Sunday, June 13, 2010
John Henderson
John Nathan Henderson
#98
Position: DT
Height: 6-7 Weight: 328 lbs.
Born: January 9, 1979 in Nashville, TN
College: Tennessee
*2-time Pro Bowler (fine print)
Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st round (9th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Def Interceptions Fumbles Tackles
Year Age Tm G GS Sk PD Tkl
2002 23 JAX 16 13 6.5 6 46
2003 24 JAX 16 16 3.5 7 47
2004* 25 JAX 16 16 5.5 4 63
2005 26 JAX 16 15 3.0 7 53
2006* 27 JAX 16 16 3.5 6 38
2007 28 JAX 15 15 2.0 3 28
2008 29 JAX 14 14 2.0 2 35
2009 30 JAX 15 15 3.0 3 26
Career 124 120 29.0 38 336
John Nathan Henderson
#98
Position: DT
Height: 6-7 Weight: 328 lbs.
Born: January 9, 1979 in Nashville, TN
College: Tennessee
*2-time Pro Bowler (fine print)
Drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st round (9th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Def Interceptions Fumbles Tackles
Year Age Tm G GS Sk PD Tkl
2002 23 JAX 16 13 6.5 6 46
2003 24 JAX 16 16 3.5 7 47
2004* 25 JAX 16 16 5.5 4 63
2005 26 JAX 16 15 3.0 7 53
2006* 27 JAX 16 16 3.5 6 38
2007 28 JAX 15 15 2.0 3 28
2008 29 JAX 14 14 2.0 2 35
2009 30 JAX 15 15 3.0 3 26
Career 124 120 29.0 38 336
Raiders No. 1 draft pick Rolando McClain told his hometown paper in Alabama that he is not planning to hold out, which is not news but always nice to hear. The inside linebacker is being picked by some ESPN experts and some of the preseason magazines hitting the shelves to be the defensive rookie of the year (and why not, he could be on the field a lot).
While it's hard to take a lot from no-pads practices in May and June -- Oakland has three more this week starting Tuesday, with the media welcome on Wednesday -- McClain has definitely looked the part of an impact player. His main job will be to stuff the run and adjust the defense to what he sees the offense doing before the snap. He is a thumper and he is smart -- any concerns over his pass-coverage skills are ill-founded as that takes time and teammates' help on the field before a rookie gets a feel for it.
"He can help us a lot," cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha told Comcast's Greg Papa. "He can help us against the run -- he's a bigger guy that can stuff fullbacks in the hole before they even get started.
"He's a smart guy, an athletic guy ... so that's going to help us out in the passing game. ... It's very early for him. Training camp can always be difficult for a rookie, so there's going to be a learning curve."
There is a great track record for Southeastern Conference linebackers taken in the first round of the NFL draft. You learn your craft in the most physical conference in the college football, you're in pretty good shape -- especially like in McClain's case, if you were one of the leaders on a national championship-winning team.
In no particular order, here are some of the SEC linebackers drafted high over the last 20 years: Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennett, Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jerod Mayo, John Abraham, Al Wilson ... Georgia's David Pollack would have also been a good one but had to retire from the Bengals due to vertebrae issues.
ALSO: Due to popular demand, I am going to start tweeting from practice on Wednesday. I was going to wait until training camp because again, I think football without pads and hitting is a little like 9 1/2 weeks without Kim Bassinger. Darren McFadden is the best running back in the world if there were no pads, and I will be tweeting all of his 25-yards runs starting Wednesday. ... There was a recent story about how good tackle Mario Henderson looked, but that was after a pratice of mostly 7-on-7 drills ... with no pads. C'mon people. Have we set the bar so low that the offensive line gets a thumbs up if no quarterbacks get maimed in May?
While it's hard to take a lot from no-pads practices in May and June -- Oakland has three more this week starting Tuesday, with the media welcome on Wednesday -- McClain has definitely looked the part of an impact player. His main job will be to stuff the run and adjust the defense to what he sees the offense doing before the snap. He is a thumper and he is smart -- any concerns over his pass-coverage skills are ill-founded as that takes time and teammates' help on the field before a rookie gets a feel for it.
"He can help us a lot," cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha told Comcast's Greg Papa. "He can help us against the run -- he's a bigger guy that can stuff fullbacks in the hole before they even get started.
"He's a smart guy, an athletic guy ... so that's going to help us out in the passing game. ... It's very early for him. Training camp can always be difficult for a rookie, so there's going to be a learning curve."
There is a great track record for Southeastern Conference linebackers taken in the first round of the NFL draft. You learn your craft in the most physical conference in the college football, you're in pretty good shape -- especially like in McClain's case, if you were one of the leaders on a national championship-winning team.
In no particular order, here are some of the SEC linebackers drafted high over the last 20 years: Derrick Thomas, Cornelius Bennett, Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Jerod Mayo, John Abraham, Al Wilson ... Georgia's David Pollack would have also been a good one but had to retire from the Bengals due to vertebrae issues.
ALSO: Due to popular demand, I am going to start tweeting from practice on Wednesday. I was going to wait until training camp because again, I think football without pads and hitting is a little like 9 1/2 weeks without Kim Bassinger. Darren McFadden is the best running back in the world if there were no pads, and I will be tweeting all of his 25-yards runs starting Wednesday. ... There was a recent story about how good tackle Mario Henderson looked, but that was after a pratice of mostly 7-on-7 drills ... with no pads. C'mon people. Have we set the bar so low that the offensive line gets a thumbs up if no quarterbacks get maimed in May?
Darrius Heyward-Bey is not only catching everything in sight at Raiders practices, but the receiver is giving pep talks now. Effective ones, apparently.
"Louis Murphy and I went to Chaz (Schilens) yesterday and told him that we need him on the field," Heyward-Bey said. "We need all three of us if we want to be a good passing offense."
Schilens made an early return from offseason foot surgery and did most of the drills at Wednesday's practice. He planted and drove hard off his left foot and looked close to full speed.
"I'm excited to be on this offense, I'll tell you that," Schilens said. "I think we're legit, and we're taking steps forward every day, not backward. Working on turnovers, working on big plays. The offense is great. I'm just looking forward to it, being out there."
Coach Tom Cable recently said that Schilens would wait until training camp to get back on the field, but then Heyward-Bey stepped in. Well, actually, Schilens had showed team trainers enough progress last week to get back on the field anyway.
"It's been awhile for me," he said. "I just wanted to get back out here as soon as possible and start working back into it. I'm glad they let me come back out here. It feels good, and I am just going to take it slow."
Schilens missed the first eight games last season with the injury and was not completely healthy after his return. "I was able to do just enough to get on the field," he said. The third-year receiver out of San Diego State had 29 catches for 365 yards and two touchdowns, but needed another operation after the season.
"They did some stuff in there and fixed it," Schilens said. "They put a screw in there, and it feels a lot better than it did last season."
The receivers - and quarterback Jason Campbell - looked good Wednesday, though it must be said that cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson were out with excused absences. Heyward-Bey dominated rookies Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware and cheerleader/offensive coordinator Hue Jackson again was enthused.
"He just creates a competition every day. Every day he makes it a game," Schilens said. "He says we're trying to get them, trying to embarrass the defensive backs. I think we're winning right now."
Shut down next week: Though most of the participants seemed to be enjoying practice, somebody hasn't been and blew the whistle.
The Raiders were told to cancel two of their three practice days next week as the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association resolved a dispute. For the second time since 2007, the Raiders either exceeded the amount of contact deemed acceptable for the offseason or practiced too long.
The club had no comment. It cannot reschedule the canceled practice days.
Briefly: Tackle Langston Walker had surgery on his elbow and is expected back for training camp. ... The Raiders signed receiver Damola Adeniji and offensive linemen Allen Smith and Elliot Vallejo. Adeniji, 6-foot-3, caught 57 passes for 807 yards and five touchdowns for Oregon State in 2009.
"Louis Murphy and I went to Chaz (Schilens) yesterday and told him that we need him on the field," Heyward-Bey said. "We need all three of us if we want to be a good passing offense."
Schilens made an early return from offseason foot surgery and did most of the drills at Wednesday's practice. He planted and drove hard off his left foot and looked close to full speed.
"I'm excited to be on this offense, I'll tell you that," Schilens said. "I think we're legit, and we're taking steps forward every day, not backward. Working on turnovers, working on big plays. The offense is great. I'm just looking forward to it, being out there."
Coach Tom Cable recently said that Schilens would wait until training camp to get back on the field, but then Heyward-Bey stepped in. Well, actually, Schilens had showed team trainers enough progress last week to get back on the field anyway.
"It's been awhile for me," he said. "I just wanted to get back out here as soon as possible and start working back into it. I'm glad they let me come back out here. It feels good, and I am just going to take it slow."
Schilens missed the first eight games last season with the injury and was not completely healthy after his return. "I was able to do just enough to get on the field," he said. The third-year receiver out of San Diego State had 29 catches for 365 yards and two touchdowns, but needed another operation after the season.
"They did some stuff in there and fixed it," Schilens said. "They put a screw in there, and it feels a lot better than it did last season."
The receivers - and quarterback Jason Campbell - looked good Wednesday, though it must be said that cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Chris Johnson were out with excused absences. Heyward-Bey dominated rookies Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware and cheerleader/offensive coordinator Hue Jackson again was enthused.
"He just creates a competition every day. Every day he makes it a game," Schilens said. "He says we're trying to get them, trying to embarrass the defensive backs. I think we're winning right now."
Shut down next week: Though most of the participants seemed to be enjoying practice, somebody hasn't been and blew the whistle.
The Raiders were told to cancel two of their three practice days next week as the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association resolved a dispute. For the second time since 2007, the Raiders either exceeded the amount of contact deemed acceptable for the offseason or practiced too long.
The club had no comment. It cannot reschedule the canceled practice days.
Briefly: Tackle Langston Walker had surgery on his elbow and is expected back for training camp. ... The Raiders signed receiver Damola Adeniji and offensive linemen Allen Smith and Elliot Vallejo. Adeniji, 6-foot-3, caught 57 passes for 807 yards and five touchdowns for Oregon State in 2009.
'Big' John Henderson fills need for Raiders
Vittorio Tafur, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, June 12, 2010
John Henderson was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars i...
(06-11) 21:05 PDT -- Quentin Groves has had a front-row seat for "Big" John Henderson's pregame ritual, and it's even more shocking live than it is on YouTube.
At 6-foot-7, 335 pounds, Henderson had one of the Jacksonville Jaguars' puny little trainers slap him hard across the face before he took the field. Sometimes more than once.
"It's cool," said Groves, Henderson's teammate again Friday after the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal with the free-agent defensive tackle. "It gets him up for the game, and everybody else around too."
Groves, a linebacker whom Oakland acquired from Jacksonville in May, was thrilled about the news and said Henderson was "excited" when the two had lunch Friday. Henderson was unavailable for comment, and the Raiders have not confirmed the move.
"The main things he brings (are) veteran leadership, enthusiasm and a real physical style of play," Groves said. "He loves playing the game of football."
Jacksonville released the eight-year veteran four days after it selected Cal defensive tackle Tyson Alualu in the first round of the NFL draft. Henderson, 31, is a two-time Pro Bowler who was once regarded as one of the premier run-stuffers in the league. The Jaguars, who signed Henderson to a six-year, $34 million extension in 2006, are going young and cutting costs.
Friday's signing also bolsters what was already a great draft for Oakland. A league source said Jacksonville offered Henderson to the Raiders in April for a fourth-round pick, but Oakland was willing to give up only a fifth-rounder. Now the Raiders have him for no draft picks for one season - little risk for the big reward of a player's bounce-back season.
"There's no question he has a lot left in the tank," said Groves, who played with Henderson for two years. "A lot of things are falling the Raiders' way these days."
Henderson started in 120 of 124 appearances with the Jaguars. He registered 329 tackles, 29 sacks and eight forced fumbles and joins a team that has needed a defensive tackle since releasing Gerard Warren in March.
Henderson could play alongside Tommy Kelly in the 4-3 defense, with Richard Seymour, Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston rotating on the outside.
Henderson joins a team that is clearly excited about its chances of topping last year's five wins. The Raiders have traded for quarterback Jason Campbell, released quarterback JaMarcus Russell, brought in Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator and drafted possible defensive stalwarts in linebacker Rolando McClain and Houston.
At practice Wednesday, players were as giddy and animated as schoolkids playing two-hand touch at recess.
"We've discovered a Fountain of Youth," Groves said. "Everyone's excited, working hard and there's a nice little buzz going right now."
Vittorio Tafur, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, June 12, 2010
John Henderson was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars i...
(06-11) 21:05 PDT -- Quentin Groves has had a front-row seat for "Big" John Henderson's pregame ritual, and it's even more shocking live than it is on YouTube.
At 6-foot-7, 335 pounds, Henderson had one of the Jacksonville Jaguars' puny little trainers slap him hard across the face before he took the field. Sometimes more than once.
"It's cool," said Groves, Henderson's teammate again Friday after the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal with the free-agent defensive tackle. "It gets him up for the game, and everybody else around too."
Groves, a linebacker whom Oakland acquired from Jacksonville in May, was thrilled about the news and said Henderson was "excited" when the two had lunch Friday. Henderson was unavailable for comment, and the Raiders have not confirmed the move.
"The main things he brings (are) veteran leadership, enthusiasm and a real physical style of play," Groves said. "He loves playing the game of football."
Jacksonville released the eight-year veteran four days after it selected Cal defensive tackle Tyson Alualu in the first round of the NFL draft. Henderson, 31, is a two-time Pro Bowler who was once regarded as one of the premier run-stuffers in the league. The Jaguars, who signed Henderson to a six-year, $34 million extension in 2006, are going young and cutting costs.
Friday's signing also bolsters what was already a great draft for Oakland. A league source said Jacksonville offered Henderson to the Raiders in April for a fourth-round pick, but Oakland was willing to give up only a fifth-rounder. Now the Raiders have him for no draft picks for one season - little risk for the big reward of a player's bounce-back season.
"There's no question he has a lot left in the tank," said Groves, who played with Henderson for two years. "A lot of things are falling the Raiders' way these days."
Henderson started in 120 of 124 appearances with the Jaguars. He registered 329 tackles, 29 sacks and eight forced fumbles and joins a team that has needed a defensive tackle since releasing Gerard Warren in March.
Henderson could play alongside Tommy Kelly in the 4-3 defense, with Richard Seymour, Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston rotating on the outside.
Henderson joins a team that is clearly excited about its chances of topping last year's five wins. The Raiders have traded for quarterback Jason Campbell, released quarterback JaMarcus Russell, brought in Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator and drafted possible defensive stalwarts in linebacker Rolando McClain and Houston.
At practice Wednesday, players were as giddy and animated as schoolkids playing two-hand touch at recess.
"We've discovered a Fountain of Youth," Groves said. "Everyone's excited, working hard and there's a nice little buzz going right now."
Sunday, August 30, 2009
By Paul Gutierrez
pgutierrez@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 1C
Last Modified: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 - 10:36 am
OAKLAND – They played as if they were hung over. And really, after being subjected to 3 hours and 17 minutes of what could only be described as "morning after" play by the Raiders' defense in a 45-7 loss to New Orleans, I had a headache, too.
