2010 Defensive Line Review

 Posted by at 4:00 PM  No Responses »
Feb 102011
 

By Rick Drummond, Profootballfocus.com

It would be hard to argue that this wasn’t the most outstanding position group for the 2010 Oakland Raiders (though the running backs could make a case for themselves.) With impact performances coming from all spots along this 4-man front, a foundation was established for an improved defense and some enthusiasm about the future.

In a 4-3 defense, there is typically a pass-rushing force coming off one edge or the other and some combo of blocker-eating big bodies in the middle. Interestingly, the final version of the Raider D-line boasted two pass-rushing beasts inside and two run-stuffing edge players.

For veterans Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour, the battle cry clearly was not “Let’s keep Rolando clean!” The two did not spend much time occupying blockers as they fully embraced the “cut it loose” mentality and spent the season slicing through gaps. As a result, both ranked among the top four pass-rushing DT’s in the league as rated by profootballfocus.com. Their combined 83 QB disruptions (sacks+hits+pressures+batted passes) were the best by any NFL duo.

Playing on the ends, youngsters Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston, were two of the NFL’s top ten 4-3 DE run stoppers (again as graded by PFF.) They excelled at holding their edges, stringing runs to the sideline, and squeezing down running lanes when the ball went inside. When given the chance to get after the QB, they did that well too, totaling 69 QB disruptions between them.

So many ingredients went into making this line the success that it was, but perhaps even more important than the assembled parts was bringing Mike Waufle back as the D-line coach. Waufle captured the minds of this group, used players in well-defined roles, and rotated them with confidence. Getting each to fully believe and play like they were a valuable and unique contributor was an achievement that could get overlooked, but shouldn’t.

As of this writing, the Raiders have not landed their next defensive coordinator but we do know that Waufle will be around next season – as the D-Line coach or possibly serving as the DC himself.

DT Richard Seymour *Pro-Bowl
Experience: 10 seasons, signed through: was Franchise Player, FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 13 starts, 642 snaps (284 run / 356 pass), 38 QB disruptions, 36 stops, 8 penalties
PFF grades: overall +18.8, run D +9.4, pass rush +14.0 (#4 DT in NFL)

Seymour earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection and was viewed by most as the Raiders’ defensive MVP in 2010. The leadership and consistently outstanding play he brought each week was invaluable to a re-shaped defense that featured young players in prominent roles. For the D-line specifically, Seymour provided a focal point as the top of the hierarchy that allowed each of the others to simply do their jobs without taking on extra attention – be that in the media or in opponents’ game plans.

Lining up as the right defensive tackle, he regularly had his way with the left guards he faced – including some of the best in the game: Kris Diehlman, Wade Smith, Brian Waters, to name a few. He constantly knifed into offensive backfields – hardly slowed by opponents draped on his shoulders – to greet ball carriers before they got started and to startle passers as they finished their drops.

Seymour appeared to relish his role as a leader and a cornerstone for a Raider franchise looking for a turnaround. He showed up to camp early with the rookies and maintained his enthusiasm all season. He was tagged as the Franchise Player for 2010 and should be again in 2011 if a long term deal isn’t reached. I fully expect him to return to Raiders one way or another and to finish his career in Oakland.

DT Tommy Kelly *Pro Bowl
Experience: 6 seasons, signed through: 2014
2010: 16 starts, 859 snaps (403 run / 451 pass), 45 QB disruptions, 27 stops, 12 penalties
PFF grades: overall +11.1, run D +2.4, pass rush +15.5 (#3 DT in NFL)

Slimmed down, determined, and eager to change some minds, Tommy Kelly entered 2010 a new man and with Seymour at his side, he was set loose. He split so many double teams so quickly, I nearly wore out my DVR while running back all of his “I’ve got to see that again” plays. His impact was noted around the league and Kelly was selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl.

