Second-Half Woes" Commentary Week 11

For the second week in a row, the went into halftime leading against a formidable AFC West opponent. And for the second week in a row, they relinquished that lead en route to a painful 17-13 loss.So what exactly is going wrong? Why can't the Raiders transfer their early-game success into4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
the latter stages of contests? Apparently, it has little to do with who is starting at quarterback. Last week, it was youngster Andrew Walter who was at the helm when Oakland crumbled. This week, it was veteran Aaron Brooks calling the signals and failing to lead his team to the win.Some might blame the defense for these second-half collapses, but the reality is that Raiders' stop unit has given up only 20 total points in the second stanzas of those two ballgames.So what it is it, then?The easy answer is simply "offense" (or lack thereof). Oakland has failed to score a single point in the second half of its last two contests against the Broncos and Chiefs, with turnovers and the lack of a consistent running attack serving as the main culprits responsible for this offensive ineptitude. Against Denver, it was two fourth-quarter fumbles by Walter that sealed the loss. On Sunday, it was a late Brooks interception that foiled a late rally. Mind you, the Raiders attempted to run the football in the second half of both contests, but were simply unable to generate enough first downs or run enough time off the clock to preserve a victory.But as with most things in the NFL, these two crushing losses cannot be pinned on just one aspect of the game. The defense also played a part in these tragic results, allowing its opponents to mount sustained scoring drives and generating just one turnover in four quarters of second-half play.Now here's the part were a silver lining can be found:The 2-8 Raiders are a fairly young football team that has actually outperformed the expectations laid out for it early on the season. And what's more, Oakland came fairly close to upsetting two legitimate playoff contenders. This past week's effort was especially impressive, Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
considering that KC boasts one of the most imposing home-field advantages in all of football.In the end, though, nobody really cares about moral victories. But at least the Raiders are showing that they are capable of playing with some of their respected AFC West brethren. Hopefully for Oakland, the team can somehow continue that trend next week against red-hot San Diego Chargers.Get daily insights at (27)

"Quarter-season MVP is Tom Cable"

Someone somewhere is doing something right when Robert Gallery has made it through four games without allowing a single sack. The man responsible for that is offensive line coach Tom Cable.He's also the person responsible for the Raiders' two early wins this season.Cable, who 4 Brett Favre White jersey
spent the 2006 season with the Atlanta Falcons, came to Oakland during the offseason, bringing a new, improved zone blocking scheme with him. Last season, the 42-year-old used the same system in Atlanta, and the Falcons finished first in the NFL in rushing offense with 183.7 yards per game.This season, it's the same story, different team.One-fourth of the way through the season, Oakland leads the NFL in rushing with 194.2 yards per game. In a 35-17 win over the Miami Dolphins this past Sunday, Cable's line led the way for 299 yards on the ground. They also allowed only one sack."[At first] I didn't like it," running back LaMont Jordan told Steve Corkran of the Mercury News, "but I had to buy into it in order to be successful."Jordan definitely bought into it.Despite suffering a back injury midway through Week 4 (the severity is still unknown), Jordan has recorded 424 yards and two touchdowns on 84 carries. That's 106 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.Last season, with the highly disappointing duo of Jackie Slater and Irv Eatman leading the O-line, Jordan averaged 48.2 yards per game and just 3.8 yards per carry. The team as a whole averaged just 94.9 yards each outing; that's 99.3 yards fewer than the Raiders are racking up this season."This offense is built around the running game scheme, and we're doing a good job executing," Jordan added.The same can be said in the passing game, too.At this point last year, Oakland's line had already given up 20 sacks. This season, half of that: 10 sacks. As a result, the Raiders have put up a division-leading 102 points this season; the closest to that mark is the Broncos with just 72."I'm more pleased with our offensive line than any position on our team," head coach Lane Kiffin said last week.As of Week 4, Oakland's starting front line is made up of tackles Barry Sims and Cornell Green, guards Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle as well as center Jeremy Newberry. Backup Jake Grove has also seen considerable time in replace of Newberry at center. Of the five starters, only two (Gallery and Sims) are returning Raiders, while Green, Carlisle and Newberry were all offseason acquisitions."I'm happy for the offensive line," Jordan said. "Those guys got beat up all last year."Both physically and mentally.Gallery surrendered 10? sacks and quickly became the weekly center of criticism, while Grove gave up 7? and Sims missed 12 games to injury.Combined, the three have allowed Vikings Brett Favre jersey
just 3? sacks this season and are yet to miss a single snap because of injury.Attribute that success directly to Cable, who has utilized the players' strengths to the fullest."They study the game the right way and they're really intelligent guys," Cable said of his O-line.It may have just taken the right teacher to bring out that intelligence.

