The in, the out, the cut and the speculation

In performing the requisite roster-trimming heading out of preseason, the announced a number of changes Monday. A brief look at Raiders outgoing and incoming as the final shape of the 2008 team solidifies ...On injured reserve: John Bowie, Drew Carter, Oren O’Neal. Carter and O’Neal are of 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
course the two who went down last weekend in the embarrassing shutout loss to the Arizona Cardinals which left the Oakland offense even less well-armed than before. Bowie, that infamous trivia-question answer, hadn’t practiced with the team since July because of a knee injury. While the secondary is certainly strong enough in Oakland to weather the season without Bowie, the man beginning the year essentially on the third string, the pair of hits to the offense is disastrous. In: Luke Lawton. It was a terse Lane Kiffin who gave a conference call Saturday night to Raider media, almost as though he’d personally been sitting with the recently turned pens over at Silver and Black Pride. When asked if, in lieu of O’Neal, Oakland would be bringing in a new fullback, Kiffin stated, “I would sure hope so. We only have one, in Justin [Griffith]. The other guy [Marcel Reece]’s a receiver converted to fullback...” One has to wonder, though, if Lawton was the guy Kiffin had in mind.Lawton has been with seven teams (and two of them – the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants – twice) in five seasons. Though he can actually boast of having won a Super Bowl ring with the Indianapolis Colts, Lawton did not appear on the field for one minute of the 2006 run; in fact, Lawton had played in just 15 games in his career, including four on special teams.Like it or not, it seems, Lawton’s time is now. Or Kiffin goes with “the other guy.”Cut: Jarrod Cooper, Grant Irons, Greg Spires. Local media credited the impressiveness of Tyvon Branch “as the backup strong safety and gunner Friday against the Cardinals” as reason for the cutting of 30-year-old Cooper and his intended upcoming retirement. Unfortunate for him, then, because despite reportedly poor play in the last couple games, Cooper was having one heck of an aggressive and frankly surreal preseason.The release of Irons wasn’t too much of a surprise; even last week, the six-year man had reportedly attended only “a handful of practices” and was notably injured more than once in the preseason. Irons may be too dinged up to play anywhere at all.Spires may be at the end of his NFL rope as well. After his long run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that included the Super Bowl win, Spires hoped to hitch on with the Raiders, who originally imagined the 34-year-old to be filling the vacuum left at right DE with Chris Clemons’ departure. No go, and the Raider Nation now has to hope it was all about the impressiveness of Derrick Burgess. Sadly for Spires, his stated goal in springtime was “to go out on my terms.”In: Marviel Underwood. Now here’s a comeback story to root for. After running up some gaudy statistics in four years at San Diego State, Underwood was a fourth-round pick in the 2005 draft by the Green Bay Packers. Though he saw much action as a second-stringer with the Pack and appeared to be part of then-rookie coach Mike McCarthy’s immediate restructuring plans, Underwood wrecked some knee ligaments in preseason 2006, was placed on IR, waived by the Packers, waived by the Denver Broncos, and hasn’t played an NFL game since.It remains to be seen how much time Underwood actually has as a 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
Raider, but here’s wishing him luck.The speculation: Wide receiver. Though Oakland is expected under league rules to cut one more player as soon as possible, Kiffin knows another WR is probably necessary. Said coach: “It would be tough to only go with two guys [Ronald Curry and Javon Walker, the latter hardly a Kiffin favorite] who have ever really played before.” So let’s get the ball rolling: What say you, Raider Nation? Can Al Davis and the organization afford a trade for Anquan Boldin? (22)

