Recent News

Oakland Raiders Agree to Deal with Charles Woodson

May 21st, 2013 at 7:27 PM
By Nick Gill

Chuck is back. The Oakland Raiders and free agent Charles Woodson agreed to a one year deal today. Woodson was welcomed by Raider nation fans after visiting with the team today and hours later the parties came to an agreement.

Woodson played the first eight years of his career for the silver and black after he was selected by the team with the fourth overall selection in the 1998 NFL Draft. The Associated Press named him the Defensive Rookie of the year at the end of the season. The former Heisman Trophy winner and Defensive Player of the year in 2009 is an eight time Pro Bowl selection and was the man that forced the fumble on Tom Brady that led to the infamous Tuck Rule debacle.

During free agency Woodson left Oakland for a big money deal with the Green Bay Packers. He spent seven seasons there including a Super Bowl XLV championship. Now he returns to Oakland and brings his 55 career interceptions with him. He will be penciled in as a starting safety adding another piece to the revamped secondary. General manager Reggie McKenzie continues to use his connections as the former director of player personnel for the Green Bay Packer to lure former Packers to Oakland.

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Oakland Raiders QB Matt Flynn Focused on Improving to Solidify Starting Job

May 21st, 2013 at 2:57 PM
By Nick Gill

As the Oakland Raiders embark on their first organized team activity session this week, eyes will be on the quarterback position. General manager Reggie McKenzie said that Matt Flynn would begin the offseason program as the starter. Now Flynn wants to improve to stay in that position while holding off the competition.

“What we do from here on out is who plays the best,” Flynn said after the first OTA practice. “So somebody’s got to take the first one. There can only be one quarterback on the field. My job is to go out there and play the best that I can, compete with myself. Be better tomorrow than I was today.”

The contenders for the starting quarterback role are Flynn, Terrelle Pryor, and Tyler Wilson. All three are very inexperienced so reps and playbook knowledge will be crucial. All three are on level ground as far as the offensive system. Greg Olson replaced Greg Knapp as offensive coordinator so all three quarterbacks are starting from square one.

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Oakland Raiders Begin Organized Team Activities Today

May 20th, 2013 at 8:21 AM
By Nick Gill

After the Oakland Raiders held their rookie mini-camp two weekends ago, the entire team will join for organized team activities or OTAs today. With so much roster turnover this offseason, Monday will be the first time all of the team is together at their first practice.

Because of all the change that has taken place for the Raiders, this may be a more anticipated gathering. Reggie McKenzie has said Matt Flynn will start at quarterback this offseason as that competition begins. The Raiders are also trying to transition into using multiple defenses which will take time to acclimate. New offensive coordinator Greg Olson will get his first chance to introduce his offense to the team. All these factors will be put on the forefront during the three day practice session.

It will be telling who lines up with the first team at several open competition position battles. The Raiders have a plethora of position battles and although starting OTAs does not assure an opening day start, it is telling where the coaches believe the players are in the process. Tight end, free safety, and linebacker are the most interesting position battles awaiting the Raiders as well as quarterback.

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Oakland Raiders are Making Special Teams a Priority This Offseason

May 19th, 2013 at 8:34 AM
By Nick Gill

After a below average year on special teams in 2012, the Oakland Raiders acknowledged the issue this offseason. General manager Reggie McKenzie has brought in return man Josh Cribbs and punter Chris Kluwe to improve the unit. These additions along with the return of Jacoby Ford should provide an immediate upgrade to last season's stagnant special team's play.

'Did You See That?' photo (c) 2011, Alan Witzke - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/

Cribbs has the potential to make the greatest impact. His eight kickoff return touchdowns and three punt return touchdowns put him in the conversation as one of the best return men in the NFL. Last season the Raiders were forced to settle for average returning after Ford was lost for the season with a foot injury. His replacements combined for no touchdown returns and rarely impacted the game with field position. Now Ford and Cribbs, who have combined for 15 return touchdowns, have the opportunity for game changing plays on special teams. The Raiders offense will be a question mark heading into next season, so if Cribbs and Ford can provide a spark in the return game it helps them immensely.

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Oakland Raiders Sign Punter Chris Kluwe

May 17th, 2013 at 5:19 PM
By Nick Gill

The Oakland Raiders signed punter Chris Kluwe. After 13 year veteran Shane Lechler left this offseason, a void was opened at punter. The team has Marquette King, who signed as an undrafted free agent before last season to compete with Kluwe.

'Minnesota Viking Supports Freedom to Marry' photo (c) 2012, Freedom To Marry - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Kluwe is known for his outspoken ways and not mincing words. He spent his entire eight year career with the Minnesota Viking before being released this offseason. He was scheduled to make 1.45 million dollars in 2013. Kluwe has put together several solid seasons in Minnesota. He has a career 44.4 yard punting average and had a career best 39.7 net average in 2012.

King looked terrific is the preseason last year. Although he still had some consistency issues, the rookie opened eyes with a 71 yard punt against the Arizona Cardinals. He was placed on injured reserve before the season started.

As the Raiders begin their organized team activities in June, Kluwe and King will begin their competition for the punting job. Lechler provided 13 outstanding years in that department for Oakland as one of the best in the league. Now the torch will be passed to the winner of the Kluwe and King competition.

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