Don't think they will start Carr til they get the Oline sorted. Looks as though Barnes may move to RT.
Teams Las Vegas Raiders - The Black Hole
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BigFooty Tanker
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This is a move the Raiders had to make. If the 2013 game film suggested that Schaub's days as an effective starting quarterback were behind him, the preseason tape slammed that idea home with authority.
Allen was forced to acknowledge what he outright denied less than 10 days ago: Schaub's arm strength is simply not NFL-caliber right now.
Whereas Schaub cannot throw convincingly beyond 10 yards, Carr was 11-of-18 for 234 yards and three touchdowns on preseason throws over 10 yards, per Pro Football Focus.
Although it's somewhat surprising that Carr has beaten Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater to the starting lineup, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported in early June that the Raiders' coaching staff expected their second-round draft pick to push Schaub.
We suspected all along that Carr would end up being a plug-and-play draft pick.
Even against an undermanned Jets secondary, Carr still faces a stiff first test against Rex Ryan, one of the NFL's premier defensive strategists.
Should Carr struggle to adjust to NFL defenses early in the season, look for the Raiders to turn to Matt McGloin rather than their $8 million boondoggle.
Allen was forced to acknowledge what he outright denied less than 10 days ago: Schaub's arm strength is simply not NFL-caliber right now.
Whereas Schaub cannot throw convincingly beyond 10 yards, Carr was 11-of-18 for 234 yards and three touchdowns on preseason throws over 10 yards, per Pro Football Focus.
Although it's somewhat surprising that Carr has beaten Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater to the starting lineup, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported in early June that the Raiders' coaching staff expected their second-round draft pick to push Schaub.
We suspected all along that Carr would end up being a plug-and-play draft pick.
Even against an undermanned Jets secondary, Carr still faces a stiff first test against Rex Ryan, one of the NFL's premier defensive strategists.
Should Carr struggle to adjust to NFL defenses early in the season, look for the Raiders to turn to Matt McGloin rather than their $8 million boondoggle.
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Dennis Allen said today the qb starter is not a week to week decision. Carr is the starter all year
Chewy316
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Big call from DA, but nonetheless, the right call.
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The Raiders named Derek Carr their starting quarterback on Monday evening. Danny Kelly has a closer look at the quarterback the Raiders have been looking for.
Derek Carr started Thursday night's preseason Week 4 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and all he did was lead his offense to four straight touchdown drives, two of which came against at least part of Seattle's starting defense. Carr finished the game 11-for-13 passing for 143 yards with three touchdowns, no picks and a cool 152.1 passer rating, and rested his case in the competition for the starting job in Oakland.
It worked too. News emerged Monday night that the Raiders would make Carr the starter, after weeks of playing coy.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and well, the Raiders' quarterback situation can be summed up with this:
@VicTafur @RaidersReporter guys.. I had to take a picture of this ..... Im in tears #StartTheCarr pic.twitter.com/Li96cAdfGK
— Manuel Alexander (@Manuel_Tena) August 29, 2014
"Gosh he was really good," said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the game. "I thought the Raiders played great tonight. Jeeze, they tore us up in every way."
So, how did Carr thrust himself to the top of the depth chart last Thursday? Let's look at the tape.
3-10-OAK 44 (11:40 1st Quarter) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short left to B.Butler to SEA 43 for 13 yards (P.Adams).
Third down is one area where, historically, rookie quarterbacks struggle (I don't have a specific stat on that in mind, but common sense tells us this down is the most difficult). Carr showed a lot of poise on that down in this game, though, and during Oakland's first scoring drive, he connected on two big third-down plays that kept the drive alive and eventually helped lead to a Latavius Murray rushing touchdown.
Here was his first: pocket poise, excellent velocity, enough accuracy -- it's a little high, but importantly out of range for the trailing defensive back, Phillip Adams -- and decisiveness. Carr stares down the route a little bit too much, I'd say, but in this case with the defender's back to him, it doesn't matter.
Drive extended.
HIs second big third-down conversion came a few minutes later, again extending the drive.
3-10-SEA 16 (7:58 1st Quarter) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short right to D.Moore to SEA 5 for 11 yards (R.Sherman).
It's tough to know whether this was a poorly located ball or whether perhaps it was a miscommunicated option route that would have called for Moore to do a back shoulder comeback, but the Raiders make it work. The throw is a perfect back-shoulder look and Carr didn't hesitate for a second, which leads me to believe there may have been a sight adjustment for Moore here when Richard Sherman played press at the line.
I note below that Moore bails Carr out, but it's tough to know -- perhaps Moore bailed himself out for running the wrong stem of his route. Regardless, it's a bold choice to go after Sherman and that's the mentality you want from the guy who will lead your team.
"I was very excited that their first-team defense played," Carr said after the game. "You want to play against the best, and they have the ring to prove it."
The Raiders would punch it in after that throw extended the drive. On the ensuing kickoff, Seahawks returner Bryan Walters fumbled, giving the Raiders the ball back on the Seattle 36-yard line. Carr then calmly did this:
1-10-SEA 36 (6:57 1st Quarter) D.Carr pass deep right to D.Moore for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
The most impressive part of this throw was how well he manipulated backup safety Steven Terrell into biting on the routes to the offensive left. That left Denarius Moore wide open on the right, after he'd beaten Adams down the sideline.