Lane Kiffin made correct decision with RB Michael Bush

running back Michael Bush spent about two years in doctors' offices and on the sidelines just waiting for his shot to return to the football field.And just when it seemed the 24-year-old was finally back in the thick of things, a season-ending injury to fullback Oren O’Neal almost put a severe damper on Bush's NFL plans.It 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
was rumored that head coach Lane Kiffin was planning on making a permanent roster move that would relocate the 245-pounder from the superfluous HB position to the depleted FB one.Bush has the size to fill the role and soft enough hands to make plays out of the backfield. And the team only had one other active fullback, veteran Justin Griffith. So it all made sense. It’s the type of move you make in a video game without thinking twice.But just one practice at the position put the once-hopeful Bush in a mood that no coach likes to see his players in.“’Yeah,’ that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Bush said of the position change to the San Francisco Chronicle after a closed practice Monday.“It’s one of those things. You just suck it up, go about your business and try to have some fun with it.”The Louisville, Ky., native, though, only had to make the best of the sticky situation for one day. After reevaluating the roster change, Kiffin opted to assure Bush that he’ll stay at the position he excelled at as a Heisman hopeful and waited so long to return to.“Michael Bush is a tailback here,” Kiffin said Wednesday. “We’re going to look at some things in some certain personnels to utilize him because he catches the ball so well and he is a bigger tailback. But don’t mistake that.”In the end, the second-year head coach will likely look back at the situation with no regrets.The 6-foot-2 halfback rushed for more than 2,500 yards and racked up over 50 touchdowns in his three-plus year career with the University of Louisville. This preseason, he’s shown that he has the potential to return to his collegiate form. Bush has handled 27 exhibition carries for 96 yards and a TD in three games, including one 14-carry, 59-yard performance against the stout Tennessee Titans 6 Sanchez White Jersey
defense.“Michael Bush isn’t here to be a fullback. [He] has a chance to be a spectacular tailback in this league and that’s what he’s here to play.”That’s a certainly a sigh a relief for the young running back.Finally, something went his way.Anthony Carroll can be contacted at Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!</i>">Training Camp: An entirely new kind of fantasy game! (15)

Cut AlDavis some slack

The media has rarely been kind to Al Davis, and they've placed the blame for Oakland's recent failures squarely on his shoulders. In spite of all the negative press directed at Al Davis and his there are countless reasons to give Al a pass and be optimistic about Oakland's future, but to know where you're going you must first remember where you've been. A history lesson for those who have forgotten:The franchise began in1960. They began by posting a record of 9 win and 33 losses in their first 3 seasons. Al Davis became the head coach and general manager in 1963, and led the team to a 10-4 record in his first season, a nine game turnaround that still stands as one of, if not the best single season turnarounds in pro football history. The Raiders continued to dominate the AFL until it merged with the 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
NFL in 1970. A merger which Al Davis helped to orchestrate.Despite the teams early, and more recent struggles (24 wins and 72 losses since losing Superbowl XXXVII) , Oakland is still one of the top five winningest franchises in NFL history. In fact they have a.500 or better winning percentage against 25 of the other 31 teams. The other six: New England and New Orleans(win/loss is even but percentages are reduced because of a tie), Jacksonville and the Houston Texans 1-3,and Baltimore 1-4. Which leaves only the Kansas City Chiefs who aside from the fact the Raiders ended a 17 game losing streak to the Chiefs in 2007 only trail in their longest standing rivalry by 7 games 41-51-2 (a couple of which they are likely to make up this coming season).I know that some of the loudest voices calling for Al Davis's head come from within the Raider Nation, but in light of his history of success I think everyone should give him a pass for the last 6 years, and look to the future. From what I can tell it is pretty bright. No wonder he's always wearing shades.JUST WIN BABY!!

