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"Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18 -
Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
Possible trade targets? Hmm...
Maybe DT Kelly perhaps. Thought about dealing Tyvon Branch, but he's only 27 so I think it's a good idea to keep working with him.
Mike Mitchell has generated a lot of interest. Part of me wants to keep him because he's going very high hit power rating.
Other than that, it doesn't look like there's anyone that has value."Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
Training Camp News
The Raiders are wrapping up another training camp and there's been some news flowing out from the Oakland Compound.
Trade Rumors
There are conflicting reports about the Raiders pursuing the Browns about Blane Giles, the speedy QB from the most recent draft. One source outright dismissed it saying that it would be senseless to acquire him. Another source says the team is looking to acquire the QB, but will 'get serious' if there's not someone that seems similar in the next draft.
Another source indicated that "preliminary talks" have already taken place to try to gauge the value the Browns have on the rookie, considering they have 4 QBs.
Scouting Report
Some players showed some marked differences as a result of their time on the training fields in the heart of summer. Some notable outcomes:
HB Julio Caulder:
Caulder was putting in heavy time in contact drills, working on getting better at fighting through contact and holding on to the football.
-Gained: Fight for Yards
-CAR up from 71 to 80
-ELU up from 81 to 82
-AWR up from 63 to 66
-BCV up from 80 to 85
MLB Rolando McClain:
Rolando already has a solid understanding of offenses and what they are trying to do, but he spent time in the film this summer. He also worked with his position coach on being a more explosive tackler.
-POW up from 87 to 90
-PRC up from 86 to 90
-MCV up from 58 to 61
WR Denarius Moore:
Dissatisfied about how he was contained down the stretch, Denarius was working on taking his release and route running to the next level. He also wanted to be able to make all the catches asked of him.
-Gained: Feet in Bounds
-RLS from 84 to 86
-CIT from 84 to 86
-RTE from 86 to 87
M/OLB Jack Olsen
Seeing how he's slated to work outside this year in the 3-4 on the strong side, he worked on his tackling power to better take down tight ends as well as his coverage skills - again to try to be better at stopping tight ends and shifty backs coming out on routes.
-Gained: Big Hitter
-MCV from 81 to 83
-ZCV from 76 to 80
-PRC from 86 to 87
FB/TE Marcel Reece
In anticipation of returning to the fullback position, Marcel worked on his ball handling and running power.
-Gained: Cover the Ball: Always
-TRK up from 77 to 80
SS Tyvon Branch
Branch must be hearing the trade rumors as he's been working very hard and giving max effort all camp long. Is he looking to secure his role here...or auditioning for another job.
-Gained: High Motor
OLB Tevin Ash
Tevin seems thrilled about being a pass rusher in the new scheme. He's worked with the DL coach and looks to be putting together a bull rush to aid in his quest to be the next Aldon Smith or Mario Williams.
-Gained: Bull Rush
-POW up from 79 to 80
-ZCV up from 50 to 51
LE Lamarr Houston
Lamarr isn't really a 3-4 end, but he will try to adapt. He's more a run stopper than a pass rusher, so perhaps he can make the adjustment. He's been working on trying to force double teams and getting off blocks on the edge.
-BSH up from 80 to 83
Position Battles
QB:
Terrelle Pryor is the favorite, assuming the rumors about Blane Giles appear to be just that. Josh Johnson is similar, which will give him a shot all during preseason, but that similarity also will make him have to prove he's really an upgrade over Pryor.
HB:
No battle here. Caulder is #1 with Grant at #2. Taiwaan Jones would have to be very impressive to break through. Otherwise, he'll have to wait for injuries.
FB:
It's Reece unless Moeaki doesn't impress at TE. In that case, Mulligan was brought back to fill the same role as last year.
TE:
Moeaki gets the shot. If he does decently, the job is his.
WR:
All the spots beneath Moore are up for grabs. D'Andre Ware figures to be most likely to take the #2 spot, but McCants could take it and put Ware at #3. Don't count Raymond out either.
OL:
No battles here. Team needs more depth, but the starting five of Veldheer/DePriest/Wisniewski/Welch/Otah look like a lock at every spot.
DL:
The DL is anyone's guess. It's not out of the question for the team to run a hybrid defense, especially if Cam Thomas, a prototypical NT, or rookie Keon Howard impress in preseason work. Any of them could also occupy the DE positions as well since there are no prototypical 3-4 Ends on the team.
LOLB:
It seems unthinkable, given Olsen's skill set, but if Worilds and/or Kindle surprise, perhaps Olsen moves inside...or is dangled as trade bait...many a team would likely want to get their hands on a budding young MLB like this...
MLB:
McClain is a lock. The #2 spot, though, could be in flux. Rookie Tanner Bailey will get the first shot as he tries to make his mark on the team. Olsen could come here and push the rookie outside...or out...
ROLB:
Ash seems like a lock, but, again, if Worilds and/or Kindle surprises...
