Will the Raiders Feature a New Defensive Scheme This Year?

It’s no secret that the Raiders’ base defense this year will be a 4-3, but who’s to say it won’t be a little more complicated than that? What is stopping Oakland from occasionally implementing a 3-4 scheme in order to hide weaknesses and confuse the offense?

It seems more and more likely, especially considering that the Raiders have been bringing in a good deal of “tweeners” at defensive end, including Slade Norris and Stryker Sulak. Even Derrick Burgess and recent addition Greg Ellis can fit this label.

One clue to the possibility of a 4-3/3-4 hybrid is the talk coming from head coach Tom Cable and defensive coordinator John Marshall of “stand up” d-ends, although it wasn’t specified whether these would be an every-down thing or just on passing downs.

It also wasn’t specified whether one or both d-ends would “stand up.”

This brings up another question: If a defensive end is in a two-point stance rather than a three, has he become a linebacker?

Another clue to a possible 3-4 look is the recent change in position of former outside linebacker Ricky Brown to the middle, backing up Kirk Morrison. 

If the Raiders do occasionally run a 3-4, where the defensive end on Brown’s side stands up, thus making him the inside linebacker next to Morrison, it would explain why Brown has been practicing in the middle lately.

If this were to happen, it would only be on occasion and would not be used throughout the game due to a lack of depth in larger defensive linemen.

The transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 would be simple and look something like this: in the base 4-3, the defensive line would consist of Jay Richardson, Gerard Warren, Tommy Kelly, and Ellis or Burgess. 

The linebackers would then include Thomas Howard, Morrison, and Brown or possibly Frantz Joseph.

All that needs to be done to change to a 3-4 is a slight line shift and a stance change from Ellis and Brown (or Joseph) become the inside linebacker.

Of course, I could just be completely wrong and over analyzing. Maybe the talk of the “stand up” defensive ends is just an added way to improve pass rush. 

Maybe tweener defensive ends are being brought in to satisfy owner Al Davis’s love for speed. 

Maybe Brown is playing middle because Morrison is moving outside or Joseph is an inadequate backup.

Who knows?

10 Reasons the Oakland Raiders May Be the Most Exciting Team to Watch This Year

This year things are finally looking up for the Raiders.  This year there may even be reason to watch the silver and black,  even if you aren’t a fan or have a Raider on your fantasy team.  Here are my top ten reasons why the Raiders will be the most exciting team to watch.

10.  The Haters.  Yes Raiders Hating is like always running rampant,  there may even be just as many haters as fans.  Examples include Mel Kiper,  Chris Carter,  Chris Mortenson  well you get the picture basically all of NFL Network BSPN and anyone who buys into the garbage they preach. 

Just think how great it will be when all these people are forced to eat their own words.

9.  Celebration Time.   I remember when I played football one point the coaches always stressed (especially to freshmen and non-skill positions) was when you reach the end-zone act like you’ve been there before. 

Don’t be surprised if a few players,  namely Johnnie Lee Higgins,  act like they’ve forgotten what the endzone is and once one player starts celebrating that energy is often contagious.  Also don’t be surprised if you see  Janokowski kicking point afters from 15 yards back.

8. The Fans.  Raiders fans are some of the best and arguably most passionate fans in sports and we know how to show our colors.  Whether it be silver and black war paint,  masks,  team gear whatever it always looks like Halloween if the Raiders are playing in Oakland.

7.  The Cannon.  JaMarcus Russell has quite possibly the strongest arm in all of football,  though I’m sure Jay Cutler would protest.  Give him some protection and some time to further develop his accuracy and confidence and he may be the next John Elway.

6.  Raider Speed.  We’re not just talking regular speed but Raider speed I mean sub 4.3 speed,  game breaking speed and the Raiders have plenty of it to go around:  Justin Miller,  Darren Macfadden, Tyvon Branch,  Johnnie Lee Higgins,  Darius Heyward-Bey, and maybe a few others.