JaMarcus Russell vs Jeff Garcia

: I know the last six years have been difficult to endure for Oakland's players and fans, but is the prospect of another losing season worth the damage it could do if they bench JaMarcus Russell in favor of a 39 year old veteran in the twilight of his career? I don't think the possible risk is worth the perceived reward. Lets be realistic. JaMarcus Russell is not Tarvaris Jackson, and Jeff Garcia is certainly not Brett Favre. I agree that at this point in his development there are still many unanswered questions concerning Russell's work ethic and leadership. Questions that Jeff Garcia has already answered over the course of his career. Garcia is a proven NFL quarterback with 4 Pro Bowl's to his credit, and he has taken three teams to the playoffs; the 49ers in 2001 and 2002, the Eagles in 06, and the Buc's in 07. It sounds like a no-brainer. Young team, veteran QB with great career stats; 161 td's only 83 int's 87.5 passer rating, over 25,000 yards (40,000 if you include CFL stats). So what's the problem? Simple, he's 39 years old. Not that that's a bad thing, but he also hasn't started 16 games in a season since 2002. Last season in Tampa Bay he was named the starter for the opening game against the Saints, and performed so poorly that Jon Gruden benched him in favor of Brian Griese. He did return however after Griese was injured in week 4, and put up pretty solid numbers for the year, though there was one glaring loss he suffered in week 17 that kept the Buc's out of the playoffs.The case for starting JaMarcus Russell I'll admit is based more on hypotheticals, and circumstantial evidence, but his case is still quite compelling.Exhibit A; Well he's a 1st overall draft pick whom we paid a lot of money to because he's the future of the franchise. Exhibit B; While I wouldn't say he had an outstanding season last year, I saw enough to make me think that he's got the potential to be good, really good, and I saw that him do that in a pretty bad offense with no O-line no #1 wide receiver, and no help from the defense. Oh, and playing with an interim head coach also. Exhibit C: John Elway, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Peyton Manning. What's that you ask? What could all of these NFL legends, Super Bowl champions, Hall of Fame, and Future Hall of Fame QB's have to do with alleged "draft bust" JaMarcus Russell. They are but a few of the many current, and former superstars who posted remarkably similar statistics in their first full year as a starting QB in the NFL. I chose this group for two reasons, one; they all posted lower passer ratings than JaMarcus Russell, and two; they all have multiple Super Bowl rings (with the exception of Peyton cause he ain't done yet). The most obvious comparison is John Elway of 36 Bettis White Jersey
course whose first season of merit left him with a promising 76.8 passer rating, not to shabby. The most interesting however is the comparison to Steve Young. In 1985 Young came to the NFL after spending two years in the USFL. In 1986 while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a franchise that bore a notable resemblance to today's , Young started 14 games in what would be his forth year as a professional football player. The following comparison speaks for itself:JaMarcus Russell 198/368 2432yds 53.8% 13tds 8int r77.1Steve Young 195/363 2282yds 53.7% 8tds 13int r65.5Young was traded to San Francisco after that season and the Bucs remained a mediocre team for the next decade. Young played as a back up to Joe Montana until 1990 and then became the full time starter in1991. He retired in '99 with multiple championships, and a career passer rating of 96.8. The Bucs eventually got better in time to blowout Oakland in Superbowl XXXVII, but one has to wonder, what if they had just given Steve Young a little more time.At 39 years old Garcia maybe talented enough to pull out a couple more wins, than Russell could this year, but where will he be next year? Benching Russell this year may look good in the short term, but the potential damage it could do to his confidence and progression will could cost us a very promising future. Russell should start win or lose.

