Pass Offense & Rush Defense Still a Problem

 Posted by at 10:00 AM  No Responses »
Aug 082011
 

Attempt to think back to when the Raiders went 12-4, won the AFC West and led the NFL in rushing. It was the year 2000 when the Raiders did exactly that. With a similar two-headed monster in the backfield of Tyrone Wheatley, the bruiser, and Napolean Kaufman, the speed guy, the Raiders ran all over opponents.

In 2010 the Raiders were second in the NFL in rushing with Darren McFadden, the shifty speed guy, and Michael Bush, the bruiser. The Raiders running game was tough for any front seven to handle, but it may be necessary for the Raiders to improve the rushing game even more in 2011 because of the mediocrity of the passing game and rush defense. If Hue Jackson is going to achieve his goal of “building a bully” and earning a 2011 playoff berth these two areas must improve dramatically.

The key to this season’s offense is improving the passing game. The Raiders ranked 23rd in passing with 3180 passing yards. However in 2000, the Raiders finished with just a middle of the road passing attack, at 15th in the league with 3306 passing yards. Although the yardage was very similar, the discrepancy is passing touchdowns. In 2010, Raider quarterbacks combined for 18 touchdowns through the air, which tied them for 25th with the St Louis Rams. By comparison the Raider threw 26 touchdowns in 2000, tied for 5th in the league.

Had the Raiders had the same success in 2010 passing in the red zone as they did in 2000, they would have been in the playoffs. If they can in 2011, there is a good chance they will be playing in January.

The 2000 Raiders were 5th in the league in rush defense as they gave up 1551 yards on the ground while the 2010 Raiders came in at 29th, giving up 2138 yards. The Raiders have made moves to strengthen the front seven. There have been improvements shown by Quentin Groves and the Raiders having both Trevor Scott and Travis Goethel healthy will make the front seven a lot stronger against the run.

Lamar Houston and Matt Shaughnessey should see more consistent playing time this season and the Raider brought back John Henderson, who lives to stop the run. The mixture of these players in the front seven should hopefully cut 300-400 yards over the course of the season. It is a seemingly small amount, just 18-25 yards per game. That drop off in opponent production would have placed last year’s Raiders in the middle of the pack, and probably in the playoffs.

The Raiders need to steadily improve the passing offense and score an extra touchdown through the air every other week. The defense must cut out about 25 rushing yards per week. The combination of these two should give the Raiders equal to seven points per week. An extra seven points per week in the 2010 season could have made for a staggering 13-3 record as the Raiders lost only 3 games by more than 8 points.

Improving to mediocrity last season may have been just enough to make the Raiders the favorites in the AFC West. If they can take the next steps towards “building a bully” they may indeed find themselves on top of the division.

Follow me on Twitter: @MatthewGhanem

 

 

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.

Bye Bye Bust Label: Draft Picks Shining For The Raiders

 Posted by at 6:13 PM  No Responses »
Oct 292010
 

People line up to declare the next Al Davis draft selection a bust because the Raiders are well known for draft blunders. These people point to a lack of football instincts in the players Al Davis drafts. They say things like, “He’s just a track star, he’s not a football player.”

Let me know if you can figure out what a saying like that means. It sounds good but means nothing. Can a track star not be good at football also? You don’t hear people say, “He’s a wrestler, he’s not a football player.”

Those same people turn around and say, “Speed kills.” What? So now speed is good in the NFL player? Yes, there is much more to being a good player than speed, but much of it depends on how smart the player is, how much they can learn and if they are dedicated. Are these traits not also desirable in a track star? Why does running track have to be a negative stereotype?

Some guys have more smarts, have learned more or have been more dedicated to football when they enter the NFL. This is the reason why some players will have instant success, but can be limited by their physical gifts Others take time to grow, but end up being better players. Good examples include Nnamdi Asomugha and Vernon Davis.

