The Oakland Raiders run a base 4-3 defense and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan uses a fair amount of formations and does like to keep offenses guessing, the Raiders didn’t bring a lot of pressure in 2007 like they have in the past, preferring to keep the LB corps and secondary focused on coverage.
The Raiders aren’t a blitz happy team and I doubt that will change but don’t be surprised to see the Raider defense be more aggressive. The team is determined to shore up their run defense. Improving in this area will go a long way toward the team’s success in 2008.
The team needed to get stronger and brought in Strength & Conditioning coach Brad Roll to replace Jeff Fish who left to become the Director of Athletic performance for the Atlanta Falcons.
The start of the Raider practices is much louder with Brad Roll around. He has 16 years of NFL experience and has been a welcome addition to the coaching staff. He has a loud and distinct voice that booms out instructions to the players during team stretches that all 80 players can hear.
Head Coach Lane Kiffin is elated that Brad Roll’s message is getting through to the players loud and clear long before the players take the field. Coach Roll has several players looking different and feeling stronger.
Kiffin has noted and mentioned the physical improvements of several players this offseason. Several Raiders are setting personal bests in the weight room and credit Brad Roll. The increased strength will serve the team well especially the Defensive Line.
I was under the impression that the Raiders would draft a defensive tackle in the 1stround and I was wrong. I don’t have a problem with the team drafting Darren McFadden, he's a homerun hitter so to speak I get it, but I felt the need was there for a DT.
I also thought that a DT would be drafted in the 4thround especially with two picks in that round. I had my eyes on DT Athyba Rubin or Red Bryant but I was wrong again. The sad thing is the team hasn’t drafted a DT in years.
Building a stronger defense has several similarities with building a house. You need to start any structure with a strong foundation, the foundation for the Raider defense needs to be the defensive line more specifically the Defensive Tackle positions.
There are five players that make up the defensive tackle rotation:
Tommy Kelly was hurt last year and missed the majority of the season. The Raiders thought enough of Tommy Kelly to pay him an $18.125 million signing bonus to replace Warren Sapp at the 3-technique tackle, even though Kelly was done after seven games last season with a torn ACL.
Gerard Warren, imported from Denver, seemed to follow his career-long trend of looking alternately sensational and mediocre.
Terdell Sands, counted upon to be a run-stopper on the nose, was beset by family tragedies and had a poor season.
William Joseph, the six year veteran and former NY Giants first round pick in 2003 is hoping to jump start his career.
Josh Shaw has been a fringe lineman that has bounced between the roster and the practice squad.
This is a group of veteran players with something to prove. Terdell Sands is in shape and primed to rebound and have a productive season like he did in 2006. Sands and a healthy Tommy Kelly should serve the defense well.
The Raiders need consistency and solid play from Gerard Warren or he will be replaced. He has looked explosive some weeks and was invisible in others.
I feel that Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands will play great but I have my concerns withGerard Warren and William Joseph due to the unknown factor.
Is Gerard Warren going to play with consistency? Can William Joseph turn his career around and be the impact player several expected him to be when drafted?
This is the time of the year to make improvements and solidify or change team strategy. Every team in the league is working hard to improve and the Oakland Raiders are no different.
All five guys have the size to play the position; it is safe to say that a huge portion of the success or failure of the team’s defense depends on these guys all playing well.
It is too early to tell now but it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if the Raiders brought in another defensive tackle to add to the rotation.
Guys that are available right now are Grady Jackson, Roderick Coleman, Anthony McFarland, and Manuel Wright.
Two of the four mentioned above had their season cut short by injury in 2007. There will more than likely be a few more players to choose from as the training camp rosters are cut down.
Another intriguing player that could improve the defense is MLB Ed Hartwell. If he has recovered from the injuries that have doomed him since he left the Ravens he could help improve two positions.
Hartwell could start at middle linebacker that would allow the Raiders to start Kirk Morrison at SLB where he can become a bigger playmaker.
This shouldn’t be considered a demotion for Kirk Morrison it would simply allow the Raiders to have their best three linebackers in the starting lineup.
The secondary will be solid with the addition of SS Gibril Wilson, Nnamdi Asomugha & DeAngelo Williams at the corners and Michael Huff moving to FS.
