As the rumors fly, so do the Oakland Raiders

Thoughts from the Dark Side

June 5, 2008

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Burgess is the talk of camp after day 2

It seems like as soon as the Raiders are getting good press, reports begin to fill columns that aren't bearers of good omens. What intrigues the most is that these reports normally are started by men and women that follow the game as much as any football fanatic does, and probably more since their livelihood depends on it. When there isn't a good rumor, you can find the questions by some reporters geared towards stirring controversy, but none of that has been effective.

One media outlet, who will go unnamed, decided that it was a good time to talk about Javon Walker, his blown knee, and make sure that they found a way to use the following Lane Kiffin quote to describe him,

"Javon's a little heavy right now so we're going to continue this offseason to get him down by training camp and the regular season, the final thing that counts," Kiffin said. "He's picking up the offense fine but we've got a long way to go."

It's quite understandable that reporters would want to get answers to Walker's lingering knee issues. It actually makes perfect sense considering he's making a big payday to be the Raiders number one receiver. It's just odd that with all of the things this media outlet could have reported on at mini-camp, it was today they decided to write a complete article detailing the Raiders injury prone and young receivers. Something tells me that they've had at least a month to write that story.

Another outlet thought that the only worthy story about the Raiders was to talk about Fred Wakefield's move to defensive end from tight end. Oddly enough, this local source of information to print some of the following:

Now Kelly is slated for defensive tackle, and Richardson could use some competition, or at least some help.

Some players will tell you flip-flopping positions frequently will stunt their development, but Wakefield doesn�t appear to mind.

Now this is really a good story. The problem is it's the only story about Raiders camp on the site besides a condensed rundown of some of the happenings at cam. What's interesting is the tone of these stories seem to be aiming at any sign of controversy.

My favorite story has been written and re-written, but still it seems to be getting more play from reporters: The Derrick Burgess contract story. On a day where many reports raved about Burgess, it seemed like a good time to write an article to someone about Burgess being only the fourth highest paid defensive lineman on the team.

Perhaps the Raiders don't complain about Burgess' offseason program because he doesn't complain about his in-season pay.

They (Kelly, Warren, and Sands) combined for 20 1/2 sacks since 2005, the same year Burgess set the Raiders single-season record with 16 sacks.

Maybe I'm just being too sensitive due to all of the previous controversial articles written over the past several months, or maybe I'm not. Whatever the case, I'd like to thank all of these guys up front for either re-reporting stories that you've already seen here, or rehashing stories that have grown non-interesting. I'd also like to thank the reporters that didn't fall into that trap, and never do.

None of that is really important though, because the theme of this mini-camp has been speed. Speed in the backfield, speed of the ball that Russell throws, speed of the defensive backs and some linebackers, speed of the receivers, and the speed at which the defensive ends are making it past the tackles to break up plays in the backfield.

For a second consecutive day, the Raiders are getting a glowing report from most in attendance. While the morning practice was more about the running game, the evening practice was opened up a little to competition. Take into account that there's no tackling and that this is really the first camp that the whole team is together. Below is a little of the good and bad from day 2 of mini-camp.

The good from day 2:

Al Davis made it down to the practice field like days of old.

Still no fumbles on offense.

Derrick Burgess was a complete monster by all accounts.

Kalimba Edwards and Jay Richardson were mentioned as being able to get to the QB.

Kelly is getting rave reviews from Kiffin for his strength saying, "He is off-the-charts strong right now. His strength in the weight room is higher than it�s ever been, and his explosiveness is in there."

Fargas is proving to be the what a starter is supposed to be - the best at his position.

McFadden and his agent took time to have a talk with Marc Badain on the forthcoming contract.

McFadden was also taking punt/kick return catch practice...might he be a return man too?

Andrew Walter and JaMarcus Russell both looked good at times for a second straight day and both had notable plays that they made. Russell hit on a broken play 60 yard pass, while Walter ran the 2-minute offense into scoring position.

DeAngelo Hall and Thomas Howard both had picks during the two practices.

Todd Watkins is proving Jeff Little right by catching everything thrown his way.

The bad from day 2:

No fumbles created by the defense yet.

Many of the defensive line were mentioned as getting to the quarterback or blowing up a running play.

Kelly is a little heavy right now.

Stanford Routt and John Bowie were both mentioned as not being able to consistently cover the receivers.

Michael Huff got beat deep...on the JaMarcus Russell broken play bomb.

Nnamdi Asomugha is still not signed and still not in camp working out with the team.

Oren O'Neal went down with a knee injury. It's thought to be minor, but sometimes those are the worst ones.