Not even popping a few Advil and washing them down with a bowl of menudo could help the defense on this day. (Surely I was hallucinating when 300-plus-pound tackle Tommy Kelly dropped into pass coverage.) But maybe Greg Ellis' not-so-subliminal message to his young teammates could serve as some hair o' the dog.
"Guys, you can't stay out all night," the 12th-year defensive end said to reporters, though surely aiming at his charges. "Can't expect to come in here and just turn it on. This isn't high school or college football. This is the best of the best in the NFL. So you've got to do those small things that you maybe didn't have to do in college."
Sure, it's just the exhibition season. But when you are trying to overcome six seasons of tragic comedy, attempting to change an oft-toxic culture, showing up for work not ready to play because you might have been imbibing a bit too much the night before is not cool. In fact, it's downright shameful, and embarrassing.
Funny, that's how the Raiders themselves described their play.
"Obviously," sighed coach Tom Cable, "I'm embarrassed by that effort."
Added cornerback Chris Johnson: "Once we look at this film and see how we got embarrassed, a lot of guys are going to come to the front."
And this from linebacker Jon Alston, when asked what happened on the Coliseum floor: "Embarrassment."
The numbers don't lie; they only add to the mortification.
The Raiders' first-team defense played through the third quarter and was responsible for most of the 536 total yards surrendered, including a galling 232 yards on the ground.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees played three series and led them to touchdowns on drives of 80, 67 and 78 yards.
"I felt like a lot of times we were getting up to the ball, getting set and they were still trying to get lined up," Brees said.
On top of everything else is this: It was the all-important third exhibition game. The one coaches treat most like a regular-season affair. Meaning, they game-planned specifically for the opponent. So, there were no surprises.
And still, you get such humiliation.
At least none of the players were shrugging it off.
It hurt, and it should if they want to break through the recent wall of mediocrity.
"You've got to have a short memory," said linebacker Ricky Brown. "But you've got to learn from your mistakes."
Amen to that.
New defensive coordinator John Marshall essentially inherited the scheme the Raiders have used for years, so it's hard to put this all at his feet.
Besides, as Cable said, the defense was in position to make tackles. The players just failed to wrap.
"Effort is one thing, but we just didn't put it together," Ellis said. "We as players got to be critical of ourselves.
"We've got to make sure that we are committed to it ourselves, and I'm saying that meaning that we've got to make sure that, hey, I'm getting the proper rest."
Otherwise, prepare for more hangover games.
pgutierrez@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 1C
Last Modified: Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009 - 10:36 am
OAKLAND – They played as if they were hung over. And really, after being subjected to 3 hours and 17 minutes of what could only be described as "morning after" play by the Raiders' defense in a 45-7 loss to New Orleans, I had a headache, too.
Not even popping a few Advil and washing them down with a bowl of menudo could help the defense on this day. (Surely I was hallucinating when 300-plus-pound tackle Tommy Kelly dropped into pass coverage.) But maybe Greg Ellis' not-so-subliminal message to his young teammates could serve as some hair o' the dog.
"Guys, you can't stay out all night," the 12th-year defensive end said to reporters, though surely aiming at his charges. "Can't expect to come in here and just turn it on. This isn't high school or college football. This is the best of the best in the NFL. So you've got to do those small things that you maybe didn't have to do in college."
Sure, it's just the exhibition season. But when you are trying to overcome six seasons of tragic comedy, attempting to change an oft-toxic culture, showing up for work not ready to play because you might have been imbibing a bit too much the night before is not cool. In fact, it's downright shameful, and embarrassing.
Funny, that's how the Raiders themselves described their play.
"Obviously," sighed coach Tom Cable, "I'm embarrassed by that effort."
Added cornerback Chris Johnson: "Once we look at this film and see how we got embarrassed, a lot of guys are going to come to the front."
And this from linebacker Jon Alston, when asked what happened on the Coliseum floor: "Embarrassment."
The numbers don't lie; they only add to the mortification.
The Raiders' first-team defense played through the third quarter and was responsible for most of the 536 total yards surrendered, including a galling 232 yards on the ground.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees played three series and led them to touchdowns on drives of 80, 67 and 78 yards.
"I felt like a lot of times we were getting up to the ball, getting set and they were still trying to get lined up," Brees said.
On top of everything else is this: It was the all-important third exhibition game. The one coaches treat most like a regular-season affair. Meaning, they game-planned specifically for the opponent. So, there were no surprises.
And still, you get such humiliation.
At least none of the players were shrugging it off.
It hurt, and it should if they want to break through the recent wall of mediocrity.
"You've got to have a short memory," said linebacker Ricky Brown. "But you've got to learn from your mistakes."
Amen to that.
New defensive coordinator John Marshall essentially inherited the scheme the Raiders have used for years, so it's hard to put this all at his feet.
Besides, as Cable said, the defense was in position to make tackles. The players just failed to wrap.
"Effort is one thing, but we just didn't put it together," Ellis said. "We as players got to be critical of ourselves.
"We've got to make sure that we are committed to it ourselves, and I'm saying that meaning that we've got to make sure that, hey, I'm getting the proper rest."
Otherwise, prepare for more hangover games.
Ellis tells his teammates to change their behavior
Comment
August 30
Sacramento Bee
columnist Paul Gutierrez
"Ellis tells his teammates to change their behavior They played as if they were hung over. And really, after being subjected to 3 hours and 17 minutes of what could only be described as "morning after" play by the Raiders' defense in a 45-7 loss to New Orleans, I had a headache, too. Not even popping a few Advil and washing them down with a bowl of menudo could help the defense on this day. (Surely I was hallucinating when 300-plus-pound tackle Tommy Kelly dropped into pass coverage.) But maybe Greg Ellis' not-so-subliminal message to his young teammates could serve as some hair o' the dog. "Guys, you can't stay out all night," the 12th-year defensive end said to reporters, though surely ..."
Raiders' coach in loss: 'This is embarrassing'
Comment
August 30
San Francisco Chronicle
"The Raiders made progress Saturday, just not the sort they want. They didn't explain it as "just an exhibition game." They didn't remind anyone this "doesn't count in the standings." And, they sure didn't pin it on the refs or a few fluke plays. No, the Raiders wore their 45-7 loss to the Saints for exactly what it was: a crying shame - exhibition game or not. "This is embarrassing to me," Raiders coach Tom Cable said after overseeing the third-worst exhibition loss in franchise history. The defense didn't stop giving up points until the Saints led 45-0. The offense didn't start scoring until 6:06 was left. "I've never felt so lousy after a game, period," tight end Zach Miller said."
Raiders starting back gets 1 carry, for 1 yard
Comment
August 30
San Francisco Chronicle
"Running back Michael Bush got a chance to make his case for the starting job Saturday. As previous starters Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden already learned, there was little time to say much. Bush had one carry for 1 yard, and two catches for 8 yards, as the starting running back in Saturday's 45-7 loss to the Saints at the Coliseum. In Game 1, Fargas got one carry for 2 yards in his start. In Game 2, McFadden started with four carries for 5 yards. So much for starting being a reward. "Everyone knows what's going on," Bush said, and he's not talking about a conspiracy theory. The Raiders are a run-first offense. Only, they've worked all preseason to develop the passing game when JaMarcus ..."
Raiders Bush ready to audition for starting RB job
Comment
August 29
Sacramento Bee
"Michael Bush smiled. The "Smash" part of the Raiders' three-headed Smash, Dash (Justin Fargas) and Flash (Darren McFadden) running attack had been reminded by reporters that it was his week to start in the backfield. Against the New Orleans Saints at home. In that all-important third exhibition game today. To show he deserves the bulk of the workload. "Yeah, it's nice to get out there and get to work for something," Bush said. "Like I say, it's preseason, and we're all trying to be on the same page, as far as getting a feel with the O-line and stuff like that, and getting the run game back to where it was last year." So there's no additional pressure knowing it's your turn, after Fargas ..."
Raiders defense will find out where it rests
Comment
August 29
Oakland Tribune
"Tom Cable's first game as an NFL coach came against the New Orleans Saints in a 34-3 loss Oct. 12. Today, he gets a chance to see just how far he has come as a coach and in getting his team to play at a higher level. The Saints, who play at Oakland Coliseum today, present a challenge with one of the game's most-prolific passing attacks. Now they have added a potent rushing attack, as well. "Everybody has their issue they're trying to fix," Cable said of the Saints working on their running game. "Obviously, we've been working on the passing game. They're trying to add balance. So it does bode well for us because we need that." No team passed as effectively as the Saints last season. They ..."
Newest Raiders player knows what it's like to be homeless
Comment
August 29
Oakland Tribune
"For someone who was once homeless, new Oakland Raider Mike Hawkins is hardly concerned that he's bounced around to three different NFL teams this summer.Hawkins, a 26-year-old defensive back whose 4.3 speed no doubt convinced Al Davis and the Raiders to pick him up off waivers this week, is 10 years removed from the darkest moments of his life. Hawkins was the son of a drug-addicted mother and an abusive father who no longer wanted him around. So, a destitute Hawkins decided his only option was to live by himself in his hometown of Dallas.He told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the only meals he ate were at a nearby McDonald's, where he also used the bathroom sink to bathe. He was a ..."
Surprised safety gets Raiders starting job
Comment
August 29
San Francisco Chronicle
"Raiders safety Tyvon Branch didn't start a single game as a rookie last year. His season ended with shoulder surgery in November. His team then selected another safety in the second round of April's draft. As far as Branch was concerned, he was as good as one and done in these parts. "When they drafted Mike Mitchell, I kind of thought they were going to put him in front of me," Branch said. Imagine his surprise when the Raiders handed him the strong safety job at the first minicamp in May. No ladders to climb, no starters to unseat, no competition to wage and no arguments to settle. Branch did nothing in training camp to change anyone's mind on that. Though he has no idea why they were so ..."
The Raiders' three-headed running attack
Comment
August 28
San Francisco Chronicle
"The Raiders ended their 31-day training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott, site of the fiercest running back competition no one bothered to notice. Blame the inattention on Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush for being anything but fierce toward each other. McFadden hangs with Bush, who chills with Fargas, who mentors McFadden, and so on. "They have a good time with it because they are so close," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "They all want to be the guy but they push each other and pull for each other in their own way.""
Heyward-Bey's catch excites Cable
Comment
August 27
San Francisco Chronicle
"Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey ran right as he reached back to his left, all the while starting to fall down on a pass route over the middle. This is the exact sort of play that spelled incomplete pass all of training camp, particularly for a wide receiver who struggled enough to make the easy catches, never mind the spectacular. Not this time. Heyward-Bey came down with a tumbling catch in traffic, much to the delight of his teammates and coaches during practice Wednesday in Napa. "He had a great day of catching the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "Right after he caught it, I said to him, 'Your mistake is you showed me you can do that and, so now, the expectation goes up. That's who you are. ..."
Police: Cable will be questioned
Comment
August 26
ESPN.com
"The Napa, Calif., police department plans to question Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable about his alleged role in a skirmish that left assistant coach Randy Hanson with a broken bone in his face. A department spokesperson said Wednesday that Cable would be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation in the near future, but a date was not specified. The department has been contacted by NFL security and said it is cooperating with the league, the spokesperson said. Hanson was hospitalized following the Aug. 5 attack that he told police was initiated by a member of the Raiders coaching staff at the team's training camp hotel in Napa. According to reports, Cable attacked Hanson during a ..."
Raiders backup could make an impact
Comment
August 26
Contra Costa Times
columnist Gary Peterson
"Quarterback news is being made all over the NFL these days. In San Francisco, where Shaun Hill has been named the starter. In Philadelphia, where Michael Vick is getting acquainted. In San Diego, where Philip Rivers signed a six-year, $92 million extension. In Minnesota, where the calliope and dancing elephants can mean only one thing: Brett Favre is back in the league. Meanwhile, the Raiders are relatively drama-free at the position. JaMarcus Russell is the unquestioned starter. Jeff Garcia, who came to the team hoping to insinuate himself into a competition for the starting job, is discovering he never really had a shot. If you want breaking news, try the Napa cops, because there's ..."
New Raiders assistant is living the dream
Comment
August 25
Contra Costa Times
"Sanjay Lal says working for the Raiders is his dream job. He maintains that view even though some might regard his situation - replacing Pro Football Hall of Famer James Lofton and inheriting the NFL's least-productive receiving corps - a nightmare. Far from it, Lal said. "You have your dreams," Lal said during the early days of his first training camp coaching the Raiders wide receivers, "and this comes true and you look back and say, 'How did I get here?' "If I could've written it, I wouldn't have been able to write it or believe it. But it happened, and I'm not going to let go." Lal's dream sprouted soon after his collegiate career as a wide receiver at Washington ended. By 1996, he had ..."
New linebacker long ago gathered the Moss
Comment
August 25
Contra Costa Times
"The Raiders signed middle linebacker Napoleon Harris on Monday in response to projected starter Kirk Morrison sustaining a dislocated left elbow Saturday night against the 49ers. Harris was the second of Oakland's two first-round selections in the 2002 NFL draft, and he started 13 games for a team that played in the Super Bowl his rookie season. Harris, 30, played for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs the past four seasons, including two stints with the Vikings. He gained almost as much notoriety in Raiders lore as being part of the package the team used in a trade with the Vikings for wide receiver Randy Moss in 2005. The Raiders sent Harris to the Vikings, along with first- ..."
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland. Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time. "It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it." Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running ..."
JaMarcus Russell's weighty issue: Must 'deliver the goods'
Comment
August 24
Green Bay Press Gazette
"The weight. Always with the weight.Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell grins and shakes his head before his visitor even finishes a question after a recent training camp practice. The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, Russell is painfully aware of - and amused by - near-constant chatter about his weight. Even at 6-6, a player - a QB, mind you - who more than once has visited the 300-Pound Club never will be mistaken for being slim and sleek. To which Russell says, "So what?" He's listed at 260 pounds on the preseason roster. He says he currently is about 270-275, and plans to shave about five more to reach his "playing weight." But Russell will be dealing with a much more ..."
Morrison injury a speed bump
Comment
August 24
Contra Costa Times
"Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison's dislocated left elbow isn't serious enough to force him to miss the regular-season opener Sept. 14 against San Diego, and he might even be back in time for Oakland's exhibition finale Sept. 3 at Seattle. That's the word coming from Raiders coach Tom Cable on Sunday after the follow-up evaluation confirmed the initial one made soon after Morrison sustained his injury Saturday against the 49ers. Morrison no doubt was thrilled to hear the news that his injury wasn't worse. He also should be pleased to hear that this mini setback won't cost him a shot at keeping his starting spot. "I would say Kirk was still ahead," Cable said of where Morrison stood against ..."
'Wrangle' is not a sign of disaster
Comment
August 24
Sacramento Bee
columnist Paul Gutierrez
"The apocalypse is near, the haters sing with glee. Raider Nation continues to crumble from within, they mockingly chant. This whole Tom Cable-Randy Hanson Wrangle in Wine Country is a mammoth distraction, they recite with ear-to-ear grins. It will retard the growth of a promising young team. Fairly reasonable claims, right? Except it isn't that big of a disruption, and it won't stunt said development. In fact, Cable's potential legal woes are working just the opposite. And you need not have been at the team's Napa training camp facility this week to hear players greet the coach with "Cable, bumaye." Keep in mind, this is not Mike Ditka vs. Buddy Ryan for the heart and soul of the 1985 ..."
