Rams in ranking stability in 28

Despite an impressive offensive performance achieved in Dallas cowboys and early advantage, what happened in the second half of the Ram enough 34-31 loss Sunday to prevent Rams climb in this week's ESPN power rankings. Rams is steady at one week after 28 climbed out of the basement 2 beat Tampa Bay. Rams are still ahead of 0-3 team Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and Auckland, leading a Minnesota, located in 1 to 2.

I put the Rams spots in my vote this week, because despite Sunday's loss is cruel, I don't think they are two of the worst in the league one of 1 to 2 team. However, I don't have their Vikings, a good team defeated the St. Louis Rams in 1 week. Before I bumped into Rams, Tennessee, a team, in the week 2 doesn't play Cowboys as close male sheep in their home.

But I think an argument can explain, teams like the New York Giants, Cleveland Brown and Miami Dolphins win than Rams, because they beat than Bucs. Who won at home, however, and ram have a way to win a third the quarterback of the string and a narrow miss home with. Really, just pick a fool and ram 2-1 there is a great opportunity, this will definitely touched their rankings. Because they can't finish the work, they are still near the bottom of the list.

Rams climbed to 28 in power rankings

St. Louis Rams stayed in the basement of ESPN NFL power rankings continued for a week. With the start of any season, there are always feel process in determine which team is good, what is not. Ram looks like in week 1 is for team in the premiership to Minnesota and rankings, 32, check in. A week later, ram try to steal their first win of the season, 19 and 17 victory on the road to the Tampa bay buccaneers. Although not a landslide or beautiful, it's enough to make ram out of the bottom and up to four 28.Jacksonville jaguars, ram Oakland raiders team over the New York giants and the buc process. But even in 1-1, they are still behind another team 2-0 in the Kansas City Chiefs. New Orleans and Indianapolis 2-0 but still the benefit of the doubt and rankings were 16 and 15, respectively.

As I wrote last week, I don't believe in Ram are the League's worst team, but I don't have any problems, they list this week. You can prove that they should in the Kansas city chiefs, but Sunday near Denver. Now, we have to do is evidence and evidence state ram blowout losses and narrowly behind the team ranking on this list. Another win against Dallas this week there will be a long way to go to create further separation of ram and the bottom of the list.

Hayes ready to his friend, step length

In his nearly three years of Rams, Hayes is close to no one defensive Chris Long than others. On Wednesday when the news came, long need ankle surgery, let him for eight to 10 weeks, no one put the news than Hayes . "His team is one of my closest friends, when you hear he won't be here, but we have next philosophy man up here," Hayes said. Facts have proven that the next person after a long absence is Hayes . In Hayes , for a long time to leave the defensive end find land many hands ability. Rams have since a little free agent coach Jeff Fisher and general manager les scythe handle over, Hayes has been at the other end of the spectrum is a real diamond. Hayes Rams signed for the first time in 2012, after fisher from St. Louis, Tennessee, he was once a fourth round of the selection of Winston salem state. Since, he has finally become a defence of the Swiss army knife, provide a solid presence and run from the end of his position, at the same time provide through from internal capabilities.

It is in two seasons in St. Louis, Hayes 63 solution and 12 bags in a reserve role. On the other side of the long absence is losing his hot leading brand. This is another area where Hayes can help to provide some cover. Most of the other defensive forward because too often quiet but Hayes breaking a mirror is the same players last season in the team's locker room loss of Tennessee, a blow, lead to the needle in his arm. Even if no longer ram is confident in Hayes brought to the table. "We know Hayes can finish the work," defense solve Kendall Langford said. "Whether we're on the field, we are a brotherhood of man and we trust each other, we will get the job done. I don't think it would be a drop off." Although Hayes Numbers in the first shot instead of long, it is important to note that needs more than one player to fill the void. Hayes on his return to football in the shape of a three offseason surgery, one of the most serious is a modern process. Last week, he did not participate in the preseason, admittedly rusty in his return to action of the game.
Similarly, Rams to limit his may make him a glowing when shooting, he evidenced by 27 broke last week against Minnesota. This means that ram will turn to other senior backup Eugene SIMS and undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrook ease the burden. Always motivation, hayes even more motivation to play in a long period of time. He is to replace a good player, but a better friends. "I hate to think that Chris is injured but in the end of the day, it happened, the second step," Hayes said."I just don't want to be a drop in this week, this is a big thing. I think he will be disappointed at me is to go out this week, really."

