Okay folks... One-G and I rolled into Napa yesterday for our annual visit to training camp. Here's a quick report:
- The usual cast of booster characters were in attendance... notably a large contingent from Bakersfield. While we were waiting for everything and everybody to get it together, we sampled the fare at the Marriott's bar and grill... a couple of cocktails to wash away the trail dust from our 70 mile journey from the capital, and we were good to go. Notably, the camp appeared to be absent of any celebs on the day, with the onlookers (about 100 I would guess) being almost entirely composed of booster club members and a handful of suite holders. Definitely an insider's day at the camp. A couple other members of Death Row were in the house too, so we were well represented.
- A half hour or so past the appointed hour (Raider activity tradition of running late), we were all assembled outside the gate for the ritual briefing. Don't do this, do this when told, stay behind the white line, etc, etc... it's quite regimented and tightly controlled at all times once you are inside the tall fence. I think the security staff realized that the majority of the guests were not newbies... because the "rules" seemed abbreviated from what we heard last year. Everyone knew how to act and the whole deal went smoothly. We received the regular admonition, "photos are only allowed for the first 30 minutes, no exceptions" however after that time period elapsed, no one ever gave the instruction to stop. We were free to shoot the ENTIRE PRACTICE. As a result, I am currently sifting through about 500 shots and trimming them down to a more reasonable number for the web site. I'm also reviewing a couple hundred MBs of video (shhhhh!) that I captured at the same time. Look for the site later today for the pics.
- The climate of the camp was serious and professional compared to this time last year. First thing we noticed was that there were no little clusters of players standing around laughing, joking, and singing like we observed last year. This appears to be the Shell difference in effect. At times individual players would take a break, usually drop to a knee for a rest or some water, then get right back to work. It's hard to describe this completely, but the overall effect is a businesslike approach to things with the coaches (all of them) definitely in charge. Along these lines... #99 is definitely playing a new role this time... he was conferring with coaches and barking at players all day. Even when it was all over, he was still on the field with Brayton and a couple others, working on stance and moves, hitting the pylons, etc. Quite impressive to see that happening, especially after several hours out in the hot sun already.
- The offensive line is an effing disaster in the making, in my not-so scientific opinion. They looked so ineffective it was disturbing. Sapp was getting to the quarterback almost EVERY TIME, especially when Gallery was in front of him. It was sickening to watch. I told One-G that my hope was that yesterday was the day to practice contingency plans for penetration and how well the backs could handle pressure, because it almost looked like they were intentionally allowing them in. A lot of people were openly disgusted with what we were seeing... in fact, the second group looked better than the first most of the day. This remains a real big concern, and unless there's a miracle overnight, we will be eaten alive tomorrow night if these guys are out on the field for a longer period of time since it's preseason game #3. Urgh.
- For you Fargas fans out there... the good news is that he was breaking free and running clear all day. The bad news is that they weren't tackling, just hitting. He's sensational at times on the field behind the Marriott hotel, but nowhere else. Still too small and lacks the power to do much unless he's running through team mates. And worst of all.... he's SLOW or at least appears to be. We were not impressed by the way he ran through the middle with the ball extended way out from his body. What the heck is up with that? He Hate Me looked much better!
- Our receiving corps is incredible. Moss, Gabriel, Anderson... top notch and ready to go. Morant needs to get more PT this year... he's looking better all the time, he was making plays yesterday that made him a bookend to Moss. It was great to see Curry running AND cutting out there, maybe he will have better luck and be full time this season - if so people will quickly remember how good he really is. All of these guys were looking great, and Jerry Porter was looking totally expendable. It was fun watching him running hard on one route after another and NOT having the ball come his way. Haha. Welcome to Art's dog house, boy. It looked like most of the squad was giving him the cold shoulder as well. He did finally get a couple of catches in, and showed he still has the skills... too bad he's got such a shitty attitude.
- Highlight of the day was Sapp's pick from point blank. As observers, we had been instructed to remain quiet at all times, no clapping, cheering, calling out player's names, etc... at the risk of expulsion. But when the big guy burst in and snatched the ball out of the air, then ran the opposite direction, spiking the ball hard on the empty side of the field, there was a huge "OHHHHHHH!" from both spectators and players. That moment alone was worth the price of admission. Oh wait, we get in free, never mind.
- Huff is going to be very exciting to watch. Washington and Routt also appear to be on the verge of opening some eyes. They seem improved either through better training, schemes, or just maturing as pros. I don't recall seeing anyone getting badly beaten deep all day - which is remarkable considering the tough receivers they are up against in this camp.
- Sapp is all over the place. This really IS his defense now, and he was sticking his nose in everywhere and quite vocal. Coach Ryan was also running around like a madman (which he resembles) for the entire session, so if nothing else... our defense will NOT lack passion this season. They will need to be energetic and tough, because they will have to be effective to keep us in games since our offense may never get it together.
- Worst outlook? That we will have the top receiving corps in the league, but no one will know it because our quarterbacks will be unable to deliver the ball to them if the OL remains so dreadfully porous. Like I always say, it's had to have a high completion percentage when your shoulder blades are embedded in the turf all day. By the way, Brooks scares me, I mean REALLY scares me. I'm not sure if he hasn't adjusted yet, doesn't get it, or just plain aint no good. In any case, he does not look comfortable or in charge of anything. Walter looked solid, Tui looks slow. Kent Smith and Reggie Robertson both looked quite ordinary and will be gone by the end of camp, so no hidden gems are lurking on the roster at QB.
Well, I'm sure I left a lot out but I need to get back to the photos so you guys can see the images that go with the above account. We did hang around to chat with the guys after practice, my buddy Tim Johnson is now a Raven so I didn't have him to hook up with, but said hello to Tui and Zack, they both signed the photos we took together last year... there's a chance neither will be around next time so that was good. Also said hello to Shell, who was quite gracious in meeting with the remaining fans that stayed after practice. I posed for a couple pics with Chris Carr and Andrew Walter. I asked Chris "when are you gonna break one? You are WAY overdue!" He just laughed at that, and I added that I know it will happen but we are eager to see it SOON. He's a great kid and seems more confident and relaxed than he was out there a year ago. Same for Walter... he signed for every single person out there that wanted a moment of his time, and after working through that whole gauntlet of fans, still stopped outside the hotel door to chat, shake hands, and pose for a photo with the old Sac D. So long Tui, we're gonna miss ya! Hehe. This was a few minutes after J. Porter stiffed the crowd and stomped past everyone despite their pleas that he work the autograph line. I mumbled "trade his ass" and about 20 people repeated it loud enough for him to hear as he ran inside the hotel. Punk. I hope he's gone no later than week one, even if we lose money on the deal... he appears to be the only cancer on the roster at this time.
Enjoy the pics and keep the faith! It's gonna be a long tough season, but hopefully more fun than the past three!
-=Sac D=-
