Oakland Raiders - The Vertical Game

News Archive
July 2 - Sept. 7, 2003

Sunday, September 7, 2003

Oakland: Doubtful: DE Sam Williams (knee). Questionable: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (shoulder); T Chad Slaughter (foot); T Langston Walker (knee). Probable: CB Phillip Buchanon (hamstring); RB Charlie Garner (knee); WR Jerry Porter (abdominal strain).

Tennessee: Questionable: RB Chris Brown (hamstring); LB Rocky Calmus (hamstring); RB Dwone Hicks (ankle); CB Andre Woolfolk (toe); TE Frank Wycheck (concussion).

Keep an eye on WR Jerry Porter and Titans free safety Lance Schulters tonight. The two have been engaged in a war of words during the week. Schulters, Tennessee's version of Miami loudmouth Sam Madison, said last year before the two teams met that Tim Brown was "overhyped" and a crybaby. He's switched his focus this year to Porter, whose manhood he has questioned. Porter responded by calling Schulters a "girl" and saying Schulters knows where to find him—he'll be lined up in the slot. Tennessee will assign Schulters to shadow Porter, so things might get interesting! :-)

The players voted receiver Tim Brown and right tackle Lincoln Kennedy as offensive captains, defensive tackle John Parrella and free safety Rod Woodson as defensive captains, and running back Zack Crockett as special teams captain for this season. Receiver Jerry Rice is the coaches' selection, a role that will change on a game-to-game basis, for the Titans game.

Cornerback B.J. Tucker was signed to the practice squad, rounding out the full complement of 5. Tucker ran track at Wisconsin and is said to be very athletic generally but a "project" as an NFL corner.

Tucker was drafted by Dallas in the sixth round and spent time with both Dallas and New Orleans.

Numbers changes mandated by NFL rules occurred once the final cuts were made. Here they are:

Source(s): Oakland Tribune, Contra Costa Times, Raiders Fans Mail List, ORIB Townhall mail list

Friday, August 29, 2003

There were several Raiders injuries incurred in yesterday's debacle in Dallas. Rookie CB Nnamdi Asomugha, already behind in the learning curve since training camp, re-injured his shoulder.

WR Marcus Knight, who was subjected to a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit by Dallas S Darren Woodson that wasn't even flagged, is OK so far as his head goes. He did sustain an ankle injury, however, the exact extent of which was not immediately known.

At this time of year, and with Ronald Curry—at 6-2 and 220 lbs. a big wide receiver—showing as well as he has, this observer would not be at all surprised to see Knight put on IR. He's not blazing fast, nor does he have particularly good size to offset the lack of speed, nor do the Raiders still need him as a kickoff returner now that RBs Ronney Jenkins and Justin Fargas look like locks to make the team. Also, Knight's lack of discipline in committing dumb personal fouls in two consecutive games this pre-season certainly hasn't helped his chances of surviving the final cut. He's a borderline player for a number of reasons, and it's just a poor time for a borderline player to get hurt.

Coach Bill Callahan held punter Shane Lechler (groin) out of the game—as far as punting—for precautionary reasons. Lechler did hold for field goal attempts.

"He could have played, I just didn't want to risk it," Callahan said. "He hurt his groin this week when his cleats caught the turf." Lechler is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Today was cutdown day No. 1 (to 65), a time each year when a few players—generally younger guys with an upside, who aren't going to see substantial playing time right away—tend to suddenly become injured. This allows a team to stash them away with IR status until the following year,

Case in point: CB Anthony Parker was placed on injured reserve after developing a timely knee injury. You'll recall that Parker fainted after taking IV fluids prior to the San Francisco game . . . whereupon he was thoroughly checked out and pronounced fit as a fiddle . . . well enough to resume practice the very next morning. Funny how many players develop injuries around cutdown time each year . . .

Marcus Williams, on the other hand, very definitely has a bona fide injury after being assaulted by Rambo Romanowski, the Steroids King. Williams and Parker were both placed on injured reserve.

