August 3, 2008
Oakland Raider News: Raiders work on conditioning, Asomugha elite, Javon Walker practices twice, and more from training camp
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Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin gave the team extended time in practice to gauge their conditioning with mixed results. To no one's surprise, Nnamdi Asomugha continues to shine in camp. JaMarcus Russell has shaken off the effects of his recent injury, and was able to throw it deep. Derrick Burgess looks like he is going to be improved on last year. Robert Thomas and Ricky Brown are both battling hard for the starting strong side linebacker position. Javon Walker had his first two-a-day, despite retirement talk. Terdell Sands is shaking off an injury, but practicing. The Raiders have made progress as they prepare for a day off on Sunday before a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
Javon Walker is not retired-
Earlier today in this space Rob wrote about Al Davis talking Javon Walker out of retirement. I disagreed with him in an article published on examiner.com, where I said that if Walker's heart is not in it let him go. Walker would not talk about whether he had discussed retirement with anyone, and proceeded to practice in two sessions in one day for the first time this training camp. That is a good sign, despite Kiffin's concerns about his star receiver:
"
I worry a lot about it," he said. "For someone to discuss retirement, and then to come back and change his mind a day later - I'm worried a lot about it."I'm worried about where he's at mentally, because these things happen sometimes and they come back up again, because maybe they come back and maybe it isn't necessarily for the right reasons, so we're going to continue to communicate with him and push him out there on the field and get him better."
However, Walker painted a different picture:
"That's a done issue," Walker said. "That was something, I'm not really sure what happened but that's a done issue. That's something that obviously people hear stuff ... I'm here practicing, waiting, obviously can't wait till the season starts."
Maybe what Walker is saying that he let his frustration get the better of him. Maybe Walker was just joking at the time and it got out of hand. Either way, it looks like something that could be a sign of more trouble brewing. Hopefully, it just fades away and Walker puts up great numbers for the season.
Asomugha and Burgess camp stars-
Nnamdi Asomugha has been all over camp making plays thus far. In fact, Jerry McDonald reports that Nnamdi has been the best player in camp this year. Asomugha has been grabbing interceptions interceptions and making life difficult for Raider quarterbacks. Considering there was concern prior to camp whether or not he would show up, it is definitely a breath of fresh air that he is already at an elite level.
Derrick Burgess, who was a no-show for all but the mandatory minicamp has been seen frequently in the offensive backfield. Burgess has been seen lining up at both sides as a defensive end and occasionally in a two point stance as a rush linebacker. He looks to be returning to form after a subpar, for him, 2007 season.
More on the SLB camp battle-
The position as the guy flanking Kirk Morrison opposite of Thomas Howard is turning into one of the most intriguing battles in camp. Ricky Brown, who was an early long shot to become a starter, had been taking a large amount of the first team reps. In the last couple of practices, last year's starter Robert Thomas has been taking first team reps. Sam Williams and Ed Hartwell seem to be falling down the depth chart. Look for this one to not be decided until late in preseason.
JaMarcus still on the mend-
After his elbow injury, Russell missed a session and a half. Following his return he was a bit tentative with his throws. That seems to be gone, and he is back to being able to release his deep throws as expected. The Raider Nation can now breathe a sigh of relief and be happy since the worst case scenario never materialized.
Camping out here at TFDS!
Discussion
20 Comments on "Oakland Raider News: Raiders work on conditioning, Asomugha elite, Javon Walker practices twice, and more from training camp"
#1
Posted by MrMojo4321, August 3, 2008 4:13 AM
Nice article Patrick, does the PUP list count for mental stuff too? It's a horrible question to ask, but I think the situation merits it. There's been a Todd Watkins sighting outside the pages of TFTDS, he's mentioned in passing, in the USAToday version of the Javon Walker faux-retirement story. Just as I was thinking, "Wow, what an incredibly unbiased piece." I actually clicked on the corresponding Watkins link, it wasn't particularly flattering to Todd or the Raiders. The bias lives on.
One Nation...
#2
Posted by Matador, August 3, 2008 7:21 AM
Wow!
I just can't believe this whole Walker story. It would have been nice not to have any crazy stories like this in camp. But in previous years with rookie woldouts and disgruntaled players. I guess this should come as no suprise. I hope Walker gets his Dome straightened out. He's a big part of the success the Raiders are trying to get back to. I to have concerns Patrick about him but lets keep our fingers crossed it will work out for the best.
#3
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 3, 2008 8:59 AM
what's their not to believe. the guy has been a menace throughout this whole offseason. i hate to say it .. but his attitude will most likely turn sour really fast.. all of his drama will continue to trail behind him.. i really want to believe he can get back to form from GB and catch those rocket passes from russell like he did from favre.. but he's way too out of shape it seems.. and has a long way to go. like i said... make a run at antwon boldin.. he would be GREAT for russell and he will be the leading receiver.. everyone team and their mother are going to be throwing offers at him once he's a free agent in 09 .. so GET HIM NOW. if you really want to go out on a limb and get a good receiver for league minimum... get at chris henry like bill said... bottom line is.. henry might be more dependable than javon at this point.. considering he straightens his life out in OAKLAND... ahah a far stretch.
