for a spot as a return specialist on either kickoffs or punts with Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Yamon Figurs.
“Nick has kind of picked up where he left off last year before he got hurt,’’ Cable said. “He’s a very quick, sudden guy that is hard to get on the ground. He’s very good in and out of cuts and catches it pretty well. We know, or we think we know, he can be a decent return guy. So let’s just keep him healthy and we’ll get a chance to see more of him as we go.’’
Miller could be forgiven for having moments where he obsessed over losing his shot last year, but said he did his best to put those feelings aside.
“You don’t want to let yourself fall back into that like, ‘That was my chance,’ because I always feel like there’s always another opportunity, and I’m still here and I’m still fighting to earn a spot,’’ Miller said. “I feel they still have me here for a reason, and I’m here to prove myself still.”
—Oakland’s goal of utilizing Zach Miller (7 career TDs in 166 catches) in the red zone was working beautifully Thursday. He caught four touchdown passes.
— Chris Mortensen, the ESPN reporter called a “professional liar’’ by Al Davis, was at practice on his training camp tour, talking with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and quarterback Jason Campbell with zero interference from the club.
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, August 5th, 2010 at 1:55 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders made it through their longest sustained training camp session of full contact in recent memory unscathed Thursday morning, although there was at least slight scare when Robert Gallery fell awkwardly in a pile, only to arise and proclaim himself OK.
Coach Tom Cable said Wednesday there would be some to-the-ground tackling in the near future, and it arrived the next morning when he announced, “I don’t want any cut blocks but this is a live period.’’
What followed was about a dozen plays, mostly runs, with the rare sight of ballcarriers being brought to the ground as if in a game.
There were no big gains until the second-to-last snap, when Michael Bennett broke free on the left and ran right through an attempted tackle of Joey Thomas.
Darren McFadden and Michael Bush had some inside carries, none gaining more than five yards.
Afterward, it sounded as if the tackling will be a sporadic occurrence, rather than a regular one.
“We’ll probably have a little more tackling somewhere along the line before we go to Dallas,’’ Cable said.
Cable didn’t think the tacklers or ballcarriers looked all that crisp.
“It looked like the first time we had been tackled or tackled anybody, but that’s why we’re doing it because it’s obviously been since last January when we tackled anybody, so we’ve got worked to do,’’ Cable said.
McFadden said the full-on contact changes the way a practice feels.
“You go through one drill live and it’s like the whole practice because it’s something that you’re not used to,’’ McFadden said. “But everybody made it through healthy for the most part. A few guys got dinged up, but I think they’re going to be all right.”
Defensive end Jay Richardson saw value in the contact.
“It’s important to build those good habits and do live drills so you don’t get in th game and pull up because it’s all repetition and mechanics,’’ Richardson said. “You’ve got to have some live time, plus you’ve got to have fun, too. It gets the guys a little juiced up to get a chance to get out there and hit.’’
More news and notes following Thursday’s morning session:
– The Raiders injury list has grown, but aside from a possibly serious ankle injury to wide receiver Jonathan Holland, nothing seems overly serious.
Holland left the field house on a cart and was headed for X-rays after falling during a seven-on-seven drill.
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who Cable said didn’t practice Wednesday because he was being rested, sat out this time because he was “still sore,’’ according to the coach.
Heyward-Bey acknowledged taking a Michael Huff helmet to the shoulder Tuesday but doesn’t consider it a serious issue.
Wide receiver Louis Murphy, who had his foot stepped on by Stanford Routt Wednesday in his first day back after a concussion, said his foot was swollen the previous night but thought he would be back on the field soon.
Those who didn’t finish practice (or didn’t practice at all) were wide receiver Jacoby Ford (quad), wide receiver Paul Hubbard (hamstring), fullback Luke Lawton (headache), fullback Marcel Reece (foot), fullback Manase Tonga (knee), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (rest), cornerback Jeremy Ware (heel) and quarterback Charlie Frye (wrist).
– With the dearth of fullbacks, Alex Daniels, the undrafted free agent defensive end who is taking some snaps in the backfield, got some work in the live contact scrimmage.
He went after linebacker Trevor Scott so enthusiastically on one block that Scott warned him to “chill.’’
– The day after Cable talked about limiting pre-snap penalties, an eight-man officiating crew arrived at the Napa Marriott. On the first play with officials, Matt Shaughnessy drew a flag for lining up in the neutral zone.
Cable counted six flags on the day, although it didn’t seem like that many.
“That’s still too many. You would like to dial this thing in where you’re so disciplined and so good before the ball is snapped on offense, and defensively have the discipline to cover with your feet,’’ Cable said.