CB:
Everything is basically in flux here. Carillon and Cooper are the most probable 1-2 combo. That said, Fred Marshall is itching to prove he's got the skills and Brandon Madison wants to show off his hands by grabbing INTs. This young secondary will have to find a way to work together, no matter who plays where.
FS:
Archie Bracey is the only FS on the roster right now, so he'll get the nod first, but veteran Joselio Hanson might steal it, given his experience and decent zone coverage skills. Mike Mitchell is possible, if he's not traded.
SS:
Tyvon Branch returns to his natural position as the corners look to have enough manpower now. He is likely a lock, even if Mitchell remains on the squad.
KR/PR:
Fred Marshall wants to work here as well, and his an excellent reputation for being a return man. Taiwan Jones will look for work here as well. Jones might be more likely, for now, since Marshall could win at least a nickle corner role and Lyle is reluctant to use anyone who might see the field in a base formation as a returner for fear of hightened injury risk. Considering Marshall's #1 weakness might be injury, that makes Jones more likely...assuming he doesn't muff the job away like last year. If he does, Ford is there in both the kick return and punt return role. WR Joe Adams could salvage a roster spot here as well.
3DRB:
Steven Grant gets first shot with Taiwan Jones battling for his role back. Could Marcel Reece be a dark horse here?
K/P:
No battles here, though the team will likely take an extra one of each for preseason work.
Last edited by KBLover; 12-25-2012, 02:32 AM."Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
I may have missed it, but where did Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman sign? Obviously Atlanta went in a different direction...Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
I wonder what the signs in KC will say with Maggitt at QB...
What a name that is...Comment
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"Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
Preseason Wrap-Up
Week 1
Raiders lose 27-24 @ Jaguars
Caulder Racks up 6.5 yards per carry.
Moore and Ware both caught 6 passes.
Signings around the league:
Jaguars sign Matt Ryan.
Cowboys sign Devin Hester
Raiders signings:
C Joe Hawley
RT Pat McQuistan
Trade News:
Titans acquire HB Willis McGahee from Broncos.
Falcons acquire DT Mike Peterson from Rams.
Injury News:
Bears CB Charles Tillman out for the season.
Falcons WR Mike Williams out 7 weeks.
Giants LE Justin Tuck out for the season.
Week 2:
Raiders win 28-14 @ Texans
Pryor efficient, 236 yds, 1 TD, 0 INT
Tyvon Branch forces a fumble...and then recovers it.
Moore leads receivers with 90 yds
Signings around the league:
Titans sign QB Josh Freeman
Releases around the league:
Broncos release DT Richard Seymour
Raiders signings:
FS Darrell Stuckey
Trade Rumors:
Raiders have removed Mike Mitchell from the trade block. A complete lack of safety talent to replace him with was cited as the reason. "No wonder we got a lot of offers for him, " a team scout commented.
Raiders have put MLB Tanner Bailey on the trade block.
Week 3:
Raiders lose 24-10 vs Bucs
Doug Martin ran wild, racking up 150 yards
Ash, McClain, and Olsen each racked up at least 10 tackles
Signings around the league:
Broncos sign QB John Skelton.
Patriots sign DT Richard Seymour.
Releases around the league:
Patriots released DT Vince Wilfork.
Raiders signings:
Raiders sign DT Vince Wilfork.
Raiders releases:
Raiders release WR Joe Adams.
Injuries around the league:
DT Johnaton Babineaux is out for the season.
Week 4:
Raiders win 44-28 vs Falcons
Pryor throws for 322 yards to lead offense.
No major news this week.
Tanner Bailey remains on the trading block - offers are pouring in and range in quality from decent to "you HAVE to be kidding."
Position Battle Results
QB: Pryor is the starter. Talks have sort of gotten going for Giles, but it's clear the Browns are going to try to milk his value.
FB: Reece will stay here, but not because Moeaki was impressive.
TE: Moeaki's run blocking was his undoing. As a result, Mulligan will be #1 TE and Moeaki will come in on Ace/Twin TE packages as the #2 TE. As a receiver, Moeaki seems to be fine, so he could do well in this role.
WR: McCants took the #2 spot. He did so well as slot WR that the team will give him the nod as starter alongside Moore. Ware is #3 with Raymond looking decent at #4.
DL: Wilfork being cut by the Patriots turned this upside down as he will be the NT. Kelly will displace Shaughnessy (who has been put on the block for now) while Houston is staying as the LE. If the team uses any hybrid type defense, Cam Thomas will come in as the 2nd DT in a 4-3 type set.
LB: Tanner Bailey has been a disappointment so far. Olsen is moved to the inside to pair with McClain while Worilds will get the start at LOLB. Kindle is #2 there. Bailey has been benched for now.
CB: Madison shot himself in the foot and has been relegated to dime back to start the year, moving Fred Marshall to nickle back. Carillon and Cooper are the starters.
