Studs and Duds From Week 5

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  1 Response »
Oct 112011
 

An emotional win. A big win. The Raiders made it through the toughest stretch of the schedule 3-2. Now the Raiders have a month at home and play three unspectacular teams. Two are division foes and anything can happen. Raiders have plenty of things to work on in practice this week and the coaching staff will not let the players look past the Cleveland Browns.

A few players really stood out in the Raiders win and a few, well, didn’t.

 

Studs

Lamarr Houston

Pushed the pile all day long and had the awareness to make the interception on one of the many Matt Schaub tips. Houston had a heck of game in Houston as did the rest of the defensive line. The Raiders really needed the defensive line to take over the game and the Raiders defensive line did just that and Houston was a big part of the Raiders day. Honorable Mention: John Henderson

Tommy Kelly

He had the worst game of his career against the Texans the last time he faced them, but one of his best this Sunday. The Texans had no answer for the Raiders bigs pushing the offensive line into Schaub’s lap. Kelly was pushing the pocket and sealing Arian Foster out of running lanes. A motivated Tommy Kelly is one heck of a football player. He proved that again on Sunday.

Richard Seymour

Three studs on the Raiders defensive line. They deserved it and you could really give a stud mention to this entire unit. Seymour applied tremendous pressure up the middle with Kelly and any yardage Foster gained didn’t come through the middle. Seymour had a sack and was beating double teams which prompted the Raiders to blitz Rolando McClain up the middle which disrupted Schaub even more. Al Davis traded a first round pick for Seymour and to this point he has been worth it and then some.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Heyward-Bey had 99 yards on six receptions on Sunday with one touchdown and was two out-of-bounds throws by Jason Campbell from nine receptions for 150+ yards and a touchdown. Did I mention Heyward-Bey is also a great blocker? Heyward-Bey played his best game as a professional on Sunday. Heyward-Bey played with the kind of swagger great receivers play with and his profile with the Raider Nation is turning in his favor.

Michael Huff & Tyvon Branch

The Raiders starting safeties had some tough moments, but Branch had a few key tackles and kept Schaub from walking into the end zone on the game’s final play. Huff stepped in from of Schaub’s final pass to seal the big win for the Raiders. That’s enough to get stud recognition despite the team’s struggles covering backs out of the backfield and covering the Texans tight ends.

Rock Cartwright

Not only was the guy all over the field on kick coverage, but he checked to the fake on the punt that gave the Raiders new life and kept the momentum in the Raiders favor. He’s the Raiders special teams captain and he plays like one. He’s quickly become on of my favorite Raiders to watch. Just watch him work on special teams because it is a thing of beauty.

 

Duds

Stanford Routt

Gave up too many catches for an “elite” cornerback. The Patriots ran a quick slant that Routt wasn’t able to defend and the Texans took advantage of the same play to get their first score. He’s still clearly the Raiders best corner, but he’s not playing at an amazingly high level that is making the team forget about Nnamdi Asomugha. That’s troubling, because the two players are making about the same amount.

Quentin Groves

The 12-men on the field penalty on the final drive was a direct result of Groves lack of hustle to get off the field and it cost the Raiders crucial time at the end of the game. Groves also blew his coverage assignment on Texans fullback Lawrence Vickers only for Vickers to drop the sure touchdown. Groves was nowhere to be found when Arian Foster was catching swing passes out of the backfield. He’s still rounding into form as a linebacker, but he isn’t good enough to make up for his own mistakes.

Jason Campbell

Forced too many throws and didn’t always give his receivers a chance to catch the ball. Way too many missed receivers. He missed Chaz Schilens on the flea flicker and threw several passes to Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore that took the receivers out of pounds or where just too far out of reach. Campbell made enough plays to redeem himself and the touchdown pass to Schilens was a highlight, but he has to play better for the Raiders offense to take the next step. The next step for the Raiders offense is producing when Darren McFadden isn’t putting up be yardage on the ground.

Taiwan Jones

He redeemed himself with a big special teams tackle on Shane Lechler’s final punt, but he committed a penalty and was getting into Denarius Moore’s way on punt returns. The Texans special teams units pushed Jones back into Moore as well. Jones can’t stay active on gameday without his special teams ability, so the Raiders will continue putting him into position to make a play on special teams. Let’s hope his stop on special teams is the real Jones.

The Raiders Linebacker Problem

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  4 Responses »
Oct 062011
 

The strength of the Raiders defense as everyone knows is the defensive line. It is anchored by six-time pro-bowler Richard Seymour and 300-pounder Tommy Kelly. The defensive line also features two young stout defensive ends, Matt Shaugnessey and Lamarr Houston. This season has also featured plays by run stuffing 330 pounder John Henderson and a resurgent Jarvis Moss. This unit is the undeniable strength of the defense.

