The defense runs through a drill at minicamp. Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/EXAMINER.com
Yesterday, was an overview of the Oakland Raiders offense following their offseason workouts. Today is a look at the defensive side of the ball. It is more difficult to get a fix on their progress and status. However, here are my reflections on each of the units from having witnessed multiple practices.
Defensive line: This has been the most maligned unit on the team for the past few years. Terdell Sands looked to be in much better shape this year, and Tommy Kelly is a year removed from his recovery from ACL surgery. Derrick Burgess missed all of the voluntary workouts, and sat out the workouts at minicamp with the flu. Trevor Scott looks ready to break out after having five sacks a year ago. Will have much more on these guys in training camp.
Linebackers: Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard were present at all the workouts, despite their status as unchallenged starters. Jon Alston was the surprise of camp in this unit flashing his speed and larger size to great effect. Ricky Brown, who started 2008 as the starting strong side linebacker spent the offseason working as the second team middle backer. Overall, this is a fast unit that should swarm to the ball.
Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha only attended one of OTA sessions, despite Tom Cable's public call for him to be more of a leader. Chris Johnson was at a few OTA sessions, but missed a few. Beyond those two, there were no real standouts through the offseason workouts. John Bowie was on the field practicing, which means he may be recovered from his injuries.
Safeties: Mike Mitchell missed most of the minicamp workouts with an injury, and most of the OTAs because of NFL rules giving him a longer learning curve once training camp opens. Tyvon Branch was at all of the sessions. Michael Huff may have signed his own release papers by skipping the final OTA workout. Keith Davis was a late addition who should easily supplant the disappointing Huff.
Comments
It has been said a hundred times about our poor run 'D', so I will just hope the new staff can make enough of a difference because we did not address the front seven enough (run stuffers) this off-season. The safety position continues to be weak spot every year. Hopefully, Branch will become a quality starter but you can't expect Mitchell to come in as a rookie and make a major impact. Yes, the NFL is a speed game but our LB's need to be alot more stout at the POA. Nothing needs to be said about the 'D' Line. If we don't stop the run next year, nothing is going to happen.
The biggest thing that will help the D is an offense that can string a few first downs together and keep them off the field. Scoring more will take pressure off the run defense and let Nnamdi and CJohnson do their thing defending the pass.
I'd feel a little better about our D-Line if Sands and Kelly had bothered to show up for the OTAs. Their play in recent seasons has been abysmal, even after getting paid...
The Raiders are going to regret passing on Rajii. Just as when they passed on Haloti Ngata to draft an undersized safety named Huff. [why hasn't he been tried at CB???]
Kelly and Sands are jokes. The D against the run will once again rank close to dead last in the NFL.
Raji sounds good plus Brace was sitting there for us, also. Passing on Brace was really bad and NE just says "Thank You we will take him". If you wanted Mitchell, fine but NOT IN ROUND #2.
I agree....if the offense can put together drives like they did in Tampa....the Defense will play alot better!
It's incomprehensible that we could have had Raji and Brace but instead got two useless busts. Maybe DHB and Mitchell will develop right when their contracts are up in a few years. Our run D will suck again. Good thing our "fast" D can "swarm to the ball".
I can't believe Davis wasted all his picks on wide receivers and tight-ends and did nothing to address the line. If Sands or Kelly gets hurt then who's there to replace them? Another experiment? The sad part is Al Davis will probably be back next year at the draft doing the same thing.
Patrick - get a haircut! Please next time, write more than a role call report. The R8dr defense should have some major change with a new Defensive coordinator and all - so what's the scoop[?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!