"Two linebackers primed for Pro Bowl run"

The may not be playing past December, but that doesn't mean every member of the team needs to suffer.The 2008 Pro Bowl voting polls opened this week -- yes, they open this early -- and the race to Honolulu is officially underway. The game won't be played until Feb. 10 of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
next year, exactly 115 days from now. Yes, just 2,760 hours away. Don't blink.But it's never too early to pick favorites.Over the past two NFL seasons, only one Raider has made his way onto a Pro Bowl roster. Defensive end Derrick Burgess, who recorded 107 tackles and 27 sacks from 2005-06, started in the game two years ago and last year served as a backup to Miami's Jason Taylor.Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was also invited to make the trip to Hawaii belatedly last season, but the last-second offer left the unprepared Asomugha without a flight.It doesn't appear either will make the trip this year.Burgess has just one tackle and no sacks through six weeks, while Asomugha is yet to snag his first interception of the season.There are, however, two new candidates ready to impact the 2008 ballot for the Raiders.Young linebackers Thomas Howard, 24, and Kirk Morrison, 25, have combined for just five seasons of NFL exposure, but have made enough noise early this year to gain serious acclamation. On Wednesday, ESPN.com writer Len Pasquarelli, a 25-plus-year NFL analyst, recognized both athletic linebackers as paving the way for an up-and-coming trend in the NFL."Through six weeks, Oakland strongside linebacker Thomas Howard is tied with Dallas cornerback Anthony Henry for the league lead, with four interceptions," wrote Pasquarelli. "And three other linebackers, including Howard's teammate, Raiders standout middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, have three pickoffs each."At this point, it's not unreasonable to consider both players as Pro Bowl-caliber defenders.At his current pace, Howard will finish the year with 99 tackles, 13 interceptions, three sacks and 19 passes defensed. Already, the former second-round pick has found the end zone twice on defense.His counterpart, the 240-pound Morrison, is in position to put up comparable numbers. The ex-San Diego State standout is en route to finish the year with 106 tackles, 10 picks and 19 passes defensed. He has also forced a fumble."Compare that a year ago when no linebacker recorded more than three picks for the entire season," Pasquarelli added.If you've watched the Raiders at all this season, that seems hard to believe.Already, Morrison and Howard average just over one pick each game a third of the way through the season.Last year's Pro Bowl starter at middle linebacker for the AFC, former Denver Bronco Al Wilson, whose severe neck injury left him without a team this season, recorded 101 tackles, one sack and no interceptions in 2006. Morrison is on pace to shatter that tackle total and has already eclipsed the INT mark.Alongside Wilson, the top two AFC outside linebackers, Shawne Merriman (San Diego) and Adalius Thomas (Baltimore), together averaged just 73 tackles and one interception each last season; instead, they garnered votes by combining for an impressive 28 sacks.Howard may be able to Vikings Brett Favre jersey
find his way onto the roster via the interception route.Although, this early in the season, rest assured neither player is looking ahead to Feb. 10.Both youngsters are focused on Oct. 21, when the 2-3 Raiders host the 3-3 Kansas City Chiefs at McAfee Coliseum.It's never too early to give credit where credit's due, though.Dish out your own credit, Raider Nation: Vote for Nos. 52 and 53 now.