– Nick Miller, the diminutive wideout from Southern Oregon who made the 53-man roster last year as an undrafted free agent and then was deactivated for 15 weeks because of a broken tibia, is starting to look like he did a year ago.
Miller made one terrific downfield grab during Wednesday night’s session and is in the mix competing for a spot as a return specialist on either kickoffs or punts with Jacoby Ford, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Yamon Figurs.
“Nick has kind of picked up where he left off last year before he got hurt,’’ Cable said. “He’s a very quick, sudden guy that is hard to get on the ground. He’s very good in and out of cuts and catches it pretty well. We know, or we think we know, he can be a decent return guy. So let’s just keep him healthy and we’ll get a chance to see more of him as we go.’’
Miller could be forgiven for having moments where he obsessed over losing his shot last year, but said he did his best to put those feelings aside.
“You don’t want to let yourself fall back into that like, ‘That was my chance,’ because I always feel like there’s always another opportunity, and I’m still here and I’m still fighting to earn a spot,’’ Miller said. “I feel they still have me here for a reason, and I’m here to prove myself still.”
—Oakland’s goal of utilizing Zach Miller (7 career TDs in 166 catches) in the red zone was working beautifully Thursday. He caught four touchdown passes.
— Chris Mortensen, the ESPN reporter called a “professional liar’’ by Al Davis, was at practice on his training camp tour, talking with cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and quarterback Jason Campbell with zero interference from the club.
by Chris Mortenson
NAPA, Calif. -- In the early stages of a physical Oakland Raiders training camp practice Thursday, there were stark differences from a year ago.
Jason Campbell broke the huddle with the Raiders' offense, moved a receiver over another yard and barked his quarterback cadence to initiate a play.
"Yeah, I know the difference because I've been around him awhile," said former Redskins teammate Rock Cartwright, now a Raiders running back. "He's more vocal … it's a fresh start. It was tough for him in Washington, especially the past year or two because there were always rumors about them bringing in someone else."
The Redskins did bring in someone else -- Donovan McNabb from the Eagles, which set up a draft-day trade in which the Raiders acquired Campbell for a fourth-round choice in 2012.
There also is a huge contrast for the Raiders, who released disappointing quarterback JaMarcus Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick, in May.
"I would say Jason Campbell, from a player standpoint, is probably the biggest difference on our team," All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "He's just an automatic leader. He didn't have to get pushed into that role. Once he was in the huddle, you could see guys standing at attention. He's quick to put the guys in their right place, offense or defense, and that's something we really needed from that position."
Campbell admitted to feeling rejuvenated and retold the story of spending time with Brett Favre in his hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss., before reporting to camp. Favre offered a pep talk.
"Brett said sometimes it takes a change of scenery like he had [from Atlanta to Green Bay] and how it really took him five years to get comfortable in the NFL," Campbell said. "He just reminded me it's happened with a lot of quarterbacks."
The Raiders know something about that history of quarterbacks reviving their careers with a change of scenery -- from Jim Plunkett to Rich Gannon, a former MVP and the last quarterback to lead Oakland to a Super Bowl, in 2002.
Asomugha isn't predicting a Super Bowl for the Raiders, but he didn't hesitate to define them as a threat to the Chargers in the AFC West. He was effusive in his praise of new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, as well as the rapid growth of young receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy and the impact of this year's top draft pick, middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He described McClain as a "big guy, a smart guy, and based on the live hitting I saw [Thursday], he's a punisher."
"We've been around several years where it hasn't gone our way even when we've gone into a season before with a feeling that this could be our turn," Asomugha said. "This year, it's not just that. This year, it's different. We have the players, the mentality and we're seeing it on the field."
• Reserve quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who has recovered from a left pectoral muscle injury suffered four months ago, vouches for reports of Heyward-Bey's strides in the offseason. "The thing people don't know about him is how hard he works at it, and it's paying off," said Gradkowski, who provided a spark for the Raiders when Russell was benched.
• Campbell also spoke positively about Heyward-Bey, and he believes second-year WR Louis Murphy is the real deal as a deep threat. "I'm impressed," the QB said.
• Campbell on running back Darren McFadden: "I'm absolutely stunned at how natural a receiver he is. That's something we'll take advantage of. I know Coach Jackson sees it, too."
• The Raiders will have a one-two running punch of Michael Bush and McFadden, but head coach Tom Cable really believes the key is keeping left guard Robert Gallery healthy. Cable admitted he has a special affinity for Gallery, who was disappointing as a tackle but has become one of the NFL's best guards.
