Raiders Must Target Boss, Veteran Receiver

 Posted by at 6:30 AM  5 Responses »
Aug 042011
 

Although the Oakland Raiders operated a run first offense in 2010 with Darren McFadden rushing for over 1100 yards and coming in third in the NFL with 5.2 yards per carry, it is imperative that the Raiders help Jason Campbell in 2011. The Raiders have to get Campbell a reliable target at tight end. Zach Miller was targeted 14 more times than any other receiver on the team in 2010. The 92 balls he thrown his way made him the 10th most targeted tight end in the NFL. He’s now a Seahawk.

Adding Kevin Boss is a no brainer. Although Boss had 25 less catches than Miller last year, he had just 150 yards less than Miller. He averaged nearly 4 yards more per catch than Miller. He may not be a better receiver, but he is a more proven blocker and is the best available tight end left in free agency.

By adding a veteran wide out, the Raiders passing game could improve enough to make the loss in tight end production and afterthought. Boss is just 27 and has a lot of miles left on his body. He could be a long-term solution for the Raiders.

Louis Murphy was the Raiders most targeted wide out in 2010 with 78 targets. Those 78 targets made Murphy the 53rd most targeted wide out in the NFL. That must change for the Raiders to allow Darren McFadden to have another breakout year. The Raiders must keep defenses honest by giving Jason Campbell viable targets in 2011.

Will Darrius Heyward-Bey improve or will Jacoby Ford have another breakout year? Can Chaz Schilens actually stay healthy? If the Raiders can answer yes to two of these questions they may have enough to give Campbell what he needs to succeed. Only Ford’s breakout is expected and production from rookie Denarius Moore would just be a bonus.

Heyward-Bey will likely see reps as one of the top two receivers in 2011.  He has played more snaps than his performance has warranted. He now must show that he deserves to be out there with the first unit. Heyward-Bey was 72nd in the league with 65 targets last year, and with those 65 targets he only amassed 366 yards and one touchdown. To put that in perspective, out of all of the wide receivers with between 60 and 70 targets in 2010, Heyward-Bey amassed better stats than only Chansi Stuckey who had revolving door of QB’s in lowly Cleveland’s 29th ranked passing attack. Although Heyward-Bey is showing improvement, he needs to make a major leap to help Campbell in 2011.

Jacoby Ford was thrown to 11 less times than Heyward-Bey and had one more receiving touchdown and 104 more yards than Heyward-Bey in 2010. All of those numbers should improve in 2011 for Ford. Assuming he enters 2011 healthy, he is poised for a breakout year.

As for Schilens, at this point he looks great in shorts and shoulder pads, but he has yet to realize his potential. He simply must stay healthy. Chaz did not crack the top 100 in targeted wide receivers in the NFL due to his injuries. He only appeared in five games and averaged one catch per game. There is a lot of potential with Chaz, but the Raiders cannot count on the San Diego State product to produce for 16 games until he actually does it.

There are a few wide receivers still available in free agency that could help Jason Campbell and the Raiders offense in 2011. The best fit for Oakland would be six-year veteran Malcom Floyd. The ex-Charger averaged nearly 20 yards per catch and scored six touchdowns in 2010.

Another option is Derrick Mason, the former Raven. Although he is older, he has a year or two left in his tank and would produce. He has had multiple one-thousand yard seasons and his 61 receptions in 2010 would have led Raiders. He amassed over 800 yards and 7 TD’s in 2010 and is stable veteran presence.

If all else fails Braylon Edwards is still available.

Follow me on Twitter: @MatthewGhanem

 

 

Steve Smith in Silver & Black?

 Posted by at 10:44 AM  2 Responses »
May 072011
 

Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith wants out of Carolina. He reportedly wants a trade to the Chargers, Raiders or Ravens. Smith is more likely to be released and have his choice of teams.

If that becomes the case, San Diego is a more logical fit for Smith. The Chargers are reportedly monitoring the situation much as they did with Bob Sanders, who ultimately signed as a free agent.

Refreshing as it is to hear that a player wants to play for the silver and black again, unless Al Davis thinks Steve Smith is worth something in trade, he’ll have better opportunities elsewhere.