The buzzards were circling around Darren McFadden coming into 2010 and seven weeks later he is averaging more yards per game from scrimmage than any player in the NFL. Any person who watched a little bit of Darren McFadden tape saw a football player more than they saw a track star. Even though I don’t think McFadden ran track. So the focus shifts to someone else now that McFadden has fought off the buzzards with a sharp stick.

Once upon a time Nnamdi Asomugha was a bust. I even suggested the Raiders move him to safety right before his breakout season. It remains one of my worst calls. Everyone was quick to jump on Mike Mitchell, the super reach of the 2009 draft is making the Raiders look pretty good right now. If he keeps improving, Mitchell could make the Raiders look very good and restore some of the respect Al Davis has lost the last seven seasons.

Next up, Darrius Heyward-Bey. Track star? Check. Production? Not much. Years in the league? Two. Al Davis? Drafted him. Bust? People have been saying it since he was a rookie.

Heyward-Bey has a chance this Sunday to have a breakout game against a soft Seahawks secondary ranked 29th in the league while giving up an average of 261.3 yards per game.

With Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy out, Heyward-Bey is now the best option at receiver. That’s scary. He badly needs a breakout to fend off the vultures and the Raiders badly need a receiver to come through for them in a big game. The biggest game of the season to this point is Sunday. The Raiders are 3-4, looking for credibility, a .500 record and back-to-back victories before squaring off against the rival Chiefs, who happen to be in first place.

For the Smurfs, Jacoby Ford and Nick Miller, this is their first crack at receiver in the NFL. Basically, they are both rookies, even though Miller was on the roster last season.

Ford played second-fiddle to CJ Spiller at Clemson, but was the alternate offensive weapon. Ford may be making a bigger impact on the Raiders than Spiller is on the Bills, drafted three full rounds apart. Ford will start this week for the injured Murphy. He’s shown his speed can be deadly and that he can score if given space and few people will be talking bust for this ex-track star, since he was drafted in the fourth round.

Jared Veldheer, drafted in the third round has seized the starting left tackle position. If he plays anything like he did last week, Veldheer will lock the position down for good. How often can a team say they are starting a rookie third-round draft pick at left tackle and feel good about it? Not often.

Has anyone even suggested Rolando McClain will not be a good player? Smart, dedicated, learned a lot from Nick Saban before coming into the league. He’s a physical specimen. Now that he is getting comfortable he’s starting to make more plays. The Raiders and Raider Nation are very excited about the centerpiece of the defense.

Texas has really churned out some nice defensive players in the past few years and Lamarr Houston is next in line. He’s been disruptive at times and learning from Richard Seymour should help the 305-pound defensive end. He’s never going to be a sack extraordinaire, but like Seymour he can still have a significant impact on the game. He’s already a fine player.

Jeremy Ware and Bruce Campbell are seeing limited snaps and the Raiders are hopeful about their futures. Walter McFadden and Stevie Brown have varied rolls, but Brown is making an impact on special teams.

It’s far too early to make definitive statements, but it doesn’t seem like the Raiders have anything approaching a draft bust with their 2010 draft selections seven games into the season. With a little luck they will be able to say the same about the 2009 draft class.

Raiders To Renew Mile-High Membership

 Posted by at 5:02 PM  No Responses »
Oct 222010
 

Last season, the Raiders went into Denver and got a win on the back of JaMarcus Russell. Charlie Frye started the game and Russell came in when Frye was injured to lead the Raiders to victory.

Michael Bush had 144 total yards and a touchdown. Darren McFadden had 74 yards rushing. Chaz Schilens made the game-winning catch. Brandon Marshall had seven receptions and a touchdown and Kyle Orton went 19/34 for 278 yards.

The Broncos couldn’t run the ball that day and haven’t been able to run the ball much this season. The worst rushing offense in the league happens to be doing very well passing. The addition of receiver Brandon Lloyd and subtraction of Brandon Marshall has the Broncos ranked third, behind San Diego and Indianapolis in the NFL.