FS: This is one result that many will watch to see how long it sticks. Archie Bracey's awareness grade is pure trash (29), but he did well enough to where his hard hitting is giving him the start. Stuckey (or STUCKEY, as Gus Johnson said his name in M12) was signed on, and many think he'll be the starter sooner than later as Bracey was just on a good run.
SS: Mitchell got himself off the trade block and he may yet be starter. If the FS situation gets bad enough, Branch could move over there, leaving Mitchell next in line.
KR/PR: Jacoby Ford and Fred Marshall take care of returns as Taiwan Jones' days on the roster might be numbered.
"Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
Raiders Roll Over
Ugly Start to Season Sees
Offense Impotent, Lose 48-0
The start of the 2013 season was full of optimism over the great run and the end of 2012. However, now the questions are starting all over again. Even more concerning was that the defense was terrible, not able to help the offense out at all.
The push to trade for Giles, or someone, will pick up after Pryor's almost-as-bad performance like the one he put up in the Super Bowl. He threw 3 INTs and no touchdowns in the game, looking out of sync with the new receivers the team picked up for him. Only Moore was able to get anything going, picking up 6 catches for 61 yards.
The running game was disappointing, though Grant showed that he can be a good compliment to Caulder, picking up 62 yards on 12 carries. Caulder managed just 3.5 yards per carry as the offensive line just looked lethargic.
Defensively, the secondary was horrible, making Tony Romo look like a good quarterback. They allowed 4 touchdown passes and 310 yards by Romo. Michael Turner racked up 157 yards and 2 scores on the ground.
There's not much that can be taken from this game. Most of the players looked slow and tired, giving very weak efforts.
"Not the way you want to greet your fans for the new season. We just have to focus better and try to erase this bad taste in our mouths from this game, " Moore commented.
Box Score:
Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders Jan 1, 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH SCORE Atlanta Falcons (0-0) 14 10 7 17 48 Oakland Raiders (0-0) 0 0 0 0 0 Team Stats Comparison ATL OAK Total Offense 472 270 Rushing Yards 166 143 Passing Yards 306 127 First Downs 21 11 Punt Return Yards 30 10 Kick Return Yards 20 103 Total Yards 522 383 Turnovers 0 3 3rd Down Converstion 8-14 (57%) 3-16 (18%) 4th Down Conversion 0-0 2-5 2-Point Conversion 0-0 0-0 Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals 5/1 (100%) 0/0 (0%) Penalties Posession Time 36:32 23:28 Atlanta Falcons PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Tony Romo 25/35 (65%) 310 4 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Michael Turner 36 157 4.4 2 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Roddy White 5 130 26.0 1 Julio Jones 5 59 11.8 2 Michael Turner 4 36 9.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Thomas DeCoud 9 0 1 0 Stephen Nicholas 8 0 0 0 Mike Patterson 5 0 0 0 Bill Cross 5 1 0 0 Sean Weatherspoon 4 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Matt Bryant 2/2 50 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Matt Bosher 4 184 46.0 1 Oakland Raiders PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Terrelle Pryor 11/29 (37%) 135 0 3 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Julio Caulder 23 81 3.5 0 Steven Grant 12 62 5.1 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Denarius Moore 6 61 10.2 0 Corey McCants 2 47 23.5 0 D'Andre Ware 2 26 13.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Rolando McClain 10 0 0 0 Tyvon Branch 8 0 0 0 Tevin Ash 6 0 0 0 Shaquille Carillon 5 0 0 0 Jason Worilds 4 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Sebastian Janikowski 0/1 0 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Shane Lechler 5 271 54.2 0
League News:
Bengals and Geno Atkins are struggling to come to an extension deal.
Ndamukong Suh rejected a contract offer from the Lions.
Lance Briggs rejected the Bears' latest contract offer.
Texans and J.J. Watt agreed to a 5 yr deal worth nearly $60 M.
Clay Matthews has refused the Packers' latest contract offer.
Seahawks and Chris Clemmons can not come to terms on an extension.
Scouting:
QB Reshad Watson might be a target for the team to look at further, but not many of the prospects look very solid so far.
"Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
Congrats on not rage quitting....that game must have been frustrating.Comment
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"Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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I don't understand your love of mobile quarterbacks. They don't win you superbowls.Comment
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Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM
I have a run blocking line - which means the pass blocking isn't that good. Then there's the LE issue, and trying to rebuild the line (to even run the ball because, if you remember, couldn't even do THAT well in year one) means the AWR isn't great - so neither is blitz pickups - especially at RT.
Then trying to rebuild the WRs - which means they are inexperienced, so sometimes need to buy time and move the defense to open up holes.
I think a pure pocket QB would get killed. Got sacked 25 times last year, and that's with being able to run.
Then, given the speed ratings in Madden - 65-75 SPD QBs just don't move well enough when chased by 75-80 SPD LBs and DEs, and since I can't just commit IG for free like the CPU can...I don't have to have 90+ SPD, but 60-70 isn't going to work, let alone 45 or 50."Some people call it butterflies, but to him, it probably feels like pterodactyls in his stomach." --Plesac in MLB18Comment
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