Saints @ Raiders Preseason Preview: Forget 2009

 Posted by at 12:12 PM  No Responses »
Aug 282011
 

It was 2009 the last time the Raiders played the Saints in the preseason. The New Orleans Saints were still the “Aints” and the Raiders were a team headed into the Tom Cable era without a true identity.

That game-also in Oakland and the third preseason game-was a 45-7 shellacking at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl Champion Saints. The Raiders would win five games, none by more than four points.

Preseason is usually a time to evaluate individual performances over team performance, but the first half of the third preseason game is the closest we will get to predicting how a team might play during the regular season. The coaches scheme a bit and the starters play at least a full half.

Let’s take a look at third preseason games over the past few years.

2007 first-half score Rams 3 @ Raiders 17.

Rams would finish 3-13. The Raiders would finish 4-12

If it had been any other team besides the Rams, would the Raiders have even won? Both teams were terrible in 2007 and the fact that the Raiders didn’t blow out the Rams was a sign of things to come for both teams.

2008 Cardinals 3 @ Raiders 0

The Cardinals would finish 9-7 and go one to appear and lose in the Super Bowl. The Raiders finish the season 5-11.

This demonstrates how bad the Raiders offense was in 2008. Although the score was close in the first half, the Cardinals would blow the Raiders backups away in the second half and win 24-0. Kurt Warner attempted just four passes and he was the key for the Cardinals run to the playoffs.

In 2009 it was the aforementioned Saints blowout in week three. The halftime score was Saints 31, Raiders 0. Saints win Super Bowl. Raiders finish 5-11. The Raiders don’t want to repeat this performance.

2010 49ers 17, Raiders 14

The 49ers would win six games, the Raiders eight. It was a sign of just how mediocre both teams were in 2010. Did the Raiders have their moments? Absolutely, but everyone could see how mediocre the 49ers were and the Raiders couldn’t put them away at home during the preseason and later turned in a hapless performance in San Francisco during the regular season.

One theme was apparent in just about all of these games. The Raiders could not stop the run and aside from the 2010, the Raiders could not score. Hue Jackson may have solved the offensive woes and if the Raiders can pass more effectively in 2011, they should be more consistent offensively as well.

The questions still remain: Can the Raiders stop the run? Can the Raiders pass protect? Can the Raiders contend for the playoffs?

Those questions may just be answered tonight at O.co Coliseum in Oakland.

Place your attention squarely in the trenches and leave them there for this game only straying to see how the young corners are doing against Drew Brees.

Offensive Line:

Stefen Wisniewski may win a starting job at left guard instead of center. Samson Satele has played well and Daniel Loper has played terribly so this is a logical move for the Raiders. Pay close attention to how the rookie handles playing guard with the first team.

Bruce Campbell needs to shine brightly tonight to have any chance of supplanting Cooper Carlisle as the starter at right guard. Carlisle has looked solid enough to hold off Campbell so far, but if and when Campbell learns leverage he may get his chance.

The Raiders also haven’t settled on the starter at right tackle. Stephon Heyer is the favorite, but he needs to continue to play well. The Raiders have started using Khalif Barnes as a sixth offensive lineman again, a sign that he may no longer be in the running to start, but will almost assuredly be on the roster. Rookie Joseph Barksdale needs to impress, but is likely headed for a reserve role in his first season. Still, things can change rapidly, pay close attention to who is lining up with the first team.

The Saints are commonly known for their prolific passing game with Drew Brees. This is a very important game for the Raiders young secondary.

The nickel corner job is still very much up for grabs, the Raiders didn’t bring in Lito Sheppard last week for no reason.

Sheppard will not play, so that leaves the young quadruplet Demarcus Van Dyke, Chimdi Chekwa, Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware to battle for jobs.

The young group will need to hold down a very skilled set of receivers and an elite quarterback. No small task. Sterling Moore figures into the mix as well.

