What does Oakland Raider Corner back Chris Johnson have in common with Devin Hester, Pac Man Jones and Deion Sanders?
Prime University.
Prime U is an informal camp held by Sanders this off season at SMU for some very lucky young high school athletes (Including Deion's son) and NFL players looking to take their game to the next level. Johnson, Hester, Jones and others were attendees at this years get together.
The 28 yr old Johnson, a 6th year Pro, started his career after College at Louisville by being the first of 4 Green Bay Packer seventh round draft choices in the 2003 draft. (245th overall)
He was acquired by St. Louis in 2005 in a deal that included former #1 draft pick and current Raider team mate, line backer Robert Thomas. With the Rams he played in 14 games, posted 25 tackles, a forced fumble and interestingly, 38 kick off returns for 857 yds and a TD.
On April 18th, 2006 he signed a 2 year deal with division rival the Kansas City Chiefs.
He officially became a Raider after signing a free agent contract March 22, 2007 and saw limited action in 13 games.
Johnson may have attempted to up his skills at Prime U, but Jerry MacDonald of ANG, reported Johnson suffered in 7 on 7 drills this past Tuesday, getting beat by reserve receiver Chris McFoy.
It is hoped though, some of the lessons and wisdom passed on to Johnson will help him compete and make the Raider roster, stocked already with DBs DeAngelo Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt.
In his favor, it seems, is the release this off season of struggling 5-11, 175 lb. corner back Fabian Washington, who had trouble in man coverage with larger receivers and backs breaking contain.
Safety and former team mate Stuart Schwiegert lamented Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s use of what he called a “gimmick” Defense know as Cover -O, which puts DBs in peril in man on man match ups and often on an island.
Johnson, or “The “X” man, fits in better with Oaklands current DB’s if only in size.
The Pro Bowl caliber Asomugha and Hall are 6-2, 210 and 5-11, 201. Rising star Routt is listed 6-1, 195 and 2008 4th round draft pick (the pick acquired from the Baltimore trade for Washington, himself a 23rd overall selection in the 1st round 3 yrs ago) Connecticut connection, Tyvon Branch, who has the size and speed the Raiders crave too, topping out at 6-0, 204 lbs.
Johnson has made a career out of playing the under dog and performing well enough to make rosters, but if wants to ever seriously compete in the NFL and land a larger contract, his chances are likely running out. He’ll need to learn not only from former greats at the position, but take advantage of the Pro bowl grade instructors he'll see daily at the University of Silver and Black.
Welcome back to THE BLACKHEART SHOW and since you guys like it so much I'm back with another interview with an AFC WEST rival and get his opinion about our team the Oakland Raiders. Just to make myself clear when it comes to doing Q&As with rival team fans I basically tell them to don't hold anything back and tell me how you really feel even if some of the answers maybe seen in a negative way by some Raider fans cause if you aint keepin it real people will never...
Most think he's already got one foot out the door sighting his under production, injury history and hefty contract, but there are compelling reasons and signs Jordan might stay in Silver and Black.
Jordan missed most of last year and in 2006, but has been in 97 regular season games over the past 7 years. Its only in the last 2 he's been MIA, but his production in 2005 seems a long time ago.
Jordan signed as a free agent from the Jets in 2005, snagging a 5 year deal worth $27.5 million. His agent, Alvin Keels stated at the time Jordan would receive $11 million guaranteed and $17.8 million over the first 3 years.
Immediately Jordan showed production in 05', finishing his first year in with 1,025 yds, 11 TD's and 70 catches for another 500+, all in just 14 games.
Not earth shattering, but a vast improvement over 2004's rushing attack which garnered only 1,295 on 328 during their entire 5-11 season.
Their leading back that year was Amos Zereoue gaining only 425 yds on 112 carries and scoring 3 TD's.
Though Jordan saw limited action in the 4 years behind Jets super star Curtis Martin, he managed a 4.9 yd average over that time with 93 carries for 479 yds and 2 TD's.
After 2005, Jordan seemed like a definite upgrade.
He ran into trouble week 9 on November 19th 2006 tearing his medial collateral ligament in a game against Kansas City and missed the remainder of the season. Some fans point to his average yards per carry at 3.9 as a knock on Jordan, but honestly, if you look at Oaklands line woes in 06', it wasn't just the passing game that suffered.
Many fans weren't expecting much from Lamont in 2007 and that seemed reinforced by Oakland's signing of former Colt running back Dominic Rhodes, even though Rhodes would sit out the first 4 games of the season for a DUI conviction.