Coming into this season the biggest question regarding the Raiders defense was in the secondary. With Nnamdi leaving, the spotlight has been on Stanford Routt and he has quietly delivered. Tyvon Branch has made his fair share of plays, but he’s still working to improve his consistency. These two starters of the secondary are the only two starters that have stayed healthy and that played four games. Michael Huff, Chris Johnson, Mike Mitchell and DeMarcus Van Dyke have all missed time and the backups have played like backups. Once these four players return the play and potential of the secondary unit will come into focus.

What about the linebackers? Coming into the season, they were neither the strength of the defense nor the weakness. This unit has two former 1st round picks in Rolondo McClain and Kamerion Wimbley and a 2nd round pick in Quentin Groves. Since week 1, the Raiders linebackers have been struggling. The biggest problem with this unit is that Wimbley and Groves were both drafted into this league primarily on their pass rushing abilities and not their outside linebacker skills. Both of these men, are outside rush linebackers in a 3-4 system or a defensive end in the nickel or dime in passing situations. The problem with this unit is that Groves and Wimbley are not 4-3 outside linebackers.

McClain is a work in progress. Some plays, he makes a pass deflection or he makes the correct read, fills the correct gap and stuffs the run. But too often, he is slow to react, plays too high, takes bad angles and is easily sealed off. McClain can be a quality run stuffing middle linebacker but right now he needs his outside linebacker to back him up when he makes mistakes. Unfortunately for McClain, his outside linebackers are not linebackers who fit the system. This season is not the season to give up on McClain, the Raiders are putting him a very difficult position.

Wimbley and Groves can still find a home with the Raiders. Groves is not a financial liability and could actually provide quality depth in the linebacker or defensive line unit. Given that he isn’t relayed upon to produce as the starting outside linebacker. Wimbley, whose new contract is deserved, is his best and provides the most value when played at defensive end.

With Groves and Wimbley at outside linebacker the Raiders are trying to put a square peg in a round hole. Wimbley and Groves provide another example of how Al Davis loves size and speed. Having Wimbley and Groves start at outside linebacker is an experiment. This experiment has resulted in the Raiders owning the worst run defense in the league. Groves and Wimbley both need to quickly complete the transformation into quality 4-3 outside linebackers. If not, Oakland’s run defense will continue to be embarrassed and the Raiders will have to give up the experiment. If the Raiders are to win the AFC West and be playoff team, something has to change.

Week 4 Preview: Pressure On Raiders Defense

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  No Responses »
Oct 022011
 

It’s all about the defense this Sunday. The performance of the defense will either cement the Raiders as one of the elite teams in the NFL or it will push the Raiders back into mediocrity.

 

Richard Seymour vs Patriots Offensive line

If the success of the defense relays on the play of the defensive line, then everything starts with Richard Seymour. Seymour has been one the most dominant defensive linemen in football for the past decade and is the defensive captain. If Seymour gets penetration early, look for the doors to open up for other linemen. The Patriots offensive line features all-pro Matt Light and Logan Mankins but will be without starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. Containing the Patriots passing game starts with Seymour up the middle.

 

Chuck Bresnahan vs Tom Brady

Every defensive scheme has a weakness and Tom Brady will find it if given enough time. The question is can Bresnahan keep Brady guessing? The Raiders must mix up and disguise their coverage well. Bresnahan needs to call blitzes at the right times and find a way to get consistent pressure on Brady. If not, Brady will turn the Raiders injured and inexperienced secondary into Swiss cheese.

 

Raiders Secondary vs Wes Welker

Being Brady’s favorite target, Welker is on path to put up Madden-like numbers. Last week he had 16 catches, 217 yards and had two touchdowns. That is more catches, more yards and more touchdowns than any Raider receiver has so far this season. Welker is the best slot receivers in football. In a perfect world Stanford Routt would stick with Welker, but this is highly unlikely. Welker will move all around the field and will test the entire secondary. The Raiders secondary needs to do a lot of things right to win this match up. The Raiders defensive backs will have their hands full this Sunday.

 

Rob Gronkowski vs Mike Mitchell

Mitchell often has been assigned to receiving tight ends. Even though the Raiders will change-up their coverages, look for Mitchell to be around Gronkowski a lot. With the secondary pummeled with injuries, Mitchell will be relied upon heavily in his return to the playing field. Gronkowski, who is Brady’s second favorite target this season, leads all tight ends in catches, reception and touchdowns. Mitchell will be tested early and often.