Aaron Brooks Kerry Collins

On Tuesday, the closed the books on their quarterback dilemma-for now. Owner Al Davis presented former Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks with a two-day early birthday treat, offering him a two-year tenure that is expected to range somewhere between $4 and $5 million a year. In relation to the $9.2 million that 7-21 starter Kerry Collins was set to make for the team in 2006, the two-year signing of Brooks seems like a huge bargain for the organization.What Brooks decides to do with the next two years, however, is all in his own hands. Principally, one of two things will happen. One, he will secure his job in his first season with the and will receive an extension as a starter beyond his contract; or two, he will pickup where Kerry Collins left off and take the backseat to Andrew Walter in 2007. In essence, Brooks will have 16 games to decide the future of his entire career. If he does fail in 2006, he may find it nearly impossible to resurrect his career from two straight disappointing seasons. Keep in mind, Kerry Collins is still seeking work; and if he does find a job, it will likely be one competing with Kyle Boller-need I say more?So it's make or break time.Optimistically, Brooks can make it in 2006, but it's not a guarantee. Brooks has trademarked his NFL career with his inconsistent play and his tendency to turn the ball over in critical situations. In 2005, Brooks was replaced late in the season after starting off 3-10, completing just 55.7 percent of his passes for 2,882 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. These numbers work out to a 70 quarterback rating, which is the lowest rating Brooks has earned since he became a starter back in 2000.But just as World War II United States Army General George S. Patton declared, "Success is how high you bounce when you hit rock bottom." And with weapons Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Doug Gabriel, Ronald Curry, and LaMont Jordan on his side, Brooks could bounce back exceptionally well-and exceptionally fast. In the war era of the 1940's, the mass media referred to General Patton as "Old Blood and Guts." If Aaron Brooks can return to his 24-touchdown and 8-interception form of 2003, then the Raider Nation may be able to use the same hardnosed expression to refer to their own field general.But if Brooks picks up right where he left of in 2005, "Old Blood and Guts" will just become "Old." And just as fast as he was welcomed into the organization, he will be pushed aside with the same rapidity.In the case that this happens, then Brooks will become a one-year mentor in front of Andrew Walter and one-year backup behind him. By the time 2007 season rolls around, the Arizona State quarterback will be 25 years old and heading into his third season with the team. In that time, Walter will know the system extremely well and will unquestionably be fully recovered from his 2004 third-degree shoulder separation.So what will it be for Aaron Brooks?