#4
Posted by Bill, August 3, 2008 9:37 AM
Kushman=Truth. Thanks for keeping us up to date Patrick. The only thing I disagree with is the last part about Russells injury. I don't think that is worst case and I was not holding my breath about him comming back. What if Aso or Hall go down? I have faith in Walter and Tui. I actually think Walter is a better QB then Russell. Don't get me wrong I hope Russell is a probowler. I just think there could be worst injuries then our QB going down. And until I see him play at a probowl level he is just another chump high round draft pick. I am worried about our depth at OL, DL, and DB. I wish we would bring some guys in. Its also looking like we might need a TRUE #1 WR
#5
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 3, 2008 9:53 AM
yes its ridiculous.. its been said before by rob or pat... if injuries plague this team... we're looking at another 06 season... bottom line... i don't think hall or aso will go down.. they've never had any serious injury before..some key lineman will go down this year, its almost as certain as one of our DBacks being a probowler!... unfortunetely it seems like multiple injuries at the same time doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to ... i so hope i am wrong wrong wrong.. !!
#7
Posted by Mike49er, August 3, 2008 11:03 AM
"Aso is getting interception after interception'??
Uh...hmmm...which way do you choose to view this?
Is Aso just a total beast back there...or..uh..do you think it might be because of the throws from the qb's??
==============================
Kushy: make a run at antwon boldin.. he would be GREAT for russell and he will be the leading receiver.. everyone team and their mother are going to be throwing offers at him once he’s a free agent in 09 .. so GET HIM NOW.
Mike49er: Get him NOW??? Uh..KushKush? Considering you don't follow the game, let me help you. See, you can't go "GET HIM NOW". He's under contract. He's under contract THROUGH 2010.
LOL..but hey, for fun? Why don't you just call up the Cards and see if they'll let you "go get him now"?
Let us know how that goes.
------
#8
Posted by UK Raider, August 3, 2008 1:25 PM
I hope that our young guys see Walkers problems as an opportunity to step up and grab a spot. If the situation gets worse and we were to look elsewhere for a late replacement how 'bout Lions Roy Williams. Good size, young, consistent stats, made the Pro Bowl on 12 games last year. Looks like his best days are in front of him. He's a free agent in 09 (restricted?) and clearly isn't happy in Detroit right now although he wont say why, perhaps it goes with the position.
There were trade rumours earlier this year and every man has his price. Should we alert the front office?
#9
Posted by Umer Waris, August 3, 2008 3:04 PM
Yeah, Roy Williams or Boldin wouldnt be bad pick ups but as of right now, we are going to have to see how Walker works out.
With what happened in Vegas and his low productivity in camp thus far, Javon seems to be putting all the blame and everything on himself. Like Rob mentioned in his previous article, he has raised his level of respect in Raider Nation when he opted to return the signing bonus. Just for that, I think Mr. Davis did the right thing in encouraging him to stay. I hope he can recover and play at his best.
Mikey,
Nmandi has 4 interceptions in camp right now... I believe the most amongst everyone. Not alot but like you said, it is against our own QBs so maybe, the lower the better.
But even if the QBs were throwing lousy balls, he still happens to be the one getting most of the steals. The fact that the QBs tend to throw it away from his direction and he still manages to haul in 4 only shows how strong of a CB he has progressed into. Look at it any way, you want too!
#10
Posted by Raider Scott, August 3, 2008 3:23 PM
It is better for Walker to meltdown now as opposed to when the season starts or midway through. Here's the positive outlook, this gives Kiff and company time to game plan other WR's. Kiff understands that Walker is not there mentally or physically and he should not be counted on. Guys who show up and practice hard with good results get to play and guys who are not up to snuff get left behind. Plan B…. time to work another one of our receivers in to the rotation and give someone else a shot if Walker lags too far behind. I don’t care as much about the money (I wish Walker’s salary was given to Aso) as much as I am about the distraction and the breaking up of any chemistry between the QB and receiver. We need to build a team for the future and keep to Kiff’s word that the guys who produce are the one’s who play.
#11
Posted by raidermomo64, August 3, 2008 3:48 PM
Mike 40-whiner, Kushy????? Okay!!!!! Its pre-season and CB's are usually up to snuff before QB's at this point. QB's aren't as worried now about interceptions as in pre-season games or regular season. They are still trying out new things. CB's and safeties are pushing it. They are practicing at top level as are the LB's, and DE's. DT's also, i'm just not sure. I guess that means SF CB's are not getting INT's. Does that mean, your CB's suck or your QB's can't throw that far.