The 2010 Tommy Kelly was the player the Raiders though he could be (though initially they envisioned him doing it in the other tackle spot.) He led all DT’s in QB disruptions while managing to be an above average run defender too. Somehow, he kept surprising opponents with his quickness and was able to slash past blockers that should have been prepared to handle him after seeing his work in the early part of the season.

He’s locked in with the long contract he signed a few years back and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Even in the unlikely event that the team decides to jump to a 3-4 defense, Kelly will have a home with the Raiders, though he’d probably be best suited for an end position if that was the case.

DT John Henderson
Experience: 9 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 2 starts, 272 snaps (162 run / 109 pass), 9 QB disruptions, 24 stops, 1 penalty
PFF grades: overall +22.6, run D +21.0 (#3 DT in NFL), pass rush +1.7

Henderson missed seven games in the middle of the season with a foot injury, but when he was present, there were few better run-stuffers in the NFL. Big John provided the situational, hold-the-line counter to the Seymour-Kelly upfield combo and another veteran presence in the middle of the Raider D.

His one-year contract is done, and his performance this season showed the NFL that he can still dominate when used appropriately, so he’ll likely get some attention as a free agent. If the team and he decide to give it another go in 2011 (why wouldn’t they?) expect him to continue on as a part time, early down, short yardage option.

DT Desmond Bryant
Experience: 2 seasons, signed through: Exclusive Rights Free Agent in 2011
2010: 0 starts, 333 snaps (171 run / 161 pass), 12 QB disruptions, 18 stops, 2 penalties
PFF grades: overall +11.3, run D +11.1, pass rush +0.8

The undrafted defensive tackle from Harvard made strides in his second season and finished 2010 particularly strong. Bryant has turned out to be a reliable alternative at tackle when spelling the starters and, late in the season, put his versatility on display by filling in at defensive end.

In Bryant, the Raiders have a young, talented, and affordable depth player that they can count on. He’ll remain a Raider and may even see a few more snaps next season.

DE Matt Shaughnessy
Experience: 2 seasons, signed through: 2012
2010: 8 starts, 649 snaps (354 run / 290 pass), 29 QB disruptions, 36 stops, 4 penalties
PFF grades: overall +15.3, run D +14.3 (#5 4-3 DE in NFL), pass rush +3.3

Shaughnessy began his sophomore season splitting time in a rotation with Trevor Scott but was playing himself into a larger role even before Scott was lost to injury in Week 11. He made a name for himself this season as a force against the run. Primarily lined up as the right defensive end, he gave no ground, controlled the massive left tackles that tried to move him, and showed the ability to keep an arm free and use it to bring down runners.

He had a noteworthy high-low experience in back-to-back forgettable midseason games for the Raiders. An excellent personal day (as expected) against Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Scott was followed by his first start – an 80-snap day against Miami and Jake Long – and his worst day of the season. Looking beyond those spikes, Shaughnessy played consistently well.

Not to be lost in his success as a run defender, he quietly collected eight sacks and gave the coaching staff more confidence in using him as an every down player. He remains under contract for two more seasons and should be given the chance to build on this breakout season as the starter to open 2011.

DE Lamarr Houston
Experience: 1 season, signed through: 2013
2010: 15 starts, 741 snaps (406 run / 332 pass), 40 QB disruptions, 33 stops, 6 penalties
PFF grades: overall +9.1, run D +10.6 (#10 4-3 DE in NFL), pass rush +3.4

Houston has been named to just about every All-Rookie team out there and deserves every mention he gets. The fire and energy he brings was evident from the start and the guy genuinely looks like he’s doing it right and having fun playing the game. If any young Raider inspires memories of the old-time John Madden “be on time, pay attention, and play like hell when I tell you to” Raiders, Houston is the guy.

Consistently strong against the run, he also enjoyed some very good games as a pass rusher and put together a couple of performances that were visions of what he can be – dominant. He was tenacious, fearless, and versatile – bouncing inside when needed for spot duty or for an entire game. There isn’t a tight end in the league that can move him and if he can avoid being latched onto by long-armed right tackles, he’s too quick for them to handle too.