Morrison injury a speed bump
Comment
August 24
Oakland Tribune
"Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison's dislocated left elbow isn't serious enough to force him to miss the regular-season opener Sept. 14 against San Diego, and he might even be back in time for Oakland's exhibition finale Sept. 3 at Seattle. That's the word coming from Raiders coach Tom Cable on Sunday after the follow-up evaluation confirmed the initial one made soon after Morrison sustained his injury Saturday against the 49ers. Morrison no doubt was thrilled to hear the news that his injury wasn't worse. He also should be pleased to hear that this mini setback won't cost him a shot at keeping his starting spot. "I would say Kirk was still ahead," Cable said of where Morrison stood against ..."
Russell keeps starting job
Comment
August 24
San Francisco Chronicle
"Call it the quarterback competition that never was, because JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia is over before it ever got started. Raiders coach Tom Cable said as much Sunday when asked if Russell would start the season opener against the Chargers on Sept. 14. Cable said, "At this point, he's the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders," and there was nothing stunning about the bulletin. Garcia missed the first half of training camp with a calf strain. He didn't have a chance to push Russell. "Unfortunately, Jeff hasn't had much work," Cable said. "I feel like (Russell) has improved. It would have been nice to have someone really pushing him." Instead, all the push Garcia had in his 39-year-old ..."
Raiders' Brown states case with interception
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"Kirk Morrison started at middle linebacker for the Raiders on Saturday night against the 49ers, but it was Ricky Brown who made the biggest impact between the two players who are competing for the starting spot. Brown hauled in a pass that hit off the hands of 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan and rambled 46 yards to the 49ers 7-yard line. The competition caught everyone by surprise, even Morrison. But coach Tom Cable insists it's quite serious, even though Morrison led the Raiders in tackles and finished fifth in the league last season. Brown's huge play didn't lead to any Raider points - they failed to score as back-to-back passes on third and fourth down sailed wide of the mark. But he no ..."
Murphy shows that Raiders' passing attack may be in good hands
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"Coach Tom Cable's decision to start two rookies at wide receiver Saturday night against the 49ers had as much to do with injuries to his projected starters for the regular season as anything. A second-quarter touchdown reception by Louis Murphy showed that the Raiders just might have the means offensively to do more than rely upon their running game this season, even though they lost the game 21-20. Murphy blew past former Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements on a third-and-21 play, settled into the right corner of the end zone and secured the ball on a pass from JaMarcus Russell. "Those guys just keep getting better and better," Cable said of his rookies. "It's exciting to see where we're ..."
Rookie runs all over Raiders
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"When 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes met Glen Coffee, he told the rookie how much he disliked him. "Why?" Coffee said, stunned. "Because you used to run all over Auburn,'' Spikes replied. Suffice to say, Spikes is glad to have Coffee on his side now. The third-round pick out of Alabama rampaged through the Raiders' defense for 129 yards in a little more than one quarter of action during the 49ers' 21-20 exhibition victory Saturday at Candlestick Park. Running back Frank Gore played only a series before enjoying Coffee's spectacular 16-carry show. "He's doing a great job,'' Gore said of his understudy. "Running strong. Finding the holes. Glen's going to be a great player." Coffee was the ..."
Raiders decide Russell doesn't need two-minute drill work
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"When the story of the 2009 Raiders is put to bed, the last 1:59 of the first half of a 21-20 preseason loss to the 49ers Saturday night at Candlestick Park will not even merit a footnote.The Raiders failed to score, with Jeff Garcia throwing a pass slightly behind Johnnie Lee Higgins that went off his hands and was intercepted by the 49ers' Allen Rossum at the 9-yard line.Until the turnover, it was vintage Garcia, finding Michael Bush for nine yards over the middle, scrambling for nine yards on the next play, finding Louis Murphy for 10 more to the 38-yard line.On second-and-10, Bush ran for 10 yard and Garcia went to the line and spiked the ball to stop the clock with 48 seconds ..."
Murphy shows that Raiders' passing attack may be in good hands
Comment
August 23
Oakland Tribune
"Coach Tom Cable's decision to start two rookies at wide receiver Saturday night against the 49ers had as much to do with injuries to his projected starters for the regular season as anything. A second-quarter touchdown reception by Louis Murphy showed that the Raiders just might have the means offensively to do more than rely upon their running game this season, even though they lost the game 21-20. Murphy blew past former Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements on a third-and-21 play, settled into the right corner of the end zone and secured the ball on a pass from JaMarcus Russell. "Those guys just keep getting better and better," Cable said of his rookies. "It's exciting to see where we're ..."
Raiders' Brown states case with interception
Comment
August 23
Oakland Tribune
"Kirk Morrison started at middle linebacker for the Raiders on Saturday night against the 49ers, but it was Ricky Brown who made the biggest impact between the two players who are competing for the starting spot. Brown hauled in a pass that hit off the hands of 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan and rambled 46 yards to the 49ers 7-yard line. The competition caught everyone by surprise, even Morrison. But coach Tom Cable insists it's quite serious, even though Morrison led the Raiders in tackles and finished fifth in the league last season. Brown's huge play didn't lead to any Raider points - they failed to score as back-to-back passes on third and fourth down sailed wide of the mark. But he no ..."
Comment
August 30
Sacramento Bee
columnist Paul Gutierrez
"Ellis tells his teammates to change their behavior They played as if they were hung over. And really, after being subjected to 3 hours and 17 minutes of what could only be described as "morning after" play by the Raiders' defense in a 45-7 loss to New Orleans, I had a headache, too. Not even popping a few Advil and washing them down with a bowl of menudo could help the defense on this day. (Surely I was hallucinating when 300-plus-pound tackle Tommy Kelly dropped into pass coverage.) But maybe Greg Ellis' not-so-subliminal message to his young teammates could serve as some hair o' the dog. "Guys, you can't stay out all night," the 12th-year defensive end said to reporters, though surely ..."
Raiders' coach in loss: 'This is embarrassing'
Comment
August 30
San Francisco Chronicle
"The Raiders made progress Saturday, just not the sort they want. They didn't explain it as "just an exhibition game." They didn't remind anyone this "doesn't count in the standings." And, they sure didn't pin it on the refs or a few fluke plays. No, the Raiders wore their 45-7 loss to the Saints for exactly what it was: a crying shame - exhibition game or not. "This is embarrassing to me," Raiders coach Tom Cable said after overseeing the third-worst exhibition loss in franchise history. The defense didn't stop giving up points until the Saints led 45-0. The offense didn't start scoring until 6:06 was left. "I've never felt so lousy after a game, period," tight end Zach Miller said."
Raiders starting back gets 1 carry, for 1 yard
Comment
August 30
San Francisco Chronicle
"Running back Michael Bush got a chance to make his case for the starting job Saturday. As previous starters Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden already learned, there was little time to say much. Bush had one carry for 1 yard, and two catches for 8 yards, as the starting running back in Saturday's 45-7 loss to the Saints at the Coliseum. In Game 1, Fargas got one carry for 2 yards in his start. In Game 2, McFadden started with four carries for 5 yards. So much for starting being a reward. "Everyone knows what's going on," Bush said, and he's not talking about a conspiracy theory. The Raiders are a run-first offense. Only, they've worked all preseason to develop the passing game when JaMarcus ..."
Raiders Bush ready to audition for starting RB job
Comment
August 29
Sacramento Bee
"Michael Bush smiled. The "Smash" part of the Raiders' three-headed Smash, Dash (Justin Fargas) and Flash (Darren McFadden) running attack had been reminded by reporters that it was his week to start in the backfield. Against the New Orleans Saints at home. In that all-important third exhibition game today. To show he deserves the bulk of the workload. "Yeah, it's nice to get out there and get to work for something," Bush said. "Like I say, it's preseason, and we're all trying to be on the same page, as far as getting a feel with the O-line and stuff like that, and getting the run game back to where it was last year." So there's no additional pressure knowing it's your turn, after Fargas ..."
Raiders defense will find out where it rests
Comment
August 29
Oakland Tribune
"Tom Cable's first game as an NFL coach came against the New Orleans Saints in a 34-3 loss Oct. 12. Today, he gets a chance to see just how far he has come as a coach and in getting his team to play at a higher level. The Saints, who play at Oakland Coliseum today, present a challenge with one of the game's most-prolific passing attacks. Now they have added a potent rushing attack, as well. "Everybody has their issue they're trying to fix," Cable said of the Saints working on their running game. "Obviously, we've been working on the passing game. They're trying to add balance. So it does bode well for us because we need that." No team passed as effectively as the Saints last season. They ..."
Newest Raiders player knows what it's like to be homeless
Comment
August 29
Oakland Tribune
"For someone who was once homeless, new Oakland Raider Mike Hawkins is hardly concerned that he's bounced around to three different NFL teams this summer.Hawkins, a 26-year-old defensive back whose 4.3 speed no doubt convinced Al Davis and the Raiders to pick him up off waivers this week, is 10 years removed from the darkest moments of his life. Hawkins was the son of a drug-addicted mother and an abusive father who no longer wanted him around. So, a destitute Hawkins decided his only option was to live by himself in his hometown of Dallas.He told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the only meals he ate were at a nearby McDonald's, where he also used the bathroom sink to bathe. He was a ..."
Surprised safety gets Raiders starting job
Comment
August 29
San Francisco Chronicle
"Raiders safety Tyvon Branch didn't start a single game as a rookie last year. His season ended with shoulder surgery in November. His team then selected another safety in the second round of April's draft. As far as Branch was concerned, he was as good as one and done in these parts. "When they drafted Mike Mitchell, I kind of thought they were going to put him in front of me," Branch said. Imagine his surprise when the Raiders handed him the strong safety job at the first minicamp in May. No ladders to climb, no starters to unseat, no competition to wage and no arguments to settle. Branch did nothing in training camp to change anyone's mind on that. Though he has no idea why they were so ..."
The Raiders' three-headed running attack
Comment
August 28
San Francisco Chronicle
"The Raiders ended their 31-day training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott, site of the fiercest running back competition no one bothered to notice. Blame the inattention on Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush for being anything but fierce toward each other. McFadden hangs with Bush, who chills with Fargas, who mentors McFadden, and so on. "They have a good time with it because they are so close," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "They all want to be the guy but they push each other and pull for each other in their own way.""
Heyward-Bey's catch excites Cable
Comment
August 27
San Francisco Chronicle
"Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey ran right as he reached back to his left, all the while starting to fall down on a pass route over the middle. This is the exact sort of play that spelled incomplete pass all of training camp, particularly for a wide receiver who struggled enough to make the easy catches, never mind the spectacular. Not this time. Heyward-Bey came down with a tumbling catch in traffic, much to the delight of his teammates and coaches during practice Wednesday in Napa. "He had a great day of catching the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "Right after he caught it, I said to him, 'Your mistake is you showed me you can do that and, so now, the expectation goes up. That's who you are. ..."
Police: Cable will be questioned
Comment
August 26
ESPN.com
"The Napa, Calif., police department plans to question Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable about his alleged role in a skirmish that left assistant coach Randy Hanson with a broken bone in his face. A department spokesperson said Wednesday that Cable would be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation in the near future, but a date was not specified. The department has been contacted by NFL security and said it is cooperating with the league, the spokesperson said. Hanson was hospitalized following the Aug. 5 attack that he told police was initiated by a member of the Raiders coaching staff at the team's training camp hotel in Napa. According to reports, Cable attacked Hanson during a ..."
Raiders backup could make an impact
Comment
August 26
Contra Costa Times
columnist Gary Peterson
"Quarterback news is being made all over the NFL these days. In San Francisco, where Shaun Hill has been named the starter. In Philadelphia, where Michael Vick is getting acquainted. In San Diego, where Philip Rivers signed a six-year, $92 million extension. In Minnesota, where the calliope and dancing elephants can mean only one thing: Brett Favre is back in the league. Meanwhile, the Raiders are relatively drama-free at the position. JaMarcus Russell is the unquestioned starter. Jeff Garcia, who came to the team hoping to insinuate himself into a competition for the starting job, is discovering he never really had a shot. If you want breaking news, try the Napa cops, because there's ..."
New Raiders assistant is living the dream
Comment
August 25
Contra Costa Times
"Sanjay Lal says working for the Raiders is his dream job. He maintains that view even though some might regard his situation - replacing Pro Football Hall of Famer James Lofton and inheriting the NFL's least-productive receiving corps - a nightmare. Far from it, Lal said. "You have your dreams," Lal said during the early days of his first training camp coaching the Raiders wide receivers, "and this comes true and you look back and say, 'How did I get here?' "If I could've written it, I wouldn't have been able to write it or believe it. But it happened, and I'm not going to let go." Lal's dream sprouted soon after his collegiate career as a wide receiver at Washington ended. By 1996, he had ..."
New linebacker long ago gathered the Moss
Comment
August 25
Contra Costa Times
"The Raiders signed middle linebacker Napoleon Harris on Monday in response to projected starter Kirk Morrison sustaining a dislocated left elbow Saturday night against the 49ers. Harris was the second of Oakland's two first-round selections in the 2002 NFL draft, and he started 13 games for a team that played in the Super Bowl his rookie season. Harris, 30, played for the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs the past four seasons, including two stints with the Vikings. He gained almost as much notoriety in Raiders lore as being part of the package the team used in a trade with the Vikings for wide receiver Randy Moss in 2005. The Raiders sent Harris to the Vikings, along with first- ..."
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland. Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time. "It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it." Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running ..."
JaMarcus Russell's weighty issue: Must 'deliver the goods'
Comment
August 24
Green Bay Press Gazette
"The weight. Always with the weight.Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell grins and shakes his head before his visitor even finishes a question after a recent training camp practice. The No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, Russell is painfully aware of - and amused by - near-constant chatter about his weight. Even at 6-6, a player - a QB, mind you - who more than once has visited the 300-Pound Club never will be mistaken for being slim and sleek. To which Russell says, "So what?" He's listed at 260 pounds on the preseason roster. He says he currently is about 270-275, and plans to shave about five more to reach his "playing weight." But Russell will be dealing with a much more ..."
Morrison injury a speed bump
Comment
August 24
Contra Costa Times
"Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison's dislocated left elbow isn't serious enough to force him to miss the regular-season opener Sept. 14 against San Diego, and he might even be back in time for Oakland's exhibition finale Sept. 3 at Seattle. That's the word coming from Raiders coach Tom Cable on Sunday after the follow-up evaluation confirmed the initial one made soon after Morrison sustained his injury Saturday against the 49ers. Morrison no doubt was thrilled to hear the news that his injury wasn't worse. He also should be pleased to hear that this mini setback won't cost him a shot at keeping his starting spot. "I would say Kirk was still ahead," Cable said of where Morrison stood against ..."
