Oakland Raiders’ Injured: Progress Report

Its no secret that injuries are a part of every team.

Here’s a look at the Raiders injuries and what they mean coming into week two.

 

Khalif Barnes—Doubtful (Ankle)

He has been allowed to resume practice but is still unlikely to play in the game. As of now he is set to backup Mario Henderson. If he continues to refuse to play the right, barring injury, he won’t see the field much. Barnes also plays the extra TE in goal line situations and his return could boost the goal line and short yardage production.

 

Johnnie Lee Higgins—Questionable (Shoulder)

He sprained an AC joint in his shoulder after an impressive hit by a Charger safety Monday night. He underwent an MRI and the severity of the injury won’t be known until tonight.

 

Javon Walker—Questionable (Knee)

Walker believes he is healthy and ready to go. Tom Cable and the training staff have said otherwise…Very puzzling. Does this suggest Cable has lack of faith in the reciever or is just being over cautious. There is also talk of Walker retuning punts.

 

Nick Miller—Doubtful (Ankle)

What was first though to be shin splints turned out to be a broken bone just above his ankle. Miller hopes he won’t be placed on IR but it is a possibility as the injury often takes 4-6 weeks to recover from. Miller and Higgins are both important parts of the return game.

 

Justin Fargas—Probable (Hamstring)

His status according to Raiders.com is still listed as questionable. But the site is known for its slow updates and still says it is only week one. Justin Fargas is most likely to suit up for Sunday’s game, if only to receive limited reps. It would be a mistake to play him if he isn’t fully recovered.

 

Chaz Schilens—Out (Foot)

He has been cleared to begin running again. Though a return Sunday morning is improbable it is not impossible with a week three return against the Broncos more likely.

Jason Horton—IR (Foot)

Mike Hawkins—IR (Undisclosed)

For the most part these injuries are minor but may still slow the Raiders offense a little.

With two other capable backs (maybe even three including Louis Rankin) there is no need to rush Justin Fargas to the field. He shouldn’t return until he is fully recovered. I’m sure a good deal of Raider fans didn’t miss him last week.

The return game is hampered by injury. With Nick Miller out fourth string running back, Louis Rankin, took over kick returns. In Higgins absence, Hiram Eugene has taken over punt return duties and reports say it isn’t pretty.

Maybe the Raiders should look into bringing back return specialist Justin Miller. As far as I know he is still teamless. Or just throw McFadden back there on punt returns, he did it in college.

The receiver injuries hurt the passing game a lot. Higgins lead all Oakland receivers last year and Schilens was a beast in preseason. Having both of them available will make JaMarcus’ life a lot easier. Javon Walker? Well, he is a wildcard, I’m not completely buying into his miraculous recovery and return to form.

For now lets just hope for quick recoveries from all the injured Raiders.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Breaking Down Louis Murphys Non-Catch

There is alot of debate on whether or not Louis Murphys “catch” towards the end of the first half monday night against the Chargers was rightfully over-turned.

Me myself after reading numerous opinions on the play am unsure. But heres by best attempt at being unbiased in a break-down of the play.

First heres the rule and refferee Carl Cheffars explanation:

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 of the NFL Rule Book (page 51) states that “if a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact with an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone.

“If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.”

Cheffers: “We had a situation where the receiver caught the pass in the air and as he is coming down to the ground, he is actually going to the ground. That’s a defined term in our rule book, a player, a receiver who is going to the ground.

“The rule book says, if a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass, with or without contact by opponent—so that can be on his own; In this case, he got hit by an opponent—he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or in the end zone.

“If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.

“That wasn’t the case. What we ruled, what we saw in replay, was that he was going to the ground, as he came down the ball came loose, he lost control of the ball, the ball skidded along the ground, he eventually completely lost control of the ball. So, by rule, by what we saw in review, it’s an incomplete pass.”

On the play Murphy appears to catch the ball over the defender and and come down on both feet…Touchdown right?

Well aparently not, according to Cheffers response in an interview the fact that Murphy was on his way to the ground negates the fact that he got two feet down. He has to maintain possesion all the way to and while one the ground. 

Then theres the fact that his butt also hits the ground before he drops it. Regarding the rules of possesion a but is equal to two feet and equals possesion.

Well apaerently the fact that he is going to the ground still applies here. So far the rule has negated possesion with two feet and a butt which is technically equivalent to four steps in the endzone.

So assuming all that is proper interpretation of the rule and he didn’t have possesion prior to the drop…Is that a fair rule? And when exactly is the act of catching the ball complete?