As usual, the non-user-friendly Raiders organization couldn't be bothered to release a complete list of the cuts on Tuesday. They did list the following cuts on the Raiders.com transactions page: Aug. 26: TE Roland Williams, CB Brock Williams, QB Tee Martin, LB Dave Moretti, G Corey Hulsey (injury), and WR John Stone; Aug. 25: S Calvin Branch.

If there's a surprise among the cuts, one might say it's Moretti. He's a local product, from Pleasanton, California, not far from Oakland. He came to camp with a kamikaze attitude that won him admirers, telling reporters quite honestly that he knew his only chance to make the team was to go all out on special teams. But the Raiders are well stocked at linebacker. Moretti was competing on special teams with Tim Johnson and Eric Johnson, both of whom are legitimate special teams stars. And the Raiders will want to keep draft pick Shurron Pierson too.

Moretti could be named to the practice squad next week if no one else signs him in the meantime.

Roland Williams was a case of a slow recovery, plain and simple. Williams had two surgeries last February, on his toe and on his knee. He's still not to a point where he could even begin practicing. And second-round pick Teyo Johnson has had a big preseason.

WR Jerry Porter didn't practice Monday because of an abdominal strain. Porter sustained the injury last week, then aggravated it in the Minnesota game. "We're trying to get it to settle down, trying to get him to not tax it," said head coach Bill Callahan.

T Langston Walker suffered a partial tear of the patellar tendon in his left knee during Sunday's practice. Callahan said Walker is expected to miss "two to three weeks." Let's hope that's all it is.

Thursday, August 21, 2003

Several local newspapers' beat writers are predicting that TE Roland Williams (knee), who's not yet ready even to start practicing, will soon go on the PUP list. Williams's strength is blocking, but his surgically-repaired left knee is still not back to full strength, which means he'd have no leverage.

"It's one of those things, where they say it could be a couple of weeks, it could be longer," said Williams, who's known as a diehard optimist. "I just keep working hard, stay positive, and wait until they say I'm ready to go."

The Raiders have to make a decision before the final roster cutdown to 53 on August 31. Assuming Williams is still not entirely healthy then, which seems a certainty, if he is designated as physically able to perform, he would be out for a minimum of 6 weeks, followed by a 30 day 'trial' window.

In facing Minnesota the Raiders will see a team with a seriously depleted secondary, far thinner than even the dinged up Raiders group. The Vikings are practicing this week without either of their starting cornerbacks—Denard Walker (hamstring) and Ken Irvin (toes). Brian Williams, a fourth-rounder from last year, and Rushen Jones, an undrafted free agent, are currently running with the first team.

Saturday, August 16, 2003

The Raiders broke their 2003 Napa training camp today after a morning practice and a team lunch. They'll now shift to simulating a regular season game-week schedule in Alameda, with a running and lifting session scheduled for Sunday, followed by practices Monday through Thursday. The next game comes Friday evening (Aug. 22) at home against Minnesota.

Digressing for a moment, the Vikes game could be interesting. Minnesota is one of a number of NFL teams (New York, St. Louis) that are quite deliberately trying to throw the long ball this year as a significant part of their offense. Isn't it ironic that as this trend grows around the league, the team which pioneered the vertical game is stuck with a quarterback whose forte is the 8-yard sidearm dink? :-(

Oakland came out of the San Francisco game with no significant injuries. There was a scare when CB Anthony Parker—a one-time Whiner, no less—passed out and fell on his head while being given an IV before the game. But Parker later passed all medical tests with flying colors and was cleared to participate in this morning's practice. For a journeyman like Parker, who is struggling to make the final roster as a backup, every practice is important.

Said Callahan, "The only thing I would hope for is that he would hold onto the ball a little bit more in the pocket. That pocket security is very important—securing the ball and not turning it over, on the move or in the pocket. He took a blind side shot, so that is understandable. But if you can feel it or see it, we really want to put two hands on the ball."

Callahan had words of praise for rookie sensation RB Justin Fargas, who rushed for 126 yards against the Whiners and protected the ball better this time around.

The coach said in effect that what was most noteworthy about the third-round pick's progress to date is his versatility. Callahan specifically mentioned Fargas's ability to pick up blitzers and called his 29-yard kickoff return against SF "dynamic."

