2009 Raiders Camp Taking Unorthodox Approach

In an unorthodox move for a Raiders' head coach, Tom Cable is calling for flags on his players. Tom and his staff have invited referee's to camp for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday's practices.

The officials are going to watch plays, call penalties, and give the players explanations of what they are looking for on particular calls. It's an attempt to reduce penalties by a team that is historically known for them.

It's a great move, if you ask me. I didn't even know that such a thing was possible. I think they should do it for the entire camp.

This is just the latest move which tells Raider Nation that this is Tom Cable's team. It also amplifies the idea that it is not a show at all, but in fact very real. Tom just continues to impress the fans.

Here's the kicker, though: every other team's fans don't know. They are going to be somewhat blindsided by the improvement of this team.

I think we, ourselves, may be a bit blindsided.

On another note, the latest Raiders legend to visit the new generation this offseason was Jim Otto at Wednesday's practice. Coach Cable has emphasized the presence of Raiders' greats during this offseason.

Jerry McDonald said he is, "reasonably certain (Otto's) the toughest man who ever lived." Otto joins a growing list that includes Ken Stabler, Jack Tatum, Jerry Rice, Rod Woodson, Bo Jackson, and many others.

There is a new sun shining in Oakland folks. It's feeding us rays of hope for a new generation of Raiders' legends, the likes of which haven't been seen in decades.

One day, we could be talking to our children about JaMarcus Russell, Mike Mitchell, Darren McFadden, Kirk Morrison, and others, the way we were talked to by our parents about the prior Raiders legends.

One more thing: Derrick Burgess has reportedly been traded to the New England Patriots for a third and fifth round draft pick in 2011's draft.

Why 2011? Don't ask me or coach Cable, the deal was reportedly done without Cable's input, which may or may not have been the way he wanted it. If he didn't want anything to do with that, I would completely understand his reasoning for that.

Regardless of Burgess, like they say at McDonald's, I'm lovin' it.