 

Rolondo McClain/Quentin Groves vs Danny Woodhead/ BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Woodhead’s versatility could pose problems for the Raiders linebackers. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is an 1,000 yard rusher and often overlooked in the Patriots pass happy offense. Even though McClain and Groves both have made progress this year and have made some plays, both are still inconsistent. This is a match up the Raiders have to win.

 

Jason Campbell vs Patriots secondary

With Darren McFadden running all over the Jets last weekend, the Patriots will try to stuff the box to test Campbell’s consistency. Campbell needs to make the Patriots pay for loading the box and over playing the run. So far this year Campbell has been very dependable. Expect Campbell to spread the ball around and to take advantage of the league’s worst pass defense. To win this game, Campbell needs to be clutch.

 

Darren McFadden vs Patriots front seven

New England ranks last in total defense but have a respectable rush defense. Most teams pass on them, but those teams don’t have Darren McFadden. The Raiders will need McFadden to pound the football, pick up first downs and control the clock. The Raiders need to win the time of possession battle and that rests mostly with the success of Darren McFadden/

 

Hue Jackson vs, Bill Belichick

For the Raiders to win Hue Jackson must outwit Belichick. These two playcallers will match wits when the Raiders have the ball. Belichick’s defense has been atrocious, Jackson’s offense has been great. Belichick will likely have to load up the box to stop Oakland’s running game. For the Raiders to win, Hue needs to call the right plays to maintain long drives and make Belichick pay for sneaking up a safety.

Don’t forget to check out Bram Makonda’s Raiders Fantasy Outlook.

Studs & Duds From Monday Night

 Posted by at 9:10 PM  2 Responses »
Sep 152011
 

Who played well on Monday? Maybe a few are obvious, maybe a few weren’t obvious. It’s always a little more difficult to determine a dud, expecially if the player didn’t make any glaring or obvious mistakes.

 

Studs

Darren McFadden - 150 yards. That should be enough to tell you everything you need to know about McFadden’s night. The Raiders rode on McFadden’s back to victory.

Matt Giordano - The interception was just icing on a very good game from Giordano. He was solid in coverage and a willing tackler and his excellent play enabled the Raiders to use Michael Huff as the nickel corner. Who Stevie Brown? Giordano didn’t even make the initial 53-man roster.

Quentin Groves - He forced a fumble and held his own in coverage making minimal mistakes. He did his job in the run game. For all the abuse Groves has taken for being the weakest linebacker he played like the best one on Monday night.

Kamerion Wimbley – He had his way with the rookie right tackle for the Broncos. He didn’t register any of the five sacks the Raiders recorded, but it was Wimbley who was applying consistent pressure on Kyle Orton. Wimbley also made several excellent run stops. He was the best defensive player on the field for most of the night.

Cooper Carlisle – The best of the Raiders offensive lineman. He’s making the transition from zone blocking to drive blocking quite nicely. When the Raiders needed tough yards they ran behind Carlisle. He didn’t have any penalties and allowed just about zero in the way of pressure on Jason Campbell.

Richard Seymour – Another dominating performance by the Raiders defensive captain. The defensive line has really followed Seymour’s lead. He had two sacks and two pressures.

Honorable Mentions: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Lamarr Houston, Tyvon Branch, Marcel Reece, Darryl Blackstock, Sebastian Janikowski

 

Duds

Stephon Heyer – Rough night for the player who was pushing Khalif Barnes for the starting right tackle job. Back-to-back false start penalties and he had trouble pass blocking. He came in for Barnes, but it didn’t last long as Barnes got twice as many snaps. Heyer should rebound from this dreadful performance and Barnes isn’t doing anything that will prevent the Raiders from giving him another chance.

Jacoby Ford – He hurt his hamstring in the second half, but he fumbled early and didn’t have the kind of impact everyone was expecting. It was a bit of a letdown and his status is very much in question for Sunday’s game in Buffalo. Ford should be fine going forward, but he was a dud Monday night in Denver.

Rolando McClain – He missed a couple tackles and was beat repeatedly in pass coverage. He took some heat in the offseason, but appeared to be playing very well this preseason. He had just one tackle Monday night. Pass coverage is not his strongest suit and he was forced into pass coverage plenty. It was a disappointing 2011 debut for the Raiders middle linebacker, but a batted pass in coverage gives hope for continued improvement. It should be noted also McClain led a defense that played extremely well, but it doesn’t outshine his poor performance.

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.

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