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Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Raiders make Changes, Sign Jason Newberry

Raiders Sign Former Pro Bowler Newberry- see my end note...
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Sports Writer

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders and two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday, hoping to boost a struggling offensive line.

Newberry, a Pro Bowler in 2001-02 with San Francisco, spent all of last season on injured reserve with the 49ers with an damaged left knee. He has played in only 11 games the past three seasons because of various injuries.
But the Raiders are counting him to help an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.

"In researching and evaluating Jeremy's background and history, it became obvious that he is a perfect fit for the Raiders right now," Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. "He is an intense competitor and definitely understands what being a team player is all about."

Newberry, who turns 31 this month, has played center, tackle and guard in the past and could be used in any of those spots with Oakland.

He has previously worked with Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and running backs coach Tom Rathman when they were assistants in San Francisco and for offensive line coach Tom Cable in college at California.

"When this opportunity presented itself, I made it known that I wanted to play across the Bay for the Raiders, as I have a ton of respect for Al Davis and this organization," Newberry said. "I'm very excited about what Coach Kiffin has got going and I am excited to be reunited with some people that I have worked with in the past."

The Raiders also cleared up some salary cap room by restructuring the contracts of running back LaMont Jordan and receiver Ronald Curry. The new deal with Jordan reduces the $4.75 million roster bonus he was due on Wednesday by $1.75 million.

Curry signed a five-year deal that could be worth up to $20 million and includes $5 million in guaranteed money.

"As we continue to find ways to build and improve upon our team through our evaluation process, it was imperative that LaMont and Ronald were on board," Kiffin said. "It was extremely important to get their contract situations settled. We look forward to working with both players, introducing them to the many changes we will have on offense, and including them in our new team philosophy as well."

Jerry Porter is expected to be back as a starter at receiver after languishing on the bench most of last season while feuding with coach Art Shell. Curry could either be a starter if the team trades Randy Moss or be used as a third receiver if Moss returns.

Jordan rushed for only 434 yards and two touchdowns before going down with a season-ending knee injury Nov. 19.

The Raiders also added four more assistant coaches: John DeFilippo (quarterbacks), James Cregg (assistant offensive line), Randy Hanson (assistant defensive backs) and Sanjay Lal (quality control, offense). The team also announced that Kelly Skipper, who was hired last month, will coach tight ends.


The way the Raiders are going, they could have signed Jason Newsted From the Band SUPERNOVA(before that he was the Bassist for METALLICA) and it would not have made a difference. Do they think Newberry is going to help get Robert Gallery In Line??? In Shape?? Block the defense?? Hey...Maybe Newberry has some value as an extra coach, but The Raiders now have 2 OL coaches, which seems to be a new ternd in Coaching in the NFL

Ex Giant Pettitgout signs with Tampa Bay

Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.



So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.
Petitgout Signs With Buccaneers See my Note
By Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their offensive line on Tuesday by signing free-agent tackle Luke Petitgout.

Petitgout spent the last eight seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 1999 draft. He's appeared in 113 games, including 106 starts, and has blocked for a 1,000-yard rusher six of his eight years in the league.

The 30-year-old started nine games at left tackle before breaking a leg against Chicago on Nov. 12 and missing the remainder of last season. He's also started games at left guard and right tackle during his career.



So thanks for the memories Luke, but more importantly, thanks for provimg me wrong. I mean I used to scream at you(in my head and otherwise) when you missed a key block as you were oft to many times early in your career, I won't repeat here what i said back then, because it's not proper language even for a Football Blog. The last few years however, you were one of the more steady Pass Blockers i the NFL, let along with the Giants, and now that you are a complete OL, The Team had to go and release you....We in NY who know a Good OL when we see one wish you well.

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