Silver and Black Report

At the end of the week, the Oakland Raiders will face their first live opponent in game action when they host the San Francisco 49ers.

But on Monday, they’ll have an opportunity to get most of their training camp angst and camp hostility out in drills versus their bay area rivals.

Structured practices are on schedule; with the likelihood of scripted activities per head coach Lane Kiffin, which will give the Raiders an indication of there progress since camp opened and what units may need the most work.

The offensive line, especially the tackles, is one area that will be tested when the 49ers come in. With the struggles of Mario Henderson at right tackle and Cornell Green, and the looming black cloud over that spot on the line, Oakland needs to get a grasp of who can be competent enough to warrant that job, or start searching the free-agent wire to see who is out there. Maybe as the summer progresses, there could be a cap casualty elsewhere that can help boost that edge along the line.

As for the rest of the team, there ready for adversary in camp to hit and run through wearing a different color jersey.

Running back Michael Bush was asked by Silver & Black reporter DeMarcus Davis about the bay area rivalry and he downplayed it due to his unfamiliarity and stated, “I’m just ready for [the coaches] to throw out at me whatever they can and try to make the best of it.”

“Basically, my thing is to prove to the coaches that I can play and get physical and play the running back spot as it should be played.”

Chirpy safety Jarrod Cooper did not hold back his emotions regarding the opponent and his desire to get on the field and get physical.

“I don’t know what you mean hold back,” Cooper commented about the impending arrival of the 49ers.

“Hell no, its playing football…”

Cooper continued, “Off course we are going to play smart, but if something happens it happens….”

If something does happen, check in with he Silver & Black Report for our live coverage of training camp and as the first pre-season game approaches, the first edition of Countdown to Paydirt previewing Friday’s match-up.