MVN: Most Valuable Network

For the first time in many years, the Oakland Raiders held a joint practice with another team. (No, contrary to the reputation of the Raiders and the Raider Nation, they didn't practice IN the joint.) The Raiders and the 49ers held two practice sessions so they could get some work with an actual enemy. Ed Hartwell got a solid hit that was started a scuffle. Javon Walker finally had some positives in camp. Rookies Trevor Scott and Tyvon Branch made some noise. Darren McFadden showed his stuff. Pass protection seems to still be a question mark. Nnamdi Asomugha is ill. There has been some speculation that the Raiders should make a move for the Panther's Steve Smith.

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Raiderhed says it all for the Nation

Let's Get Ready to RUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMBLLLLEEEEE!!!!

Just having players around in uniforms bearing the livery of another team raised the intensity level of camp. Javon Walker finally made some plays that caught Lane Kiffin's eye. Kiffin commented that he didn't believe in the whole concept of "Stepping it up when the lights go on," and said that he needs to see that kind of effort from Walker in all practices. Hopefully, this is a sign that he is turning the corner.

Edgerton Hartwell started a fight by laying strong wood on Moran Norris. It was broken up before either player ended up broken. Hartwell chalked it up to his habits from his days with the Baltimore Ravens when discussing it with Niners' coach Mike Nolan who was his defensive coordinator with the Ravens. Its good to see the intensity level up. The Raiders defense needs to hit. Speaking of hits, rookie Tyvon Branch laid out Cameron Colvin in a goal line play. If Branch can show hitting ability on a consistent level, he should be a great compliment to Jarrod Cooper on special teams.

Bringing the heat

Trevor Scott was able to get in the Niners' backfield on several occasions. Considering he had barely been mentioned thus far, the question becomes is the Niners' line that much worse or did he step it up facing the crimson and gold? Either way, its good to see a sixth round pick getting some strong action, especially considering that there are positions to be taken along the defensive line. Scott will be interesting to watch on Friday night.

Derrick Burgess, who has had a monster camp thus far, was held out of the afternoon session. Even in his absence, the defense held its own against the Niners. It helped that the Raiders didn't have to face Frank Gore, but Sam Williams, Jon Alston, and Robert Thomas all came up big. Ricky Brown who had been practicing with the first team has been behind Thomas and Williams, leaving the linebacker battle still very much in flux.

Feeling the heat

The Raiders offensive line spent a good deal of time befuddled by the Niners' 3-4 defense. This does not bode well, because the Raiders face Shawne Merriman and the Chargers' 3-4 defense twice a year. Hopefully, facing the Niners' version of this style of defense will help prepare them for the Bolts' onslaught come the regular season.

Jason Jones had the following to say on the line's pass blocking:

*Pass protection needs to be a high priority. Teams are going to blitz the Raiders in all kinds of ways so the offensive line and running backs need to be sound. The tackles also need to be able to block one-on-one consistently so that Miller doesn't spend too much time pass blocking.

The line, however did show their stuff with run blocking and were able to open up some holes for the running backs to do some damage. Kwame Harris got praised by Jones:

The offensive line looked better for the most part. Kwame Harris did a good job of riding outside rushers pass Russell and to the grass. Cornell Green looked better, too.

Harris is definitely improving with each practice.

This is a good sign. Harris had been a frequent target for criticism thus far in training camp. Hopefully, this improvement continues into the season.

Run DMC a Jam Master

Darren McFadden continues to show why he was the right pick, despite the early reactions from both Rob and I in this very space. McFadden was seen running away from pro bowl linebacker Patrick Willis for a big play. His speed has been the talk of camp, despite reports of Thomas Howard being able to run with him step for step. (Howard is also likely the fastest 'backer in the league.)

Nnamdi be Illin'

Nnamdi Asomugha missed both sessions of the joint practice with flu like symptoms. He was even given an IV in the afternoon. Hopefully, this is not serious and he can be full speed in a couple of days. Echoes of Lane Kiffin's mono last camp?

Other than Aso, Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands both missed practice. This is not good, as those two are going to be key factors in the Raider defense.

Steve Smith?

In one of the odd moments of camp, Jason Jones speculates that Al Davis could make a move for Steve Smith from the Carolina Panthers. If Javon Walker does retire, it could be a very good move.

Eyes crossing after a long day here at TFDS!