'Wrangle' is not a sign of disaster
Comment
August 24
Sacramento Bee
columnist Paul Gutierrez
"The apocalypse is near, the haters sing with glee. Raider Nation continues to crumble from within, they mockingly chant. This whole Tom Cable-Randy Hanson Wrangle in Wine Country is a mammoth distraction, they recite with ear-to-ear grins. It will retard the growth of a promising young team. Fairly reasonable claims, right? Except it isn't that big of a disruption, and it won't stunt said development. In fact, Cable's potential legal woes are working just the opposite. And you need not have been at the team's Napa training camp facility this week to hear players greet the coach with "Cable, bumaye." Keep in mind, this is not Mike Ditka vs. Buddy Ryan for the heart and soul of the 1985 ..."
Morrison injury a speed bump
Comment
August 24
Oakland Tribune
"Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison's dislocated left elbow isn't serious enough to force him to miss the regular-season opener Sept. 14 against San Diego, and he might even be back in time for Oakland's exhibition finale Sept. 3 at Seattle. That's the word coming from Raiders coach Tom Cable on Sunday after the follow-up evaluation confirmed the initial one made soon after Morrison sustained his injury Saturday against the 49ers. Morrison no doubt was thrilled to hear the news that his injury wasn't worse. He also should be pleased to hear that this mini setback won't cost him a shot at keeping his starting spot. "I would say Kirk was still ahead," Cable said of where Morrison stood against ..."
Russell keeps starting job
Comment
August 24
San Francisco Chronicle
"Call it the quarterback competition that never was, because JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia is over before it ever got started. Raiders coach Tom Cable said as much Sunday when asked if Russell would start the season opener against the Chargers on Sept. 14. Cable said, "At this point, he's the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders," and there was nothing stunning about the bulletin. Garcia missed the first half of training camp with a calf strain. He didn't have a chance to push Russell. "Unfortunately, Jeff hasn't had much work," Cable said. "I feel like (Russell) has improved. It would have been nice to have someone really pushing him." Instead, all the push Garcia had in his 39-year-old ..."
Raiders' Brown states case with interception
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"Kirk Morrison started at middle linebacker for the Raiders on Saturday night against the 49ers, but it was Ricky Brown who made the biggest impact between the two players who are competing for the starting spot. Brown hauled in a pass that hit off the hands of 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan and rambled 46 yards to the 49ers 7-yard line. The competition caught everyone by surprise, even Morrison. But coach Tom Cable insists it's quite serious, even though Morrison led the Raiders in tackles and finished fifth in the league last season. Brown's huge play didn't lead to any Raider points - they failed to score as back-to-back passes on third and fourth down sailed wide of the mark. But he no ..."
Murphy shows that Raiders' passing attack may be in good hands
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"Coach Tom Cable's decision to start two rookies at wide receiver Saturday night against the 49ers had as much to do with injuries to his projected starters for the regular season as anything. A second-quarter touchdown reception by Louis Murphy showed that the Raiders just might have the means offensively to do more than rely upon their running game this season, even though they lost the game 21-20. Murphy blew past former Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements on a third-and-21 play, settled into the right corner of the end zone and secured the ball on a pass from JaMarcus Russell. "Those guys just keep getting better and better," Cable said of his rookies. "It's exciting to see where we're ..."
Rookie runs all over Raiders
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"When 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes met Glen Coffee, he told the rookie how much he disliked him. "Why?" Coffee said, stunned. "Because you used to run all over Auburn,'' Spikes replied. Suffice to say, Spikes is glad to have Coffee on his side now. The third-round pick out of Alabama rampaged through the Raiders' defense for 129 yards in a little more than one quarter of action during the 49ers' 21-20 exhibition victory Saturday at Candlestick Park. Running back Frank Gore played only a series before enjoying Coffee's spectacular 16-carry show. "He's doing a great job,'' Gore said of his understudy. "Running strong. Finding the holes. Glen's going to be a great player." Coffee was the ..."
Raiders decide Russell doesn't need two-minute drill work
Comment
August 23
Contra Costa Times
"When the story of the 2009 Raiders is put to bed, the last 1:59 of the first half of a 21-20 preseason loss to the 49ers Saturday night at Candlestick Park will not even merit a footnote.The Raiders failed to score, with Jeff Garcia throwing a pass slightly behind Johnnie Lee Higgins that went off his hands and was intercepted by the 49ers' Allen Rossum at the 9-yard line.Until the turnover, it was vintage Garcia, finding Michael Bush for nine yards over the middle, scrambling for nine yards on the next play, finding Louis Murphy for 10 more to the 38-yard line.On second-and-10, Bush ran for 10 yard and Garcia went to the line and spiked the ball to stop the clock with 48 seconds ..."
Murphy shows that Raiders' passing attack may be in good hands
Comment
August 23
Oakland Tribune
"Coach Tom Cable's decision to start two rookies at wide receiver Saturday night against the 49ers had as much to do with injuries to his projected starters for the regular season as anything. A second-quarter touchdown reception by Louis Murphy showed that the Raiders just might have the means offensively to do more than rely upon their running game this season, even though they lost the game 21-20. Murphy blew past former Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements on a third-and-21 play, settled into the right corner of the end zone and secured the ball on a pass from JaMarcus Russell. "Those guys just keep getting better and better," Cable said of his rookies. "It's exciting to see where we're ..."
Raiders' Brown states case with interception
Comment
August 23
Oakland Tribune
"Kirk Morrison started at middle linebacker for the Raiders on Saturday night against the 49ers, but it was Ricky Brown who made the biggest impact between the two players who are competing for the starting spot. Brown hauled in a pass that hit off the hands of 49ers wide receiver Josh Morgan and rambled 46 yards to the 49ers 7-yard line. The competition caught everyone by surprise, even Morrison. But coach Tom Cable insists it's quite serious, even though Morrison led the Raiders in tackles and finished fifth in the league last season. Brown's huge play didn't lead to any Raider points - they failed to score as back-to-back passes on third and fourth down sailed wide of the mark. But he no ..."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Best Quotes of the Oakland Raiders During Camp
Posted by: Chris Shellcroft
The Oakland Raiders have concluded their final practice of training camp in Napa.
Thanks to David White and Jerry McDonald for their blow-by-blow accounts of practice via Twitter each day. They gave Raider fans everywhere a bird’s eye view of their favorite team as they prepare for the regular season.
In honor of the Raiders making it through 33 practices in 31 days, here are the best quotes during camp.
The Best of Javon Walker
“I’m excited about still letting Oakland see what Javon has to offer because I’m young. I’m in my prime right now. My ability hasn’t changed, my enthusiasm hasn’t changed. I’m just excited to be back to the Javon that was that first year in Denver and the Javon that was in Green Bay and all of a sudden translate it to here. So, that’s what I’m most excited about.” – Javon Walker on the upcoming season
“It’s something new … it’s going to be something amazing that’s going to benefit and help a lot of athletes.” – Javon on the knee surgery he secretly had during the off-season
“I don’t know where it was done. I’m clueless.” – Javon’s response when asked where in the world he had the surgery performed
Tom Cable: An Old School Kinda Guy
“No, we go to work.” – Tom Cable’s response when asked if he would end the final practice of training camp early
“The one thing I will tell you is, when all the facts come out, everything will be fine.” – Cable responds to the on-going assault investigation
“Having little quarrels is good, remember that this is football and they’re men. If you have a brother you know it’s OK to settle some things once in awhile.” – Tom Cable on fights in camp
“I mentioned when I got hired, I thought the fans in Oakland have been great, they’ve been very supportive, it’s high time this team gives something back. And that’s the goal this year. We’ve got to bring this team and this community together.” – Cable on Raider Nation
“There is no secret that we have had a discipline problem in the last few years.” – Cable on the Raiders and their penalty woes over the years
Fights, Trash Talking and Big Expectations
“You know, he’s a real confident guy and he’s talking a lot of trash lately… Not to me, but you know to the DBs.” – Nnamdi Asomugha on Darrius Heyward-Bey
“Going against Nnamdi.” – Heyward-Bey on the biggest adjustment to the NFL
“Twitter that!” – Michael Huff to Kirk Morrison (one of the more active Raiders on Twitter) while looking at the damage done to Nnamdi Asomugha’s Mercedes after someone backed into it in the parking lot
“They know the plays. Don’t you go overrate them.” – Louis Murphy on the Raider secondary getting the better of the wide receivers in practice
“Intensity is good, though, and aggressiveness is good, and maybe there will be a fight or two. Maybe we’ll get the juices flowing that way, but it will be good.” – Nnamdi on the start of training camp
“A Florida guy. They’ve got two national championships, so I guess you feel like you can come into this league and talk. I was telling one of the guys, the national championships on this level is equivalent to a high school state championship. Nobody cares.” – 49er cornerback Dre Bly on Louis Murphy after a joint practice between Oakland and San Francisco
“So if they don’t want to get in the limelight, like I tell them all the time, I’ll get in it. I ain’t scared to get in the limelight. Y’all don’t want me in y’all limelight, though. Or y’all ain’t getting it back.” – Johnnie Lee Higgins on the competition with other wide receivers after the injury to Chaz Schilens
“I didn’t want to get him like that. I wanted to get him in the field. I should win in a wrestling match. He is a receiver.” – Michael Mitchell on his scuffle with Louis Murphy in practice
“I feel like we can all have great seasons and all complement each other well. Three 1,000-yard backs isn’t out of the question.” – Justin Fargas on sharing carries with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden
“That’s what I do. Once we start getting live and everything I definitely want to start taking my shots because that’s what I’m known for that’s why I’m here. I want to show people why I was drafted.” – Michael Mitchell on the hit he laid on Gary Russell
“I haven’t been here long, but it’s been interesting. It’s my third year, and there’s never a dull moment . . . guys are like, `What happened? Oh.’ Then it’s back to work. Nothing surprises you any more.” – Jay Richardson on playing in Oakland
Thoughts on Al Davis, JaMarcus Russell’s Weight and Randy Hanson
“I know he knows defense. The great thing is he is like me. He’s long in the tooth and he’s old school. It’s line up, there’s your guy, cover him. And there goes the ball, you go out there and tackle him. There’s the blocker, you knock his butt off and go to the ball. He’s old school. Keep it simple and play hard. And he’s very smart. He knows his football. Believe me.” – Defensive Coordinator John Marshall on Al Davis
“Sure, this is Al Davis’s defense. It’s the same deal and we love it.” – Jay Richardson on John Marshall’s “new” defense
“Right now … a little heavy but I am not 300 pounds like ya’ll said the last time.” – JaMarcus Russell on his weight
“That’s between he and I and we’re working on that. He’s doing really good right now.” – Cable on Russell’s weight
“He hasn’t been around here and we haven’t seen much of him. They keep him in the offices.” – Hiram Eugene on Randy Hanson
Posted by: Chris Shellcroft
The Oakland Raiders have concluded their final practice of training camp in Napa.
Thanks to David White and Jerry McDonald for their blow-by-blow accounts of practice via Twitter each day. They gave Raider fans everywhere a bird’s eye view of their favorite team as they prepare for the regular season.
In honor of the Raiders making it through 33 practices in 31 days, here are the best quotes during camp.
The Best of Javon Walker
“I’m excited about still letting Oakland see what Javon has to offer because I’m young. I’m in my prime right now. My ability hasn’t changed, my enthusiasm hasn’t changed. I’m just excited to be back to the Javon that was that first year in Denver and the Javon that was in Green Bay and all of a sudden translate it to here. So, that’s what I’m most excited about.” – Javon Walker on the upcoming season
“It’s something new … it’s going to be something amazing that’s going to benefit and help a lot of athletes.” – Javon on the knee surgery he secretly had during the off-season
“I don’t know where it was done. I’m clueless.” – Javon’s response when asked where in the world he had the surgery performed
Tom Cable: An Old School Kinda Guy
“No, we go to work.” – Tom Cable’s response when asked if he would end the final practice of training camp early
“The one thing I will tell you is, when all the facts come out, everything will be fine.” – Cable responds to the on-going assault investigation
“Having little quarrels is good, remember that this is football and they’re men. If you have a brother you know it’s OK to settle some things once in awhile.” – Tom Cable on fights in camp
“I mentioned when I got hired, I thought the fans in Oakland have been great, they’ve been very supportive, it’s high time this team gives something back. And that’s the goal this year. We’ve got to bring this team and this community together.” – Cable on Raider Nation
“There is no secret that we have had a discipline problem in the last few years.” – Cable on the Raiders and their penalty woes over the years
Fights, Trash Talking and Big Expectations
“You know, he’s a real confident guy and he’s talking a lot of trash lately… Not to me, but you know to the DBs.” – Nnamdi Asomugha on Darrius Heyward-Bey
“Going against Nnamdi.” – Heyward-Bey on the biggest adjustment to the NFL
“Twitter that!” – Michael Huff to Kirk Morrison (one of the more active Raiders on Twitter) while looking at the damage done to Nnamdi Asomugha’s Mercedes after someone backed into it in the parking lot
“They know the plays. Don’t you go overrate them.” – Louis Murphy on the Raider secondary getting the better of the wide receivers in practice
“Intensity is good, though, and aggressiveness is good, and maybe there will be a fight or two. Maybe we’ll get the juices flowing that way, but it will be good.” – Nnamdi on the start of training camp
“A Florida guy. They’ve got two national championships, so I guess you feel like you can come into this league and talk. I was telling one of the guys, the national championships on this level is equivalent to a high school state championship. Nobody cares.” – 49er cornerback Dre Bly on Louis Murphy after a joint practice between Oakland and San Francisco
“So if they don’t want to get in the limelight, like I tell them all the time, I’ll get in it. I ain’t scared to get in the limelight. Y’all don’t want me in y’all limelight, though. Or y’all ain’t getting it back.” – Johnnie Lee Higgins on the competition with other wide receivers after the injury to Chaz Schilens
“I didn’t want to get him like that. I wanted to get him in the field. I should win in a wrestling match. He is a receiver.” – Michael Mitchell on his scuffle with Louis Murphy in practice
“I feel like we can all have great seasons and all complement each other well. Three 1,000-yard backs isn’t out of the question.” – Justin Fargas on sharing carries with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden
“That’s what I do. Once we start getting live and everything I definitely want to start taking my shots because that’s what I’m known for that’s why I’m here. I want to show people why I was drafted.” – Michael Mitchell on the hit he laid on Gary Russell
“I haven’t been here long, but it’s been interesting. It’s my third year, and there’s never a dull moment . . . guys are like, `What happened? Oh.’ Then it’s back to work. Nothing surprises you any more.” – Jay Richardson on playing in Oakland
Thoughts on Al Davis, JaMarcus Russell’s Weight and Randy Hanson
“I know he knows defense. The great thing is he is like me. He’s long in the tooth and he’s old school. It’s line up, there’s your guy, cover him. And there goes the ball, you go out there and tackle him. There’s the blocker, you knock his butt off and go to the ball. He’s old school. Keep it simple and play hard. And he’s very smart. He knows his football. Believe me.” – Defensive Coordinator John Marshall on Al Davis
“Sure, this is Al Davis’s defense. It’s the same deal and we love it.” – Jay Richardson on John Marshall’s “new” defense
“Right now … a little heavy but I am not 300 pounds like ya’ll said the last time.” – JaMarcus Russell on his weight
“That’s between he and I and we’re working on that. He’s doing really good right now.” – Cable on Russell’s weight
“He hasn’t been around here and we haven’t seen much of him. They keep him in the offices.” – Hiram Eugene on Randy Hanson
Saints News
Highly Motivated
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Linebacker Anthony Waters is a long shot to make the Saints' roster, and frankly, his NFL career has been stuck in neutral since San Diego drafted him in the third round two years ago. He seems to be on the right road now, and that's something he and his family take great pride in. Things could have turned out much differently for Waters, one of nine children raised by a single mother in Lake View, S.C. Two of his older brothers are in prison, serving time for separate murder cases. "I was pretty much in the same situation that they were in, the same household, the same neighborhood, you know, the same school," Waters said. "But I kind of saw how it tore down my family, saw how it tore ..."
