Preseason Profile: Miles Burris, LB

 Posted by at 5:00 PM  1 Response »
Jul 162012
 

Miles Burris #56

College: San Diego St.
Height: 6’2⅛”
Weight: 246 lbs
Arm Length: 31.7″
Hand Size 9.7″

 

40 Yard Dash: 4.67
3 Cone Drill: 6.81
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.20
Bench Press: 31 reps
Vertical Jump: 37.5″
Broad Jump: 121″

 

The Raiders seemed very excited at the opportunity to grab Miles Burris in the 4th round of the draft this year. In my opinion Miles seemed to fly under the radar a bit, and I wanted to dig a little deeper into why that was. Miles is a very instinctive player. He rarely second guesses his first read, and doesn’t waste movements during the play. By that I mean he doesn’t take a lot of “false steps” or move lateral too much.  Because of that Miles plays faster than his 40 time suggests and is another reason why straight line speed is overrated by many. He has an attack mentality about him that I believe had a lot to do with the Raiders interest in him.

Miles made a lot of “splash” plays at San Diego St. His relentlessness and motor remind me of Von Miller, but his physical ability is less superior. He plays with an extreme passion and wants to be in on every play. That is a great quality to posses and it can’t be taught. Burris is also very strong for a 246 lbs linebacker. He was able to do 31 reps on the bench at the combine, and was still able to be one of the top performers in vertical jump and broad jump. Because of his strength and agility he is able to get off blocks and be effective in traffic.

The biggest concern about Miles Burris though, is that he doesn’t have a lot of room for growth in his game. Many seem to believe that while he might be almost ready to start now in the NFL, he might not ever be more than a slightly above average player long term. Now that is a pretty bold assumption in my opinion, of course only time will tell the story. I will say this though, Burris seems to be a very blue collar type player. He takes care of his body and seems to give his all, all the time. Burris racked up 40 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks in his last 2 years in college.

Did the Raiders see in Miles Burris what others failed to recognize or is the majority right in predicting a low ceiling for Burris?

 

Week 9 Preview: Matchups To Watch

 Posted by at 8:00 AM  No Responses »
Nov 062011
 

Hue Jackson vs. Hue Jackson

This is the most important matchup of the game. Jackson made himself look foolish with the Raiders quarterback situation two weeks ago and Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer combined to throw six interceptions. Jackson will be walking a fine line this Sunday. He has to balance his aggressive tendencies, Carson Palmer’s effectiveness and game management. The play calling has to vary enough to keep the passing game respectable without putting Palmer in a position to fail. Jackson has to remember that the opposing team has one of the worst quarterbacks and will struggle to be productive. If the Raiders lose this game it is because Jackson failed.

Carson Palmer vs. Carson Palmer

Palmer will make his starting quarterback debut this Sunday vs. Denver. To lead the Raiders to victory this Sunday, Palmer has to be more of a game manager than anything else. Rather than making plays that lead his team to victory, Palmer has to avoid plays that give away the game. This is not the game for Palmer to prove to everybody how comfortable he is in the offense. It’s the game for him to relay on passing outlets, work play action and find out what works. A multiple interception game by Palmer could make this game closer than the Raiders are comfortable with.

Michael Bush vs. Denver’s Front Seven

Carrying the load last game Bush finished with 99 yards. With McFadden officially out for this game, this is another opportunity for Bush to showcase his talents and to show everybody why he deserves a big contract in the offseason. To do this, Bush has to get the tough rushing yards when Denver’s front seven is expecting the run. Bush will also be relied upon as a passing outlet and to pick up blitzes in the passing game. Denver boasts a mediocre rush defense but has not let a back get 100 yards since McFadden put up 150 in week one. Wesley Woodyard, Denver’s leading tackler, will be all over the place trying to ensure the trend continues. This is an opportunity for Bush to showcase himself for the big contract.

Jared Veldheer/ Kalif Barnes vs. Von Miller

There are reasons why Miller is a leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year. He is in the top 10 in the league with 6 sacks and is fourth on his team in total tackles. With Palmer making his first start, the Broncos will likely test how he directs the lines protection and handles varied pressure. Veldheer and Barnes have to make sure this rookie does not consistently get to Palmer. The real test will be on third and longs, where the Raiders choose to pass and Miller is set in pass rushing mode.

Kevin Boss/ Brandon Myers vs. Denver Defense

The Raider tight ends will be needed to run block and provide support against Denver’s outside pass rush. So far this season, the success of McFadden and the wide outs have overshadowed Boss’ lack of productivity in the passing game. As Palmer is adjusting Boss and Myers need to become more reliable passing options. Boss needs to make big plays when Denver loads the box to stop the run. Denver has allowed two tight end touchdowns over the past two weeks. Either Boss will make an impact and reach the end zone or he will disappear.The Raider need Boss to have a good game on Sunday.

