Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

[UK0wnag3]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

I like that you picked Patrick Papagianopoulos just for the name.

I get the feeling that the drafting of Max Justice was the same principle. That's a superhero name, right there.

[daniel77733]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

As for Seaver for some reason he was on the trade block in my Broncos CCM and I snatched him up with the quickness. Physical freak with solid intangibles.

Quick question...does Seaver have that "sleeves" glitch? Reason im asking is I drafted a center Ryan Johnson a while back in a CCM and despite having no sleeves, he always showed up in-game with white sleeves. Drove me nuts. Curious to know if the players with that glitch are random/determined or by position. Thanks.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

I like that you picked Patrick Papagianopoulos just for the name.

I get the feeling that the drafting of Max Justice was the same principle. That's a superhero name, right there.

Yeah it was

I was like Max Justice? Really? *picks player*

[tdawg3782]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Quick question...does Seaver have that "sleeves" glitch? Reason im asking is I drafted a center Ryan Johnson a while back in a CCM and despite having no sleeves, he always showed up in-game with white sleeves. Drove me nuts. Curious to know if the players with that glitch are random/determined or by position. Thanks.

I have no idea. Never occurred to me to check. Next game I play I'll look for it.

[tdawg3782]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

FS/SS

No position battles here, but instead the team's biggest weakness. Branch is solid, but can get beat by athletic receivers and makes some mistakes in coverage. Lamel Seawood hopefully will improve, but until (and if) he does, he's a liability at times in coverage.

Just an FYI. Smoke is a stud FS/SS also. So you could put him out there

[daniel77733]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

I have no idea. Never occurred to me to check. Next game I play I'll look for it.

Thanks. Appreciate it.

FS/SS
No position battles here, but instead the team's biggest weakness. Branch is solid, but can get beat by athletic receivers and makes some mistakes in coverage. Lamel Seawood hopefully will improve, but until (and if) he does, he's a liability at times in coverage.

Missed you having Seawood at FS. If I lose Goldson, thats who im going after. How much of a liability is he in coverage?

Just an FYI. Smoke is a stud FS/SS also. So you could put him out there

Another quick question...unless Smoke moves to FS in his storyline, how can you switch his position from CB to FS if all you can do is left to right and right to left in CCM?

[tdawg3782]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Thanks. Appreciate it.



Missed you having Seawood at FS. If I lose Goldson, thats who im going after. How much of a liability is he in coverage?



Another quick question...unless Smoke moves to FS in his storyline, how can you switch his position from CB to FS if all you can do is left to right and right to left in CCM?

You can't officially switch his position from CB to FS/SS. You'd just put him in the depth chart as your starter. He takes a slight hit on AWR and TAK but not enough to be a big deal.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

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Just an FYI. Smoke is a stud FS/SS also. So you could put him out there

Oh? I would think his bad ZCV (the one weakness I can see in him) would hurt his effectiveness at safety.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Notable Training Camp Progression (XP accumulated in offseason in [])

LB Davarius Bullock [68,354]
SPD: 82 to 84
CON: 2 to 3
Spin Move: No to Yes
Swim Move: No to Yes

HB Bull Griggs [37,043]
ELU: 80 to 82
BCV: 89 to 90
Cover Ball: Brace vs All
CON: 1 to 2

WR Akia Green [34,865]
CTH: 85 to 87
CIT: 80 to 84
ELU: 72 to 74

LG Cale Welch [21,118]
IBL: 91 to 92
RBK: 91 to 92

RG Aaryn DePriest [21,656]
ACC: 63 to 65

LB Bobby Wagner [19,606]
ZCV: 75 to 77
BSH: 84 to 87

WR Denarius Moore [19,346]
INJ: 85 to 86
STR: 56 to 57

LT Jared Veldheer [14,600]
IBL: 85 to 87

CB Brandon Madison [11,915]
AWR: 80 to 82
ZCV: 80 to 82

FS Lamel Seawood [5,983]
PRC: 64 to 67


Trade Rumors

The Raiders began fielding offers officially for Cosbert and Branch.

For Branch, offers are all over the place ranging from some middle-round picks with a late pick for sweetner to offering their backup RTs, seeing the Raiders' potential issue at the position. A few teams are offering next year 1st round picks as well. While those might have the highest value, it would create an open hole for "no" return. In this case, the offers involving "lower value" might leave more room to manuever for a safety prospect/replacement to become part of the deal.

Offers for Cosbert are in the same general area, including some of the teams presenting the same offer for Branch (a RT and some assortment of mid/late picks). No first round offers here, but some 2020 2nd round picks appear, again from some of the same teams interested in Branch.

It would seem that maybe some sort of package could send both to one of those teams interested in both.