Quentin Groves. Is this guy really a starting linebacker? Will the Raiders rush out to sign a linebacker once players start being cut? Groves needs to show up and prove that the Raiders don’t need to worry about adding depth. The Raiders do need to add linebacker depth whether Groves plays well or not, but Groves can put their mind at ease.

Pressure Brees. The Raiders have a dizzying array of pass rushers. Put the pressure on Brees to give the young secondary a chance.

Have fun watching Taiwan Jones in the second half. He has special speed. If he gets loose he could go for a long one.

Players to watch: Stefen Wisniewski, Quentin Groves, Bruce Campbell

Positions to watch: Offensive line, cornerback

Score prediction: Saints 21, Raiders 17 at the end of the first half.

Highs, Lows & Blows From Thursday’s Game

 Posted by at 1:58 PM  2 Responses »
Aug 122011
 

Everyone likes to win, but this is preseason. It’s the first preseason game of a year which features very little practice time beforehand.

It’s far too early to jump to conclusions about the season or any one player. It doesn’t mean that there is nothing to learn from the game.

Highs

1. The defensive line looks even more dominant than they did last year. Matt Shaughnessy looks poised for breakout year. They held up on the goal line.

2. The passing game looks ready to take the next step. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and Kevin Boss all looked the part. Moore got snaps with the first team and made the most of them.

Heyward-Bey made a hands catch and then beat a defender deep only to have Jason Campbell under-throw him. Even Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards looked to be effectively orchestrating the passing offense. David Ausberry looks like he could become something special and a weapon in the receiving game.

3. The offensive line blocked reasonably well. A pleasant surprise. Sacks and pressure mostly came as a result of blitzes, something you aren’t really planning for in preseason games.

First team offensive line (left to right): Jared Veldheer, Daniel Loper, Samson Satele, Cooper Carisle, Khalif Barnes.

Second team: Stephon Heyer, Alex Parsons, Stefen Wisniewski, Roy Schuening, Joseph Barksdale

4. Depth players who looked good last night include Sterling Moore, who made a play, which echos what we have been hearing about him in camp. Chances are improving that he will make the roster. Tommie Hill was consistently getting a good push.

5. Jarvis Moss looks like he is in great shape. He’s motivated and he’s energetic on defense. He could become a key player this season if he continues to play with as much speed and strength as he did last night.

Lows

1. Depth in the secondary. After the starters left the game it got ugly. Walter McFadden looked the worst and was picked on repeatedly by the opposing quarterbacks. Jeremy Ware was not exposed in coverage, but could have made a play on the game-winning touchdown catch and run and didn’t. Stevie Brown didn’t even look good, missing the defender completely on an open-field tackle attempt.

Demarcus Van Dyke started strong by blanketing Larry Fitzgerald early. Fitzgerald still made a long reception over Van Dyke, but his coverage was good. He struggled with the backups. He was stiff-armed by Beanie Wells and was beat for a touchdown reception. He needs to bulk up and his speed will not benefit him if he isn’t within five yards. It looked worse than it was for Van Dyke, but he certainly has a steep learning curve.

2. An announced crowd under 30,000 means the Raiders will have a hard time selling out games. On any given week the Raiders will have to sell more individual game tickets than they have season ticket holders. The two for one offer starting August 15th will help, but it’s a steep hill to climb to avoid blackouts.

3. Not much depth at outside linebacker. Travis Goethel may end up sliding outside when the season moves closer, even though his best fit is in the middle. Goethel reminds me of Greg Biekert. Quentin Groves was playing with third and fourth string players and you almost couldn’t tell. Besides those three players there isn’t much depth. None of the backups stood out from the crowd. Raiders are rumored to still be interested in Lofa Tatupu. I’m not sure he can play outside, but he’s a quality option.

4. Mental errors killed the Raiders. Khalif Barnes had three false starts. That’s going to cost him snaps and could cost him his job. Trent Edwards had a delay of game penalty after a penalty. Reading Hue Jackson’s lips on the sideline: “You can’t do that! Come on!”

