THE OFFICIAL OAKLAND RAIDERS 2009 OFFSEASON THREAD
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Pittman on Raiders' radar
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SFGate: Raiders Silver and Black Blog : Pittman on Raiders' radar
"Pittman on Raiders' radar
ESPN.com
Fullback Michael Pittman.
The Raiders search for fullback help has turned to a former Fresno State standout other than Lorenzo Neal: veteran running Michael Pittman.
A league source confirmed the interest, while at least two others contend the Raiders remain very interested in also bringing in Neal, the perennial Pro Bowl blocking back.
All this explains why they haven't signed any undrafted fullbacks after Raiders coach Tom Cable said the position had to be addressed after the draft. Turns out, he's bent on bringing in a veteran presence.
To that end, Pittman has been in the league since 1998 but only took up the fullback position last season. So why him?
Lorenzo Neal is a bullheaded blocking machine. He can catch a little, but blasting linebackers is what he does best. Returning Raiders fullback Oren O'Neal is a mini version of Neal: he has hands, but they're only made for blocking. Receiving out of the backfield just isn't an option.
With all apologies to Luke Lawton, the Raiders remain without a fullback who can catch the ball in the flats. Justin Griffith was that guy the past two seasons, but he's in Seattle now.
That's where Pittman comes in.
A physical running back, he has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield and the freakish bodybuilder's frame to carry his own as a blocker. Denver figured as much when they moved him to fullback last season in their zone-blocking scheme -- the same system used in Oakland.
And don't forget, for instant quick-hit updates like this, check the Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/bydavidwhite. It's all Raiders-related, with the occasional Fresno-area references for hometown's sake.
The obvious concern is Pittman's controversial past, which includes multiple arrests, etc. He also finished last season on the IR with a neck injury.
Bottom line No. 1: the Raiders expect O'Neal to make a healthy return from major knee surgery, but they want insurance and a more diverse profile at fullback.
Bottom line No. 2: For all this talk about vertical passing and stretching the field, this is still a team that will focus on the run game. Everything else plays off of that premise.
Ideally, if the Raiders want to sign Neal and/or Pittman, they'll do it by this weekend's mandatory minicamp, with two-a-days on Friday and Saturday and a single-practice sendoff Sunday.
But then, both players are longtime pro enough, they should not have a problem adjusting in a hurry once/if they do sign.
Posted By: David White (Email) | May 06 2009 at 10:50 AM"
Pittman is interesting, but the real question is if you will sign up for David White's Raider twitter feed?
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SFGate: Raiders Silver and Black Blog : Pittman on Raiders' radar
"Pittman on Raiders' radar
ESPN.com
Fullback Michael Pittman.
The Raiders search for fullback help has turned to a former Fresno State standout other than Lorenzo Neal: veteran running Michael Pittman.
A league source confirmed the interest, while at least two others contend the Raiders remain very interested in also bringing in Neal, the perennial Pro Bowl blocking back.
All this explains why they haven't signed any undrafted fullbacks after Raiders coach Tom Cable said the position had to be addressed after the draft. Turns out, he's bent on bringing in a veteran presence.
To that end, Pittman has been in the league since 1998 but only took up the fullback position last season. So why him?
Lorenzo Neal is a bullheaded blocking machine. He can catch a little, but blasting linebackers is what he does best. Returning Raiders fullback Oren O'Neal is a mini version of Neal: he has hands, but they're only made for blocking. Receiving out of the backfield just isn't an option.
With all apologies to Luke Lawton, the Raiders remain without a fullback who can catch the ball in the flats. Justin Griffith was that guy the past two seasons, but he's in Seattle now.
That's where Pittman comes in.
A physical running back, he has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield and the freakish bodybuilder's frame to carry his own as a blocker. Denver figured as much when they moved him to fullback last season in their zone-blocking scheme -- the same system used in Oakland.
And don't forget, for instant quick-hit updates like this, check the Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/bydavidwhite. It's all Raiders-related, with the occasional Fresno-area references for hometown's sake.