5.  Potential to break a record.  I’m talking about Sebastion Janokowskis monster leg.  He is hands down the strongest legged kicker in the NFL and is often seen kicking 70 yarders for warmups.  Against the Jets in overtime he nailed a 56 yarder with plenty of room to spare,  it had the distance to have been made from the 63 yard record mark.

4.  The Backfield.  The Raiders have one of the most talented backfields around with halfbacks Justin Fargas (who I believe has the heart and ability to keep the starting job),  speedster Darren Macfadden and the big bruiser in Michael Bush.

And the talent doesn’t end there at FB (hopefully returning to near his rookie form after knee surgery preseason last year) Oren O’neil and new additions FB Lorenzo Neal and FB/HB Gary Russell.

3.  Outstanding special teams.  One of the most impressive special teams squads around.  The Best punter Shane Lechlar with ridiculous hangtime and distance on his kicks.  Seabass with his monster leg,  Justin Miller returning kicks and Johnnie lee higgins returning punts.

2.  The Big Hits.  Namely from the likes of Michael Mitchell and Lorenzo Neal.  Maybe we will even see Frantz Joseph and the linebackers mix it up too.

1.  The Return To glory.  Yes I said it,  this is the year that marks the beginning of the Raiders return to greatness.

Michael Vick: Why I Wouldn’t Be Mad If He Came To My Oakland Raiders

Lately nearly every so-called expert has been predicting that Michael Vick will join the Oakland Raiders.  They have nothing more to back this up than saying that Al Davis is crazy, he loves speed, he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, JaMarcus is a bust and Jeff Garcia is too old. 

Analysts also predicted other problem players to join the Raiders: Tank Johnson, Terrell Owen, Adam Jones, Plaxico Burress as well as a few others, I’m sure.  After countless bold predictions by pundits regarding the Raiders you’d think they’d eventually get one right. Maybe Michael Vick is it. 

You know, like they say,  “even a blind squirrel finds a nut.”

But all people seem to be able to do is highlight the negatives while completely disregarding the positives.  Let’s take a look and some of the positive effects Michael Vick joining the Raiders could have.

 

1.  Vick would motivate JaMarcus Russell without challenging him for his job

Vick will not be reinstated until July and the Atlanta Falcons still own the rights to his contract.  They won’t decide to trade or release him until he is reinstated meaning Vick cannot participate in team activities until late July, maybe August.  That is not nearly enough time to digest and learn a new playbook,  meaning this year Vick will only be used as a situational player.

But Vick would be a good investment as a backup for next year as Jeff Garcia is nearly 40 and won’t be around much longer.

With Russell knowing theres a 30-year-old QB as explosive as Vick waiting for his chance, he will have no choice but to prove he is the guy now.

 

2.  A positive locker room presence.

Contrary to popular belief, Vick has always been a positive presence in the locker room as well a great team first guy.  These are the kind of players head coach Tom Cable has been trying to bring into the organization.

Former players and coaches including Alge Crumpler, DeAngelo Hall and nearly all of Virgina Tech have had nothing about good things to say about him in this regard.

 

3.  Al Davis really doesn’t care what anyone else thinks and neither should we

Sure Al Davis loves speed he also doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, but he is not crazy and he know when he sees an opportunity to improve his team and he loves to take risks.

Sure signing Vick would be a bad PR move.  Sure the media would tear it up and have a field day with it, but what Raider transaction isn’t condemned by the media.

And aside from a few more haters what negative could this really bring.

PETA may protest but who cares I’m surprised they aren’t protesting JaMarcus Russell with all those big fur coats he wears.

Al Davis is also known for bringing in so called “outcasts” to play with a high rate of success.

 

4.  Cost to attain

With all the negative media attention and many teams likely to stay away, Vick can likely be had for a reasonable price, especially if Atlanta decides to release him rather then attempt a trade.

Also assuming he comes back to anywhere near his former self, he will be valued higher than what was paid for him.  With this he may be able to be traded later for better value, you know, like flipping a foreclosed home.

Also Vick in his first year is likely to only require the veteran minimum.

 

5.  Wlidcat formation

Though he doesn’t have adequate time to learn a whole playbook he could easily learn this one formation which he would be highly effective in.

