THE OFFICIAL OAKLAND RAIDERS 2009 OFFSEASON THREAD
- Thread starter Meta4iCAL
- Start date
Yeah just keep blaming Al Davis!
http://www.sacbee.com/1174/v-print/story/2067790.html
The problem is that the rookie wage scale has gone berserk. This year, Detroit gave top pick Matthew Stafford a contract with $41.7 million guaranteed, a 39 percent increase (a tad better than the U.S. economy) from the 2008 draft's top pick. It's the kind of makes-no-sense leap that rankles nerves inside locker rooms and damages the league's crowning achievement – parity – by making it cost-prohibitive for bad teams to acquire the best college players.
http://www.sacbee.com/1174/v-print/story/2067790.html
The problem is that the rookie wage scale has gone berserk. This year, Detroit gave top pick Matthew Stafford a contract with $41.7 million guaranteed, a 39 percent increase (a tad better than the U.S. economy) from the 2008 draft's top pick. It's the kind of makes-no-sense leap that rankles nerves inside locker rooms and damages the league's crowning achievement – parity – by making it cost-prohibitive for bad teams to acquire the best college players.
Some quick hits from Day 2 of “learning intensive’’ practices:
Q: Is there any update on Derrick Burgess, coach?
Tom Cable: No.
And that’s your official Raiders statement on Burgess, who has missed voluntary workouts for the last few years but has expanded his repetoire.
– Few plays run to completion, even during seven-on-seven drills, which made it more than a little comical when defensive coordinator John Marshall said, “It’s about time for a pick.’’
If the Raiders did manage a pick when quarterbacks were not throwing the ball, now that would have been a story.
– One of the first drills, one that last a good 10 minutes, was positioning for “run fits,’’ or where defenders “fit’’ into gaps to stop the opposition from running.
– Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey got past Stanford Routt during a drill, he drew the praise of Willie Brown, “He’s so fast and quick, got a nice release . . . we’ve got something for you next week, though.’’
Brown didn’t have to wait a week. Routt slowed Heyward-Bey with an initial shove. “Nice hands,’’ Brown said.
Replied Routt: “Gotta slow him down.’’
– Speaking of Routt, Cable said he’s in a competition with Chris Johnson to start at corner opposite Asomugha, and the reps would seem to bear that out.
Johnson said the job is his. More on that later . . .
– Cable didn’t want to delve into specifics, so we won’t here, either, but Trevor Scott is doing more than putting his hand down and rushing a defensive end. More on that later . . .
– Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard have started 32 games alongside each other, but aren’t always on the same page.
“Under, under, under, under!,’’ barked linebackers coach Mike Haluchak with regard to a coverage. “You’ve got to communicate!’’
– Visual evidence (seeing Terdell Sands leave the field house in a tank top and shorts) suggests the defensive tackle is in the best shape he has been since joining the Raiders.
– Recently-waived quarterback Danny Southwick is still around, but not in uniform. He holds a clipboard much of the time, but for a short period of time he was throwing passes to Chaz Schilens and Heyward-Bey. He classified himself as an “intern.’’
– It’s a year to the day since Javon Walker told Al Davis he was considering retirement, after which Lane Kiffin openly questioned his desire. None of that this year. Walker can hardly wait to take the field, although that could be two weeks away.
“When they let me loose, it’s on after that,’’ Walker said.
Walker had plenty else to say about what he hopes is a miraculous comeback season.
More on that later . . .
– Defensive end Jay Richardson has not been getting snaps with the first team, and often not with the second team either.
– Here’s your training camp definition of TMI , or Too Much Information for those of you who are acronym challenged. Tommy Kelly jogged off the field briefly, only to return a short time later.
He went to the restroom, Cable reported.
Not sure if he really had to go, or if it was a false start. He made his fourth false start in two days.
– Five more “learning intensive’’ practices to go before the hitting begins.
“I looked over at you guys and wondered why you’re even out here,’’ one player said.
Q: Is there any update on Derrick Burgess, coach?
Tom Cable: No.
And that’s your official Raiders statement on Burgess, who has missed voluntary workouts for the last few years but has expanded his repetoire.