The Bills to avoid goodwin returner

The Buffalo Bills changed their special team depth chart this week, C.J. Spiller to replace Marquise as their main kick returner. There is a problem: the move more about Goodwin, last year this role, or make the overflow person? Smaller sample size, the overflow has an advantage in the production of the preseason. Goodwin sent five, two of the Tampa bay buccaneers and three of the Detroit Lions, on average every 19.2 yards back. Make overflow person, at the same time, there was a return for size 42. The durability of Goodwin has problems too. He drafted since a few injury last season in the third round, Goodwin due to his size and speed. However, coach Doug Marrone want to limit the risk of Goodwin.

"He has a lot of obstacles, we really three guy (he is) very good, you can start anywhere," Marrone said on Thursday. "If we can lick off, we'll lick off until the marquise better, then we will decide." If injured Goodwin, a chance to start, the coaching staff do not share the same concern to overflow, the more valuable a playmaker. "What is risk? I see how many people are injured, compared to return to football ball to them, how many people injured" Marrone said Wednesday. "I don't see it as a risk maybe some people will, but I can understand that some people may see, because of distance and the running mode of some, I see."

Brian Hoyer is OK with his role

One of his best memories from his brief time in Pittsburgh is when he met defensive coordinator and Ohio native Dick LeBeau Steelers shortly after his release. "He said, 'this is great for us to have you here. If you let me know what can I do for you," Hoyer memories in a conference call with the media in Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon. "I don't know, now is still on the table, my brown quarterback, but a good man, is also a great coach." Provide may suspend, will wait for further notice and LeBeau in addition to help Hoyer Sunday when the AFC north meet in Heinz rivals. Hoyer will start at 1 pm eastern time game, despite the Steelers also want to see Johnny Manziel. skilled workers have Shared in the quarterback time reflects the slender Hoyer starting work and Manziel is considered to be the quarterback of the future.

Brown may like Hoyer is his maturity and how to deal with Manziel mania. Hoyer praised the work ethic Manziel Wednesday, said he did not question whether to give up before shooting heisman trophy winner is advantageous to the team. "If it can help us win that I only care about one thing," Hoyer said. "Obviously you want to be that guy on the pitch, but if there is a certain situations they think help us win the game. It is the ultimate team sport." Hoyer seems to have been the ultimate team player since brown Manziel draft in the first round. He has blended in, this is not possible polarization Manziel do hogwarts ESPN NFL analyst at merrill Lynch broken Johnny football on Wednesday and adjust the fundamental changes have taken place in the environment after the draft. "I eliminate watching ESPN, the NFL network line, on social media, reading the newspaper, in fact, my life is very simple," hoyer said. "It's like your life in the '60 s and 70s, you are not involved in."

Danieal manning and Texas reunion very much

Security Danieal Manning never wanted to leave the Houston Texans, after an offseason, he got another chance with the team, his agent said Russell Hicks. Manning is flying to Houston on Sunday and Monday is expected to sign with the team for physics. "It is just a situation happened something, I think he and his team were looking at some things from a different Angle," hicks said. "I think they are aware of the best place for him here." Manning initially joined the Texans four years before the 2011 season contract worth $20 million. He is two free agents signing secondary offseason, add flanker Johnathan Joseph. It is with the help of their increased, as wade defensive coordinator Philip, Texans "by the national defense from the worst one of the best in the league.

Houston provide manning cut after the 2013 season, when he refused to release him. Offseason manning in Cincinnati Bengals, but is released, the roster is cut down to 53.Because the manning is an established veteran, he became a free agents. Manning, 32 people in Texas, one end of the season, he was placed in reserve just pull out because of the serious knee injury."Healthy clever he's perfect," hicks said. "He may be better than when he left. His leg is very good. He was clear. He played four (preseason). It is not suitable for him in Cincinnati. This is a Numbers game. It happens. Right for you is right for you. "Texans initially keep five security in their list kendrick lewis, D.J. Swearinger, Chris Clemons Eddie happy and Shiloh Keo, but clemons, who signed as a free agent this spring, make room for Manning is released.

