The Official 2011 Oakland Raiders offseason thread
- Thread starter Defy
- Start date
psh right.. not even that Lucas coach could deal with Russell!! doesn't matter who tha coach is if the player isn't motivated to improve his game and play good ball, thats why he was released and no other teams took chances on that bum. Harbaugh himself wouldn't make Russell a winner come on now.. Ima LOL when tha niners continue bein wack as fuck, Harbaughs like a god to yal nigs lol
Jason Campbell came and and we averaged 25.6 points per game!
so yah he pretty much became our savior from tha Russell days when all we would see is FGs being kicked all game and maybe get lucky enough to put up a solid 7 points..
Alex Smith been with tha niners since day 1 and he's still fuckin bunk lol.. yal needa let go already!
Things are only gettin brighter for Jason & tha raiders, did a lot of good things in his first year, shit I woulda never thought we'd go undefeated in our division especially beating SD twice. but Campbell proved me and many other raider fans wrong.. he can lead this team
so yup, go back to hanging on Alex's nutts lol, "aww lets give him another shot guys" its tha same shit year in, year out... now you guys got a "god' in Harbaugh supposibly to teach that dumb fuck how to ball lol
if the niner organization has any sense and want to stop puttin their fans thru hell, they should just start that Collin kid outta Nevada! Alex had his time to shine, I guess they can't get over the fact they drafted that bust #1 overall, glad we didn't take your guys' route and kicked JaBUSTell to the curb early
so yah he pretty much became our savior from tha Russell days when all we would see is FGs being kicked all game and maybe get lucky enough to put up a solid 7 points..
Alex Smith been with tha niners since day 1 and he's still fuckin bunk lol.. yal needa let go already!
Things are only gettin brighter for Jason & tha raiders, did a lot of good things in his first year, shit I woulda never thought we'd go undefeated in our division especially beating SD twice. but Campbell proved me and many other raider fans wrong.. he can lead this team
so yup, go back to hanging on Alex's nutts lol, "aww lets give him another shot guys" its tha same shit year in, year out... now you guys got a "god' in Harbaugh supposibly to teach that dumb fuck how to ball lol
if the niner organization has any sense and want to stop puttin their fans thru hell, they should just start that Collin kid outta Nevada! Alex had his time to shine, I guess they can't get over the fact they drafted that bust #1 overall, glad we didn't take your guys' route and kicked JaBUSTell to the curb early
but only managed 3 field goals vs the "terrible niners"
Point above proven further lol
so u sayin hes been around for over 50 years? lol
Beat SD 2x and den and kc but yet went 2-2 vs nfc west
When have u ever heard me sayin lets give him another chance? alex is simply a stop gap while kaepernick learns the offense.
Start a rookie from day 1? not really a good idea.
the big difference between Alex and Jamarcus is JR had no desire to win, or play even lol. he just wanted the $ and the fame, alex is putting in work, yall over tehre sayin campbell is a true leader for doing the workouts n shit, how bout alex? not even signed, no job security over there EARNING his way onto the team, that deserves a ton of respect, he could have a freak injury and never earn another nfl $ doing these workouts, yet hes trying and risking himself and career out there still trying, i dont sit here and say alex is good, hes a Raider killer and thats GREAT, but he deserves respect for doing what he is doing, no matter what team youre a fan of, no matter how much u hate him, u gotta give it up to him, he has the DESIRE to try to make himself work, something Jamarcus never had
Point above proven further lol
so u sayin hes been around for over 50 years? lol
Beat SD 2x and den and kc but yet went 2-2 vs nfc west
When have u ever heard me sayin lets give him another chance? alex is simply a stop gap while kaepernick learns the offense.
Start a rookie from day 1? not really a good idea.
the big difference between Alex and Jamarcus is JR had no desire to win, or play even lol. he just wanted the $ and the fame, alex is putting in work, yall over tehre sayin campbell is a true leader for doing the workouts n shit, how bout alex? not even signed, no job security over there EARNING his way onto the team, that deserves a ton of respect, he could have a freak injury and never earn another nfl $ doing these workouts, yet hes trying and risking himself and career out there still trying, i dont sit here and say alex is good, hes a Raider killer and thats GREAT, but he deserves respect for doing what he is doing, no matter what team youre a fan of, no matter how much u hate him, u gotta give it up to him, he has the DESIRE to try to make himself work, something Jamarcus never had
everybody has good and bad games.. Im basing on overall performance.. not simply an outing vs the weak ass niners.. but ayy keep dick ridin on Smith givin him excuses and excuses.. one season yal hate tha man, the next "oh lets give him another shot" lol make up ya damn minds.. he can have all tha desire in the world to play football, thats his damn job.. still sucks at it lol. but I guess him being the starting QB when yal beat us makes up for everything since raiders vs niners is obviously what yal rather see then to win your own division
and the nfl is broken up into different divisions.. I can care less about the weak ass NFC West or how they only manged 2 wins against them.. as long as my team did their homework on the opponents they face 2x a year.. thats fine with me.. goal is to get to the playoffs! this Raiders team was a play or 2 away from making it, so going 6-0 in the division is something to be optimistic about, gotta win your own division to make it in..
Jano missing that FG in AZ hurt us, the jacksonville game hurt us
but guess what? this team was in it, jus didnt get it done
but shit I watch Raider football, I know this squad.. and there is def. a brighter future ahead..
you haters know it as well! its obvious.. so get on the bandwagon now kiddos
oh and ona side note, nobodys backin up Jamarcus so the comparisons are not necessary.. bottom line is JAMARCUS = BUST, ALEX = BUST.. point blank!
and the nfl is broken up into different divisions.. I can care less about the weak ass NFC West or how they only manged 2 wins against them.. as long as my team did their homework on the opponents they face 2x a year.. thats fine with me.. goal is to get to the playoffs! this Raiders team was a play or 2 away from making it, so going 6-0 in the division is something to be optimistic about, gotta win your own division to make it in..