– Few plays run to completion, even during seven-on-seven drills, which made it more than a little comical when defensive coordinator John Marshall said, “It’s about time for a pick.’’
If the Raiders did manage a pick when quarterbacks were not throwing the ball, now that would have been a story.
– One of the first drills, one that last a good 10 minutes, was positioning for “run fits,’’ or where defenders “fit’’ into gaps to stop the opposition from running.
– Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey got past Stanford Routt during a drill, he drew the praise of Willie Brown, “He’s so fast and quick, got a nice release . . . we’ve got something for you next week, though.’’
Brown didn’t have to wait a week. Routt slowed Heyward-Bey with an initial shove. “Nice hands,’’ Brown said.
Replied Routt: “Gotta slow him down.’’
– Speaking of Routt, Cable said he’s in a competition with Chris Johnson to start at corner opposite Asomugha, and the reps would seem to bear that out.
Johnson said the job is his. More on that later . . .
– Cable didn’t want to delve into specifics, so we won’t here, either, but Trevor Scott is doing more than putting his hand down and rushing a defensive end. More on that later . . .
– Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard have started 32 games alongside each other, but aren’t always on the same page.
“Under, under, under, under!,’’ barked linebackers coach Mike Haluchak with regard to a coverage. “You’ve got to communicate!’’
– Visual evidence (seeing Terdell Sands leave the field house in a tank top and shorts) suggests the defensive tackle is in the best shape he has been since joining the Raiders.
– Recently-waived quarterback Danny Southwick is still around, but not in uniform. He holds a clipboard much of the time, but for a short period of time he was throwing passes to Chaz Schilens and Heyward-Bey. He classified himself as an “intern.’’
– It’s a year to the day since Javon Walker told Al Davis he was considering retirement, after which Lane Kiffin openly questioned his desire. None of that this year. Walker can hardly wait to take the field, although that could be two weeks away.
“When they let me loose, it’s on after that,’’ Walker said.
Walker had plenty else to say about what he hopes is a miraculous comeback season.
More on that later . . .
– Defensive end Jay Richardson has not been getting snaps with the first team, and often not with the second team either.
– Here’s your training camp definition of TMI , or Too Much Information for those of you who are acronym challenged. Tommy Kelly jogged off the field briefly, only to return a short time later.
He went to the restroom, Cable reported.
Not sure if he really had to go, or if it was a false start. He made his fourth false start in two days.
– Five more “learning intensive’’ practices to go before the hitting begins.
“I looked over at you guys and wondered why you’re even out here,’’ one player said.
LOOK OUT FOR TREVOR SCOTT YALL.. A VERY SHREWD 2008 6TH ROUND DRAFT PICK BY GUESS WHO?? AL DAVIS!
Great Scott, a multiple defense?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 2:49 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Since Trevor Scott was open to talking about his defensive role Friday, it’s worth examining what might be in store for the second-year defensive end out of Buffalo.
We say might because we’ve seen the Raiders do these sorts of things before in practice, then often go back to what Al Davis believes they do best _ create pressure with a natural rush (usually with a four-man line) and depend on a tight man-to-man defense with one deep safety as the last line of defense.
The Raiders blitz during training camp practices. Always have. They blitz during OTAs and minicamps, some of which are open to the media. I’m assuming they do the same in their closed sessions.
Then the game starts, and, well, everyone wants to know why the hell Rob Ryan never blitzes. Ryan did blitz on occasion, but nearly as much as you’d think for a guy who believes so fiercely in pressure.
Conventional wisdom is the Raiders don’t blitz is because it’s an organizational philosophy, with the organization being someone who goes by the name of Mr. Davis. The blitzing in practice, you can surmise, is often done to prepare the offense for what they’re going to see.
With that as a backdrop, Scott was talking about a Friday session in the John Marshall-coached defense which he lined up in various positions and wasn’t in a three-point stance. He even dropped into coverage.
Asked if we might see Scott performing some of those duties this year, Cable said, “You know, we might. I really don’t want to talk about scheme.’’
(We’ll ask Marshall the same thing when he is made available to the media _ and chances are he’s not going to talk about scheme, either).
Scott gave his expanded duties a thumbs up, and also said he had done it in the offseason (not surprisingly, during the days the media wasn’t present at OTAs).