For struggling Raiders, Darren McFadden's a luxury

Arkansas Razorbacks All-America running back Darren McFadden declared Monday that he will bypass his senior season and head straight to the NFL draft. The move was an expected one for the 20-year-old halfback, but the announcement will certainly create more short-term buzz surrounding McFadden and his future in the NFL.In essence, every team with a top-five pick will begin to debate whether he's worth the high draft choice.With the Miami Dolphins, St. Dallas Cowboys jersey
Louis Rams and perhaps the Atlanta Falcons (pending a coin flip) picking ahead of the , fans of the silver and black have a right to feel McFadden will be available when Al Davis's franchise is on the clock.That early in the draft, though, consider McFadden to be a luxury, not a necessity. The Raiders have plenty of options at running back and even more holes to fill elsewhere. Adding another ball carrier to the roster should be a third-round-or-later priority, not a top-five one.Currently on the Raiders' roster at running back are Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan and Michael Bush. Of the four, two finished the season on the injured reserve (Fargas and Bush) and one (Jordan) was downgraded to bench-warmer status by midseason.Both Fargas and Bush, however, should be ready to go by next season. It'll be the Raiders' responsibility, though, to make sure Fargas remains on the roster.Despite not starting a single contest prior to Week 9, Fargas managed to rack up over 1,000 yards on the ground on just 222 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. The 27-year-old running back will become an unrestricted free agent this March, joining other available rushers such as Michael Turner, Julius Jones and Jamal Lewis. Fargas has spent his entire five-year career with Oakland, but he has remained rather silent this offseason regarding his imminent future with the team. For the right price (it shouldn't be overly excessive), however, Davis should be able to bring back the 220-pounder in 2008. In place of Fargas for the final two weeks of the season, Rhodes took over the bulk of the team's carries. The 205-pounder, who was signed to a two-year, $7.5 million deal last offseason, rushed 56 times for 237 yards and one touchdown in Weeks 16 and 17 alone.The odd man out, Jordan, is as good as gone. Oakland likely would have cut him midseason, but injuries to division rival running backs Larry Johnson and Travis Henry discouraged the team from letting him lose. After carrying the ball 125 times in the first eight weeks of the season, Jordan received just 19 reps in the team's final nine contests.The incoming ball carrier to the equation will be soon-to-be second-year player Michael Bush, who spent the entire '07 campaign on the PUP list and injured reserve. Bush was the Raiders' first pick in the fourth round last April, but a broken right tibia that he suffered in the season opener with Louisville in 2006 dropped his draft value dramatically.With such a strong incoming rookie halfback class waiting to be drafted, Bush has quickly become a forgotten man in Oakland. Instead, players such as McFadden have become the center of much debate for high-pick holders like the Raiders.Despite 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
the buzz and flashiness surrounding McFadden, Oakland should avoid being sucked into the hype.With plenty of holes to fill and with Fargas, Rhodes and Bush all capable of getting the job done, McFadden would be considered a luxury at this point. The team managed to finish sixth in the NFL in rushing last season, but 22nd in overall defense. It's clear where the extra help is needed.Here's to hoping that Darren McFadden doesn't perform well in the 40-yard dash.

The reason is easy to understand

There are many tools that help you take control of their asthma, but can take control of their asthma really what you are looking for? Prescription drugs and inhalers for asthma are the managers, that means only the symptoms of asthma. They are the tools you need to overcome the disease completely. What you need to is the root of the problem that caused the symptoms of asthma in the first place. Take a good look at the environmental impact. They are common triggers of asthma suffers, but such contamination could be the reason you have asthma to be the first? A study of the newborn was seen by the study, the amount of toxic pollution is in the umbilical cord, and the results were amazing. In every child there are over 200 different types of 6 Sanchez White Jersey
pollution and more toxins are detected that cause cancer. Our mothers share their toxic load to their offspring before birth. No wonder that the disease increases, it is toxic from our planet. Rock stars and actors are fighting against this problem has been trying for years to put the world to change their habits, but unfortunately it is worse than the capacity of our organization, those decreases pollution. There is hope in something that was found, the elimination of toxins from the right side of the body at the cellular level can. To a considerable capacity to break just the bad and the good. The struggle we face is not lost from the outside, the battle long ago. The battle we have to act on pollution, now trapped in the body and cause much damage. These infections, if left in us to do, what to do with the time that, as we are infected by the disease, illness and pain. The reason is easy to understand, has removed the ability of our bodies, heavy metals and toxins from the body. The problem today is that our world has become so polluted that our bodies can not cope with the rush of air pollution on a daily basis. It is more difficult to remove, and so naturally our body needs our help to the toxic load that is within us all to be removed. There are natural ways to eliminate them, and because they are natural, no side effects cause more problems ie. If you trust in the ability of Mother Nature to give us the tools have to be able to overcome asthma, so perhaps it gives us the tools to overcome various kinds of diseases. Prescription drugs and inhalers for the management and control of disease, but a body free of toxins can overcome the disease itself, because your body is the only cure is in this world. No doctor can cure and no medicine to asthma. This power is only in the body of each of us and all you have to do our bodies with the right tools and can overcome anything. In the last decade many books about it, as have been written attract women. Many of these books have become bestsellers and are full of advice on how to win women in his life. This is a huge industry that span several industries, such as a colony for men and pheromones that are known to attract women instantly. Many single men at a time, your money into a product that gives them a better chance to invest the woman of his dreams. Read many books and some even claim to expensive workshops can give you the tools to a woman who you want to win. The truth about the number of such courses is that it ask courage, bravery, a woman has received, and these courses are designed to prevent the barrier so that you break the first step. It's a good thing because it gives you the security, women, and look not only want them in the right direction, but ask them to write without a sense of uncertainty. So what should I say many of these books and courses, is that no matter what it may be, it is how you present yourself and what kind of 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
body language. In other words, if you have money, and some see that this does not help but take you where you want to be, what the body language of women to win for and use good words, and get the girl of his dreams.
And if you do all this without having read countless books, attend expensive workshops. Many can now see the true power that have subliminal messages. They see this technology as a simple solution to changes in behavior and body language, without much time and effort, they look real secret to attract women. These subliminal messages will change how we react to women and also approaching a conversation. Many of those who hear say subliminal tapes that can be seen only after a week or two, that women pay more attention to them. This is because after listening to a subliminal, pours the body a kind of wave, the return of women.