Look for Tyvon Branch to make an impact early on special teams but he will also make an impact as a reserve safety.
Contrary to popular belief the new and improved Oakland Raiders will make noise in 2008.
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3 months ago
Good article. A little scattered though. Also I would like to see something on the difference between the two DT positions. If you are trying to do this seriously I would suggest a better editing process as well. If not good job and thanks for the read.
As a man who played well at DE do you expect Kelly to be a disruptor like Sapp or more of an all around UT?
Also, considering the amount of money thrown at DT with Kelly and Sands did you really think we would draft one in the first round? I will admit I wanted it to but a trade down made more sense than Dorsey considering he is a UT and we are putting the overpaid Kelly there.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments, Parker. Going into the differences between both tackle positions wasn't something I considered but I'm all for it. The coaching staff must do a good job of developing a DT rotation.
The coaching staff needs to good job of knowing which Tackle to play and in which situation, coaches must utilize their players' most advantageous techniques and gap responsibilities. Techniques and Gaps describe where a defensive tackle is positioned along the line of scrimmage, his post snap actions, and what type of lineman he is.
The Raiders base 4-3 defense is a gap control defense, you've and Under Tackle and a Nose Tackle. Defensive Tackles are usually refered to as 1-technique or 3-technique lineman. The term "technique" is misleading though, as it refers not to a players actual technique but again, where they line up at the start of the play. The defensive line of scrimmage is divided into numbers.
Each lineman corresponds with the placement of the offensive lineman. Directly in front of the center is '0', or 0-technique. Between the center and the guard is the 1-technique, across from the guard is the 2-technique, and between the guard and tackle is the 3-technique. These numbers continue numerically across the line of scrimmage but we'll deal strictly with the 0-3 techniques.
A 1-technique tackle is normally referred to as a Nose Tackle. He lines up in front of the center, often "shading" or sliding his hips to one of the center's shoulders. Because they are double-teamed by the guard and center on nearly every play, Nose Tackle's are normally big, strong, and stout but less athletic.
Alternatively, a 3-technique lineman, who lines up between the guard and tackle, is usually lighter and quicker at the point of attack. They are asked to shoot their gap and pierce the middle of the offensive line. Answering your question regarding can Tommy Kelly replace Warren Sapp the answer is yes. Giving Warren Sapp his props he was one of the best 3-technique tackles the NFL has ever seen.
Several people have literally forgotten that Tommy Kelly is a Defensive Tackle, he has the versatility to play DE, he played DT for four years at Mississippi State. Going into his senior season he was considered the #3 DT in the nation behind Vince Woolfork & Tommie Harris, he went undrafted in the 2004 draft. The majority of the DT's drafted ahead of him haven't panned out with the exception of Vince Wolfork, Tommie Harris, Igor Olshansky, Isaac Sopoaga, Tank Johnson, Matthais Askew, Marcus Tubbs.
3 months ago
Really Good take.
I really enjoyed reading this article.
It is nice to share concerns and be real about your team but also be optimistic.
To often are Raider fans painted as denial driven old timers, but their is a young(and old) knowledgeable fan base that is aware that we need to adapt to blitzes and dare I say, lose Al.
Kiffin knows where to go.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comments and compliments, Peter. Thanks for reading.
3 months ago
I totatlly agree and have been saying the same thing all off season. Barring injury, no additional D-linemen need be added. This group of DTs & DEs will perform well. Spires will end the season starting opposite Burgess.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comments, Sharpe. Until proven otherwise I've got concerns with William Joseph and Gerard Warren. I hope both prove me wrong, if not changes will be made.
3 months ago
Anyone concerned about the playbook ending up with Norv via Newberry?
from 3 months ago
Sharpe, with regards to the playbook. I'm not as concerned as when we faced the Bucs in the Super Bowl if thats what you mean. Gruden wrote the playbook Callahan never changed.
Last year Chucky Jr. only used a dumbed down playbook because he didn't believe the team was ready for everything he's got, mainly our receivers. This year Kiffin has more confidence in our receiving core which will show in play calling.
