August 1, 2008
Oakland Raider News: Raiders training camp updates as the team prepares for its first preseason game
There have been some changes in the projected camp battles already, despite there not having been a game played yet. JaMarcus Russell is rebounding from his injury nicely. Jarrod Cooper keeps knocking people around. Oren O'Neal is bowling over defenders as a blocker. Michael Bush has been working in short yardage situations. Most importantly, Terdell Sands is ready to bounce back from last year's disappointing season.
Camp Battles Updates:
On a recent post, SilverandBlack88 asked if there was any updates on the camp battles other than center. Here is a quick rundown of battles where there seem to be motion.
Quarterbacks: Andrew Walter is having a very strong camp and looking to solidify himself as the number two behind JaMarcus Russell. The only issue is his mobility, but Kiffin has had a lot of positive to say about him this camp.
Runningbacks: Adimchinobi Echemandu may be losing his tenuous hold on the fourth runningback position because he is not having as good of a camp as was expected. He is now completely on the bubble.
Offensive tackles: Paul McQuistan has primarily been playing guard instead of tackle. Mario Henderson has been a disappointment. For more on Henderson, take a look at this article from Rob. Overall, this position has become one of strong concern.
Center: As of right now, Jake Grove seems to be the front runner over John Wade.
Linebacker: In what is starting to look like the biggest potential upset in camp, Ricky Brown looks to be leapfrogging Ed Hartwell, Sam Williams, and Robert Thomas setting himself up to take the starting job.
JaMarcus on the mend:
After missing a session and a half, and panicking the Nation with a million what ifs? Russell is back in practice. His velocity was down in the first practice, but was rebounding by the second practice. For more on Russell's return and how it makes Rob happy check out this story.
Michael Bush update:
We have gotten a few questions from readers on how Michael Bush is doing. He has been working with the short yardage teams, and early in camp had to work on keeping his pad level low. That is an issue that according to the latest reports has been fixed. He had an epic collision with several defenders, but couldn't punch it in. His pad level was low, which is a good sign. The defense knew what was coming on that play.
The Raider Nation has grown by one today:
At approximately 5 am eastern daylight time, my sister gave birth to her first child, Savannah Dawn. Both mother and baby are healthy. Savannah weighed 8lbs 5oz is 21" tall and absolutely beautiful. Congratulations to my sister and her boyfriend. Both Savannah's father and her uncle Patrick will see that she learns the ways of the Silver and Black. (Her first gift was a Raider teddy bear, courtesy of uncle Patrick, back when she was no more than a few cells.)
Spreading the love here at TFDS!
Discussion
21 Comments on "Oakland Raider News: Raiders training camp updates as the team prepares for its first preseason game"
#1
Posted by azraider37, August 1, 2008 12:15 AM
Also, I was just wondering whatsup with the J. Russell pole on this page. I voted for 24 games. I figure after a year and a half we should have a good idea weather or not he will get it, although he should probably get two full seasons.
But what I'm wondering about is the 241 people that are only giving him 4 games at the most. Care to elaborate on you feelings there, cause it's insane. What do you suggest, we start 0-4 and throw Walter in and put the highest paid player on the team on the bench? Just wondering.
#2
Posted by Raiders training camp upadates - Oakland Raiders Forum, August 1, 2008 5:28 AM
[...] training camp upadates Thoughts from the Dark Side | MVN - an Oakland Raiders independent news, commentary, analysis, and m... Training camp updates, including a look at the status of several camp battles... MORE [...]
#3
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raider News: Raiders training camp updates as the team prepares, August 1, 2008 8:01 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#4
Posted by MrMojo4321, August 1, 2008 9:17 AM
Congratulations Patrick, Savannah, Momma, and Papa theres always room for one more. The Ricky Brown looks like a great move, and he's young enough that The Raiders shouldn't have to worry about linebacker for awhile. It also slides Robert Thomas into a super sub role. One question, who is gonna fill in for Brown on the coverage special teams unit?
One Slightly Bigger Nation...
#5
Posted by Gordon Levy, August 1, 2008 9:45 AM
Well, what about wide receivers? Do the Raiders HAVE any? No mention of them is ominous.
#6
Posted by raidersfanindonkeycountry, August 1, 2008 11:12 AM
Congratulations Uncle Patrick, my four wonderful Children were all brought home from the hospital in Raiders recieving blankets. they are now 31, 28, 25, and 21. Two girls and two boys. Great article and go Raiders!!!
#7
Posted by LDizzle, August 1, 2008 11:39 AM
"back when she was only a few cells" haha that is great. Way to get ahead of the game Patrick. Congrats on the new addition to the family. My last neice was given a Raider cheerleader outfit for her Christmas (and no it wasn't a two piece like the Raiderets wear. I have more class than that) and I instilled in my nephew from a very young age that Football (or as he called it Fwoobaow) and the Raiders are synonimous. Although i feel guilty that I might be cursing them to lives of heartbreak the same as I was.
Oh and raiderfanindonkeycountry it is pretty awesome to hear you say that you created four new Raider fans to pester all of the Bronco fans in "donkey country". And DAMN you have a 31 year old son?