The addition of Rhodes seemed to fire up Jordan and despite voicing displeasure about the implementation of Tom Cable's stretch and cut blocking scheme, he started the year with a some solid numbers.
Posting 350 yds on 69 hand offs and 2 TD's Jordan also contributed 12 grabs for 121 yds all in the first 3 games of the year.
Then against Miami, Jordan seemed to throw his back out on a run late in the 2nd quarter. Up till that point Jordan had gained 74 yds on 15 carries.
Most people don't acknowledge or realize Jordan thru his back out in camp during pre season in an ill advised Home run derby, but played and played well those first 3 games despite the pain.
Unfortunate for him, but Oakland none the less enjoyed the 1,000 yds rushing success of his replacement Justin Fargas and lead many to speculate Jordan's demise.
To most,the selection of Darren Mcfadden with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 draft all but sealed it, yet, Jordan remains. For now...
Rumors swirling about football forums indicate some feel the Denver Broncos may be interested in Jordan and those posters are just about equally divided as to whether Jordan playing there would help or hurt the division rival Raiders.
Preliminarily it looks as if he can run the ball and have success in the ZBS Denver also employs. With Denver, the 5-11, 230 lb Jordan could possibly again be effective even in a part time roll.
Factor in Jordan's production when healthy and he's not a bad back. In fact if he's healthy, he could have a good year.
Jordan wouldn't be asked to carry the entire load in 08'. With the addition of Arkansas phenom McFadden, Fargas' new contract and potential contributor Michael Bush coming on line, Oakland could have some good depth in the back field.
Some would say thats too many backs and the roster space could be used elsewhere, but with an offense most assume is looking to improve upon and exploit its 6th overall rushing performance in 2007, a spare back at the right price would help keep pressure off rookie starting quarterback Jamarcus Russell by providing insurance the ground game would keep going even with inevitable injuries.
Fargas hasn't played an entire season at the pro level yet, McFadden has earned a reputation for off field issues that could see him in trouble with the league at some point and Bush hasn't taken a game snap in 2 years.
Lamont has had trouble staying healthy too, but in a rotation, his, and everyone elses odds of doing that would likely improve.
If Oakland keeps Jordan, its backfield would likely consist of 2 big backs, Jordan and Bush and two faster backs in Fargas and Mcfadden.
The benefit would of course be having a spare in case of injury, but it would also allow the Raiders to rest each back if it chose to not only during a game, but for halves or entire games allowing players to heal, reduce wear and tear and theoretically, be more productive.
At issue with some is the $9.7 million due Jordan through out 2009, which includes a $4.75 million dollar roster bonus this year.
There is a very real possibility Jordan could re work his contract to remain with the Raiders not only because he's here and familiar with the team, but because of Shaun Alexander.
Whether Alexander has priced himself out of the market is for others to decide, but the fact he's not signed already bodes poorly for Jordan. Teams don't appear to be in such desperate need of a running back to crack wide the vaults and now with todays news of another 1,000 yd back on the market in troubled Travis Henry, Jordan has more competition not simply for a contract, but a roster spot with teams.
Whether Jordan would be able to land a similarly large contract is anyones guess, but considering his last 2 years in Oakland, probably not, begging the question, if he's going to take a pay cut, why not do it in Oakland?
Fans have posted concern over the Broncos release of Henry today, feeling Jordan may go on to success at division rival Denver who, despite the recent signing of running back Michael Pittman, may still be in need of another back. Whether they are desperate to pay big money for Jordan is another matter.
Keeping Jordan with Oakland takes the burden off him to be an every down back, might let him showcase his wares for potential suitors next year, all the while revaluing his stock and keeping him more than likely healthier for interested parties in 09. It could also give Oakland 2 sets of backs. Jordan / Fargas and Mike Bush / DMC, or any combination.
With an offense likely predicated on the run this year, considering 3 of the current backs injury history and the fact Oaklands O coordinator Gregg Knapp has recently stated "You can't have too many running backs.", their is a case for Jordan re working and staying thru 08'.
For now, like most of Oaklands reloaded team, his status contiunue to be a mystery.
To answer the question, "Do we want Lamont?" the answer is probably "Yes." but only at a reduced price.
For the time being, Lamont is with Oakland and his imminent departure may not be as foregone a conclusion as many seem to think.
Despite the past 2 seasons injuries, most who run the numbers agree, when healthy, Jordan can still play. The larger question as of this moment for Lamont and Raider fans is, will he be doing it in Silver and Black?...
