Oakland Raiders

*Randy Moss told reporters that he is losing focus, stating that since others on the team don't care, why should he.  The wheels are coming off quickly and I'm curios to see if Art Shell makes it to the end of the season.

*Aaron Brooks will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a strained pectoral muscle.  Andrew Walter will start in his absence.  The Raiders are on the by this week.

*Aaron Brooks has been able to practice and should start as usual this weekend against the Ravens.  Not a great match up for him, though.

*Jerry Porter was a healthy scratch Monday night against the Chargers.  Just when we thought this situation was getting better.  For the Raiders to be competitive, they really need Porter to step up.  Also, Aaron Brooks knee injury is said to be a bruise and is no cause for concern right now.

*I swear it's like a soap opera in Oakland.  Now Alvis Whitted has been named starter for week 1.  Jerry Porter will work out of the slot.  I'm not crazy about Whitted and I think this move says more about Curry not being able to be a starter.  Porter will be starting again by week 3.  Although with this crazy team it's hard to be definitive.

*Both Patrick Curry and Jerry Porter have been practicing with the first team.  It won't be long until Jerry Porter is back as the starter.  Possibly within 2-3 weeks.

*How ironic that we mentioned Gabriel on Friday as a valuable guy to keep an eye on.  With his departure to New England, Ronald Curry steps into the starting role.  Before you get too crazy about Curry, though, this trade may indicate that things with Jerry Porter are getting better.

*Just a reminder that Doug Gabriel will start opposite Randy Moss in Oakland and could be quite a value if Moss draws all the attention.

*Al Davis signed Jeff George to a contract, the terms of which were undisclosed.  Although there are no details available, I have to believe the contract is to cut Al Davis' grass, because it certainly can't be to play quarterback.  Not in the NFL.

*This is the first year since Randy Moss has been a pro that I am not excited about his possibilities.  I don't know what it is about what I'm seeing or hearing that tells me he may fall to the ranks of mediocre, but I just don't see 15 touchdowns from him this year or any time in the future.  maybe it's the Oakland offense, quarterback or just the way the wind is blowing, but I just don't trust him right now.

*We've been wrestling with upgrading LaMont Jordan in light of new coach Art Shell's decree that they will run more.  But the raiders offense looks unraveled right now, and Aaron Brooks is not instilling fear in the hearts of linebackers just yet.

*It's happening.  Jerry Porter has been demoted to second team.  Doug Gabriel is now running with the first team with Alvis Whitted coming in as #3.  It's clear the Raiders are sending a message to Porter and to the rest of the league.  Don't think the Eagles have not noticed.

*Add 'not seeing eye to eye' with Raiders coach Art Shell to Jerry Porter issues.  Porter has demanded a trade.  Rumor is that the Raiders are looking for 2 first round picks for Porter.  Obviously, they don't want to trade him.

*Jerry Porter missed practice with what's being called a calf strain.  Porter is a valuable receiver, and boosts the value of Moss and Brooks if healthy.  Keep an eye on this.

*There are rumors circulating that Jerry Porter is on the trading block.  We'd be a little surprised if it happened, but wouldn't he look good in a place like Philly, Cleveland, San Diego or Atlanta?

Art Shell is talking a lot about improving the running game.  Since he's an old offensive lineman, I believe him.

*Andrew Walter is the #2 QB behind Aaron Brooks.  Brooks will almost definitely take the reigns as the top QB throughout the season, or at least until the Raiders are out of contention. Be careful with Brooks as your #1 because he may be done by week 14.

http://www.raiders.com/default.jsp - Official Site

http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Stories/

http://www.sfgate.com/sports/raiders/

http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/football/raiders/

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/football/nfl/oakland_raiders/ - news sites

http://www.raiders.com/team/depth.jsp - roster

http://www.ourlads.com/secure/depthchart.cfm?index1=OAK - depth chart

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/raiders/stats.htm - stats

http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/afc-signings - free agency