Commentary
Morrison becoming leader of Raiders’ defense
Realfootball365.com
Although the Oakland Raiders feature several playmakers on defense, linebacker Kirk Morrison has assumed the role as the unit’s leader. Since arriving in the Bay Area in 2005, Morrison hasn’t missed a game and has compiled nearly 500 tackles. With the Raiders poised to break a string of six consecutive losing seasons, Morrison and the Oakland defense will have to do their part in 2009.
While …
Under the Raider: Michael Bush
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Michael Bush was drafted by the Oakland Raiders out of the University of Louisville in the fourth round of the 2007 draft. He was unable to play his rookie season, as he recovered from a broken leg, however the Raiders will be expecting big things from him in the 2009 season.
It is Bush who is the next player that is being spotlighted in the “Under the Raider” series. Outside of the Raider Nation, Bush is mostly a forgotten man, but inside the Raider Nation he is well known.
Oakland Raiders odds and ends
Examiner
After a long weekend of some much needed rest and relaxation, its time to get back to the grindstone. Today is a look around at the various happenings with the Oakland Raiders and the Raider Nation. Later tonigh…
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Time running out for Raiders’ Walker
Realfootball365.com
Wide receiver Javon Walker’s tenure in Oakland has been turbulent thus far, but his importance during the upcoming season is crucial. The Raiders deploy an inexperienced group of wideouts and Walker must become the catalyst the team expected him to be. If Oakland’s passing game is able to get back on track this year, Walker’s leadership and production must take a major step forward.
As the …
TE Miller key to Oakland’s passing game in 2009
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While many question marks surround the Oakland Raiders’ wide receiving corps, the tight end position is in good hands thanks to Zach Miller — who proved to be one of quarterback JaMarcus Russell’s favorite targets a year ago and their relationship is expected to flourish even more during the upcoming season.
For a young and developing signal caller, having a dependable tight end is one of the …
Russell continues to draw criticism in Oakland
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Although he was drafted into one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL, Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell continues to draw adverse reviews. Russell’s long-term future remains uncertain, but continuous remarks regarding his poor work ethic are becoming redundant. Russell has risen above several factors working against him and should be given a clean slate entering just his …
Heyward-Bey likely won’t start season
Thoughts from the Dark Side
With the chronic soreness in the hamstring of Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, he was nearly non-existent at mini camp and OTA’s.
When he was drafted, he was seen as an extremely durable player who never misses games but that is about to change.
Hamstring problems can be nasty and lingering. They can keep a player out an entire season and often end a player’s career. Heyward-Bey is just that kind of player. Without his speed, he is an average receiver. Perhaps even pedestrian. Even if he was slowed by his hamstring, it would mean big trouble.
Henderson could be Raiders’ answer at left tackle
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The Oakland Raiders have been plagued by a revolving door at the left tackle position in recent years, but they may have found their long-term solution in Mario Henderson. Henderson came on strong toward the end of last year and is expected to pick up right where he left off in 2009.
After the now-departed Kwame Harris struggled late last year, Henderson started the final three games at left …
Defensive Oakland Raider offseason images
Examiner
I am headed out for a weekend getaway, but wanted to leave a slideshow of the Raiders defense for you guys to enjoy over the weekend. I will be back on Sunday night to start celebrating the Raiders 50th ann…
Justin Fargas gets no respect from the Raider Nation
Thoughts from the Dark Side
There are few players in the NFL who play with the complete reckless abandon that Justin Fargas brings on every play. He has earned the nickname “Crash Test Dummy” from his teammates because of his intense physical style of running. In 2007, he became the first Raider to rush for 1000 yards since Tyrone Wheatley in 2000. He is a two time “Commitment to Excellence” award winner, which is an award voted on by his teammates as two who best embodies the Commitment to Excellence of the Raiders.
Despite those achievements and accolades, message boards and comment threads all over the Internet are littered with Raider fans who want to see Fargas traded. Since the Raiders drafted Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, Fargas has become expendable in the eyes of much of the Raider Nation.
Oakland Raiders offseason images and questions
Examiner
Yesterday, was a look at the good and the bad from the Oakland Raiders offseason workout programs. Today is a look at the questions swirl around the franchise that were not answered.