Jay Richardson is having a problem jumping offsides

SeaBass missed the kick to win the game following Walter's 2-minute drill.

Arman Shields missed practice with a hamstring injury.

Lamont Jordan is still a Raider

Odell Thurman

Still haven't been able to find a corroborating source to the CNNSI article citing that Thurman failed a drug test and will be suspended indefinitely. I did find a follow-up story by...CNNSI. That story basically was a rehash of the other, so there is nothing new to report on this.

Baldinger on McFadden

"I think that he will struggle at the NFL level...in my mind he is in no way like Adrian Peterson."

Not the actual comment, just pieces of it. Baldinger is convinced that McFadden can't make his own space like an Adrian Peterson when running the ball and doesn't think McFadden can break tackles at the pro level.

Quote of the day:

This goes to Javon Walker for his description of himself, but the reason it's the quote of the day is because of the invention of the word, "work-hard-ability"

�Probably a positive attitude, great attitude, work-hard-ability and obviously, coming out here and leading by example.�

Trying to keep up here at TFDS

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

35 Comments on "As the rumors fly, so do the Oakland Raiders"

Posted by iRon, June 5, 2008 12:37 AM

Brian Baldinger was a crummy O=lineman who is just trying be different..Good lord, shut the hell up, Baldy..Just another jerk-off x-player who's now a media clown apparently following the Sean Salisbury playbook...God, I hate these talking heads...

Good job Rob!

Posted by Rob Calonge, June 5, 2008 12:41 AM

Sonny - My point exactly! Good points and criticism!

Rampage - Yes, Jano seems to be flakier at the start of the season and come on strong towards the end. Let's just hope that he get's all of the inconsistency out now.

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and for stopping by. Keep checking back, we're still working on bringing more news as it breaks. :-)

Posted by Patrick Patterson, June 5, 2008 12:57 AM

Great round up, my friend.

Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: As the rumors fly, so do the Oakland Raiders | The RaiderCast, June 5, 2008 1:38 AM

[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]

Posted by Rolni, June 5, 2008 3:50 AM

I think Adrian Peterson is a better pure runner, but DMC won't be used as a pure runner in our system. We have Fargas and Bush besides him.Fargas will carry the major load him and Bush will be the punishers between the tackles and DMC will be running to the sides, off tackle and will be involved in the passing game big time with Bush. He won't have an AP like impact\season, but thats not why we drafted him. We want speed and homerun ability and more options on offense. Kiffin will use him in the running game and in the passing game.We will hopefully have 2 RB sets with him and Bush this year. In this case the D's will be in trouble.Both guys can run and catch, but if they concentrate too much on them Zach Miller or Walker or Carter...will be able to make plays. If our Oline keeps improving especially in the pass protection our offense could be very good!!

Posted by slv&blk4life, June 5, 2008 6:37 AM

there's really no reason why our offense shouldn't dominate in the division i mean take a look at what's there ,KC(really?) , Denver might be able to run but won't have a 1000 yard rusher and their passing game will be lacking (i still don't believe Cutler is as good as some think)and i believe LT is up for a down year for SD now i know he's probably the best in the league but the loss of M.Turner i think will hurt him as he will be asked to do more this year and Sproles i don't think can just step in Turner's shoes.Now Chris Chambers helped in the passing game and added a weapon for Rivers but i see Rivers continuing his drop off as well and this year we'll stop LT just like we did Devin Hester last year (the only team in the league to contain him by the way and no we never kicked away from him) i think our offense could be down right scary and look for Zack Miller to be our Dallas Clark

and remember Raider Nation ; every black cloud has a silver lining

Posted by OGKUSH, June 5, 2008 7:48 AM

man.. as much as i hate LT he will be the runner in the leauge.he is the #1 fantasy pick and rightly chosen.

Rolni i 100% agree with you dawg! BALDINGER doesnt know what he's talking about. we drafted him to create that deadly mismatch in the backfield and eat up huge yards... and think about this people, what do you get when you draft WRs that are at least 6'3 , over 230 lbs? YOU GET BIG BLOCKERS... so imagine guys. oren oneal.. kwamme harris.. zach miller, chaz schilens, marcell reece blasting to the right side GUESS WHO BEHIND THEM WITH THE BALL? when you get that many blockers, who and leave only 1 or 2 guys for dmac to beat.. TOUCHDOWNNNNN.. RAAIIDDERSS?! this is part of al's master plan... along with a revived passing game.. yes silver&blk... very deadly indeed.

Posted by OGKUSH, June 5, 2008 7:50 AM

UNLEASH CEREBUS!!!