Doubted the Restructuring Webb trading

Baltimore Ravens Lardarius Webb restructuring contracts, which, of course, raised red flags. Crow rarely trade restructuring, general manager Ozzie Newsome once described it as a last resort. "Believe that the restructuring of the crow is the last contract in May 2012, marshal yanda trade when they changed the guard. So, the crow about a little extra $3 million in cap room to create their reorganization weber's transaction. This raises a lot of speculation, is one of the most popular, the crow need space to get a team of trade. The crow now has about $7 million salary cap space. Although no one knows the crow of the plan, but we know that the crow is doing the things they try to avoid. Why don't crow like restructuring deal, because it blocks salary Numbers for the next few years. By converting $3 million of Webb's $7.5 million salary into a bonus, the Ravens lower the cornerback's cap number from $10 million to $7.5 million. But Webb's future cap numbers increase by $1 million, which means he'll now count $12 million against the cap in 2015 and 2016. This is the general manager Ozzie Newsome reorganization contract in February of 2013. "We consider restructuring are only trading have a player who is available, we think that is very valuable, worth our restructuring deal. But it must be a player, we think there are quite a good chance to put on his contract, because this is when you are in trouble. If you restructuring agreement, so the ability of all the players suddenly fell off a cliff, you must let him go, so you must eat all acceleration." This is why weber let you want to know the crow plans the restructuring of the contract.

What want to Matt Schaub's elbow pain

We have an interesting story, Oakland Raiders team regular method. Starting quarterback Matt Schaub didn't go to training on Sunday with he is pain elbow. Oakland manager Dennis Allen told reporters that he does not think it is a very serious problem. He will evaluate every day. What is the meaning of this? On the surface, at present, it means that he is to have a rest. But this is a familiar scene in Auckland. Matt Flynn, he entered the preseason starter last season, came up with an elbow pain at this time. It is not considered to be severe. Next, we know that Terrelle Pryor earned work into the start of the season. The second round pick Derek Carr on Sunday with the first team. I'm not saying that this year will be the same scenario. But this is an interesting coincidence. If Schaub’s issue is minor, there are both negatives and positives. Schaub and the first-team offense need to work more together. The passing game has been disjointed. Allen has said the entire offense has played a role in the malaise in the passing game. The missed practice time won't help. It won't hurt him to Seattle on Thursday to get some playing time. However, seem to doubt, in my opinion, even if the troubles are secondary. However, Carl is working with the first team's work will be good for him, maybe it can speed up the development. I think the best way is to see how long he, maybe is just a pain, he needs to rest for a few days. In Auckland, the other injured news, rookie defensive lineman Justin Ellis returned to practice and concussion after missing for two weeks. Tarell Brown practiced. He left the Friday's game in the green bay concussion. Central defender player concussion packers Nick Roach also left, don't work on Sunday.

Aldon Smith waited for his fate

Aldon Smith at has been achieved in the second week. The star of the San Francisco 49ers pass rusher meeting in New York for NFL commissioner Roger Goodall on Aug. 7. Smith may be suspended, because some personal questions. So far, Goodell has given no hint of his decision. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week that pause may be as long as six - to - eight games. Last week, the National Football League sources said, Goodell withdraw one to two weeks is expected to make a decision. This week, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said Dan Skuta and Corey Lemonier could both help take over if Smith misses time. Both of those players played last season when the 49ers went 5-0 while Smith was in a treatment center. Smith star training camp, his coach John Harbaugh last week when a crow picked out Baltimore and 49ers worked together for three days. San Francisco coach Jim Smith Harbaugh said he "top" position. Smith has 42 sacks in 43 games.

Bear to McClellin remain optimistic

Shea McClellin produce lack of power, the defender on Friday in Chicago Bears in the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, but his transition of employees is still optimistic. In the first round of selection in the 2012 draft McClellin moved to play defense in the defender in the offseason pass - rusher pedestrians two seasons. Eagle, McClellin struggled in his first live in defender. He missed the solution, and strive to get rid of the block, and the bad the pursuit of Angle.But these fights do not exclude McClellin, however, almost every player has experienced up and down in the evening. McClellin happens to fall under the microscope often because he was the first round of the lineage. "It’s one of those things where he’s working at it," defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. "We see him do it at practice. He looks very instinctive at practice. We saw him make sudden movements and quick decisions in the game. I think he’s already doing that to a certain extent. We just have to get better." Perhaps the most important component of that process is placing McClellin into as many live-game situations as possible so he can become more comfortable playing the position. Believe it or not, against Philadelphia, the Bears drew a difficult assignment given the first-team defense faced the Eagles’ potent no-huddle offense, which features plenty of zone-read concepts, in a situation in which the club hadn’t game-planned for the opposition. This makes a mess of open several series, but once settled defense, McClellin began to improve, He finished the game with two stops. The fact is that staff were not immediately available for McClellin light, because it knows firsthand the challenge for the defender in the transition from the defensive end. What employees want from McClellin incremental steps to become a strong starter." The bottom line is, shea shown here enough believes his defender of instinct, "linebackers coach reggie herring said." I think he'll be okay, "added the herring." He promised. He work hard. To tell you the truth, there are times when he is better than all of them. He changed direction, instinct, stealing the ball, it's a process. You want to have patience. We will know after the first game, second game, we are with him. Now, his schedule. He needs to play more games. He needs more to play, I really believe that he would come, and is a contender to us. This is my prediction."