Added Callahan, in a considerable understatement, "If I were a fan watching him, I'd be excited about his future."

Going back to such running backs as Hewritt Dixon and Charlie Smith, the Raiders have always expected their halfbacks to be able to block and catch the ball out of the backfield.

Friday, August 15, 2003

Former Raider T Bob Brown was one of two former players—the other being WR "Bullet" Bob Hayes—nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame by its Seniors Committee.

During 10 seasons with the Eagles, Rams, and Raiders, Brown was named All-NFL seven times. An aggressive blocker, who used his size and strength to neutralize pass rushers, Brown was also chosen for six Pro Bowls—three with the Eagles, two with the Rams, and one final time with the Raiders.

"I'm about as subtle as a sixteen-pound sledgehammer," Brown once said of his style of play, and most of his opponents agreed. "Defensive ends used to come away with their ribs aching from all the punishment he delivered," said fellow ex-Raider and HOF linebacker Ted Hendricks.

Brown was not only a punishing pass blocker; he was an outstanding run blocker as well. "I don't know of many other linemen that you had to make special adjustments for—he was terrific," Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll offered.

Thursday, August 14, 2003

Oakland -- WR Corey Parchman (knee; injured-reserve list), TE Roland Williams (knee), DT Junior Ioane (knee), TE Mondriel Fulcher (abdomen; injured-reserve list), LB Donny Green (calf) and DE DeLawrence Grant (knee) are out; RB Charlie Garner (knee), TE Teyo Johnson (back), DT Rod Coleman (finger), C Barret Robbins (knee) and CB Phillip Buchanon (hamstring) are questionable.

San Francisco -- QB Jeff Garcia (back), CB Jason Webster (left ankle), CB Jimmy Williams (left knee), RB Garrison Hearst (left Achilles), TE Mark Anelli (broken collarbone), T Jerome Davis (left ankle), DT Jim Flanigan (right calf), LB Saleem Rasheed (left hamstring), LB Masasfumi Kawaguchi (right hamstring), LB Brandon Moore (left ankle) and T Milford Stephenson (back) and DT Bryant Young (left ankle) are out; RB Terry Jackson (right groin) are questionable.

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

DT Rod Coleman broke the middle finger on his left hand during yesterday's morning practice and returned for the afternoon session with a good-sized cast on. He is expected to be available to play Thursday.

Whiner news: The Whiners sent WR Nate Jackson (Menlo College) to Denver in exchange for a conditional 7th-round selection in the 2004 draft.

FB Paul Smith (hip) returned to practice today after recovering from torn cartilage in his hip, but is doubtful for Thursday's contest against the Raiders.

San Francisco signed LB Darnell Robinson of Oregon State, and will work out DT Jace Sayler of Michigan State tomorrow.

Finally, starting CB Jason Webster, who recently had ankle surgery, returned to practice on Tuesday.

Whiners G Ron Stone (calf) sat out practice Monday, as did starting RB Garrison Hearst (Achilles strain).

CB Jimmy Williams (knee) will remain on the physically unable to perform list for at least another week. Finally, MRI tests revealed that DT Jim Flanigan (calf/back) might not have a calf problem at all. Instead, the test revealed Flanigan might have a back problem that is causing weakness in his lower legs. Flanigan will not play Thursday.

Where Are They Now Dept.: Bill Williamson, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, reports that Minnesota RB James Wofford is now pushing RB Larry Ned for the final running back spot on the roster.

Ned's chances of securing a job took a hit in last Saturday's pre-season game against Jacksonville. Ned has struggled with his footwork recently, and followed up a poor scrimmage on Tuesday, August 5, with a shaky game performance, fumbling the ball away at the Jaguars' 3-yard line. Jaguars DB Ike Charlton picked up the ball and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown.

It was fumble-itis that cost Ned his chance with the Raiders, who drafted him out of San Diego State last year in the sixth round.

Monday, August 11, 2003

WR Corey Parchman was placed on IR. He dislocated his shoulder during practice last Tuesday.

The roster spot was filled by signing DE D.J. Bleisath, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Tennessee Tech.