Jano missing that FG in AZ hurt us, the jacksonville game hurt us
but guess what? this team was in it, jus didnt get it done
but shit I watch Raider football, I know this squad.. and there is def. a brighter future ahead..
you haters know it as well! its obvious.. so get on the bandwagon now kiddos
oh and ona side note, nobodys backin up Jamarcus so the comparisons are not necessary.. bottom line is JAMARCUS = BUST, ALEX = BUST.. point blank!
fuck the niners, they suck. even shit teams like the bills beat other teams last season. doesn't mean they are better. hahahaha at niner fags clinging to that "17-9", meanwhile they couldn't even get to .500. but they're happy though, hahahaha.
nobody but delusional ass niner homer thinks the they will be better than the raiders this year. steve smith wants to come to cali to play ball, SD or Oakland. no mention of the shitty ass niners. he wants to go to a team that can actually make the playoffs.
nobody but delusional ass niner homer thinks the they will be better than the raiders this year. steve smith wants to come to cali to play ball, SD or Oakland. no mention of the shitty ass niners. he wants to go to a team that can actually make the playoffs.
Raiders and Niners are both on the come up in my opinion....I'm a Raider Fan but i dont hate the niners...Harbaugh is a dope coach IMO...And us (the raiders) under all the change and bullshit still found a way to play their asses off last year....Now we changed our coach agian...lets see what hUE can do for us...
so what do you raider fans think we should do about Samson Satele? I thought he was becoming pretty good for us at C, sure he had his struggles, but his game was improving quickly.. in a lot of DMacs big runs the holes where opened up thanks to him..and he had good speed to run down field and continue blocking for DMac.. Hue already stated Wiz will be our starting C this season, although I'd rather we go with Satele at C and let Wiz play G
I wouldn't mind Satele another year, just to give the Wiz kid time to adjust to the NFL. We will see what Hue has in store. I trust his ability to create schemes aimed at our personnel's strenghs, similiar to last year. At the end of the day, it is a chess match....
We are primed this year to have a statement season, really. We are deep at reciever and playmakers in general, imo. We have drafted well as of late. Defensively we have leaders and are solid, really though. Fuck what you haters talking....
We are primed this year to have a statement season, really. We are deep at reciever and playmakers in general, imo. We have drafted well as of late. Defensively we have leaders and are solid, really though. Fuck what you haters talking....
It is a little out there, I know. But I think that kid Moore is going to be an instant playmaker. Hopefully DHB can improve. We know Murphy should make some plays. Ford will probably see alot of WR. I can see that new kid Taiwan Jones is converted to a returner. If Shillens can stay healthy, we will be good. I want Plax too, we will see if it was Cable keeping out potential divas.... I think he will be hungry given the situation though.
Barksdale: My goal is to start
Barksdale: My goal is to start - Inside the Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group
Offensive lineman Joe Barksdale told the Detroit News his goal is to start right away for the Raiders.
Barksdale was the second of two third-round picks by the Raiders, No. 92 overall, out of LSU.
He will likely be a competitor at right tackle, a wide open position in that Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes and Langston Walker are currently not under contract.
Barksdale said he’s not overly concerned about money in the wake of a lockout which is preventing him from signing a contract.
“I don’t spend a lot of money,” Barksdale said. “I never had a lot of money. Maybe five dollars in my pocket and that’s it. You give someone who never had candy before some fat-free twizzlers and they’re good.
“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I need money for gas to see my girlfriend (in East Lansing). My hobbies are simple. I have an IPOD, a MacBook. The MacBook is starting to run my life. And I listen to music and play video games.”
Detroit Lions - NFL | Joe Barksdale Jr. plans to be ready | The Detroit News
Detroit— To Joe Barksdale Jr., it's all about the preparation. It's a day-by-day process built on the traditional values of family, religion and hard work.
If one is prepared, no situation or challenge is unmanageable.
On April 29 Barksdale, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive tackle from Louisiana State and a 2007 graduate of Detroit Cass Tech, patiently awaited his number to be called in the NFL draft. He had the assurance of family members, his trust in God and the satisfaction of knowing his work was about to pay off.
When Barksdale was selected in the third round, 92nd overall, by the Oakland Raiders, he took it in stride. Despite some mock drafts tabbing him for the middle rounds, some as late as seventh, he listened to his coaches at LSU.
"ESPN was talking sixth or seventh round," Barksdale said. "Everyone was talking sixth or seventh round. I knew I wasn't going past the fourth, just by what my coaches were saying. Things happen for a reason. I'm happy to go with Oakland, win some games and win a Super or two."
Timing is everything
Barksdale must continue to play the waiting game. Rookies can't sign a contract because of the NFL lockout. Barksdale did sign with an agent, Isaac Conner of a3 (Allegiant Athletic Agency), and continues to work out, over two hours a day, four days a week with his personal trainer, Charles Fobbs, a former Cass Tech assistant coach, to be ready when the contract dispute ends.
"Nobody knows when it will end," Barksdale said. "All you can do is stay in shape. I take care of what I have control of. It's like the motto at my fraternity: "Do thy duty that is best and leave unto the Lord the rest."
Fobbs said the lockout hurts the free-agent rookies, not the players who were selected in the draft.
"If I'm the owner or GM, I have to use what I have," Fobbs said. "I can't trade for one. Then there are the free-agent veterans. Who are you going to sign, a free agent out of college or a free-agent veteran? You're going to see a lot of players go to the (Canadian Football League). And why not? You have a chance to play and have someone watch you. It would behoove the owners to watch them. And it won't cost you anything."
Barksdale said he's not bothered by the lockout. He's confident the upcoming season will be played. He said his agent takes care of his financial needs, what little there are.
"I don't spend a lot of money," Barksdale said. "I never had a lot of money. Maybe five dollars in my pocket and that's it. You give someone who never had candy before some fat-free twizzlers and they're good.