Tim Tebow vs. Chuck Bresnahan

The Raiders linebackers are better blitzing than in coverage. Chuck Bresnanhan’s safeties are effective blitzers and Tebow can’t stay composed in the face of blitzes. Expect Bresnahan to blitz Tebow as his inability to stay composed is undermining any effort of his to become a legitimate NFL quarterback. For Tebow not to be too embarrassed this Sunday, he needs to establish his mobility as a weapon and count on various screen plays and check downs. With inadequate wide receivers and his quarterback skills, Tebow must rely on his legs to make plays. The Raiders D has to make sure they get sacks on Tebow and not let him escape their blitzes.

Knowshon Moreno & Willis McGahee vs. Richard Seymour & Aaron Curry

McGahee when healthy is showing that he still has fuel and could very well eclipse the 1,000 mark for the first
time since 2007. He has three 100-yard games this season but is coming off a broken hand. He will likely play and get the majority of the carries. Seymour sets the tone for the entire defense. When he plays with the right amount of aggression and discipline, the Raiders defense is one of the league’s best. McGahee and Moreno have combined for 20 catches and 2 touchdowns this season and pose a threat coming out of the backfield. As Tebow struggles finding targets downfield, expect him to look to these back. Curry has historically struggled in pass coverage, but so far with the Raiders, this has not been a problem. Look for McGahee and Moreno to test Curry in pass coverage.

Eric Decker vs. DeMarcus Van Dyke

Decker is the bright spot in Denver’s largely inept passing attack. He has 30 catches, three more than DHB and is tied for fourth in the NFL with 5 touchdowns receptions. He has potential and his ability made Denver comfortable trading Brandon Lloyd. If Tebow has success connecting with any of Denver’s wide receivers it is Decker. The Raiders won’t shadow Decker. Expect, Tebow to try to connect with Decker when he is lined up against Van Dyke. Van Dyke is experiencing ups and down during his rookie year but is progressing. Look for Van Dyke to be tested often and for him to have his hands on the ball.

Prediction:

Expect a somewhat conservative Hue Jackson game plan, one that features Michael Bush and has a few wrinkles. The only good thing about Tebow’s performance will be his 50+ yard rushing effort. Oakland 20, Denver 13.

Raiders’ Brash Attitude Propelled Win Over the Broncos

 Posted by at 1:41 PM  2 Responses »
Sep 152011
 

During the night telecast of the Monday night opening double-header between two bitter AFC West rivals, something ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer said caught not only my attention, but I’m sure a lot of other residents of Raider Nation as well.

Dilfer assumed that of the Raiders’ penalty-filled night, scuffles and aggressive nature meant that the team lacked discipline. Granted the 15 penalties for 131 yards were deserved, I argued that it was exactly what this team needed.

Many forget that there was actually no NFL preseason this year. For Dilfer to assume that a clean-fought game was to be expected in week one was ludicrous.

While there was no overwhelming evidence of penalties in the other week one games, the talk of the NFL after one week centered around ballooned passing yards. Tom Brady passed for over 500 yards and Chad Henne, the other quarterback in the game passed for over 400 yards (Chad Henne everybody! Who saw that coming?). This further explains that not only are the players still adjusting to the shortened off-season, but the coaches are still making the correct adjustments needed to become successful this season.

In Dilfer’s defense, he stated that the Raiders are a talented bunch and that after addressing these correctable behaviors, the team will be well on their way to a division crown and deep into the playoffs. But what if this behavior is inherently born out of the mystique that we have come to know as the Raiders? Can you take the bite out of the dog? That’s like telling Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant to pass the ball with time winding down in the game.

Brashness defines the Raiders not only as a team, but as an organization as well.

I argue that it was this same brashness that the Raiders played with against the Broncos that propelled them to win the game. It’s the same confidence and self-assurance that enabled Sebastian Janikowski tie the record for the longest field goal in league history.. It’s the same swagger that Shane Lechler displayed when he pinned the Broncos deep into their territory (Raiders have the best special teams in the league, no question). And it’s the same punishing attitude that Darren McFadden displayed at the end of his runs Monday night. On this night, the Raiders weren’t intimated by the Broncos heavy hitters of Brian Dawkins, Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil and whoever else got in the way. Attitude is more than just the pregame actions and chest bumps, its born out of purpose and this team bled that sense of purpose, as evident from the head coach on down.

Dilfer and other analysts will tell you that the Raiders need to correct their attitude, but we, Raider fans know that they won because of this attitude. It was a tough and sloppy game, from both sides, but attitude won outright that night. And attitude will continue to carry this team in 2011.

Raiders @ Broncos Preview

 Posted by at 2:42 PM  No Responses »
Sep 122011
 

The Raiders kicked the Broncos tail last season, but every season is different. The Broncos have a new head coach and return Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos also added a dynamic rookie in Von Miller in April’s draft.

The Broncos are a different team with different challenges. The Raiders are very similar team, with very familiar challenges and maybe a few new ones.

 

Raiders Offense vs. Broncos Defense

The Raiders were able to run on the Broncos last season and will attempt to do the same again. The Broncos go from a 3-4 to a 4-3, but the Broncos didn’t drastically alter the front seven. Dumervill and Miller are the primary difference and they are mostly pass rushers.