Blows

1. Hiram Eugene dislocated his hip. It’s a season ending injury. The same injury ended Bo Jackson’s career when the injury caused a subsequent conditions that resulted in loss of blood flow.

2. Chaz Schilens hurt his knee. Enough said.

3. Many Raiders players tweeted post game that the team had “a lot” of injuries. We’ll find out who had “nicks” when Hue Jackson talks to the press at 5 p.m.

Plenty of things to correct for Hue Jackson, sadly most of it will be on the back of Chuck Bresnahan. It only took one game for fans to lament his bend, don’t break defense.

 

Cardinal @ Raiders Preseason Preview: Makeshift Offensive Line On Display

 Posted by at 2:35 PM  No Responses »
Aug 112011
 

The Raiders host the Arizona Cardinals today at 7 p.m. at O.com Coliseum in Oakland. When the team takes the field for the first time in 2011, they will be led by Hue Jackson. It will be Jackson’s first game as the head coach.

Jackson will use the preseason as time to get the hang of his responsibilities as the head man.

As for the players, judging the preseason is complicated. Louis Rankin routinely makes preseason highlight reels, but he has hardly been able to stick on a roster in his career.

 

Special Teams

Besides estimating the Raiders season ticket base from the preseason attendance, you should be watching special teams closely.

The fringe roster players will not make the team if they can’t perform on special teams. When deciding on a the last receiver, linebacker, or safety to make the roster, the coaching staff is going to choose the guy that performed the best on special teams.

 

Offensive Line

The only position on the offensive line that appears cemented is Jared Veldheer at left tackle. The remaining four positions on the line remain open for the top performer.

Nothing is going to be decided this early, but it is now clear Stefen Wisniewski isn’t going to be handed a starting job just because his uncle is one of the coaches. Wisniewski will get first-team reps at center and left guard, but his reps at left guard are simply so he can be the primary backup at a position with very little depth. He’s being pushed, but he should ultimately win the starting center job over Samson Satele.

There are three players pushing for the starting job at right tackle, veteran Khalif Barnes, rookie Joseph Barksdale and acquisition Stephon Heyer. Hue Jackson wants a bully, expect the most physical player to end up being the starter at right tackle. Barnes has the edge, but Barksdale and Heyer could press him quickly.

 

Nickel and Dime

The Raiders don’t yet know who their nickel and dime corners will be.  There are four candidates for the spots. DeMarcus Van Dyke, Chimdi Chekwa, Jeremy Ware and Walter McFadden. Chekwa is out with an injury, leaving the light to shine on the other three. By nature of his draft position, the nickel job is Van Dyke’s if he can hold it. Ware and McFadden need to shine to make the coaches think twice.

 

Backers

Darryl Blackstock and Jerome Boyd are both backup outside linebackers. There is no depth behind starters Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley. It’s very thin and the Raiders are hoping someones, anyone jumps out during the game.

Travis Goethel will get plenty of playing time behind Rolando McClain at middle linebacker. Don’t be surprised if he plays well. It’s very possible he will move to the weak side once the season starts. Groves has something to prove or Goethel will snatch his starting job away.

 

Boller or Edwards?

Considering the Raiders lack of overall talent, continuity, and depth of the offensive line there is a pretty good chance the backup quarterback will need to step in and play at some point this season.

Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards will duke it out in the battle of former starters. For Boller, he needs to make good decisions and protect the football. Edwards needs to work on his timidness in the pocket.

Hue Jackson and Al Saunders are as good as any at helping out their quarterbacks, but expect them to push these backups as hard as possible during the preseason. The time is now to find out which one can play should when they are needed.

 

Passing Attack

The passing game is the one area on offense the Raiders must improve. It’s a delicate balance of pass blocking, route running and ball spinning. The Raiders must improve in all these areas. Jason Campbell and his young receivers need to continue to build chemistry. The make-shift offensive line needs to keep Campbell off his back. Jury is out on if any of these areas are actually improved in 2011.