“I love it. It’s a lot of fun,’’ Scott said. “Mixing things up, give me an opportunity to do some different things and do well at ‘em. I like it a lot.”
Scott said he hadn’t played in an upright position since high school. A converted tight end, he promises he still has the hands to catch the ball and go the other way if placed in coverage.
He believes some of these new ideas will be implemented in games, not just in practice.
“Pretty much all the stuff that we run against our offense, we’re going to use on anybody, know what I mean?’’ Scott said. “We’ll give them a look . . . we’re going to run what we’re practicing.’’
More notes and quotes and observations:
– Moving Scott around at 256 pounds is the best way to get the most out of him, because even though he’s packed on some muscle, he’s not built to withstand the pounding of 330-pound tackles against the run.
– Cornerback Chris Johnson is unconcerned that despite a contract which paid him a $4 million signing bonus, and having the endorsement of Davis, he is alternating with Stanford Routt in the base defense.
“We are rotating right now, but at the end of the day I’m going to feel like I’m the starter, regardless of whatever happens,’’ Johnson said.
Johnson played extremely well over the last eight games after the DeAngelo Hall was written off like a Bernie Madoff investment.
“You know Tom Cable thought I could hold this position, and that’s why Mr. Davis felt this contract was a good deal for me,’’ Johnson said.
– Javon Walker remained mysterious about his offseason knee surgery which he said has him feeling better about his health than he has in years.
“I will say it’s new. It’s new,’’ Walker said of the procedure. He declined to be specific or even say where it was performed.
“I don’t know where it was done,’’ Walker said. “I’m clueless.’’
He believes the Raiders will get the receiver they expected when they paid him $12 million last year, a contract that was renegotiated downward and will pay him $4.6 million guaranteed over the next two years.
“When I get back out there, I’m just excited about working with some young guys who are going to push me more than I’m going to push them,’’ Walker said. “I’m also excited about letting Oakland see what Javon has to offer because I’m young, I’m in my prime right now.
“My ability hasn’t changed, my enthusiasm hasn’t changed. I’m just excited to be back to the Javon that was that first year in Denver and the Javon that was in Green Bay and all of a sudden have it translate here.’’
Walker said Thursday he expected to be on the sidelines for another two weeks. He is performing running, cutting and jumping drills with the athletic training staff at what looks like close to full speed with no sign of a limp or discomfort.
– Like a good politician, Ricky Brown feels strongly both ways about whether he’s a strong side or middle linebacker. He’s played both so far, occasionally with the first team.
“I’ve proved that I can be the opening day starter at the SAM linebacker. I think maybe my more natural position would be MIKE, just kind of the way I’m built, having good change of direction and all, but either one’s fine,’’ Brown said.
– Count linebacker and special teams standout Isaiah Ekejiuba as one of the players on board with Cable’s four-days-of-learning approach.
“It seemed like it was weird at first when he talked about the concept, but you go through it and it’s a great concept,’’ Cable said. “We’re doing a lot of learning, get all the mistakes out the way.
“They were talking about a lot of injuries that happen during camp happen the first five days of camp. So right now we’re doing a lot of mental work and leaving the physical work until Monday. And I think that’s going to help, help your body adjust real quick and then when it’s time to go, it’s time to go.”
– Wide receiver Todd Watkins on the Raiders options in route-running as opposed to last season:
“Last year we were like opening a children’s book when we ran our plays,’’ Watkins said. “Now we can take advantage of whatever we see, just simple tags on stuff we already have installed.’’
Watkins said he enjoyed his trip to Mobile, Ala., at the invitation of quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
“We worked out a couple days, and we worked on the things that we wanted to work on, without the pressure of having the coaches out there to nitpick, because we’re the ones ultimately who are going to be out there on the field,’’ Watkins said. “So as long as we’re on the same page, and see the same way, that’s what really matters.’’
Watkins said workouts, when not interrupted by thunderstorms, lasted 90 minutes to two hours. They took place at Williamson High School, where Russell was a local star. They worked with high school players in a clinic-like setting.
“A lot of people knew it was going on, because that’s his community. They know when he comes back,’’ Watkins said.
Great Scott, a multiple defense?