The degree of difficulty on the actual throw wasn't high -- it was a great play and he showed excellent pocket awareness to step up and to his right before letting loose. The actual throw doesn't compare to his third touchdown of the game, which came, again, on a third down, early in the second quarter.
3-6-SEA 11 (13:49) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short left to D.Moore for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Throws with anticipation, accuracy and confidence. The ball is out before Moore even passes the 5-yard line. This is a brilliant throw.
As Seahawks broadcast announcer and former quarterback Brock Huard put it, "I don't know what Matt Schaub is thinking on the sideline, but I know that just physically, Matt Schaub cannot do those things. Now, [there's] a level of experience, and throwing for 24,000 yards, and everything that Matt has done in his career, but Matt Schaub at this stage? Just simply not making that throw."
Derek Carr started Thursday night's preseason Week 4 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and all he did was lead his offense to four straight touchdown drives, two of which came against at least part of Seattle's starting defense. Carr finished the game 11-for-13 passing for 143 yards with three touchdowns, no picks and a cool 152.1 passer rating, and rested his case in the competition for the starting job in Oakland.
It worked too. News emerged Monday night that the Raiders would make Carr the starter, after weeks of playing coy.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and well, the Raiders' quarterback situation can be summed up with this:
@VicTafur @RaidersReporter guys.. I had to take a picture of this ..... Im in tears #StartTheCarr pic.twitter.com/Li96cAdfGK
— Manuel Alexander (@Manuel_Tena) August 29, 2014
"Gosh he was really good," said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the game. "I thought the Raiders played great tonight. Jeeze, they tore us up in every way."
So, how did Carr thrust himself to the top of the depth chart last Thursday? Let's look at the tape.
3-10-OAK 44 (11:40 1st Quarter) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short left to B.Butler to SEA 43 for 13 yards (P.Adams).
Third down is one area where, historically, rookie quarterbacks struggle (I don't have a specific stat on that in mind, but common sense tells us this down is the most difficult). Carr showed a lot of poise on that down in this game, though, and during Oakland's first scoring drive, he connected on two big third-down plays that kept the drive alive and eventually helped lead to a Latavius Murray rushing touchdown.
Here was his first: pocket poise, excellent velocity, enough accuracy -- it's a little high, but importantly out of range for the trailing defensive back, Phillip Adams -- and decisiveness. Carr stares down the route a little bit too much, I'd say, but in this case with the defender's back to him, it doesn't matter.
Drive extended.
HIs second big third-down conversion came a few minutes later, again extending the drive.
3-10-SEA 16 (7:58 1st Quarter) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short right to D.Moore to SEA 5 for 11 yards (R.Sherman).
It's tough to know whether this was a poorly located ball or whether perhaps it was a miscommunicated option route that would have called for Moore to do a back shoulder comeback, but the Raiders make it work. The throw is a perfect back-shoulder look and Carr didn't hesitate for a second, which leads me to believe there may have been a sight adjustment for Moore here when Richard Sherman played press at the line.
I note below that Moore bails Carr out, but it's tough to know -- perhaps Moore bailed himself out for running the wrong stem of his route. Regardless, it's a bold choice to go after Sherman and that's the mentality you want from the guy who will lead your team.
"I was very excited that their first-team defense played," Carr said after the game. "You want to play against the best, and they have the ring to prove it."
The Raiders would punch it in after that throw extended the drive. On the ensuing kickoff, Seahawks returner Bryan Walters fumbled, giving the Raiders the ball back on the Seattle 36-yard line. Carr then calmly did this:
1-10-SEA 36 (6:57 1st Quarter) D.Carr pass deep right to D.Moore for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
The most impressive part of this throw was how well he manipulated backup safety Steven Terrell into biting on the routes to the offensive left. That left Denarius Moore wide open on the right, after he'd beaten Adams down the sideline.
The degree of difficulty on the actual throw wasn't high -- it was a great play and he showed excellent pocket awareness to step up and to his right before letting loose. The actual throw doesn't compare to his third touchdown of the game, which came, again, on a third down, early in the second quarter.
3-6-SEA 11 (13:49) (Shotgun) D.Carr pass short left to D.Moore for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Throws with anticipation, accuracy and confidence. The ball is out before Moore even passes the 5-yard line. This is a brilliant throw.
As Seahawks broadcast announcer and former quarterback Brock Huard put it, "I don't know what Matt Schaub is thinking on the sideline, but I know that just physically, Matt Schaub cannot do those things. Now, [there's] a level of experience, and throwing for 24,000 yards, and everything that Matt has done in his career, but Matt Schaub at this stage? Just simply not making that throw."
Blacky
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He knew the whole play book from day one
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New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt
Matier & Ross
Updated 12:07 am, Wednesday, September 3, 2014
A new Raiders stadium offer worked out by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's development people calls for giving free land to the team and for city and Alameda County taxpayers to pay off $120 million they still owe for the 1990s overhaul of the Coliseum - which would be demolished.
For months, Quan has been predicting that a broad agreement for a new Raiders stadium, costing $900 million to $1.2 billion, would be worked out by the summer's end.
Now, Zach Wasserman, an attorney representing backers of a hoped-for sports, housing and retail complex called Coliseum City, says the "basic terms" of a financial deal have been worked out among his group, the city's negotiators and the Raiders.
"I expect it to be executed soon," he said.