 

Rush Defense

This defense is known for its inability to stop the run. Last year it was the big play that killed them. Pay close attention to how the backup defensive lineman and linebackers do at filling gaps and tackling. Just one or two missed assignments on any given play can result in disaster.

Free Agency Primer 2011: Part 1

 Posted by at 4:08 PM  1 Response »
Jul 072011
 

With the end of the lockout in view and free agency on the horizon it is time to review what the Raiders need to do once the NFL opens for business. We start with what the Raiders need to do with their own free agents.

The biggest free agent on the market may be Nnamdi Asomugha. While it is unlikely the Raiders can afford to keep Asomugha, it’s not totally impossible.

Chances the Raiders re-sign Nnamdi Asomugha: <20%

The Raiders face the real possiblity of losing two pieces of their defensive secondary, with Michael Huff poised to also become a free agent. Raiders will wait and see what the market is, but chances are a safety needy team like the Jaguars will bite hard.

Chances the Raiders re-sign Michael Huff: <20%

Charlie Frye as the thrid quarterback. It’s a thankless position and job. Fans would rather have a developmental player, but the coaches like Frye and he will get a chance to be the third quarterback.

Chances Raiders re-sign Charlie Frye: >85%

The Raiders drafted Richard Gordon and brought in a host of other lineman, but who can replace Khalif Barnes as the sixth lineman? He likely sticks.

Chances Khalif Barnes is re-signed: >90%

Sam Williams. Vet minimum. 100%

Robert Gallery, Bruce Gradkowski, Thomas Howard, Johnnie Lee Higgins 0%.

What about Zach Miller? He has been the Raiders most productive receiver for the past three seasons. The Raiders will pay whatever is necessary to retain Miller, but he will have other options.

Zach attack back: >75%

Al Davis and Hue Jackson have hinted that they should have installed Mario Henderson at right tackle earlier. Does that mean he will be back? Probably.

Super? Mario 2: >75%

The drafting of Joseph Barksdale and Henderson’s performance late in the year leaves Langston Walker twisting in the wind, if that’s possible at 350 pounds. He’s a good run blocker and the Raiders have a need for lineman.

Langston Walker Part Trois: <80%

Ricky Brown and Jarvis Moss: >90%

Samson Satele was given a tender, so he may stick, but my gut says he’s let go, backup centers are a dime a dozen. 5%

Everyone’s favorite fullback, Marcel Reece is restricted free agent. 100%

Michael Bush, restricted free agent, given first and third-round tender. 100%

Long Snapper Jon Condo: 100%

2010 Offensive Line Review

 Posted by at 4:30 PM  2 Responses »
Jan 212011
 

by Rick Drummond, Profootballfocus.com

It’s best to refer to this group as a work in progress. Unfortunately for the Raiders, it has been in that state for several seasons now.

In obvious need of an improvement over their 2009 output, the Raider O-line had to be overhauled. Recognizing that, the Raiders began the multi-season process by letting Cornell Green walk in free agency, selecting two linemen in the draft, and hiring a play-caller which freed Tom Cable to spend more time assisting with the line.

Four of 2009’s five regular starters returned for 2010 with Green’s former spot at right tackle being the only immediate opening. Langston Walker won that job in camp and held it all season. Khalif Barnes, who was also in the running for the vacated right tackle spot, settled in as the utility player, spending the majority of his time checking into the game as an extra lineman / tight end. Of the four returning starters, only Robert Gallery at left guard was viewed as a fixture, leaving the other three (Mario Henderson, Samson Satele, and Cooper Carlisle) looking over their shoulders.

Generally speaking, an offensive line improves based on a few factors: are they well coached? are they healthy and experienced enough to build cohesion as a unit? and simply, but most importantly, are they talented enough to perform in the manner asked of them?

