Oakland Raiders did not measure up at OTAs

May 21, 1:32 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Russell calls a play in a drill. Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/EXAMINER.com

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Today's organized team activity provided a much needed yardstick for the Oakland Raiders to measure where they are compared to where they need to be come September. That measuring stick falls well short thus far.

To say that JaMarcus Russell had an off day in practice would be too kind. He looked even worse in OTAs than he did in the recent minicamp. Coach Tom Cable said that Russell looked better than he did the day before, which is difficult to believe.

On the other side of the coin, wide receiver Chaz Schilens continued his strong offseason. Despite coming into camp as an incumbent starter Schilens doesn't take anything for granted for 2009, and he is focused on working hard and competing to retain his starting role.

When I asked Chaz about the speed component of the Raiders receiving corps, he said:

They're fast. I got to do my best to keep up with them, but we're all fast. None of us are slow, so I think that's a good thing.

On the defensive side of the ball, Trevor Scott has intentions of competing to take one of the starting defensive end positions. With Derrick Burgess having been out with the flu, the Raiders are exceedingly young at that position. Scott says that is not an excuse, as they have to get the job done on Sundays.

Coach Tom Cable repeatedly stressed the learning aspect of Organized Team Activities, saying that the competition would not begin until training camp opens in Napa. However, it would be a reasonable question how much of the Raiders' problems over the last several years are just a matter of teaching. These are guys who have been playing football all their lives at the highest levels.

There are certain skills that would seem to be intrinsic for any player who has made it to the NFL. True, there is different terminology that has to be learned, but it is bordering on ridiculous. A top draft pick who is still throwing screen passes at the feet of his receivers is a cause for concern.

The Raiders have three more OTA sessions to get on the right track. If they don't, it will be a long hot summer in Napa, and a long wasted season once again.