Mike Mitchell: The Line Between Fame and Failure

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  2 Responses »
Aug 212012
 

Mike Mitchell’s journey to the NFL has not exactly been the path of least resistance. The strong safety from Ohio University put up some impressive numbers in college including 212 total tackles, 7 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. However, like many that come from a lower tier college, Mitchell was met with a lot of doubt because of the level of competition he played against. A player who never seems to be lacking confidence on the field, would need to quickly find an abundance of it in order to make one last effort to prove his value to scouts prior to the NFL Draft.

Mike’s impressive play on the field was not his only meal ticket though. He also had the measurables that most scouts would drool over. At 6′ 1″ 220 lbs Mitchell ran a 4.39 forty yard dash and put up 22 reps on the bench. With those kind of numbers he was sure to be noticed by scouts all over the place. The classic workout numbers that sends guys shooting up draft boards every February and making them very hard to ignore. Mike’s draft stock took another hit though when he failed to receive an invite to the NFL combine where he could have put his workout numbers out there for everyone to take notice. That meant that his pro day performance alone would have to be enough garner interest around the league.

Leading up to the draft Mitchell began getting some attention as a potential riser come draft day. Of course the Raiders were mentioned as a potential landing spot for a guy who ran a sub 4.4 forty combined with the raw physical talent that he possessed. The hype did not fall on deaf ears though as fans began to fall in love with YouTube highlight video’s and started getting excited about the potential steal that could be Mike Mitchell. On draft day though, the surprise did not come from the fact that he was drafted, but it was where he was drafted at that had everyone buzzing. Mitchell had gone from a lower tier prospect to being drafted in the 2nd round, pick number 47 overall in the 2009 NFL draft.

Now, instead of trying to draw attention to himself, Mike had much more attention then he wanted. Being tagged as a potential bust by many analyst before he even stepped foot on an NFL field,  the pressure was just beginning to mount. The draft day surprise was something that Raiders fans were growing accustom to though, and all the sudden Mitchell was being labeled as the next Jack Tatum for his aggressiveness and big hit potential.

Left standing in the middle of a proverbial spotlight, the only thing left for Mitchell to do was to perform and prove all the doubters wrong. Things didn’t go quite as smoothly as hoped early in his career though. When Mitchell wasn’t battling injuries he struggled to adapt to NFL competition and often times found himself out of position or over pursuing a play due to being overly aggressive. The hunger for the big hit and crowd pleasing play seemed to become more important than playing effectively and taking care of his assignment. Were the attributes that made him such an attractive prospect turning out to be the very reason why he wasn’t succeeding in the NFL?

What many failed to realize though is that Mitchell was being expected to play the role of the aggressor in a defense which lacked that philosophy much of the time. How soon do you commit to the run looking to deliver a big hit when your assignment is covering the tight end up the seam? When do you blitz in a scheme solely designed around rushing four and dropping seven into coverage? How do you introduce the element of surprise when your on an island in the open field trying to make a tackle? The expectations didn’t seem to match the defensive philosophy that the Raiders were trying to execute. While schemes may have played a part in the early struggles for Mike, it certainly was not the only problem he had though. Mitchell still had to get past the mental mistakes that would cost him at times as well, but when combined scheme mismatch, and injuries it certainly did not create a recipe for early success.

Now in year four, Mitchell is getting a much-needed fresh start. Finally given a clean bill of health, he seems to be comfortable in Jason Tarver’s new defense where aggression is certainly not hard to come by. Mike figures to be moved around a lot as Tarver tries to utilize his versatility. He will not only be asked to play both safety positions at times, but also see some time at linebacker as well in certain looks. This will also help give the coaches a chance to see how he performs in different roles. Only two games into the preseason though, it is much to early to make any rash judgements. Take Mitchell’s progress for what it is at face value and look at it as a positive step in the right direction for a career that began heading in the wrong one. If Mike Mitchell is to achieve success in the NFL he will have to find a way to continue to improve as the line between fame and failure remains very thin.

What To Expect From Terrelle Pryor

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  No Responses »
Aug 132012
 

Terrelle Pryor was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2011 supplemental draft. It was the late Al Davis’ last draft pick for a franchise that he ran for half a century. His last pick was the perfect story book ending to his great career. Selecting Pryor with a 3rd round pick not only fit Davis’ mold of targeting the biggest and fastest players, but by selecting him so high he proved once again that he only cared about one opinion and one opinion only, his. That was last year though, and this year the Raiders find themselves with new management and a new agenda for building this team. Where Pryor fits into those plans, will likely be determined by his development over the next couple of seasons.

