Oakland’s Bush Not Happy About Move to fullback
Tuesday, Aug 26, 2008 12:41 pm EDT
Running back Michael Bush awoke a fullback Monday, and he didn’t even know it.
“Yeah, that’s all I’m going to say about that,” Bush said after Monday’s practice, which was done behind closed gates in Alameda for the first time since training camp started.
Bush’s body language did the talking for him. When met by reporters in the locker room, he dropped his chin into his chest and let out a deep sigh. Consider this the latest wild turn in a 16-month pro career full of them. The Raiders drafted Bush with the first pick of the fourth round in 2007. A Heisman hopeful at Louisville, he was touted as a future star once his broken leg recovered. Bush was made a short-yardage specialist in the offseason. When fullback Oren O’Neal was lost for the season with a knee injury Saturday, Bush was moved into his spot.
“I’ve always been a team player,” Bush ended up saying. “So, it’s one of those things. You just suck it up, go about your business and try to have some fun with it.”
Bush certainly has the size to be a fullback. He’s 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds with above-average tailback speed and dependable hands. His ability to catch screen passes could secure playing time while he learns the position.
Farewell Gene Upshaw.
Gene UpShaw is seen in an Aug. 15, 1970 file photo when he was playing left guard for the Oakland Raiders. Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard who as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the riches that came with it, has died. Upshaw’s death was announced by the NFL Players Association, which he headed for a quarter century. He was 63.
(AP Photo)
Archuleta to Compete at Linebacker
The Oakland Raiders signed Adam Archuleta to a contract on Monday in a move to add depth to their defense and released safety Greg Wesley to make room on the roster. Archuleta will compete at LB a position he played in college.
He is slightly undersized for linebacker which is why he was moved to safety. Not sure if he will start but he could add depth at LB and on special teams.
Playing safety he was always most effective when used in run support and was exposed when in coverage. He could turn out to be an okay strong side LB in situational usage. I do not think he will be any every down player, but stranger things have happened.
Raiders agree to terms with Archuleta
By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer 2 hours, 32 minutes ago
NAPA, Calif. (AP)—The Oakland Raiders agreed to terms on a contract with Adam Archuleta on Monday in a move to add depth to their defense.
Archuleta was at the Raiders facility Monday morning and left with trainer Rod Martin to take a physical. Archuleta was expected to take part in the night practice. The team did not immediately announce a corresponding roster move to create space for Archuleta.
Archuleta has been a safety in the NFL but played linebacker in college at Arizona State. He could contend for a spot as a backup safety or for the starting strong side linebacker job in Oakland.
Ricky Brown, Robert Thomas and Sam Williams are competing for the starting role at linebacker alongside Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard.
Coach Lane Kiffin said after the morning practice that he wanted to bring more players into camp to create more competition for jobs and improve the team’s depth.
“It’s been a situation that unfortunately, we haven’t brought guys in,” he said. “I control what I can control, come out every day and get our guys as good as we can. I’m pleased with the top of our roster but we need to add to the bottom of our roster. We need more competition.”
Archuleta was cut in May by Chicago after one disappointing season with the Bears. He broke a hand early last season and started in just 10 of the 15 games in which he appeared. He lost his starting job to Brandon McGowan and finished the season on special teams.
“He’s a great guy with talent, a good nose for the ball, he brings a lot to the game. I’m excited to have him here,” said Thomas, who played with Archuleta in St. Louis. “He can cover tight ends, play defense, play the run, so I’m excited to have him.”
Archuleta, a first-round pick by St. Louis in 2001, has been known throughout his career as a hard-hitting tackler who has struggled at times in coverage in the secondary.
His career has gone downhill since signing as a free agent with Washington in 2006. He received the largest contract given to a safety, $30 million for six years, with a $10 million bonus. But he ended up starting only seven games and played mostly on special teams before being traded the following year to Chicago for a sixth-round draft pick.
Archuleta has started 86 of his 103 games in the NFL, making 423 solo tackles and intercepting four passes.
Raiders Might Break .500
The Raiders Post
If JaMarcus Russell and the wide receivers can provide some offense. The Raiders defense and running game should keep them in the game and possible allow them to win better than 8 games.
The Raiders schedule is pretty weak until the last month of the season. So if a few variables come together the Raiders could make a run at the playoffs. Maybe I am just being optimistic but looking at the schedule and the talent on paper it is possible to break .500.
If Javon Walker can stay healthy he is good for 1000 yard season. Ronald Curry as a number 2 WR has been good for about 700 yards and a couple touchdowns. So as a number one receiver he might break 1000 yards. Zach Miller should hopefully break 500 yards and about 5 TDs in his second year in this offense.
The possibility of breaking .500 relies on the passing game pulling their weight in a few games.