Could the Raiders have a roster spot for the 5-foot-9, 180-pound receiver with 52 career touchdown receptions?

Back in March, Rick Drummond did a great review of the Raiders receivers that gives some perspective and insight.

Of course, the Raiders drafted Denarius Moore also, so one has to wonder what role Steve Smith might play on a team chalked full of young receivers.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is likely to get one more season to prove himself as a legit threat, but a starting job will not handed to him this season. Coaches and players sing his praises as a breakout candidate. It’s either wishful thinking or legit observation, we will know soon enough.

Steve Smith broke out in his third full season after a solid second season. The Raiders are hoping the third-year receiver standard holds true for Heyward-Bey.

Jacoby Ford is too electric to keep off the field and he will get his snaps. In many ways Ford could be compared to a young Steve Smith. Does it make sense to have two smaller receivers on the roster, both of which can lineup outside? Steve Smith is going to expect to start, and the Raiders will have to decide if they are able to provide him that opportunity.

Don’t forget about Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy and the rookie Moore. Murphy is the most consistently productive receiver on the team. Schilens fights his own health for snaps and the rookie wild card Moore may demand playing time. Where does that leave Steve Smith?

Smith has been a productive receiver, but he is 31 and his production has dipped in recent years. He’s been fairly durable despite missing 15 games in 2004. He’s known as a bit tough to handle, but Hue Jackson is no stranger to “personalities” at wide receiver.

If Smith becomes a Raider, the team has either lost confidence in Heyward-Bey’s ability to develop and/or they have deep concerns about Schilens’ ability to stay healthy.

The Raiders could use another quality receiving option like Smith, but bringing him in would retard the message the team has sent.

Of course, the Raiders are never too worried about the messages they send and it’s always a good idea to bring in a high upside veteran when you can do so cheaply.

The big question, should the Raiders bring in Smith, who would be the odd man out?

Ford will play and it would be tough to imagine the team giving up on Heyward-Bey this early. That leaves Murphy and Schilens. If healthy, can’t imagine Schilens is the odd man either, but he could certainly be injured again. That leaves Murphy, the most consistently productive receiver on the team over the past two seasons.

It’s also more likely Murphy makes the third-year leap than Heyward-Bey at this point.

To bring in Smith would be for the Raiders to abandon a receiver and relegate him to the fifth slot. Last year, the Raiders fifth receiver was Nick Miller or Johnnie Lee Higgins, who rarely saw the field and even more rarely caught a pass.

Maybe Hue Jackson can find enough packages to spread the snaps around evenly with a receiver like Smith in the fold. It would be a high-risk move, by an organization that is no stranger to the high-risk move.

 

2010 Wide Receivers Review

 Posted by at 4:00 PM  1 Response »
Mar 082011
 

By Rick Drummond, Profootballfocus.com (on twitter: @PFF_Rick)

Remember 2003? That was the last time we found ourselves looking out to either side of Raider formations to see Tim Brown and Jerry Rice taking their positions, surveying coverage, itching to shred that zone or shake that man. Washing over you was a feeling you felt so many times during the seasons leading to that one – the sense that no matter who they were facing, our guys just couldn’t be covered. The Raider passing attack in those days was just that, an attack. A well-planned, well-executed, diverse, and determined attack. 2003, however, was when the wheels came off.

Since then, our gazes out to the edge have been greeted by visions of Javon Walker, Ashley Lelie, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Randy Moss, Doug Gabriel, almost Drew Carter … and the current crop.

Of course, there were hopeful moments along the way (really, there were) and we should force upon ourselves more realistic expectations than ever again fielding a pair of hall of famers, but regardless, the difference between that time and the years since has been painful.

With the garbage finally cleared away and a few years put into rebuilding this unit through the draft, the Raiders can now say that they have a young and speedy stable assembled. What they’re unable to say is they have a clear number one … or even that they are only missing a number one. Today’s group does have talent and, yes, they’ve been thrilling at times, but, as a whole, they seem fragile. Not fragile in the injury-waiting-to-happen sense (outside of Schilens of course), but rather in the there-is-no-foundation-here sense.