C Barret Robbins may play in Thursday's game against the Whiners. "We're hopeful he can play," said coach Bill Callahan. "He may play a series or two." Robbins had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in April.

After practicing with the second-team defense yesterday, top draft pick CB Nnamdi Asomugha will practice in pads today for the first time since bruising his shoulder. Callahan said whether he'll be able to play Thursday will be determined by "how he practices and how his shoulder holds up."

Friday, August 8, 2003

Oakland: Out: DE DeLawrence Grant (strained knee), WR Corey Parchman (dislocated shoulder), LB Donny Green (calf), DT Junior Ioane (knee), CB Nnamdi Asomugha (shoulder), CB Phillip Buchanon (hamstring), CB Clarence Love (ankle).

St. Louis: Out: T Grant Williams (back), DB James Whitley (foot), G/C Scott Tercero (knee), FB J.R. Niklos (concussion), CB Broderick Nelson (Achilles), WR Desmond Kitchings (back), WR Mike Furrey (ankle), S Jason Sehorn (foot), C Andy Eby (knee). Doubtful: G James Broyles (hand). Questionable: DE Grant Wistrom (feet), G Travis Scott (ankle).

The time of the tape-delayed TV broadcast of the game has been shifted from 9:00 p.m. Pacific to 11:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 7, 2003

With the exhibition opener almost at hand, coach Bill Callahan told reporters that the somewhat beleaguered Adam Treu will start at center after all. And, As noted here yesterday, rookie DE Sam Williams will start in place of the injured DeLawrence Grant.

This observer finds it interesting that third-round pick Williams gets the nod over first-rounder Tyler Brayton. But then managing general partner Al Davis has been enthusiastic about Williams since well before the draft. :-)

OLB Travian Smith practiced on Tuesday. He had been nursing two sprained ankles and was officially designated as having a "non-football" injury. WR Marcus Knight (hip strain) missed his third consecutive practice. With Smith's return to practice, only TE Roland Williams remains "officially" injured.

It was reported yesterday that the Raiders have reached an injury settlement with TE Mondriel Fulcher and waived him. The amount of the settlement was not disclosed.

After nearly four months of testimony and arguments by the opposing attorneys, the Raiders' counterclaim for alleged fraud finally went to the jury.

Wednesday, August 6, 2003

Starting DE DeLawrence Grant strained his left knee during Tuesday's morning practice. The injury occurred as Grant was pursuing a running play to the opposite side of the field and was accidentally leg whipped by LB Eric Barton. The team breathed a sigh of relief when results of an MRI were negative, but Grant is still expected to miss eight to 10 days. Rookie DE Sam Williams will start in his place Friday against St. Louis.

With second-year end Kenyon Coleman playing as well as he is, the Raiders are likely to be displaying some real youth on the defensive line between Coleman and Williams.

WR Corey Parchman, signed to fill the roster spot vacated when Scottie Montgomery abruptly quit the team, dislocated his right shoulder at practice Tuesday. There has been no word on the extent of the injury, but it would seem to be the death knell for someone trying to catch on to a new team almost halfway through camp.

Tuesday, August 5, 2003

A position battle at the least, a potentially divisive controversy at worst—that's what the center position is being transformed into lately in Napa.

The coaches, desirous of giving Stinky (reserve offensive lineman and former first-round draft pick Matt Stinchcomb) some reps at center, have had him practice with the first-string offensive unit the past three days. C Adam Treu, the nominal (officially projected) starter, has been working with the third team so Stinchcomb could get the extra work. Pro Bowl C Barret Robbins is playing with the second team.

Treu is said to be unhappy about the situation and is contemplating a face-to-face meeting with head coach Bill Callahan to ask where he stands in the competition at center. "I don't know how to take it," Treu said. "I took it as a little bit of a demotion. And it hurt." Callahan, when pressed on the issue, did not give any indication of the direction he was going.

The issue is ironic in that C Dan Turk took it personally when it seemed possible that then-youngster Barret Robbins might take his (Turk's) starting spot away following the forced retirement of Don Mosebar after a terrible eye injury.