What a difference a year for the Buffalo Bills John McCargo.

What a difference a year for the Buffalo Bills John McCargo.
In June 2007, the bills waiting fans on the nose to 307 pounds would be healthy enough to be on the field during their second year to remain the NFL season.
As a rookie two years ago, the '06 first round selection of the North Carolina State appeared in only five games for the Bills, missing the last 11 because of a broken left foot. Coincidentally, he broke the same foot at the university, which many believe he had violated more time on the benefits of the reserve on the floor passed out.
In addition, many fans were skeptical about the ability of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
McCargo Buffalo. When the former Bills general manager Marv Levy drafted McCargo 26 The total budget of the van was considered a reach. McCargo critics said it was a product of very good teammate, that is, fellow '06 recruit Mario Williams (defensive end No. 1 in the standings was Houston) and Manny Lawson (a linebacker in the 49 to choose the 22 sessions was).
Despite the obstacles, McCargo struggled in the early years of his NFL career the most was a long way to silence his critics last season. As a member of a defense that was riddled with injuries, mostly young and porous, was a bright spot McCargo. He has more than his playing time in two triples, one invoice, collect playing in 16 games and 45 deals, and 2.5 sacks. Born in Drakes Branch, Va., as the season progressed improved, and also co-directed Buffalo D gets a solid 6.5 behind the line of scrimmage.
Best in 24 years McCargo enter the new season that you no longer have the responsibility to play alongside him. You will now be joined by his compatriot Marcus Stroud DT, a 310-pound league was a leading proponent of since his arrival in 2001.
During his career of seven years, Stroud is three time All-Pro, an honor reserved exclusively for the game better. The only drawback is that Stroud, a former Jaguar, the bills in March acquired by teams of third and fifth, not the best of his time: in 2006 he missed time because of ankle injury last season, sat down to nine games after a violation of drug policy in the league and a new ankle injury. Stroud wonky ankle like scary, but fans should know, comfort in the accounts of the medical staff is a team of world class (as demonstrated when the life of almost tight end Kevin Everett paralyzed last season saved) instead. In addition, Stroud had to undergo a medical examination before joining the Bills, and his doctors gave him a checkup. If health, the presence of Stroud - though it is 30 years of Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
the same player he used to be - no doubt McCargo improve in any way. Of course, if Stroud had a major impact remains to be seen on the front floor, but it is absolutely safe to say that the former star at the University of Georgia, an update to all other invoice dissidents' s last year.
Finally, since increased slightly as a sophomore and Buffalo now has a proven product on your site, do not be surprised if 2008 is good with both McCargo and the Buffalo defense. It would be good news for a unit that finished out the season to 25 against the run.