As far as the Raiders go, there's some rumors of a possible trade with the rival Chargers for Le'ron McClain. The thinking there is freeing up Marcel Reece to work as TE #2 while not hurting the power run game as McClain has a high reputation as a blocking fullback. Additionally, it would save some wear on Reece's strong but aging body. He's tough, but he's also on the wrong side of 30. While McClain is no spring chicken, it might be more appealing than having one 30-something player trying to fill two physically demanding roles.

At HB, the Raiders might be interesting in a pass receiving veteran HB to be the 3rd down running back and to provide experienced depth to the young tandem of Griggs and Caulder. A match with the Saints' Danny Woodhead has been mentioned by some analysts.

C.J. Spiller is another option, provided the Bengals would part with him. They are rolling with Alfred Morris, but might see Spiller in the same capacity as the Raiders would use him - as a pass-receiving option out of the backfield.

Preseason Preview

One thing the Raiders will be deciding on is the defense to run. The return of the hybrid defense might be in order while others think the 3-4 will be fine, even with someone sharing the middle with Maeweather, citing the fact that Wagner racked up 130 tackles in the same spot Maeweather would play in the 3-4.

Of course, settling the position battles will be on the agenda with most eyes on the cornerback battle. Some also wonder if Smoke will get to show if he can work as a return man in the NFL like Peterson has shown. No doubt about the athleticism, but will the eyes and the comfort level be there. If not, Akia Green might get to stretch himself to try. Green is noted for his ability as a returner.

Kip Ricketts will start his attempt to showing he's a capable backup, while Martens will be looking to show there's no ill effects from his injury last season. It might take time like it did for Sergey Wainwright and both coaches and fans are anxious to find out how their spunky leader holds up.

The offense hasn't gotten as much press this winter, but there's some possible shifting there. Some of it was seen while Martens was in play, more of an aggressive, vertical passing game that looks for chunks of yards. With two 1,000-yard receivers and both posting double-digit TDs (and Moore finishing his off without Martens) points might actually not be at a premium for once.

Of course, the running game is still going to be there. Coaches will look to see how they can best set up plays. Will the Raiders pass to set up the run, or go with pounding runs and set up shots with play action on 1st and 2nd down and passing in short-yardage situations? Martens is capable of going in either direction, he just wants to throw it deep whenever possible.

"As long as I get to fire it downfield and make exciting things happen, I'm game, " Martens smiled, "I don't care if its on play fakes or not, I just want to push the issue on offense. Cut it loose, take some chases and play for the big reward."

[tdawg3782]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Oh? I would think his bad ZCV (the one weakness I can see in him) would hurt his effectiveness at safety.

It does hurt him some but his crazy athletic ability makes up for a lot of it.

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Spiller could be a good addition to your offense.

[JaymeeAwesome]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Pick up Spiller and see how he compares to my Dynasty....dueling Spillers.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Preseason Wrap Up

Week 1:

Raiders romp 48-7 over Jags.

Caulder ran in 3 TDs and Ricketts was up and down, but showed poise and potential. Martens went 8-for-10 with a TD and looked as sharp as ever.

Bobby Wagner starred on defense with 8 tackles, 2 FF, 2 Sacks, and an INT.


Week 2:

Trade Talks:

Tyvon Branch has been removed from the trade block, but Earl Williams has expressed his discontent and demanded a trade. The team is currently hearing offers on the talented young LB.

Raiders acquire HB C.J. Spiller for a 2020 4th round pick.

Other rumors:

Browns are putting QB Blane Giles on the trade block. It is unknown who is pushing for the trade, but perhaps Giles is not happy about competition being drafted by the team.

On the field, Danny Martens continues to look sharp as the Raiders win 31-7 over the Texans. Martens threw 3 TDs and for 346 yards. Nothing particularly special happened on the defensive side, but the unit as a whole was dominant, even with the second team on the field.


Week 3:

The Chiefs headline the week by acquiring QB Blane Giles from the Browns. The Raiders are getting more offers for players, this time, Jake Olsen is being targeted. Olsen and WR Fabian Favors were not expected to be on the block.

Meanwhile, the Raiders picked up a strong prospect in return for a couple young solid players. Kooper Cosbert and Earl Williams will head to Atlanta in return for versatile RE Patrick Gjere. This will likely facilitate a hybrid defense as Gjere has the quickness to work outside either taking the "Ngata role" in the 3-4 or acting as a power pass rusher in the 4-3.

The interest in Favors is surprisingly strong. Some teams are willing to deal 1st round picks. The offers are making the Raiders rethink what they have in the young receiver, but no trade is expected.

The one offer on Jake Olsen was flatly refused. "It was an insult. Wasn't worth listening to.

