07-30-10 4:01 pm pac                           

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                                      MLB Rolando McClain

Raider players getting themselves acclimated to close quarters and sparse entertainment at camp.

The veterans are helping set the tone with Nnamdi Asomugha and Darrius Heyward Bey continuing to work after practice.

Regarding Bey's crushingly disappointing rookie year Aso said:

"It hurt him what happened last year. "Naturally he didn’t feel good about the things that were said. It’s not like it was a secret. He knew that he didn’t play well. That hurt him. This year it looks like he’s had a different purpose.’’

Thats good news indeed considering it looks like WR Chaz Schilens left foot is bothering him more than Irish writer Christy Brown. (Ok, thats a stretch...)

No indications Schilens injured foot is broken at this point but it is sore and bothering him.

Some are already complaining that we didn’t snag T.O..

They’d be complaining more when he destroyed the team with his negativity and taunting.

Theres a reason Dallas fired him. Theres a reason the Bills let him go after one year and it wasn’t the money.

The truth is Oaklands WR corps is thin and inexperienced but has potential especially with a quarterback who stays awake during meetings.

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                                   WR Chaz Schilens

TE Zach Miller has looked great early in the off season and its no surprise to any of the QB’s that have thrown to him.

Coach Cable stressed they will try to utilize him in the red zone and get him TDs this year.

FINALLY!

Miller feels the same way.

"You see other tight ends in the league scoring a lot of touchdowns and you get a little envious. You want to be in there celebrating the touchdowns and I believe this year, finally, will be the year it comes.’’

Raider fans hope so too.

Part of Oaklands defensive woes has been its offenses lack of out put.

Raiders are without pads until Monday but that doesn’t mean things aren’t getting physical.

"This is not a walk-through,’’ tackle Langston Walker said. "They may call it that, but it’s pretty much full-go for offensive and defensive linemen.’’

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                               MLB Rolando McClain 

Oakland shocked the world last April with the sensibility of its 2010 1st round (8th overall) selection of middle linebacker Rolando McClain, signifying a renewed dedication to stopping the run, but in recent memory the Raiders have stumbled with their 1st round draft picks.

Can the Raiders count on McClain to lead their team back into prominence or are they faced with another potentially great football player with issues off field?

Watching game footage of him in college, the former Alabama All Americans film doesn’t reveal a rock solid tackling machine but rather a player who’s study habits and instincts make up for deficiencies in his game.

In fact, one of the key reasons for McClain’s selection by the silver and black may be hopes his impressive preparation and leadership can carry over into the locker room and beyond.

Its hoped the 6-3, 255 lb bruiser can be a coach on the field, making reads and audibles, making sure assignments are understood, responsibilities met and gaps filled. All things former Raider middle line backer Kirk Morrison struggled mightily with.

Morrison, (who joined the Jags this off season shortly after being released from Oakland) consistently led the Raiders in tackles, but as IBA writer Jerry McDonald put it, "...it doesn't help much when most of them are 5-7 yds down field".

It may be too much to ask of McClain to become an all pro run stopper right out of the gate, but guiding Oaklands run defense out of the statistical cellar is a must.

Its a lot to ask of a 20 yr old rookie, but McClain is not one to shy away from hard work.

Unlike some of his former team mates, McClain has always been mature for his age.

He’s had to be.

McClain is mending fences now, but bounced from home to home in his teen years as his Mother struggled with authorities and a diagnosis of bi-polar disorder.

Despite their tumultuous relationship McClain insists his Mother taught him core ideals and most importantly, right from wrong.

For the young McClain, family struggles extended beyond his Mother.

When he was 11, Rolando’s father was arrested for selling cocaine and given 3 yrs probation but wanted his son to learn from the error of his ways, taking him to the Huntsville airport to watch him wash dishes, teaching his son "There are better ways to make a living".

McClain took these lessons to heart and though he fled the strife of his teen aged home life at 15 with "the clothes he was wearing and a scholarship to Alabama" he maintained rare focus and phenomenal study habits through out his adversity.

Photo Tony Gonzales 

At Bama McClain quickly astonished coaches with his intelligence and drive, soon becoming their defensive leader.

Despite his acheivements, there are those who claim McClain was the beneficiary of a Crimson Tide defense studded with depth and talent and that may be true, but with new additions to the Raider line up on the defensive side of the ball, he may have the help he needs at the next level too.

