The Silver and Black Comeback (Oakland Raiders Dynasty)

[Altair1881]

We still have 7 open spots and ill start on the 17th then try to post at least 1-2 times a day

[Altair1881]

2010 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
QB Jason Campbell, RB Michael Bennett, RB Rock Cartwright, G Daniel Loper, NT John Henderson, DE/OLB Quentin Groves, OLB Kamerion Wimbley.
Early Draft Picks:
ILB Rolando McClain, DT Lamarr Houston, OT Jared Veldheer, OT/G Bruce Campbell, WR/KR Jacoby Ford, CB Walter McFadden, ILB Travis Goethel.
Offseason Losses:
QB JaMarcus Russell, RB Justin Fargas, FB Gary Russell, OT Cornell Green, DE Greg Ellis, NT Gerard Warren, OLB Jon Alston, ILB Kirk Morrison, ILB Isaiah Ekejiuba.

2010 Oakland Raiders Offense:
The Raiders somehow actually look like they have some sort of plan for the first time since they went to the Super Bowl following the 2002 regular season.

The big move was getting rid of JaMarcus Russell. Russell, a fat, stupid, lazy sloth, showed no desire to become a successful quarterback in the NFL, opting instead to fall asleep in team meetings and eat Skittles on the sideline. When Russell was under center last year, the Raiders showed no will or emotion. When someone else was playing quarterback (namely Bruce Gradkowski), the team put forth a ton of effort, beating the Bengals and Steelers toward the end of the season.

Gradkowski suffered a chest injury in April to go along with his season-ending knee injury, forcing Oakland's front office to trade for Jason Campbell. The strong-armed Campbell certainly has his warts (intermediate accuracy, leadership), but has shown improvement in every single NFL season. Campbell's strong work ethic is exactly what the Raiders need in the wake of the Captain Skittles disaster.

Another positive sign is that Michael Bush has seemingly overtaken Al Davis pet project Darren McFadden as the team's starting running back. McFadden is injury-prone and cannot break any tackles, while Bush has been the most effective runner for the Raiders over the past two years. Bush averaged 4.8 yards per carry last year, completely out-performing the departed Justin Fargas (3.8 YPC) and McFadden (3.4).

Bush's 4.8 average is amazing considering how pitiful the offensive line was last year. Oakland's front surrendered 49 sacks, as left tackle Mario Henderson and guard Chris Morris looked like a pair of fat middle-schoolers. Right tackle Cornell Green's 13 penalties didn't help either.

There is cause for optimism regarding the front line. Henderson is still there, but Morris likely won't have a chance to ruin Jason Campbell's career because Robert Gallery will be back from his injury-plagued 2009 campaign. Right guard Cooper Carlisle and center Samson Satele are both solid, while rookies Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell will fight for playing time at the two tackle positions. Oakland will hope that one of the two will emerge to displace Henderson or Khalif Barnes.

If the line improves - and with Gallery back, it certainly should - Campbell will piece together a solid season. He has underrated weapons; Zach Miller is one of the top tight ends in the NFL, while Chaz Schilens is a very solid receiver who will shine with a legitimate quarterback. Darrius Heyward-Bey shockingly has shown improvement in minicamps.

2010 Oakland Raiders Defense:
Oakland's defense is a bit of an enigma right now. The front office spent the offseason acquiring 3-4 specialists like Kamerion Wimbley, Quentin Groves and No. 8 overall pick Rolando McClain to go along with Richard Seymour and Trevor Scott, so a change of scheme seemed like a natural move. However, there has been no other indication that the Raiders plan on shifting to a 3-4, and if they do, they had absolutely no nose tackle prior to signing John Henderson in mid-June.

Assuming the Raiders stick to the 4-3, Seymour and Matt Shaughnessy will man the two defensive end positions. Seymour is an overrated player who offers no pass rush (two sacks following the 2009 opener), but is still stout versus the run. Shaughnessy, meanwhile, tallied four sacks as a rookie despite not seeing extensive action until Week 8. On passing downs, Seymour will once again kick inside, allowing Trevor Scott to rush the passer. Scott led the Raiders with seven sacks last year.

In normal situations, Scott will line up as the weakside linebacker where he excelled at the end of the 2009 campaign. Wimbley, meanwhile, will be at the strongside position. This is a perplexing move, considering that Wimbley absolutely sucks against the run and isn't very good in coverage. McClain, also playing in an unfamiliar scheme, will take over for the traded Kirk Morrison in the middle.

The strength of Oakland's defense is undoubtedly the secondary. Nnamdi Asomugha, the second-best corner in the NFL (Darrelle Revis), wasn't at the top of his game last year because of injuries. He'll be better in 2010. Safeties Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff, meanwhile, will look to maintain the tremendous play they showcased last season. Corner Chris Johnson is usually good in coverage, but is penalized far too often (eight penalties in 2009).

The one area of concern here is corner depth; nickel Stanford Routt was torched far too often last year, and was curiously rewarded with a 1-year, $3.2 million contract. One of Al Davis' unsacrificed virgins must have written that one up. Rookie Walter McFadden could easily overtake Routt during training camp.