Houston made a splash as a rookie starter and set the bar high for himself. He’ll have to work to get his play to a steady level, but there’s no doubt that he’ll put that work in. Judging by his play on the field and his demeanor off of it, this is a star in the making … and hopefully a career Raider.

DE Trevor Scott
Experience: 3 seasons, signed through: 2011
2010: 13 starts, 487 snaps (208 run / 233 pass rush / 46 cover), 24 QB disruptions, 11 stops, 4 penalties
PFF grades: overall +2.0, run D -1.7, pass rush +4.3, cover 0.0

Scott bounced between the defensive end and weakside linebacker spots in 2010. He was expected to be at LB when the season began, but when Quentin Groves was named the starter there, Scott landed in a rotation with Shaughnessy and Houston and got time on each end of the line. When Groves went down with an injury, Scott slid back to take on that job for a few games. After a return to defensive end, a knee injury against Pittsburgh ended his season.

Scott had previously proven himself to be a slippery pass rusher with a knack for finding the quarterback, though this season he didn’t have the same success. When at linebacker, he looked comfortable in space and generally maneuvered himself into good leverage positions, but was not an attacker. His versatility is a plus, but being good at both positions and great at neither may equal back-up duty for Scott going forward. His best chance to compete for a starting gig next season will be at the weakside linebacker spot.

DE Jarvis Moss
Experience: 4 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010 (with Raiders): 0 starts, 36 snaps (10 run / 25 pass), 8 QB disruptions, 1 penalty
PFF grades: overall +2.1, run D -1.0, pass rush +4.5

The Raiders signed Moss for depth after Trevor Scott was placed on injured reserve. He was with the team for the final six games, sat out the first, played briefly in the next four, and got in for 23 snaps in the finale at Kansas City. In that game, the former first round pick showed that he had something to offer, collecting a pair of sacks and four other QB disruptions.
Moss could return to compete for a pass-rushing specialist role in 2011, though I don’t expect there to be much room for a player that can only contribute in that way.

** Special mention **
Kamerion Wimbley’s season will be reviewed when we get to the linebacker group, but he deserves at least a quick shout here. Wimbley put his hand in the dirt and joined the line for nearly every nickel situation this season. His presence added a much needed element to this line – speed off of the edge. In 283 snaps as a pass rusher, he generated 36 QB disruptions and led the team in sacks.

Kelly Trims Down

 Posted by at 3:06 PM  No Responses »
Aug 172010
 

In 2008, the Raiders gave Tommy Kelly a monster contract in the form of $18.125 million in guarantees with $25.125 million total in the first three years.

It is worth noting, Kelly stands to make about $4.5 million in 2010, having already collected all but $300,000 in bonus money. He will also now be bound to the Raiders until 2014 with only base salaries. He could be easily cut in future seasons.

The Raiders get much for those millions they paid Kelly as he recorded just 5.5 sacks in the two years since signing the deal.

All of this adds up to Tommy Kelly being a lightning rod for criticism. Some of the criticism merited and some not.

Instead of waste away as another member of Al Davis’ 2008 spending spree, Kelly has remained a professional. After playing the season at nearly 350 pounds, Kelly has trimmed down to 315.

Kelly looked quick and punishing as a 295 pound defensive end. Moving him inside to the pass rushing three-technique tackle position was logical, but after two seasons the Raiders are pulling the plug.

Kelly will move to the nose tackle position vacated by the release of Gerard Warren. Warren was much like Kelly in that he was much better rushing the passer than stopping the run.

Desmond Bryant, who played nose tackle last season, will see time as the backup at the three-technique to Richard Seymour and newly acquired John Henderson will backup Kelly at the nose.

Typically the nose tackle position is played by players upwards of 330 pounds. Henderson fits that mold perfectly, yet it is Kelly getting first team reps.