The predator in tight end is very thin

"A preliminary report" suggests that grade two tight end Nick Kasasuffered season won't injured left knee at the end of the ACL on Tuesday, in practice, the Oakland Raiders of the lost ark is another market jitters. The predator has thin after tight end open training camp. David Ausberry, all nine 106 yards of capture 28 professional game was listed in the team's depth map for the first time in 2014, has experienced a "process" of his left knee last week. Mychal Rivera, 38 receptions for 407 and 2013, four touchdowns as a rookie, Brian Leonhardt practice spent 2013 squad, Kasa, once a capture nine - yard landing reception as a rookie, Auckland three tight end, rookie free agent Jake Murphy and Scott Simonson behind. Oh, there is no timetable Ausberry's return.

Again it’s the paging Jermichael Finley? The 27-year-old tight end 223 2785 yards to catch and 20 TDs in six years of his career, and the relationship between predator, general manager of reggie Mackenzie from his time in green bay. Finley, professional neck injury last season, with packer is limited to six games. Many think that the attackers have strict end - two professional level talent list bowl defender Marcel Reece, who plays a receiver in the university, is expected to be more involved in the predator's game. Marcel Reece, however, is 6 foot - 1, short tight end. "Yes, you know, we use him in the same role a lot," raiders of the lost ark coach Dennis Allen said on Sunday. "I mean, he and Mr Ma, Rivera is really a lot of the same type of things. You don't have a lot of thought process (Reece) as inline blocker... but some of the things we do and he was very similar with tight end what we do."

Khalil Mike "learning" in the NFL

But it may be accurately Khalil Mack didn't change the rules of the game in the Oakland Raiders "exhibition on Friday night in Minnesota, it may be a bit unfair. Mike, no. 5 on this year's NFL draft, there are two processing, a loss, and to the second quarter of the Vikings. Just don't have much really. ok, start the expected strong side defender in the coach.

 "I think you see a person, is a rookie, in his first game," raiders of the lost ark coach Dennis Allen in a conference call on Saturday, told reporters. “A couple of times we activated him on rushes and he was able to cause some disruption. But then there were some times where, a little bit in the run game and a little bit in the pass game, he is just a little bit late in reacting to his responsibility. “I don’t want them doing a whole lot of thinking; I want them just really basically reacting to what they see and go play football.” Mack said after the game it felt like “kind of a relief” to be playing in a game, exhibition or not. “Get out there and get back to playing football,” he said, “but at the same time, still (have) some sense of wanting to get better.” Mack has been compared to Von Miller by Allen and to Clay Matthews by Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. Against the Vikings, Mack looks like a debut NFL, occasional flash. "This is what I mean, you can say I settled," said Mack. "I got a better today. I learned a lot."

Oakland Raiders signed Spencer Hadley and Larry Asante

Both McFadden and Johnson were on the injured players list, and they have not been contributing in practice. In an attempt to shed some injured non contributing players, the Oakland Raiders have signed two new players to their roster.  General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced the signings of both LB Spencer Hadley and S Larry Asante on Wednesday, August 6th.  In order to make room for these two players, the Raiders have released LB Marshal McFadden and S Shelton Johnson.  S Larry Asante was drafted in the 5th round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.  He played his college ball at Nebraska, and spent his time with the Browns on their practice squad.  Asante was signed by the Tampa Bay Bucs after a season ending injury to starting rookie FS Cody Grimm.  He appeared in the final two games of the 2010 season, recording an interception against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.  Asante spent the 2013 season with the Indianapolis Colts.  Asante is 6′ 0″ and 212 pounds.  He has recorded 16 tackles and 1 interception in the NFL.   LB Spencer Hadley is an undrafted rookie free agent out of BYU. He was originally with the New Orleans Saints early this year, but he is now wearing Silver and Black.  At 6′ 1″ and 227 pounds, Hadley will attempt to unseat one of the LB’s already on the depth chart for Oakland. Both these players will have to show a lot in order to unseat the players in their categories, But I am glad to see Mackenzie cut the weight of the injured list.