Much has been made of the Raiders new and improved passing game and the Broncos secondary will make plays when provided ample pass rush. The Raiders will need to play run effectively to use play action. An early lead will help the offense and keep the Broncos pass rush from pinning their ears back to get Jason Campbell.

Jared Veldheer vs. Elvis Dumervil

Dumervil is an elite pass rusher and his nine inches shorter than Veldheer. Veldheer will have to play lower than his height. While Veldheer has improved, he will need help and the Raiders will likely give it to him. Veldheer might be taller, but he also has nearly 80 pounds on Dumervil. Despite the leverage problems Veldheer should be able to push Dumervil around. Sometimes it’s just about poundage.

Khalif Barnes vs. Von Miller

You can basically say the same things about Barnes against Miller as Veldheer against Dumervil. The one exception is that Miller plays linebacker. That means Robert Ayers will figure into the mix against Barnes and the Raiders tight ends may be blocking Miller at times. Barnes needs to play well to keep his starting position as Stephon Heyer will push him. The Broncos this Von Miller is second coming of Demarcus Ware. Barnes will need to put the rookie in his place.

Jacoby Ford vs. Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey continues to play at a high level and will be matchup up against the Raiders biggest threat through the air in Jacoby Ford. Bailey will also slide inside to the slot in nickel situations to cover Ford. Bailey is a smary player, but he’ll have trouble with Ford’s speed. Ford must seperate from Bailey or Jason Campbell will be forced to go elsewhere.

Darrius Heyward-Bey vs. Andre Goodman

The Broncos are easier to attack on the left side of the defense against Andre Goodman and Darcel McBath. It’s up to DHB to expose this weakness. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders try to feed the ball to Heyward-Bay a few times on the first offensive drive with slant and out routes. If there is room the Raiders may stay away from Bailey and Brian Dawkins.

Jason Campbell vs. Jason Campbell

The Raiders quarterback played too inconsistently last season. He had a few horrible games and others where the Raiders won despite Campbell’s poor play. He’s still tipping pass plays by rolling away from center as the ball is about to be snapped and his deep accuracy has been a major question. Campbell needs a little extra time from his offensive line, but it’s up to Campbell to figure out what the defense is doing to him and get the job done.

Al Saunders and Hue Jackson can help Campbell by calling rollout and bootleg passes. By cutting the field in half and making the safeties account for him he just might be able to deliver deep strikes down the field. The Raiders will do a lot of motion and try to move the pocket around to create matchups they desire.

 

Raiders Defense vs. Broncos Offense

John Fox is known for having rushing teams. How will he mesh the running mentality with offensive personal built for the spread? Fox brought in Willis McGahee to complement Knowshon Moreno and that alone will help the rushing offense. Kyle Orton is a capable quarterback and breakout receiver Brandon Lloyd has been described by cornerbacks as the most difficult man to cover in the NFL.

Kyle Orton vs. Rolando McClain

The Raiders sacked Orton four times in Denver last season limited him to completing only 41% of his passes and forcing a fumble. Orton is like many NFL quarterbacks  is a capable of shredding a secondary if given time. The Raiders pass rush must get to Orton. McClain is the quarterback of the Raiders defense and will be playing a mental chess match with Orton throughout the game. McClain will need to determine if Orton has successfully diagnosed the Raiders coverage and blitzes and adjust accordindly.

Chris Johnson vs. Brandon Lloyd

It’s Stanford Routt that is supposed to be under the microscope this season with Nnamdi Asomugha gone, but Chris Johnson draws the matchup against Flanker Brandon Lloyd. While Lloyd may move around the Raiders corners play right and left. So Chris Johnson draws this matchup. Johnson is just coming back from an injury. While Johnson has shown that he can occasionally get burned, he also has the best ball skills in the Raiders secondary and could find the balls in his hands if the Raiders put the heat on Orton. Expect both to happen and hope Johnson can avoid giving up any big plays to the Broncos biggest offensive threat.

Ryan Clady vs. Matt Shaughnessy

Boy is this going to be a fun matchup to watch. Clady is one of the best left tackles in the NFL and Shaughnessy is ready to make a name for himself. Watch these two players all night for one heck of a battle. Shaughnessy could be ready for a 10+ sack season. Can he beat one of hte best left tackles to get his first one or two of the season? It’s worth watching this game just to find out. The Broncos will tilt the pass coverage to the other side and Clady will be alone to handle Shaughnasty.

Lamarr Houston/Kamerion Wimbley vs Orlando Franklin.

A rookie right tackle against Lamarr Houston and Kamerion Wimbley? Talk about an opportunity for the Raiders pass rush. Franklin was a second-round pick, so he’s capable. The Raiders will want to throw the kitchen sink at Franklin. It’s a tough matchup for even the best rookies. The Raiders will immediately test Franklin. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders also bring a blitz or two from the right edge.

The Raiders biggest advantage is the defensive line against the Broncos front five. It should give the Raiders a touchdown advantage. Raiders 27, Broncos 20