"I don't drink. I don't smoke. I need money for gas to see my girlfriend (in East Lansing). My hobbies are simple. I have an IPOD, a MacBook. The MacBook is starting to run my life. And I listen to music and play video games."
Game plan
Barksdale said he didn't play football as a means to go to college. Going to college wasn't a choice. His parents, Joe Sr. and Rita Barksdale, made that clear. That's one reason they sent their son to Cass Tech, to prepare him for college. The plan was for Barksdale to become an engineer. That changed.
Fobbs saw something special, tremendous potential, when he worked with Barksdale as a freshman at Cass Tech. Fobbs convinced Barksdale's parents to trust him with their son.
"Back then I knew he could play on Sundays," Fobbs said. "The long shot was, do the parents do what they're supposed to do? Do they trust me to take their son to Texas for a week in January? I had to educate them. He couldn't go to family reunions. They couldn't schedule doctors' appointment during the school year. He had to be mine."
Barksdale, who didn't play football until his freshman year, began to realize his potential late in his sophomore season. Quickly he became a dominant lineman on both sides of the ball. After his senior season, he was named The Detroit News No. 1 Blue Chip prospect.
After researching schools he chose LSU over Ohio State. Fobbs said Barksdale made his selection based on the number of offensive linemen from LSU that made it to the NFL. That's preparation.
Barksdale started for three seasons at LSU, at right tackle the first two and at left tackle his senior year. He was named second team All-Southeastern Conference his senior year and helped LSU win the Cotton Bowl.
"I expect to start right away," Barksdale said of his opportunity with the Raiders. "My goal is to play 12 years. I want to play forever.
"I do love football. I know it will be hard when it's over. When I'm done, I'll coach and take that money they give me to coach to charity. If you play 12 years, you won't need more money. I won't want to work a normal job when I'm done. No 9-to-5 for me. I'm going to ride this train until the tracks run out."
Barksdale: My goal is to start - Inside the Oakland Raiders - A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group
Offensive lineman Joe Barksdale told the Detroit News his goal is to start right away for the Raiders.
Barksdale was the second of two third-round picks by the Raiders, No. 92 overall, out of LSU.
He will likely be a competitor at right tackle, a wide open position in that Mario Henderson, Khalif Barnes and Langston Walker are currently not under contract.
Barksdale said he’s not overly concerned about money in the wake of a lockout which is preventing him from signing a contract.
“I don’t spend a lot of money,” Barksdale said. “I never had a lot of money. Maybe five dollars in my pocket and that’s it. You give someone who never had candy before some fat-free twizzlers and they’re good.
“I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I need money for gas to see my girlfriend (in East Lansing). My hobbies are simple. I have an IPOD, a MacBook. The MacBook is starting to run my life. And I listen to music and play video games.”
Detroit Lions - NFL | Joe Barksdale Jr. plans to be ready | The Detroit News
Detroit— To Joe Barksdale Jr., it's all about the preparation. It's a day-by-day process built on the traditional values of family, religion and hard work.
If one is prepared, no situation or challenge is unmanageable.
On April 29 Barksdale, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive tackle from Louisiana State and a 2007 graduate of Detroit Cass Tech, patiently awaited his number to be called in the NFL draft. He had the assurance of family members, his trust in God and the satisfaction of knowing his work was about to pay off.
When Barksdale was selected in the third round, 92nd overall, by the Oakland Raiders, he took it in stride. Despite some mock drafts tabbing him for the middle rounds, some as late as seventh, he listened to his coaches at LSU.
"ESPN was talking sixth or seventh round," Barksdale said. "Everyone was talking sixth or seventh round. I knew I wasn't going past the fourth, just by what my coaches were saying. Things happen for a reason. I'm happy to go with Oakland, win some games and win a Super or two."
Timing is everything
Barksdale must continue to play the waiting game. Rookies can't sign a contract because of the NFL lockout. Barksdale did sign with an agent, Isaac Conner of a3 (Allegiant Athletic Agency), and continues to work out, over two hours a day, four days a week with his personal trainer, Charles Fobbs, a former Cass Tech assistant coach, to be ready when the contract dispute ends.
"Nobody knows when it will end," Barksdale said. "All you can do is stay in shape. I take care of what I have control of. It's like the motto at my fraternity: "Do thy duty that is best and leave unto the Lord the rest."
Fobbs said the lockout hurts the free-agent rookies, not the players who were selected in the draft.
"If I'm the owner or GM, I have to use what I have," Fobbs said. "I can't trade for one. Then there are the free-agent veterans. Who are you going to sign, a free agent out of college or a free-agent veteran? You're going to see a lot of players go to the (Canadian Football League). And why not? You have a chance to play and have someone watch you. It would behoove the owners to watch them. And it won't cost you anything."
Barksdale said he's not bothered by the lockout. He's confident the upcoming season will be played. He said his agent takes care of his financial needs, what little there are.
"I don't spend a lot of money," Barksdale said. "I never had a lot of money. Maybe five dollars in my pocket and that's it. You give someone who never had candy before some fat-free twizzlers and they're good.
"I don't drink. I don't smoke. I need money for gas to see my girlfriend (in East Lansing). My hobbies are simple. I have an IPOD, a MacBook. The MacBook is starting to run my life. And I listen to music and play video games."
Game plan
Barksdale said he didn't play football as a means to go to college. Going to college wasn't a choice. His parents, Joe Sr. and Rita Barksdale, made that clear. That's one reason they sent their son to Cass Tech, to prepare him for college. The plan was for Barksdale to become an engineer. That changed.
Fobbs saw something special, tremendous potential, when he worked with Barksdale as a freshman at Cass Tech. Fobbs convinced Barksdale's parents to trust him with their son.
"Back then I knew he could play on Sundays," Fobbs said. "The long shot was, do the parents do what they're supposed to do? Do they trust me to take their son to Texas for a week in January? I had to educate them. He couldn't go to family reunions. They couldn't schedule doctors' appointment during the school year. He had to be mine."