Just imagine the wildcat formation with Vick split out, Michael Bush and Darren McFadden in the backfield and Darrius Heyward-Bey, Johnny Lee Higgins and Zack Miller all as legitimate targets on the field.  Could any defense cover that much speed?

 

6.  Madden factor.

Who didn’t hate playing against the Falcons and Mike Vick in the previous Maddens?  At least he would be in the depths of our roster behind Russell and Garcia.

Also just think every once in a while you could sub him in for a little surprise for the defense.

There are also negatives in signing Vick.

The first could be Atlanta asking to much for him though assuming this happens they may end up stuck with him.

If the Raiders signed Vick it would cause people to further dislike the Raiders but like I said Al Davis doesn’t care,  I don’t care and neither should you.

Coming in so late he may not learn enough to even participate at all his first year and may have trouble readjusting back to the game at the NFL level.  With this he may end up as just dead space on the roster.

He also may have lost a step his former 4.3 speed has likely diminished and whether he will ever get it back is a valid concern.

But whatever in my opinion the positives outweigh the negatives and we shouldn’t be against signing Vick.

The Battle to Be No. 1: Chaz Schilens vs. Darius Heyward-Bey

This year is probably one of the most important position battles is at WR.

The obvious candidate for the No. 1 spot is Darius Heyward-Bey.  While, like any rookie, DHB has struggled to adapt to NFL play, another clear favorite has emerged in Chaz Schilens.  

Both of these young players create dangerous weapon for JaMarcus Russell,  but who will win out in the search for the Raiders No. 1?

 

Darius Heyward–Bey

At 6’2”, 210 pounds, he is quite the athlete.  Has played multiple sports including football, basketball, and track.

At his combine and pro day, he put up awesome numbers, a 4.27-40 (though it’s alledgedly been clocked as 4.22), a 40-inch vertical leap, 16 bench reps, 10’6” broad jump, 4.18 on the 20-yard shuttle, and a 6.8 on his three-cone drill.

With these numbers, he is not only very fast but is, by many, considered the best “jump ball” receiver in the draft.

He uses his strength well to beat the jam and break away from defenders, though I think he will struggle at first against press coverage at the NFL level. 

He also has the agility to make plays down field, and the vision to follow blocks and make yards after the catch.

But not everything is positive for DHB, he has a few negatives too.

His toughness going across the middle of the field is questionable.  He is also said to be a one-trick pony, and he struggles to create consistent separation out of his cuts.

 

Chaz Schilens   

At 6’4”, 225 pounds, Chaz Schilens may be an even more impressive WR on paper than DHB.

At his combine and pro day, he also put up impressive numbers—a 4.38-40,  a 43-inch vertical 10’4” broad jump, a 4.25 shuttle, and a 6.84 three-cone drill.

Also, a few advantages Schilens has over DHB is the fact he already has a year with this team under his belt, and the fact he had an amazing mini camp, where he was reported to be the most impressive WR on the team.

Also, Schilen measurables are strangely similar to that of Calvin Johnson Similar height and weight and identical 40s and vertical leap.

But like DHB, not everything with Chaz Schilens is positive either.

He has battled injuries all throughout his college career and was even questionable for the Raiders week 17 game against Tampa Bay.

Also due mainly to injury, he was never able to put up big numbers at San Diego State.

These are not the only player competing for the job either other possible winners in this competition are Johnie Lee Higgins, and less likely, Javon Walker, or Sammie Parker.

But, what ever happens and whoever ends up being the No. 1 reciever, I hope the best for them.

 

The New and Improved Nnamdi Asomugha

Okay I know what your thinking hes already the best corner in the NFL how can he get any better. 

Simple but in order to understand you need to understand how he was and what has changed or improved about him.

In the past though an elite force on the field Nnamdi was a quiet leader.  He was never very vocal and seemed to only lead by example.

He even seemed to be media shy never seeking out reporters,  if anything he avoided them.

But now things have changed,  it seems like he may not even be the same guy lately.

Lets take a look at what has changed in Nnamdi.