Now on the the actual drop.

After he rolls over onto his knees the ball does move. Does this mean he has lost control of the ball?

Some Raider fans even argue the ball doesn’t actually fully come out until he is in the process of getting up off the ground.

Then theres one more NFL rule. In order to over-turn a play called on the field there must be irrefuttable evidence.

Let me ask you…Is it really irrefuttable that Louis Murphy dropped that ball?

Then there is one more issue.

Many Raider fans argue that we were cheated out of a win on that play. Really?

It was tied at the end of the second qaurter and we were able to take the lead with a field goal rather than the TD.

Even if we were robbed four points (the difference in the score) we still had a chance to stop the Chargers on the game winning drive. We just failed to do so.

And even if we had those four points that doesn’t result in a win. That would have meant overtime and we still would have had to beat the Chargers in overtime play.

So Raider Nation what do you think? Was it a catch? Were we robbed? Or was it a correct call?

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Richard Seymour: How Does He Fit Into Raider Defense?

Ok Raider nation… All is looking well, we just got an outstanding defender and five time Pro-Bowler to help bolster our questionable d-line.

But one problem. How does a 6’6” 310 pound 3-4 defensive end fit into a 4-3?

I’m sorry but this trade really threw me off.

Do the Raiders play Burgess at D-end? Well at his size he will likely only be used in running situations and that doesn’t bode well for him if he really plans on being the guy on top of the QB.

If he does play D-end he will likely take over Jay Richardson’s spot being subed out for Trevor Scott on passing downs.

Does he play the 3-technique D-tackle spot. He’s an ideal build, but that job is already taken by Tommy Kelly who actually does a pretty good job.

If he were to play that would send a definate message to Kelly. With Kelly and Seymour rotating in at the 3-technique we would definately get max production out of the position. Only problem is we are still neglecting the one or zero-technique nose-tackle that we’ve been forgeting to address for so many years.

Nose-tackle maybe?

I say pretty unlikely. Seymour doesn’t have the build to play the nose and his talents may end up wasted if hes put there. He is too tall and too good of a pass rusher to play the position. But hey, if I’m wrong that would be pretty nice as we are still missing a true nose-tackle.

Is it possible we could be transitioning to more of a 3-4 defense? Its starting to seem more realistic every day. We have the linebackers especially with Ricky getting reps in the middle. We have the D-ends Tommy Kelly and now Richard Seymour.

Greg Ellis no doubt can play line-backer in a 3-4. We seem to be blitzing more than in the past. But still, were missing that all important nose-tackle.

With our defensive personnel why not run a hybrid defense if only to throw offenses off a little.

So Raider-nation if you think you have an explanation on how Seymour fits into our defense please enlighten me.

Though I guess we are likely to get a glimpse of how he will be used tonight.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Ten Things the Oakland Raiders Need to Do in Their Final Preseason Game

Its no secret the Raiders have been missing a few things in the first three preseason games. You know like a defense and a running game.

Heres a list of things that the Raiders will need to do in order to show us their ready for the Monday Night game against San Diego and in order to rebuild fan confidence in the team.

Begin Slideshow

Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Stepped His Game Up But Where’s Everybody Else?

After one horrible Raider game some fans are already calling for JaMarcus Russell’s head.

Why? Did they even watch the game? Did they see how Russell played?

For once we can say the QB is not the problem with the Raiders.

JaMarcus Russell’s performance was probably the only solid thing to come out of that game. Well I guess Desmond Bryant had a good game and we learned our safeties can tackle.

Why fix what’s not broken? It’s like drafting a running back in the first round when you already have a top ten rushing team.

Russell had a great game 12-for-18 for 153 yards. He even showed great mobility escaping the rush, scrambling right and threading the needle to hit Louis Murphy for a first down… Oh wait sorry… Ronald Curry. Louis Murphy dropped that one.

JaMarcus threw at least three catchable balls that were dropped by his recievers, and he threw at least one first down pass that was negated by a holding call.

Had the Raider receivers not had a case of the dropsies today Russell could easily have been 16-for-19 for over 200 yards.

Sure Russell was sacked but the defender got to him nearly untouched. That’s on the blocking not him. INTs can be put on Russell which he has zero of this preseason.

JaMarcus Russell stepped his game up when the Raiders brought in Jeff Garcia. Russell even held his own personal passing camp and personally paid for Raider receivers to come to his home town in Alabama to get some extra practice.

It is the rest of the team that needs to step up.

First, the running backs: Bush one atempt one yard. McFadden three atempts zero yards.