Barksdale, who didn't play football until his freshman year, began to realize his potential late in his sophomore season. Quickly he became a dominant lineman on both sides of the ball. After his senior season, he was named The Detroit News No. 1 Blue Chip prospect.
After researching schools he chose LSU over Ohio State. Fobbs said Barksdale made his selection based on the number of offensive linemen from LSU that made it to the NFL. That's preparation.
Barksdale started for three seasons at LSU, at right tackle the first two and at left tackle his senior year. He was named second team All-Southeastern Conference his senior year and helped LSU win the Cotton Bowl.
"I expect to start right away," Barksdale said of his opportunity with the Raiders. "My goal is to play 12 years. I want to play forever.
"I do love football. I know it will be hard when it's over. When I'm done, I'll coach and take that money they give me to coach to charity. If you play 12 years, you won't need more money. I won't want to work a normal job when I'm done. No 9-to-5 for me. I'm going to ride this train until the tracks run out."
New Jason Campbell article
Oakland Raiders Quarterback Jason Campbell Is Ready | Bleacher Report
I BELIEVE IN YOU, JASON!
Sorry, I guess I've watched Deion Sanders on NFL Network one time too many. But I can't help but believe that Jason Campbell is ready to lead his Oakland Raiders in 2011.
There has been lots of talk about Campbell in Raider Nation lately.
Can he put up big numbers, become an elite quarterback or make the Pro Bowl?
He doesn't have to do all that!
The Pro Bowl has two tickets waiting for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning every year anyway. Oakland Raider owner Al Davis has called Campbell the second coming of Jim Plunkett.
Before you shoot that down, Plunkett wasn't one of the sexy quarterbacks of the '80s but he did win two Super Bowls. So all Campbell needs to do is lead the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011, and I believe he can.
Like Plunkett was, Campbell is supremely talented with good work ethic but didn't have the supporting cast early in his career. But his supporting cast and journey now has him ready to lead the Raiders to the playoffs.
Turn the page for a closer look.
page 2
Journey: No Respect in Washington
While in Washington, Campbell was constantly made the scapegoat for all of the Redskins' woes. Tight end Chris Cooley and receiver Santana Moss were all he had to work with, and they were hampered by injuries.
Add to that the fact that the offensive line didn't protect him very well.
But still, they blamed Campbell.
So Mike Shanahan was brought in to coach the Redskins and he traded for future Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Left tackle Trent Williams was then drafted to protect McNabb's the blind side as well as other offensive pieces being added.
The result wasn't pretty, as McNabb and the Redskins had a horrendous season in 2010.
Shanahan seems to blaming McNabb these days, as he benched him at the end of the season.
page3
Journey: First Year as a Raider
Jason Campbell then comes to Raider Nation and has to learn his sixth playbook in as many years. But this time, he had to learn his new teammates as well.
Yet he has already taken the Raiders to places they haven't been in a long time, like a .500 record.
That isn't a major milestone by any means, but finishing .500 is a start in the right direction for a franchise that has been under .500 the last seven years prior.
In 12 games, he threw for 2,387 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a quarterback rating of 84.5. Those aren't sexy numbers, but it was his first year with the team, and the offensive line didn't protect him very well.
Again, I use McNabb, who just completed his first season with a new team.
He threw for over 3,300 yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 77.1.
Jay Cutler wasn't very good in his first year with the Bears himself.
page4
Journey: What He Overcame
Campbell came to Raider Nation and still didn't get any respect.
He played with a shoulder stinger on this throwing shoulder that he got in the preseason due to lack of protection. Stingers last around 4-6 weeks, so it contributed to Campbell's struggles early in the season.
Raider fans would chant "BRUCE" for Bruce Gradkowski after Campbell threw his first incompletion in a game. Davis compared Campbell to Plunkett right after acquiring him, then fans made Campbell feel like he was replacing him.
It also didn't help that his head coach at the time (Tom Cable) wanted Gradkowski in the game at all costs.
Campbell was then yanked from the starting lineup until former Raider quarterback Gradkowski fell to injury. The Raiders then won four in a row with Campbell at the helm and and he was dumped in favor of Gradkowski again.
But Campbell never complained.
page5
Journey: How He Overcame It
I have to give some credit to newly promoted Raider head coach Hue Jackson for Campbell overcoming.
There was the story where he called Campbell into his office to tell the quarterback not try to be perfect and give his receivers a chance to make plays.
He also encouraged Campbell to make plays out of the pocket and run if necessary. From there, he would rediscover the legs that led Auburn to an undefeated record in his collegiate days.
I'd have to say that was the most important thing he did, because the Raiders' offensive line didn't protect the quarterback very well in 2010. He was able to break long runs and extend plays to find receivers down the field.
He was no longer a robot sitting and waiting in the pocket.
page6
Journey: Strong Finish in 2010
In my opinion, the best way to measure a player after just one year with the team is improvement.
Did the player finish better than he started?
The answer here is a big yes.
Due to an injury to Gradkowski, Campbell would get another opportunity and it wasn't hard to tell that Campbell was prepared for it.
Over the last five games of the season, Campbell threw for 1,065 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also had a completion percentage of 65 percent and and quarterback rating of 96.8 during that stretch.
They also averaged 33 points per game.
That's a strong finish!
page7
In His Favor: Leadership
Hall of Fame corner Deion Sanders on NFL Network consistently says, "I want a guy that's been through something leading my team."
The Oakland Raiders seem to agree with that sentiment.
Campbell has won the Raider locker room over with all that he overcame to play well down the stretch last year. Jackson has gone on record since the end of the season and called the Raiders "Campbell's team."
So what would Campbell do with it?
My biggest question going into this whole deal with Campbell was his ability to lead men.
But now, his leadership is on full display, as he and Richard Seymour have conducted offseason workouts with the team at an undisclosed location.
Campbell has gone on NFL Sirius Radio as well as twitter to let Raider Nation know that the work is being done.
He also mentioned that his work with receivers Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey has been going on for quite some time.