In other words, everyone's waiting for the thumbs-up or thumbs-down from Raiders owner Mark Davis - who has been very publicly looking at other cities.
Even as Davis thinks it over, questions are being raised about whether the proposed deal will fly.
The idea is that the public wouldn't be on the hook for construction costs - those would be paid for by revenue generated by the project, the NFL and other private sources - but taxpayers would contribute the land and infrastructure improvements.
The city and county would also have to come up with the $120 million to pay off the Coliseum expansion that lured the Raiders back from Los Angeles. City and county taxpayers now pay $20 million a year in general-fund money for debt service.
Where would the $120 million come from? "That's a great question that we will probably not say anything about," Quan spokesman Sean Maher told us Tuesday.
County officials, who share oversight of the Coliseum, say Quan has kept them in the dark about the city's plan.
"I am still skeptical about the whole Coliseum City deal and if it's going to materialize," said Supervisor Nate Miley, chairman of the city-county Coliseum Authority, which operates the complex. But he said he's keeping an open mind.
Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, another member of the Coliseum Authority, said the proposal for the city and county to pay off the debt on the old Coliseum took him by surprise. "I have asked that the (Coliseum City) item be scheduled for closed session for an update at our next (council) meeting," he said.
Another big question is how the Oakland A's - who just signed a 10-year lease extension at the stadium that would be demolished - fit into the picture.
Sources close to the Coliseum City negotiations tell us that if the A's won't play ball with the project's backers, part of the land could be turned over to team owners Lew Wolff and John Fisher for their own privately developed ballpark.
Matier & Ross
Updated 12:07 am, Wednesday, September 3, 2014
-
The Oakland Coliseum Photo: Kat Wade, The Chronicle
A new Raiders stadium offer worked out by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's development people calls for giving free land to the team and for city and Alameda County taxpayers to pay off $120 million they still owe for the 1990s overhaul of the Coliseum - which would be demolished.
For months, Quan has been predicting that a broad agreement for a new Raiders stadium, costing $900 million to $1.2 billion, would be worked out by the summer's end.
Now, Zach Wasserman, an attorney representing backers of a hoped-for sports, housing and retail complex called Coliseum City, says the "basic terms" of a financial deal have been worked out among his group, the city's negotiators and the Raiders.
"I expect it to be executed soon," he said.
In other words, everyone's waiting for the thumbs-up or thumbs-down from Raiders owner Mark Davis - who has been very publicly looking at other cities.
Even as Davis thinks it over, questions are being raised about whether the proposed deal will fly.
The idea is that the public wouldn't be on the hook for construction costs - those would be paid for by revenue generated by the project, the NFL and other private sources - but taxpayers would contribute the land and infrastructure improvements.
The city and county would also have to come up with the $120 million to pay off the Coliseum expansion that lured the Raiders back from Los Angeles. City and county taxpayers now pay $20 million a year in general-fund money for debt service.
Where would the $120 million come from? "That's a great question that we will probably not say anything about," Quan spokesman Sean Maher told us Tuesday.
County officials, who share oversight of the Coliseum, say Quan has kept them in the dark about the city's plan.
"I am still skeptical about the whole Coliseum City deal and if it's going to materialize," said Supervisor Nate Miley, chairman of the city-county Coliseum Authority, which operates the complex. But he said he's keeping an open mind.
Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, another member of the Coliseum Authority, said the proposal for the city and county to pay off the debt on the old Coliseum took him by surprise. "I have asked that the (Coliseum City) item be scheduled for closed session for an update at our next (council) meeting," he said.
Another big question is how the Oakland A's - who just signed a 10-year lease extension at the stadium that would be demolished - fit into the picture.
Sources close to the Coliseum City negotiations tell us that if the A's won't play ball with the project's backers, part of the land could be turned over to team owners Lew Wolff and John Fisher for their own privately developed ballpark.
GeeCats07
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Seems the tide is finally turning!
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Raiders C Stefen Wisniewski said rookie QB Derek Carr surprised him by knowing the entire offensive playbook in July.
Carr, the younger brother of former NFL quarterback David Carr, will have full command of the calls when he makes his debut Sunday. The spot, however, is difficult. Carr will be on the road facing a fearsome Jets' front that is schemed by defensive mastermind Rex Ryan. The strong-armed Carr is certainly a better option for the Raiders than Matt Schaub, but he's a borderline QB2 in fantasy
manureid
Laziest Poster on Figbooty
I sure hope this is not another false hope....
Going to be fairly hot in Jersey. Hope we run the ball a lot early then throw long as they tire.
manureid
Laziest Poster on Figbooty
You would assume they will key on our run game to try to pressure Carr to throw. Hopefully the kid steps up and makes them pay.
Six Degrees Of Derek Carr
Derek played at Fresno State. His brother David also a QB was drafted from Fresno State to Texans where he played until he was replaced by Matt Schaub.
Schaub came to Oakland this year to be the starting QB but was replaced by Derek Carr.
The Carr's Uncle Lon Boyett TE was on the Oakland roster when John Madden was coach. Madden played at Cal Poly. 2 years after he left the Cal Poly football team was on a plane that crashed. 16 player died. 2 years later the Mercy Bowl was held to raise money for funeral expenses etc for the victims.
The Mercy Bowl was played between Fresno State and Bowling Green at the LA Coliseum. From 1982 the Oakland Raiders played their home games at the LA Coliseum during a 10 year road trip. Derek Carr may be starting back at the Coliseum next season.