The Raiders' greatest defensive weakness was the interior of their defensive line prior to the Henderson signing. Tommy Kelly is a marginal player, but has always been a liability against the run. It's a good thing then that Henderson was added; he's not a pass-rusher in the slightest, but is very effective at clogging running lanes. Second-round rookie Lamarr Houston will also compete for playing time.



2010 Oakland Raiders Schedule and Intangibles:
The Black Hole seems like an intimidating place to play, but the Raiders are a sub-.500 team (55-65) as hosts since 1995. They're 5-11 at home the past two years.

Sebastian Janikowski just signed a 4-year, $16 million contract, so he better pick up where he left off in 2009; Janikowski was 26-of-29 overall, including 9-of-10 from 40-49 and 6-of-8 from 50-plus.

Though former teammate Terdell Sands punched him in the face, Shane Lechler is the best punter in the NFL. He averaged an amazing 51.1 yards per kick, which includes 30-of-96 punts inside the opponents' 20.

Despite all of the great 40 times on the roster, the Raiders struggled on punt and kick returns. They'll hope speedy rookie Jacoby Ford can help in this department.

The Raiders have a pretty manageable schedule. Their only truly taxing games are against the Titans (road; Week 1), Texans (home; Week 4), Chargers twice (Weeks 5, 13), Steelers (road; Week 11), Dolphins (home; Week 12) and Colts (home; Week 16).



2010 Oakland Raiders Analysis: The Raiders had just five victories in 2009, but four of those wins were very impressive. They managed to beat the Eagles, Steelers, Bengals and Broncos, all of whom finished 8-8 or better. That just proved that they had the talent; it was the effort that was lacking. JaMarcus Russell's lethargic attitude spread throughout the team, and there was just no sense of urgency when they battled lesser foes.

Oakland's greatest move since 2002 was cutting Russell. The Raiders haven't won more than five games in seven years, but with some stability at quarterback, that should finally change.

Projection: 9-7 (2nd in AFC West)

[Altair1881]

Raider's Training Camp

As of July 27th 2010, the Raiders enter training camp with alot of questions. Will Jason Campbell be the future? Will DMC have a breakout year? Was Rolando McClain a good pick? Nobody knows the answers to these questions but maybe the training camp will give us enlightment for whats to come this upcoming season.

Expectations are running high as the 2010 Oakland Raider football team reported for training camp in Napa, Calif., today. Led by the first player off the bus, DE Richard Seymour, Raider players are ready to lay the groundwork for what the Raiders hope to be a remarkable 2010 season.

“Now is the time,” Seymour said. “Camp is the foundation to the season. During the season, you spend so much time game planning and focusing in on your opponents; you really don’t have the time to work on individual things. This is my time that I really get into me and focus on the things that I need to do to make myself a better player.”

Much like Seymour, CB Chris Johnson and newcomer DT John Henderson are excited about the Raiders defense this year. After signing with the team this offseason, Henderson is looking forward to making a big impact and emphasized stopping the run as one of his top priorities.

“I love stopping the run,” Henderson said. “That is my thing and has been my thing since the University of Tennessee. I like sacking the quarterback too but I always like stopping the run.”

“This year we look very promising to the fans and everybody,” Johnson added. “We just have to get out there and to put it all together and grind and get it done.”

The Raiders begin camp with team meetings Wednesday and take the practice field in Napa for the first time in 2010 Thursday morning.

[Altair1881]

Undrafted Hopefuls and Position Battles

OLB Damien Walker and FS Brian Mack are the only two undrafted rookies with the team before the 1st Pre-Season game against the Cowboys. Tom Cable has planned for them to play in tomorrows game against the Cowboys.

"They are playing at least one quarter of play against the Cowboys," Tom Cable said to one of the questions asked by the Media, "I have high hopes on these to guys, they have showed alot during Training Camp."

The Pre-Season, where its time to show up and play to see who will start for the upcoming season. There will be many position at stake in the next 4 games.

QB
Jason Campbell, he has improved each season with the Redskins and he looks to keep improving with the Raiders now. He had 3618 passing yards, 20 TDs, 15 Ints, 64% completions, and a 86.4 Passer Rating. It already looks he is starting by word of Al Davis.

Bruce Gradkowski, in last season he pulled off big wins, comeback win against the Steelers was most known. He only started 4 games before getting hurt but has always fired up the team once he either came in for the "bust" Jamarcus Russell or pulled off wins by his leadership. He has 1007 passing yards, 6 TDs, 3 Ints, 54% completions, and a 80.6 Passer Rating.

HB
Darren McFadden, he hasnt shown anything except for his 2nd game of his career. He has had a injury plagued career since that game. But this season he intends to be the best he can be and be the playmaker he was supposed to be. In his career, he has rushed 217 times for 856 yards and 5 TDs. Thats 3.9 yards per carry but only 34.2 yards per game, he also had 8 fumbles in the two seasons he has had.

Michael Bush, he is a underrated power back that can jumpstart a offense. He is a workhorse and which means if he keeps running, he will get better and better. He has a 4.6 yards per carry and has over 1000 yards in two seasons with 3 TDs each of those seasons.

