Re: Out With the Old in With the New: An Oakland Raider's CCM
i accidently simmed out of the offseason, so i wont be able to provide a full coverage of the offseason, but i'll be able to do a team specific offseason outlook in a bit.
Notes:
The Cowboys selected QB Arnez Boston with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft
Kurt Warner Returns and signs a deal with the Miami Dolphins. Looks like Palmer will have to once again perform in the preseason to earn the starting spot.
Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis both decided to hang up their cleats after posting hall of fame numbers in their storied careers.
i accidently simmed out of the offseason, so i wont be able to provide a full coverage of the offseason, but i'll be able to do a team specific offseason outlook in a bit.
Notes:
The Cowboys selected QB Arnez Boston with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft
Kurt Warner Returns and signs a deal with the Miami Dolphins. Looks like Palmer will have to once again perform in the preseason to earn the starting spot.
Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis both decided to hang up their cleats after posting hall of fame numbers in their storied careers.
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Starting Quarterback: Matt Lienart vs. Dallas Johnson - The Oakland Raiders have a choice between the late bloomer Matt Lienart or the scrappy newcomer Dallas Johnson for their choice as Quarterback for the 2013 season. Coach Crawford has stated numerous times in the media that the job is up for grabs based on how the two play in preseason. Matt Lienart played well twoarrds the end of the 2012 season, leading the Raiders to their first playoff appearnace since 2002. He lacks the arm strength of Johnson, but makes plays when he needs to. He knows the playbook and the Raider recieving core which puts him at a slight advantage over Johnson. However Johnson is clearly the better athlete and is the clear future of the Oakland Raiders. If he appears ready to lead the Raiders then Coach Crawford will probably give him the chance over Lienart. 
2nd String Running Back: Taiwan Jones vs. Ikeem Reddick - The Starting Running back Job is all but sown up with Darren McFadden carrying the rock, but the spot for the guy that takes the backup snaps is up for grabs this year with the departure of Mike Goodson. Taiwan Jones saw little action in 2012 dispite Mike Goodson missing the firs few games of the season. He's a speed back, with breakaway speed and one cut ability. He's fairly fumble prone which has hampered his carries throughout his young career. He must prove that he can protect the ball. Taiwan will have to fend off rookie running back Ikeem Reddick that has burst onto the Raiders radar with impressive performances in practice to begin the preseason. He's a punishing bowling ball of an athlete that would rather lower his shoulders than dance around a defender. His weaknesses are his ability to catch out of the backfield which admittedly is a huge part of the Raiders Game plan. Projected Winner: Taiwan Jones 
Starting Tight End: Visante Shiancoe vs. Leroy Johnson - The Raiders allowed last years second leading reciever in TE Bo Scaife walk in free agncy after the two sides were un able to come to a deal on a contract. This resulted in the Raiders spending their first round pick on former Troy standout Leroy Johnson, and later signing veteran Visante Shianco to a 1-yr contract after reports emerged that Johnson was having issues learning the Raiders playbook. Shiancoe is a veteran that is effective as both a passing option and a run blocker. He's defiantly lost a step or two over his 10 year career, but he can still get into the endzone if given the chance. Leroy Johnson is a matchup nightmare standing at 6"4 and weighing in at 243 lbs. He's has wideout speed but has issues holding onto the ball when targeted, but when he does bring in the reception the young man is hard to drag down landing punihsing hits on defenders. He sometimes appears lost on the field and the speed of the NFL as opposed to college might be alittle hard for him to immediately get used to. But theres no doubt that if he does get his head around the pro game, the Raiders have a future Jimmy Graham on their hands. Projected Winner: Visante Shiancoe 
Starting Cornerback: Earnest Mitchell vs. Andrew Manzanares - The right side of the field will be manned by the newly signed Sean Smith, but the left side of the field will be contested between two more fresh faces. Rookies Earnest Mitchell and Andrew Manzanares both have the ability to start right away. Where Manzanares was a highly sought after draft prospect, Earnest Mitchel was a camp invite that has burst onto the scene as a possible starter for the Raiders. Mitchell has the ability to stay will the fastest of recievers and has the speed to catch up to speeders when beat. He's big bodied at 6"0 and 220 llbs but has tremendus trouble making tackles, reminicent of the struggles Phillip Buchannon had when thrust into the Starting position in Oakland years ago. Andrew Manzanares was the Raiders 2nd round selection and pet project of defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. He has the build and skills of the prototypical Cornerback, but, much like Leroy Johnson, is missing the mental part of the equation. before Manzanares can be allowed to guard the opponets best recievers, he must prove that he can read the recievers before the snap. Projected Winner: Andrew Manzanares 
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