Because last years supplemental draft wasn’t until August 22nd, Pryor did not get much practice time with the team in training camp. He also faced a 5 game suspension to begin his first NFL season for his violations of NCAA policy in college. While this is technically Pryor’s second season with the Raiders, it is his first training camp and will be his first live game action in almost 2 full calendar years (20 months). Not to be forgotten though is Hue Jackson’s attempt at trickery when he lined Pryor up as a wide receiver in a game last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, and had him motion under center to take the snap and sneak the ball. However, the play was blown dead because Pryor did not get set for a full second before the snap.

Terrelle has had an up and down camp in 2012 to this point. He has certainly showed his arm strength and excellent athleticism at times, but he has been unable to maintain any type of consistency throwing from the pocket. Coach Allen has said that he is pleased with Pryor’s work and that he just has to continue to “get better each day”. With Pryor being the third quarterback on the depth chart, he should be able to relax and play without any added pressure at this point.

Come game time game time Pryor should see plenty of snaps as the 3rd quarterback. His first game action will be much-anticipated by fans and coaches alike, but expectations need to be tempered. Pryor needs to first focus on a few very important tools that all good quarterbacks need to possess which include footwork, pocket presence, and route progression. Pryor will need to first prove he can throw from the pocket effectively before he begins to put his athleticism to good use.

Look for Pryor’s first few passes to be quick reads and short routes to him try to establish a rhythm and get into the flow of the game. Knapp might dial-up a few bootlegs as well to get him outside the pocket where he is often times more comfortable right now. Stats should not be a concern in this game. The main thing is that Pryor begins to build his confidence by making smart decisions and avoiding turnovers. He has fumbled a few snaps in training camp, and will need to avoid those types of mistakes tonight.

There is no doubt Pryor has the talent that can electrify a stadium, but he will need to take the small steps necessary to become a better all around quarterback if he plans to remain at that position long-term. Don’t think he won’t turn it loose though if he is given a lane to run, according to Mike Mitchell, Pryor can “run like a deer”.

 

 

 

Overrated Oakland Raiders 2011

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  6 Responses »
Jan 302012
 

As seen on Bleacher Report:

As with any fan base, the Raider Nation is not immune to overrating players. Every offseason coaches and front office personnel across the league lock themselves in the film room to study their own roster. It’s not uncommon for a player to lose snaps the following season after the team had time to evaluate their play relative to other players in the league.

There are a few players on the roster vulnerable to a loss of snaps or even a loss of a job after the Raiders new general manager Reggie McKenzie and new head coach Dennis Allen have time to evaluate them.

Who?

Matt Giordano

Giordano lead the Raiders in interceptions in 2011 with five and it has many fans thinking he is the solution at free safety and Michael Huff should be released or move to cornerback.

It’s important to remember Giordano only served as a nickel free safety and injury replacement for Huff in 2011, starting more than four games for the first time in his career. Dennis Allen coached Giordano during his final year in New Orleans and is well aware of his capabilities and limitations.

For every Giordano interception there was a missed tackle, bad angle or blown coverage assignment. What can be seen on television broadcasts is one thing, but imagine what more the coaches will uncover when they examine all-22 film?

If it wasn’t for an injury depleted and youthful group of Oakland Raiders cornerbacks in 2011, Giordano may have never had an opportunity to make the interceptions and we could be talking about a breakout year by Michael Huff. Instead, Huff was relagated to the slot cornerback role, a difficult and thankless position in a horribly designed 2011 Raiders defense.

 

Michael Bush

When Darren McFadden went down with yet another injury, Bush stepped in to carry the load. Few were worried about what might happen the the Raiders running game because Bush was starting caliber running back just waiting for his chance.

Bush got his chance and despite 256 carries put up numbers like a backup running back. Bush rushed for 977 yards while starting the final 9 games and averaged just 3.8 yards-per-carry. The latter tying him with Brandon Jacobs and putting him just ahead of BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Marion Barber and Joseph Addai.

There have been rumors and some fans have suggested that the Raiders trade McFadden and start Bush. If it’s a game of inches Darren McFadden has averaged 5.3 yards-per-carry the last two seasons to Bush’s 3.9, a difference of 50 inches per carry.

Darren McFadden has had issues with injuries, but the gap between him and Bush is considerable. If Bush is back in silver and black next season he should be valued and paid like a backup.