Right here right now with the opening statement. Let stop the crap. No matter how you break down the what ifs, whys, coulda, woulda, and shouldas. 19-61in 5 years does not justify Just Win Baby. If it sounds negative then tough titties. Stop reading right now. Do something else. Eat a corn dog and read Vanity Fair. Yes things look good on paper. So just a woman that tells you she looks like Lauren London on paper in reality she looks like Gargamel with a weave. Positive results make positve enviroments....
With the addition of CB DeAngelo Hall from the Atlanta Falcons via an off season trade, some figure the role of the former University of Houston track star to be diminished in 2008.
That may not be entirely accurate.
Though franchised corner back Nnamdi Asomugha has yet to sign his tender or sign a long term contract, most feel he will be on the field in Silver and Black at least through next year. With two of the Leagues best corners, Aso and Hall, holding down the starting spots, Routt would seem relegated to Nickle or specialty defenses in 08' and this may be true, but, with his vaunted team mates reputations preceding them, look for opponents to line up in more 3 receiver sets to try and create more favorable match ups.
Easier said than done.
Drafted by the Raiders after a blazing 40 time at the 2005 NFL combine, the 6-1, 195 lb Routt was snatched up by Oakland in the 2nd round with the 38th selection overall.
Dismissed as a reach or a conversion project by those unaware of his football production in College, he was not only durable, he had potential. Routt played well for the Cougars, tallying 47 game appearances, (starting 27 of them) racking up 136 tackles (111 solo), 23 deflections, 7 interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Now, within a few short years at the pro level, Routt has done a lot to prove to naysayers he is much more than an award winning World Class track star.
He'll have more opportunities again in 08' as teams look to avoid his more well know counter parts and try to pick on the lightning fast Routt.
He may not be a house hold name to everyday fans, but that will likely change as next year goes on. Its my guesstimation Routt is poised to have an outstanding year whether in reserve or filling as a starter.
This isn't simple fan appreciation or wishful thinking, by his actions on and off the field, Stanford has proven it. With the Raiders, Routt is part of a system predicated on solid play from its secondary. Probably more than any other NFL team, the Raiders rely on man coverage and the ability of their corners to get the job done, often with very little help.
Recently released DB Fabian Washington lamented defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and the Raider reliance on the "Cover-O" defense that "...most teams use as a gimmick".
Washington didn't fair well last year in Oakland losing his spot as soon as Routt recovered from a sore knee. The injury kept him out of pre season play and seemed to expose the under sized (at least for this system) 5-11, 185 lbWashington who, looked at times over whelmed and outmatched by bigger receivers.
Its my belief he'll go on to a decent career in Baltimore, because he's not a bad corner, just not ideal for the unusual Raider scheme.
At 6-1, 185 lbs Routt does have the size, speed and skills to not only compete, but excel no matter the defense called.
He is not only a very good tackler in open space, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, often snagging picks some have called "gimmes".
The fact remains, to those who would diminish the accomplishment, Routt got himself in position to make those plays and just because all of his picks weren't spectacular one handed stabs while falling out of bounds, they still counted on the stat sheet, stopped opponents and handed the ball back to the offense.
Routt's progresion into a fine cover corner was evident several times last year as Routt consistently helped change games and shut down opponents.
Sept. 9th against Detroit his interception set up a 4 play raider scoring drive. Against Miami on Sept. 30th, he picked off Trent Greene to halt a Dolphin scoring drive at the 2 yd line. Another pick in October against division rival the Kansas City Chiefs, again, halted another drive.
More than a back who can keep up with fast receivers, Routt's famous speed allows him to run down plays that break contain and take advantage of some of the best make up speed (like chasing down the play while the balls in flight) in the entire League.
Combined with his experience and last years addition of DB Coach Darren Perry, Routt's excellent skill sets may have gone unnoticed or been under appreciated by many fans and teams, but if I'm right (and I am) that will change in 08'.
Routt may be under rated by some and thats just fine as far as most Raider fans are concerned because teams who think he's the easier of the Raiders corners to exploit will be in for a rude awakening.
His team mate the last few years Nnamdi Asomugha had his break out year in 06', but look for 2008 to be Routt's.
In limited action, he has proven himself time and again as an excellent athlete with skills and a knack for game changing plays.
That will become more and more evident as next season goes on. Then, they'll be no more hiding from the league what some in Oakland wish would remain quiet, but the fact is, for those in the know, the secrets already Routt....
Besides Jamarcus Russell, the Raiders have several talented, but unproven players who could be poised to prove their metal in 08'.
Despite the fact the Raiders have brought in Kwame Harris from across the Bay, it's a possibility Mario Henderson could see time at Left Tackle in 08'.