That's just what Raider Nation wants to hear!
page8
In His Favor: Familiarity
Campbell is getting ready to play with the same offensive system for the first time since high school. Jackson brought his offense to Raider Nation specifically to suit the big-armed Campbell.
When Jackson has moved up to head coach, he hired his mentor Al Saunders to coordinate his offense. A new coordinator won't be a problem, because the offense will have same verbiage.
On top of that, Saunders is a familiar face who coached Campbell in Washington.
The word here is comfort.
page9
Supporting Cast: Running Back Darren McFadden
Having a healthy Darren McFadden was a big reason Campbell played well down the stretch. He will be an even bigger reason why Campbell leads the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011.
After having a breakout year in 2010, opposing teams now know they have to game plan for McFadden double time.
That cover-two that defenses like to run to stop the deep ball will have to be put on the shelf at times when McFadden is killing them.
But it doesn't stop with just the run.
McFadden is an excellent check-down weapon for when the deep ball the Raiders are known for isn't there.
As it was in the Jaguars game in 2010, the result can be the same as a completed deep ball.
Scary!
Supporting Cast: Tight End Zack Miller
I know he has a shaky tender on him depending on the C.B.A., but I am confident Zach Miller will wear the Silver and Black in 2011.
The 2010 Pro Bowler will be the Raiders' No. 1 third-down option this year and will have plenty of room with the track team of receivers down the field.
He will also be a big reason why the Raiders score points because of his ability in the red zone. Throughout his career, Campbell has always loved and depended on his tight end.
2011 shouldn't be any different.
page11
Supporting Cast: No. 1 Wideout Chaz Schilens
With a 4.33 40-yard dash time, Chaz Schilens is a part of the Raiders' track team. But Schilens is also 6'4", 225 pounds, has excellent hands, can jump, and has no fear of catching the ball over the middle.
This makes Schilens the Raiders' No. 1 wideout.
Of course there are the questions about Schilens' ability to stay healthy, but this offseason is different. This is the first offseason Schilens has gone into without having surgery.
Therefore, I expect him to stay healthy and be productive.
page12
Supporting Cast: Deep Threat Louis Murphy
Louis Murphy flashed and showed the clutch gene as a rookie back in 2009. Last year, his season was marred by a shoulder injury that affected his ability to raise his arms.
In 2011, barring an injury to him, Raider Nation will get a chance to see who Murphy really is. He was on pace for a 1,000-yard season before the injury, so I'm going to say he can do so in 2011.
No one seems to be able to run with him on the field and he has ice in his veins with the game on the line.
page13
Supporting Cast: Slot man Jacoby Ford
Sure, Jacoby Ford is a deep threat who will go up and take the football from a defender. But this little guy gives the Raiders a whole lot more than that.
He is quick as well as fast, so he can get separation on underneath routes from the slot. He is also a return man who won't hesitate to use that skill to take it to the house after the catch.
This gives the Raiders' receiving corps the ability to beat you in another way
page14
Supporting Cast: Fullback/Deep Threat Marcel Reese
There's no need for five-receiver sets on this team!
The outside receivers will obviously be down the field with Miller and McFadden underneath. They can use bracket coverage on Miller and or try to double McFadden.
Not really.
Fullback/deep threat Marcel Reese is a fifth receiver because he has 4.4 speed and was a collegiate wideout. So if opposing defenses try the aforementioned tactics, Reese will kill them with the long ball.
Pick your poison, defense!
page15
Question: Left Tackle
The Raiders did plenty to upgrade their offensive line in the draft with center Stephen Wisniewski and tackle/guard Joseph Barksdale. Bruce Campbell is also poised to see the field in 2011 after getting no such opportunity in 2010.
The left tackle is the only question for the Raiders in 2011.
Is Jared Veldheer going to adapt to the competition in the NFL or be moved to the right side in 2011?
Will the Raiders grab a free agent to do the job?
Does Barksdale figure into picture somehow?
It is important for the Raiders figure it out so the aforementioned tight end and weapons out of the backfield can run routes.
What good is it to have these weapons if they have to stay in and help protect Campbell?
page16
Question: The Run Defense
Let's say Campbell and the offense shakes out well.
That in no way means Campbell will automatically take the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011.
The defense has to do its part and get Campbell the ball back.
With or without Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders' defense shouldn't have too many problems against the pass. Against the run is where the Raiders need to improve the most on defense.
The opposing team will simply run the ball to keep the Raider offense off the field.
Will Rolando McClain step up in his second year and be a star at middle linebacker?
What will the Raiders do about outside linebacker?
It does the Raiders no good to score 30 points per game if they allow 35.
page17
Overview
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Happy days may be here again for Raider Nation!
I truly believe this is the year that Campbell leads the Raiders to the playoffs. He will not be rattled, as he has gone through more than his share of adversity to become the Raiders' starter.
With that, he has won over the locker room, and his teammates will run through a wall for him. At the same time, he has and is continuing to develop chemistry with all of his weapons.
With a couple of questions, Campbell is surrounded with a cast that he can take somewhere for the first time in his NFL career. He also has the same offense for the first time in his NFL career, and it fits his skill set.
A Pro Bowl berth and elite quarterback status may or may not come.
But the important thing is he leads the Raiders to the playoffs.
"I BELIEVE IN YOU, JASON!"
Oakland Raiders Quarterback Jason Campbell Is Ready | Bleacher Report
I BELIEVE IN YOU, JASON!
Sorry, I guess I've watched Deion Sanders on NFL Network one time too many. But I can't help but believe that Jason Campbell is ready to lead his Oakland Raiders in 2011.
There has been lots of talk about Campbell in Raider Nation lately.
Can he put up big numbers, become an elite quarterback or make the Pro Bowl?
He doesn't have to do all that!
The Pro Bowl has two tickets waiting for Tom Brady and Peyton Manning every year anyway. Oakland Raider owner Al Davis has called Campbell the second coming of Jim Plunkett.