The Contra Costa Times reported that FS Rod Woodson missed practice Monday because of an injured left knee sustained a few days ago. While Woodson characterized it as just a precaution, head coach Bill Callahan said he is concerned about the injury because it has bothered Woodson for the last several days.

Also missing practice recently (on Sunday) was WR Marcus Knight with a hip strain.

TE Marcus Williams rejoined the team after missing the past eight days for what Callahan termed "personal reasons." The absence was deemed excused by the coaches. Williams, one of seven tight ends competing for three likely roster spots, said he does not think the missed time will hurt his chances of making the team too much. Callahan was less optimistic: "Anytime you miss reps it is going to put you behind the eight-ball. Those reps we took this (past) week were invaluable."

Finally, valuable backup CB Clarence Love came off the PUP list and returned to practice on Monday. Love had missed the first 10 days of training camp with an ankle injury but was reported to have practiced yesterday without any problems.

Sunday, August 3, 2003

Today's the day in the sun for Raiders star RB Marcus Allen, easily the most versatile back who's ever played the game. WR James Lofton, who played for the Raiders in Los Angeles for two seasons, is also among the five inductees.

Want to see that brilliant Super Bowl reverse-field run again? :-) Just click here! It's even got a voiceover with legend Bill King calling the play ("Holy Toledo!!!") (Requires an *.avi player, either the free RealOne Player or Windows Media Player.)

As promised, more info on new Raiders wideout Corey Parchman, signed Friday:

Parchman is 6-0, 190 lbs. He played collegiately at Ball State and was recently cut by the Rams. Last year he spent time on practice squads with Green Bay, Indianapolis and Jacksonville.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha (shoulder) returned to practice but was held out of contact drills. DT Junior Ioane missed the afternoon practice with a sore knee, but coach Bill Callahan described the injury as only being "nicked."

Saturday, August 2, 2003

The Raiders signed wide receiver Corey Parchman to replace WR Scottie Montgomery on the training camp roster. Look for more details here tomorrow.

Friday, August 1, 2003

The Sacramento Bee reports that CB Phillip Buchanon (sore hamstring) practiced with the full defense yesterday for the first time this week. Head coach Bill Callahan said Buchanon would be dressed for the full-pads workout today, but might not scrimmage.

Thursday, July 31, 2003

The Raiders placed WR Scottie Montgomery on the exempt/left-squad list after he quit the team for an undisclosed reason. Montgomery appeared to have a shot at earning a roster spot as the fourth or fifth receiver. He had been the No. 4 receiver in Denver the past several seasons.

LB Donny Green (calf) missed practice Wednesday after re-aggravating a calf injury. Green sat out Monday's practice as well.

The Raiders are thin at cornerback right now. Nnamdi Asomugha hasn't returned to practice since bruising his shoulder last weekend, and the tight hamstring of CB Phillip Buchanon has been slow to improve. Clarence Love has yet to pass his physical. That leaves Charles Woodson, Terrance Shaw and Tony Lukins as the only healthy cornerbacks.

The Raiders acquired some depth—although one might question its quality—by signing ex-Raider Calvin Branch. Coach Bill Callahan suggested that Branch, formerly a safety, might play corner until the team is back to full strength.

TE Roland Williams' roster spot could be in jeopardy. Already expected to be out until the third week of August while recovering from knee and toe surgeries, more problems have plagued Williams' leg. "I have issues with strength in my quadriceps. I have issues with my patella. I have issues with my meniscus. We're going to work at it," said Williams.

With TE Doug Jolley the clear starter, emerging rookie TE Teyo Johnson and a host of others vying for the three or four TE spots on the roster, the time missed will be hard for Williams to make up.

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Coach Bill Callahan said yesterday that he expects all of the following players back in practice within the next few days: CB Phillip Buchanon (hamstring), WR Scottie Montgomery (ankle), OLB Travian Smith (ankle), and T Joe Wong (back).

Callahan also told the Napa Valley Register that he had hoped for hotter weather. The days have been beautiful lately in the Bay Area for us normal people who don't need to sweat off umpteen pounds. :-) But Oakland plays a preseason game at Dallas and opens the regular season at Tennessee.