Saints 'D' in a taking mood
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams gave his review of the good, bad and ugly from Saturday night's exhibition victory at Houston. The highlight, he said, was forcing three turnovers, which matched the Saints' total from the preseason opener against Cincinnati. "Our guys are trying to take it away," Williams said. "They're called takeaways, and not giveaways. We understand that we have to create those things." He also said the Saints tackled better at Houston, defended the run well, played fast and physical, and played with "an attitude and some emotion, which was good because sometimes you can't get that in a preseason game." What he didn't like were the three defensive ..."
N.O. may take running-back-by-committee approach
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Jeff Duncan
"In April, the conventional wisdom was the Saints didn't have a bona fide lead running back on their roster. Remember those days? Deuce McAllister was gone, Edgerrin James was being evaluated in free agency, and Beanie Wells was a consideration in the NFL draft. Hard-core Who Dat fans even threw fits when the club failed toRashad Jennings on the second day of the draft. How things have changed in four months. In the wake of Mike Bell's breakout performance against the Houston Texans, the Saints now have a good problem on their hands. They have not one, not two, but three running backs capable of carrying the load on any given Sunday. Bell's 10-carry, 100-yard performance Saturday was ..."
N.O. cuts punter Pakulak, receiver Warren
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Saints ended their punter competition early, releasing veteran Glenn Pakulak on Wednesday, team spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed. They also released receiver Paris Warren. The Saints need to remove three more players from their active roster to get down to 75 by Tuesday -- the first of two cut-down days. They need to get down to 53 players by Sept. 5. They made the decisions on Pakulak and Warren early, though, three days before the team's preseason game at Oakland. Rookie punter Thomas Morstead now will get a full workload in the final two preseason games to get up to speed for the regular season."
DE Grant '80 percent' in return
Comment
August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"With his strained left hamstring heavily wrapped under his black sweat pants, Saints starting left defensive end Charles Grant returned to the practice field Tuesday for the first time since pulling up in the first half of the Saints' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 14. Grant, who had been relegated to stretching and working on individual drills with team trainer Scottie Patton, practiced with the first-team defense. He estimated that he is about "80" percent healthy and said he hopes to play Saturday against the Oakland Raiders, although he was uncertain of his status. "It's getting better; it's not 100 percent, but it's better than it was," Grant said. "You ..."
Bell admits he nearly squandered opportunity
Comment
August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Mike Bell ran the football Saturday night like a player whose career was on the line. And that's exactly how the rejuvenated Saints tailback said he plans to spend every day from here on out. "I think of (this opportunity) as a blessing that I don't want to go to waste," said Bell, who caught on with the Saints late last season after being released by Denver and Houston. "I almost let it go to waste, and I'll never do that again. Ever." Bell, 26, has been the Saints' breakout star this summer, highlighted by his spectacular performance at Houston on Saturday night -- 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown dash."
TURNING HEADS
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"On June 4, Saints officials announced the signing of free agent Rod Harper, a wide receiver who scored touchdowns in bunches for the af2 Arkansas Twisters. The transaction garnered little attention at the time, a line on the agate page of the sports section under the heading "NFL-Saints." Even the most casual observer probably viewed him as just another player on their 80-man roster. After two exhibition games and 25 days of training camp, the 24-year-old former sales clerk from Toys 'R' Us in Bradenton, Fla., has become more than just a camp body. He is a "some body" with a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster. Harper thrust himself into the discussion with a 79-yard punt return ..."
Saints' coaches singing Shanle's praises
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"You know Scott Shanle. Sure you do, because he's That Guy. That Guy on every NFL roster that the team's fans and media most often seem to identify as the one who should be replaced in the starting lineup. The one the majority believes the franchise can upgrade from. The one people lobby against when a big-name free agent that plays his position becomes available. True, for the Saints, Shanle isn't the only one on that list. Recently waived cornerback Jason David comes to mind, and Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jammal Brown has taken his share of hits. But Shanle has occupied a top spot on it since the day he joined the Saints in 2006 from Dallas in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, to ..."
Meachem to get more kicks
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem had not returned a kickoff since high school when he shared the same backfield with running back Felix Jones, now in his second year with the Dallas Cowboys. So when Meachem stepped on the field during the third quarter of Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, he remembered his senior season at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla. "Growing up in elementary school, middle school and high school, it's the same thing but guys are just coming at you a lot faster," Meachem said Monday. "You just have to let your natural instincts take over. God gave me a gift for speed, and I just tried to use my speed ..."
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland. Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time. "It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it." Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running ..."
Bushrod passes test despite some anxiety
Comment
August 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Prior to Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans, Saints third-string left tackle Jermon Bushrod spoke long distance with two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown. From his home in New Orleans while recovering from recent surgery to repair a sports hernia injury, Brown extended a helping hand and words of encouragement to the third-year pro from Towson University who was making his first NFL start. "Jammal said he was praying for me, and I told Jammal I was praying for him," Bushrod recalled while standing at his locker after the Saints' 38-14 victory at Reliant Stadium. When Saints Coach Sean Payton first announced that Bushrod would start for Brown, most observers ..."
Bushrod's play is most encouraging
Comment
August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"We learned a lot from the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. For instance, we now know Mike Bell is the unquestioned No. 3 running back behind Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. We know Joey Harrington looks a lot better at quarterback when he breaks the huddle with first- and second-teamers than he does with a bunch of undrafted free agents. And we learned Rod Harper is this year's out-of-nowhere camp sensation, following in the cleat marks of Adrian Arrington and Marques Colston. But most of all, we learned the potential loss of Jammal Brown might not be the Category 5 disaster we thought it might be for the Saints' high-powered offense. Of all the encouraging things from the ..."
Brown on mend after hernia surgery
Comment
August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown has returned to New Orleans after undergoing surgery by a Philadelphia-based doctor who specializes in sports hernia injuries, league sources confirmed Saturday. Brown will be sidelined the remainder of training camp, but team officials are hopeful he will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against the Detroit Lions at the Superdome. He is scheduled to spend the remainder of camp recovering and rehabbing from the surgery that was performed by Dr. William Myers. Brown was sent to Myers on Thursday morning after the player complained of lingering pain in his upper groin area. He experienced a flare-up Wednesday afternoon after the ..."
Schaub sharp again vs.Saints
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Matt Schaub finished 11-for-16 for 97 yards, after going 7-for-7 for 70 yards last week in Kansas City. Schaub took the Texans 94 yards for a touchdown against the Chiefs and directed a 70-yard scoring drive against the Saints. By completing his first three passes, he started 10-for-10 in the preseason before throwing his first incompletion. His quarterback ratings for the two games have been 108.3 and 105.5 respectively, numbers he'd gladly take in the regular season. Brees breezes Saints quarterback Drew Brees said after he returned to practice Thursday that he had enough experience to not be rusty after missing three days of work to attend memorial services for his mother in Austin. He ..."
Explosive Saints roll over Texans' defense
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"The New Orleans Saints were missing the electric Reggie Bush and their best tackle, Jammal Brown, because of injuries. Those absences alone should have proved a debilitating one-two punch in the gut for the NFL's most productive offense last season. Never mind the fact that quarterback Drew Brees had also missed three full days of practice to attend memorial services for his mother, who died Aug. 7. The Saints were as explosively efficient and productive as ever, embarrassing the Texans' starting defense with a 268-yard first half — they managed 168 yards in the second quarter alone — in what became a humbling 38-14 preseason rout that surely gave new Texans defensive coordinator Fran Bush ..."
Texans dance; Saints march over
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Receiver David Anderson celebrated the Texans' first touchdown of the game with a Russian dance that he saw in the Will Ferrell movie Elf. "We were up at that point, and I just tried to have a little fun," Anderson said. "Looking back now, there's not much to dance about, but we had played well on that first drive, and I didn't expect us to play so poorly after that. I don't think anyone did." The 8-yard pass put the Texans on the board first, taking the lead 7-0 with 8:55 left in the first quarter. The Texans' offense marched down the field on the first drive, moving 73 yards on 11 plays. Running back Steve Slaton gained 18 yards on 4 carries, and Matt Schaub completed 5 of 6 passes for ..."
Texans need playmakers to walk the line
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Frank Okam was given an opportunity to show his coaches that last week's solid performance against the Chiefs was the real deal. Aren't sequels always disappointing? Okam was part of a starting defensive line that got pushed up and down the field Saturday night as the Saints routed the Texans 38-14 at Reliant Stadium. This was a game that surely raised questions about an area that was already at the top of the worry list. After all the draft picks and all the free agents and all the years, the Texans still aren't sure how good their defensive line is. Good teams are built from the inside out. If the Texans can't hold their own in the defensive line, this season is going to be a lot like ..."
Texans flat in 38-14 preseason loss to New Orleans
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"New York Jets coach Rex Ryan better think twice before he shows his players tape of the Texans' rotten performance against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. If Ryan lets his players see it, they're bound to get overconfident before they come to Reliant Stadium for the regular-season opener. The only good thing that can be said about the 38-14 loss is that it was an exhibition. And what a poor exhibition of football it was, and that includes offense, defense and special teams. It's difficult to imagine coach Gary Kubiak finding anything good about this performance. Like just about everybody else, Kubiak should be scratching his head at a team that was humiliated in all three ..."
On the take
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Gregg Williams lumps turnovers into two categories: Those his defense takes and those it receives. The latter he derisively calls "gimmes." And they don't impress Saints' first-year defensive coordinator. He wants his defense to aggressively force offenses into errors, rather than wait on the unforced ones. So far he's had to enjoy what he's seen this preseason. The Saints defense created three turnovers in a 17-7 victory against Cincinnati in their exhibition opener and forced several more in a series of practices against the Texans this week. They'll try to continue their version of creationism tonight when they kick off their second exhibition game against the Texans at Reliant ..."
Learning key for Harrington
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints reserve quarterback Joey Harrington enters the second game of the exhibition season tonight, knowing the numbers game has a way of sorting itself out over the long haul of training camp. Harrington said he is not reading too much into the team's scripted quarterback rotation against the Texans at Reliant Stadium, where he is slated to follow Drew Brees and play with the No. 2 offense for part of the second quarter and into the second half. Backup quarterback Mark Brunell is expected to close the game, according to Coach Sean Payton. "I don't care who I play with, the 1s, 2s or 3s," Harrington said. "My job is to go out and play football regardless whether it's (Saints middle ..."
Ex-Hurricanes see eye to eye on playing field
Comment
August 22
Houston Chronicle
"New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey took refuge from the heat under a canopy on the sideline, sipping from a small bottle of Gatorade, and he never saw Andre Johnson coming. In passing, Johnson tipped Shockey's drink, causing some to trickle down Shockey's chin. Laughing, Shockey playfully chased Johnson for a few yards, but Johnson, a speedy receiver, avoided the bulky tight end. "I'll get you back later, 'Dre," Shockey jokingly shouted at Johnson. That friendly incident happened early Thursday and had nothing to do with the morning practice that became Wrestlemania. "Did you see all these Miami guys out here getting in the fights?" Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson said with ..."
It's the battle within a battle
Comment
August 22
Houston Chronicle
"When the Texans' coaches evaluate tape from tonight's preseason game against New Orleans, they will pay extra attention to several positions that have yet to be settled. Coach Gary Kubiak wants to see his starters play more than they did in winning the opener 16-10 at Kansas City last Saturday. The first-string defense played 18 snaps, the top offensive unit 10. "That was a little out of whack, so we'll definitely pick it up, probably a quarter and a half for the first group," Kubiak said. The coaches have games against New Orleans and Minnesota before the first roster reduction to 75. The final reduction to 53 will be made after the last preseason game against Tampa Bay. On offense, ..."
Return signals start of therapy for Brees
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Football has always been Drew Brees' sanctuary. Since he started firing spirals as a toddler, the gridiron has been his personal immersion tank, a refuge from the real world. Between the hashmarks, Brees could always forget his Ps and Qs and concentrate on the Xs and Os. So it should come as no surprise that the Saints' star quarterback embraced his return to the football field Thursday, just days after paying last respects to his mother, Mina, who died Aug. 11 of unknown causes. Brees rejoined the Saints in Houston on Wednesday and immediately jumped cleats-first into his normal game-week routine. For Brees, it was the best form of grief therapy. He watched tape, broke down the Saints' ..."
Tackle Brown being checked for a hernia
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Concerned Saints officials sent two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown to a sports hernia specialist Thursday to identify the cause of a lingering pain in the player's groin area and determine a course of action. Brown, who has anchored the Saints' offensive line since being selected in the first round of the 2005 draft, flew to Philadelphia to be examined by Dr. William Myers. If surgery is necessary, Brown could miss five to six weeks, according to sources familiar with the medical procedure. Saints Coach Sean Payton said Brown will not play in Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium."
Saints, Texans show fighting spirit
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"If Thursday morning's practice between the Saints and Houston Texans is any indication, Saturday night's exhibition game at Reliant Stadium could turn into a grudge match. At least four fights broke out in the two-hour workout at the Texans' training facility, with the feature bout involving Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey and Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Each exchanged punches before Ryans threw Shockey to the ground and a scrum developed. Television replays identified at least three other pugilists on the undercard -- fullback Vonta Leach from Houston and linebacker Troy Evans and defensive tackle Rod Coleman from New Orleans. Leach and Coleman both played at East Carolina. ..."
Texans, Saints mix it up, get as hot as the weather
Comment
August 21
Houston Chronicle
"The Texans and New Orleans Saints spent so much time fighting during Thursday's morning practice they could have been filming a movie — Fight Club. "Actually," Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston said with a grin, "I thought it was very Gangs of New York-esque." After six fights in 90 minutes before a crowd of 3,704 — not counting members of the Rice and University of Houston football teams — the Texans and Saints were exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. Too bad Dana White and Vince McMahon weren't around to judge the one-on-one skirmishes, tag-team matches and scrums. "I haven't seen this many fights in my whole career," said Saints safety Darren Sharper, a 13-year veteran. "We've ..."
WRs Colston, Johnson have a mutual admiration
Comment
August 20
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Houston Texans' Andre Johnson and the Saints' Marques Colston quietly went about their business Wednesday, catching passes. Afterward, neither player commanded much attention at the Texans' practice facility. They were in sharp contrast, for example, to NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who seemingly live for the media spotlight wherever, whenever. In fact, Johnson and Colston felt more comfortable talking about each other rather than themselves. "I know (Colston) has been fighting some injuries the past few years, but all in all I think he's a great player," said Johnson, who led the NFL last season in receptions (115) and receiving yardage (1,575) with eight ..."