The obvious concern is Pittman's controversial past, which includes multiple arrests, etc. He also finished last season on the IR with a neck injury.
Bottom line No. 1: the Raiders expect O'Neal to make a healthy return from major knee surgery, but they want insurance and a more diverse profile at fullback.
Bottom line No. 2: For all this talk about vertical passing and stretching the field, this is still a team that will focus on the run game. Everything else plays off of that premise.
Ideally, if the Raiders want to sign Neal and/or Pittman, they'll do it by this weekend's mandatory minicamp, with two-a-days on Friday and Saturday and a single-practice sendoff Sunday.
But then, both players are longtime pro enough, they should not have a problem adjusting in a hurry once/if they do sign.
Posted By: David White (Email) | May 06 2009 at 10:50 AM"
Pittman is interesting, but the real question is if you will sign up for David White's Raider twitter feed?
"JaMarcus Russell "has not been a well-cut athlete" during his time as a Raider, according to beat writer Jerry McDonald.
It's well known that Russell's work ethic has lacked, and McDonald says his body has looked "more like some of the offensive linemen" than a QB. Russell donned a baggy practice jersey at spring minicamps, hiding his shape. The Raiders were optimistic about his dedication this winter, but clearly there's been no obvious difference in Russell's conditioning level."
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2009/05/07/what-minicamp-will-and-wont-tell-us/
It's well known that Russell's work ethic has lacked, and McDonald says his body has looked "more like some of the offensive linemen" than a QB. Russell donned a baggy practice jersey at spring minicamps, hiding his shape. The Raiders were optimistic about his dedication this winter, but clearly there's been no obvious difference in Russell's conditioning level."
http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2009/05/07/what-minicamp-will-and-wont-tell-us/
RAIDERS SIGN LORENZO NEAL!! SOLID MOVE!
Neal gives Oakland toughness
May 8, 2009 2:55 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Neal
Alameda, Ca. -- Having Lorenzo Neal in the backfield will help the Oakland Raiders.
The addition of Neal (he is practicing with the team during its minicamp but the deal has yet to be announced) is a good move for Oakland.
The Raiders have a very talented running back trio of Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Neal will lead the way for all three backs and his addition should squash any talk of moving the explosive Bush to fullback.
Neal, 38, is one of the best lead blockers ever to play. He will give Oakland toughness as it tries to become a formidable offense.
The Raiders have had trouble with their offensive line in recent seasons. Neal is essentially a sixth lineman. He sets the tone. He was with Baltimore last season and his presence was missed in San Diego where he was a valuable lead blocker for LaDainian Tomlinson for several years. Big-time fullbacks may be a dying breed in the NFL, but Neal is special, even at his advanced age.
Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell needs all the help he can get as he tries to become a quality quarterback. Having Neal as another protector will not hurt Russell's cause. Really, there are no reasons not to like this move.
Neal gives Oakland toughness
May 8, 2009 2:55 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Neal
Alameda, Ca. -- Having Lorenzo Neal in the backfield will help the Oakland Raiders.
The addition of Neal (he is practicing with the team during its minicamp but the deal has yet to be announced) is a good move for Oakland.
The Raiders have a very talented running back trio of Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Neal will lead the way for all three backs and his addition should squash any talk of moving the explosive Bush to fullback.
Neal, 38, is one of the best lead blockers ever to play. He will give Oakland toughness as it tries to become a formidable offense.
The Raiders have had trouble with their offensive line in recent seasons. Neal is essentially a sixth lineman. He sets the tone. He was with Baltimore last season and his presence was missed in San Diego where he was a valuable lead blocker for LaDainian Tomlinson for several years. Big-time fullbacks may be a dying breed in the NFL, but Neal is special, even at his advanced age.
Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell needs all the help he can get as he tries to become a quality quarterback. Having Neal as another protector will not hurt Russell's cause. Really, there are no reasons not to like this move.