Derek played at Fresno State. His brother David also a QB was drafted from Fresno State to Texans where he played until he was replaced by Matt Schaub.
Schaub came to Oakland this year to be the starting QB but was replaced by Derek Carr.
The Carr's Uncle Lon Boyett TE was on the Oakland roster when John Madden was coach. Madden played at Cal Poly. 2 years after he left the Cal Poly football team was on a plane that crashed. 16 player died. 2 years later the Mercy Bowl was held to raise money for funeral expenses etc for the victims.
The Mercy Bowl was played between Fresno State and Bowling Green at the LA Coliseum. From 1982 the Oakland Raiders played their home games at the LA Coliseum during a 10 year road trip. Derek Carr may be starting back at the Coliseum next season.
Chewy316
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New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt
Matier & Ross
Updated 12:07 am, Wednesday, September 3, 2014
The Oakland Coliseum Photo: Kat Wade, The Chronicle
A new Raiders stadium offer worked out by Oakland Mayor Jean Quan's development people calls for giving free land to the team and for city and Alameda County taxpayers to pay off $120 million they still owe for the 1990s overhaul of the Coliseum - which would be demolished.
For months, Quan has been predicting that a broad agreement for a new Raiders stadium, costing $900 million to $1.2 billion, would be worked out by the summer's end.
Now, Zach Wasserman, an attorney representing backers of a hoped-for sports, housing and retail complex called Coliseum City, says the "basic terms" of a financial deal have been worked out among his group, the city's negotiators and the Raiders.
"I expect it to be executed soon," he said.
In other words, everyone's waiting for the thumbs-up or thumbs-down from Raiders owner Mark Davis - who has been very publicly looking at other cities.
Even as Davis thinks it over, questions are being raised about whether the proposed deal will fly.
The idea is that the public wouldn't be on the hook for construction costs - those would be paid for by revenue generated by the project, the NFL and other private sources - but taxpayers would contribute the land and infrastructure improvements.
The city and county would also have to come up with the $120 million to pay off the Coliseum expansion that lured the Raiders back from Los Angeles. City and county taxpayers now pay $20 million a year in general-fund money for debt service.
Where would the $120 million come from? "That's a great question that we will probably not say anything about," Quan spokesman Sean Maher told us Tuesday.
County officials, who share oversight of the Coliseum, say Quan has kept them in the dark about the city's plan.
"I am still skeptical about the whole Coliseum City deal and if it's going to materialize," said Supervisor Nate Miley, chairman of the city-county Coliseum Authority, which operates the complex. But he said he's keeping an open mind.
Oakland City Councilman Larry Reid, another member of the Coliseum Authority, said the proposal for the city and county to pay off the debt on the old Coliseum took him by surprise. "I have asked that the (Coliseum City) item be scheduled for closed session for an update at our next (council) meeting," he said.
Another big question is how the Oakland A's - who just signed a 10-year lease extension at the stadium that would be demolished - fit into the picture.
Sources close to the Coliseum City negotiations tell us that if the A's won't play ball with the project's backers, part of the land could be turned over to team owners Lew Wolff and John Fisher for their own privately developed ballpark.
I wouldn't get excited about this article at all. Having spoken to a few people on the Raiders side of things, there is a LONG way to to go before anything is finalised. There is next to no confidence in the Oakland City Council to get anything done. Their track record is pathetic, and they reek of incompetence.
Nonetheless, the Raiders will eventually get a new stadium. The only question is whether it will be in Oakland. I wouldn't be holding my breath on that one. The exclusive window between Bay Investment Group and the Raiders expires at the end of October. If nothing has eventuated by then, and no extension has been arranged, I suspect that the Raiders will be leaving Oakland.
Chewy316
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Their run D is very good, but all pre-season the raiders o-line has gotten a lot of push. They've struggled in pass protection for the most part, though were very good against Seattle (even though for the most part it was against backups). Expect Maurice Jones-Drew to have a decent game; he's had a very good pre-season and is looking like the 2010 MJD.
The game plan will be run heavy, chew up the clock, keep turnovers to a minimum. Rather take a sack than throw it up to be intercepted.
The Raiders D will pressure Geno Smith all day. Plenty of pass rushing options.
It's going to be a low scoring game. I'm expecting the Raiders to start out fast with the Jets coming back in the final quarter for what will be a thrilling finish.
Prediction:
Raiders 17
Jets 10
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Raiders Preview: Putting the Pieces in Place
It was another busy offseason in Oakland as the Raiders brought in two new quarterbacks and a slew of defensive players. Does Dennis Allen finally have the pieces he needs to turn the corner?
By Andy Benoit
D.J. Hayden and the rest of the secondary is charged with executing a complex scheme. (John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated)
Throughout the preseason Andy Benoit will provide in-depth breakdowns of all 32 teams, in reverse order of 2013 finish. Today, the Oakland Raiders …
DEFENSE
Trying to follow a Raiders’ defensive game-plan can be like trying to follow the plot of a David Foster Wallace novel. The content is vast, unusual, creative and often scattershot.
A problem for Oakland is that head coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, who handles the nuts and bolts of the defense, have not had the right personnel to run their voluminous scheme. Tarver has one of the sharpest, fastest minds the NFL has seen. The 39-year-old’s greatest challenge as a coach will always be connecting with players and colleagues who simply aren’t as smart as him.
