Garcia The Firestarter

The goals of Al Davis signing Jeff Garcia to a contract are two fold:

#1: Sign a veteran QB to act as a capable backup and insurance policy in case JaMarcus Russell gets injured.

#2: Allow Garcia's competitiveness to light a fire under Russell's ass and push him to greater heights.

The season hasn't started and in my humble opinion, both goals have been realized. For starters, Garcia is a much more accomplished and established backup than Andrew Walter or Tui could ever hope to be. But more importantly, the signing and presence of Garcia has been a huge boost and instigator to get Russell to take the next steps in his career progression. I hope Russell feels threatened by Garcia. I hope Russell senses Garica breathing down his neck.

There has clearly been an added dimension and focus to how Russell has reacted this offseason. Players on the offensive unit have remarked to the media about Russell's improved command of the huddle in OTAs. Russell took it upon himself to organize and pay for WRs to join him in Alabama to work on their timing and build a rapport. Russell has even been confident enough about his offseason conditioning that he has made a friendly wager with his head coach about coming into camp at a designated weight.

Although Russell is only 23 years old, he isn't naive. He is aware of the statements Garcia has made to the press about being the guy who gives the Raiders the best chance to win. I love it. Russell is a prideful, confident, talented QB. The signing of Garcia gave him that little extra juice to start doing all of the extra things required of a franchise QB.

Dash, Smash, and Crash (Video)

The original video is labeled as "Smash (Bush), Slash (Fargas), and Dash (McFadden)". I took some creative editing liberties and changed it to "Dash (McFadden), Smash (Bush), and Crash (Fargas)". First, I changed the order to reflect what I consider the true depth chart which is McFadden as the lead back, Bush as the #2 back, and Fargas at #3. I also changed Fargas nickname from "Slash" to "Crash" since one of his real nicknames is "Crash Test Dummy".

This video showcases each RB's different skill set and running style. The engine to getting the offensive unit's RPM up is clearly the 3 headed monster. I eagerly anticipate Cable using McFadden and Bush in a variety of creative ways in both the running game and passing attack. It will be interesting to see how the carries are distributed amongst the 3 backs. One offensive scheme that I think could be very effective is a 2 back set of McFadden and Bush in the backfield with the option of putting either RB in motion. In my view, it is critical to the Raiders overall success in 09 that McFadden is on the field as much as possible. His big play ability and multiple skills (run, catch, pass, decoy) forces the opponent to account for him and adjust their focus accordingly. This creates a multiple of opportunities for the other offensive skill position players.

80 Years Young

Not enough room on the cake to stick 80 candles but nevertheless, "Happy Birthday Al!" If you were to go back as far as his days in high school in Brooklyn, Davis has been involved, immersed, fascinated, and in love with the game of football for 67 consecutive years. It is rare to find someone who has kept a singular focus and passion burning so bright for so many years in a truly remarkable career. In case you were wondering what I got Al for his BDay, see below!

Raiders Sign Veteran Greg Ellis

The Raiders signed veteran DE/LB Greg Ellis to a 3 year deal today with the contract details unknown. Ellis, who was cut by the Cowboys a few weeks ago, will transition from a 3-4 LB to a 4-3 DE. Does this move mean that Derrick Burgess will be shipped off for a 3rd round pick? I am hopeful that the organization will keep DBurg around 1 more season to squeeze as much production from him in a contract year.

If DBurg stays in Oakland, this is the list of DLineman competing for a spot on the final 53 man roster:

DE Derrick Burgess, Greg Ellis, Jay Richardson, Trevor Scott, Greyson Gunheim, Stryker Sulak (R)

DT Gerrard Warren, Tommy Kelly, Terdell Sands, Ryan Boschetti, William Joseph

Greg Ellis - 6'6", 262 lbs, 11 year veteran
2008 Stats: 36 tackles (25 solo); 1 interception, 8 sacks

Ellis is 10-year veteran with very good size and adequate speed and quickness. He reacts quickly to the run. He has good size and strength to maintain effective hand use. He has long arms to stack and shed. He will get upright with his pad level, but has good strength and balance to keep his feet. He's a former defensive end who understands leverage. He can play physical and get off blocks with good timing. He is still quick enough to work his feet and re-gain outside leverage. He is also quick enough to contain and force running backs back inside. He has adequate acceleration in space with good effort to pursue from behind. As a pass rusher, the Cowboys will bring him off the edge from a three-point stance where he has good success recording sacks when his hand is on the ground. He has strength in his upper body to re-work his hands inside then react off of the offensive tackle's technique. He's physical with his hands and works to finish. He is also strong with the ability to rip inside-out. He has a variety of pass-rush moves including spins and counters. He does a good job turning speed to power. He will get upright on counter moves, but comes hard inside and has strength into traffic. He has some limitations in coverage due to his lack of burst in space. He will stall changing direction and lack the quickness to break down consistently, when isolated.

Tweet, Tweet

For Raiders fans who have an insatiable thirst for Raider related "news", the franchise now has a twitter account up and running. Whether this micro-blogging type information will be interesting, newsworthy, or simply a marketing tool has yet to be determined. The last 24 hour batch of "tweets" has a few quotes from Raider legends Kenny "The Snake" Stabler and Freddy "2 packs a day" Biletnikof. There are also some heads-ups on upcoming events. I'm quite certain that I will check on this twitter account daily.

Fun Photos

Here are 4 photos that I find amusing or interesting for different reasons:














Is there any doubt who owns this nice trinket? If it was up to me, I would have advised him to go for the home jersey in onyx and the jersey number and name in ice.














Godfather bling supreme. Added bonus: It goes with the entire wardrobe!















The ultimate way to travel. The Oakland Raiders partner with Air Asia to market the Raider Nation brand globally. Nice ... very nice!




















Last but not least, how about some serious ink. Is there any doubts whatsoever that this dude is a die-hard?

The Oakland Fury - Video

I enjoyed watching this 2008 video showcasing some of the young guns on offense. The Raiders have a strong core of young, skilled players on offense that should develop into an electric group. This group consists of Russell, Run DMc, Bush, JLH, DBH, Chaz, and Zach Miller. Enjoy the video and "Stay thirsty, my friends!" :D CJ is about to enjoy an ice cold Dos XX. Cheers Raider fans!