 

Jacoby Ford

Ford can electrify a crowd like no other player on the Raiders roster, but Ford has a lot to learn about being an NFL receiver. While Ford may be the most dangerous player on the Raiders roster with the ball in his hands, it’s getting it into his hands that has been a problem.

Despite an injury plagued 2011 campaign, Ford managed to play in 8 games, grabbing 19 balls for 279 yards. While Ford made the most of his receptions in 2011, he averaged just over 2 receptions per game played which is comparable to his rookie season.

Ford just isn’t getting open with great consistency and the Raiders were forced to get creative to get the ball to him. He’s an exciting young player, but he needs to improve as a receiver to become a consistent threat.

 

Mike Mitchell

The Raiders reached for an unknown safety out of Ohio University with the 47th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. In three seasons with the Raiders Mitchell hasn’t become a starter or even a consistent sub-package player.

Mitchell is a situational safety that is often given the tough assignment against the opposing team’s best tight end. At times this role has worked for MItchell, but he’s also had his fair share of problems and was routinely chewed-out by starting strong safety Tyvon Branch in 2011 for missed coverage assignments.

If Huff moves to cornerback and Giordano finds himself without a job, there would be an opening in the Raiders secondary for a starter. Tyvon Branch could slide over to free safety, but Mitchell is far from ready to assume the starting strong safety role as some have been lead to believe.

It’s been three seasons and Mitchell hasn’t become a starter, assuming he could be a productive starter in 2012 is a huge mistake. He’ll be lucky to make the roster next season under the Raiders new regime.

 

Bruce Campbell

The athletic offensive lineman made the active roster on game day just four times in 2011. There were instances in 2011 that an injured player that had no chance to play in the game was active on game day over Campbell.

This is the young lineman fans think can start over Khalif Barnes at right tackle? That’s seems unlikely at this point. As bad as Barnes was in 2011, Campbell must really look terrible in practice.

He’s a completely unknown commodity, expecting anything from him seems like a stretch headed into 2012. Raider fans should be happy if Campbell gives the team any positive production next season.

 

There is a lot of youth on this list and that means each player will have the opportunity to match the expectations the fans have placed upon them, even if that opportunity comes on another team.

2011 Oakland Raiders Season Preview

 Posted by at 9:55 PM  1 Response »
Sep 102011
 

Only two seasons ago the Raiders had trouble scoring touchdowns. All of that changed when Hue Jackson arrived as offensive coordinator prior to the 2010 season. Despite the continued problems pass blocking the Raiders vaulted into the top ten in total yards and top six in points per game. Despite the offensive improvement the Raiders had other problems that caused them to end the season with an 8-8 record.

Fast forward to 2011 and the Raiders offense appears ready to exceed their 2010 production, but the Raiders will need to curb a troubling trend of being unable to stop the run or create turnovers. The poor pass blocking was also a concern as the Raiders struggled with quarterback injuries in 2010. Unable or unwilling to retain the services of all-pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders pass defense is now under a microscope.
What’s in store for the 2011 Raiders? Let’s take a look at the key areas.

 

Can the Raiders Stop the Run?

The Raiders have been unable to play consistently against the run despite changes in defensive personnel. Richard Seymour and the coaching staff claim this is just a matter of attitude and the players all being on the same page.

Reality is that the Raiders defensive scheme makes stopping the run more difficult. The Raiders front four attempts to penetrate into the backfield and this creates running lanes. If the linebacker is blocked or does not fill the correct gap the running back is likely headed for the secondary, where sure tacklers are scarce save Tyvon Branch.

The defensive backs often have their back turned playing man-to-man and opposing offenses will often have their receivers run off the coverage on running plays instead of blocking.

Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy have the opportunity to be one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, but if they can’t help stop the run they will continue to get accolades while costing the Raiders wins.

The linebackers will need to do their part to help the defensive front and fill the running lanes and make solid tackles.

It is a very important season for middle linebacker Rolando McClain. How he coordinates the defense and if he can play faster and more consistently will go a long way in helping the Raiders run defense.

The other key the Raiders run defense is veteran defensive tackle John Henderson. Henderson was brought in to be a specialist of sorts. He’s the Raiders run plug up the middle. If Henderson can stay healthy he should help solidify the Raiders run defense.
Quentin Groves is clearly the weakest link in the front seven. Absent a suitable replacement the Raiders are stuck with him. If Groves can’t improve his play defenses are going to target him.
Kamerion Wimbley may be the star of the front seven. As a strong-side linebacker Wimbley has played well enough. As a defensive end in passing situation Wimbley has been a force. He was paid according to his production this offseason.