Coaching:

The combined offensive line coaching credentials of Tom Cable and Jim Michalczik would surely have left no shortage of knowledge to be shared. Both are well-respected O-line leaders and have track records to support the notion that they can teach the game as it should be played at the line of scrimmage.

With his offensive plan, Hue Jackson did a fine job of setting up the O-line to succeed by creating ways to dictate defensive alignments: often by unbalancing the line and/or shifting strength pre-snap. Improving the screen game and dump-off options also served to soften fronts and take some heat off, while continued use of some zone blocking schemes took advantage of the strengths of the group.

Cohesion:


Gallery missed four starts due to injury, Satele sat out the opener in favor of rookie Jared Veldheer, and Henderson split time with Veldheer for five weeks before finally yielding his starting spot.

Carlisle played the most snaps of any other lineman and Walker missed one game while recovering from a concussion. The Veldheer-Gallery left side was locked in after Week 6 and from that point, the line enjoyed some stability, starting the same five for nine of the final 10 weeks.

Talent:


The talent level of this group isn’t easy to sum up in a few broad strokes. To oversimplify, they are better as a run-blocking unit than they are in pass protection. In fact, there were games in 2010 where their run blocking appeared to be some the best in the league. Consistency, though, was a concern.

There are no pro-bowl worthy players here, but there are players that can compete and, if they play to their ceiling, can form a strong unit. The 2010 season was a step in the right direction and this off season will be critical.

LT Jared Veldheer
Experience: 1 season, signed through: 2013
2010: 11 starts, 916 snaps (427 run / 489 pass), 42 QB disruptions allowed, 15 penalties
PFF grades: overall -24.7, run blocking -4.3, pass blocking -13.2


Veldheer’s rookie season was eventful. The 6’8” left tackle surprisingly slid over to start at center in Week 1. That experiment didn’t last as the staff apparently decided that one young player wasn’t going to fill two areas of need and it was more important to get his progress underway at left tackle.

His next five games were spent as part of a odd platoon on the left side with incumbent Mario Henderson. The two traded series at tackle during that span and Veldheer took over full time in Week 7. His first game as a starter at left tackle was probably his best of the year as the Raiders enjoyed an afternoon of running over a demoralized Denver defense.

On most game days, Veldheer was stronger in run blocking than in pass protection and for much of the season, he avoided the extreme highs and lows in performance that can plague an inexperienced player. For a rookie left tackle especially, showing any kind of flat line consistency is a good thing. He has work to do, but he took on some of the best pass rushers the NFL has to offer and seems capable of learning from those valuable experiences. His last two games in particular, facing Dwight Freeney and Tamba Hali, certainly gave him something to think about for the off-season.

Penalties were a problem for him – he led the team with 15 flags, but being a rookie on that backside edge, he wasn’t going to get any breaks. Veldheer looks to be locked in at left tackle for the foreseeable future. He does not appear over-matched physically or mentally as some may expect a third rounder from a small school to be. His ceiling may not be up there with best LT’s in the league, but there is no reason to think he won’t improve on his 2010 campaign. He compared well to the big name tackles that were drafted ahead of him which makes him quite the value pick and adds one more gold star onto the 2010 draft grade. Left tackle will be one spot the Raiders won’t have to hold try-outs for in 2011.

LG Robert Gallery
Experience: 7 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 12 starts, 799 snaps (375 run / 424 pass), 21 QB disruptions allowed, 7 penalties
PFF grades: overall -5.8, run blocking +1.3, pass blocking -5.6


Once battling edge rushers and the bust label, Gallery’s primary foe now is injury. He missed four games in 2010 with a bad hamstring (suffered while hustling to chase down a DB after a pick in the opening game) and missed 10 games in 2009 due to appendicitis, a broken leg and back surgery. It’s a shame really that the most talented member of this line has had these issues to deal with.