Yes our running game was horrible. I understand its preseason and the passing game is what needs the most work. But come on. McFadden and Bush combining for one yard on four carries and a fumble?

That is horrible playcalling so next I’m calling out Tom Cable and the coaching staff. I understand preseason doesn’t really matter but why go out there without a gameplan on either side of the ball. You also have to make the game watchable and at least act like you care about the outcome of the game. One carrie for Bush was ridiculous.

The QB was pressured too much and it seems the right side off the O-line sucks. Where was Cornell Green on that sack fumble? Green was on the ground after whiffing on a block.

Please, Khalif Barnes, get well soon.

If the last two games are any indication of how Cable will coach in the regular season then we can look forward to another top ten pick and another new coach next offseason.

The defense was also disgustingly bad. Nnamdi Asomugha was beat at least twice which is very rare. On one of those, had it not been for Michael Huff being in the right place at the right time, the play would have resulted in a TD.

Then theres Stanford Rout. I admittedly defended him after the Dallas game but I can’t any longer. The aposing QB once again singled this guy out not only completing passes to the man he was covering but also drawing back to back PI calls.

Our run-D also continued to suck as we gave up way to many be plays on the ground.

Out of the Front seven Bryant, Brown and Howard looked good, the rest not so much. We need to get more sacks and bring more pressure. In three weeks we have three sacks, two of which happen to be by DT Desmond Bryant.

Where’s this new pressure defense John Marshall promised us? And where are our pass-rushing D-ends Trevor Scott and Greg Ellis?

Pursuit and tackling of all our linebackers was almost disgraceful.

The middle of the field was easy pickings for Brees. I don’t know if it was the absence of Morrison or what. Lets hope when Mitchell gets to see the field he can bring some improvement.

I know its just preseason but I am now officially worried about the Chargers game.

Hey Broncos, No One Wants Brandon Marshall, You’re Stuck With Him

No that’s not Brandon Llyod wearing number 84, that’s disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Marshall with a scout-team jersey. And yes, those are Bronco pajama bottoms. He sure takes practice seriously.

First that, and then his recent antics in practice. Marshall is making the Broncos’ practices, and the organization as a whole, look like a joke. Not only that, but he made himself look like an immature fool while killing any interest any other NFL team may have had in him.

As punishment, the Broncos gave him a two week suspension…That’ll teach him.

All that, and the Broncos claim they aren’t going to trade him and haven’t been in negotiations with other teams.

Bull shit.

If you believe that, then you’re probably one of those people who believed Cutler wouldn’t be traded, Santa Claus filled your stockings, Favre would stay retired, and the war was over after Bush’s “victory achieved speech.”

Now, because all of that happened, the Broncos have lost all leverage they had in trading Marshall. Even if they wanted to trade him now, it is pretty much too late. They should have traded him before he made a jackass of himself, killing his trade value.

No doubt the Broncos have been working day and night to get rid of this head-case. The only problem is no one else wants him. Or at least, no one will pay what the Broncos want, which is likely in the neighborhood of a first and a third-round draft-pick.

The Broncos are stuck with their high-flying, injury-prone, suspension-prone, arrest-prone, problem child of a receiver.

The Giants don’t want him and their fans don’t want the baggage that comes with him. Plus the Giants just spent two draft picks on receivers Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden.

The Ravens don’t want him; Derrick Mason just pulled a Brett Favre and un-retired. Plus, the Ravens don’t deal with players with off-the-field issues and character issues.

The Jets don’t want him simply for the same reason the Ravens don’t want him. Former Ravens DC Rex Ryan doesn’t deal with head-cases like Marshall, either.

The 49ers don’t want him; they already have enough diva receivers in Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Why give up another first-round draft-pick just to add another talented distraction. Plus, I don’t think Marshall is the type to be motivated by male frontal nudity.

The Bears? Yeah, I’m sure they’re interested, but Marshall will not land on the Bears as long as the Broncos have anything to say about it.

You can just simply rule out the rest of the AFC west because the Broncos won’t trade him within the division. And the other three teams in the AFC west won’t even consider Marshall unless they know they are getting the upper hand in the deal.

Then you can go ahead and rule out all of the Broncos’ 2009 opponents. How would it make the Broncos look if Marshall came back to Denver on an opposing team, only to have a huge game in a win over the Broncos.

The only way I see anyone trading for Marshall is if one team becomes desperate before the week six trade deadline, like the Cowboys did last year.