Raiders DJ Hayden officially on PUP list

Raiders head coach Dennis Allen had confirmed Hayden had an ankle injury during Minicamp, but later tests revealed that Hayden had a stress fracture in his foot after no progress was made in his recovery from the injury sustained during practices last month. Yesterday it was reported that DJ Hayden’s foot injury would likely put him on the PUP list for training camp, a big setback for the second year Oakland Raiders cornerback. That was confirmed today as Hayden was one of the Oakland Raiders on the Physically Unable to Perform list, officially ruled out with a stress fracture in his foot that required a small surgery. Raiders DJ Hayden, Several Raiders reporters confirmed the news, and a stress fracture in the foot could take up to eight weeks to heal which is a massive blow to the team’s plans at developing consistency at the cornerback position. Raiders DJ Hayden, Hayden will likely return to action this season based on the timeline for return from his injury, but when he does there will be a huge spotlight on the 2013 first round pick who after hitting the IR during his rookie season is being labelled as injury prone. Perhaps that is unfair for a player who can still come back and play the large majority of the 2014 season, but Raiders fans who are upset over Reggie McKenzie not drafting the likes of Sheldon Richardson and Star Lotulelei have been harsh on Hayden in the wake of his recent injury. Raiders DJ Hayden Hindsight is 20/20 and Hayden can still return to have a successful second season with the Raiders, but impatient members of Raider Nation are slowly turning on their former first round draft pick, Raiders DJ Hayden.

Raiders' top plays Bob Trey

Oakland Raiders This is one of three nominations for the most memorable play in Raiders' history. Oakland Raiders In the previous two days we featured the Sea of Hands, when Clarence Davis somehow came down with Ken Stabler’s flip in the end zone to upend the defending two-time Super Bowl champion Miami Dolphins in the AFC divisional playoffs in 1974; and the Holy Roller, Oakland Raiders which gave the Raiders a "zany" victory in San Diego on the final play of regulation when Ken Stabler purposely fumbled forward while being sacked and, Oakland Raiders after Pete Banszak batted the ball even further forward, Oakland Raiders Dave Casper recovered in the end zone for a touchdown in 1978. Please vote for your choice as the Raiders’ most memorable play. Oakland Raiders The Raiders, then calling Los Angeles home, Oakland Raiders were already trouncing defending champion Washington 28-9 in Super Bowl XVIII when their offense lined up for the final play of the third quarter. Oakland Raiders What happened next has gone down in NFL lore as “Marcus Allen, running with the night,” courtesy of legendary NFL Films voice John Facenda. Oakland Raiders Because it was a busted play, one in which Allen had to improvise, it is seen in many corners as the greatest run in Super Bowl history, a reverse-field 74-yard scamper that put the dagger in Washington. Oakland Raiders “Yeah, I called it, but Marcus made it work,” Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett told me with a laugh as he recounted the play. Oakland Raiders “It was one of our steady plays: When in doubt, call ‘Bob Trey O.’ It was always solidly blocked where you shouldn’t lose any yards on it. But their safety messed it up.” Oakland Raiders The play was supposed to be a simple power run to the left, right guard Mickey Marvin pulling to clear space for Allen. But Allen went too far wide of Marvin and safety Ken Coffey blew it up by closing in. Allen stopped on a dime, spun to his left and reversed field. A hole had opened on the right side of the line and Allen sped through it, after Coffey lunged for the ball and Allen’s waist in the backfield. Oakland Raiders Accelerating through the gap, Allen ran past defensive end Todd Liebenstein and linebacker Rich Milot. “After I made that turn, everything slowed down,” Allen told ESPN radio affiliate 95.7 The Game during Super Bowl Week this past winter. Oakland Raiders “I remember Neal Olkewicz just grasping. I could almost see the anxiety on their faces and the tension as I was running by. And then, about 20 yards from the goal line, everything came back to normal speed.” Oakland Raiders The lone Washington player with a shot at Allen past the 50-yard line was cornerback Anthony Washington, but he was cut off by Raiders receiver Cliff Branch. Oakland Raiders Allen, who was supposedly too slow to be a game-breaking running back coming out of USC as the 1981 Heisman Trophy winner, had nothing but open field to the left pylon. After the score, Oakland Raiders which was then the longest run in Super Bowl history, Allen was joined in celebration in the end zone by nearly the entire Raiders team. Oakland Raiders “You can’t teach that kind of running,” John Madden, the former Raiders coach-turned-broadcaster, said while describing the replay. Oakland Raiders “You don’t teach that. You don’t practice that. You don’t see that on film. That happened,” Oakland Raiders.