In addition to McClain the Raiders have made moves this off season to shore their leaky run D including drafting 2^nd round selection Texas DT/DE Lamarr Houston, ditching under performing DT Gerard Warren and the aforementioned Morrison and adding bulk to their line backing corps with Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley who share McClain's ample measurements.

Former Patriot and 5 time Pro Bowler Richard Seymour couldn’t do it alone last year but with new blood on defense and a new mix of experienced players things could be different in 2010.

Especially if McClain can live up to the hype.

No matter the pitfalls or glory that await him in his burgeoning NFL career, it’s a safe bet McClain will take them in stride, keep them in perspective and work his way through them.

Just like he’s always done.

07-23-10 1:01 pm pac

                                 
                                                                                                       Raider O Coordinator Hue Jackson

With ties to Head Coach Tom Cable dating back to the 90s at Cal State Fullerton and with the California Golden Bears, new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson isn’t a complete unknown to the powers that be in Oakland but he has a lot to prove this upcoming season.

He’s got some experience as an O coordinator with the Redskins in 2003 and with Atlanta in 2007 (both teams finished 23^rd in the League on offense during his tenure but a lot of that had to do more with players and execution than plays called)

He’s known most recently as the man who helped Raven QB Joe Flacco to a productive rookie season.

Jackson was brought in with hopes of helping Oaklands stalled out QB Jamarcus Russell but has drawn the interest, and the ire of the media for his aggressive and vocal coaching of the offense during this pre seasons OTA’s.

He’s drawn the medias interest because Oaklands offense looked markedly improved and its ire because Al Davis didn’t immediately offer Hue up for their scrutiny.

Take that media...

Even with Russell gone, he will no doubt assist in coaching up new Raider QB Jason Campbell but his primary duty will be play calling.

As far as his role with the team Jackson has said:

"I'm hired as the offensive coordinator, and I'll be the primary play-caller, "That's my role. It's a chance to go out and assist the head coach and be the best offense we can be."

Lest anyone think Jackson took the job by default or had nowhere else to go, he had a choice to go with Oakland or to Chicago and chose Oakland partly because of a chance to work for Al Davis.

"What a man." Jackson said. "He's one of the guys in this profession that you would like to have an opportunity to sit down and talk with, let alone work for. My conversations with him led me here. Hopefully, things will work as planned, and I think we're capable of doing it."

Jackson’s not just a play caller as proven by his work with Flacco in Baltimore, but has also worked with Ocho Cinco, T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Chris Henry in Cincy so he can offer coaching and advice not only to Jason Campbell but Oaklands young receiving corps as well.

Extremely early indications are that Hue Jackson is and upgrade for the Oakland Raiders offense and with weapons like Michael Bush, Campbell, Darren McFadden and WR Darrius Heyward Bey to work with things could be looking up for Oaklands previously abysmal offense.

With weapons in place and a will to win there is a distinct possibilty Hue Jackson could indeed mean huge action and a massive leap in production for the Raider O.

07-19-10 2:01pm pac

                                                                      DT John Henderson

Featured Writer Jimmy Hal

John Henderson 

Getting John Henderson was a big move for the Raiders. I would call him the Richard Seymour of 2010. The only difference is that I don't think Henderson will play as many snaps as Seymour. But his presence and experience in the locker room should pay dividends.

His production and stats have fallen recently, but if he can return to his big play level, the Raiders will be happy.

Whether Henderson will actually start for the Raiders is still in question, Henderson will be a factor in run-defense. But don't underestimate his will to get to the quarterback.

I see Henderson having the same impact on Desmond Bryant and Kellen Heard that Seymour had on Matt Shaugnessy and now Lamarr Houston.

Darren McFadden

It seems Michael Bush has the edge to be the starter. Though I would be cool with that, I'm not ready to quite give up on McFadden. I can't really tell you the reasons why, at least not anything you haven't heard already.

But I can tell you that whenever McFadden gets the ball, he can take it the distance. He may be a better space player than in the tackles, but his talent is still through the roof.

Another reason I support him is because we still see coaches support him, unlike JaMarcus Russell. I think there is still something left in him.

Having Hue Jackson as a play caller should help out as well. We talk about Jackson's role in the passing game, but the Raiders should still be a running team, which means this could be a big year for McFadden and Bush.