First the obvious,  he is know a very rich man after accepting a three year $45 million contract and $28 million guaranteed.  Is it possible all that money went to his head.

Now Nnamdi is showing to be a vocal leader on and off the field for both the defense and offense.

This was most apparent on the very first day of mini camp where he read 1st rounder Darius Heyward-Bey’s eyes jumped his route and dropped the INT.  He then continued to pull the young rookie aside and coach him on how to not give away what route he is running.

Maybe even more importantly Nnamdi has discovered that “Raider Swagger” that has been missing from the team for so long.

This mini camp Nnamdi showed up with well informed Michale Jordan-Esq trash talk.  He even called out former 1st round pick and possible future face of the franchise Jamarcus Russell.  Nnamdi Basically dared Jamarcus to throw in his direction.

If his trash talking continues into the season expect him not only to shut down the receiver lined up opposite of him but to also get into their head maybe even the QBs to.

Also this was shy defender may very well have turned into a media whore.  He actually aproached reporters and was reported to have stayed and answered questions until they ran out of things to ask him.

So in conclusion it was easy for Nnamdi to improve from what he did last season,  he improved simply by coming out of his shell.  Nnamdi is now the leader of the Raider Defense not just by example but now a vocal leader.  He is also a bigger presence in the locker room and may even improve Raider Ties to the media.

Regardless of what others say Nnamdi and the Raiders have vastly improved

Questions Raised at Oakland Raiders Mini Camp

The Raiders are having their mini camp this weekend.  Here alot of questions will be answered but even more may be raised.  Here are some questions the Raiders mini camp left me wondering.

1.  Why another punter? Undrafted rookie Ricky Schmitt is working out with the Raiders on a tryout bases.  The Raiders just resigned the best punter in the league Shane Lechlar.  I wonder if this kid knows he has no chance of making the Team.

2.  The Raiders defense is blitzing,  really?  The Raiders showed alot of blitz packages often including Thomas Howard.  Does this mean the Raiders defense will actually blitz this year or is it just to test the o-line blitz pickup.

3.  How is Oren O’neal Doing?  Though he didn’t participate in team drills he was on a side field making hard cuts,  running rope drills and other workouts.  All this and no sign of a limp or pain.

4.  Changes at linebacker.  Ricky Brown who last started on the Strong side is currently working with the second team at middle linebacker.  Why?  Is it possible this is to prepare for Kirk Morrisons Transition back outside?  Have they found someone else to play the Srtong side. 

Also on the second Team Slade Norris worked out on the strong side.

5.  Is JaMarcus Russell overweight?  Once again reports of JaMarcus’s weight are floating around.  Though he wears baggy clothes and there is no accurate way to estimate his actual weight.  Most likely it is complete BS like last year.

6.  Can DHB contribute to special Teams?  The Raiders first round draft pick has been seen fielding punts though it is likely nothing will come of this. 

7.  Do we have room for Gary Russell?  At 5’11 220 he recorded 28 carries for 77 yards and three TDs last year for the Steelers he also scored the Steelers first TD in the SuperBowl. 

Tom Cable says he has value because he can play both FB and HB.  But are backfield is very talented and crowded with Macfadden,  Fargas and Bush at HB while Lorenzo Neal,  Oren Oneal and Luke Lawton are all looking for a spot at FB.

8.What is Javon Walker thinking?  He hasn’t participated in mini-camp following a clean up surgery on his knee.  Problem is though he had the surgery a month ago he waited til a few days before the mini camp to tell anyone within the Raiders Organization. 

He also claims he played all last season in pain and is looking forward to a pain free year.  Hey maybe we can put him on IR to start the season.

9.  Where does Tyvon Branch fit in.  He is currently penciled in as starting SS and practicing with the first team,  but he is facing fierce competition from 2nd round pick Michael Mitchell.  Branch can also play FS.

10.  Who will be the starting receivers.  Currently the 1st team offense has seen a alot of variety at WR.  But of all the receiver Chaz Schilens is said to look the most impressive.  Javon Walker and Arman Shields both sat out with knee injuries.