"I love the conditions up here," said Callahan. "I wish it was just a little bit hotter today. We're trying to get acclimated."

"Anytime we get a chance to work and try to get acclimated to that heat, I think it always helps us," said Callahan. "I think it will help us down the line. It's going to pay dividends."

C Barret Robbins will resume practicing today. Because he's behind physically, he'll have just one practice per day, without pads, for the first two days.

Robbins is also overweight, in part due to the medications he must take for his bipolar disorder. Most bipolars take lithium, or one of several synthetic substitutes for it (depakote, zyprexa), as a mood regulator, to lessen the severity of mood swings. Lithium is notorious for causing weight gain, so Robbins has that additional difficulty to overcome.

He seems to have a good perspective, though. "I have medications to deal with," he said, "but those are just facts of life for me right now. I'm real happy with where I'm at as a person."

There's a nice article today about Robbins from a normally dour sportswriter, Bob Padecky of the Press Democrat, who freely admits he's rooting for Robbins to make it. So is this observer. :-)

Source(s): San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Modesto Bee, Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Finally, TE Marcus Williams left the team over the weekend for personal reasons. He had been excused from practice on Saturday because of an undisclosed illness.

Saturday, July 26, 2003

Top draft pick CB Nnamdi Asomugha suffered a heavy duty shoulder bruise in practice today after a collision with WR Doug Gabriel. Asomugha was taken to a hospital for examination, but fortunately an MRI showed no significant injury.

Contra Costa Times beat reporter Steve Corkran makes some interesting observations in this week's team report for The Sporting News. He notes that the Raiders are devising new blocking schemes in light of the protection breakdowns the team suffered in the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay. The offensive linemen, tight ends and running backs have been taught more precise ways of one-on-one blocking, chip blocking, and other techniques.

Rookie TE Teyo Johnson was the sensation of Friday's practice, finding open seams and making some nice catches downfield.

Friday, July 25, 2003

The team's top pick, former Cal cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, received a six-year deal (voidable to five) worth $5.975 million. The Raiders' other first-round choice, former Colorado defensive end Tyler Brayton, signed a six-year (voidable to five) contract worth $5.9 million. Each received a signing bonus of approximately $3 million.

DE Shurron Pierson signed a two-year contract, according to his agent—an unusually short one.

Source(s): San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, (Leesburg, FL) Daily Commercial

TE Mondriel Fulcher has an abdominal strain. CB Clarence Love has a "low degree" ankle sprain, considered minor enough that Bill Callahan hopes Love can begin practicing within a week or so.

One further injury was reported. LB Travian Smith managed to sprain both ankles at home in a pickup basketball game. He was designated active but suffering from a non-football injury.

The PUP list essentially amounts to a roster exemption during camp—the current roster limit is 80, plus exemptions for NFL Europe players. Players can return from the list to active status by passing a physical. The Raiders must determine what to do with PUP players by Aug. 30, the day they set their 53-man regular-season roster. Any player on the PUP list after that date is ineligible for a minimum of six weeks.

Thursday, July 24, 2003

Sadly, former starter DE Tony Bryant was released. Said coach Bill Callahan, "It's unfortunate that he didn't pass the physical. He's very disappointed. We're very disappointed. Life is very fleeting, and it's very fragile in the same sense."

Callahan said of Robbins, who had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in April, "He has made progress but to the degree of playing full-speed, scrimmage-type football, I don't think it was just perfect, just ready to go yet".

Williams had two offseason surgeries, and Fulcher missed virtually all of last year following surgery. The surprise here was Love, as to whom no injury had previously been reported.

All the 2003 draft picks were signed and in camp by tonight's 6:00 p.m. deadline.

Some details about contracts became available. The Oakland Tribune reported that sixth-round draft pick T Dustin Rykert's contract runs five years and totals just over $2 million. He received a $90,000 signing bonus and annual salaries of $225,000, $205,000, $380,000, $460,000 and $545,000.

The Trib also reported that TE Teyo Johnson's contract was a straight five-year deal.

Last week, seventh-round pick WR Ryan Hoag signed a two-year deal worth $546,000, including a $16,000 signing bonus.

