PRESEASON PREVIEW: OAKLAND @ SAN FRANCISCO

The “Battle of the Bay” will be renewed on a cool Saturday August evening in Candlestick Park as the Raiders invade Niner country in preseason action.

With news of head coach Tom Cable accused of assault on fellow coach defensive assistant coach Randy Hanson, the heart breaking news of starting WR Chaz Schilens breaking his foot in a practice, and holding a joint practice with the Niners; look for the Raiders to take their aggression level to another level to release some pent up aggression on Saturday.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

With the recent release of sure Hall-of-Famer FB Lorenzo Neal and the return of Oren O’Neal, look for O’Neal to sit out for precautionary reasons giving way to backups Marcel Reece and Luke Lawton to pave way for the Raider ground game.

BATTLES TO WATCH
With a monumental performance against all-world-sack-specialist DeMarcus Ware, LT Mario Henderson will look to continue his awe-inspiring preseason against promising OLB Manny Lawson. With the return of All-Pro middle linebacker Patrick Willis, whose presence alone benefits Lawson the most as this athletic linebacker will test Henderson in consecutive weeks.

CBs Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt vs. WRs Isaac Bruce and Arnaz Battle. Not the most recognized names in the league, but this battle has epic proportions for all involved. Johnson and Routt will need to improve their man coverage to garner consideration for the right to start. Both have performed admirably in camp but not spectacular. Bruce and Battle will get considerable looks and game action to gain some chemistry with their youthful quarterbacks (Starter Shaun Hill and former #1 pick Alex Smith).

Wildcat? Single Wing? : Both teams have been experimenting with the Wildcat with hopes of introducing these formations during the game. Expect the Raiders attempt this early as DMC is the most capable RB of the bunch to handle the direct snap. In the Niner’s singlewing, WR Arnaz Battle will be taking the direct snaps with WR (former QB) Micheal Spurlock lining up outside. Just another reason to make for some entertaining preseason action? OR Are both looking join on the NFL trend and permanently add the formation?





CAMP NOTES:

The Three-Headed-Running Back rotation adds a fourth?: starter DMC will carry the ball a handful of times before the bulk of the first half carries will be split again between Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Fargas carried just once for 2 yards while Bush averaged 7.7 yards on his three carries. In the second half, 4th RB Louis Rankin (six carries for 31 yards and a touchdown and one pass for a 19-yard gain) to carry the load again. Rankin has raised some eyebrows with his downhill running style and making it all the more difficult for the coaching staff in an already crowded backfield.

Thin Receiving Corps: With news of last week’s star WR Chaz Schilens going down with a broken foot and his status for opening the season against the Chargers in serious doubt, the team will rely on two speedy yet inconsistent receivers Johnnie Higgins and rookie Darius Heyward-Bey to step up and contribute right away. Both have dropped far too many balls and will be given opportunities against the Niners. With Javon Walker still recovering from knee surgery and 4th rd pick Louis Murphy sidelined with a hip injury; although projected 5th on the depth chart, WR Nick Miller has made the most of his opportunities by lining up with the first offense in practice. It was Miller who made a spectacular 48-yard catch last week against the Cowboys to put the Raiders near the goal line to set Rankin’s touchdown.
BATTLE TO WATCH: Heyward-Bey vs. Nate Clements. The inconsistency of HB and his propensity to drop sure balls, has many wondering if this trend will continue in game action. Look for HB to get a hefty number of looks for the coaching staff to have enough video to analyze and correct this flaw immediately.

Corner Backs just Offensive? All-Pro CB-stud Nmandi Asomugha suffering a minor hip flexor, it was evident Raider brass felt the current unit was in need of some fresh competition when they added with the addition of CB Ricky Manning Jr. A stout man-man corner, Manning is an ideal fit for the Raiders new attacking defense which calls for consistent man-coverage. Look for the competition for starting opposite Asomugha and the nickleback positions to heat up between Manning, Chris Johnson, and Stanford Routt. With Asomugha out for the game, the three will be given every opportunity to showcase their abilities against a not-so threatening 49er quarterback and receiving corps.

