August 2, 2008
Oakland Raiders training camp: Walter and Watkins continue to impress
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We are now less than a week away from the from the first test for the Oakland Raiders. Next Friday night, we'll get the first glimpse of how much the hard work is paying off against the cross bay rival 49ers. Despite a few bad reports on certain Raiders, the overall picture has been clearly positive. what makes it the more exciting is that some of the proven veterans have yet to flash due to a slow start or injury of some sort. When they get up to speed, it could make for an interesting season.
One veteran that continues to look good is Andrew Walter. Tired arm? No problem, just take a practice off. He came back today and led the offense on a 99 yard drive concluding on a three yard toss to Chaz Schilens. This was not the type of drive that Raider Nation has become accustomed to either.
For the drive, Walter completed two balls over 20 yards. The first long pass play was to Ronald Curry streaking down the sidelines and fighting off smothering coverage by Michael Waddell. The second nice pass was to Todd Watkins for 29 yards at the 5 yard line.
It's a big difference from last year when Walter was relegated to third string as soon as Culpepper joined the club. This year, Kiffin has some really positive things to say about Walter, like he's on pace to be the number two QB.
"Andrew does everything you can out here. He continues to complete balls, and continues to have a high completion percentage...I’d say right now he’s ahead of Tui. He’s making more plays and throwing the ball better downfield. Preseason will be big for those two."
We got an answer to a question that I asked the other day. Ironically, it was a post that I had created with a correction in it from another post. Now I'm going to correct that. I made the inferrence that Kiffin would keep six receivers this season, but it seems that I was wrong. Kiffin feels that keeping five receivers is a better number than six. I had said six, but alright, I guess he'll put one on the practice squad too.
Even if he keeps only five receivers, Todd Watkins is definitely putting himself in the position to not only make the team, but play some significant time too. Here's what Kiffin was quoted as saying about Watkins:
"He's made a number of plays for us down the field on balls...He does make a lot of down-the-field plays and he's great to have around, he's been here the whole offseason working really hard...A number of guys on the staff had him extremely high on their list (depth chart)."
One thing is certain, Watkins is making it very difficult for Kiffin & Co. to exclude him from any lists right now.
Jonathan Holland, Chaz Schilens, and Arman Shields have also gotten good reviews from training camp. If any of these guys make the squad, the number of wide outs Kiffin keeps and whether or not the Raiders stick it out with Higgins will be the difference.
Robert Thomas has taken over the first string duties at the strong side linebacker spot, but that's a situation that is going to change all throughout training camp. We'll find out next Friday who really is the number one at that spot.
William Joseph is coming on strong. Friday, he was able to blow through the line and get to McFadden in the backfield. Here's what Kiffin said about him:
"He made a number of plays last night and it was good to see too because we had pads on when he was doing it and that's what matters in the end. He's got to be more consistent in his play. He is powerful and big but he gets reached and cut off too much right now for us and that's where we really need to improve him. He really needs to be a more consistent player. He's not played a lot of football since he's been in the NFL."
For those of you wondering about Bush, he's doing well. On the goal line play that was reported as a stuff, Bush ended up getting enough of Morrison to get in the end zone. Kiffin liked what he saw:
"The highlight of the drill to me was Michael Bush, him and Morrison were unblocked in the hole and that was our first chance to see what we’ve all hoped that Mike’s going to be. He lowered his pads and ran over him and got us in the end zone. Probably out of the eight live plays on the goal line... it was worth it to go live, nobody got hurt, just really to see Michael do that."
Greg Wesley is behind Cooper as far as level of play. It's been reported here at TFDS about Cooper's play, but Wesley has been nearly ordinary and doesn't play special teams like Cooper. You make the call. Although he's been better than Tyvon Branch, he doesn't return kicks like Branch and the Raiders would probably rather not keep more than four safetys.
The last laugh?
Fabian Washington's run in with his current/ex girlfriend and the law will have some consequences. Washington will get to sit out the first regular season game due to a league suspension over his offseason conduct.
Discussion
15 Comments on "Oakland Raiders training camp: Walter and Watkins continue to impress"
#1
Posted by Bill, August 2, 2008 12:13 AM
Thanks Rob, I think we know about every camp battle except the nickle and dime backs. I really hope Routt wins the job, but who knows. I also heard we won't be useing a Dime back. I heard our Dime D will have two LBs and only 5 DBs. The 2nd LB will be T Howard. The coaches think he is better against the pass then any of the other CBs in camp right now. I guess Al was'nt so crazy to try to get another CB in the draft after all. If we see any injurys at this spot we are in trouble.