Oakland Raiders Postseason

Begin Oakland Raider fans. It has been 12 years since we’ve made the playoffs. Oakland Raider The harsh yet honest truth. However, Oakland Raider I am willing to say that we will get there this year. Oakland Raider A few reasons why: On March 13, 2014 the Oakland Raiders signed what could be the best defensive men we’ve had in a while. LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck. Oakland Raider Get used to those names being said quite a bit when our defense is on the field. Oakland Raider These guys have something to prove and they’re looking to do it with the Raiders. Oakland Raider On the offensive side of the ball, I was quite amazed with what Reggie McKenzie brought in. Oakland Raider Matt Schaub, James Jones, and Maurice Jones-Drew. Now I can’t be the only fan thinking we got lucky for being able to sign Schaub. I personally think the Texans gave up way too easy. Yes, he had an abysmal season last year but that’s no reason to trade him for a 6th round pick. Oakland Raider Also, I know for a fact that I was not the only Raider fan who cried a little bit when I heard the news that Rashad Jennings was leaving for New York and Darren McFadden had been resigned. But since then, McKenzie has made it clear he wants to win now. Bringing in MJD is going to make an instant impact for us. Yes, MJD & DMC both bring an injury prone running duo to the table yet deep down inside I feel one of them is due a 2000 yard season. (I’d be fine with both). Now, to the best part in my eyes. Oakland Raider When was the last time the Raiders had a receiver that was reliable more than 50% of the time? I am looking forward to Schaub connecting with Jones on 20+ yard receptions/touchdowns. Oakland Raider We are bringing in old guys, Oakland Raider but these guys that are “over the hill” in the eyes of most analysts are winners. And they bring competition to the table. All the Nation needs is hope. Oakland Raider Next to “old man” LaMarr Woodley will be our 1st round pick Khalil Mack. (6 ft 3 in, 248 lbs) The 23 year old coming from Buffalo is going to be the main man on our defense. Oakland Raider He was the MAC Defensive Player of The Year in 2013 and is looking to pick up where he left off in 2014. Oakland Raider I am definitely looking forward to the 2014 Season. My prediction is that we go 8-8 or better.  As the great Bo Jackson once said “Set your goals high, Oakland Raider and don’t stop till you get there” Let’s set our goals to playoffs and hope for the best. Oakland Raider Have an amazing day Raider Nation Oakland Raider.

linebacker Mack impresses with athleticism

Oakland Raiders Some players make you want to draw, and there was Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver on draft night scribbling down possible formations and pass rushes as he waited for Oakland's first pick to arrive. Oakland Raiders The Raiders got their man, Oakland Raiders taking Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack with the fifth pick of the first round, Oakland Raiders and the special athlete now has teammates excited after a month of practices and a three-day minicamp, Oakland Raiders which ended Thursday. Offensive tackle Donald Penn said the 6-foot-3, Oakland Raiders 255-pound Mack "moves like a defensive back" and "has a motor that's relentless." Quarterback Matt Schaub said it's early and players aren't wearing pads yet, but he can see the comparison to his former Texans teammate J.J. Watt, Oakland Raiders the 2012 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. "You can see the impact that he can create," Schaub said. "You can see his physical gifts and his ability to shed blockers and be able to disrupt the passer and the timing of the route." Even coach Dennis Allen, who'd rather bite his tongue than make grand overstatements, has been gushing over Mack. He said Mack's power, length and ability to bend and move reminds him of feared Broncos pass rusher Von Miller, who Allen coached in Denver in 2011. "I know we've thrown out some comparisons, I've thrown out some comparisons, but really I'm focused on Khalil Mack being the best football player that he can be," Allen said. "I think he's an outstanding talent. I think he's got a huge upside. If he continues to work the way that he has, I think he'll fulfill those goals and the expectations that we have of him." Mack doesn't worry about the expectations to be a playmaker. "I'm a relaxed individual," Mack said. "I don't really think 'pressure, pressure, pressure.' I think, 'OK, this is what it is, work on this, work on that, do your job.' " Mack will start at strong-side outside linebacker, but will also move around and have his hand on the ground as a third-down pass rusher. "We've got his head spinning right now, which is a good thing," Allen said. "We're going to throw as much at him as we can into the early part of training camp, and then we'll settle down into the things we can execute as a team at a high level." Mack said he is still getting comfortable before each play, figuring out all of the defensive calls by teammates. Oakland Raiders "It is a lot of voices behind my head, Oakland Raiders trying to figure out what safeties are saying," Mack said. Oakland Raiders "You've got to listen to the right things. I'm trying to break down and assess the game at a high level like those guys are." Oakland Raiders Once the play is over, Mack seeks the voices of defensive stalwarts Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley. Oakland Raiders "It'd be dumb for me not to ask questions knowing the skill level they play with and that they're pretty much the best in the game when it comes to pass rushing," Mack said. Oakland Raiders The players all went their separate ways Thursday, Oakland Raiders to return to training camp July 24 in Napa. Mack doesn't relish the time off. "I want to work on stuff tomorrow if I could," Oakland Raiders he said. "I want to do what I can to prepare myself, especially for training camp and be that immediate impact player," Oakland Raiders.  