Other Position Battles Worth Noting

Starting FS Hiram Eugene and incumbent FS Michael Huff are both making some noise with ferocious hits and pass deflections in training camp. During the recent joint practice with the 49ers; both Eugene and Huff were making life difficult for Niner receivers attempting to make catches over the middle with a handful of bone crushing hits. The highly athletic Huff seems to have a renewed sense of energy that is spilling over to Eugene. This makes for entertaining television for Raider fans who have longed for a consistent ball-hawking safety.

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Raiders Prevail Over Cowboys in Preseason Opener

DMC breaks away for 45yds against a Cowboy defender


(Photo Courtesy of Associated Press via NFL.com)


Post-game News and Notes


The GOOD:
QB JaMarcus Russell played just 2 series vs. the Dallas 1st unit defense. It was evident Russell’s pocket presence has improved greatly under the tutelage of new quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett. JR managed an efficient in passing attack completing 6 of 9 passes for 50 yds. More importantly, he escaped unscathed in the face of constant pressure. DID YOU SEE the two deep-lobbed passes intended for WRs Schilens and Heyward-Bey? Both were obvious under throws. Not to worry, this chemistry will develop in time (Let err rip JR!). Consistency will be the key in Russell’s development.

WR Chaz Schilens, the second year player out of San Diego State, made his presence known early in the game in becoming the Raiders #1 receiver. Great hands, adjustment to the ball, and the awareness to continue plays impressed coaches enough to cement his status as Russel’s “go-to-guy”.

HB Darren McFadden electrified “the Nation” with his limited touches needing only 3 carries for 63 yds. (long of 45yds). DMC is primed and ready to begin the season.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey’s top-end speed was on display and Dallas wanted nothing of it; consistently double teaming the rookie in his first two deep passes from Russell. DHB finished the night with 1 catch for 8 yds.

HB Michael Bush: 2 touches 18 yds. Although a holding penalty negated a 9 yd run, Bush ran effectively with the 1st unit O-line. Did you see Bush’s fantastic pass protection?

LT Mario Henderson did a fantastic job facing DE DaMarcus Ware when the 1st units faced off: 0 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 QB pressure.

Second and Third stringers showing some grit:
FS backup Michael Huff had flashes of improvement (1 int), however had a relapse of interference-nidis.

WR Louis Murphy is continuing his hot training camp start by showcasing his separation skills against Dallas backups, although he did not get many looks, the film showed great routes and good blocking skills (albeit the one holding penalty) finishing with 2 catches for 40 yds.

MLB Isaiah Ekejiuba showed promise in his opportunity on the field. Expect this special teams demon to continue to be a force on special teams and contributor in spelling starter Kirk Morrison.

QB Bruce Gradkowski impressed enough to take the lead in his bid to become the Raiders 3rd QB over Charlie Frye.


THE BAD:

HB Justin Fargas: 1 carry 2 yds. A holding penalty does not hide the fact of Fargas’ poor decision to dive over a crowded pile (at the 2 yd line) rather than staying on his feet or attempting to bounce outside. Fargas will need to rebound in practice to warrant more carries with the much hungrier Bush getting more looks in different packages due to his blocking ability.

CB Stanford Routt was burned several times while filling in for injured starter CB Chris Johnson. Routt will need to improve on man coverage or John Bowie may start to get some playing time in Routt’s-assumed nickel package.

Raider Run Defense was outstanding in the first series (mainly due to fantastic special teams play in the opening game field position) and holding bruising HB Marion Barber (4 carries,13yds); however HB Felix Jones exposed the Raiders to speedy


THE UGLY:

The first unit offensive Line had mixed results against Dallas’ first unit defense. Pass protection will be the focus of this upcoming week. Although the first unit surrendered just 1 sack, Raider quarterbacks were constantly under pressure. At times the the run blocking was great for DMC and M-Bush, but not so for Fargas. Penalties again plagued the unit as Dallas’ pressure turned up the heat to test this makeshift unit.

PENALTIES-PENALTIES-PENALTIES continue to plague this young team on both sides of the ball.

Local Blackout and Empty seats.

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PRESEASON PREVIEW: DALLAS COWBOYS AT OAKLAND RAIDERS

ATTENTION DIE HARD SILVER-AND-BLACK LOYALISTS! The gridiron drought will officially end when “America’s Team” visits the Raider Nation on a summer Thursday night to kickoff the preseason.