11.  This one is more of an observation than a question.  I believe DHB may be smaller than advertised.  DHB is labeled at 6’2” 210 while Macfadden is 6’2” 215.  In the picture above though they are the same height Macfadden seems to have a good deal more mass, though it is possible Macfadden put on some muscle this offseason.

 

For all these questions I would like to know what everyone else thinks and even questions I didn’t write down.  Like Jon Condo?  Do we really need a long snapper.

Oakland Raiders’ Offense Set to Win in Trenches

This year in free agency the Raiders haven’t signed any flashy player and any move they made seemed to be under the radar of the mainstream media. 

Tom Cable stated early that the Raiders had a plan coming into the offseason.  And this plan was simple to create an offense capable of winning where it counts most,  in the trenches.

So what has Tom Cable, an offensive linemen at heart, done to create an offense capable of winning in the trenches?

First the simple answer is with additions to the 0-line.

We have added Samson Satele,  Erik Pears,  Marcus Johnson,  Khaliff Barnes, and a few others with little chance of making the Team:  Mark Wilson, Jonathan Compass, and a few others.

We have kept all of our linemen from last year excluding Kwame Harris:  Mario Henderson, Robert Galery, Chriss Morris, John Wade, Paul McQuistan, Cooper Carlisle, Cornell Green, and James Marten.

With all of these players competing for the five spots along the Raiders O-line, competition is fierce and only the best will make it out of camp.

With that said, here is my predicted Raiders offensive line.

LT Mario Henderson/Erik Pears

LG Robert Gallery/Marcus Johnson

C Samson Satele/John Wade

RG Paul McQuistan/Cooper Carlisle

RT Khaliff Barnes/Cornell Green/James Marten

So the O-line is improved two new starters and much better quality to depth.

Next the Raiders added quality blocking and depth to the tight-end position in drafting Brandon Myers.  Now at TE the roster is incredibly deep with Zack Miller, Tony Stewart, Brandon Myers, Darrell Strong, and Chris O’neil.  Of those five, I only expect the best three to make the team with maybe one on the practice squad.

Next at FB the Raiders added another battering-ram in Lorenzo Neal in order to spell and mentor Oren O’neal and as insurance in case his knee rehab doesn’t go as planned.  The Raiders also have two serviceable project type FBs in Luke Lawton and Marcel Reece.

All of these additions will help the Raiders create running lanes in order for our three talented running backs to make huge gains.

Finally at WR the Raiders have added another deep threat receiver to keep defenses honest.  Now apposing defenses will have two choices.  They either can continue to stack the box with eighth or nine players leaving the corners alone to contend with sub 4.3 speed at receiver.  Or choice No. 2, they back off in coverage allowing our running game to pick up easy yardage.

Regardless opposing teams will be forced to pick their poison. An improved O-line means more time for JaMarcus Russell and if they choose to back off in coverage this again means more time.

Lorenzo Neal Rumored to Raiders: Good News or Bad News?

It has been reported, but not yet confimed, that former Charger great Lorenzo Neal has signed with the Raiders. As of now it is more rumor than fact, but what could this addition mean to the Raiders?

The Good News 

First, he brings great blocking and experience to our young backfield. He is known as one of the fiercest blocking fullbacks around, and when he left San Diego, Ladianain Tomlinson felt the impact with a drop off in production.

He will likely bring much needed credibility to our offense, both in improving the run game as well as helping out pass blocking, and adding another threat for Jamarcus Russell.

He can also help develop Oren O’neil into a tank at fullback, not that he needs the help for that. 

Lorenzo can also add depth and insurance to a position that was hampered with injury last year.

The Bad News

Lorenzo Neal is 38-years-old, and many question how much he has left in him. Last year he only started five games for the Baltimore Ravens.

Also, this may spell bad news regarding Oren O’neil. Is it possible his knee rehab isn’t going as well as hoped? Will Oren be back to his old self and be able to start the season? If he is on the Physically Uunable to Perform list, at least Lorenzo Neal can be insurance.

Whatever happens, let’s just hope for the best.