WR
Chaz Schilens, is their best WR but has been getting injured to much, he can catch anything that comes his way and is a great route runner, all the teams prepare for him and put there best CB on them to contain him. He has 44 catches for 591 yards in his 2 seasons of playing with 2 TDs each season.

Louis Murphy, was probably the only WR that showed up last season having a good rookie season with the Raiders. He catched 34 balls for 521 yards and 4 TDs, he is great out of the slot and is a highlight machine.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, was last years 1st round draft pick and hasnt really showed up. He only had 9 catches for 124 yards with 1 TD. He has the ability to become a great WR but has to show something this season.

RG
Cooper Carlise, is a holding machine, he only made the O-line worse than what it was last season. I still dont know why he is still on the team

Bruce Campbell, a rookie out of Maryland and was projected that the Raiders would pick him for the 1st round but the got him in the 4th round. Seems like a gem doesnt it, he was the most athletic OL in draft most people think. He was the fastest OL out of the draft but it doesnt mean he will have the edge of Carlise.

RE
Trevor Scott, has been moved again now from OLB to DE but has always impressed everyone the he adapts. He has 7 sacks and 43 tackles last season and was probably the best pass rusher they has last season.

Matt Shaugnessy, has never got a shot to be starter and he has alot of potential to be a great DE. This is probably the tuffest battle this Pre-Season.

LOLB
Quentin Groves, has been switched from DE to OLB from the trade. Groves came over to Oakland to be a pass rusher and he intends to be up in the QBs facemask every single play. he doesnt have any stats but he will prove himself

Thomas Howard, was a good OLB from the start of his career then is just fell downhill in the 2008 season. Howard has to pick his game up or he will most likely be cut this Pre-Season.

Damien Walker, a Undrafted Free-Agent from Pittsburg, PA. He is willing to prove himself to be one of the best pass rushers in the 2010 Class of Rookies. He aims to start for the 1st Pre-Season game against the Cowboys.

FS
Michael Huff, a bust so far in his career but has shown signs of life last season. He had 59 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 3 Ints and is willing to improve this season.

Brian Mack, the other Undrafted Free-Agents. He has what most teams want except for the tackle ability. He has the speed, he can cover, and he can lay down some big hits. The only reason why he wasnt draft was because the tackle ability.


These battles will be resolved after the last game of the Pre-Season. The Raider Nation now waits to see what will become of this team, no one knows for sure what will happen but maybe, the Raiders will show more signs of life this upcoming season.

[matt314hew]

Nice. Damien Walker is on the team. Just hope he can do well for the Raiders.

[Altair1881]

i think he will be a great pass rusher, i hope he gets at least 7 sacks this season

[Altair1881]

"The Undrafted Hopefuls"

Both Damien Walker and Brian Mack has defensive TDs against the Dallas Cowboys today and Tom Cable and the rest of the Raiders were very impressed today. Sam Williams caused a fumble on WR Dez Bryant and Walker picked it up and returned it 42 yards for the score in the 3rd. Also, late in the 3rd quarter Brian Mack picks off Kitna and returns the ball after breaking Marion Barber's tackle. After the game both undrafted rookies were questioned by the media.

"You two were picked up from the Oakland Raiders right after the draft was over, how did you two feel," asking one of the Dallas reporters

"I was relieved that i had a chance to practice for a NFL team," said Mack, "i was just so happy i made the team after camp."

"Well, I would have liked to be drafted, but I am playing. I am happy to be on a team and helping them out." said Walker

"Did you two ever think you guys would score a TD on your first preseason game," said another reporter"

"I didn't think I would get a TD, but I was hoping for a big play and that is what I got. I hope my teammates and I can continue to play well and get more big plays."

"Once i picked the ball off i was just flying down field and it felt like i was in slow motion the whole time but i never thought i would score a TD for a while," said Mack.

"What is your guys goals for the season?" the last reporter asked.

"My goal is to make this team better by any means," Mack happily said.

"My goal is to help turn the Raiders around. They haven't been the best lately and it is time to bring them back to the playoffs and another run at a Lombardi." said Walker as both players got up

After the last question was answer they both quickly went back into the locker room to celebrate. It seems the Oakland Raiders found hidden gems in the undrafted FA, but are they for real.

Oakland Raiders (0-0) at Dallas Cowboys (0-0)
Aug 12, 2010 1 2 3 4 F Oakland Raiders 7 10 17 13 47 Dallas Cowboys 3 3 0 7 13 Top Performers Oakland Raiders Brian Mack FS - 2 tackles, INT TD Damien Walker LOLB - 4 tackles, Fum Rec TD Dallas Cowboys Jon Kitna QB - 16 comp, 266 yards 1 TD 1 INT Felix Jones HB - 15 att, 40 yards	Team Stats Comparison OAK DAL First Downs 15 21 3rd Down Efficiency 3-10 6-17 4th Down Efficiency 1-1 0-0 Total Yards 234 399 Passing Yards 138 300 Rushing Yards 96 99 Penalties-Penalty Yards 0-0 0-0 Turnovers 3 4 Time of Possession 23:40 36:20