All six current raider receivers have entered the league in the last four years – four of them in the last two – so it’s understandable that they would be lacking a foothold in the imaginations of Raider fans. They’ve established no consistently positive identity. Louis Murphy can point to theSan Diego and Pittsburgh games in 2009. Jacoby Ford had a handful of outings in 2010 to shout about. Darrius Heyward-Bey has had two games in his 25 starts where he produced like a legit threat. All scattered flashes.

There are, of course, contributing factors to their nearly impact-less existence that must be noted … questionable quarterback play, coaching and system changes, playing from behind quite often, etc. But, given that, these young professionals must develop and must do so rapidly if they are the ones to end the Raider receiver drought.

The 2010 Raiders receivers:

Nick Miller
Experience: 2 seasons
Signed through: Resigned for 2011. (Was an exclusive rights free agent)
2010 receiving: 0 starts, 52 snaps (29 run plays / 23 pass plays), 4 targets / 3 receptions, 40 yards / 13.3 YPR, 3 yards after catch / 1.0 avg YAC, 0 touchdowns, 1 drop
2010 rushing: none
2010 returning: 35 punt returns, 7.3 yards per return, 0 touchdowns; 2 kickoff returns, 18.5 yards per return, 0 touchdowns
PFF grades: overall -0.5, receiving -0.3
The staff saw something in Miller in 2009, opting to keep him around despite a preseason injury. He made the cut again in 2010 and eventually got some game action as a receiver (52 snaps in a 4-game, mid-season stretch.) He was also given an opportunity to compete for the punt returner spot, a job he held for nine weeks.
Miller is easy to root for – an effort guy, small in stature, big in heart – but he didn’t show enough as a returner to clearly lock down the role and, though gutsy as a receiver, he’ll have a tough time climbing the ranks with a better version of him (Ford) already many steps ahead.
Johnnie Lee Higgins
Experience: 4 seasons
Signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010 receiving: 1 start, 375 snaps (122 run plays / 253 pass plays), 25 targets / 10 receptions, 103 yards / 10.3 YPR, 21 yards after catch / 2.1 avg YAC, 0 touchdowns, 1 drop
2010 rushing: none
2010 returning: 17 punt returns, 7.2 yards per return, 0 touchdowns
PFF grades: overall -6.4, receiving -6.6
Higgins’ last three seasons as a receiver have been a gradual slide down from a starting point that wasn’t very high to begin with. Never the threat the Raiders hoped he would be, the ‘old man’ of this group has seen the newer, shinier toys pass him by. With just 10 catches in 2010 and only 25 targets in 253 passing plays, he wasn’t a viable contributor to the offense.
The regression also hit his return game. After breaking out in 2008 with 3 punt return touchdowns and a 13.5 yards per return average, he has slipped to just six yards per return in the two seasons since. He lost kickoff return duties in 2008 and lost punt returns this season.
Higgins just doesn’t bring anything to the table now and his roster spot will likely be handed to a new Raider for 2011.
Chaz Schillens
Experience: 3 seasons
Signed through: 2011
2010 receiving: 0 starts, 81 snaps (38 run plays / 43 pass plays), 9 targets / 5 receptions, 40 yards / 8.0 YPR, 14 yards after catch / 2.8 avg YAC, 1 touchdown, 0 drops
2010 rushing: none
PFF grades: overall +1.1, receiving +0.6
There’s no questioning that Schilens, the 6’ 4” 210 pound, former seventh round pick offers a unique and much-needed build to this unit. His comparatively large frame would provide balance, helping to diversify game plan options – if he were able to take the field regularly. Unfortunately for him and for the Raiders, he has only seen significant time in 10 games over the past two seasons.
In those 10 games, he has caught 60% of the balls thrown his way – a rate well ahead of the rest of the group. He can work under and across, gain position, and catch the ball. All great traits, but all undermined by his injury history.
His 2011 contract year will be big. Another injury and he’s surely done in Oakland, but even a healthy season that lacks possession-receiver-type productivity could get him sent out.
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Experience: 2 seasons
Signed through: 2013
2010 receiving: 12 starts, 761 snaps (342 run plays / 419 pass plays), 60 targets / 26 receptions, 366 yards / 14.1 YPR, 106 yards after catch / 4.1 avg YAC, 1 touchdown, 7 drops
2010 rushing: 4 carries, 48 yards
PFF grades: overall -13.7, receiving -12.0
Training camp reports singing Heyward-Bey’s praises were pumped out of Napa almost daily. He had turned the corner, put in the extra time, rededicated himself – he was the last guy on the field every day working on tightening up his routes and softening his hands. He was primed to surprise. Turns out, DHB’s draft slot is still the only surprise he’s had for Raider fans.
Much noise was made surrounding the decision to select him so high in the 2009 draft and more followed when, despite starting 11 games as a rookie, he managed only nine receptions. Critics were quick to slam and few resisted the word “bust.” In 2010, he did very little to change their minds. He was thrown at 22 more times and caught 17 more balls, but climbing up to a total of 26 catches just isn’t impressive.
His speed was what attracted the Raiders to him; no doubt envisioning a blur racing past the deepest defenders, slowing only as he cruised through the endzone, ball in hand, readying for his regular leaps into the Black Hole. The reality is, in two seasons, there have been 33 attempts to get him the ball downfield (throws of over 20 yards) and those efforts have netted four catches, just one of which went the distance. 
Particularly damaging to his pre-season “improved hands, improved work ethic, improved want-to” image was what became evident on many of his deep ball chances – his inability to win battles for the ball; the perfect test of those claims.
The third year is often thought of as especially telling for receivers. Heyward-Bey’s third season is coming up and, though Mr. Davis still has faith, half of the Raider nation has moved on from any hope of a DHB turnaround … and most of the others are wavering.
Louis Murphy
Experience: 2 seasons
Signed through: 2012
2010 receiving: 9 starts, 737 snaps (283 run plays / 454 pass plays), 74 targets / 41 receptions, 609 yards / 14.9 YPR, 227 yards after catch / 5.5 avg YAC, 2 touchdowns, 3 drops
2010 rushing: 1 carry, 43 yards
PFF grades: overall -7.8, receiving -6.1
Murphy got to ride in the shadows for a while. Selected in the same draft as Heyward-Bey, but three rounds later, he didn’t face the same scrutiny. Like DHB, Murphy was made an instant starter but, unlike DHB, he made an impact out of the gate: a pair of touchdowns in the 2009 Monday Night opener in Oakland (yes, two touchdowns, one was reversed on the score sheet, but not in my head.)
The remainder of Murphy’s 2009 was uneventful – save for his heroics in Pittsburgh – but he entered 2010 as the smart money choice to finish as the top Raider receiver, and, by the numbers, he did. However, with 15 of his 41 catches coming in the first three weeks, he averaged just 2.3 catches after and lost his grip on the top billing when Ford emerged. Still, 40+ catches and over 600 yards is a respectable season.
Murphy displays passion, speed, and the ability to execute from a variety of positions (running routes from the slot half as often as from the outside in 2010.) He has lapses and sloppy moments, but as with the rest, he’s young and can make fixes. There is an NFL receiver here, and if everything works out, he could combine with Ford to give the Raiders two-thirds of a dangerous trio. Finding a legit number one to top it off is another question, but at this point, any positives need to be recognized.