Have the Raiders Done Anything To Help the Run Defense?

If there was a reward for bad run defenses, the Raiders would have received a silver medal with their 31st ranked run defense last season. 

But as runner up to the worst run defense in the league, have the Raiders done anything to improve their shortcoming?  At first glance, it would seem little or nothing has been done to stop teams from running with ease, but some would argue otherwise.

In interviews, Tom Cable basically said that the Raiders have good defensive tackles, they just need to play like it.  He also has said the run D will be addressed through scheme and added depth to the D-line and linebackers.

So first off, let’s investigate this so-called “improved” scheme and defensive system to help the defense.  Is John Marshall really better than Rob Ryan?  Didn’t Rob Ryan have great coaching credentials and help create some of the most dominate defenses?

Oh wait a second, no. 

That was his brother, Rex Ryan, and really Rob Ryan hasn’t proven anything yet.  And good defensive coaching doesn’t necessarily run in the family.  All of a sudden, I’m starting to feel sorry for the Browns.

So what has John Marshall done?

Well, he has 30+ years of coaching experience, his defense has been consistently ranked towards the top of the league, and his teams are always known for dominant D-lines.  His teams often led the league in sacks, averaging 39.1 a year.  In 1997 with the 49ers, he coached the top-ranked defense in the league and in 2007, his Seahawks led the league in sacks.

So the simple answer is yes, a better scheme and system can improve the defense.

Next onto depth.  How have the Raiders added depth to the D-line and linebacker position to improve run defense?

First, let’s take a look at the D-line, starting with the interior line compared to last year’s.  Last year we started the season with three D-tackles on the active roster:  Tommy Kelly,  Gerrard Warren, and Terdell Sands.  Sounds decent. Tommy Kelly is a good starter, Gerrard Warren makes a good backup, and a lot of top defenses start the season with only a few D-tackles.

But this is where you’d be wrong and the majority of the run defense problems start.  The difference between our defense and some of those top defenses (namely Steelers and Ravens) are simple:  they run a 3-4 and the Raiders run a 4-3. 

In a defense that constantly has two D-tackles on the field, starting the season with just three active players is insane, and it makes me wonder whether this was Rob Ryan’s or Lane Kiffin’s doing.

On to this year, the Raiders have already added depth at DT.  This year, they have Tommy Kelly, Gerrard Warren, Terdell Sands, William Joseph (who was added a few games into the season; funny, wasn’t Kiffin fired a few games into the season?) and Ryan Boschetti, who was added this offseason.  With this, although it’s not spectacular,  the interior D-line is already improved over last year.  With these players, the depth chart should look like this: Tommy Kelly backed up by Ryan Boschetti at the three-technique, while the other three man the one-technique.

Now onto the D-end position.  Last year, we had Derrick Burgess and Jay Richardson starting, while backups included Trevor Scott, Kalimba Edwards, and Greyson Gunheim, two of whom, Scott and Edwards, were situational pass rushers.

This year, it’s basically the same, minus Edwards but instead the 6’5”, 270 pound Matt Shaughnessey, and Trevor Scott has reportedly added some bulk to his frame to be more effective against the run.

At linebacker, the Raiders look about the same starter-wise, with a weakness on the strong side with the likes of Ricky Brown, Sam Williams, and Jon Alston or whoever ends up starting.  The Raiders have added depth:  Frantz Joseph is a likely candidate to back up Morrison and Slade Norris, with his exceptional speed and athletic ability, is best-suited to play the weak side and back up Thomas Howard (though I guess its possible he can compete for the strong side).

So in conclusion, our run defense looks much improved over last year on paper.  Let’s just hope it’s not full of empty promises, like how Terdell Sands promised us he’d improve.  But whatever, go Raiders.

Raiders with the most to prove this year

Through years of criticizm, including this years draft, its no secret the Oakland Raiders have alot to prove. A few players have more to prove then others. Some have to prove they can still perform, while others need to show the critics they aren’t busts or they were worth being drafted that high. But on a team with so much to prove which individuals havethe most to prove? Lets find out

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010