Before you shoot that down, Plunkett wasn't one of the sexy quarterbacks of the '80s but he did win two Super Bowls. So all Campbell needs to do is lead the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011, and I believe he can.
Like Plunkett was, Campbell is supremely talented with good work ethic but didn't have the supporting cast early in his career. But his supporting cast and journey now has him ready to lead the Raiders to the playoffs.
Turn the page for a closer look.
page 2
Journey: No Respect in Washington
While in Washington, Campbell was constantly made the scapegoat for all of the Redskins' woes. Tight end Chris Cooley and receiver Santana Moss were all he had to work with, and they were hampered by injuries.
Add to that the fact that the offensive line didn't protect him very well.
But still, they blamed Campbell.
So Mike Shanahan was brought in to coach the Redskins and he traded for future Hall of Fame quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Left tackle Trent Williams was then drafted to protect McNabb's the blind side as well as other offensive pieces being added.
The result wasn't pretty, as McNabb and the Redskins had a horrendous season in 2010.
Shanahan seems to blaming McNabb these days, as he benched him at the end of the season.
page3
Journey: First Year as a Raider
Jason Campbell then comes to Raider Nation and has to learn his sixth playbook in as many years. But this time, he had to learn his new teammates as well.
Yet he has already taken the Raiders to places they haven't been in a long time, like a .500 record.
That isn't a major milestone by any means, but finishing .500 is a start in the right direction for a franchise that has been under .500 the last seven years prior.
In 12 games, he threw for 2,387 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a quarterback rating of 84.5. Those aren't sexy numbers, but it was his first year with the team, and the offensive line didn't protect him very well.
Again, I use McNabb, who just completed his first season with a new team.
He threw for over 3,300 yards, 14 touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 77.1.
Jay Cutler wasn't very good in his first year with the Bears himself.
page4
Journey: What He Overcame
Campbell came to Raider Nation and still didn't get any respect.
He played with a shoulder stinger on this throwing shoulder that he got in the preseason due to lack of protection. Stingers last around 4-6 weeks, so it contributed to Campbell's struggles early in the season.
Raider fans would chant "BRUCE" for Bruce Gradkowski after Campbell threw his first incompletion in a game. Davis compared Campbell to Plunkett right after acquiring him, then fans made Campbell feel like he was replacing him.
It also didn't help that his head coach at the time (Tom Cable) wanted Gradkowski in the game at all costs.
Campbell was then yanked from the starting lineup until former Raider quarterback Gradkowski fell to injury. The Raiders then won four in a row with Campbell at the helm and and he was dumped in favor of Gradkowski again.
But Campbell never complained.
page5
Journey: How He Overcame It
I have to give some credit to newly promoted Raider head coach Hue Jackson for Campbell overcoming.
There was the story where he called Campbell into his office to tell the quarterback not try to be perfect and give his receivers a chance to make plays.
He also encouraged Campbell to make plays out of the pocket and run if necessary. From there, he would rediscover the legs that led Auburn to an undefeated record in his collegiate days.
I'd have to say that was the most important thing he did, because the Raiders' offensive line didn't protect the quarterback very well in 2010. He was able to break long runs and extend plays to find receivers down the field.
He was no longer a robot sitting and waiting in the pocket.
page6
Journey: Strong Finish in 2010
In my opinion, the best way to measure a player after just one year with the team is improvement.
Did the player finish better than he started?
The answer here is a big yes.
Due to an injury to Gradkowski, Campbell would get another opportunity and it wasn't hard to tell that Campbell was prepared for it.
Over the last five games of the season, Campbell threw for 1,065 yards, six touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also had a completion percentage of 65 percent and and quarterback rating of 96.8 during that stretch.
They also averaged 33 points per game.
That's a strong finish!
page7
In His Favor: Leadership
Hall of Fame corner Deion Sanders on NFL Network consistently says, "I want a guy that's been through something leading my team."
The Oakland Raiders seem to agree with that sentiment.
Campbell has won the Raider locker room over with all that he overcame to play well down the stretch last year. Jackson has gone on record since the end of the season and called the Raiders "Campbell's team."
So what would Campbell do with it?
My biggest question going into this whole deal with Campbell was his ability to lead men.
But now, his leadership is on full display, as he and Richard Seymour have conducted offseason workouts with the team at an undisclosed location.
Campbell has gone on NFL Sirius Radio as well as twitter to let Raider Nation know that the work is being done.
He also mentioned that his work with receivers Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey has been going on for quite some time.
That's just what Raider Nation wants to hear!
page8
In His Favor: Familiarity
Campbell is getting ready to play with the same offensive system for the first time since high school. Jackson brought his offense to Raider Nation specifically to suit the big-armed Campbell.
When Jackson has moved up to head coach, he hired his mentor Al Saunders to coordinate his offense. A new coordinator won't be a problem, because the offense will have same verbiage.
On top of that, Saunders is a familiar face who coached Campbell in Washington.
The word here is comfort.
page9
Supporting Cast: Running Back Darren McFadden
Having a healthy Darren McFadden was a big reason Campbell played well down the stretch. He will be an even bigger reason why Campbell leads the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011.
After having a breakout year in 2010, opposing teams now know they have to game plan for McFadden double time.
That cover-two that defenses like to run to stop the deep ball will have to be put on the shelf at times when McFadden is killing them.
But it doesn't stop with just the run.
McFadden is an excellent check-down weapon for when the deep ball the Raiders are known for isn't there.
As it was in the Jaguars game in 2010, the result can be the same as a completed deep ball.
Scary!
Supporting Cast: Tight End Zack Miller
I know he has a shaky tender on him depending on the C.B.A., but I am confident Zach Miller will wear the Silver and Black in 2011.
The 2010 Pro Bowler will be the Raiders' No. 1 third-down option this year and will have plenty of room with the track team of receivers down the field.
He will also be a big reason why the Raiders score points because of his ability in the red zone. Throughout his career, Campbell has always loved and depended on his tight end.