Gallery showed again in 2010 what he was capable of: he could win one-on-one fights while run blocking, he could pull, he could get out onto linebackers and he could pick up stunts. He has the vision to recognize pass rush trouble to either side of him and the agility to get there to help. In the games where Veldheer lined up to his left, Raider fans saw glimpses of a tandem in the making.

Most importantly to the future of this line, Gallery is a vet, carries himself as one, and is an example of perseverance that can be inspiring. His presence provides some comfort for the kid next to him and his skill set is the most complete of any of the current Raider O-linemen. Gallery expressed his disappointment about Tom Cable’s departure, and if that is enough to cause Gallery himself to move on in free agency, it would hurt more than losing any other piece of this line.

C Samson Satele
Experience: 4 seasons, signed through: Restricted FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 15 starts, 1010 snaps (457 run / 553 pass), 15 QB disruptions allowed, 4 penalties
PFF grades: overall -4.8, run blocking -2.8, pass blocking -3.9


Satele is a limited player that struggles to locate targets in space and is unable to out-muscle the defensive tackles that line-up across from him. When first coming to the Raiders in 2009, he didn’t immediately take over the center job as hoped, but eventually settled into it. In 2010, the Raiders tried to replace him with Veldheer as the season began, but again Satele wound up with the job when Veldheer was called away.

Jake Grove was even brought in for a look during the season, but didn’t join the roster. It seems the center job has been Satele’s for two years now because of the lack of better options.

To be fair, Satele does hustle, is able to move well, and he did finish with a string of good games. Unfortunately for the Raiders, he just simply doesn’t get anything done on too many plays and is too often caught in the weird momentary lapse that directly follows each of his snaps.

Unfortunately for him, the Raiders have proven that starter-ready center talent can be had in the middle of the second round (Robbins, Grove). This could be a position where new faces appear before the next season begins.

RG Cooper Carlisle
Experience: 11 seasons, signed through: 2013
2010: 16 starts, 1122 snaps (513 run / 609 pass), 39 QB disruptions allowed, 7 penalties
PFF grades: overall -23.6, run blocking -17.1, pass blocking -8.5


Being the guy that never misses time has to mean something, right? I mean, he’s always there, every game, every snap. Though he frustrates fans at times, he doesn’t collect a pile of penalties, and really still does some things pretty well – he pulls effectively, and has a decent sense of what’s happening to either side of him … and, he may be the lone Raider regular on the O-line whose pass blocking in 2010 was significantly better than his run blocking (though that’s likely just because his run blocking was so bad.)

Carlisle’s problem is that at this point in his career you just don’t know what you are going to get from him from week to week. He had been one of the better Raider O-linemen in the previous two seasons, but his rough start in 2010 was followed by wild swings the rest of the way – a sign that his career is in fact winding down.

Carlisle remains under contract for 2011, but is expected to give way to Bruce Campbell (or another challenger.) He may stick as a reserve and fill the swing role for a season, but Al Davis’ recent comments in regards to his distaste for zone blocking could spell the end for Carlisle.

RT Langston Walker
Experience: 9 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 15 starts, 995 snaps (470 run / 525 pass), 43 QB disruptions allowed, 7 penalties
PFF grades: overall -3.6, run blocking +12.0, pass blocking -14.7


Walker returned to the Raiders to fill in as a back-up late in the 2009 season after being released by Buffalo. Before the season ended, he had started two games at left guard in Gallery’s absence. During the 2010 camp, he was given shot at reclaiming his old position as the starting right tackle and took full advantage. Walker was named the starter again.

If the group as a whole is best characterized by being better run blockers than pass blockers, then Walker is their poster boy. He was among the best run blocking tackles in the NFL this season … and among the worst pass blockers. As good as he was at swallowing up defenders when making a push, he was equally bad at letting them get the upper hand against his pass set.

A huge part of his problems in protection was just a lack of “hustle ‘til the whistle”. Many times he had himself in good position only to let up early and lose track of his man. With tight ends and running backs chipping in, the damage was limited, but with a rookie on the other side, there wasn’t always enough help to go around and Walker just couldn’t be left on an island.