What is clear, the defensive tackle spots will be an ongoing rotation of players in 2010. Perhaps keeping the lineman fresh is just what the doctor ordered for the Raiders sickly run defense.

Despite a change in role, Kelly put in the work to trim down and has taken the position change in stride saying, “I’m strong enough and tough enough to play the nose, so I’m not even worried about it.’’

Fans were immediately excited when Lamarr Houston was drafted and when John Henderson signed, hoping that the moves would put an end to Tommy Kelly starting. Yet Kelly remains, trimmer and leaner starting along-side Richard Seymour and the young defensive end Matt Shaughnessy.

If the Raiders are more successful stopping the run in 2010, much of the success will be given to first-round draft selection Rolando McClain. If it is unimproved or worse, all that blame will be placed upon Tommy Kelly. Neither characterizations are accurate.

An improved run defense should be attributed to the entirely new front seven. Kelly and Seymour remain, but playing different positions. Shaughnessy and Trevor Scott ascended up the depth charts last season to end the year as starters. The remaining four were additions.

Don’t forget Kelly when distributing credit when the Raiders run defense is improved. Although he may never justify the contract, he might just turn a few critics into believers in 2010.

What To Watch: Sophomores

 Posted by at 5:59 PM  No Responses »
Aug 122010
 

Every year and in every city the preseason is when the fans watch to see if they have the next impact rookie.

This year’s top crop includes Rolando McClain, Lamarr Houston, Jared Veldheer, Jacoby Ford, Bruce Campbell and Walter McFadden.

What is often lost in the rush to evaluate the rookies is just how much a second year player can improve and make an impact for a team. One recent example is Tyvon Branch.

Branch, as a Sophmore, lead all safties in tackles. He figures to be an impact player for the Raiders in 2010 and beyond.

The 2010 sophmore crop includes: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Mike Mitchell, Louis Murphy, Matt Shaughnessy, Desmond Bryant and Marcel Reece. These sophmores will all see significant playing time in 2010.

The offseason has been filled with reports on Heyward-Bey’s improvement. He’s looked like the best player on the field at times and his route running is much better. All the reports a vast departure his the drop-filled 2009.

Mike Mitchell’s rookie campaign was hindered by a hamstring that kept him out of camp and into the regular season. In limited duty late in the year he had success, but questions remain about his coverage skills.

Will Murphy be able to build on a successful 2009. You would think the addition of Jason Campbell would enable Murphy to take a leap forward, but unless Chaz Schilens remains on the sideline, Murphy could be forced to in the slot. Murphy will have to compete for reps with a more crowded core of young receivers.

Matt Shaughnessy has been so impressive the Raiders cut Greg Ellis and moved Richard Seymour to defensive tackle. Equally strong against the run and pass, Shaughnessy’s progression will go a long way towards determining the success of the Raiders defensive line in 2010.

Desmond Bryant is all of the sudden fourth on the depth chart at defensive tackle. This isn’t a terrible problem to have. Bryant still needs to become more consistent, but he can be a valuable member of the defensive line with limited snaps. Giving the aging Henderson, Kelly and Seymour a breather will be his primary role, but that’s not to minimize it. The Raiders will expect minimal drop-off in play when they call on Bryant’s number.

While many fans will keep a close eye on the rookies, perhaps it is the sophmores that are hungry and primed to make an impact in 2010.

Gameday: Follow the game with me via Chat, Twitter, and Facebook.

Camp Questions, Preseason Answers

 Posted by at 8:26 PM  No Responses »
Aug 102010
 

The first preseason game could answer questions or it could create new ones and complicate old ones.

There is no way to know what will happen Thursday night in Dallas. More than anything, the coaches want to make it through the preseason without significant injuries.

There are plenty of questions that need to be answered and the coaches will start to answer them Thursday in Dallas.

Who will win the third running back job: Michael Bennett or Rock Cartwright?