If you play anywhere in Oakland’s defensive back seven—whether it’s linebacker, safety or cornerback—Tarver expects you to know a litany of blitz angles, coverage concepts, shifts and rotations, as well as pre-snap disguises. Even more daunting is that many of these ploys are based on keying and diagnosing, meaning you blitz, cover or rotate depending on how the offense lines up.
Defensive linemen also have a bundle to take in. Allen, Tarver’s superior, prefers to use multifaceted hybrid fronts. The Raiders front line was weak, literally, last season. Most of its starters were assuming full-time roles for the first time in their veteran careers, and they wore down as the season progressed.
Aside from underrated tackle Pat Sims, it’s an all-new defensive front in 2014. It’s also a short-term one, as all three new starters will be on the wrong side of 30 by season’s end. The highest profile acquisitions are defensive ends LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, though the best of the bunch is Antonio Smith, a high-octane gap-shooter with a rich arsenal of moves.
A rich arsenal of moves is actually what propelled Tuck’s career in New York, though that success tapered off the past few years (he rebounded a bit last season but wasn’t as effective as his 11 sacks suggest). Woodley has also been tapering off. A 3-4 outside linebacker his entire career so far, the 265-pounder will now play with a hand in the dirt. It isn’t a big adjustment on pass rushes but could present challenges setting the edge in run support.
There was room to bring on Woodley and Tuck, as well as ex-Packers backup C.J. Wilson (who should be able to play inside or outside) because end Lamarr Houston left in free agency. At 27, Houston was more dynamic than these veterans, but he wasn’t worth breaking the bank for because he lacks elite edge-rushing speed. The Raiders didn’t find elite speed in the cheaper Woodley or Tuck, but they did in the draft, taking Khalil Mack, who unexpectedly fell to No. 5.
Tuck will slide inside on passing down to make room for Mack. In addition to edge speed, a big part of Mack’s appeal was his potential as a five-tool hybrid defender at the second level. Tarver can make great use of such diverse athleticism—especially when it’s paired with that of a similar (though less dynamic) young outside backer in Sio Moore. The 2013 third-round pick has shown upside in coverage and decent pass-rushing acumen, particularly as a blitzer.
Ideally, Mack and Moore will capture starting jobs, wedging out veteran Kaluka Maiava, as well as the fast but less alert Miles Burris. With Mack playing off the edge, there’s still room for starting middle linebacker Nick Roach in the nickel package. Roach is a very up-and-down player in all facets of execution and field-reading.
It’s in nickel (and dime) where Tarver asks the most of his men, particularly the secondary. The return of strong safety Tyvon Branch (broken leg last year) really helps, if for no other reason than it gets his replacement, the totally ill-equipped Brandian Ross, back on the bench. Branch’s discomfort in deep space makes him far from elite in coverage, but he’s just capable enough to be interchangeable with Charles Woodson.
Tarver did not ask the 37-year-old Woodson to play near the line of scrimmage much in 2013, though that’s because Woodson was the team’s only capable centerfielding safety. While Branch is best as a thumper in the box, Woodson does his damage by slithering around blockers and sniffing out play designs. Like a great point guard, he uses his understanding of spacing and angles to create opportunities for others (in this case it’s tackling opportunities, not scoring; Woodson likes to do his own scoring, having registered an NFL record-tying 13th career defensive touchdown last season).
Joining the safeties is a revamped cornerbacking group that features two veterans brought across the bay in free agency: Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown. Neither is a difference-maker (the Niners let them go for a reason), but both are significant upgrades over what was here last year. At this point the 29-year-old Brown is the more potent of the two, though the 33-year-old Rogers may be more important. His ability to play the slot means D.J. Hayden can stay outside fulltime. Assuming injuries don’t take a toll on the 2013 first-round pick (he missed his rookie offseason following abdominal surgery and landed on I.R. last November with a groin injury, and this offseason he missed time with a bum ankle), Hayden is expected to emerge as this team’s top corner. He has natural fluidity getting in and out of his backpedal, it’s just a matter of learning to apply it at the pro level. The former JUCO transfer and University of Houston star had several wide-eyed moments as a rookie, both in terms of reading the field and reacting to NFL-quality route runners.
The Raiders will lighten the load of the injury-prone McFadden. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OFFENSE
The last thing Allen and his staff want is to endure the growing pains of a rookie quarterback. They’re already on owner Mark Davis’s hot seat, and the belief is that, with year three having all along been the “realistic” target for visible progress in a massive rebuilding effort, another bad record could spell the end for this regime (that includes general manager Reggie McKenzie).
Of course, it’s not realistic to think Oakland’s offense is suddenly set to turn things around—especially given that the team’s much-anticipated free agent spree came in the same year that a raised salary cap made more than half of the league competitors on the open market. But realism has not been an obstacle for any Davis in recent years.
The fear over relying solely on a rookie was why Allen and McKenzie sought Matt Schaub in a trade from Houston. You don’t have to be an expert to see that Schaub is not a top-tier quarterback. His already limited arm strength appeared to lose even more zip last season and his decision-making never seemed to account for that. With a quarterback who can’t make all the throws, it’ll be impossible for offensive coordinator Greg Olson to do everything he wants schematically.