He’s scheduled to become a free agent and if the Raiders elect to let him walk again, he could be replaced by options currently on the roster (Henderson, Barnes) or by another free agent addition.

OT/TE Khalif Barnes
Experience: 6 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 0 starts, 245 snaps (155 run / 90 pass), 6 QB disruptions allowed, 6 penalties
PFF grades: overall -5.4, run blocking 0.0, pass blocking -1.1


Barnes’ first season in Oakland was marked by rumors of his displeasure with a position switch from left tackle to right tackle after being “promised” the left side was his. He could have been less than excited about having to compete for the gig on the right this past offseason. To his credit (and the coaching staff’s), despite not winning that job, Barnes was made useful as an extra tackle / tight end and seemed to buy into the role.

His versatility – and the added leverage he enjoyed via his alignment – led to a unique and positive season, probably the one he’s enjoyed most since his early career in Jacksonville. He even caught a couple of passes, one for a touchdown.

The bottom line for Barnes is he was used to the best of his ability this season. With changes on the way, it’s not known if he’d be used in a similar fashion next season and asking more of him would likely bring unfavorable results. He’s due to become a free agent, but if he’s willing to accept a role like he had this season – if it exists – the Raiders could use him.

OT Mario Henderson
Experience: 4 seasons, signed through: Restricted FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 7 starts, 463 snaps (211 run / 252 pass), 13 QB disruptions allowed, 4 penalties
PFF grades: overall -4.6, run blocking -7.4, pass blocking -4.4

Not far removed from being the future of the left tackle position in Oakland, Henderson watched the Raiders draft not one, but two left tackles last April. One of them was shuffled off to the other side of the line right away, but Veldheer stuck and was going to get an opportunity to take Henderson’s job. The kid showed skill and tenacity and it wasn’t long before he drew even with Mario and was splitting time.

It had to be a painful ride for Henderson, seeing the draft, watching Veldheer in camp, and then having to share game reps with his obvious successor. By Week 7, Henderson was a full time reserve – no grumbling, no sulking, but he was no longer part of the starting five.

Ironic that following his 2009 season in which he was one of the worst pass blocking left tackles in the game, Henderson was boosted by the competition and improved, but lost the job. He never showed up as an option at right tackle during the season, but did make one start there when Walker couldn’t go. If he stays in Oakland, look for him to get a shot at starting opposite Veldheer in 2011.

OG Daniel Loper
Experience: 6 seasons, signed through: FREE AGENT in 2011
2010: 4 starts, 306 snaps (134 run / 172 pass), 10 QB disruptions allowed, 0 penalties
PFF grades: overall -5.4, run blocking -2.5, pass blocking -4.4

Loper was picked up in May and was a mild surprise to make the final roster. He was purely filling a reserve spot, but was needed to start four games at left guard while Gallery nursed his hamstring. He was left off of the active list in six of the last seven weeks of the season. A serviceable player, but Loper is no threat to make significant contribution going forward. He’ll likely not be asked back.

OG Bruce Campbell
Experience: 1 season, signed through: 2013
2010: 0 starts, 10 snaps (10 run / 0 pass), 0 QB disruptions allowed, 0 penalties
PFF grades: overall -0.1, run blocking -0.1, pass blocking -0.0

Campbell played 10 snaps on offense, all late in the blowout in Denver, all run plays. His conversion from left tackle to right guard is apparently taking a while, but it is encouraging that the plan hasn’t been scrapped – he must be showing some signs that he could be a fit there. Campbell was inactive in Week 1 and then again for the final five games.

No one outside of those on the practice field got a look at him, so it’s impossible to know where he stands right now. What we do know is, he’s under contract, he’s a physical freak, and he’ll be given every chance to grow into a position on this line. Some have him penciled in as the starting right guard next season, if that does happen, it may not be from the outset.

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