Jacoby Ford

Experience: 1 season
Signed through: 2013
2010 receiving: 9 starts, 577 snaps (250 run plays / 327 pass plays), 50 targets / 25 receptions, 470 yards / 18.8 YPR, 125 yards after catch / 5.0 avg YAC, 2 touchdowns, 5 drops
2010 rushing: 10 carries, 155 yards, 2 touchdowns
2010 returning: 53 kickoff returns, 24.2 yards per return, 3 touchdowns
PFF grades: overall -3.6, receiving -2.4

Could this be him? The next Cliff Branch? Al Davis has been searching for this player – the downfield playmaker with blazing speed and go-get-the-ball instincts – for years. Being that this was just his rookie season, expectations like that are probably unfair to throw at Jacoby Ford, but judging by the humble maturity he has shown to date, perhaps he can handle it.

After getting only 41 snaps through his first six weeks in the Silver and Black, Ford was thrust into extended action in Week 7. He started every game after that, earning an average of 53 snaps. His display in the season-defining home win over Kansas City demanded attention – a 94-yard kickoff return TD to open the second half, a body-twisting adjustment to haul in an underthrown long ball, an eye-popping effort to steal away a sure interception in the final minute, and his signature catch of the season, sprinting past Brandon Flowers to secure a 47-yard heave that set-up the game winning, overtime field goal.

