Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Former 49er Shawntae Spencer is a Raider



Former starting cornerback Shawntae Spencer has now signed a one year deal to join the Oakland Raiders. He will immediately join former Rams CB Bartell as a starter at the corner position. The Raiders have quietly improved their biggest weakness on the team. Reports state that the 49ers are stating that the Oakland Raiders got a steal in Shawntae Spencer as he never lost his starting job in San Francisco. He was actually hampered with a hamstring injury resulting in his fall on the depth chart. Both of these corners bring veteran presence into the Oakland secondary and should immediately add a much needed boost. This will provide second year defensive backs Demarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa to develop into future starters.

Raiders strengthening their offensive line



Raiders are looking to improve from the 2011 season and that will need to start up front by shoring up their O-line. The Oakland Raiders now return 3 starters in Stefan Wisniewski, Jared Veldheer, and the newly resigned Cooper Carlisle. The Raiders have recently acquired Mike Brisiel from the Houston Texans. Brisiel was an important factor in helping Steve Slaton become the leading rusher during his rookie campaign, and helped Adrian Foster post a 1600+ yard season last year. It still remains to be heard whether Wisniewski will be moved over to Center with Brisiel starting at Left Guard. The Raiders plan on switching from a man blocking scheme that coach Jackson installed last season to a zone blocking scheme similar to the one that coach Cable ran in 2010.

Michael Huff Will Remain at Safety


According to Jerry Mcdonald-NFL Writer Michael Huff will remain at Free safety for the upcoming 2012 NFL Season. The Raiders have been recently trying to shore up their struggling secondary after it was their main weakness in 2011. This was apparent after Phillip Rivers torched the Oakland secondary several times targeting Lito Shepperd mainly during their week 17 contest. Michael Huff is a proven veteran who has had some clutch moments and will team up with Tyvon Branch as the starting safeties for this Oakland Raider secondary.