On Saturday I'm going to the Raiders minicamp to write a column. So I have a question. What do you think is a good story?
My colleague and pal Phil Barber will be writing Darrius Heyward-Bey, so that's a no-no for me. But there are others like Jeff Garcia and JaMarcus Russell.
I'm wondering if you have ideas. I want to get this right, but remember -- and this is strictly from a journalist's point of view -- I'm dealing with the Raiders here and it's hit and miss whether they make the players you want available. The Niners put me alone in a room with Alex Smith. Something like that never will happen with the Raiders. Having issued that caution I'm eager for your suggestions.
Don't even know where to start with those bozos.
The new D Coordinator would be interesting to hear from. How will they stop the run? The D tackles need to earn their money this year.
Good luck on this one...Maybe find someone on the defensive side of the team & ask them the question...Will the Raiders ever abandon their 40 year old philosophy of their cornerbacks playing man-to-man coverage ?
The article that ran in this morning's PD, about DHB was very informative. If it's anything close to being true, than the Raiders made a great find with their pick.
I'm curious to know where Darren Mcfaddens head is at going into year two. IMHO he's the best offensive player they have, certainly one of the most expensive, and after a rookie season that saw him used sparingly, and the team struggle, hows he feel? Is he excited about what they can do offensively? Is he worried that they didn't do enough to upgrade the line he has to play behind? Can he give any insight about who will get most of the work in that backfield? IMO he should be the focal point of the offense. If he has a breakout season it will open up everything. Along with Russell, he's the most important guy in that camp, which makes it all the more baffling that they didn't focus on linemen in the draft.
Hi Lowell
I think there is really only one 'big' story with the Raiders: Is J. Russell going to save the franchise?
If Russell cant become a big time QB this year everything falls apart for the Raiders - coach fired, no leader on offense, stuck with a dud, everyone starts yelling at each other..& on & on.
Does Russell feel the heat here? He must.
Well one thing is for sure, Al will never take responsibility.
How long are the other partners going to sit by and watch Al Davis ruin the franchise?
I like this angle a lot. The NFL is a QB league and if you don't have one, your chances are almost nill. If you don't have the best defense in the league you can't win without a QB.
JaMarcus Russell...talk to him about what he has done over the offseason to be ready to lead this team to contention in the AFC West.