2011 shouldn't be any different.
page11
Supporting Cast: No. 1 Wideout Chaz Schilens
With a 4.33 40-yard dash time, Chaz Schilens is a part of the Raiders' track team. But Schilens is also 6'4", 225 pounds, has excellent hands, can jump, and has no fear of catching the ball over the middle.
This makes Schilens the Raiders' No. 1 wideout.
Of course there are the questions about Schilens' ability to stay healthy, but this offseason is different. This is the first offseason Schilens has gone into without having surgery.
Therefore, I expect him to stay healthy and be productive.
page12
Supporting Cast: Deep Threat Louis Murphy
Louis Murphy flashed and showed the clutch gene as a rookie back in 2009. Last year, his season was marred by a shoulder injury that affected his ability to raise his arms.
In 2011, barring an injury to him, Raider Nation will get a chance to see who Murphy really is. He was on pace for a 1,000-yard season before the injury, so I'm going to say he can do so in 2011.
No one seems to be able to run with him on the field and he has ice in his veins with the game on the line.
page13
Supporting Cast: Slot man Jacoby Ford
Sure, Jacoby Ford is a deep threat who will go up and take the football from a defender. But this little guy gives the Raiders a whole lot more than that.
He is quick as well as fast, so he can get separation on underneath routes from the slot. He is also a return man who won't hesitate to use that skill to take it to the house after the catch.
This gives the Raiders' receiving corps the ability to beat you in another way
page14
Supporting Cast: Fullback/Deep Threat Marcel Reese
There's no need for five-receiver sets on this team!
The outside receivers will obviously be down the field with Miller and McFadden underneath. They can use bracket coverage on Miller and or try to double McFadden.
Not really.
Fullback/deep threat Marcel Reese is a fifth receiver because he has 4.4 speed and was a collegiate wideout. So if opposing defenses try the aforementioned tactics, Reese will kill them with the long ball.
Pick your poison, defense!
page15
Question: Left Tackle
The Raiders did plenty to upgrade their offensive line in the draft with center Stephen Wisniewski and tackle/guard Joseph Barksdale. Bruce Campbell is also poised to see the field in 2011 after getting no such opportunity in 2010.
The left tackle is the only question for the Raiders in 2011.
Is Jared Veldheer going to adapt to the competition in the NFL or be moved to the right side in 2011?
Will the Raiders grab a free agent to do the job?
Does Barksdale figure into picture somehow?
It is important for the Raiders figure it out so the aforementioned tight end and weapons out of the backfield can run routes.
What good is it to have these weapons if they have to stay in and help protect Campbell?
page16
Question: The Run Defense
Let's say Campbell and the offense shakes out well.
That in no way means Campbell will automatically take the Raiders to the playoffs in 2011.
The defense has to do its part and get Campbell the ball back.
With or without Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders' defense shouldn't have too many problems against the pass. Against the run is where the Raiders need to improve the most on defense.
The opposing team will simply run the ball to keep the Raider offense off the field.
Will Rolando McClain step up in his second year and be a star at middle linebacker?
What will the Raiders do about outside linebacker?
It does the Raiders no good to score 30 points per game if they allow 35.
page17
Overview
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Happy days may be here again for Raider Nation!
I truly believe this is the year that Campbell leads the Raiders to the playoffs. He will not be rattled, as he has gone through more than his share of adversity to become the Raiders' starter.
With that, he has won over the locker room, and his teammates will run through a wall for him. At the same time, he has and is continuing to develop chemistry with all of his weapons.
With a couple of questions, Campbell is surrounded with a cast that he can take somewhere for the first time in his NFL career. He also has the same offense for the first time in his NFL career, and it fits his skill set.
A Pro Bowl berth and elite quarterback status may or may not come.
But the important thing is he leads the Raiders to the playoffs.
"I BELIEVE IN YOU, JASON!"
Oakland Raiders' Taiwan Jones takes unconventional journey to NFL
Taiwan Jones reads football defenses as if he has a cheat sheet. Recognizing and understanding the written word has proved to be a much tougher obstacle.
In keeping with his style, Jones stared down the challenge presented by dyslexia and landed a job with the Raiders after being forced to take an unconventional path from high school.
"It's been frustrating," Jones said of his ongoing battle with dyslexia, a learning disorder that leads to writing and spelling problems. "My father was a big inspiration. He told me to give it my all, and they eventually would find me."
Big-time colleges knew all about Jones during his standout career at Deer Valley High, but a subpar grade-point average made it impossible for Division I colleges to offer him a scholarship.
That turned out to be Eastern Washington's gain. Assistant coach Chris Hansen took one look at Jones on videotape and offered him a scholarship soon thereafter.
"I'll never get a player like him again," said Hansen, the running backs coach at Eastern Washington. "We usually don't get to touch players like Taiwan. They're going to USC and Washington."
Rich Woods coached Jones at Deer Valley. He recalled numerous college scouts dropping by campus to watch tape of some of Deer Valley's top players.
"I would put on the film and they would say, 'Who's that 22 kid? Where's he going?' " Woods said of Jones.
The excitement died once Woods informed recruiters of Jones'
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issues with his grades.
Jones' transformation from a struggling student into a successful one began with his being diagnosed with dyslexia his senior year at Deer Valley.
The diagnosis enabled Jones to get extra time on tests and assignments, which helped him get his GPA over the required 2.0 so that he could play at Eastern Washington after redshirting one season.
For years, Jones wondered why he struggled grasping things his peers learned in short order.
"It always made me feel smaller," Jones said. "I was struggling, while people were telling me, 'You should get this. What's the problem?' Now things are easier because I know that I can learn; I just need more help."
Woods and Hansen said Jones' learning disability doesn't inhibit his understanding of play calls.
Jones doesn't need much help on the football field. His blazing speed -- he posted a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in early April -- makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Jones, 6-foot and 198 pounds, did just that the first time he touched the ball for Eastern Washington in 2009, scoring on an 87-yard run. It validated what Hansen saw on videotape before Jones arrived in Cheney, Wash., and during offseason drills his freshman season.