Walter McFadden

The Raiders have done a good job in finding talent in late rounds in the draft. Who is it going to be in 2010?

I don't consider the second round to be a late round, so Lamarr Houston is out. Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell are far too raw to have impacts as rookies. Our special teams have to improve before I put Jacoby Ford on that list, though he may see some time as a specialty player on offense.

Travis Goethel should be a decent back-up to Rolando McClain, but he lacks the overall athleticism that McClain has.

That leaves Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware. Both are getting there cleats handed to them in OTA's as rookie corners, but with Asomugha as an on field mentor, they should be okay. The question is, who has the bigger impact, McFadden or Ware?

My pick is Walter McFadden. Both are physical, but I give Ware the edge in that category. But McFadden's combination of both physicality and ball skills give him the advantage of seeing more playing time.

I don't think he will unseat Chris Johnson in week one of the season, or even week 17 for that matter. But he will see a lot of time and may come out with three or more picks. McFadden, and hopefully Asomugha, in year two will look awfully nice.

As far as Ware is concerned, Stanford Routt better watch his back in year two.

                                                                                                                     WR Darrius Heyward Bey

Darrius Heyward Bey

Louis Murphy was our best receiver hands down in 2009. But to call him our most consistent is a stretch. As a rookie, that's okay.

I know people look at all the big plays Murphy had last year, but he had just as many ugly ones. The fact is, even if Murphy is our best receiver, he still can't do it alone and Tight End Zach Miller can only do so much.

Darrius Heyward-Bey had a rookie year to forget. But rather than sink into his guaranteed money, he continued to work. He didn't even take time off to visit his family back in Maryland, but rather stayed in Alameda to get healthy and train.

Now he is looking a whole lot better and building a chemistry with new quarterback Jason Campbell saying:

"He's looking for me. When I'm out there, I'm just thinking the ball's coming to me every down, no matter who the quarterback is."

I know that most will say it's just practice, but that is the confidence of a first round pick talking regardless. If DHB can get about 40 receptions for 500-550 yards and five TD's, that's huge.

Now I know I talked about Murphy being our best receiver, but overall, I think that Chaz Schilens is still our best bet.

The issue is still the injuries. That will continue to be the issue until he can go a full 16 games. It was assumed that Schilens was going to be out until training camp. But surprisingly he has already returned to the field.

This is huge, because even DHB and Murphy know that if the Raiders are going to be better offensively, the three of them need to be on the field at the same time. If Schilens stays healthy, I don't see why he can't have a huge jump in stats.

Jason Campbell

This is the biggest "What If?" in this whole slideshow.

Acquiring Jason Campbell was the best move of 2010. It was clear that Jamarcus Russell was not the answer, and getting Campbell proved that while still looking toward the future. Campbell making the Pro-Bowl is a stretch as he would have to overcome a lot, but I think a lot would be said through this accomplishment.

5)Zach Miller makes the Pro-Bowl as Campbell's number one target.

4) Free agents see Oakland in a new light as they consider new teams.

3)It throws Campbell's success right back in the Redskins face.

2) It says a lot about the Raiders change in culture.

1) The Raiders make the playoffs.

True, the Raiders don't need Campbell to put in a Pro-Bowl performance in order to make the playoffs, but I think if Campbell does make the pro-bowl, the Raiders will make the playoffs. Does that make sense?

07-18-10 2:22 pm pac

                     
                                                                          WR Darrius Heyward Bey

Featured Writer Jimmy Hal

The Oakland Raiders have no doubt improved their team. During a long seven years of losing, the Raiders seem to have a genuine plan to bring back some respectability to a historic franchise.

Now the Raiders have made moves this offseason that have the fans and even the media on watch. They have had a quality draft, made smart moves in free agency, and got rid of dead weight. But until we actually see the results on the field, everything up until now is speculation.

So the question is, what if all the good decisions they made this offseason actually pay off? How good can the Raiders be in 2010? Only time will tell.

So I ask: What if....?

Tom Cable

I personally have been a Cable supporter. Not so much because of his resume, but mainly because of his attitude. He's a no nonsense kind of coach who has the ability to show support and caring for his players. I like those kinds of traits because they are more rare than most people think.