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Friday, July 31st, 2009 at 2:49 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Since Trevor Scott was open to talking about his defensive role Friday, it’s worth examining what might be in store for the second-year defensive end out of Buffalo.
We say might because we’ve seen the Raiders do these sorts of things before in practice, then often go back to what Al Davis believes they do best _ create pressure with a natural rush (usually with a four-man line) and depend on a tight man-to-man defense with one deep safety as the last line of defense.
The Raiders blitz during training camp practices. Always have. They blitz during OTAs and minicamps, some of which are open to the media. I’m assuming they do the same in their closed sessions.
Then the game starts, and, well, everyone wants to know why the hell Rob Ryan never blitzes. Ryan did blitz on occasion, but nearly as much as you’d think for a guy who believes so fiercely in pressure.
Conventional wisdom is the Raiders don’t blitz is because it’s an organizational philosophy, with the organization being someone who goes by the name of Mr. Davis. The blitzing in practice, you can surmise, is often done to prepare the offense for what they’re going to see.
With that as a backdrop, Scott was talking about a Friday session in the John Marshall-coached defense which he lined up in various positions and wasn’t in a three-point stance. He even dropped into coverage.
Asked if we might see Scott performing some of those duties this year, Cable said, “You know, we might. I really don’t want to talk about scheme.’’
(We’ll ask Marshall the same thing when he is made available to the media _ and chances are he’s not going to talk about scheme, either).
Scott gave his expanded duties a thumbs up, and also said he had done it in the offseason (not surprisingly, during the days the media wasn’t present at OTAs).
“I love it. It’s a lot of fun,’’ Scott said. “Mixing things up, give me an opportunity to do some different things and do well at ‘em. I like it a lot.”
Scott said he hadn’t played in an upright position since high school. A converted tight end, he promises he still has the hands to catch the ball and go the other way if placed in coverage.
He believes some of these new ideas will be implemented in games, not just in practice.
“Pretty much all the stuff that we run against our offense, we’re going to use on anybody, know what I mean?’’ Scott said. “We’ll give them a look . . . we’re going to run what we’re practicing.’’
More notes and quotes and observations:
– Moving Scott around at 256 pounds is the best way to get the most out of him, because even though he’s packed on some muscle, he’s not built to withstand the pounding of 330-pound tackles against the run.
– Cornerback Chris Johnson is unconcerned that despite a contract which paid him a $4 million signing bonus, and having the endorsement of Davis, he is alternating with Stanford Routt in the base defense.
“We are rotating right now, but at the end of the day I’m going to feel like I’m the starter, regardless of whatever happens,’’ Johnson said.
Johnson played extremely well over the last eight games after the DeAngelo Hall was written off like a Bernie Madoff investment.
“You know Tom Cable thought I could hold this position, and that’s why Mr. Davis felt this contract was a good deal for me,’’ Johnson said.
– Javon Walker remained mysterious about his offseason knee surgery which he said has him feeling better about his health than he has in years.
“I will say it’s new. It’s new,’’ Walker said of the procedure. He declined to be specific or even say where it was performed.
“I don’t know where it was done,’’ Walker said. “I’m clueless.’’
He believes the Raiders will get the receiver they expected when they paid him $12 million last year, a contract that was renegotiated downward and will pay him $4.6 million guaranteed over the next two years.
“When I get back out there, I’m just excited about working with some young guys who are going to push me more than I’m going to push them,’’ Walker said. “I’m also excited about letting Oakland see what Javon has to offer because I’m young, I’m in my prime right now.
“My ability hasn’t changed, my enthusiasm hasn’t changed. I’m just excited to be back to the Javon that was that first year in Denver and the Javon that was in Green Bay and all of a sudden have it translate here.’’
Walker said Thursday he expected to be on the sidelines for another two weeks. He is performing running, cutting and jumping drills with the athletic training staff at what looks like close to full speed with no sign of a limp or discomfort.
– Like a good politician, Ricky Brown feels strongly both ways about whether he’s a strong side or middle linebacker. He’s played both so far, occasionally with the first team.
“I’ve proved that I can be the opening day starter at the SAM linebacker. I think maybe my more natural position would be MIKE, just kind of the way I’m built, having good change of direction and all, but either one’s fine,’’ Brown said.