Oakland Raiders' offseason roster

Oakland Raiders After a few fits and starts to begin free agency, Oakland Raiders the Raiders rebuilt their offensive and defensive lines and addressed the secondary and offensive backfield while adding veterans with championship pedigrees. Oakland Raiders  In the draft, Oakland scooped up the best player available in linebacker Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders who has been nothing short of impressive in the offseason workouts, Oakland Raiders while picking up the franchise's quarterback of the future in Derek Carr (who has been elevated to second string) and a potential starter at left guard in Gabe Jackson. Oakland Raiders  But if you think the Raiders are done tinkering with the 90-man roster, think again. General manager Reggie McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen have said all along they expect to make moves that, in their estimation, make the Raiders a better football team.   Plus, they have money to play with when entertaining such ideas. According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Raiders still have more than $10.7 million in salary-cap space. But again, to paraphrase McKenzie's refrain, just because he has money in his pocket does not mean he's going to spend it on junk.   Sure, $10 million may sound like a lot, and the Raiders are far from a perfect unit Allen himself equated his roster situation to a kid sitting on Santa's lap and not getting everything he asked for but Oakland's cap surplus pales in comparison to the likes of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have more than $27 million in cap space. Yet it's enough to make the New Orleans Saints and their relatively meager $1.9 million in cap space squint with jealousy.   Still, are there any free agents still out there who would put the Raiders coming off consecutive 4-12 seasons and with the NFL's toughest strength of schedule in 2014 over the top?  Yes, the Raiders could still use a true No. 1 receiver. They could also use some veteran help at tight end. And sure, Oakland Raiders with D.J. Hayden's injury, another tried and tested cornerback would seemingly fit the bill, Oakland Raiders which is why the Raiders non-pursuit of Brandon Flowers was a head-scratcher of sorts. Instead, Oakland Raiders Flowers went from one division rival (the Kansas City Chiefs) to another (the San Diego Chargers).  Oakland Raiders McKenzie has already made an assortment of minor roster moves this offseason, Oakland Raiders and with more than $10 million still at his disposal, Oakland Raiders what he decides to do with it will tell you all you need to know about how he feels about the current roster.  Oakland Raiders Should McKenzie stand pat, or are there players out there he should target? Oakland Raiders Would it be more prudent to possibly use that salary-cap space on camp cut, Oakland Raiders.