The Raiders moved up in a trade with the Patriots to get him in the 3rd round of the 07' Draft and many in Oakland we're puzzled by the fact Henderson remained on the sidelines all year.
Though vastly improved over their dreadful 06' season, the Raiders front line still had and has many questions. Among them, the role Henderson will play in the coming season.
The 6-7, 300 lb. Henderson is a large athlete with long arms and only adequate footwork. One of the primary reasons we didn't see him at all last year may be contributed to the fact he'd appeared in only three games prior to his senior season. Henderson made great strides that final year at Florida State which prompted the Raiders to take a chance on his serious potential.
His lack of experience was most telling when it came to the basics. Henderson needed a lot of work just to get the fundamentals polished and has shown a tendency to fall of blocks and leave some plays unfinished.
He is a massive blocker who combines his great height and bulk with the physical talent to win over individual opponents. Henderson displays the footwork to slide on the outside in pass protection and contain speed rushers, but is very green and lacks proper technique, but when he does lock on to pass rushers he's shown the ability to stop opponents charges.
Working against Henderson, besides his limited football experience, was the fact he lacked the functional strength to get consistent movement to control and move the line.
It will be very interesting to see if Henderson and the Raiders have used last year and this off season to strengthen and sound the young Florida Stater who showed such late promise for the Seminoles .
It was obvious Henderson was going to need a lot of work when he was selected, but with Barry Sims whiffing on pass rushers and Cornell Greene going down later in the season, some Raider fans viewed the fact Henderson wasn't even suited up as a sign he might not be any good and another wasted pick by Oaklands sometimes notorious Drafts.
Only time will tell what and if Henderson contributes to the Silver and Black, but in his favor is Tom Cable's Zone Blocking System which Robert Gallery, (who suffered under the Raiders rotating Coaching dilemma of years past) described as "forgiving."
To Raider fans sick of losing and in todays multi-billion dollar NFL one can be excused for the "want it all, want it now" attitude, but the Raiders seemed to understand early on the big Tackle was going to be a project and took the very old school approach of bringing him along at a decelerated pace, rather than throwing him into the fire.
Whether we see him at Left Tackle this year for the Raiders is anyones guess, but with Sims gone and Harris' pass protection leaving Frisco fans unimpressed, we may find out in 08' if Mario is ready to contribute at the Pro level or not....
The highly touted former LSU Quarterback will get his start at the helm of a reloaded Raider Offense in 08'. But what will be expected of the Sophomore signal caller when Oakland takes the field?
Its likely these moves have been planned far in advance. The fabled 5 year plan comes to mind, but whether by fortune or design the Raiders Zone Blocking System regained some credibility for a line that was the laughing stock of the League in 06'.
Coincidentally or no, this falls into the good fortune of Jamarcus Russell, who will likely be asked to carry the load only on occasion.
Witness to this was the acquisition from across the Bay of Left Tackle Kwame Harris, who's pass blocking skills were lamented by 49er fans, but who helped novice RB Frank Gore rush for 1,695 yds in 06' and another 1,100 in 07'.
In theory, adding Arkansas phenom Darren McFadden to the fold will benefit him as well, augmenting the Raiders respected if not soon feared rushing attack.
Teams will be less apt to pin their ears back and attack the young QB if Oaklands ground game is effective.
Shorter passes, screens and play action will be his friend as well.
Have no illusions, it is almost certain Oaklands ancient Over seer Al Davis will call for a few deep strikes to stretch the field should teams get too happy loading 8 + in the box against the run, but for the most part, Oakland should and will grind it out on the ground.
Though Russell missed Pre season camps due to a contractual hold out, in 07', he has been rumored to be working out with the Raiders and prepping himself for the season ahead.
Though its unlikely he'll be asked to shoulder the bulk of responsibility early on, the former LSU Tiger from the Bayou will no doubt begin to prove whether he has the Voo Doo capable of re-igniting that old Silver and Black magic....
So it's been 34 days after the '08 NFL draft. I was left initially unimpressed. Why another RB? Why another DB with our 2nd choice? These thoughts raced through my head during draft weekend. Defense, defense, defense! I was hoping we got more beef in the trenches of our defensive line, hoping to stifle opponents' passing game ala Super Bowl champ NY Giants, and most of all, hoping to stop the bleeding sieve that we have been against the run. Instead, we went flash by picking up the best offensive...
Welcome to the BLACKHEART SHOW and today I sit down with a Washington Redskins fan to get her take on the team we all enjoy and even dislike at times LOL the Oakland Raiders. So I'm going to get right into my Q&A so here it goes.
BlackHeart-Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Oakland Raiders ?