NO WORRIES
Comment
August 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"To the outside world, Saints receiver Lance Moore appears to be a prime candidate for a letdown this season. For starters, the fourth-year pro came seemingly out of nowhere last season, filling in when starter Marques Colston went down with a thumb injury and finishing with a breakout season: 79 receptions, 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Then his follow-up campaign got off to an inauspicious start when he dislocated his left shoulder and tore his labrum during a weightlifting mishap in April. But the Saints have developed an unwavering confidence in Moore, who turns 26 at the end of this month. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder has a pretty good track record when it comes to bucking the odds. And ..."
Cutting corner should not have taken so long
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist John DeShazier
"Finally, Jason David's days as a Saint have ended. And if it took the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to create that reality, and for the team to shave the roster of a free-agent cornerback who had been a disappointment since his first regular-season game, then Williams' hiring was overdue -- and he has earned a decent portion of whatever it is New Orleans is paying him. Few would bother arguing that David had measured up to his job description since he signed in 2007. Fewer would debate his addition hadn't been an error. By almost any standard the union pretty much was a disaster from the get-go, David failing to fill a desperate need for the Saints and the Saints, ..."
Deuce still on the loose but says he's rarin' to go
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Former Saints tailback Deuce McAllister remains optimistic about his chances of catching on with another NFL team, though he admits that several factors are working against him. McAllister, 30, said Monday he is healthy enough to pass a physical, and his agents have been in contact with some teams. But the biggest hurdle he faces is the four-game suspension he's scheduled to serve at the beginning of the season. "It's kind of tough to get with a team knowing you won't be there for the first four games. That's kind of tough to deal with on my end," said McAllister, who tested positive for a banned diuretic last summer, along with three Saints teammates in the high-profile StarCaps case. ..."
Saints look forward to work vs. Texans
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"By now, the Saints' defensive players know the tendencies of the offense. Into their third week of training camp, they can at times predict what plays are coming. That should change, however, over the next few days. After a walk-through practice today that is closed to the media, the team will board a flight to Houston for three practices -- two Wednesday and one Thursday -- with the Texans and one by themselves. On Friday, there's another walk-through for New Orleans. Saints Coach Sean Payton said he is looking forward to watching his team practice against the Texans before the teams meet in an exhibition game Saturday night at Reliant Stadium. "Our goals in Houston are to continue ..."
Saints part ways with CB Jason David
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Jason David's roller-coaster ride in New Orleans finally came to a halt Monday when the Saints released the 27-year-old cornerback with two years remaining on his contract. David, who was set to earn $2.4 million this season, showed a knack for making big plays during his two-year run with the Saints. But he allowed far too many of them to opposing offenses, becoming a whipping boy for quarterbacks and Saints fans alike. The final straw came during Friday night's preseason opener in the Superdome, when he was repeatedly burned by Cincinnati Bengals receivers Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco in New Orleans' 17-7 victory. "It's probably a combination of the players now in front of him ..."
Ex-Jet Vilma Looks To Repay Saints
Comment
August 18
New York Post
"Jonathan Vilma needed one season in New Orleans to resurrect his career. Coming back from major knee surgery, the former Jets star played every defensive snap at middle linebacker in 2008, leading the team with 151 tackles to go with two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a game-sealing interception. Vilma understands he'll be challenged to top those numbers in his second season with the Saints, but said he's trying not to worry about his own statistics. Vilma said he feels a deep sense of loyalty to the Saints, and not only because they signed him last winter to a five-year, $34 million contract. A serious knee injury in 2007 had put the former Pro Bowl linebacker's career in ..."
Misstep costs kicker first four games
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can ..."
N.O. at ease with Carney, but Hartley . . .
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"I've got a suggestion for how Garrett Hartley can kill time during his four-game suspension to start the regular season. Read the Wally Pipp story. The Saints' 23-year-old kicker wasn't born when Pipp famously lost his job to Lou Gehrig back in 1925. He likely hasn't heard of him, but he would be wise to educate himself on Pipp's story. Gehrig went on to start 2,130 with the New York Yankees. Hartley might have unwittingly Pipped himself this week when he violated the NFL's substance abuse policy and landed on the league's suspended list. While Hartley sits out the first four games of the 2009 regular season, Carney will take his place as the Saints' regular kicker. Carney isn't just ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can be ..."
Saints' Hartley to serve 4-game drug suspension
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Saints kicker Garrett Hartley says he took banned stimulant Adderall to stay awake
Comment
August 16
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints kicker Garrett Hartley tested positive for the banned stimulant Adderall, which he said he took to stay awake on a drive from Dallas to New Orleans earlier this year. He will serve a four-game suspension to start the season without appealing. Hartley said he didn't know the prescription drug was banned by the NFL, but he should have known better. He said he got the Adderall from some former college friends before driving back to New Orleans during offseason workouts. The Saints and Hartley were informed of the suspension more than a week ago, and they've been making contingency plans ever since. They finalized an agreement with new kicker John Carney on Thursday before officially ..."
Not There Yet
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma ran for the end zone in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome, trying to turn his interception into a spectacular 69-yard touchdown. But he fell 4 yards short of the goal line when Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell caught up to him and knocked the ball loose. "I got a little tired," Vilma admitted. "I've got to get into game shape." It's hard to blame him. After all, he had just used up most of his tank earlier in the first quarter, when he scooped up a fumble forced by safety Darren Sharper and returned the ball 47 yards to the Bengals' 6-yard line. Asked if 112 rushing yards were a career high for him, Vilma laughed. "Could you ..."
Henry enjoys a homecoming
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Chris Henry won't hesitate to tell you he no longer lives his life the way he used to -- the fast life. He only plays that way now. The Cincinnati Bengals are happy that Henry, a former Belle Chase High School standout, is still the same dangerous player, however. Henry appeared to be in midseason form, beating Saints beleaguered cornerback Jason David on an array of first-half passes in the Saints' 17-7 victory over the Bengals in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome. With more than 60 family and friends in attendance, Henry, a troubled receiver with superior talents, easily had his way in his homecoming, catching seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Six of his ..."
Saints joined in pursuit of Brooks
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Saints apparently are not the only team interested in veteran free agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, who is trying to get back in the NFL after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. The Oakland Raiders reportedly flew the 11-time Pro Bowl player out for a visit and workout Friday, two days after Brooks left New Orleans without a contract offer from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis and Saints Coach Sean Payton are expected to make a decision this weekend with regard to Brooks and free agent linebacker Derek Smith, both of whom worked out for the team Wednesday morning. Loomis said a decision on either player may or may not be forthcoming, indicating the ..."
Palmer tweaks ankle vs. Saints
Comment
August 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
"If you are a Bengals' fan, the two things you wanted to see in Friday night's preseason opener from the offense was a well-executed attack and a healthy Carson Palmer. Well, you definitely got the former while there was some brief concern about the latter during the 17-7 loss to the Saints at the Superdome. The Bengals' first teamers had 170 total yards of offense, but there was a brief period of concern when Palmer suffered a high left ankle sprain. Palmer said he sprained his ankle when he tried to pull the ball down on a busted play when a Saints' defender rolled on it. He was wearing a boot on the leg after the game but said it was mainly for precautionary measures. "It's a high ankle ..."
Vilma, Saints D hope to match output of high-octane offense
Comment
August 14
Green Bay Press Gazette
"Defense? Defense? That is a question the New Orleans Saints aim to answer in the affirmative this season.Last season, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards. The Saints were No. 1 in total offense. But en route to an 8-8 finish, they allowed 27 points or more in nine games (seven of them losses) and ranked 23rd in defense. Holdover middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the rest of a revamped New Orleans defense want to close that performance gap. "I feel the defense is really coming along. … We're a talented group. We have to go out there and execute," says Vilma, whose teams opens its preseason at home Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Acquired last ..."
New QB Andrew Walter first off bench
Comment
August 14
Boston Herald
"Andrew Walter glanced at his watch. He tried to remember when the Patriots had signed him. "What's today's date?" the reserve quarterback asked. "Not a lot of time." The former Raider joined the Pats Aug. 3, giving him merely seven practice days to prepare for last night's preseason opener against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Walter went 5-of-9 for 62 yards in his new team's 27-25 victory, taking the field immediately following starter Tom Brady. Coach Bill Belichick downplayed the suggestion that Walter was inserted into the lineup so quickly because he had supplanted backup Kevin O'Connell."
Saints weigh options with Brooks, Smith
Comment
August 13
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints officials gave no indication whether they will sign or pass on veteran free-agent linebackers Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith, who were brought in for workouts Wednesday. Each player apparently passed inspection, but Coach Sean Payton said no decision will be made before Saturday, the day after the Saints open their exhibition schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Superdome. "Those guys are in great shape," Payton said after the team finished its 18th practice of training camp, a two-hour exercise that was pushed indoors because of inclement weather. "We're not going to do anything right yet. I talked to both players, and we're going to get through this game on Friday and ..."
Report: Ex-Buc Brooks leaves Saints without contract offer
Comment
August 13
Tampa Tribune
"The Saints have not offered linebacker Derrick Brooks a contract, according to a report on the Times-Picayune's Web site. Brooks worked out for the team Wednesday morning, but apparently left town later in the day without a contract. A Saints spokesman said the team did not plan to announce any signings Wednesday, according to the report. Neither Brooks nor veteran linebacker Derek Smith, who also worked out for the team Wednesday, was at the Saints' afternoon practice."
Saints hoping to have enough in '09
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Peter Finney
"I'm looking at the schedule, and it says the Saints play the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night in the Superdome. My question: Is it a "must win?" I know, I know, it's only the first of four exhibition games, which means it will be quickly forgotten, which means it won't count when they total up the Ws and Ls. But I'm listening to all the tweets and twitters -- is that what they call 'em? -- and I'm in a fog. You read some of those gushing communiqués from Saints-land, and it's enough to ask: What happens if the Bengals happen to make a first down against Gregg Williams' defense? Better yet, God forbid, what happens if they throw a 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver? Will ..."
Brown sets the bar high for himself, Saints
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Other than maybe Reggie Bush, no Saints player seems to earn more mixed reviews from the fan base than left tackle Jammal Brown. If possible, the fifth-year veteran is both overrated and underappreciated. He's a two-time Pro Bowl selection -- including a trip to Hawaii as an injury replacement last season, but he has never quite lived up to the immense potential he showed in his first two NFL seasons. He plays the most important position on the line for the NFL's most prolific offense, which just set a franchise record for the fewest sacks in a season (13, three of which were credited to Brown). But he also was flagged for a career-high seven holding penalties, and he had two very ..."
Saints taking a look at LBs Brooks, Smith
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Since his unceremonious release in February by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks has been simmering on the Saints' back burner, an object of interest for the front office perhaps somewhere down the road. That time has arrived now that versatile backup linebacker Mark Simoneau needs surgery today to repair a torn right triceps, a procedure that likely will shelve him until midseason or perhaps end his season. Brooks, 36, and free-agent linebacker Derek Smith, 34, were to arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday night and are scheduled to work out today for team officials. Neither signing would lower the average age of the team, which already is one of the ..."
Highly Motivated
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Linebacker Anthony Waters is a long shot to make the Saints' roster, and frankly, his NFL career has been stuck in neutral since San Diego drafted him in the third round two years ago. He seems to be on the right road now, and that's something he and his family take great pride in. Things could have turned out much differently for Waters, one of nine children raised by a single mother in Lake View, S.C. Two of his older brothers are in prison, serving time for separate murder cases. "I was pretty much in the same situation that they were in, the same household, the same neighborhood, you know, the same school," Waters said. "But I kind of saw how it tore down my family, saw how it tore ..."
Saints 'D' in a taking mood
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams gave his review of the good, bad and ugly from Saturday night's exhibition victory at Houston. The highlight, he said, was forcing three turnovers, which matched the Saints' total from the preseason opener against Cincinnati. "Our guys are trying to take it away," Williams said. "They're called takeaways, and not giveaways. We understand that we have to create those things." He also said the Saints tackled better at Houston, defended the run well, played fast and physical, and played with "an attitude and some emotion, which was good because sometimes you can't get that in a preseason game." What he didn't like were the three defensive ..."
N.O. may take running-back-by-committee approach
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Jeff Duncan
"In April, the conventional wisdom was the Saints didn't have a bona fide lead running back on their roster. Remember those days? Deuce McAllister was gone, Edgerrin James was being evaluated in free agency, and Beanie Wells was a consideration in the NFL draft. Hard-core Who Dat fans even threw fits when the club failed toRashad Jennings on the second day of the draft. How things have changed in four months. In the wake of Mike Bell's breakout performance against the Houston Texans, the Saints now have a good problem on their hands. They have not one, not two, but three running backs capable of carrying the load on any given Sunday. Bell's 10-carry, 100-yard performance Saturday was ..."
N.O. cuts punter Pakulak, receiver Warren
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Saints ended their punter competition early, releasing veteran Glenn Pakulak on Wednesday, team spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed. They also released receiver Paris Warren. The Saints need to remove three more players from their active roster to get down to 75 by Tuesday -- the first of two cut-down days. They need to get down to 53 players by Sept. 5. They made the decisions on Pakulak and Warren early, though, three days before the team's preseason game at Oakland. Rookie punter Thomas Morstead now will get a full workload in the final two preseason games to get up to speed for the regular season."
DE Grant '80 percent' in return
Comment
August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"With his strained left hamstring heavily wrapped under his black sweat pants, Saints starting left defensive end Charles Grant returned to the practice field Tuesday for the first time since pulling up in the first half of the Saints' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 14. Grant, who had been relegated to stretching and working on individual drills with team trainer Scottie Patton, practiced with the first-team defense. He estimated that he is about "80" percent healthy and said he hopes to play Saturday against the Oakland Raiders, although he was uncertain of his status. "It's getting better; it's not 100 percent, but it's better than it was," Grant said. "You ..."
Bell admits he nearly squandered opportunity
Comment
August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Mike Bell ran the football Saturday night like a player whose career was on the line. And that's exactly how the rejuvenated Saints tailback said he plans to spend every day from here on out. "I think of (this opportunity) as a blessing that I don't want to go to waste," said Bell, who caught on with the Saints late last season after being released by Denver and Houston. "I almost let it go to waste, and I'll never do that again. Ever." Bell, 26, has been the Saints' breakout star this summer, highlighted by his spectacular performance at Houston on Saturday night -- 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown dash."
TURNING HEADS
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"On June 4, Saints officials announced the signing of free agent Rod Harper, a wide receiver who scored touchdowns in bunches for the af2 Arkansas Twisters. The transaction garnered little attention at the time, a line on the agate page of the sports section under the heading "NFL-Saints." Even the most casual observer probably viewed him as just another player on their 80-man roster. After two exhibition games and 25 days of training camp, the 24-year-old former sales clerk from Toys 'R' Us in Bradenton, Fla., has become more than just a camp body. He is a "some body" with a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster. Harper thrust himself into the discussion with a 79-yard punt return ..."