If Al Davis gives Chuck Bresnahan the flexibility to change-up the defensive scheme, the Raiders may improve in 2011. It’s a risk for Bresnahan to change the defensive philosophy too drastically, but minor tweaks may result in significant strides.

 

Can the Raiders Pass Block?

The Raiders return three starters on the offensive line and Stefen Wisniewski will be the only new player to the team playing with the starting five. The Raiders must have realized the mistake in shuffling the offensive line too drastically, because the starting line remains relatively unchanged from 2010.

Jared Veldheer must make strides as the Raiders left tackle and protect Jason Campbell’s blindside so he can deliver the football down the field. His continued development is vitally important to the passing game’s success. Based on observations of his play he has already improved since the end of last season.
Samson Satele has played better during this preseason than he has in his career. He’ll still struggle with nose tackles, but his solid play is a welcome sign on the offensive line. If he remains consistent and plays like he is capable the Raiders will be content to keep starting him.

With Cooper Carlisle and Khalif Barnes on the right side of the line, expect much of the same. Occasionally lapses in pass blocking may be the norm. The Raiders can tolerate a certain level of mediocrity from these two provided they don’t also make mental errors that kill drives. However, poor play may cost Carlisle and Barnes their starting jobs.

The Raiders do have the benefit of depth for the first time in many years. Stephon Heyer, Joseph Barksdale and Bruce Campbell are a much improved group of backups. Poor play by the starters or elevated play by the backups could result in changes to the starting five. Heyer could force his way into the lineup quickly and take Barnes starting spot at right tackle.

Raiders’ new offensive coordinator Al Saunders is perhaps best known for his work with receivers. If the Raiders can pass block, Saunders will make sure the receivers are in position to make a play.

 

How Will the Raiders Adjust to the Loss of Nnamdi Asomugha?

Nnamdi Asomugha took his talents out of Oakland this offseason. The Raiders now will attempt to make up for the loss of one of the best players in the league.
Out is Asomugha, in comes former starter Chris Johnson. Johnson isn’t a terrible starter and the Raiders look adequate with Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson on either side. The problem comes is one of depth.

The Raiders have rookies Demarcus Van Dyke, Chimdi Chekwa and former UFL player Joe Porter.

One of Van Dyke, Chekwa or Porter will be the Raiders primary slot cornerback. Van Dyke has potential, but is rather green when it comes to his technique. He must learn on the fly and learn quickly how to be an NFL corner or Raiders opponents will spread the Raiders out and target him.

The other likely scenario is Michael Huff playing slot cornerback and Chekwa playing free safety. Huff filled in as the nickel corner at times last season and had success. He’ll continue this role until the Van Dyke is ready.

It’s not likely the Raiders will play a lot of zone this season, but expect more zone than in past years. Al Davis is comfortable with Chuck Bresnahan and one benefit to it is Bresnahan knows how far he can stretch Davis when it comes to zone coverage.

A bit of zone coverage may ultimately help the Raiders safeties. Tyvon Branch has been criticized for his coverage the past couple years and that has been a question with Mike Mitchell and Jerome Boyd as well. Michael Huff is on the other end of the spectrum.

Again, don’t expect a lot of zone, but a little more zone coverage and blitzing may ease some of the pressure on the secondary redirecting it the Raiders strong front seven.

 

Run DMC, Pound the Bush, Taiwan on Track, Reece a Piece

The Raiders running game can’t get much better than it was in 2011. The offensive line needs to block, but appears as strong as 2010 or better. So the pressure will be the backs to be productive.
Darren McFadden remains the pack leader. The Raiders will continue to put him in positions to be successful. He’ll carry the bulk of the load and is also a receiving threat. Michael Bush remains the change of pace back. He’s not really a bruiser as he is made out to be, but he is a big man that is surprising fluid and always seems to chew up positive yardage.

The new weapon the Raiders have is rookie Taiwan Jones. He might be one of the fastest players in the league. An odd build for a running back and prone to injuries so the Raiders will use him to return kicks and implement special packages designed to get Jones in space. He may not get a lot of carries this season, but he will be exciting to watch when he does. Jones is a home run threat; the Raiders will use him to swing for the fences.

Marcel Reece will remain a big part of the offense. With weapons all over the field it is hard to redirect much attention to Reece. He’s a receiving threat first and foremost and fast enough to gain yards after catch. Reece needs to continue to improve his pass blocking to stay on the field. Part of the reason the Raiders kept four tight ends was because of the injury to Kevin Boss, the other was because rookie Richard Gordon may translate his blocking skills to be a blocking fullback.