Offense

The Raiders may not be able to run the ball on Denver like they did last season. The Broncos added nose tackle Jamal Williams to help with their woes stopping the run and have held five of six opposing rushers under 100 yards.

Maurice Jones-Drew was held to 98 yards, Joseph Addai to 29 yards, Chris Johnson to 53 yards, Justin Forsett to 44 and LaDainian Tomlinson to 55 yards. Only Ray Rice was able to break the 100-yard threshold with 133 yards in week five.

The Broncos still have a dangerous secondary and have only allowed one receiver to eclipse 100 yards. Austin Collie had a monster game against the Broncos, but the Raiders don’t have anything approaching Peyton Manning.

It could be a tough game for the Raiders offensively if they can’t get the run going. At this point, Kyle Boller looks like the starter for the Raiders. He played well during the preseason and has plenty of experience. He has the ability to make plays, but his problem had always been making good decisions with the football. If he can avoid the interception he is more than capable starter.

Matchup to Watch:

Samson Satele vs. Jamal Williams

If the Raiders get their running game going they will have a chance to win. It hinges on Satele, who must do a good job against Williams. Satele must keep Williams from eating up multiple blockers and make sure he has to work.

If Satele can contain Williams and Darren McFadden returns to action, the Raiders will be able to employ a two-headed rushing attack to chew up yards. Many coaches will preach wearing down and wearing out the big boys up front. Expect the backs to see plenty of action up the middle if Satele does his job.

Advantage: Broncos

Defense

In many ways the Broncos passing attack is overrated, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. The Ravens and Colts have decently rated pass defenses and beat the Broncos easily. The other four teams are all among the league’s worst against the pass. The Jaguars (28), Seahawks(30), Titans (23), and Jets (22).

Despite the Chargers outburst, the Raiders are ranked eighth against the pass. The Raiders poor rush defense might yield yards to Denver, but the matchup couldn’t be better for the Raiders. The Raiders rush defense seems to be close, having held rushers in check besides a couple long runs. It depends on if the Raiders can prevent those long rush plays.

Matchup to Watch:

Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Brandon Lloyd

Will the Raiders treat Lloyd like a top receiver or allow Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson to cover him? My bet is the Raiders will shadow Brandon Lloyd most of the time with Asomugha. Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson will draw matchups with the other receivers.

Advantage: Raiders

Special Teams

Broncos have a 27.1 yard kick return average and 10.1 yard punt return average, both rank top ten. On the other side, they have allowed 27.4 yards per kick return and one touchdown and average just 63 yards per kickoff, both rank bottom ten. Considering the altitude of their home stadium, this is extremely poor.

The Broncos have made 11 of 12 field goals including two from more than 50. The Raiders have made the most field goals, but also missed the most. Maybe we will see the 63-yard record broken on Sunday by Sebastian Janikowski. He can probably hit from 70 in Denver.

The Raiders dominate all the punting categories thanks to Shane Lechler and the coverage units. The Broncos have punted decently well, but haven’t done a good job containing the returns ranking near the bottom in punting net and near the top in gross.

Advantage: Raiders

Other Notes:

Quentin Groves gets his job back at weak-side outside linebacker. Trevor Scott moves back to defensive end. Interesting to note that Scott will likely now be a nickel rusher, with Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy the first down ends.

Maybe the reason for Scott’s move to end wasn’t Groves rise or Shaughnessy’s regression, but actually Trevor Scott’s inability to solidify himself at a position.

Jared Veldheer may have won the starting left tackle position. Tom Cable still insists it is a rotation, but Veldheer got all the first-team snaps during practice this week.

Studs and Duds From Week 3

 Posted by at 1:00 PM  No Responses »
Sep 302010
 
Studs

Richard Seymour (+8/-1)

His hamstring didn’t seem to bother his play. He was applying pressure consistently and was a force stopping the run. The Raiders are paying Seymour elite money this season and can’t be disappointed with his play. Seymour and Henderson have both missed a game this season and have really stepped up in each others absence against the run. Seymour missed practice Wednesday, but if he can stay healthy he will have a chance to make this list weekly.