The Raiders will practice twice daily beginning tomorrow, from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 3 to 4:45 p.m. most days. The team will practice in shorts Friday and put on pads for the first time Saturday.

Oddly, second-year CB Phillip Buchanon appears on the team's current depth chart at left corner, No. 2 behind Charles Woodson. Everyone had assumed that Buchanon, last year's top pick, would start on the right side this season, but—at least for now—Terrance Shaw is listed as the starter there, backed up by rookie Nnamdi Asomugha.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reported yesterday that the Raiders and first-round draft pick DE Tyler Brayton agreed on a six-year contract. The deal can void to five years if Brayton reaches predetermined playing time levels. The five-year value of the contract will be about $6 million, and he will receive a signing bonus of a little more than $3 million.

Other media report that the Raiders have signed, or have reached agreement on signing, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, TE Teyo Johnson, WR Doug Gabriel, T Dustin Rykert, DE Shurron Pierson, and SS Siddeeq Shabazz. As of this morning, only RB Justin Fargas and DE Sam Williams were not yet considered to be in the fold.

Waived or released were CB Paul Miranda, LB Robert Chapman, RB Melvin Barnett, FB Chad Pierson, and OL Isaac Herring.

Finally, the NFL granted the Raiders a roster exemption for TE Ryan Prince, who played in NFL Europe.

Source(s): Contra Costa Times, San Jose Mercury News,, ESPN.com, KFFL.com, Raiders.com

Where Are They Now Dept.: The Buffalo News reports Buffalo Bills WR James Jett has an inside track at the team's fifth receiver spot because of his NFL experience and how well he understands the game. His speed could also be an asset to the team's vertical passing game.

Wednesday, July 23, 2003

The Oakland Tribune speculates that the Raiders might be interested in signing 10-year veteran DE Mike McCrary, 33, if, as expected, Baltimore cuts him due to his $3 million salary.

One of the least noticed but perhaps most far-reaching changes the Raiders organization has made over this past offseason was hiring a new strength and conditioning coach, Tim Adams. When predecessor Garret Giemont held that job, the Raiders were routinely beaten physically in the fourth quarter of games. And come-from-behind wins—a staple of Raiders history and tradition—were nonexistent. For the team to win, it had to grab an early lead and then hang on for dear life.

Coach Bill Callahan has nothing but praise for Adams. While stopping short of criticizing Giemont, who held the position for the previous eight years and is now at Tampa Bay, Callahan made it clear that this year's program is more to his liking.

"He's come in as a strength and conditioning coach in this league in his first year, and he's really made an impact on our players," said Callahan of Adams. "He's developed a different type of a program, a different type of attitude and work ethic than we've been accustomed to around here. It's really been a positive change for our players."

DE Tony Bryant, a major question mark since suffering a spinal contusion last season, will undergo a physical exam tomorrow. Bryant is a well-rounded player. In this observer's mind it would be a major loss if he's not cleared to resume his career.

The Raiders, of course, drafted with that possibility in mind, taking three players who could play defensive end.

There's a very sad Dallas News article linked today, dated July 19th. Former Raiders FB Steve Smith has ALS ("Lou Gehrig's Disease"). :-(

Monday, July 21, 2003

This is the time of year when Raiders Senior Assistant Bruce Allen really shines. Despite owner Al Davis's protests of franchise poverty, the Raiders have earned a well-deserved reputation as a team that always signs its draft picks in time for camp. It was something of a shock about 4 years back when Gennaro DiNapoli actually held out for about 3 days.

Between the salary cap and the rookie pool, economics dictate that the first-rounders will get the lion's share of the pie, while the late-round choices get little more than the rookie minimum. That said, getting the high picks signed within the last few days preceding the opening of camp is something at which Allen excels.

Where Are They Now Dept./Some Things Never Change: Free agent DT Chester McFatso was signed by the New York Jets over the weekend despite the fact that he isn't remotely close to being in shape to do anything physical.

ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports that McGlockton isn't expected to take part in training camp for at least the first two weeks while he works himself back into playing shape.