salary cap Bobby Hamilton Zach Crockett Ronald Curry

The posted another quiet day in NFL Free Agency on Monday, as nobody was added to the roster, but several players did have their salary cap number reduced. Among the notables were defensive end Bobby Hamilton, wide receiver Ronald Curry, halfback Zack Crockett, and offensive guard Brad Badger.Each of Monday's restructures were good news to the team. Bobby Hamilton, who came to Oakland following the 2003 season with New England, has played a vital backup/starter role on the defensive line of Oakland. In two seasons with the Raiders, Hamilton has recorded 113 tackles and three sacks. In the new deal, Hamilton will retain his current salary, but his total cap number will drop from $5,320,000 to $1,750,000 in 2007. Retaining Hamilton is a good move, as it will preserve the Raiders' depth and experience on the defensive line.North Carolina superstar Ronald Curry also saw a salary adjustment on Monday. Performance incentives were altered under his current contract, which will now drop considerably from $5,040,000 to $1,640,000. Curry showed what he can do during the 2004 campaign, catching 50 balls for 679 yards and six touchdowns. He is expected to fight with fellow wide receiver Doug Gabriel during camp to see who can take over the slot position. However, Gabriel seems to have the edge over the injury-prone Curry.The "sledgehammer" will also be back for the 2007 season, as will backup offensive lineman Brad Badger. Crockett, a fullback who also served as the backup running back for the 2005 season, is a fan favorite in Oakland. In his seven seasons with the Raiders, Crockett has 35 touchdowns - the majority of which came inside the five-yard line. 31-year old guard Brad Badger also adjusted his contract on Monday. After joining the Raiders in 2004, Badger has yet to miss a game and has provided solid depth on the often-injured offensive five of Oakland. With both deals, the Raiders will save $2,340,000 against their 2006 salary cap.With each of these moves executed, the saved themselves $9,310,000 on Monday. Not bad for a day's work. NEWS & NOTESFree agent offensive lineman Toniu Fonoti is expected to ink a one-year deal with the Raiders within the next day or two. In addition to Monday's contract alterations, the Raiders also tendered the rights to several other players from their 2005 squad: TE James Adkisson, FB John Paul Foschi, OT Brad Lekkerkerker, DT Anttaj Hawthorne, DE Tommy Kelly, and DT Terdell Sands.

Weak '07 season puts fan favorite Chris Carr in jeopardy

return specialist Chris Carr is the type of player who simply by putting on a jersey incites strong support from fans. He's undersized, self-sacrificing and fearless.Naturally, you want to see the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder succeed. He's an undrafted free agent; he's 4 Brett Favre White jersey
tied as the third-shortest player on the Raiders' roster; and he weighs the least on the team. Yet, Carr has one of the most perilous jobs in football.The 24-year-old handled 59 kick returns in 16 regular-season contests last season and traveled over 1,300 yards. Every time Carr touched the ball, there were 11 men -- all bigger than him, minus the kicker (maybe) -- looking to take the speedy returner down. And all 11 get a running start.The 2007 season was the third straight in which Carr handled the bulk of the team's kick return duties. Since 2005, the defensive back's rookie season, Carr has returned 201 kickoffs for 4,841 yards, earning him the title as "Oakland's all-time kickoff return man."That title, however, is a bit deceiving. Carr ranks first in team history for total yardage gained, yet has 88 more returns than any other player on the list. Second to Carr is Bo Roberson, who, in 113 career returns from 1961-64, recorded a better average, a better career long and also found the end zone, unlike Carr. In terms of average, Clarence Davis (1971-78) ranks the best at 27.1 yards per return on 79 reps.Last season turned out to be the worst in Carr's young career. The Raiders ranked 25th in the return department at 21.6 yards per attempt and were one of the 16 NFL teams that capped off the year without a return touchdown. Carr was responsible for 75.6 percent of the team's kick returns in 2007.In '05 and '06, the Raiders ranked 12th and second, respectively, in the kick return game. Both were very sound years for Oakland, particularly surrounded by so much all-around disappointment. In 2005, the team averaged 22.9 yards per return; in 2006, they averaged 24.8. Through all three years, however, Carr failed to record a single return touchdown, either on a punt or kick return. All together, that's 278 touches without a score. Devin Hester, the best return man in the game today, has found the end zone 11 times on 152 touches. Another above-average returner, Buffalo's Terrence McGee, has five TDs on 203 returns.Last season, Carr's long return was just 43 yards, and that was just one of two 40-plus-yarders he had on the season.In Week 17, Carr was one of the Raiders' 15 players to suit up who's scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. Though he's a restricted free agent, he'd be a low-tender pickup for another team, and because he's undrafted, he would require no draft-pick compensation.Doubling as both a return man and cornerback (28 tackles last season) will certainly help the Reno, Nev., native's chances of making the '08 roster. However, with corners Nnamdi Asomugha (likely to be re-signed or franchise tagged), Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, John Bowie and Chris Johnson all a part of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
the current roster, Carr's importance on the defense appears insubstantial.Carr's roster spot is held primarily for his services on special teams. Unfortunately, the 2007 season proved to be a statistical nightmare for Carr, a very specialized player who's highly dependent on his success returning kicks.This offseason, supporters may again root for the underdog to succeed. But if the Raiders can find a player who can average in the low-to-mid 20s on kick returns and double as, say, a wide receiver, Chris Carr may have to be some other team's fan favorite in 2008.

