Anthony Carroll’s Friday Raiders mailbag

By Anthony Carroll  |   Friday, July 21, 2006  |  Comments( 5 )

Oakland Raiders
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In his fourth mailbag editorial and third of this month, Anthony Carroll--a senior writer for Realfootball365--responds to fans' questions and comments submitted via RaidersLive.com:

Gerald M., 31, Akron, OH: Hey, Anthony, I read your articles on a daily basis. Your article on July 11 comparing Doug Gabriel and Jerry Porter really caught my eye. For the most part, I agree with your stance on the situation and also feel that Gabriel is a better option right now than Porter. What I was wondering is how you feel about the other discussion, Gabriel vs. Curry.

AC: Comparing Porter and Gabriel was fairly straightforward, primarily on account of their similar receiving style. Comparing Curry with Gabriel, however, is a fairly delicate task. As a second option behind Moss, Gabriel still prevails. The UCF grad is a physical wideout with the capability to hassle any NFL cornerback for four consecutive quarters. The 6-2, 215-pound wideout is both fast and physical enough to run the streak and post, and consistently fights for the extra yardage after pulling the ball in. Curry, on the other hand, is the ideal slot receiver Oakland needs to stay healthy. In that respect, Curry reigns over Gabriel. Very close in size, Curry is the type of threat that can turn a simple screen into a 40-yard dash. Playing both receiving roles in 2004, the North Carolina alumnus managed to haul in 50 passes for 679 yards and six touchdowns. Regardless of who is aligned higher on the depth chart, expect the combined production of both to be fairly impressive. Pending injury, of course.

Tim, 18, Richmond, CA: Who do you think will lead the Raiders in interceptions this season?

AC: Stuart Schweigert. Last season, on a defense that tallied an abysmal five interceptions, Schweigert managed to snatch a team-leading two. Of course, neither Schweigert nor Oakland should be happy with those numbers; however, individually, it's a good sign for the future. Looking back even further, No. 30's list of collegiate accomplishments leaves even more to be desired. The young defensive back shattered Rod Woodson's and Don Anderson's previous Purdue interception mark, hoarding an impressive 17 interceptions in 45 starts with the team. With Michael Huff working alongside in 2006, the 210-pound safety should see his job get a bit easier. As well, the continued resurgence of defensive end Derrick Burgess and the addition of veteran Lance Johnstone should both play into the equation. Nevertheless, whoever ends the '06 campaign atop Oakland's interception list, it will all be dependant on the men up front. Once their jobs are done, it is the secondary that can make the big plays; as I see it, Stuart Schweigert will make plenty of big plays in his third NFL season.

Bruno, 25, Las Vegas, NV: Do you think Warren Sapp can still play at a high level?

AC: Based on his most recent action, yes. Before falling victim to a season-ending shoulder injury 10 games into 2005, the 33-year-old tackle provided great support up front. Playing alongside the NFL sack leader, Sapp finished second on the defense with five sacks on the season, despite missing the final six weeks. Reportedly, Oakland's most proven plug is recovering well from his injury and is primed to be at full strength by season commencement. For Oakland, that news is elevating, chiefly because proven depth is hard to come by at the position. Last season's primary run-stuffer, Ted Washington, is no longer in the picture, placing even more weight on the shoulders of Warren Sapp. For Oakland, they are just hoping Sapp's injured shoulder can handle that weight. More importantly, though, is the lineup of tackles behind Sapp who will need to step up and help split that weight next season.

Kevin, 27, Oakland, CA: Which game do you think is the biggest of the season? Personally, I can't wait until the October 15 meeting on Sunday Night Football at Denver. If we win that game, look out! Go Raiders!

AC: More than a Bronco-bashing, the Silver and Black need a "wow." A "Week One win." Not since the days of Gannon to Rice has Oakland jumped off to a 1-0 start. Consequently, not since 2002 has the team contended for anything better than the cellar of the AFC West. Making this season-unveiling particularly important is the opponent and circumstance involved. In his first season quarterbacking the division-rival Chargers, Philip Rivers will have the heavy task of entering into Oakland and debuting on a nationally televised platform. Oakland's young defense will need to capitalize on their home support and keep the heart of Philip Rivers pumping. If the Raiders wake up on September 12 with a mark in the win column, they will sit atop their division for the first time since 2002. "Wow."

Want to be in next week's mailbag? Visit RaidersLive.com for a chance to enter Anthony Carroll's Friday Mailbag - Get more on the Oakland Raiders at Realfootball365.com.

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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