• The Raiders have the league's best kicker-punter combination in Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler. Nevertheless, the goal is to have Lechler punt less, and for Janikowski to get more extra points and fewer field goals.
• Asomugha smiled when asked about the publicity he has received over Darrelle Revis' contract holdout with the Jets. Revis wants to surpass the Raiders corner as the top-paid defensive back, at $16 million. "I keep hearing that, but it's none of my business, and I hope he gets it all worked out," Asomugha said.
• Asomugha's eye-popping, three-year, $45.3 million contract negotiated by agent Tom Condon has one year left, in 2011, when his salary must be either the average of the top five paid NFL quarterbacks or a guaranteed $16.75 million.
NAPA, Calif. -- In the early stages of a physical Oakland Raiders training camp practice Thursday, there were stark differences from a year ago.
Jason Campbell broke the huddle with the Raiders' offense, moved a receiver over another yard and barked his quarterback cadence to initiate a play.
"Yeah, I know the difference because I've been around him awhile," said former Redskins teammate Rock Cartwright, now a Raiders running back. "He's more vocal … it's a fresh start. It was tough for him in Washington, especially the past year or two because there were always rumors about them bringing in someone else."
The Redskins did bring in someone else -- Donovan McNabb from the Eagles, which set up a draft-day trade in which the Raiders acquired Campbell for a fourth-round choice in 2012.
There also is a huge contrast for the Raiders, who released disappointing quarterback JaMarcus Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick, in May.
"I would say Jason Campbell, from a player standpoint, is probably the biggest difference on our team," All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. "He's just an automatic leader. He didn't have to get pushed into that role. Once he was in the huddle, you could see guys standing at attention. He's quick to put the guys in their right place, offense or defense, and that's something we really needed from that position."
Campbell admitted to feeling rejuvenated and retold the story of spending time with Brett Favre in his hometown of Hattiesburg, Miss., before reporting to camp. Favre offered a pep talk.
"Brett said sometimes it takes a change of scenery like he had [from Atlanta to Green Bay] and how it really took him five years to get comfortable in the NFL," Campbell said. "He just reminded me it's happened with a lot of quarterbacks."
The Raiders know something about that history of quarterbacks reviving their careers with a change of scenery -- from Jim Plunkett to Rich Gannon, a former MVP and the last quarterback to lead Oakland to a Super Bowl, in 2002.
Asomugha isn't predicting a Super Bowl for the Raiders, but he didn't hesitate to define them as a threat to the Chargers in the AFC West. He was effusive in his praise of new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, as well as the rapid growth of young receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy and the impact of this year's top draft pick, middle linebacker Rolando McClain. He described McClain as a "big guy, a smart guy, and based on the live hitting I saw [Thursday], he's a punisher."
"We've been around several years where it hasn't gone our way even when we've gone into a season before with a feeling that this could be our turn," Asomugha said. "This year, it's not just that. This year, it's different. We have the players, the mentality and we're seeing it on the field."
• Reserve quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who has recovered from a left pectoral muscle injury suffered four months ago, vouches for reports of Heyward-Bey's strides in the offseason. "The thing people don't know about him is how hard he works at it, and it's paying off," said Gradkowski, who provided a spark for the Raiders when Russell was benched.
• Campbell also spoke positively about Heyward-Bey, and he believes second-year WR Louis Murphy is the real deal as a deep threat. "I'm impressed," the QB said.
• Campbell on running back Darren McFadden: "I'm absolutely stunned at how natural a receiver he is. That's something we'll take advantage of. I know Coach Jackson sees it, too."
• The Raiders will have a one-two running punch of Michael Bush and McFadden, but head coach Tom Cable really believes the key is keeping left guard Robert Gallery healthy. Cable admitted he has a special affinity for Gallery, who was disappointing as a tackle but has become one of the NFL's best guards.
• The Raiders have the league's best kicker-punter combination in Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler. Nevertheless, the goal is to have Lechler punt less, and for Janikowski to get more extra points and fewer field goals.
• Asomugha smiled when asked about the publicity he has received over Darrelle Revis' contract holdout with the Jets. Revis wants to surpass the Raiders corner as the top-paid defensive back, at $16 million. "I keep hearing that, but it's none of my business, and I hope he gets it all worked out," Asomugha said.
• Asomugha's eye-popping, three-year, $45.3 million contract negotiated by agent Tom Condon has one year left, in 2011, when his salary must be either the average of the top five paid NFL quarterbacks or a guaranteed $16.75 million.