Saturday, July 19, 2003

Here's an interesting tidbit about a motivational ploy employed by Jon Gruden:

ESPN reports that rather than showing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a highlight film of all the good plays they made on defense last year, the team's coaching staff instead showed them a video tape of all the bad things they did during the 2002 season. The coaching staff wants the team to realize that as the Super Bowl Champions, they're now the marked team and they cannot live on their reputation or become complacent on the field.

Thursday, July 17, 2003

"The Contra Costa Times reports that in a videotaped testimony played before a Sacramento County jury, consultant Marc Ganis said he told Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis in a telephone conversation Aug. 6, 1995, that predictions of sold-out stadiums had not come to pass. 'We knew we weren't at a sellout,' Ganis said during an August 1999 videotaped deposition. 'We discussed that we weren't there and we were going to sell more seats.' Ganis said the conversation occurred only hours before Davis attended an August 7 meeting where he signed the agreement to move his team after 13 seasons in Los Angeles. The discussion described by Ganis directly contradicts Davis' accounts that are at the heart of the team's $1.1 billion fraud trial in Sacramento County Superior Court."

Raiders WR Jerry Porter and rookie CB Nnamdi Asomugha will appear at the Fox Hills Raider Image store in Culver City, California, this Friday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The Raider Image will issue vouchers to the first 300 fans in line.

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

NFL.com has video highlights of Oakland's 2002 season featured on its site today.

The Raiders announced that they won't hold a Family Day in Napa this summer, citing the fact that this year's training camp will run only 23 days. See the Articles section for more.

This Saturday Run Run Jones hosts his 7th Annual Run Run Jones Charity Softball Tournament at Weekes Park in Hayward. Details on Raiders.com.

The Raiders signed their first of this year's crop of draft picks, WR Ryan Hoag, yesterday.

Saturday, July 12, 2003

Jack Tatum was reported to be resting comfortably in the intensive care unit of Ohio State University Hospital following surgery yesterday to relieve an arterial blockage in his right leg.

Friday, July 11, 2003

Raiders great Jack Tatum was due to have further surgery today related to the complications from his diabetes.

Thursday, July 10, 2003

Several months back there was an unconfirmed report posted to the Raiders Fans Mail List that Jack Tatum had lost a leg to diabetes. Tatum had previously had the toes on one foot amputated, but the report of the much more serious consequences went unconfirmed at the time.

Now, sadly, we learn that it is true—Tatum had one leg amputated below the knee in April due to a staph infection caused by complications from diabetes. His former Ohio State teammates are rallying to support him. See the Articles section for more.

The defense in the Raiders court case put on Daryle Lamonica yesterday to testify that the luxury boxes at the Coliseum never came close to selling out for the Raiders' first season back in Oakland in 1995. This is obviously intended to bolster the defense argument that Al Davis knew, or should have known, that the stadium would not be sold out.

Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Managing general partner Al Davis concluded his testimony today with a fourth day of cross-examination by defense attorney James Brosnahan. Davis was the final witness for the Raiders in their countersuit.

Brosnahan will begin presenting the defense case tomorrow, with former Raiders great Daryle Lamonica—the "Mad Bomber"—scheduled to testify.

In a separate development, the Raiders abruptly gave notice to a Superior Court in San Jose, California, of their intent to drop the remaining two claims in a suit they had filed against the NFL, NFL Properties, Inc., and a few dozen other parties, relating back to their days in Los Angeles. The action came on the eve of opening jury selection for the case.

The Raiders originally filed suit in 1996 against the NFL, NFL Properties, several other NFL entities, 15 clubs, the Commissioner, and numerous others in 1996. Twenty of the original 22 claims had already been dismissed.

Monday, July 7, 2003

The Oakland Tribune has a pair of interesting articles today. One details the new career of Kenny Shedd as a rookie cop in San Leandro, an Oakland suburb. The other profiles a very interesting actor and personal trainer from Alameda.

Saturday, July 5, 2003

Steve Corkran, beat writer for the Contra Costa Times, is predicting that the Raiders could play a good deal of 3-4 defense this year with their front seven personnel.

Wednesday, July 2, 2003