Kiffin wants high percentage passes and the best way to get a guy open besides his personal ability, is to be creative with the plays to creates a mismatch.
note: Al Davis always builds a team he believes wins every 1 on 1 match-up...thats why we play Man-to-Man D, thats why he goes vertical on O)
from 3 months ago
Sharpe,
I have to agree with Kevin & Parker. I don't think it is a huge issue now. I was very concerned heading into the Super Bowl against the Bucs.
3 months ago
No not really. Film will help more than a former player and we wont be running anywhere near the same offense this year with all the turnover at skill positions. How can Newberry tell them how to account for DMac and Bush, or Walker and Carter much less JR in an offense designed to utilize his talents. Players change teams all the time, it rarely gives an advantage unless old players who practiced across from each other come face to face and one knows the other inside out. Which is why I am looking forward to the NE game to see Moss get shut down by Aso.
3 months ago
Hey Jeff!
Warren played a lot better at the dt spot last year than a lot of folks gave him credit for. I think with another year in the system, he has the ability to do good things. Reports of us being interested in Grady Jackson are encouraging. I've been crying about that since he was released. If we're going with small, quick linebackers, let's get some beef up front to keep the lb's clean to make plays against the run.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comments, Paul. You are right on the money Warren did play a lot better at DT last year. He is very talented, I just want to see him show consistency and play at a high level the entire season. He is a veteran player and I do have faith that he will. You hit the nail on the head as far as needing some beef up front to keep the LB's clean. Thanks for stopping by and providing another money take.
3 months ago
...preciate the reply Parker
from 3 months ago
warren retired so good luck with that. but he did have a hell of a career
3 months ago
Deangelo who? Know who you meant, but that guy is dead ain't he?
3 months ago
No, I am thinking of Darrent Williams (the bronco corner). Anyway, good article, however journalists have already posted these statements and it is always the "right thing to do" to reference where you got your information. I know what is yours and what isn't, and I really do not care, but I like to help people with feedback, so I would suggest hyperlinks as an easy way to include the reference. But seriously, good article, just giving some freindly feedback is all.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comments and compliments, Chris. I read the article that you hyperlinked and I enjoyed it but it was not the source of reference for the story. I've done that before and will again. Brad Roll was signed by the Raiders on Feb. 1st 2008. Thanks for the feedback.
3 months ago
For clarification: http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1061816.html
3 months ago
My prediction for the performance of the defensive tackles is: TBA. I think Sands will be productive since he has had a year to work out the family tragedies that faced him last season. Everyone else has serious issues to confront: Is Kelly ready to play after tearing up his ACL last year, can Joseph come back from his back injury which kept out of the season last year, can Warren improve on his consistency and can Shaw develop?
from 3 months ago
Bruce, Thanks for reading the article and taking time to comment.
3 months ago
the raiders i think are going to run into a little bit of trouble this year concerning money. im not saying its garunteed that starters are going to get hurt, but i think the raiders spent way to much money on some mediocre players when they could have took some time and built some depth at each position. the key to winning is having a good talent pool that can sub in in the game so that starters dont get so tired. now the raiders have that talent pool but it isn't deep
from 3 months ago
Josh, Thanks for reading the article and taking time to comment.
3 months ago
Cut and Paste articles get a senior writer status, lol
Could you at least mention you pulled the bulk of this off other stories, I'll still read it. Just with more respect.
As to the opinions portion you added, I agree about the draft. I'm not sure about the free agents though.
Personally, I am totally impressed with the coaching moves last year and adding Lofton to coach receivers. Along with that I hope our coaches develop the team as a whole with its parts working together. I've seen enough glimpses of the younger players on D that we should see how it goes, with the biggest question... Can Sands and Kelly produce every down? As backups they always showed promise, but every down is much different
from 3 months ago
Kevin, Thanks for the comments. As far as the cutting and pasting you mentioned I have no idea where that is coming from but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I've written several articles on the Raiders for this site and a few other sites this isn't my first. I achieved Senior Writer status from writing several articles, you can write articles and join the party as well. By the way, Lofton was added to the coaching staff this year. I love the coaching staff and the additions made to the team and feel that the Raiders will be a much better team. The article was based on building a better defense and focusing on the DT position. I do want to thank you for stopping by and I look forward to a few articles from you.