– Count linebacker and special teams standout Isaiah Ekejiuba as one of the players on board with Cable’s four-days-of-learning approach.
“It seemed like it was weird at first when he talked about the concept, but you go through it and it’s a great concept,’’ Cable said. “We’re doing a lot of learning, get all the mistakes out the way.
“They were talking about a lot of injuries that happen during camp happen the first five days of camp. So right now we’re doing a lot of mental work and leaving the physical work until Monday. And I think that’s going to help, help your body adjust real quick and then when it’s time to go, it’s time to go.”
– Wide receiver Todd Watkins on the Raiders options in route-running as opposed to last season:
“Last year we were like opening a children’s book when we ran our plays,’’ Watkins said. “Now we can take advantage of whatever we see, just simple tags on stuff we already have installed.’’
Watkins said he enjoyed his trip to Mobile, Ala., at the invitation of quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
“We worked out a couple days, and we worked on the things that we wanted to work on, without the pressure of having the coaches out there to nitpick, because we’re the ones ultimately who are going to be out there on the field,’’ Watkins said. “So as long as we’re on the same page, and see the same way, that’s what really matters.’’
Watkins said workouts, when not interrupted by thunderstorms, lasted 90 minutes to two hours. They took place at Williamson High School, where Russell was a local star. They worked with high school players in a clinic-like setting.
“A lot of people knew it was going on, because that’s his community. They know when he comes back,’’ Watkins said.
NAPA, Calif. (AP)—For most of the Oakland Raiders, the first few days of training camp under coach Tom Cable are like nothing they’ve been through before as football players.
Quarterbacks are forbidden to pass the ball in seven-on-seven drills. They practice barking out audibles in the corner of the field while their teammates do other drills. The whistle blows almost as soon as the ball is handed off as coaches make sure each player is in the right spot. And then the process repeats itself.
“It seemed like it was weird at first when he talked about the concept, but you go through it and it’s a great concept,” linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba(notes) said. “We’re doing a lot of learning, get all the mistakes out the way.”
The Raiders spent Saturday participating in their third straight day of what Cable has called a “learning-intensive” approach to football, eschewing pads, contact and running actual plays in favor of drilling fundamentals in this outdoor classroom in wine country.
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Fullback Lorenzo Neal(notes) told Cable he hadn’t seen anything like it in 17 years in the NFL. The approach is in stark contrast to what the Raiders’ cross-bay rivals are doing under coach Mike Singletary. The 49ers opened camp Saturday with two contact practices in pads as Singletary tries to instill a physical mentality with his team.
Cable says there is plenty of time for hitting later in camp, in preseason games and the regular season. So for the first four days of his camp, he’s focusing on the mental part of the game.
“When you hand them a set of pads and it’s time to go do that, they get into that part of it rather easily. That’s the way they’re wired,” Cable said. “Remember now, the NFL season starts now and it hopefully ends sometime in February for you. The human body can only take so many car crashes.”
For the Raiders, those crashes won’t begin until Monday, the fifth day of training camp. For now, they have one more day of drills that may look mundane but are ones Cable says are vital for the Raiders to reverse a six-year slide of losing.
In seven-on-seven passing drills, the quarterbacks drop back, survey the field as receivers run their patterns, then stop without making a pass. JaMarcus Russell(notes) pleaded with his coaches to be able to show off that strong arm of his to no avail, although defensive coordinator John Marshall did shout out at one point, “It’s time for a pick.”
Later in practice, the quarterbacks line up near a fence, calling signals and taking simulated snaps. They bark out audibles, hand signals and all, as quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett calls out different defensive looks.
Defenders practice their run fits, going to a particular spot to fill a gap in the defense even though no plays are being run.
Then when the team lines up for 11-on-11 drills, the quarterback takes the snap and hands off the ball, only for a whistle to blow after the blockers and defenders take just a step. That’s repeated over and over again, as coaches watch footwork and other small details.
“You’re really trying to get their mind into the who and the how part,” Cable said. “When you throw pads on, you add that combative part of it, and that really changes everything. … You’ve trained them, and now it’s just handling it the right way.”