But at least Olson now has a quarterback who knows how and where to throw. He didn’t have that last year. To accommodate Schaub, Olson will have to incorporate more moving pocket concepts, giving his passer a larger platform to launch from. (The smaller the platform, the more arm strength required.) That’s a whole lot better than the one-read and run-oriented concepts that Terrelle Pryor was restricted to.
Moving platforms are also a good way to accommodate Derek Carr, should the second-round rookie, whom McKenzie presumably drafted for the future, be able to capture the starting job. Carr did not show great comfort throwing with bodies around him at Fresno State (the same issue his brother had); moving platforms are a way to hide that. They can also be a way to simplify a quarterback’s reads.
Quarterback is not this offense’s only revamped position. After finding nine new defensive starters a year ago, McKenzie this year found at least six new offensive starters. The most recognizable is Maurice Jones-Drew, who is hoping to prove he still has the lateral agility and burst that made him a three-time Pro Bowler in Jacksonville. Lateral agility is something Darren McFadden has never had, which is one reason why the fragile seventh-year pro has become little more than a rotational back. McFadden does, however, have the north/south explosiveness to be a playmaker if given the ball in space.
Jones-Drew and McFadden are both viable receivers out of the backfield, as is fullback Marcel Reece. A wide receiver in college, Reece is a mediocre lead-blocker (at best) but gets regular playing time because he gives this offense a critical dimension as a flex piece. That’s something most teams get from their tight ends, but barring a quantum leap from improving 2013 sixth-rounder Mychal Rivera or H-back David Ausberry, the Raiders don’t have an every-down receiving weapon at this position.
With his job potentially on the line, Allen will have to choose between underwhelming veteran Schaub (right) or unproven rookie Carr (left). (Ben Margot/AP)
With minimal blocking fortitude at fullback and tight end, Olson might be inclined to use the six-man offensive lines that he regularly employed last season. With three capable tackles, he has the resources. Top-heavy newcomer Donald Penn will go through highs and lows on the left side, but he’s a sizeable upgrade over Khalif Barnes. Barnes will slide back to his more-fitting guard position, where he’ll try to fend off third-round rookie Gabe Jackson. On the right side, Austin Howard is a classic mauler who will need help in pass protection.
That’s where Menelik Watson could come in. The 2013 second-round pick has a long ways to go with his technique, but the athleticism is there. He’s a very good on-the-move run-blocker, which could prove valuable in some of the six-man fronts. Filling out the line is center Stefen Wisniewski, who should be better now that he’s playing alongside ex-Giant Kevin Boothe rather than pass-blocking sieve Lucas Nix.
Olson can have more trust in his pass protection this season, leading to an expanded aerial attack. The addition of James Jones means the Raiders finally have a wideout with a chance at separating from man coverage on his own. The ex-Packer is not a star, but he’s effective on quick slants and can occasionally get over the top.
Starting opposite Jones will be Rod Streater, though don’t be surprised if Andre Holmes captures this job before season’s end. Holmes, a 26-year-old journeyman, has acrobatic deep ball abilities. Waiver pickup Greg Little is also more physically gifted than Streater, though his reliability is dubious considering the Browns, who are desperate for receivers, cut him months before training camp. Somewhere in the rotation will also be Denarius Moore, another deep threat. Though unlike Holmes, he can’t make plays without getting separation. This unrefined receiving corps has field-stretching abilities, which could be enough to convince Allen (or Mark Davis) to sit the weak-armed Schaub and roll dice with the rookie Carr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sebastian Janikowski still has power, though his 70% success rate was the worst among all kickers last season. Punter Marquette King had a very solid 40.1 net average, and it would have been higher if not for 11 touchbacks, tied for second most in the league. Return game duties will be decided in camp; one option, at least on kickoffs, could be special teams maven Taiwan Jones.
BOTTOM LINE
New players, same tough season ahead in Oakland. This club should be better than 4-12, but it won’t be better than 8-8.
It was another busy offseason in Oakland as the Raiders brought in two new quarterbacks and a slew of defensive players. Does Dennis Allen finally have the pieces he needs to turn the corner?
D.J. Hayden and the rest of the secondary is charged with executing a complex scheme. (John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated)
Throughout the preseason Andy Benoit will provide in-depth breakdowns of all 32 teams, in reverse order of 2013 finish. Today, the Oakland Raiders …
DEFENSE
Trying to follow a Raiders’ defensive game-plan can be like trying to follow the plot of a David Foster Wallace novel. The content is vast, unusual, creative and often scattershot.
A problem for Oakland is that head coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, who handles the nuts and bolts of the defense, have not had the right personnel to run their voluminous scheme. Tarver has one of the sharpest, fastest minds the NFL has seen. The 39-year-old’s greatest challenge as a coach will always be connecting with players and colleagues who simply aren’t as smart as him.
If you play anywhere in Oakland’s defensive back seven—whether it’s linebacker, safety or cornerback—Tarver expects you to know a litany of blitz angles, coverage concepts, shifts and rotations, as well as pre-snap disguises. Even more daunting is that many of these ploys are based on keying and diagnosing, meaning you blitz, cover or rotate depending on how the offense lines up.
Defensive linemen also have a bundle to take in. Allen, Tarver’s superior, prefers to use multifaceted hybrid fronts. The Raiders front line was weak, literally, last season. Most of its starters were assuming full-time roles for the first time in their veteran careers, and they wore down as the season progressed.