Obviously, the game play will not be equivalent to the regular season hype, however it gives Raider fans the opportunity to view younger players such as WR D. Heyward-Bey, SS M. Mitchell, RB M. Bush, etc. to showcase their skills and either make a strong case to start or become a major contributor this upcoming season.

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:

The Three-Headed-Running Back rotation : starter DMC will carry the ball a handful of times before the bulk of the carries will go to Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. The competition between these two will draw much more interest due to the long-term implication of either’s future with the club. Both Fargas (4M/yr) and Bush (540K/yr) contracts will expire after the 2011 season.

Battle of the Trenches: With limited action for the first units for both teams, expect an all out fight as Dallas’ vaunted defensive front seven will savor the opportunity to attack a makeshift Raider first unit offensive line. BATTLE TO WATCH: LT Mario Henderson (5 career starts) vs. OLB DaMarcus Ware (20 sacks in 08’)

Run D-E-F-E-N-S-E DTs Tommy Kelly and Gerrard Warren will need to use this game to master new defensive coordinator’s John Marshall newly instituted attacking defense. The mountainous DTs and LBs will face a formidable offensive line. Just like the Raiders-trio, The Cowboy run game will feature a three headed RB rotation consisting of bruising back Marion Barber, the fleet footed Felix Jones, and the versatile Tashard Choice. BATTLE TO WATCH: DE Greg Ellis vs. his old teammates. Expect Ellis to give an all-out-effort and prove Cowboy Owner/GM Jerry Jones wrong for cutting him loose.

Raider Wideouts vs. Cowboy DBs : JR should have a decent couple of series considering both starting cornerbacks for Dallas will not participate in the preseason opener. With WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey and Johnnie Higgins game time listed as probable, look for Chaz Schilens and Lance Murphy to get a hefty amount of looks.

CB N. Asomugha vs. WR R. Williams Pressure is on Williams to produce and what better opportunity against the league elite shutdown CB. Don’t expect a steady stream of Romo-to-Williams connection as Asomugha will continue to add fuel to the fire.

What to expect : The game will be a welcome back for “the Nation” to see the Silver and Black back on the field. The starters will see a couple of series and then give way to the second and third team units. Although the outcome of the game has no merit to the upcoming season, the position battles and game experience will help the team prepare for the next.

CAMP NOTES:

Who’s Snapping to JR? With 08 starter Jake Groves gone, the battle between third-year Samson Satele and 12 year veteran John Wade will pickup steam as coach Cable will have to decide which line will offer the best protection to JR.

Protecting the Blindside Newcomer Khalif Barnes was supposed make a push to start at LT but after breaking his ankle recently, Mario Henderson has made the most of his opportunity with the first unit.

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Training Camp Position Battles: Defensive Line – Uncertainties Abound

Raiders are desperately relying on mammoth DT Tommy Kelly to be a force in the middle and anchor the run defense in 2009 (Photo Courtesy of alswingman.blogspot.com)

Time of possession is a crucial statistic that every team yearns to win in each contest. Keeping the opponents offense off the field means less opportunities for them to put points on the board. For this reason many within "the Nation" will agree that all eyes will be on the defensive line for 2009. With last year’s decrepit performance, the line will need to improve the 31st ranked run defense or drastic changes will made.

Considered the weak link of the Raiders defense, in 2008 opposing teams repeatedly ran the ball at will and over powered the Raiders defensive front seven. After 5 seasons team owner Al Davis had "enough" and dismissed former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. His replacement former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, John Marshall, has the credentials but will certainly have his hands full with this particular unit.

With the recent trade of former two-time All-Pro defensive end Derrick Burgess to the New England Patriots, the move closes the chapter of what many have been anticipating since the arrival of newly acquired Greg Ellis. With the injury-prone Burgess now gone, look for rookie Matt Shaughnessy, second-year Trevor Scott, and third-year Jay Richardson to engage in a heated training camp battle to start opposite Ellis.

Scott performed amicably in Burgess’ absence particularly in run defense; however he may lack the size to sustain the length of an entire season. Richardson lacks the strength but his edge speed and athleticism makes him ideal to be a regular in passing situations. Shaughnessy will be the unknown factor. Although he impressed coaches during OTAs, Shaughnessy will need to continue that momentum into training camp to leap over his more experienced peers. I see a series of split starts between Scott and Richardson.

