Write On Sports LLC - " Front and Center Anchors of the AFC West. PT 4 OF 4" by Mykle Van Hausen

Front and Center Anchors of the AFC West. PT 4 OF 4

2008-04-12 11:59:18 | By: Mykle Van Hausen

RAIDERS

Jake Grove had 07’ as a wash last year, unable to beat battle damaged veteran Jeremy Newberry for the starting job.

At 6-4, 300 lbs.Grove is considered smallish, by some, but he is roughly the same size as Chris Morris and roughly 15 lbs lighter than Newberry and his agility and quickness seem like a fit for Oaklands newly adopted Zone Blocking System.

It will be telling to see if he’s the starter hands down when the season starts, or if Oakland goes another direction.

To my knowledge the man who fired off the majority of snaps last year has not resigned to do so again in 08’.

2 time Pro Bowler and 49er transplant Jeremy Newberry sat out the previous 2 years with severe knee injuries, but after signing a one year deal with Oakland surprised many by staying fairly healthy.

While not the Pro Bowler of years past, Newberry’s performance can certainly be viewed as a success and bolsters my theory Oakland has some very talented knee Docs on the pay roll.

Some are feeling Newberry’s last year with Oakland was probably his last year, if not with Oakland than with football.

Then again they probably said that in 06’.

6-4, 305 lb. Chris Morris is a Raider 7th round pick (214th overall) from the 06’ Draft.

The former Michigan Stater saw action last year on special teams and showing the versatility Oakland was attracted to filled in at Guard for the injured Robert Gallery against the Brown’s.

After the reportedly unpleasant departure of long time long ball snapper Adam Treu in 07’, Morris filled in amiably.

On March 22 the Raiders added John Condo to handle long snapper duties, bits no doubt nice to have an insurance policy in Morris’ versatility.

He could evolve into a starting Center, had 186 knock downs in College at the position and allowed only 1 sack in the final 2 of 3 seasons starting for the Spartans.

Really at this point the Raiders show no clear signs of anointing a starting Center, one, because its no where near the start of the season and because reasoning would suggest with the ZBS Linemen and even Centers aren’t as critical a factor as with traditional Drive Blocking Systems.

Newberry was a gift last season, especially considering the knee injury that ended Groves 07’ and the shoulder problems he had in the summer of 06’, but whether Newberry can play is always going to be a question for what ever remains of his career with or with out Oakland.

UPDATE: 4-02-07 Ten year veteran of Tampa and Jacksonville, Center John Wade joins the Oakland Raders and figure to vie for a job as starter. this likely means the end of Jeremey Newberry’s short lived tenure with the Raiders.

A former 5th round pick by the Jags in 1998 Wade’s durability over the years may be a key reason for his acquistion. He’s started 105 out of 144 games after his rookie year completeing 6 seasons of 16 games in his tenure with the Bucs.

He could provide the Raider with some stability at the spot they haven’t had since the untimely departure of Barrett Robbins.