The Broncos can’t even just cut or release Marshall. If they do, then they run the risk of him being reunited with Cutler, or even worse, being picked up by a division rival.

So what’s going to happen with Brandon Marshall?

The simple answer is Bronco fans are going to get exactly what they all wanted…Brandon Marshall will remain a Denver Bronco.

And not only do they get Brandon Marshall, they get a huge distraction who undermines the coaching. They get a disgruntled player who cares more about himself than the team and will negatively influence some of the younger Broncos. And quite simply, they get a waste of roster space and talent.

But that is what the Broncos are stuck with.

Javon Walker: A Star Reborn Or Fading For Raiders Fans?

This year, Raider-Nation has been flying high on optimism and hope. There have been alot of positive things to give Raider fans hope.

Last year, under Head Coach Tom Cable, the Raiders looked like a team for the first time in years. They showed great improvement over the last six games going 3-3 to finish the season with 2 back-to-back wins over playoff hopeful teams in Denver, Houston, and Tampa Bay.

This off-season, the Raiders brought in a good deal of free-agent talent, bolstering the o-line and adding veteran leadership. Their receiving core is finally looking like a quality unit, and Chaz Schilens seems poised for an eminent break-out year.

Just this week, the Raiders handed “America’s Team” a 31-10 beat-down. And to make things better, the rest of the AFC West seems to be in shambles and disarray.

But, after a positive series of moves and performances, the events of the last two weeks brought many of us crashing back to earth.

First, Tom Cable allegedly broke Randy Hansons jaw by punching him, throwing him across a room, or pulling a chair out from under him. Then, JaMarcus Russell throw new target, Chaz Schilens, goes down with a broken bone in his foot, out 4-6 weeks. Now, four time Pro-Bowler and veteran FB Lorenzo Neal, is placed on I.R. after suffering an injury.

In our 21-10 loss to the 49ers, we were reminded how bad our run defense is. In the same game, Raider leading tackler Kirk Morrison, went down with a dislocated elbow, out at least two weeks.

All that and we are only half way through preseason.

So where does the enigma, Javon Walker fit in? Is he a reason for hope or just another set-back like he was last year?

He has gone through some good and bad times; lately more bad than good. But some are expecting him to return to his former play-making self.

In 2004, he gained 1382 yards on 89 receptions and 12 TDs for the Green Bay Packers. In 2005, he threatened to hold-out for a bigger contract, only to suffer a season ending knee injury in the first game of the season after recording a career low four receptions for 27 yards.

Then in 2006, Walker was traded to the Denver Broncos for a second round pick. Many questioned whether he would return to form after a knee injury, but in 2006, he proved his doubters wrong with 69 receptions and 1084 yards.

Then the New Years Day 2007 tragedy struck for Javon Walker.

While at a night-club, Brandon Marshall and his cousin got into a confrontation with some patrons. The patrons were allegedly throwing up gang signs and were escorted out of the building.

Walker had no knowledge of the aforementioned dispute. Outside the club after closing time, Walker and fellow Bronco Darrent Williams saw Marshall and his cousin engaged in a heated verbal fight. The two intervened and eventually left in a stretch Hummer being rented for the night by Williams.

Local rappers identified the unhappy patrons outside, as the same people Marshall and his cousin were involved in an altercation inside the club with.

Later that night, a few miles from the club, Williams’ car was attacked in a drive-by shooting. Williams would die in the arms of fellow team-mate Javon due to a gun shot wound to the neck.

To this day, many question how he is dealing with Williams death.

For his next two seasons, Walker was never the same person or player on the field.

In 2007, he would only play in 8 games making 26 receptions for 287 yards. Then in 2008, things finally started looking up for Walker. He signed a huge contract with the Oakland Raiders for six years, $55 million, and a $16 million dollar signing bonus.

Then came June 17th 2008.

After a night of heavy drinking and big spending where Walker spent $15,000 on champagne, he was found beaten, robbed, and left unconscious with multiple broken bones in his face. That paired with more knee problems, and Walker was limited to 15 receptions, 196 yards, and one TD.

Then fast forward to now and it would seem either all is well for Javon, as some are predicting him as the come-back player of the year. Or his recovery is being over-hyped, which can only resort in hordes of disappointed Raider fans.

First, Walker restructured his monstrous contract saving the Raiders over 9 million in cap space. One stipulation for his new contract was he would remain with the team through 2009, and he couldn’t be traded or released.

Also this off-season, Walker has said he’s done alot of soul searching.

He traveled all over the world to places like the Dead Sea and Israel. Pretty much, he went Dahani Jones on us.