#12
Posted by LDizzle, August 3, 2008 6:12 PM
Not a lot of surprises here. Nnamdi is looking like the best shutdown corner in the league (which he is), Burgess is back to his usual dominance now that he is fully healthy, and Sam Williams is threatening no one for the starting spot.
The surprise is that Ed Hartwell is not only not pushing Robert Thomas but Ricky Brown has leaped frogged them all. I can only hope that is because Ricky is playing so well as opposed to the other guys just being terrible.
I also hear that Louis Rankin is really pushing to be the 4th runningback on the team and could beat out Echimandu for a spot on this team.
#13
Posted by Thoughts from the Dark Side: Oakland Raider News: Raiders work on conditioning, Asomugha elite, Javo, August 3, 2008 6:57 PM
[...] Read more. Posted in Blog, Oakland Raiders | [...]
#14
Posted by pat. T, August 3, 2008 8:06 PM
Man to be serious Javon needs to stop with his B.S and either shut up & play football or the least lucrative option return the money he's received... Personally i"d pick the second one... Because these problems will come back sooner or later... I mean come on he just got the ass whoopin of his life and his coaches, teammates, etc are still behind him hoping the best for him... And he pays them back by saying he's contemplating retirement, who does he think he is Chad Johnson? lol...
Anyways yeah i hope Ricky Brown is the newest member or the "Law Firm"... And come on Derrick Burgess just get an awesome hit on Alex Smith and injure him for the season... Hell Niner fans would love you for that favor...
Also man im not exactly worried about J.R being injured... Hell 6'4 or 6'5 260lbs... He'll be injuring people...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#15
Posted by pat. T, August 3, 2008 8:11 PM
Man to be serious Javon needs to stop with his B.S and either shut up & play football or the least lucrative option return the money he's received... Personally i hope he picks the second one... Because these problems will come back sooner or later... I mean come on he just got the ass whoopin of his life and his coaches, teammates, etc are still behind him hoping the best for him... And he pays them back by saying he's contemplating retirement, who does he think he is Chad Johnson? lol... He's also extremly injury prone...
Anyways yeah i hope Ricky Brown is the newest member or the "Law Firm"... And come on Derrick Burgess just get an awesome hit on Alex Smith and injure him for the season... Hell Niner fans would love you for that favor...
Also man im not exactly worried about J.R being injured... Hell 6'4 or 6'5 260lbs... He'll be injuring people...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#16
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 4, 2008 12:25 AM
haha if you have real nuts kid.. meet me at the bottom of the stairs of the arena in the big parking lot at 6pm. that's the backside if yer goin north on 880... so yea im not gonna go around lookin for yer bitchass.. MEET ME THERE IF YOU HAVE BALLS
#17
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 4, 2008 12:37 AM
haha whatever mike.. your a bitch and you know it.. you would get yer ass kicked anyway you woman. stay a pussy kid.. bye.
#18
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 4, 2008 7:08 AM
haha theres mikeywhiner again.. exppressing his bs opinion that no one cares about. hey mike, was deangelo hall under contract still? YES i think so... but the team was willing to take a couple of picks for him.. that cant happen with boldin? if not now in week 6 during the trading period maybe?! yer a f'in idiot. HEY DUDE you want to have our little debate in person at the battle of the bay? i want to see if you talk like this to me in person you bitch. we'll arrange a meeting spot ...LET ME KNOW MR NO BALLS
#19
Posted by Mike49er, August 4, 2008 10:01 AM
Wrong, Kush "My head's not up my ass, it's just dark all the time" Man.
PAY ATTENTION YOU STUPID SHIT...if the "Cardinals"...you know..THE TEAM?? Is shopping him around, then the CARDINALS can solicite offers. IF THAT'S NOT HAPPENING THEN IT'S TAMPERING you clueless fool.
The Falcons shopped Hall around, moron. Took offers. AFTER THE SEASON WAS OVER, moron.
Boldin is UNDER CONTRACT for 3 full more years.
Slap a duh on that wrinkled neandertal forehead.
I already gave you DIRECTIONS TO WHERE I'LL BE for the Green Bay game. I don't have Raider tickets. I have Niner tickets, MORON. how many times does your slow ass have to be told that?
Now, get directions from Patricia as to where I'll be.
Hell, maybe the two of you can come over together on the bus..you know...that old 'Stupid loves company"?
#20
Posted by Mike49er, August 4, 2008 4:39 PM
KushBitch:haha if you have real nuts kid.. meet me at the bottom of the stairs of the arena in the big parking lot at 6pm. that’s the backside if yer goin north on 880… so yea im not gonna go around lookin for yer bitchass.. MEET ME THERE IF YOU HAVE BALLS
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