Aside from underrated tackle Pat Sims, it’s an all-new defensive front in 2014. It’s also a short-term one, as all three new starters will be on the wrong side of 30 by season’s end. The highest profile acquisitions are defensive ends LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, though the best of the bunch is Antonio Smith, a high-octane gap-shooter with a rich arsenal of moves.
A rich arsenal of moves is actually what propelled Tuck’s career in New York, though that success tapered off the past few years (he rebounded a bit last season but wasn’t as effective as his 11 sacks suggest). Woodley has also been tapering off. A 3-4 outside linebacker his entire career so far, the 265-pounder will now play with a hand in the dirt. It isn’t a big adjustment on pass rushes but could present challenges setting the edge in run support.
There was room to bring on Woodley and Tuck, as well as ex-Packers backup C.J. Wilson (who should be able to play inside or outside) because end Lamarr Houston left in free agency. At 27, Houston was more dynamic than these veterans, but he wasn’t worth breaking the bank for because he lacks elite edge-rushing speed. The Raiders didn’t find elite speed in the cheaper Woodley or Tuck, but they did in the draft, taking Khalil Mack, who unexpectedly fell to No. 5.
Tuck will slide inside on passing down to make room for Mack. In addition to edge speed, a big part of Mack’s appeal was his potential as a five-tool hybrid defender at the second level. Tarver can make great use of such diverse athleticism—especially when it’s paired with that of a similar (though less dynamic) young outside backer in Sio Moore. The 2013 third-round pick has shown upside in coverage and decent pass-rushing acumen, particularly as a blitzer.
Ideally, Mack and Moore will capture starting jobs, wedging out veteran Kaluka Maiava, as well as the fast but less alert Miles Burris. With Mack playing off the edge, there’s still room for starting middle linebacker Nick Roach in the nickel package. Roach is a very up-and-down player in all facets of execution and field-reading.
It’s in nickel (and dime) where Tarver asks the most of his men, particularly the secondary. The return of strong safety Tyvon Branch (broken leg last year) really helps, if for no other reason than it gets his replacement, the totally ill-equipped Brandian Ross, back on the bench. Branch’s discomfort in deep space makes him far from elite in coverage, but he’s just capable enough to be interchangeable with Charles Woodson.
Tarver did not ask the 37-year-old Woodson to play near the line of scrimmage much in 2013, though that’s because Woodson was the team’s only capable centerfielding safety. While Branch is best as a thumper in the box, Woodson does his damage by slithering around blockers and sniffing out play designs. Like a great point guard, he uses his understanding of spacing and angles to create opportunities for others (in this case it’s tackling opportunities, not scoring; Woodson likes to do his own scoring, having registered an NFL record-tying 13th career defensive touchdown last season).
Joining the safeties is a revamped cornerbacking group that features two veterans brought across the bay in free agency: Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown. Neither is a difference-maker (the Niners let them go for a reason), but both are significant upgrades over what was here last year. At this point the 29-year-old Brown is the more potent of the two, though the 33-year-old Rogers may be more important. His ability to play the slot means D.J. Hayden can stay outside fulltime. Assuming injuries don’t take a toll on the 2013 first-round pick (he missed his rookie offseason following abdominal surgery and landed on I.R. last November with a groin injury, and this offseason he missed time with a bum ankle), Hayden is expected to emerge as this team’s top corner. He has natural fluidity getting in and out of his backpedal, it’s just a matter of learning to apply it at the pro level. The former JUCO transfer and University of Houston star had several wide-eyed moments as a rookie, both in terms of reading the field and reacting to NFL-quality route runners.
The Raiders will lighten the load of the injury-prone McFadden. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OFFENSE
The last thing Allen and his staff want is to endure the growing pains of a rookie quarterback. They’re already on owner Mark Davis’s hot seat, and the belief is that, with year three having all along been the “realistic” target for visible progress in a massive rebuilding effort, another bad record could spell the end for this regime (that includes general manager Reggie McKenzie).
Of course, it’s not realistic to think Oakland’s offense is suddenly set to turn things around—especially given that the team’s much-anticipated free agent spree came in the same year that a raised salary cap made more than half of the league competitors on the open market. But realism has not been an obstacle for any Davis in recent years.
The fear over relying solely on a rookie was why Allen and McKenzie sought Matt Schaub in a trade from Houston. You don’t have to be an expert to see that Schaub is not a top-tier quarterback. His already limited arm strength appeared to lose even more zip last season and his decision-making never seemed to account for that. With a quarterback who can’t make all the throws, it’ll be impossible for offensive coordinator Greg Olson to do everything he wants schematically.
But at least Olson now has a quarterback who knows how and where to throw. He didn’t have that last year. To accommodate Schaub, Olson will have to incorporate more moving pocket concepts, giving his passer a larger platform to launch from. (The smaller the platform, the more arm strength required.) That’s a whole lot better than the one-read and run-oriented concepts that Terrelle Pryor was restricted to.
Moving platforms are also a good way to accommodate Derek Carr, should the second-round rookie, whom McKenzie presumably drafted for the future, be able to capture the starting job. Carr did not show great comfort throwing with bodies around him at Fresno State (the same issue his brother had); moving platforms are a way to hide that. They can also be a way to simplify a quarterback’s reads.