Then this off-season, Walker had a “new revolutionary” surgery on his knee. He actually said now is the first time in three years he is able to play without any pain in his knee.

And then there’s the reports of how he looks. He actually looks great running, catching, making cuts, etc,. Hes even said he feels faster than he’s ever been before.

All that seems amazing, but can it all be true? Will Walker be able to deal with his tragic past? No doubt memories of Williams death will plague him for the rest of his life.

Which Walker will we see this year- the one we saw last year or something more resembling his 2004-2006 seasons?

Well, we will find out the answers to these questions soon enough.

This weekend against the Saints, Walker is expected to make his 2009 preseason debut and alot of questions will be answered.

Oakland Raiders: Is Michael Bush Our Starting Running Back?

For the Oakland Raiders, it’s not quite clear who the starting running back is. Many would even say “starter” is nothing more than a “title” for the Raiders’ running backs—a title which is almost meaningless.

Tom Cable just announced JaMarcus Russell as the starting QB. Thanks, Captain Obvious…I mean Coach Cable. Why not announce something we didn’t all already know, like who will be the starting HB or what really happened with Randy Hanson?

The first week in preseason against Dallas, Justin Fargas got the go-ahead to start. He only had one carry for 2 yards, not very impressive granted it was only one carry. He did block well, however.

After that game, Cable said he would make a decision between McFadden and Bush for the 49ers game and the “odd man out” would start the following week. He chose McFadden, who only got four carries for five yards and one reception for five yards. That’s not what many were expecting out of him. Also, JaMarcus Russell was sacked after tripping over McFadden in the backfield.

This upcoming game against the Saints, Michael Bush will get his chance to work with the first team. Let’s hope he can out-perform Fargas and McFadden.

After the Cowboys game, Cable also said we wouldn’t get a real look at what the Raiders’ running game would look like until week three of preseason. Is it just a coincidence that it’s the same week where Michael Bush gets his chance to shine. 

Well, maybe it is just a coincidence, but what if it isn’t? What if “odd man out” means starter in Cables language?

Speaking of coincidences, did you know the Raiders are undefeated when Bush exceeds 15 carries?

And if Cable were to pick a back to recieve a more prominent role in the offense, why not pick the big bruiser with patience, vision, speed, and strength? With his 6’1” 245-pound frame, he can easily be mistaken for a FB. He’s also a load for defenders to take down. He has the strength to break tackles and fight for extra yardage.

For his size, he is also deceptively fast with 4.4 speed. Any time he breaks free, he is a threat to take it to the house, if not gaining huge chunks of yardage.

Will this be the year Justin Fargas takes a diminished role for a younger back?

If so, why not give Michael Bush the bulk of the carries? He is arguably the most talented, best suited to start, most versatile, and when given a chance he’s outperformed the other two.

Last year in Week 2, he ran for 90 yards on 16 carries and a TD. In Week 17, when the other two backs were down with an injury, he rushed for 177 yards on 27 carries and two TDs. The Raiders won both of those games.

Bush can also be a dangerous threat catching the ball out of the backfield. Over his short career, he has averaged over eight yards per reception, including seven catches for 80 yards against San Diego in Week 4, and five receptions for 43 yards in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. Both teams have notably stout defenses.

With his mix of size, speed, vision, and patience, Bush is much in the mold of Steven Jackson, who has been a Pro Bowler and is often towards the top of the league in rushing.

Michael Bush’s vision and patience can likely be attributed to his superior knowledge of the game. He was a high school QB, and was originally brought to Louisville with intentions of playing QB. He was not only the running back at Louisville but the backup, QB also. In high school, he was All-State in five positions.

Don’t get me wrong: I am all about the running-back-by-committee thing. It worked pretty well for the Giants last year. If one player were to carry the title of “starter”, I’m all for Justin Fargas. He deserves it. That guy bleeds silver and black and plays with more intensity than anyone. And like I said, “starter” is just a title, why not give it to the vet?

What I want to see is better balance between the three backs, unlike last year where Fargas got the majority of carries. Bush and Fargas can be that one-two punch of jabs and hooks, while McFadden can be that upper-cut or wild haymaker, the knock-out punch.

Here’s how I want to see it.

Give Fargas his novelty starting “title” and give him maybe 15 carries a game. Make sure they’re all between the 20’s though, because Fargas is garbage in the red-zone.

Use Bush throughout the game and as a short-yardage and red-zone back. He can rack up all the TDs and first downs. Also, Bush as a closer is a must—just imagine tired defenders trying to tackle him while he falls forward for two extra yards. He should get at least 15 carries.

