Silver and Black Report

Javon Walker securing a pass during practice in Alameda last week 

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

What should be the biggest concern on offense for the Oakland Raiders?

Without a doubt, it has to be their offensive line. Both tackle spots have major question marks and none of the options assure stability or consistent play while pass protecting or run blocking. With Tom Cable’s run friendly zone-blocking scheme, you feel more confident that he will be able to get the most out of his unit paving lanes for rushers. Especially since Oakland was successful running the football in 2007 and have a fleet of talented ball carriers. But when JaMarcus Russell gets into the pocket, the likes of Kwame Harris (a possible starter at left tackle), Mario Henderson (could land a job at either tackle spot), Cornell Green or Paul McQuistan don’t seem to be the ideal options for a team that will have a still developing and very pricey passer leading the offense. If they struggle in pass protection, Oakland’s aerial attack will sputter. Russell’s development and health could be in jeopardy, and if this club is one-dimensional as it was in 2007, expect the Silver & Black to target both tackle spots as an area for improvement next off-season.  

How worried are the Raiders about Javon Walker?

Not at all…

Walker appears on target for training camp and ready to begin the process of getting in sync with his new quarterback. It’s imperative they get the 2004 and 2006 versions of Walker, when he posted stats indicative of a ‘go to’ receiver. And with the money doled out to the former Packer and Bronco, he better put up those numbers, or Oakland could be strapped with another bad-contract.

 He’s only 29, should be fully healed after an injury plagued 2007, and with a fresh start in a offense that will compliment his abilities with a strong armed passer, Walker could be a candidate for comeback player of the year if all goes well.

When will Oakland part ways with LaMont Jordan?

Adimchinobi Echemandu will make his case to stay on the roster in 2008

 It should be soon. Oakland won’t find a trade partner for Jordan and then ridding themselves of the $4.7 million salary he will be due 2008 will become essential. Michael Bush is healthy, Justin Fargas is primed to continue as the lead rusher, Darren McFadden is now in the mix and Adimchinobi Echemandu is on the roster, a very good find last season prior to being cut and landing with the Houston Texans. Parting ways with Jordan will be cost-effective and clear the clutter in the backfield. Oakland has a young core of rushers that deserve and have earned the right to carry the football without an unproductive veteran getting in their way.

Are special teams still a concern, especially if Jarrod Cooper cannot come back from his rehabilitation?

 Yes! Cooper was an integral part of Oakland turning their coverage teams around midway through the season. With him, Brian Schneider’s bunch shut down Devin Hester and showed some fight in 2007. Without him, teams like Green Bay and Indianapolis ran circles around them. Cooper is their leader, but players like Isaiah Ekejiuba, Ricky Brown and Stanford Routt demonstrated they are key building blocks to the punt and kickoff units.  It’s all about chemistry, so finding a new group of guys that can work, as a functional, unit will be a major concern going into training camp.

Are there any injuries to be concerned about?

 Jake Grove was hindered by a leg/knee injury last week during a practice. Tight end Tony Stewart was back and making nice catches with his large frame and Justin Fargas did not appear to have lingering issues after he missed the final part of 2007 with a knee injury. According to Lane Kiffin, Gibril Wilson had an “aggravated quad”, and was held out of drills last week.