Another good trait of Cable is that he is a good motivator. All his players are willing to play hard for him. It has been a long time since the Raiders have had that kind of presence.

However, during his first year and a half as head coach, Cable has stretched himself a bit thin. He wanted to be a head coach, O-line, and a play caller.

With all that responsibility, plus the fact that he isn't the best play caller, Cable hasn't had the grip on this team that he may want. Not to mention Mr. Davis' faith in Jamarcus Russell and hold on the defense.

But now, Cable has found a real OC and is building a defense that fits what John Marshall really wants to do. So now he can have the support around him so he can execute the plan he has had since getting the Head Coaching position.

Samson Satele

When the Raiders acquired Samson Satele last year, I think many fans were excited. It was clear that Jake Grove was not the long term answer at center. Satele didn't really take the job with authority and really struggled with the concepts of the Zone Blocking Scheme.

The struggles were so apparent, that he didn't even begin the season as the starter. When Satelle did become the starter, he did an adequate job but still seemed uncomfortable. It wasn't until about week 10 that Satelle actually played with the reputation that attracted the Raiders to him in the first place.

Now with a full off-season under his belt, Satelle is going into the season as the favorite once again. The difference is that he has fully grasped what the Raiders are asking of him.

With a better quarterback behind him, Satelle should be able to see the field with some assurance. A quarterback and center relationship is just as important as a quarterback and receiver, just ask Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday.

Rolando McClain

The leader of one of the Raiders better drafts is Rolando McClain. McClain had a outstanding College career playing for a tough Nick Saban. In a 3-4 defense, McClain strived enough to lead his defense to win a National Championship and win the Dick Butkis award for linebackers.

Now McClain is in a 4-3 defense that actually will allow him to roam around more than a 3-4 would. If the Raiders do decide to one day go to a 3-4, as some speculate, McClain would have at least been used to the system.

If McClain won the Defensive rookie of the Year award, that would mean he would get a whole lot of help from his defensive teammates. Which means the defense as a whole should play a lot better than in the recent past.

NEXT: Part Two...

07-16-10 1:17 pm pac                              

                                                          QB Jason Campbell: "Something, something, Dark Side..."

Featured Writer: Jimmy Hal

It is widely assumed that new Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell is a much needed upgrade than the draft bust that was JaMarcus Russell.

It is clear from both mainstream media and Oakland Raider fans alike, that if Russell were to stay with the Silver and Black, the team and franchise would continue to plummet. Luckily, the Oakland Raider franchise has come to this realization as well, cutting ties with the disappointing quarterback.

Now it seems to be a new vibe with Jason Campbell that is being felt with the team, and has the fan base smiling once again.

About a week ago, it was being reported that Campbell was working out with the indecisive Vikings quarterback Brett Favre. Now as the mainstream media strictly focused on Favre's intentions on returning to the NFL, Raider fans rejoiced in hearing about Campbell's work habits.

Many B/R authors mentioned Campbell's off-season activity in their articles—explaining how refreshing it is to have an Oakland quarterback taking pride in his craft. Though, this news would soon be over shadowed by a more negative message.

Just a few days later former Raider quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested for possession of Codeine Syrup—the main ingredient for a popular "Hip-Hop" drink known as "Purple Drank." It's a very dangerous drink that causes the mind to have a strong side effect of lethargy. A characteristic common of Russell's reputation that often brought criticism.

Instantly, Campbell's good work ethic was tainted by Russell's bad habits. Though, Raider fans still realize that Campbell is helping to bring a changing a culture in Oakland.

Though current players have not personally jabbed JaMarcus Russell, their comments leave little doubt that he was holding back the team, and that they are displaying faith in Russell's replacement.

Imagine, if the Raiders hadn't traded for Campbell and decided to stick with their underachieving investment, only to have his illegal behavior and/or intentions be linked to the Oakland Raider franchise.

The media would rip the Raiders apart.

So, although the media may not have praised the Raiders for Campbell's work with a future Hall of Famer, at least they can not pin Russell's lack of judgement to the Raiders either.

I don't mean to speak for all of Raider Nation, but on their behalf I would like to thank Jason Campbell for his dedication not only to the Raiders but to football as well as we are all fans of the game.

So even if Campbell does struggle in 2010, at least we know he will be giving his best effort. That is something we can at least respect.