"He tore us up when he played on the offensive scout team," Hansen said. "We couldn't touch him."
As a result, the Eagles converted Jones from cornerback to running back before his sophomore season in 2009. Jones rushed for 2,955 yards and 29 touchdowns his sophomore and junior seasons. He also scored eight touchdowns on receptions or kick returns.
That sold the Raiders on using a fourth-round pick to get Jones in the NFL draft in April. Hansen said it's an investment that is going to pay huge dividends.
Jones' exploits prompted Hansen to create a new stat: how many tacklers a ball carrier made miss and yards gained after such misses. In one game against Montana, Jones racked up 16 for 168 yards.
"Montana was the best-tackling team in our conference, and Taiwan is making them look stupid," Hansen said.
Things won't be any different in the NFL, Hansen said.
"He's going to make those guys look stupid, too," Hansen said. "When he gets into the secondary in the NFL, he's also going to make those guys miss."
Jones joins a Raiders team already set at running back, with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush well established.
Yet, there's always room for a player with Jones' speed and playmaking ability, Raiders coach Hue Jackson said.
"How do you pass up a guy that can make plays like that?" Jackson said soon after the Raiders selected Jones. "As I keep saying, you find a special talent, a guy that can score touchdowns as often and as fast as he can, and if he is sitting there, it's hard to pass up those kinds of guys. I wouldn't pass him up, and we didn't pass him up. "... This guy is a tremendous, tremendous football player, and he is something special."
Jones said he isn't sure how he will be used by the Raiders. Even so, he is certain that he has the kind of skill set that can't be overlooked.
"I'm a real versatile player," Jones said. "I can return kicks, catch passes, block. I'll do whatever it takes to help the team. I'll work as hard as I can to reach my goal of playing in the NFL."
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_18308112?nclick_check=1
local east bay kid.. and will prove to be a STEAL!
Taiwan Jones reads football defenses as if he has a cheat sheet. Recognizing and understanding the written word has proved to be a much tougher obstacle.
In keeping with his style, Jones stared down the challenge presented by dyslexia and landed a job with the Raiders after being forced to take an unconventional path from high school.
"It's been frustrating," Jones said of his ongoing battle with dyslexia, a learning disorder that leads to writing and spelling problems. "My father was a big inspiration. He told me to give it my all, and they eventually would find me."
Big-time colleges knew all about Jones during his standout career at Deer Valley High, but a subpar grade-point average made it impossible for Division I colleges to offer him a scholarship.
That turned out to be Eastern Washington's gain. Assistant coach Chris Hansen took one look at Jones on videotape and offered him a scholarship soon thereafter.
"I'll never get a player like him again," said Hansen, the running backs coach at Eastern Washington. "We usually don't get to touch players like Taiwan. They're going to USC and Washington."
Rich Woods coached Jones at Deer Valley. He recalled numerous college scouts dropping by campus to watch tape of some of Deer Valley's top players.
"I would put on the film and they would say, 'Who's that 22 kid? Where's he going?' " Woods said of Jones.
The excitement died once Woods informed recruiters of Jones'
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issues with his grades.
Jones' transformation from a struggling student into a successful one began with his being diagnosed with dyslexia his senior year at Deer Valley.
The diagnosis enabled Jones to get extra time on tests and assignments, which helped him get his GPA over the required 2.0 so that he could play at Eastern Washington after redshirting one season.
For years, Jones wondered why he struggled grasping things his peers learned in short order.
"It always made me feel smaller," Jones said. "I was struggling, while people were telling me, 'You should get this. What's the problem?' Now things are easier because I know that I can learn; I just need more help."
Woods and Hansen said Jones' learning disability doesn't inhibit his understanding of play calls.
Jones doesn't need much help on the football field. His blazing speed -- he posted a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day in early April -- makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Jones, 6-foot and 198 pounds, did just that the first time he touched the ball for Eastern Washington in 2009, scoring on an 87-yard run. It validated what Hansen saw on videotape before Jones arrived in Cheney, Wash., and during offseason drills his freshman season.
"He tore us up when he played on the offensive scout team," Hansen said. "We couldn't touch him."
As a result, the Eagles converted Jones from cornerback to running back before his sophomore season in 2009. Jones rushed for 2,955 yards and 29 touchdowns his sophomore and junior seasons. He also scored eight touchdowns on receptions or kick returns.
That sold the Raiders on using a fourth-round pick to get Jones in the NFL draft in April. Hansen said it's an investment that is going to pay huge dividends.
Jones' exploits prompted Hansen to create a new stat: how many tacklers a ball carrier made miss and yards gained after such misses. In one game against Montana, Jones racked up 16 for 168 yards.
"Montana was the best-tackling team in our conference, and Taiwan is making them look stupid," Hansen said.
Things won't be any different in the NFL, Hansen said.
"He's going to make those guys look stupid, too," Hansen said. "When he gets into the secondary in the NFL, he's also going to make those guys miss."
Jones joins a Raiders team already set at running back, with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush well established.
Yet, there's always room for a player with Jones' speed and playmaking ability, Raiders coach Hue Jackson said.
"How do you pass up a guy that can make plays like that?" Jackson said soon after the Raiders selected Jones. "As I keep saying, you find a special talent, a guy that can score touchdowns as often and as fast as he can, and if he is sitting there, it's hard to pass up those kinds of guys. I wouldn't pass him up, and we didn't pass him up. "... This guy is a tremendous, tremendous football player, and he is something special."
Jones said he isn't sure how he will be used by the Raiders. Even so, he is certain that he has the kind of skill set that can't be overlooked.
"I'm a real versatile player," Jones said. "I can return kicks, catch passes, block. I'll do whatever it takes to help the team. I'll work as hard as I can to reach my goal of playing in the NFL."
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_18308112?nclick_check=1
local east bay kid.. and will prove to be a STEAL!