Posted by OregonRaider, June 5, 2008 8:54 AM

Thanks for the good breakdown of day two. In regards to Burgess, I think the media creates the controversy. There are no quotes from existing players of anybody having problems with what the Raiders have paid their aquired talent this off season. They are trying to biuld a winning team. When you are 4 and 12 and 2 and 14 before that are you going to ask for a raise? What, we had one player selected to the Probowl last year? Maybe the punter needs a better contract. Untill the team starts winning and more players are heading to to Probowl, nobody derserves a raise.

#10

Posted by Mike, June 5, 2008 9:07 AM

Baldinger reminds me of Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He kinda looks cross-eyed from all those head slaps over the years.

#11

Posted by Thec, June 5, 2008 9:42 AM

Very good read. great barometer on where we are without full contact. Keep up the good work......

I like how the media is potraying us, I hope other NFL teams are going by those same old tired taglines also, will make it easy for us to sneak upon teams...

I expect us to hang at least 30 on the donkeys opening day...

#12

Posted by Raider Raul, June 5, 2008 9:53 AM

Rob,

Thanks again for hating on the Haters!! I used to think I was the only one who publicly complained about the typical Raider-hating mediots!!

I think Burgess is finally starting to realize that all he needs to do is consistently be a Bad-ass on defense and he'll eventually get the HUGE money he deserves. He now knows that the longer he waits to get a contract, the more he'll benefit from salary inflation.

#13

Posted by Jeff Little, June 5, 2008 10:00 AM

Rob,

A solid breakdown of day 2 my friend! I agree with you and my man Rolni 100%. As a guy who has witnessed the talent of Todd Watkins he needs to continue to do me proud. Keep up the good work.

#14

Posted by darren, June 5, 2008 10:50 AM

dmac might not put up the #s AP put up only because he has bush and fargas(which will be a nasty backfield anyways) but this guy is the less physical(even though he can be when he wants too) more versatile adrian peterson with thinner calves. HEs only 20 years old so if he doesnt do good this coming year i still see him being a super star back for years to come. AP is 23. just imagine dmac in 3 years hell be stronger faster and understand the game more. this guy will succeed in the nfl. if fargas can go over 1000 yards with the oline we have .so can mcfadden in a couple years and years to come. GO RAIDERS

#15

Posted by lee1rbc, June 5, 2008 10:55 AM

Nice write up.

As for Baldingers comments I saw that on NFL network. WOW, He does NOT like McFadden.

Who knows how good McFadden will be, He did have a better college career then Peterson in a stronger conference against better Defenses. Anyone that can run for 200 yards at LSU has skill.

Also Peterson is little overated. Yes He rushed for 296 yds in one game (NFL record) thats great. But what about the fact that Peterson gets hurt, and in His last four games He had 54 rushes for 144 yds 2.6 yds avg. Those stats resulted in the Vikings NOT making the playoffs.

#16

Posted by inonewordraider, June 5, 2008 11:08 AM

Nowadays you don't want to rely so heavily on one back like Peterson. Remember when everyone thought Cadillac Williams would be a world beater? LT showed he slowed down last year. Our depth and youth will keep us in the playoff hunt for the next 6 years if we keep the coaching staff together

#17

Posted by Sharpe, June 5, 2008 11:12 AM

I hope that every one of the sixteen teams we play underestimate us. I hope that we are underdogs all season because of the past 5 seasons. I hope that we get no respect. I hope that in the beginning of the season that they predict another 4 win season for us. Reason being, because this team is soooo close! Everything is in place! We have the potential to make a dramatic turn around and I think that we will shock the NFL this year and for many more to come. Points will come, yardage will come, yds after the catch will come, 3rd down conversions will come, ints will come, sacks will come, 3 & outs will come, defensive TDs will come, kick and punt return yardage and scores will come, and last minute heroics will come. I think that we are poised to be a remarkably dominate team. THE ONLY OBSTICLE TO OUR DOMINANCE IS THE PLAY OF THE OTs and DTs...4 positions! If we get solid play in these 4 positions, we will be unstopable!

#18

Posted by Sharpe, June 5, 2008 11:15 AM

...btw, I forgot, thanks Rob, nice article (as usual)!

'Long live da Nation'

#19

Posted by Sonny, June 5, 2008 11:27 AM

What kills me is reading reports regarding Raider players and what they are doing at mini camp by ESPN. And then hearing what the coach and players say regarding what is going on, it is like day and night.

At ESPN in Hash marks I have just read that Russell is way out of shape and is missing most of his passes.

But Kiffin and Russell's team mates say he is not the same Russell as last year. Much stronger, faster and is becoming a leader. They say he is hitting many of his throws and in some pretty tight coverage.