Saints' coaches singing Shanle's praises
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"You know Scott Shanle. Sure you do, because he's That Guy. That Guy on every NFL roster that the team's fans and media most often seem to identify as the one who should be replaced in the starting lineup. The one the majority believes the franchise can upgrade from. The one people lobby against when a big-name free agent that plays his position becomes available. True, for the Saints, Shanle isn't the only one on that list. Recently waived cornerback Jason David comes to mind, and Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jammal Brown has taken his share of hits. But Shanle has occupied a top spot on it since the day he joined the Saints in 2006 from Dallas in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, to ..."
Meachem to get more kicks
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem had not returned a kickoff since high school when he shared the same backfield with running back Felix Jones, now in his second year with the Dallas Cowboys. So when Meachem stepped on the field during the third quarter of Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, he remembered his senior season at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla. "Growing up in elementary school, middle school and high school, it's the same thing but guys are just coming at you a lot faster," Meachem said Monday. "You just have to let your natural instincts take over. God gave me a gift for speed, and I just tried to use my speed ..."
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland. Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time. "It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it." Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running ..."
Bushrod passes test despite some anxiety
Comment
August 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Prior to Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans, Saints third-string left tackle Jermon Bushrod spoke long distance with two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown. From his home in New Orleans while recovering from recent surgery to repair a sports hernia injury, Brown extended a helping hand and words of encouragement to the third-year pro from Towson University who was making his first NFL start. "Jammal said he was praying for me, and I told Jammal I was praying for him," Bushrod recalled while standing at his locker after the Saints' 38-14 victory at Reliant Stadium. When Saints Coach Sean Payton first announced that Bushrod would start for Brown, most observers ..."
Bushrod's play is most encouraging
Comment
August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"We learned a lot from the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. For instance, we now know Mike Bell is the unquestioned No. 3 running back behind Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. We know Joey Harrington looks a lot better at quarterback when he breaks the huddle with first- and second-teamers than he does with a bunch of undrafted free agents. And we learned Rod Harper is this year's out-of-nowhere camp sensation, following in the cleat marks of Adrian Arrington and Marques Colston. But most of all, we learned the potential loss of Jammal Brown might not be the Category 5 disaster we thought it might be for the Saints' high-powered offense. Of all the encouraging things from the ..."
Brown on mend after hernia surgery
Comment
August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown has returned to New Orleans after undergoing surgery by a Philadelphia-based doctor who specializes in sports hernia injuries, league sources confirmed Saturday. Brown will be sidelined the remainder of training camp, but team officials are hopeful he will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against the Detroit Lions at the Superdome. He is scheduled to spend the remainder of camp recovering and rehabbing from the surgery that was performed by Dr. William Myers. Brown was sent to Myers on Thursday morning after the player complained of lingering pain in his upper groin area. He experienced a flare-up Wednesday afternoon after the ..."
Schaub sharp again vs.Saints
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Matt Schaub finished 11-for-16 for 97 yards, after going 7-for-7 for 70 yards last week in Kansas City. Schaub took the Texans 94 yards for a touchdown against the Chiefs and directed a 70-yard scoring drive against the Saints. By completing his first three passes, he started 10-for-10 in the preseason before throwing his first incompletion. His quarterback ratings for the two games have been 108.3 and 105.5 respectively, numbers he'd gladly take in the regular season. Brees breezes Saints quarterback Drew Brees said after he returned to practice Thursday that he had enough experience to not be rusty after missing three days of work to attend memorial services for his mother in Austin. He ..."
Explosive Saints roll over Texans' defense
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"The New Orleans Saints were missing the electric Reggie Bush and their best tackle, Jammal Brown, because of injuries. Those absences alone should have proved a debilitating one-two punch in the gut for the NFL's most productive offense last season. Never mind the fact that quarterback Drew Brees had also missed three full days of practice to attend memorial services for his mother, who died Aug. 7. The Saints were as explosively efficient and productive as ever, embarrassing the Texans' starting defense with a 268-yard first half — they managed 168 yards in the second quarter alone — in what became a humbling 38-14 preseason rout that surely gave new Texans defensive coordinator Fran Bush ..."
Texans dance; Saints march over
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Receiver David Anderson celebrated the Texans' first touchdown of the game with a Russian dance that he saw in the Will Ferrell movie Elf. "We were up at that point, and I just tried to have a little fun," Anderson said. "Looking back now, there's not much to dance about, but we had played well on that first drive, and I didn't expect us to play so poorly after that. I don't think anyone did." The 8-yard pass put the Texans on the board first, taking the lead 7-0 with 8:55 left in the first quarter. The Texans' offense marched down the field on the first drive, moving 73 yards on 11 plays. Running back Steve Slaton gained 18 yards on 4 carries, and Matt Schaub completed 5 of 6 passes for ..."
Texans need playmakers to walk the line
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"Frank Okam was given an opportunity to show his coaches that last week's solid performance against the Chiefs was the real deal. Aren't sequels always disappointing? Okam was part of a starting defensive line that got pushed up and down the field Saturday night as the Saints routed the Texans 38-14 at Reliant Stadium. This was a game that surely raised questions about an area that was already at the top of the worry list. After all the draft picks and all the free agents and all the years, the Texans still aren't sure how good their defensive line is. Good teams are built from the inside out. If the Texans can't hold their own in the defensive line, this season is going to be a lot like ..."
Texans flat in 38-14 preseason loss to New Orleans
Comment
August 23
Houston Chronicle
"New York Jets coach Rex Ryan better think twice before he shows his players tape of the Texans' rotten performance against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. If Ryan lets his players see it, they're bound to get overconfident before they come to Reliant Stadium for the regular-season opener. The only good thing that can be said about the 38-14 loss is that it was an exhibition. And what a poor exhibition of football it was, and that includes offense, defense and special teams. It's difficult to imagine coach Gary Kubiak finding anything good about this performance. Like just about everybody else, Kubiak should be scratching his head at a team that was humiliated in all three ..."
On the take
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Gregg Williams lumps turnovers into two categories: Those his defense takes and those it receives. The latter he derisively calls "gimmes." And they don't impress Saints' first-year defensive coordinator. He wants his defense to aggressively force offenses into errors, rather than wait on the unforced ones. So far he's had to enjoy what he's seen this preseason. The Saints defense created three turnovers in a 17-7 victory against Cincinnati in their exhibition opener and forced several more in a series of practices against the Texans this week. They'll try to continue their version of creationism tonight when they kick off their second exhibition game against the Texans at Reliant ..."
Learning key for Harrington
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints reserve quarterback Joey Harrington enters the second game of the exhibition season tonight, knowing the numbers game has a way of sorting itself out over the long haul of training camp. Harrington said he is not reading too much into the team's scripted quarterback rotation against the Texans at Reliant Stadium, where he is slated to follow Drew Brees and play with the No. 2 offense for part of the second quarter and into the second half. Backup quarterback Mark Brunell is expected to close the game, according to Coach Sean Payton. "I don't care who I play with, the 1s, 2s or 3s," Harrington said. "My job is to go out and play football regardless whether it's (Saints middle ..."
Ex-Hurricanes see eye to eye on playing field
Comment
August 22
Houston Chronicle
"New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey took refuge from the heat under a canopy on the sideline, sipping from a small bottle of Gatorade, and he never saw Andre Johnson coming. In passing, Johnson tipped Shockey's drink, causing some to trickle down Shockey's chin. Laughing, Shockey playfully chased Johnson for a few yards, but Johnson, a speedy receiver, avoided the bulky tight end. "I'll get you back later, 'Dre," Shockey jokingly shouted at Johnson. That friendly incident happened early Thursday and had nothing to do with the morning practice that became Wrestlemania. "Did you see all these Miami guys out here getting in the fights?" Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson said with ..."
It's the battle within a battle
Comment
August 22
Houston Chronicle
"When the Texans' coaches evaluate tape from tonight's preseason game against New Orleans, they will pay extra attention to several positions that have yet to be settled. Coach Gary Kubiak wants to see his starters play more than they did in winning the opener 16-10 at Kansas City last Saturday. The first-string defense played 18 snaps, the top offensive unit 10. "That was a little out of whack, so we'll definitely pick it up, probably a quarter and a half for the first group," Kubiak said. The coaches have games against New Orleans and Minnesota before the first roster reduction to 75. The final reduction to 53 will be made after the last preseason game against Tampa Bay. On offense, ..."
Return signals start of therapy for Brees
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Football has always been Drew Brees' sanctuary. Since he started firing spirals as a toddler, the gridiron has been his personal immersion tank, a refuge from the real world. Between the hashmarks, Brees could always forget his Ps and Qs and concentrate on the Xs and Os. So it should come as no surprise that the Saints' star quarterback embraced his return to the football field Thursday, just days after paying last respects to his mother, Mina, who died Aug. 11 of unknown causes. Brees rejoined the Saints in Houston on Wednesday and immediately jumped cleats-first into his normal game-week routine. For Brees, it was the best form of grief therapy. He watched tape, broke down the Saints' ..."
Tackle Brown being checked for a hernia
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Concerned Saints officials sent two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown to a sports hernia specialist Thursday to identify the cause of a lingering pain in the player's groin area and determine a course of action. Brown, who has anchored the Saints' offensive line since being selected in the first round of the 2005 draft, flew to Philadelphia to be examined by Dr. William Myers. If surgery is necessary, Brown could miss five to six weeks, according to sources familiar with the medical procedure. Saints Coach Sean Payton said Brown will not play in Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium."
Saints, Texans show fighting spirit
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"If Thursday morning's practice between the Saints and Houston Texans is any indication, Saturday night's exhibition game at Reliant Stadium could turn into a grudge match. At least four fights broke out in the two-hour workout at the Texans' training facility, with the feature bout involving Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey and Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Each exchanged punches before Ryans threw Shockey to the ground and a scrum developed. Television replays identified at least three other pugilists on the undercard -- fullback Vonta Leach from Houston and linebacker Troy Evans and defensive tackle Rod Coleman from New Orleans. Leach and Coleman both played at East Carolina. ..."
Texans, Saints mix it up, get as hot as the weather
Comment
August 21
Houston Chronicle
"The Texans and New Orleans Saints spent so much time fighting during Thursday's morning practice they could have been filming a movie — Fight Club. "Actually," Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston said with a grin, "I thought it was very Gangs of New York-esque." After six fights in 90 minutes before a crowd of 3,704 — not counting members of the Rice and University of Houston football teams — the Texans and Saints were exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. Too bad Dana White and Vince McMahon weren't around to judge the one-on-one skirmishes, tag-team matches and scrums. "I haven't seen this many fights in my whole career," said Saints safety Darren Sharper, a 13-year veteran. "We've ..."
WRs Colston, Johnson have a mutual admiration
Comment
August 20
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Houston Texans' Andre Johnson and the Saints' Marques Colston quietly went about their business Wednesday, catching passes. Afterward, neither player commanded much attention at the Texans' practice facility. They were in sharp contrast, for example, to NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who seemingly live for the media spotlight wherever, whenever. In fact, Johnson and Colston felt more comfortable talking about each other rather than themselves. "I know (Colston) has been fighting some injuries the past few years, but all in all I think he's a great player," said Johnson, who led the NFL last season in receptions (115) and receiving yardage (1,575) with eight ..."
NO WORRIES
Comment
August 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"To the outside world, Saints receiver Lance Moore appears to be a prime candidate for a letdown this season. For starters, the fourth-year pro came seemingly out of nowhere last season, filling in when starter Marques Colston went down with a thumb injury and finishing with a breakout season: 79 receptions, 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Then his follow-up campaign got off to an inauspicious start when he dislocated his left shoulder and tore his labrum during a weightlifting mishap in April. But the Saints have developed an unwavering confidence in Moore, who turns 26 at the end of this month. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder has a pretty good track record when it comes to bucking the odds. And ..."
Cutting corner should not have taken so long
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist John DeShazier
"Finally, Jason David's days as a Saint have ended. And if it took the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to create that reality, and for the team to shave the roster of a free-agent cornerback who had been a disappointment since his first regular-season game, then Williams' hiring was overdue -- and he has earned a decent portion of whatever it is New Orleans is paying him. Few would bother arguing that David had measured up to his job description since he signed in 2007. Fewer would debate his addition hadn't been an error. By almost any standard the union pretty much was a disaster from the get-go, David failing to fill a desperate need for the Saints and the Saints, ..."
Deuce still on the loose but says he's rarin' to go
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Former Saints tailback Deuce McAllister remains optimistic about his chances of catching on with another NFL team, though he admits that several factors are working against him. McAllister, 30, said Monday he is healthy enough to pass a physical, and his agents have been in contact with some teams. But the biggest hurdle he faces is the four-game suspension he's scheduled to serve at the beginning of the season. "It's kind of tough to get with a team knowing you won't be there for the first four games. That's kind of tough to deal with on my end," said McAllister, who tested positive for a banned diuretic last summer, along with three Saints teammates in the high-profile StarCaps case. ..."
Saints look forward to work vs. Texans
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"By now, the Saints' defensive players know the tendencies of the offense. Into their third week of training camp, they can at times predict what plays are coming. That should change, however, over the next few days. After a walk-through practice today that is closed to the media, the team will board a flight to Houston for three practices -- two Wednesday and one Thursday -- with the Texans and one by themselves. On Friday, there's another walk-through for New Orleans. Saints Coach Sean Payton said he is looking forward to watching his team practice against the Texans before the teams meet in an exhibition game Saturday night at Reliant Stadium. "Our goals in Houston are to continue ..."
Saints part ways with CB Jason David
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Jason David's roller-coaster ride in New Orleans finally came to a halt Monday when the Saints released the 27-year-old cornerback with two years remaining on his contract. David, who was set to earn $2.4 million this season, showed a knack for making big plays during his two-year run with the Saints. But he allowed far too many of them to opposing offenses, becoming a whipping boy for quarterbacks and Saints fans alike. The final straw came during Friday night's preseason opener in the Superdome, when he was repeatedly burned by Cincinnati Bengals receivers Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco in New Orleans' 17-7 victory. "It's probably a combination of the players now in front of him ..."
Ex-Jet Vilma Looks To Repay Saints
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August 18
New York Post
"Jonathan Vilma needed one season in New Orleans to resurrect his career. Coming back from major knee surgery, the former Jets star played every defensive snap at middle linebacker in 2008, leading the team with 151 tackles to go with two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a game-sealing interception. Vilma understands he'll be challenged to top those numbers in his second season with the Saints, but said he's trying not to worry about his own statistics. Vilma said he feels a deep sense of loyalty to the Saints, and not only because they signed him last winter to a five-year, $34 million contract. A serious knee injury in 2007 had put the former Pro Bowl linebacker's career in ..."
Misstep costs kicker first four games
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August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
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August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can ..."
N.O. at ease with Carney, but Hartley . . .
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August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"I've got a suggestion for how Garrett Hartley can kill time during his four-game suspension to start the regular season. Read the Wally Pipp story. The Saints' 23-year-old kicker wasn't born when Pipp famously lost his job to Lou Gehrig back in 1925. He likely hasn't heard of him, but he would be wise to educate himself on Pipp's story. Gehrig went on to start 2,130 with the New York Yankees. Hartley might have unwittingly Pipped himself this week when he violated the NFL's substance abuse policy and landed on the league's suspended list. While Hartley sits out the first four games of the 2009 regular season, Carney will take his place as the Saints' regular kicker. Carney isn't just ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
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August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can be ..."