McFadden should be used sparingly as the game-breaker. He should be brought in as a receiver, and as a change-of-pace back. He should be used sparingly and kept fresh so he is a threat throughout the game receiving about 15 touches total on the ground and through the air. 

Even with McFadden getting the least carries, he can still get his touches in other ways. Whether it be receiving the ball out of the backfield, slot, or in the Wild-Cat formation, he can be used all over the field. McFadden will still be a big part of the offense. He can even be used as an effective decoy or put in motion to create mismatches.

So what if McFadden was the fourth overall pick and we stole Bush in the fourth round? Who cares if everyone playing fantasy football is picking McFadden to have a break-out year?

Prior to Bush’s college injury, he was the preseason leader to receive the Heisman. Had he not broken his leg in the first game, after scoring three TDs might I add, he likely would have been the first back taken in the draft ahead of Adrian Peterson.

That’s about 40 carries between the three backs. This should leave Russell with about 15-20 pass attempts, which should be all he needs.

So, to recap: Fargas=starter, Bush=workhorse, McFadden=game-breaker

Whatever happens, this year, the Raiders are looking to be dominant on the ground. Let’s just hope Cable finds a way to get them all the ball.

Is Kirk Morrison’s Injury Bad for the Raiders or Just Bad News for Him?

In the Raiders second preseason game they lost another starter to injury, last week it was WR Chaz Schilens, this week it was middle linebacker Kirk Morrison.

He reportedly dislocated his shoulder trying to make a tackle when someone landed on it, trainers had to pop it back in on the sideline.

Morrison is expected to miss at least two weeks and he may miss out in the Charger game opening week, but he wants to return as soon as possible.

“I feel great. Just a little sore,” Morrison said in the locker room afterward. “Give it a couple weeks to let it rest, let it heal. Just kind of aiming for that season opener. Maybe get out there for Seattle a little bit (on Sept. 3).”

“No Seattle,” Morrison’s teammate and friend, Thomas Howard said from the next locker. “Ain’t gonna let you play.”

Though Morrison wants to play as soon as possible, the Raiders aren’t willing to risk his health in a meaningless practice game.

Morrison reasons for wanting to play are obvious. He is fighting for his job as him and Ricky Brown have been splitting starting reps.

Brown’s performance including a long interception early in the SF game may even have given him an edge over Morrison in the competition to start.

Now with Morrison out for at least the remaining preseason, that gap may even get wider over the next two weeks.

If Brown can excel where Morrison didn’t: Attacking the line of-scrimmage, shedding blocks, blitzing, whatever, then the days of seeing No. 52 in the middle of the Raiders defense may be over.

But this may not all be bad news. Morrison’s ability and performance has been criticized by some lately and some would even say Ricky Brown may be more suited for the middle.

But don’t count out Morrison yet. When he returns he is likely to return with a fire we have never seen from him before, especially if Brown is named as starter over Morrison.

What happens if Morrison returns but proves to be less than or a near equal to Brown?

Well, there has been talk of moving Morrison back outside, maybe this will be what finally makes it happen.

If Morrison doesn’t re-earn his starting spot this season then I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t resigned in the offseason. Especially considering not only Morrison but Jon Alston, Thomas Howard, and Ricky Brown are all on contract years also.

I know last year no one expected the Raiders to resign both Lechlar and Asomugha. This year I’m doubting the Raiders resign all four linebackers, though considering last year and the fact that it is uncapped year it is not impossible.

So what do you think about the Morrison injury, a blessing in disguise or just plain bad news?

Oakland Raiders Impressed with Oren O’Neals Recovery, Lorenzo Neal Released

The Raiders must be happy with fullback Oren O’Neal’s knee recovery, because the team just released veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal.

With little need for two blocking fullbacks, one of them became expendable, and the coaching staff decided it was the aging vet.

So, what does this mean for the Raiders?

First, the obvious: O’Neal is ready to go and is now the starting fullback.

Next, it means the competition for that backup role between Marcel Reece, Gary Russell, and Luke Lawton just got a bit more exciting. All three of the players competing for the spot can also be considered as receiving fullbacks whose skills complement O’Neals well.

The Raiders made this move in order to sign safety and former Raider Rashad Baker, likely either because of Al Davis’s love for speedy defensive backs or because the team is not happy with the position.

At FB I am hoping for HB/WR turned FB Marcel Reece, if you don’t know why check out his highlight reel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJnWMG7Y00Y

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