#2
Posted by UK Raider, August 2, 2008 4:39 AM
Condensed all the latest camp info nicely there Rob. I raved about Watkins in my last post so I wont do it again. But how does a guy who has good college pedigree (according to the roster) and is lighting up camp be seemingly overlooked by two other teams? Any ideas? To me the big plus is Kiffin is giving everybody chance to perform regardless of reputation and salary. I like what this guys about. Bring on the 49ers...
#3
Posted by Raider Blues, August 2, 2008 8:18 AM
Goal Line to me is Bush playside and DMac backside one on one so you run the play or fake. Bush punches it in or DMac is locked on an LB and in for the score.
Being a HUGE Duck Fan I watched Walter and Tui in college and Walter looked really good and given the opportunity will shine. We try to judge him on the 2006 Bed and Breakfast BS and Tui was Decent at WA but appeared to need the correct system to be effective and it may turn out this way this year. Away from the field I really like the way these two conduct themselves as well. I'd like to see us have an effective run game and see all three of these QB's develop. We'd be set at QB!
All three of our backs need to be on the field and not one at a time. A constant dose of Fargas and Bush with DMac utilized to get the one on one. If we were a pass-blocking team then we could see it differently but with what we have there's no reason to not have DMac on the field along with a Bush/Fargas rotation.
Just Win Baby!
#4
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 2, 2008 8:59 AM
good write up. its good to hear that at least some guys are showing that they're going to make an impact this year. it's concerning that our high paid players are strugglign with injuries, but we all hope they will be healed up by the prime time opener! question to rob or pat: what kind of tackling power/speed(40 yard dash time) does ricky brown have that's putting him ahead of thomas and williams?! does he look like a consistant elite tackler at all? i know nothing about this guy and NFL.com gives very little info as he has hardly any playing time.
wow its not good to see our DTs being all injured like this. it's very concerning considering we're not even into the first game of preseason. how are these guys going to hold up against a powerful offensive line during the regular season... its unfortunete, but i can easily see 2 starting DTs going down at the same time... leaving tommy kelly, william joseph, and one other backup to run the trenches. these guys are VITAL to the success of this defense.. what good is an allstar backfield if the front lines can't do their job much like last season.
i like to see that bush is a pusher on the line... his real test will be against the 5th overall pick.. which he'll be facing twice and shawn merriman.. along with junior saou and bruschi... if he can push the lines thro those beasts during the season... look for the next macallister and bush :P the simularities in the names are uncanny! we'll see which duo wins in yardage/TDs this year.
I dont like that kwame is still in the same boat with false starts/misblocks... CMON NOW DUDE WE NEED YOU! at least we know the man's going to open gaping holes in the running game and be in front of our backs when they're trying to bust a move to get upfield... namely dmac.. if darren can stay behind kwame on a sweep .. let him pave the way along side zach miller... he can eat of some serious yardage on a regular basis... this is where lane kiffin is going to thrive... in this beast running game! but kwame we need you to keep the kid healthy.. while russell goes on about how he's responsible for men's families... that will depend on him staying out of the grass... and THATS UP TO YOU KWAME!! WE BELIEVE IN YOU!
#5
Posted by Bill, August 2, 2008 9:48 AM
Blues, Have you ever seen the full house package the Packers, Giants, and Redskins run? There is three RBs in the back field. Two are split and one is back deep. Fargas strong, Bush Weak, and D-mac back would really throw a defense into fits.
Kush, I agree with you and I've been sayin it for awhile now. There is still some talent out there at DT. What about Rod Coleman? The problem I see is that we are getting pretty close to the first round of cuts. There might not be enough room for another DT. I'd still love to Rod back in Black tho.
Rob, any word on the CBs? I know Asoall will be doing their thing. But what about the other CBs in camp? Has anyone stood out / looked good? We have 2 great CBs but in the NFL you've got to have 3. How is Routt looking? Any one looking to hold on to the 4th and 5th spot?
#6
Posted by Bill, August 2, 2008 10:04 AM
Did you guy's hear the story about Walker tryin to quit the team and retire? Mort's reporting it on ESPN. I don't like ESPN at all. I do respect Mort and the integrity he brings to an other wise lame staff. I guess Al talked him into staying. He was even going to pay back his 11 mil bonus. I say take the 11 min back put the guy on the curb and start CC (Curry and Carter). With that 11 mil we could look to get another DT or OL. Rod Coleman is still there. And what about Fred Miller and Jordan Black at OT?