I read at many sites that Walker is way out of shape and has not did anything to impress to date. But Kiffin and others have stated Walker has shown at practice signs of his old self with speed off the line and catches he is making and the Raiders are pleased with what they see, granted he still is working himself into shape.

It is kind of like the, Russell is 300 lbs, Ryan has been fired, Ryan has been hired by the Jets, Ryan went into Davis office to thank him and say goodbye after he was fired, Hall did not meet with Kiffin, Kiffen did not want to draft D Mac, Kiffen did not want to draft J Russell, Kiffen had no say in the draft. I could go on for days with all the BS that these so called experts have written as fact that all have turned out to be wrong.

When will people start calling many of these bums out for the garbage they write. And now hearing what Kiffen and players are saying about what is going on at camp and reading what ESPN is saying is going on is like night and day.

#20

Posted by Rampage Raider, June 5, 2008 11:28 AM

Is it just me or has Janikowski slowly slid to the place, he may hurt us this year in close games. Granted he could kick a 70 yarder but his consistency lately has been terrible! As for Burgess what a badass. He has been a great DE for years and will dominate this year. Hopefully Al will reward him with a big contract. Go RAIDERS!

#21

Posted by Peglegged Raider, June 5, 2008 1:08 PM

I gotta say that the thing that has me most encouraged this year is all the new blood in Silver and Black. I mean every year we would all be on here talking about how our team was going to turn the corner and be better this year, but we thought we could do it with all the same guys we lost with the year before. That is something that we can hang our helmets on this year is that we have a shitload of new guys to go along with the guys who produced for us last year. Not a lot of projects, a few projects, but not a lot this year.

I like the fact that we have some solid starters at Dend, but our projects are the bodies behind them on the depth chart. I just hope that if Burgess or Richardson goes down that these conversions can step in and rush the passer! Oh well, we will see when training camp starts if these guys will pan out.

On a final note, I know we are all praying that our OTs are going to be able to handle your average Dend, but we always seem to go up against the baddest DEs every year, and get smoked. These boys had better figure out a way to keep Burgess and company out of the backfield or we are going to be a one dimensional team. What we could do is go back to a westcoast style offense and get the ball out of there fast like when Gannon was running the show. Then take our shots when they come along. I just hope we don't try to pick up the first down on every play with these tackles. It is still going to be a very exciting year with all the playmakers we have, it's all going to come down to play calling.

Peace out Nation!

#22

Posted by Dan, June 5, 2008 1:26 PM

So when you take an explosive runner, ie McFadden and put him in a secondary running spot like USC ran in 2005. Under a coach who knows how to take advantage of that ability 2005 offensive coordinator USC. Nope nothing good can come of this. Are these people idiots worst case he puts up numbers like Reggie Bush. Which isn't great fantasy wise, but is good for the whole of the team. My sleeper pick is Carter watch out this guy is fast and can catch the 50yd ball. Just a question of playing time.

#23

Posted by azraider37, June 5, 2008 1:35 PM

Another good article, thanks for the info.

Why the talk about fumbles, isn't this a non contact camp. If the offense is fumbling, then we have problems. I would like to say that Baldinger is becomming one of my least favorite people on tv, he has pissed me off three nights in a row now on nfl net. What was up with the 32 teams in 32 days with the Raiders last night? Over half the show was about the Cowboys and other BS. We may have gotten 20 min out of the hour, and that was supposed to be our show! I guess nfl net in general is pissing me off.

I heard Chester McGlockton was on hand to watch practice yesterday. I supprised someone didn't come by and scoop that turd up and go flush him!!

#24

Posted by Rick Wascher, June 5, 2008 2:45 PM

My sleeper this year has got to be Michael Bush. remember how Crocket could always get that tought 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1.and he can catch. He's as big as the "Bus" and nimble feet. He will be very valuable in the red zone. Hell we could move McFadden to receiver and really scare people. See him go in motion and get the snap from center then run outside or the option pass. Can't wait to see it, but with pads.

#25

Posted by Kelly, June 5, 2008 2:56 PM

Baldinger doesn't know anymore than anybody else right now, period, he's just talking crap out of his backside. I think Raider fans will come to love Darren for more than his speed etc.... Just wait 'till he lays a devastating block or converts a big 3rd down run with guts and determination. The guys is football player and has that something special that will leave fans speechless in amazement from time to time. He certainly could become a perfect fit in Oakland but only time will tell. I wish he and the rest of the Raider nation success beyond all the 'experts' best guesses.

p.s. and I'm a Cowboy fan

#26

Posted by LDizzle, June 5, 2008 4:00 PM

Rob these daily camp updates are really great I must say. Keep doing this. I have never been so informed about the state of the Raiders from day to day.