 

Young Receivers Primed For Breakout?

It is the third season for Darrius Heyward-Bey. It’s now or never for the much maligned Raiders first rounder. It’s also the pivotal third season for Louis Murphy. Is he any better than a number two? Jacoby Ford, is he another Steve Smith or will he regress in his sophomore year?

DHB and Murphy should be hitting their stride as professionals this season. Ford should be progressing towards it. Hopefully Al Saunders influence can thrust these receivers’ careers forward.

One way the Raiders may help Heyward-Bey is by having him run shorter routes where he doesn’t have to go up to battle for the ball. He’ll be forced to make a quick catch and run.

Much celebrated rookie Denarius Moore will figure into the mix and the Raiders are looking for big things out of Moore. That leaves the much less explosive Derek Hagan and the oft-injured Chaz Schilens to round out the group. How much production the Raiders get from these veterans will be important to passing production on third down.

Nick Miller finishes up the group, but should mostly be used as a punt returner this season. If he doesn’t win the punt return job he likely will not stick around for long.

 

Jason Campbell Must Lead The Way

No excuses for Campbell will be made. He must lead the Raiders this season. Gone is the safety net of Bruce Gradkowski when Campbell played poorly. Campbell seems more than capable when given time, so the Raiders must give him time.

One problem Campbell has yet to correct is his rollout from center on pass plays. Certainly defenses have spotted this on tape and will continue to exploit his problem. More time in the pocket means more comfort for Jason Campbell.

The moment Jason Campbell stops tipping pass plays will be the same day the Raiders give him enough time to throw. Campbell has a longer than normal delivery and he needs the extra time to properly deliver the ball.

If the Raiders can pass block more effectively and Campbell can correct his rolling start the Raiders passing game could really take flight.

No one wants to see Kyle Boller starting for the Raiders. Even worse would be Shane Lechler or Terrelle Pryor. So the Raiders must give Campbell time and he must be smart and avoid preventable injuries.

 

How Do They Finish?

There are just too many problems to confidently say the Raiders are a playoff team. With a tough schedule and the unknowns the Raiders will have their struggles this season.

8-8, +-2 wins. The Raiders could gel and win 10 with corrections to the major trouble areas or regress and have great difficulty winning six. Hue Jackson talks a good game and handles Al Davis well, but Davis is much more difficult boss when the Raiders aren’t winning.

The first four games will be a barometer for the Raiders. If the Raiders start 1-3, perhaps six wins is in their future. If they go 3-1, maybe they can get to 10. A 2-2 start might just mean another .500 season.

Prediction Fiction: Who Will Make The 53?

 Posted by at 11:12 PM  4 Responses »
Sep 022011
 

It’s been a good run, even if it ends this year. No one has been better at predicting the 53-man roster for the past few years. My not-so-humble brag will ultimately make this prediction terrible, but I’ve got to make it anyway.

 

Quarterbacks (3+1)

Jason Campbell

Kyle Boller

Trent Edwards

Terrelle Pryor (roster exemption while he is suspended)

 

Running backs (5)

Darren McFadden

Michael Bush

Taiwan Jones

Rock Cartwright

Marcel Reece

 

Receivers (6)

Darrius Heyward Bey

Jacoby Ford

Louis Murphy

Denarius Moore

Chaz Schilens

Derek Hagan

 

Tight Ends (3)

Kevin Boss

Brandon Myers

David Ausberry

 

Offensive Tackles (4)

Jared Veldheer

Stephon Heyer

Khalif Barnes

Joseph Barksdale

 

Offensive Guards (3)

Stefen Wisniewski

Cooper Carlisle

Bruce Campbell

 

Center (1)

Samson Satele

 

Defensive Tackles (4)

Richard Seymour

Tommy Kelly

John Henderson

Desmond Bryant

 

Defensive Ends (4)

Lamarr Houston

Matt Shaughnessy

Trevor Scott

Jarvis Moss

 

Linebackers (6)

Rolando McClain

Kamerion Wimbley

Quentin Groves

Darryl Blackstock

Jeremy Leman

Sam Williams

 

Safties (5)

Michael Huff

Tyvon Branch

Mike Mitchell

Chimdi Chekwa

Stevie Brown

 

Cornerbacks (6)

Stanford Routt

Chris Johnson

Demarcus Van Dyke

Lito Sheppard

Walter McFadden

Jeremy Ware

 

Specialists (3)

Sebastian Janikowski

Shane Lechler

Jon Condo

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