Cable says one benefit of the approach that he first used as a college coach at Idaho is that younger players can get more practice time as the first and second teams are on separate fields, with no fear of injuries.
The players say the back-to-basics drills have been helpful, reinforcing what they learned in offseason workouts and allowing them to get back up to speed without the risk of injury.
“I think it’s great,” offensive lineman Mario Henderson(notes) said. “In my opinion, at camp when you get out the first day, you sometimes are not really focused on trying to do the right things. You’re just focused on going out there and trying to win the starting job. Sometimes that can be bad because you are going fast, but you’re not really doing your assignments. Now we have four days where we get everything down pat so then when it comes time Monday to earn a job, it’s not your assignments slowing you down.”
While the players like the approach, they’re also eager to put on the pads and hit each other like football players again.
“They are like, `Come on coach, let’s go play,”’ Cable said.
Quarterbacks are forbidden to pass the ball in seven-on-seven drills. They practice barking out audibles in the corner of the field while their teammates do other drills. The whistle blows almost as soon as the ball is handed off as coaches make sure each player is in the right spot. And then the process repeats itself.
“It seemed like it was weird at first when he talked about the concept, but you go through it and it’s a great concept,” linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba(notes) said. “We’re doing a lot of learning, get all the mistakes out the way.”
The Raiders spent Saturday participating in their third straight day of what Cable has called a “learning-intensive” approach to football, eschewing pads, contact and running actual plays in favor of drilling fundamentals in this outdoor classroom in wine country.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fullback Lorenzo Neal(notes) told Cable he hadn’t seen anything like it in 17 years in the NFL. The approach is in stark contrast to what the Raiders’ cross-bay rivals are doing under coach Mike Singletary. The 49ers opened camp Saturday with two contact practices in pads as Singletary tries to instill a physical mentality with his team.
Cable says there is plenty of time for hitting later in camp, in preseason games and the regular season. So for the first four days of his camp, he’s focusing on the mental part of the game.
“When you hand them a set of pads and it’s time to go do that, they get into that part of it rather easily. That’s the way they’re wired,” Cable said. “Remember now, the NFL season starts now and it hopefully ends sometime in February for you. The human body can only take so many car crashes.”
For the Raiders, those crashes won’t begin until Monday, the fifth day of training camp. For now, they have one more day of drills that may look mundane but are ones Cable says are vital for the Raiders to reverse a six-year slide of losing.
In seven-on-seven passing drills, the quarterbacks drop back, survey the field as receivers run their patterns, then stop without making a pass. JaMarcus Russell(notes) pleaded with his coaches to be able to show off that strong arm of his to no avail, although defensive coordinator John Marshall did shout out at one point, “It’s time for a pick.”
Later in practice, the quarterbacks line up near a fence, calling signals and taking simulated snaps. They bark out audibles, hand signals and all, as quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett calls out different defensive looks.
Defenders practice their run fits, going to a particular spot to fill a gap in the defense even though no plays are being run.
Then when the team lines up for 11-on-11 drills, the quarterback takes the snap and hands off the ball, only for a whistle to blow after the blockers and defenders take just a step. That’s repeated over and over again, as coaches watch footwork and other small details.
“You’re really trying to get their mind into the who and the how part,” Cable said. “When you throw pads on, you add that combative part of it, and that really changes everything. … You’ve trained them, and now it’s just handling it the right way.”
Cable says one benefit of the approach that he first used as a college coach at Idaho is that younger players can get more practice time as the first and second teams are on separate fields, with no fear of injuries.
The players say the back-to-basics drills have been helpful, reinforcing what they learned in offseason workouts and allowing them to get back up to speed without the risk of injury.
“I think it’s great,” offensive lineman Mario Henderson(notes) said. “In my opinion, at camp when you get out the first day, you sometimes are not really focused on trying to do the right things. You’re just focused on going out there and trying to win the starting job. Sometimes that can be bad because you are going fast, but you’re not really doing your assignments. Now we have four days where we get everything down pat so then when it comes time Monday to earn a job, it’s not your assignments slowing you down.”
While the players like the approach, they’re also eager to put on the pads and hit each other like football players again.
“They are like, `Come on coach, let’s go play,”’ Cable said.