There are several ways to create wealth through online resources

Garnier is a modern brand of L'Oreal, which focuses on natural beauty. Natural beauty is something you need to be highlighted in the world and are not covered. Your skin and hair should be treated with natural fruit extracts and natural plant enzymes. Garnier uses the power of natural ingredients, reveal the natural beauty in you. If you are an avid fan of hair dye and highlights, it is possible to know some key words on the market, but Garnier is the reality of a single brand and surprising. Garnier attractiveness that it uses natural ingredients, so that you can not worry about the use of chemicals in your hair. I love the natural way to revitalize your hair. If you are ready to make hair, then dye Garnier Nutrisse the perfect solution that is very reasonable and competitive price. Besides, you also have the advantage of 6 Sanchez White Jersey
protecting your hair against damage from natural extracts. The dye Garnier Nutrisse is a great product that the power of grapeseed oil and avocado oil used. Such as hair color, Nutrisse delivers amazing color and range. If your hair is gray, the product has a 100% coverage, so you can easily hide the gray. The consistency of the ink is thick and easy to process. He has also feel a very sweet and refreshing smell is not disgusted by the unpleasant gas. The product also has an incredible advantage. The conditions of the avocado and grape seed hair and support for the use of vitamin E is very good. This means that your hair gets protected against breakage and dryness and can effectively block moisture and to ensure that the color lasts a long time. There are a variety of colors mirror blonde, light brown, dark brown to black while. If you have a formula for power, while the color of his hair a light color and an incredible resource Garnier Nutrisse diet is the best choice for you. Whether you buy Garnier hair color of a man you should dry cleaning coupon. These coupons are available online, you can simply print out and use in any business. Initial savings of between $ 2 and $ 5 from. You may also download free samples with coupons. To offer these vouchers on the homepage of the company or one of many sites that coupons for Garnier. If you have a really good hair color or just highlighted a case of Garnier hair color and that you use the coupon. There are several ways to create wealth through online resources. All you need is a computer with Internet connection is to earn money. There are several ways to make money fast online. Most of these options work as sources of renewal or a portion of the income and some may even be a long-term source of revenue, if appropriate strategies are applied. There are certain forms that have been in use for some time and help a person to earn more money. A way to earn money quickly by online surveys. Online paid surveys are an integral part of a program of market research companies use market research to determine the needs of different target markets for the good of society. They earn good money when they fill in their program, their education online without obligation. The concept of making money quickly from online sources in several paid online sites in detail. The only way to obtain information about the entire mechanism is to subscribe to one of them. Therefore, if you're looking to make money in an advanced way, then find affiliate marketing opportunities that are scattered over the Internet to help in the search.
One of the most traditional and popular, to quickly make money through affiliate marketing. All industries have their own affiliate programs, to provide for themselves and earn huge commissions from the sale 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
proceeds are. But it is not easy to earn big affiliate marketing that most essential attribute required for a good marketing and business sense. It is easier for an intelligent salesperson to product group benefits for customers to communicate and let them no choice but to buy a product. Some other ways to make quick money are the work of data entry, creating blogs and websites, sell online consultation on eBay / Amazon / Craigslist, design logos and posters, advertising, etc. These are some of the most common ways people use to make money fast. You do not have to pay for the media. All you need is a computer with Internet connection to start. In addition, these methods can work at any time of day at their convenience.