#7
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raiders training camp: Walter and Watkins continue to impress |, August 2, 2008 10:08 AM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#8
Posted by The Fifth Horseman, August 2, 2008 11:07 AM
LMAO at Al talking Walker into staying. Way to go Al and convince a guy to stay whose heart and head is not in the game. lol I cannot wait to see the Raiders IMPLODE!
#9
Posted by Rob Calonge, August 2, 2008 11:22 AM
Bill - I'm looking into getting you some more information on Routt and the other cornerbacks. Please bear with me while I get it.
On the story about Walker, we're looking into that as well. We don't want to jump the gun based on one source as of yet, but we'll keep you posted.
#10
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 2, 2008 4:33 PM
yes i agree bill.. if this story is legit, drop him and get more depth in the trenches.. EVERYONE knows we need it. man this guy is depressing.. he's been nothing but disappointing as of late. i mean, if the man doesn't believe in himself enough to give back 11mill, why give up that much money ... wow amazing.
i mean, if Al and lane really believe he can bounce back into shape.. keep him on the practice squad and condition his ass off this whole season, practice like there's no tomorrow with the camp arms on a regular basis(even with j-russ sometimes)... and use him next year when he's ready and able to get back on that field and be a star with j-rock and the crew.
#11
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 2, 2008 4:37 PM
oh yea horses ass... because of one man the raiders are going to IMPLODE.. haha your a sad little kid as usual... no real FACTS to support your bs... and yer too much of a pussy to tell us who your team is.. because you know they suck LMAO... even if the raiders don't do good again this year.. at least i support my team... you can't even support any team... yer just a bitch.
#12
Posted by raidermomo64, August 2, 2008 5:41 PM
Personally I want to see Javon succeed, in part to better the Raiders, in part to shut up some of these incensitive idiots, who can't see the honesty in a guy saying, I'm not pulling my weight, take back your money. Did Moss do that? no, he didn't. And in part for himself. He could really be a force. But he has to let go, and just play his ass off. Get into football and forget everything else. Kush, I do agree with you in regards to 5th horses A-hole.
#13
Posted by Mike49er, August 2, 2008 10:09 PM
Aren't you guys just as precious as you can be??
"Javon's a bum..get rid of him."
"Javon's got sensitivity issues..everyone hold hands and sing Kumbaya."
I've changed my mind.
2-14...3-13 at best for you guys.
#14
Posted by pat. T, August 3, 2008 3:53 PM
Damn right when we thought we got rid of the plauge of Raider haters that come in here, we get this pair of bitches/idiots back in here... But lets move on to the important topics...
I personally think getting Javon the football player wasn't a bad idea... Now Javon the person seems to be the problem... But if he comes out against the Broncos week 1, and lights them up(Bailey, Bly) & we win his issues will go away pretty quick...
Now what i think should be interesting is the competitions going on... Lets see Walker will be going against Hall every practice for at least half of practice & we all know these two guys are extremly competitive, and they both like to talk trash(i really hope we don't end up with a situation like the one in Carolina)... hmmm what else... Ohhh... boy my favorite The "Law Firm" vs. the three headed MONSTER in our backfield... Michael Huff covering Zach Miller wont get as much hype but should be as interesting... Our tackles vs Derrick Burgess ohhhh boy this should be a fun but painful one(if Burgess is in the backfield every play, everyone will say the Raiders tackles suck i told you so... A whole bunch of crap that we'll never hear the end of... But if the tackles can hold Burgess down then we need a new pass-rusher at least in the public eye) ... Terdell "turd" Sands, Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, & William Joseph vs the FAT guys Robert Gallery, Jake Grove(or John Wade), & Paul Mquistan(who by the way should be playing RT, not guard)... Thats the bad part of Training camp if one saide does good that means we need help on the other... grrrrrrrrrrrrrr... lol....
Hopefully this will put an end to our dissappointing, crappy, embarrassing, and feel free to add more adjectives(Only Raider fans)... But if nothing else can be said about the Raiders... We have THE MOST LOYAL FANS IN THE LEAGUE.... THE ONE & ONLY NATION, THE RAIDER NATION...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#15
Posted by Mike49er, August 4, 2008 9:25 PM
I told you, Patricia...saying you can fly doesn't mean you can.
Saying you're smart doesn't make it so.
Saying the team with the most dis-loyal unsupportive fans in the league are now "MOST LOYAL" not only doesn't mean squat, but it just adds to your moniker of Motley Fool.
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