The Raiders lost a close one to the Bucs, 37-31, as Martens had an average game. Akia Green broke out, however. He had 137 yards and a touchdown. Marcel Reece caught his second TD of the season seeming to like playing as the 2nd TE. The Raiders are likely to troll the waiver wire to find a FB before week 4's game.

Wagner and Maeweather topped the tackles list with 8 and 9, respectively. Wagner also picked up a sack as did rookie Keithen Lett and the indomitable Ndamukong Suh. Davarius Bullock also got to the QB. However, the Raiders gave up a defensive TD to Lavonte David and Doug Martin burned them on a kick return for a TD.

Papagianopolus finally got his jersey. He'll be named the starter in "celebration" of the event.

"I feel like part of the team now, " Papagianopolus said with a laugh, "How hard could it have been? My last name only has 13 letters in it. Maybe they couldn't get it spelled right.


Week 4

The waiver wire was quite through the first three weeks. Even now the media isn't saying much about the releases, but a few notable names hit the street in search of new employment:

WR Michael Crabtree, ex-Raider WR Sidney Rice, LB James Anderson, who was also injured and Albert Haynesworth (he's still around?) are among the most known names looking for work.

Raiders signed FB Soma Keith and TE Lee Smith to 1-year contracts.

Raiders lose another close one with Papagianopolus at the helm, 20-17 to the Falcons.

This game played like the typical game of no offense with Griggs doing what he can, but not enough plays to be made. Only consolation is that it wasn't with Martens out there.

Meanwhile, Blane Giles immediately showed his skills as he looks to put together an even better season.

[KBLover]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Week 1 - Midweek News

NCAA Football News:

USC's Kian McKenzie is being touted as a once-in-a-decade QB that's already capable of running a pro-style offense.

NFL News:

The Steelers, Giants and Vikings finished the preseason at 4-0.

The Falcons racked up 9 sacks against the Raiders in their final preseason game.

Raiders' News

The Raiders will face the rival Chiefs to start the season. The Chiefs and their new QB Blane Giles. What a test right off the bat for Maeweather, Smoke and whatever new defense might be in place.

Raiders Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
LT	Jared Veldheer	Out 3 weeks (dislocated hip)

Raiders stayed largely healthy, but at least it's relatively minor. Patrick Seaver will get the start at RT so that Otto Freese can start at LT.


Roster News:

The position battles are over. The much anticipated cornerback battle was as tight as expected, but it will be Madison moving to the nickle corner position. Smoke and Peterson pretty much shut down the passing games in the preseason. Madison played well also, but with those two doing their thing, Lyle had to see what the duo can do in the regular season.

Earl Williams being shipped out cleared up the LB position. Maeweather, Bullock, and Wagner are the certain three with Olsen being the 2nd linebacker in the 3-4. Ash will retain his pass rushing duties. On the defensive line, the RE spot is still in something of a battle in the 4-3. Suh will play inside when a 4-man front is called and subbed in at RE in the 3-4. This lets Dawn play every down he can with Keithen Lett coming in for Walters if he tires.

Suh then heads outside with Dawn and Walters, just like last season in the 3-4. That leaves new acquisition Patrick Gjere and draftee Julian Shade to do battle for the 4-3 spot.

Je-Marc Gibbs won out for the punting job, though the position remains an issue in general. Shon Richardson was terrible, and Je-Marc might not be much better.

J.J. Smoke was disappointed about losing on at the kick returner job.

"I don't take failure well. I'm determined to take that from Peterson. It's on, Patrick Peterson, " Smoke pointed at the camera with a smile.

Peterson responded the next day, "Oh, how cute - I have a rival. Challenge accepted, son!"

Notable Progression:

C Sergey Wainwright
PBK: 84 to 87
SPD: 54 to 55

DE Keiwone Walters
AGI: 71 to 72
ACC: 73 to 74

CB Patrick Peterson
CON: 1 to 2
PRC: 89 to 90

LB Davarius Bullock
FMV: 65 to 70

DT Ndamukong Suh
FMV: 87 to 89

DT Immanuel Dawn
CON: 0 to 1

LG Cale Welch
ACC: 71 to 72

WR Akia Green
BCV: 65 to 67
CIT: 84 to 85

LB Tevin Ash
STR: 80 to 81
PMV: 87 to 88

TE Karl Kruger
RBK: 71 to 75

QB Danny Martens
AWR: 67 to 70
MAC: 82 to 83

LB Kendle Maeweather
BSH: 84 to 86

C Patrick Seaver
STA: 58 to 63
AWR: 71 to 72

CB J.J. Smoke
KR: 64 to 66
PRS: 54 to 55

[Gronk4M13]

Re: Rebuilding the Fear - Oakland Raiders M13 CCM

Good preseason, very nice writeup.