This year will be vital for DT Tommy Kelly to prove to the organization that he is worth the $50.5 million contract he signed in 2007. Kelly is certainly a force to recon with in the middle however, too many times last year the mammoth DT would disappear and no longer commanded double teams during most games. In what he deems his best shape in his young career, the former undrafted DT will inevitably prove his doubters wrong and make his presence known in the league.

Starting alongside Kelly will be journeyman Gerard Warren who looks to maintain playing time over mountainous Terrell Sands. Warren’s experience and speed to penetrate will compliment Kelly’s bulky presence. Sands plays with plenty of vigor early in the games but just like Kelly, he consistently continues to be swallowed up by much smaller (quicker) lineman thus not allowing linebackers to attack ball carriers freely.

Newly acquired free agent DE Greg Ellis returns to his natural DE position. (Photo Courtesy of ImageofSport.com)

The departed Burgess will be missed for his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks however with the arrival of Ellis, the converted outside linebacker can return to his natural DE position and focus on run support and sacks. The Raiders pass defense will rely solely on how the unit can respond to teams pounding the ball on the ground. If the interior defensive linemen cannot win the battle in the trenches and improve the run defense, look for changes abound or a possible overhaul in 2010.


Be sure to tune in to more of Black Sunday's exclusive training camp position-by-position battles by visiting our website at www.BlackSundayBrand.com

Training Camp Position Battles: Defensive Backs – Strength or Reason for Concern?

Shut down cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is the anchor of the DB’s, but what about his supporting cast? (Photo courtesy of Hugbacker.com)

There is little concern in the “Nation” over the team’s defensive backfield or should there be? With the team finishing tenth overall in pass defense, did these numbers justify this DB unit as a team strength? Or does it skew the fact that teams consistently abandoned their passing attack and repeatedly overpowered this 31st ranked run defense? Lets investigate…

When facing the Oakland Raiders the one name that instilled the most fear into offensive coordinators is consensus All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha, who has cemented himself has a bonafide shutdown cornerback in the league. During the 2007 and 2008 regular season, teams repeatedly refused to throw in his direction, leaving many passes intended for “the other-side”. That “other-side” position is currently held by third-year pro Chris Johnson.

Thrown into the fire when former starter DeAngelo Hall was released late into the 2008 season, Johnson fared well with marked improvement impressing coaches and management with his natural abilities and ability to adjust to the ball. With 6 career starts, Johnson certainly has the more experience over closest competitor Stanford Routt in the rights to start opposite Asomugha. Entering his fourth year, Routt was in the dog house with the coaching staff in 2008 for his lackadaisical approach to preparation and attitude.

During OTA’s, Routt, Justin Miller, John Bowie, and Jason Horton were given opportunities to showcase their abilities (when Asomugha and Johnson were not in attendance) with the first squad and each had mixed result. Routt showed marked improvement but looks like he will start the season as the primary nickel back. Miller is viewed more as a primary threat in the return game, thus will not see much action barring any injury to the starters.

The Safety positions look to be a more intriguing battle in training camp. At Free Safety look for the battle between second-year Hiriam Eugene and Rookie Mike Mitchell to be hard fought with Eugene prevailing. Mitchell, a former Ohio State Buckeye and surprise second round selection did little to impress coaches during OTA’s due to a nagging hamstring injury; however it was his intelligence in team meetings and outstanding work ethic during the off-season that gave a lasting impression on the coaching staff. Look for experience to be the deciding factor in Eugene returning as the starter for the 09 season.

At Strong Safety, Michael Huff will either compete with Mitchell or converted cornerback Tyvon Branch for the rights to start opposite Eugene. Former FS starter Huff, will be given another shot to redeem himself after a lackluster first half of the 2008 season in which he was supplanted by Eugene. With the “first-round” money invested in Huff, look for an all-out-effort for him to solidify himself in his bid to start opposite Eugene. If not, look for his outright release.

Overall, the cornerback positions will see no starting changes from the 2008 season. The Safety positions will be a key factor in how this unit responds. Don’t expect a dominant effort, however with a weak AFC west passing attack (outside of San Diego), look for this unit to play well enough to keep the team afloat within the division.



Be sure to tune in to more of Black Sunday's exclusive training camp position-by-position battles by visiting our website at www.BlackSundayBrand.com