Each back has a different style despite similarly small statures. Cartwright being the better special teams player and much more physical. Bennett is a quicker, faster and can get to the edge. This will be a tough call the coaches will have to make. Cartwright is a little more useful as long as McFadden and Bush are carrying the load, but should the third back be pushed into starter duty as it was multiple times last year, Bennett would probably be the back you’d want to have.

Will the return game improve?

The coaches would probably like to get Jacoby Ford, Yamon Figurs, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Cartwright a chance to return one in a game situation. Ford’s a bit banged up and may not play Thursday, leaving the others to have the first opportunity to wow the coaching staff.

What are the Raiders doing with Desmond Bryant and Thomas Howard?

The two ended last season as starters, but have been pushed down the depth chart. At first glance Bryant was pushed aside by Richard Seymour. While Seymour did move inside, he will play the three technique tackle position. This means Tommy Kelly is taking snaps with the first team at Bryant’s position.

Howard was moved from weak-side linebacker to strong-side linebacker last season, with Trevor Scott taking over on the weak side. In the offseason, the Raiders brought in Quentin Groves to play the weak side and Kamerion Wimbley to play the strong side.

Howard’s projected role shifted to nickel linebacker, but during camp that role has been filed by Mike Mitchell relegating Howard to third string duties. Adding insult to injury, Cable has repeatedly put down the work the linebackers did in 2009. Howard is the only current player that started the majority of the games at linebacker last season.

Rumors have been circulating that Howard could be released. It one possibility. It could also be that the Raiders knows exactly the type of player Howard is and are intent on getting Scott, Wimbley, Groves and Mitchell extra work.

Will the offensive line block better?

Robert Gallery is healthy, Samson Satele and Mario Henderson have another year in the system, and Langston Walker appears to have latched on at starting right tackle. Will these men, along with Cooper Carlisle be able to protect Jason Campbell? Can this line get a Raiders running back to 1000 yards?

Watch DeMarcus Ware Thursday night versus Mario Henderson. One of the best players in the NFL could wreck havoc versus a base offense.

Step Up Your Game: Desmond Bryant

 Posted by at 8:31 PM  2 Responses »
Aug 052010
 

Fifth in a series analyzing players that need to step up their game in 2010 for the Raiders to be a playoff team.

Keeping Everyone Fresh

Desmond Bryant is the 290 pound defensive tackle who played 28% of the snaps in 2009. He is a Harvard graduate.
By comparison, Tommy Kelly played 69% of the snaps, Gerard Warren played 70% of the snaps and Richard Seymour played 23% of the snaps at defensive tackle.

This offseason, Warren was released, Seymour was given the exclusive franchise tag, Lamarr Houston was drafted, and John Henderson was signed. Kelly is still playing on his huge contract and Bryant was penciled in as the team’s new starting defensive tackle with Seymour slated to start at end. In a surprise move, it was announced Houston would play end as well.

As it turns out, Houston would play end because Seymour will play more inside. At least this has been the case in training camp to this point.

Where does that leave Bryant?

Bryant has gone from the potential starter opposite Kelly early in the offseason to the fourth or even fifth option. Seymour, Henderson and Houston will likely steal his snaps. There just isn’t enough to go around.

The coaches have done a good job of talking up Bryant, but it hasn’t been showing. His role is dwindling and he hasn’t made enough camp plays to be noticed.

It is still early, but Bryant needs to step up his game to even have a role in 2010 and beyond.

Unlike the previous players in this series, Bryant’s role isn’t clearly important to the Raiders making the playoffs in 2010. If Bryant was cut or didn’t see the field, few would likely point to him as the reason why the Raiders were or were not successful.

Perhaps Bryant’s importance is best pushed out one year. This will be the final year Tommy Kelly will receive a large sum of guaranteed money, which means the Raiders aren’t likely going to keep Kelly without a restructured contract in 2011. Seymour and Henderson are playing on one year contacts.

Bryant needs to prove to the Raiders he is ready for a starting role in 2011, if he doesn’t the Raiders will likely look elsewhere.

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