Doug Williams in Raider

Oakland Raiders I caught part of a replay of Super Bowl XXII the other day on NFL Network, Oakland Raiders and it was the start of the third quarter between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos when announcer Al Michaels said something that caught my attention. Oakland Raiders It actually made me pause the DVR, hit rewind and play again so I could hear Michaels one more time. And then another. Oakland Raiders Sure, there had been rumors that Al Davis had been enamored with quarterback Doug Williams. Oakland Raiders But in the third quarter of that Super Bowl, Oakland Raiders after Williams had essentially won the game for Washington with an epic second quarter that featured five touchdowns, Michaels told the tale. He reported that Williams had been ticketed to the then-Los Angeles Raiders the Monday before the NFL’s 1987 regular season was to begin. Then-Washington coach Joe Gibbs had even told Williams he was on his way to the Raiders. But then, according to Michaels, the Raiders balked at Washington’s price   a first-round draft pick, or a very good player. Now, we’ve already heard the tales of John Elway coming so close to being a Raider, and how the Raiders should have drafted Dan Marino in that same 1983 draft after the purported draft-day trade to land Elway fell through. And while the Williams-to-the-Raiders story might not have that same intrigue as either Elway or Marino wearing Silver and Black, it is interesting nonetheless. Especially when you consider what Williams accomplished later that strike-torn season, and when you realize who the Raiders instead used that first-round pick on in the 1983 draft. Williams, who had been the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ starting quarterback from 1978 through 1982 and had helped author three playoff appearances for them, was also a pioneer as an African American quarterback, following in the footsteps of James Harris and Joe Gilliam. And we know that Davis looked beyond skin tone when it came to players he believed could play  Davis selected QB Eldridge Dickey in the first round of the 1968 draft   and Williams had the big arm Davis was always in search of. But after a contract dispute ended his time in Tampa Bay, Williams played two seasons in the USFL before resurfacing in Washington in 1986 as Jay Schroeder's backup. Williams had not started an NFL game since Jan. 9, 1983, a playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys, so yeah, you could imagine the Raiders not wanting to give up a first-rounder for him less than a week before the 1987 season. Still, the Raiders were relatively unsettled under center entering that season as Jim Plunkett had retired and Marc Wilson and Rusty Hilger were the returners. But even as the Raiders got off to a 3-0 start, the wheels quickly fell off, thanks in part to the strike, which cancelled one week of games and led to three weeks of replacement player games. The Raiders finished 5-10, their worst record since going 1-13 in 1962, the year before Davis arrived in Oakland. And two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Tom Flores resigned following the season. Would Williams have saved the season and steadied the Raiders' ship? Meanwhile, in Washington, Williams still had to bide his time. Sure, he relieved Schroeder a few times in 1987 and even started two regular-season games, but he did not become Washington’s starter for good until there was 6:51 remaining in the third quarter of its regular-season finale against Minnesota. Williams, a huge team favorite, led Washington on its playoff run, upsetting the Chicago Bears in the divisional round and then upending the Vikings in the NFC title game. Then came Super Sunday, in which he threw all four of his touchdown passes in the historic second quarter and passed for a then-Super Bowl record 340 yards in Washington’s 42-10 victory over Elway’s Broncos as Williams became the first African-American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl, a feat not matched until Russell Wilson did it with theSeattle Seahawks this past February. The trade that never happened between Oakland and Washington seemed to work out best for Washington, at least on the surface. But if the Raiders had given up their first-rounder in 1988, they probably would have missed out on Tim Brown, Oakland Raiders though the Raiders did do some wheeling and dealing later to acquire three first-rounders, which they used on Brown, Terry McDaniel and Scott Davis. So, with hindsight always being 20/20, Oakland Raiders do you essentially trade Doug Williams for Tim Brown if you’re the Raiders? Oakland Raiders Whatever your answer, remember this, Oakland Raiders the Raiders and Washington would get together for a trade in 1988, a deal that would haunt the Raiders as they sent offensive tackle Jim Lachey to Washington for… wait for it . Schroeder. Oakland Raiders Williams would only play 15 more games over the next two seasons before retiring, while Schroeder could not fully win over the hearts and minds of the Raiders' locker room in five seasons, Oakland Raiders.

A poker game and good food in the Raiders

Oakland Raiders When the Raiders are playing, this is a good excuse to make a night of it and invite your friends around for the whole evening. Oakland Raiders Make sure that you know what time the game will start and that you are able to watch it on your television. If you live outside of the United States, Oakland Raiders perhaps somewhere like France, Oakland Raiders then make sure that you will be able to watch the game, by subscribing to the right passes online or finding the right channels on your television. Also, take into account the time difference between where the Raiders are playing and where you are in France. Oakland Raiders Have everyone arrive a little earlier than the game begins, so that you can all catch up on each other’s lives before the action kicks off. Then get comfortable, make sure that everyone else has somewhere to sit, and enjoy supporting your team. Prepare some food that you can all eat either before or during the game and then have a plan for what to do once the game has finished. One thing that you could do to keep the evening going, is to start up a game of poker. This is always an entertaining game and you can vary it depending on the skill-level of the players. For example, if you are all used to playing the game on the here, then you will all know the rules and can play for higher stakes. However, if you or others in your group are new to the game of poker, then you can play for low stakes and take the game slowly. Whichever way you are playing, you will need some good quality, poker-sized playing cards and poker chips, as well as a good, comfortable table that everyone can sit around during play. With regards to the food that you will be serving on the night, there are many different things that you could choose from. If you are indeed in France, then why not take advantage of being there and delve into some great French food. French cheeses are great served with crackers and chutney and are easily eaten as finger food. Something that is both easy to prepare and easy to eat is ideal, Oakland Raiders as your guests will most likely want to focus on the other entertainment that is going on. You could also serve a variety of other nibbles, like chips and dip, Oakland Raiders cocktail sausages or chips. Finger food is the best choice, as you won’t want to be bothering with a sit-down meal. Oakland Raiders However, as long as you are eating before the game of poker, Oakland Raiders you could always order food like pizza or noodles, Oakland Raiders so that everyone can have what they want and you don’t have to prepare anything, Oakland Raiders.