Standing only 5’ 9”, Ford obviously isn’t going to cure the Raiders’ need for a big-bodied, possession receiver capable of defeating tight underneath coverage, but that’s not why he’s here. He’s a Raider because he can push the top of the defense and maneuver his way to the big play. All that remains for his full transformation to Raider legend reincarnate is a “Speed Kills” sign hanging in the end zone and a jersey number inversion to #21 … which, unfortunately, may be available soon.

Cable’s Last Stand

 Posted by at 8:02 AM  No Responses »
Jan 022011
 

The looming question headed into the off season is if Tom Cable will be retained as head coach. Cable’s contract expires January 18 unless owner Al Davis picks up a one-year, $2.5 million-dollar option.

That means Al Davis will have a couple weeks to evaluate his team and its performance this season. Davis convinces himself every year that his team is primed for a Super Bowl run. This is why there is a vast difference between 7-9 and 8-8 in the eyes of Davis.

At 7-9, the team had a losing record and wasn’t a real threat to challenge for the playoffs. At 8-8, you are close and just need to catch a break and win a couple close games to be in the playoffs. Going 8-8 also means 6-0 in the division and owning the division is a good springboard into the next season and something Cable can sell to Davis as reason to keep him around.

Players almost always say they want a coach to return when asked. It isn’t what players say, it is how they play. When players play hard and fight for a head coach, they really want him back. It shows what kind of character the players have and what kind of respect they have for the man that leads them.

With Hue Jackson likely to draw interest as a head coaching candidate around the league, Cable’s status is very much in limbo. Jackson is especially attractive since he would be a Rooney Rule candidate. Davis does not want to lose Jackson and that fear could drive a change as well.

Davis’ long-standing relationship with Jim Harbaugh isn’t likely to play a factor in a coaching change. It would be a departure for Davis to pay a coach what Harbaugh will command, and the only way Davis might be tempted would be if Harbaugh’s only serious offer is Denver.

Harbaugh will also want the ability to hire his coaches and control of the 53-man roster, something Davis has never and likely will never relinquish.

All the scenarios mean that Cable’s last stand as head coach could be today against Kansas City. Cable can emerge the victor and hold his head high knowing he coached his team to 8-8 and had a career coaching record of 10-11 in games without the handicap of JaMarcus Russell.

Cable started his last stand by smartly flying the team to Kansas City on Friday. He will benefit from a more controlled environment. It was New Year’s Eve and these are young men with money. Cable likely wanted to prevent any hard partying 34 hours prior to kickoff. Cable also continued the practice of moving up practices to replicate playing three hours earlier.

Sunday in Kansas City will be a test for the Raiders. The Chiefs are a playoff team and the Raiders narrowly defeated them at home. The Chiefs are 7-0 at home and Arrowhead is notoriously one of the toughest places to play on the road.

It isn’t often a game with such little significance has so much historic significance. Jamaal Charles is likely to become the first running back since Jim Brown to average over 6.0 yards per carry. The Raiders can become the first team to go 6-0 in their division and miss the playoffs.

When the Raiders and Chiefs get together their is no shortage of match-ups to watch. Watch them all, but most importantly, watch the ones below.

Jamaal Charles vs. John Henderson

Charles is key to the Chiefs offense. Stop Charles and the offense can never get into a rhythm. With Seymour a game-time decision again, it will be up to Tommy Kelly and Big John Henderson to keep Charles from gashing the Raiders.

Henderson is one of the best defensive tackles at stopping the run in the league and Charles is chasing history. If Henderson continues to be a force he will string Charles outside, where hopefully the Raiders ends and linebackers can make plays.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Nnamdi Asomugha

It isn’t that the Chiefs don’t have other threats through the air, it is that so few of them strike fear into a defense. Bowe has been particularly dangerous in the redzone and 15 of his 67 catches have been touchdowns.

The Raiders will counter with Nnamdi Asomugha. One of the best corners in the league by reputation. Cassell would be ill-advised to throw towards Asomugha, who is finally getting  healthy. Unless Charlie Weis wants to stick a hot knife into Todd Haley’s side during a meaningless game, don’t expect Asomugha to be challenged more than once or twice.