Marcel Reece (+8/-0)

It isn’t often a fullback will make a list of studs, but Reece had an amazing game last Sunday in Phoenix. He did an excellent job picking up blitzes and finding players to block in the run game. He became a receiver on multiple occasions and looked more like a running back catching the ball and running with it. He has come a long way and deserves some recognition for his efforts.

Rolando McClain (+7/-1)

McPain has game. He still learning things in coverage, but is beginning to trust his instincts more and play faster. We know he has a mean streak after body slamming Danny Amendola in week two. He tipped a pass, was in position and is showing up around the ball. McClain’s efforts may have gone unnoticed during the game, but watching film it was clear McClain had a game worthy of this list.

Lamarr Houtson (+5/-1)

Another good game by a rookie. Houston repeatedly sealed the edge in the run game and was applying pressure repeatedly in the first half. He didn’t have as strong of a second half. Chalk this up to endurance. The Raiders only have three true defensive ends and Houston wasn’t getting many plays off.

Nnamdi Asomugha (+4/-3) and Stanford Routt (+5/-1)

Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston can be formidable pair of receivers that are difficult for opposing cornerbacks. Both receivers scored a touchdown on the day and it is no coincidence the touchdowns were not scored on the Raiders starting cornerbacks. The Raiders starting duo was so good the Cardinals were running plays to specifically target the safeties and linebackers in coverage. This was a wise strategy as the Cardinals were able to score two touchdowns.

Asomugha proved why many consider him the best corner in the league. Fitzgerald was physically frustrated with the match up. Asomugha had two negative plays in run support, with a habit of lowering his head and lunging for the tackle becoming a reoccurring theme. Routt has turned in a few solid games in a row and could be finally turning the corner. You haven’t seen many people calling for Chris Johnson and that’s a testament to Routt’s solid play.

Duds

Cooper Carlisle (-6/+1)

What can you say when one lineman keeps showing up on a duds list and yet there has been no discussion of replacing him? He is better in the running game, but hardly special. He was tossed aside like a rag doll by Darnell Dockett on multiple occasions including what could have been touchdown pass if Gradkowski was given enough time to find the open receiver. His play makes me cringe just thinking about it.

Khalif Barnes (-3/+0)

He comes in for a few plays and looks horrible. So much for the theory that Barnes was a better option than Walker. Last season he was going to press for the left tackle position, this season he is the backup right tackle, that should tell you everything you need to know.

Langston Walker (-3/+0)

Oh, a third offensive lineman makes the duds list? Walker was injured and out of the game and still couldn’t keep from making a handful of bad plays. His pass protection is embarrassing, but he can be a decent run blocker on occasion, so I guess he has that going for him.

Johnnie Lee-Higgins (-3/+0)

How did he even make the list having played so few snaps on offense? Horrible punt returning, that’s how. Just catching the ball and running straight forward was better than what Higgins was doing out there. It seems Nick Miller or Jacoby Ford could be given the shot to return punts sooner rather than later.

Sebastian Janikowski (-3)

He missed three kicks including the game winner, but he is still a weapon. He will bounce back as he has before and I’m predicting a game winner this week for redemption.

Notables:

Bruce Gradkowski (-11/+9)

It would be interesting to see what a Raiders quarterback could do with a little pass protection. Gradkowski had at least three passes go off the hands of defenders that are normally easy interceptions. He made some plays, but missed far too many open throws. One thing is clear, the Raiders quarterbacks can only go as far as the protection goes.

Quentin Groves (-7/+6)

He is always around the ball and seems to be making plays every couple minutes. His problem is mostly in coverage, but will also miss the occasional tackle. If he can eliminate the poor plays he would be a pretty good linebacker. The Raiders are clearly hoping addition playing time at linebacker will help him. He is certainly making an impact, I graded him on 13 plays second only to Gradkowski’s 20.

 Older Entries  Newer Entries