Saints' Hartley to serve 4-game drug suspension
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August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Saints kicker Garrett Hartley says he took banned stimulant Adderall to stay awake
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August 16
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints kicker Garrett Hartley tested positive for the banned stimulant Adderall, which he said he took to stay awake on a drive from Dallas to New Orleans earlier this year. He will serve a four-game suspension to start the season without appealing. Hartley said he didn't know the prescription drug was banned by the NFL, but he should have known better. He said he got the Adderall from some former college friends before driving back to New Orleans during offseason workouts. The Saints and Hartley were informed of the suspension more than a week ago, and they've been making contingency plans ever since. They finalized an agreement with new kicker John Carney on Thursday before officially ..."
Not There Yet
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August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma ran for the end zone in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome, trying to turn his interception into a spectacular 69-yard touchdown. But he fell 4 yards short of the goal line when Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell caught up to him and knocked the ball loose. "I got a little tired," Vilma admitted. "I've got to get into game shape." It's hard to blame him. After all, he had just used up most of his tank earlier in the first quarter, when he scooped up a fumble forced by safety Darren Sharper and returned the ball 47 yards to the Bengals' 6-yard line. Asked if 112 rushing yards were a career high for him, Vilma laughed. "Could you ..."
Henry enjoys a homecoming
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August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Chris Henry won't hesitate to tell you he no longer lives his life the way he used to -- the fast life. He only plays that way now. The Cincinnati Bengals are happy that Henry, a former Belle Chase High School standout, is still the same dangerous player, however. Henry appeared to be in midseason form, beating Saints beleaguered cornerback Jason David on an array of first-half passes in the Saints' 17-7 victory over the Bengals in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome. With more than 60 family and friends in attendance, Henry, a troubled receiver with superior talents, easily had his way in his homecoming, catching seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Six of his ..."
Saints joined in pursuit of Brooks
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August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"The Saints apparently are not the only team interested in veteran free agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, who is trying to get back in the NFL after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. The Oakland Raiders reportedly flew the 11-time Pro Bowl player out for a visit and workout Friday, two days after Brooks left New Orleans without a contract offer from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis and Saints Coach Sean Payton are expected to make a decision this weekend with regard to Brooks and free agent linebacker Derek Smith, both of whom worked out for the team Wednesday morning. Loomis said a decision on either player may or may not be forthcoming, indicating the ..."
Palmer tweaks ankle vs. Saints
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August 15
Cincinnati Enquirer
"If you are a Bengals' fan, the two things you wanted to see in Friday night's preseason opener from the offense was a well-executed attack and a healthy Carson Palmer. Well, you definitely got the former while there was some brief concern about the latter during the 17-7 loss to the Saints at the Superdome. The Bengals' first teamers had 170 total yards of offense, but there was a brief period of concern when Palmer suffered a high left ankle sprain. Palmer said he sprained his ankle when he tried to pull the ball down on a busted play when a Saints' defender rolled on it. He was wearing a boot on the leg after the game but said it was mainly for precautionary measures. "It's a high ankle ..."
Vilma, Saints D hope to match output of high-octane offense
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August 14
Green Bay Press Gazette
"Defense? Defense? That is a question the New Orleans Saints aim to answer in the affirmative this season.Last season, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards. The Saints were No. 1 in total offense. But en route to an 8-8 finish, they allowed 27 points or more in nine games (seven of them losses) and ranked 23rd in defense. Holdover middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the rest of a revamped New Orleans defense want to close that performance gap. "I feel the defense is really coming along. … We're a talented group. We have to go out there and execute," says Vilma, whose teams opens its preseason at home Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Acquired last ..."
New QB Andrew Walter first off bench
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August 14
Boston Herald
"Andrew Walter glanced at his watch. He tried to remember when the Patriots had signed him. "What's today's date?" the reserve quarterback asked. "Not a lot of time." The former Raider joined the Pats Aug. 3, giving him merely seven practice days to prepare for last night's preseason opener against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Walter went 5-of-9 for 62 yards in his new team's 27-25 victory, taking the field immediately following starter Tom Brady. Coach Bill Belichick downplayed the suggestion that Walter was inserted into the lineup so quickly because he had supplanted backup Kevin O'Connell."
Saints weigh options with Brooks, Smith
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August 13
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Saints officials gave no indication whether they will sign or pass on veteran free-agent linebackers Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith, who were brought in for workouts Wednesday. Each player apparently passed inspection, but Coach Sean Payton said no decision will be made before Saturday, the day after the Saints open their exhibition schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Superdome. "Those guys are in great shape," Payton said after the team finished its 18th practice of training camp, a two-hour exercise that was pushed indoors because of inclement weather. "We're not going to do anything right yet. I talked to both players, and we're going to get through this game on Friday and ..."
Report: Ex-Buc Brooks leaves Saints without contract offer
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August 13
Tampa Tribune
"The Saints have not offered linebacker Derrick Brooks a contract, according to a report on the Times-Picayune's Web site. Brooks worked out for the team Wednesday morning, but apparently left town later in the day without a contract. A Saints spokesman said the team did not plan to announce any signings Wednesday, according to the report. Neither Brooks nor veteran linebacker Derek Smith, who also worked out for the team Wednesday, was at the Saints' afternoon practice."
Saints hoping to have enough in '09
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August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Peter Finney
"I'm looking at the schedule, and it says the Saints play the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night in the Superdome. My question: Is it a "must win?" I know, I know, it's only the first of four exhibition games, which means it will be quickly forgotten, which means it won't count when they total up the Ws and Ls. But I'm listening to all the tweets and twitters -- is that what they call 'em? -- and I'm in a fog. You read some of those gushing communiqués from Saints-land, and it's enough to ask: What happens if the Bengals happen to make a first down against Gregg Williams' defense? Better yet, God forbid, what happens if they throw a 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver? Will ..."
Brown sets the bar high for himself, Saints
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August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Other than maybe Reggie Bush, no Saints player seems to earn more mixed reviews from the fan base than left tackle Jammal Brown. If possible, the fifth-year veteran is both overrated and underappreciated. He's a two-time Pro Bowl selection -- including a trip to Hawaii as an injury replacement last season, but he has never quite lived up to the immense potential he showed in his first two NFL seasons. He plays the most important position on the line for the NFL's most prolific offense, which just set a franchise record for the fewest sacks in a season (13, three of which were credited to Brown). But he also was flagged for a career-high seven holding penalties, and he had two very ..."
Saints taking a look at LBs Brooks, Smith
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August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"Since his unceremonious release in February by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks has been simmering on the Saints' back burner, an object of interest for the front office perhaps somewhere down the road. That time has arrived now that versatile backup linebacker Mark Simoneau needs surgery today to repair a torn right triceps, a procedure that likely will shelve him until midseason or perhaps end his season. Brooks, 36, and free-agent linebacker Derek Smith, 34, were to arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday night and are scheduled to work out today for team officials. Neither signing would lower the average age of the team, which already is one of the ..."
Heyward-Bey's catch excites Cable
Thursday, August 27, 2009
(08-26) 21:32 PDT -- Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey ran right as he reached back to his left, all the while starting to fall down on a pass route over the middle.
This is the exact sort of play that spelled incomplete pass all of training camp, particularly for a wide receiver who struggled enough to make the easy catches, never mind the spectacular.
Not this time. Heyward-Bey came down with a tumbling catch in traffic, much to the delight of his teammates and coaches during practice Wednesday in Napa.
"He had a great day of catching the ball," coach Tom Cable said. "Right after he caught it, I said to him, 'Your mistake is you showed me you can do that and, so now, the expectation goes up. That's who you are. That's what you're capable of.' "
That's why the Raiders drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick of April's draft, when most everyone thought they were nuts. Only now is Heyward-Bey starting to make common and difficult catches alike while limiting his daily drops to one, maybe two a day.
"It's a catch that needed to be made," Heyward-Bey said. "Ran a play, caught it, whatever."
If only it'd been that easy all the time.
For weeks, Heyward-Bey's track speed was hindered because he focused so hard on securing the ball or running the perfect route. He often waited a half-second after the catch before putting his speed to use.
The sooner Heyward-Bey can catch-and-run in one fluid motion, the sooner he can be a legit downfield threat and not a $23 million decoy.
"Catches like that, they build a lot of confidence," Cable said.
Player swaps: The Raiders signed cornerback Mike Hawkins, who is in his third NFL camp this month, and claimed Dolphins defensive tackle Joe Cohen off waivers.
They released cornerback Jason Horton and receiver Samie Parker.
Briefly: Starting free safety Hiram Eugene is out with a pectoral strain. ... Strong safety Tyvon Branch had two interceptions, with one in the end zone. ... Practice went 2 1/2 hours, the longest of training camp. ... The Raiders' 31-day stay at the Napa Valley Marriott ends with a morning practice today.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Police: Cable will be questioned
The Napa, Calif., police department plans to question Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable about his alleged role in a skirmish that left assistant coach Randy Hanson with a broken bone in his face. 
Cable A department spokesperson said Wednesday that Cable would be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation in the near future, but a date was not specified. The department has been contacted by NFL security and said it is cooperating with the league, the spokesperson said. Hanson was hospitalized following the Aug. 5 attack that he told police was initiated by a member of the Raiders coaching staff at the team's training camp hotel in Napa. According to reports, Cable attacked Hanson during a meeting with some of the team's defensive coaches. Last week, Cable said "nothing happened." "When all the facts come out, everything will be fine," he said. Hanson has spoken to Napa police and has not been seen at Raiders camp since the incident. The case was initially closed and then reopened Friday when Hanson agreed to cooperate with authorities. "Hanson's future with the team is currently being addressed," a Raiders executive said Wednesday. Meanwhile, Hanson has retained an attorney specializing in employment law, potentially signaling yet another lawsuit for team owner Al Davis, who's already locked in a legal battle with former Oakland coach Lane Kiffin.
Police: Cable will be questioned
The Napa, Calif., police department plans to question Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable about his alleged role in a skirmish that left assistant coach Randy Hanson with a broken bone in his face.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
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August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland.
Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time.
"It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it."
Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running pass patterns with quarterback Drew Brees following the Saints' two-hour workout against the Texans.
He also said his surgically repaired left knee is 100 percent.
Coach Sean Payton has taken it slowly with Bush during training camp, allowing the fourth-year running back to rest during several workouts. Bush has sat out or been limited in 10 of the team's 26 training camp practices, including a scrimmage.
He said the lack of work during training camp won't be a hindrance, though.
"I don't think I need a lot of reps," he said. "But it's just a matter of getting myself back to full-game speed and when it's live bullets seemingly and taking hits."
Against the Raiders, Payton said Bush likely will be on the field for about 20 plays.
"We gauge it by how we feel he is doing in practice," Payton said of Bush's workload. "I think he has had a good training camp. I want to give him playing time in this game, and then I think he'll be close to being ready. I would like to see him get out there in this game and get at least 20 snaps.""
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August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
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"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland.
Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time.
"It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it."
Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running pass patterns with quarterback Drew Brees following the Saints' two-hour workout against the Texans.
He also said his surgically repaired left knee is 100 percent.
Coach Sean Payton has taken it slowly with Bush during training camp, allowing the fourth-year running back to rest during several workouts. Bush has sat out or been limited in 10 of the team's 26 training camp practices, including a scrimmage.
He said the lack of work during training camp won't be a hindrance, though.
"I don't think I need a lot of reps," he said. "But it's just a matter of getting myself back to full-game speed and when it's live bullets seemingly and taking hits."
Against the Raiders, Payton said Bush likely will be on the field for about 20 plays.
"We gauge it by how we feel he is doing in practice," Payton said of Bush's workload. "I think he has had a good training camp. I want to give him playing time in this game, and then I think he'll be close to being ready. I would like to see him get out there in this game and get at least 20 snaps.""
Peterson: Raiders backup could make an impact
Posted: 08/25/2009 06:16:01 PM PDT
Updated: 08/26/2009 05:11:52 AM PDT
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Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff Garcia, #7, releases a throw while playing against the San...
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Quarterback news is being made all over the NFL these days.
In San Francisco, where Shaun Hill has been named the starter. In Philadelphia, where Michael Vick is getting acquainted. In San Diego, where Philip Rivers signed a six-year, $92 million extension. In Minnesota, where the calliope and dancing elephants can mean only one thing: Brett Favre is back in the league.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are relatively drama-free at the position. JaMarcus Russell is the unquestioned starter. Jeff Garcia, who came to the team hoping to insinuate himself into a competition for the starting job, is discovering he never really had a shot. If you want breaking news, try the Napa cops, because there's nothing to talk about here.
Except maybe this:
Garcia, it says here, has a chance to have a bigger impact this season than any Raiders backup since Jim Plunkett in 1980. That's a pretty high bar, incidentally, and this isn't to predict Garcia will win the Super Bowl after taking over for an injured starter, as Plunkett did back in the day.
But considering who he is and how he got here, Garcia has value two different ways. One is obvious — Russell gets banged up, and Garcia steps in to give the team a chance. He's seen it all, he's done it all (well, almost), he doesn't panic and he can turn chicken feathers into a first down with his feet and his head.
It's a nice security blanket to have. Then again,
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But there's more than one way for a backup quarterback to make himself useful. Here Garcia brings something to the table, since his personality and life experience dovetail nicely with some of Russell's perceived shortcomings.
And by shortcomings, we're not talking so much about Russell's play. He finished last season with his two best games as a pro, and coach Tom Cable says he sees continued progress this summer. While Russell has intermittent accuracy issues, he hasn't turned the ball over in either exhibition game this summer.
But being a quarterback isn't just about making the plays. There's leadership to be considered, and here perhaps the fiery Garcia could be an influence on the laid-back Russell.
Garcia approaches the game with the urgency of a guy who had to fight for every scrap of playing time he could get. He made a name for himself at San Jose State. He played five years in the Canadian Football League before Bill Walsh convinced the 49ers to take a chance on him as Steve Young's backup. There's a reason he's still going at 39, playing for his sixth team in seven years — he doesn't want to let go of something he earned the hard way.
Russell took an entirely different path — highly recruited out of high school, taken with the top pick in the NFL draft out of LSU, signed a six-year, $68 million contract as a rookie.
You want to be careful when drawing conclusions about a guy's desire based on his demeanor. But it is accurate to say Russell sometimes gives the impression of a guy who's content taking things as they come as opposed to making things happen.
If you want to paint the difference between Russell and Garcia in more vivid hues, consider last week's scrimmages against the 49ers. Observers were struck by a) how much better the 49ers looked, b) how the 49ers, especially cornerback Nate Clements, taunted the Raiders, and c) how the Raiders just stood there and took it.
When it came time for something to be said, it was Garcia who called the offensive players together for a pep talk.
"He brought the guys up," Russell said afterward. "You can see some of the guys haven't been in that situation to where a guy (is) jumping on them like that. Jeff is a guy that's been in the NFL for quite some years. I think a lot of the young guys will take heed (of) that."
It would be in the Raiders' best interests if, next time, a certain young guy did.
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