Under the Raider: Jon Alston
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Today, we continue the “Under the Raider” series that looks at players who are currently under the radar who look to be important parts of the 2009 Oakland Raider team. Last time, it was wide receiver Chaz Schilens, and today we look at a player on the other side of the ball in Jon Alston.
Jon Alston is a classic under the radar type player, as he joined the Raiders following one year with the St Louis Rams. With the Raiders, he spent part of 2007 in the practice squad before he was promoted to the active roster. His primary role in 2007 and the beginning of 2008 was as a special teams player. When Ricky Brown went down to injury, he stepped into the starting strongside linebacker position.
Is Mario Henderson the next great left tackle?
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Is it premature to say that the Raiders have finally found somebody that can close the revolving door on the left side of the offensive line? Maybe. Today Drew Rosenhaus Twittered, or Tweeted, the signing of a new player - Mario Henderson.
Henderson started the final three games of 2008 and did so without letting up a sack - something that the Raiders have been looking for since they were punched in the gut at Super Bowl 37. Even so, the Raiders didn’t hesitate to bring in a veteran who would also like to start at left tackle - Khalif Barnes.
Forget Russell, Asomugha needs to lead by example
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Let me apologize for getting back to this a little later than I thought I would. I guess saying that I would be back ‘tomorrow’ really meant next week. We are back at TFDS, so you can rest assured that we are going to begin heating up this site with more Raiders content than we have in the recent months.
Someone else that might want to consider getting back is Nnamdi Asomugha. Last week, Patrick and I attended the final OTA session open to the media, before training camp starts at the end of July. The surprise of the day was the absence of the Raiders highest paid player - more an oddity because his attendance has always been perfect in the past.
Burgess situation a win all-around
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Every season since Derrick Burgess was signed by the Raiders, the question has come up about his contract. And every year, the Raiders and Al Davis have brushed it aside with little regard.
The Raiders acquired Burgess from the Eagles prior to the 05 season and signed him to a thrifty five year deal. His first season in Oakland he burst on to the scene with 16 sacks and made the pro bowl. He immediately asked for more money to closer match the kind of production he had on the field.
The Raiders, of course, balked at the idea. The thought was that they wanted to see him duplicate that kind of performance before they threw more money at him. Afterall, Burgess was seen as injury prone during his days in Philadelphia which is why the Eagles let him go in first place.
Under the Raider: Chaz Schilens
Thoughts from the Dark Side
OK, I know that under the Raider is a bad pun, but bear with me here. Here on TFDS, I will be intermittently profiling under the radar players who I expect to do big things in 2009 based on what I have seen in minicamp and organized team activities.
Chaz Schilens is an obvious choice to start this series, since he has been getting strong press from many outlets. I can’t disagree with any of the good press that he has been getting. As I am watching the practices I just jot down the numbers in my notebook, (way too early to memorize them all) and the number 81 appeared very frequently as someone making great plays.
Huff’s time in Oakland could be wearing thin
Realfootball365.com
Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff has been a career disappointment thus far and his time in the Bay Area may be wearing thin. Rumors have surfaced that Raiders owner Al Davis is prepared to part ways with the former seventh overall draft pick if he’s unable to claim a starting position heading into the 2009 season.
Huff’s time in the Oakland secondary has been turbulent and culminated last …
Reflections from OTAs
Thoughts from the Dark Side
Hey guys, I know that I haven’t been writing here much lately. However, I have been in the background getting information to Rob and Dizzle for articles from the practices. It has been an interesting transformation in the last few months, after finally getting full press access.
Having been on the inside gives me the perspective to get a new respect for the work these guys have to go through in the offseason. However, watching the practices also means that I see things that raise questions as to the progress of the team.
Injuries continue to derail Raiders’ Heyward-Bey
Realfootball365.com
The Oakland Raiders went against the grain with their selection of wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with the seventh overall pick in April’s NFL draft; although extremely early, their risk has provided little return thus far. Heyward-Bey has been injured on two different occasions, and with so much invested in the rookie wideout, the Raiders are hopeful the trend quickly comes to a halt.
While …
CBA status, injuries could complicate Oakland Raiders Darrius Heyward-Bey negotiations
Examiner
With the effects of JaMarcus Russell’s prolonged holdout prior to the 2007 season still lingering over the team, the looming negotiations between Darrius Heyward-bey and the Oakland Raiders franchise will be the story of the next month…
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