3 months ago
Jeff
Again another great article. I like the Idea of moving Morrison outside, but my real hope is moving to more of a three-four now that Sapp is gone. With Morrison and Hartwell inside I think that would go more to stopping the run than beefing the DT positions. JMHO
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments, Raider! It is interesting that you mention the 3-4 defense. I've felt that way for a while, I wrote an article stating that four months ago. Several people told me I was crazy but it would work as a change of pace or what I like to call a Hybrid 3-4. Although I have to disagree with not beefing up the D-line. The D line in both defenses tie up blockers that will keep the LB's clean to make tackles.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/12088-oakland-raiders-change-in-defensive-philosophy
3 months ago
Kevin, preciate your reply also regarding the playbook
3 months ago
hey jeff, nice article, but i wonder if the raiders would be reluctant to move morrison to the outside were i believe he will play better if hartwell delivers? or would they take another shot at the 3-4 defense were i agree with an interview to sapp were he said that the raiders play a 4-3 scheme but they are built like a 3-4 team? what's your opinion?.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments, Mandingo. If Hartwell delivers, I don't think the Raiders will be reluctant to move him there because it would help improve the team. I say that due to the fact that the Raiders have needed a SLB for quite sometime. In regards to the Raiders taking another shot at the 3-4 defense I feel it will work. People fail to realize that the Raiders were the first Super Bowl championship team that ran a 3-4 defense in 1976. I even wrote a story about the Raiders running a Hybrid 3-4 defense that you can check out.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/12088-oakland-raiders-change-in-defensive-philosophy
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
3 months ago
Jeff,
As usual your article was a nice read. Where did you here that Terdell Sands was in shape? I heard you could always find him out of shape hunched over by the water. Hope you are right though,
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments it is always nice to converse with Pro Football Planet. I heard that from a former player that attended a practice and from reading Jason Jones blog with the Sacramento Bee and Jerry McDonald blog who writes for the Contra Costa Times & Inside Bay Area.
As you know, he is a big man and anyone carrying 335 lbs. might appear out of shape due to his shear size but not for the position he plays. He didn't have any major injuries last year. He needs to focus on getting lower and playing with better leverage, technique, awareness and lane integrity.
3 months ago
I have always felt that Kirk Morrison was undersized to play mike ...it looked to me as though he has had a difficult time taking on centers and guards who are proficient trap blockers.
With Kirk's ballhawking ability and lateral speed, it would be nice to see him on playing the anchor lb position.
Nice article.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliments and comments, Chris. I agree with your take. Check out my article titled "Oakland Raiders: Most intriguing Training Camp Battles". Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
3 months ago
"Terdell Sands, counted upon to be a run-stopper on the nose, was beset by family tragedies and had a poor season."
Please provide a link?
I've heard this over and over and NEVER found a mention outside of blogs and opinion forums.
Joseph's the wild card.
Just never fit in NY. Bad start that got worse.
He could be ready now after missing too many pre seasons to be viable in NY, he may have enough now to use his remarkable agility to make plays along side one gap penetrator Warren or along side Richardson and Kelly in red zone 3-4's.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, M. You're hearing that he was beset by family tragedies over and over again because unfortunately that was what he was going through last year. It was not thrown out as an excuse.
You won't find a link anywhere that states this player and his family have lost a family member or are going through other tragedies. The last thing any family needs is media coverage while greiving or dealing with a hardship. NFL Players like everyone else want to keep their private lives as private as possible.
If you want info outside of blogs and opinion forums, not to sound rude because that's not my intent, but you need to search for it. I would suggest following Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee wo cover the Raiders year round, kffl.com (hotw), Sporting News.com, JTthebrick.com, Next Level Scouting and Pro Football Weekly. You might want to take a look at Scout.com which puts out a yearly magazine from scouts of every pro team and there are several other scouting services out there.
On another note, you could be right about William Joseph and the Raiders and all of their fans are hoping he is ready as well. It is almost his last chance to show that talent that he has. A breakout year from him would go a long way to improving the defense. He is yet another veteran player with something to prove. Hey, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
from 2 months ago
You were after a link in regards to Terdell Sands a while ago. Here is a link to Sacramento Bee Raiders Beat Writers Blog regarding Terdell Sands http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/raiders/
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