Jacoby Ford vs. Brandon Flowers

Ford got the best of Flowers in Oakland, snatching away a would-be interception late in the game to help the Raiders to victory. He had a season-high six receptions for 148 yards primarily against Flowers. Ford also returned a kick for a touchdown against Kansas City, one of his three on the season.

In many ways, Ford is exactly what the Chiefs hoped they drafted in Dexter McCluster. A versatile playmaker and deadly weapon in the return game.

McCluster still has time to turn things around and he is still can be a dangerous weapon, but Ford has proven that he can perform even when a team has game-planned for him.

Flowers wants payback and the Raiders might continue to test Flowers with Ford’s speed. One way or the other, there could be fireworks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey vs. The Bust Label

Tom Cable and Hue Jackson believe he is very close to a breakout. They consistently praise his blocking while talking up how much he is doing and how a big game is coming.

At the end of his second season, the time could be now for Heyward-Bey. While it is usually imperative to give a raw receiver three full seasons to mature, he hasn’t given the fans much to hope for. A big game this Sunday could go a long way into getting the monkey off his back. A little taste of success can also validate his work and propel his continued work this off season.

Chaz Schilens vs. His Body

If Schilens could ever stay healthy, he could be a good NFL receiver. Too bad his body has failed him time and time again. Since college Schilens has struggled to stay healthy.

If Schilens can get through this last game healthy he will enter the offseason healthy. Unless he injures himself on the bench press, like his body-double Bruce Gradkowski did during offseason workouts, he should enter camp healthy.

There are far too many “ifs” when it comes to Schilens, but he is cheap and because of that fact the Raiders are more than happy to hang onto him.

The question is if the Raiders will continue to wait on him or if they could bring in a veteran in the offseason.

Darren McFadden vs. The Toe

While McFadden’s turf toe injury is likely less severe than the previous version, the very fact that the injury has reoccured is cause for concern. McFadden hasn’t been very durable the past few seasons and an injury that comes and goes can really hurt his production.

Michael Bush is a free agent this off season and injuries like this to McFadden could be reason enough for Al Davis to pay Michael Bush to stay around.

McFadden is a game-time decision, but has a good chance to play.

Michael Mitchell vs. Tony Moeaki

Mitchell was a second-round pick at safety. Typically such a draft pick would be expected to be starting by the end of his second season.

While Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance against Antonio Gates and others, he’s also proven to be a bit inconsistent in coverage. Mitchell is often called upon in nickel situations to cover the tight end. This could again be the case against Chiefs tight-end Tony Moeaki.

Moeaki has 46 receptions this season and had six against the Raiders in Oakland, a season high.

Mitchell is a useful weapon against teams like the Chiefs, because he can also come up in run support.

If Moeaki helps the Chiefs move the chains, it could be a long day for the Raiders defense. It will be up to Mitchell to keep that from happening.

Jared Veldheer vs. Tamba Hali

Dwight Freeney made Veldheer looks pretty poor last week. Freeney and Robert Mathis blew past the Raiders tackles and never really gave Campbell much of a chance against the Colts. The rookie was simply over-matched physically and mentally against the prolific pass rusher.

Hali was able to blow easily past Veldheer once in their first meeting, but Veldheer held his own against Hali for the most part and was a big reason Jason Campbell had time to pass late in the game.

Veldheer is likely to be given the reigns to the left tackle position going into next season. Veldheer has plenty of things to work on, but he is competitive and he is getting an opportunity to face some of the best pass rushers in the league to close out his rookie season. Playing against these types of players will help him in the long run.

Veldheer has always been a gym rat and his strength isn’t in question. He will need to fine tune his technique and try to improve his foot quickness if he is to stay at left tackle.

Podcast: What the Hey-Bey?

 Posted by at 4:00 AM  No Responses »
Dec 082010
 

My thoughts on Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Is he a bust yet or should he be given a little more time? Are the coaches utilizing him properly and what will happen when (if) Chaz Schilens is healthy?

That and more in this podcast. Direct link -> http://www.cinchcast.com/raidersblog/132685.mp3

Podcast: Embed

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