#8
Posted by azraider37, August 1, 2008 11:49 AM
I'm starting to get really excited about the D. If Brown and Sands have good years we really don't have any holes on defense. When's the last time you could say that?
#9
Posted by KA1Z3R, August 1, 2008 1:25 PM
Congrats Uncle Patty. I wish I was the cool uncle. (yes there's a difference between an uncle and a cool uncle)
I hope Ricky brown takes over. He's been reported as playing the pass well in camp and he plays the run with ferocity. I also heard he kept up with McFadden (which a certain Thomas Howard did in OTA) which leads to me to believe he'll be the third member of the Law Firm (until a great pass covering linebacker with insane speed joins the team there's only two. I've heard some people calling Robert thomas or Sam Williams being the third member. They're not.)
#11
Posted by raidermomo64, August 1, 2008 4:38 PM
Uncle's are cool. I remember my 4 year old nephew being asked why he liked the Raiders soooo much, and he replied, because my uncle Martin likes them. Thats what we're there for. Too introduce them to football, baseball, basketball, etc......
#12
Posted by raidermomo64, August 1, 2008 4:42 PM
I agree with azraider37, our only question marks were both DT's and Strong side LB. I'm looking forward to Sands & Kelly getting paid, and not wanting to be the weak links in our D. Can you imagine having 3 good LB's and good back ups. This defense is looking "SCARY"!!! Go Raiders!! 10-6
#13
Posted by Proud OG, August 1, 2008 4:59 PM
Based on what we've heard or haven't heard, I guess it's safe to say Michael Bush isn't really excelling in training camp. Man, I really hope my intuition is wrong on this issue. Was sure hoping to hear more positive things about his performance thus far. Of course I'm not writing him off and continue to have faith that he will be instrumental in future Silver & Black successes for years to come. I hope the lack of news about him so far is not a precursor to dismal contributions that fall short of our positive expectations for him...both in his role as a Raider as well as an individual who has had some very hard luck. For now I'll mollify myself by leaning on the fact that the Raiders like to keep training camp information close to the vest. Sure hope all ends well for Michael and, of course, the Silver & Black.
#14
Posted by Snowyfish, August 1, 2008 6:21 PM
Hey guys, what news of Fargas?? There has been talk of both D-Mac and Bush but no news I've heard of Huggy's boy? Is he maintaining his form from last year?
#15
Posted by Raider Blues, August 1, 2008 10:03 PM
Congrats Uncle Patrick!
Regarding Walter and not being mobile... It's not a problem we'll just lean on the strong pass-blocking of our O-Line. : ) All three QB's have been the future of the Raidaaas so we should have at least one of them be right?
#16
Posted by LDizzle, August 1, 2008 10:31 PM
You guys need to change the poll after a about a week because leaving it up too long just invites the haters to chip in their worthless opinions. Plus all anyone has to do to cast their vote again is delete the cookies on their computer so it causes a lot of cheaters voting over and over. That is how the Stabler/Guy debate got so muddied up. Guy was
WAY in the lead and then somehow all of a sudden Stabler began catching up like a month after the debate began hmm. How odd.
I think we can agree that the majority is giving Russell 2 seasons to succeed. Let's move on.
#17
Posted by raider831, August 1, 2008 11:56 PM
let all the raider haters on the page.....they know who the real deal is this year?? they dont see us on their page?? so what does that tell u??
#18
Posted by UK Raider, August 2, 2008 2:43 AM
Proud OG I think Bush is doing more than expected. Contrary to first reports he did get in on the goal line play Patrick was talking about. He met Morrison in the hole (ouch!) and got the ball in there, and he knew it too. I think we can say that injury must have healed nicely.
I know we had a review on Watkins as a poss sleeper but this guy just seems to be grabbing all the right headlines (far more than Walker in fact). He's making play after play and I hope Kiff is true to his word that the best performers will play regardless of draft position, reputation etc. Watkins for starter??? If he continues like this then why the hell not!!! He's sold me (so far!).....
#19
Posted by Bill, August 2, 2008 9:56 AM
I agree UK $ should not determen the starter. who ever plays the best should start at QB.
#20
Posted by Umer Waris, August 2, 2008 2:58 PM
Congrats Uncle Pat, Momma and dad on baby, Savannah! Raider Nation welcomes our newest member!
Yeah I am happy to learn that Bush is making some hits. I had bought his jeresey when he was still #43. But hay its sill a jersey!
Been hearing alot about Wtkins making several head turning catches. Hope those were made with someone like Nmandi or Hall on him.
Congrats again, Pat and take care of Savannah!
#21
Posted by raidz, August 2, 2008 9:02 PM
congrats patrick and welcome to the raider nation savannah
Top Destinations
Recent Posts
- Oakland Raiders beyond woeful in loss to the Kansas City Chiefs
- Raiders have nobody to blame but their coach and quarterback
- TFDS Live Game Blog - Chiefs at Raiders
- Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game
- TFDS Predicts: Oakland Raiders to dispatch the Kansas City Chiefs
- Kiffin a 'volunteer' in Tennessee?
More raiders Posts
Division Rivals
Regional Teams
Leave a comment