Quarterback is not this offense’s only revamped position. After finding nine new defensive starters a year ago, McKenzie this year found at least six new offensive starters. The most recognizable is Maurice Jones-Drew, who is hoping to prove he still has the lateral agility and burst that made him a three-time Pro Bowler in Jacksonville. Lateral agility is something Darren McFadden has never had, which is one reason why the fragile seventh-year pro has become little more than a rotational back. McFadden does, however, have the north/south explosiveness to be a playmaker if given the ball in space.
Jones-Drew and McFadden are both viable receivers out of the backfield, as is fullback Marcel Reece. A wide receiver in college, Reece is a mediocre lead-blocker (at best) but gets regular playing time because he gives this offense a critical dimension as a flex piece. That’s something most teams get from their tight ends, but barring a quantum leap from improving 2013 sixth-rounder Mychal Rivera or H-back David Ausberry, the Raiders don’t have an every-down receiving weapon at this position.
With his job potentially on the line, Allen will have to choose between underwhelming veteran Schaub (right) or unproven rookie Carr (left). (Ben Margot/AP)
With minimal blocking fortitude at fullback and tight end, Olson might be inclined to use the six-man offensive lines that he regularly employed last season. With three capable tackles, he has the resources. Top-heavy newcomer Donald Penn will go through highs and lows on the left side, but he’s a sizeable upgrade over Khalif Barnes. Barnes will slide back to his more-fitting guard position, where he’ll try to fend off third-round rookie Gabe Jackson. On the right side, Austin Howard is a classic mauler who will need help in pass protection.
That’s where Menelik Watson could come in. The 2013 second-round pick has a long ways to go with his technique, but the athleticism is there. He’s a very good on-the-move run-blocker, which could prove valuable in some of the six-man fronts. Filling out the line is center Stefen Wisniewski, who should be better now that he’s playing alongside ex-Giant Kevin Boothe rather than pass-blocking sieve Lucas Nix.
Olson can have more trust in his pass protection this season, leading to an expanded aerial attack. The addition of James Jones means the Raiders finally have a wideout with a chance at separating from man coverage on his own. The ex-Packer is not a star, but he’s effective on quick slants and can occasionally get over the top.
Starting opposite Jones will be Rod Streater, though don’t be surprised if Andre Holmes captures this job before season’s end. Holmes, a 26-year-old journeyman, has acrobatic deep ball abilities. Waiver pickup Greg Little is also more physically gifted than Streater, though his reliability is dubious considering the Browns, who are desperate for receivers, cut him months before training camp. Somewhere in the rotation will also be Denarius Moore, another deep threat. Though unlike Holmes, he can’t make plays without getting separation. This unrefined receiving corps has field-stretching abilities, which could be enough to convince Allen (or Mark Davis) to sit the weak-armed Schaub and roll dice with the rookie Carr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sebastian Janikowski still has power, though his 70% success rate was the worst among all kickers last season. Punter Marquette King had a very solid 40.1 net average, and it would have been higher if not for 11 touchbacks, tied for second most in the league. Return game duties will be decided in camp; one option, at least on kickoffs, could be special teams maven Taiwan Jones.
BOTTOM LINE
New players, same tough season ahead in Oakland. This club should be better than 4-12, but it won’t be better than 8-8.
- Sep 6, 2005
- 145,242
- 95,092
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
Nice article on Derek Carr....
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Raiders-rookie-Carr-has-high-expectations-for-5738814.php
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Raiders-rookie-Carr-has-high-expectations-for-5738814.php
Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT
D. Carr 20/32 151 2 0
Rushing ATT YDS TD LG
D. McFadden 4 15 0 6
M. Jones-Drew 9 11 0 12
M. Reece 1 0 0 0
D. Carr 1 -1 0 -1
Nobody listens to me
GeeCats07
Club Legend
I expected us to play a bit better but I suppose I was just being hopeful. The run game was absolutely atrocious. The Jets have a very good run D but we should still do better than that. MJD looked VERY slow to me, maybe Murray should get more carries.....
Carr really impressed me with his composure. Even the way he threw the ball away show that he knows when to just give it up and not force too much. Could have easily been picked off twice and Jones had to make a monster catch for that second TD but overall I like the look of him and am willing to see the downs that any rookie has because I think he has big upside.
Carr really impressed me with his composure. Even the way he threw the ball away show that he knows when to just give it up and not force too much. Could have easily been picked off twice and Jones had to make a monster catch for that second TD but overall I like the look of him and am willing to see the downs that any rookie has because I think he has big upside.
- Sep 6, 2005
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Culprits were Allen and Olsen calling a conservative gamelan, running the ball in Big formations all game, no vertical pressure, playing into the hands of the Jets, having their best D out there. Should've gone four wide all game to put their weakest D out there. They even deactivated butler showing their hand they would play soft utensil play calling.
Those two need to be fired Pronto. Our D played excellent keeping us in the game so long. Only with two minutes left did they even TRY.
******* dickheads
Those two need to be fired Pronto. Our D played excellent keeping us in the game so long. Only with two minutes left did they even TRY.
******* dickheads
GeeCats07
Club Legend
I have to agree with the play calling. I think I would have been right about 95% of the time as to whether we were running or passing and even where we would be running. If I can do that imagine what a defensive coordinator and the players are seeing! Haha
- Sep 6, 2005
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I was ******* livid. I want them fired today. Dickheads blew a game we could've won.
TennisPlayerAndy
Game #6 Klay
- Apr 1, 2008
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Allen is such a conservative ******* pansy.