Try not to let the rumors and controversy seekers bother you too much Rob. They are just trying to sell papers. Sure some are above it and we respect them for that but we all know that it is the shameless ones that make the most money unfortunately.

Oh and Jay Richardson not jumping offsides is not a problem. That is a good thing. We want him NOT jumping offsides don't we?

#27

Posted by Rob Calonge, June 5, 2008 4:19 PM

AzRaider - I'm glad you appreciate it and thank you for saying so. As far as the fumbles go, and maybe I should have been more clear, Ryan is trying to emphasize stripping techniques with the defense and even with that emphasis, the defense has been unsuccessful to this point while making the offense successful. You are right about it meaning more when the pads are on though.

LDizzle - See first sentence above to AzRaider. It applies to you also. Thanks for catching that. All day long and I thought maybe it was perfect. :-) I've fixed it now.

#28

Posted by Kevin, June 5, 2008 4:56 PM

Baldinger is a notorious Raider Hater. Like 99% of all ESPN analysts are. I guess as long as you say I hate the Raiders on the resume you have a shot of being hired there.

However, time will tell if he is right. His college numbers don't lie though. He also came from a conference known for fast aggressive defenses and who's teams have won the last 2 championships. He torched LSU the champion last year. Those facts point toward him at least having some success in the NFL... If not a dominate one!

I can feel the autumn wind now!

#29

Posted by dave, June 5, 2008 5:23 PM

I think its going to be interesting to watch Aso and how he plays. I think the Raiders have good reason for not "yet" signing him to a large extended contract. Thjey will have a whole season to see how he does this year. He wasn't thrown at the last few years so he will earn the current big bucks he is going to receive, but it also will show us how good he really is now that the other side is rated just as high as Aso. okay big guy your up this season and let see what your worth. The Raiders will pay you if you can handle the best in the league. We will know about half way through the season where you really stand compared to the elite c/b in the league. The test is coming. The Raiders know exactly what they are doing by not signing Aso to a big contract "yet". we will see what you have.

#30

Posted by doobie1884, June 5, 2008 5:23 PM

Baldinger Is A Punk, He Said The Said Thing About Peterson Last Year. I Would Like To Hear What He Has To Say When Mcfadden Tears It Up This Year!

#31

Posted by Dark Forces, June 5, 2008 9:23 PM

The biggest reason we will struggle mightly is that our offensive tackles are the worst in the league. It will be a jailbreak on every obvious passing down. Russell will be scrambling for his life on every play.

#32

Posted by section116row11seats12and13, June 5, 2008 10:55 PM

Peglegged Raider says

This is my biggest fear and it's the reaso we wont win thw west and have to hope for a wildcard spot that will most likely land us in Jacksonville for a 1 and done playoff run!

Why didn't we get Flozel Adams or any top 10 left tackle?

We want to go deep I asume or why go out and get 4.3 40 wr and why work on the deep ball if your not going to use it!

That's why I think we are going to be screwed by kry-me-a-river harris this year!

The time given by the tackle as we all know from watching sims give up the most sacks in the NFL is criticle as Kiffin said in the behind the shield issue today. There going to need to get this line together and decide on center and both tackles!

It changes play calling and turns us one dimentional as others have said.

Congrates to Run DMC welcome to the Blackhole!

Raiders Sign Darren McFadden

June 5, 2008

RB Darren McFadden signs his contract in the Hall of Fame room at the Raiders Alameda, Calif., facility.

Raiders.com

The Oakland Raiders have signed 2008 first round selection Darren McFadden. Log on to www.raiders.com for complete press conference coverage Friday, June 6, starting at 11:00 a.m. PT.

#33

Posted by section116row11seats12and13, June 5, 2008 11:00 PM

Rob Calonge Thank you for this article can we get any direct info about what the tackles and centers were doing or not doing. My info person is unavailable and I'm jonesin'

#34

Posted by K-Rock, June 5, 2008 11:05 PM

Both of Baldingers brothers played for the Chiefs.

He is just another hater.

#35

Posted by Rob Calonge, June 6, 2008 7:53 AM

section116row11seats12and13 - Thanks for appreciating. As to your answer on the centers and guards, no news is good news. Gallery was really the only one mentioned in any respect and the comment on him was that he has really adapted well to the ZBS. The other comment to note is that Gallery and Carlisle are entrenched as the starters. Cooper seems to be holding his own as the starter, but Wade expects to get a chance to unseat him. Heard nothing about McQuistan, but Seth Wand and Mark Wilson seemed to hold up nicely against their competition.

Hope this helps :-)