Oakland Raiders quick hits
Jul 28, 2014; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders players join hands in a huddle at training camp at Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
I’m only going to touch on this subject once, then it’s going to be rat-holed in my mind. The Oakland Raiders Owner Mark Davis was in San Antonio, TX, to support Cliff Branch, and he was also there as a guest of Willie Brown. While in San Antonio, Davis was asked to meet with the Mayor. During their meeting, Davis was presented with information regarding a move to San Antonio. Big deal. Davis has been presented with a ton of locations to relocate if the City of Oakland can’t pull their heads out of a hole in the ground (and that’s putting it nicely). I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t forgo the chance to be wined and dined by the Mayor of a city.
This, to me, sounds like leverage. The fact remains that Mayor Jean Quan of the City of Oakland is wishy-washy regarding her support to keep the Oakland Raiders in Oakland. However, this is an election year, and she may be feeling the heat a bit. Keeping the Raiders in Oakland would definitely procure her some much needed votes. Don’t forget, Raider Nation runs deep and strong in the Oakland Area, and Mayor Quan wants to remain the Mayor. With more substantial leverage for Mark Davis, this could be used to get exactly what he wants from Mayor Quan. At least, this is my opinion. Still, I’m not saying for one second that the possibility of the Raiders being moved doesn’t exist, but I would hate to see them leave California or Oakland for that matter.
Now, on to the real and more interesting news, the players in Training Camp. Matt Schaub is proving to be worth more than all the haters would have you believe. He is running the offense with confidence and poise. His throws are crisp and on target. Plus, he progresses through his reads very quickly. This is exactly what I wanted to see and hear from him. Not to mention the fact that he is extremely well spoken when it comes to being in front of the media. His interviews show an air of confidence that has been missing in Oakland for a very long time.
The secondary is not as bad off as we first thought. D.J. Hayden is out, and the next men have been stepping up. Draft status doesn’t always mean you are the best, that’s proven. 7th Round Draft Pick T.J. Carrie is definitely proving his worth in Training Camp, and that should translate well onto the field in Pre-Season. Keith McGill is coming along, and even Chimdi Chekwa and Nieko Thorpe are providing some excitement. These four coupled with Carlos Rogers and Tarell Brown could really wreak some havoc on opposing offenses if they are used right. Plus, there will be some good solid depth there should one of the starters go down.
The receiving corps is definitely as good and deep as Raider Nation predicted. Schaub will have an arsenal of weapons at his disposal come game day. Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson’s head is spinning with all the plays he is going to be able to run. Plus, the running backs are progressing and having a good camp. Of course, having four very good RB’s doesn’t hurt. Between Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, Latavius Murray, and Kory Sheets, there will be some misdirection, play action, and hard nosed football facing the Raiders opponents.
The offensive line is definitely coming together and becoming a close knit unit. There’s a lot of depth there, and this will continue into the regular season. Keeping Schaub on his feet will be necessary to the success of the 2014 Raiders, and Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Khalil Mack are pushing the OL to get better every day.
Speaking of Tuck and Woodley, they are doing their jobs and improving the defensive attitude. They are pushing the young guys and leading by example. There’s definitely something about having confident, strong, successful, and all around well mannered proven professionals on the field to lead the defense. These two, along with Charles Woodson, will do just that. The opportunities for the big defensive plays are going to happen more often. This will give way to the LB’s and DB’s to take the ball away from opposing teams and put the offense in great scoring positions.
With one week of Training Camp in the books, the excitement is growing throughout Raider Nation. We are witnessing the culmination of General Manager Reggie McKenzie’s plan, and the things that are being observed and said are outstanding. The Raiders are on the rise again!