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| The Raiders defense took a step back last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several categories. The rush defense was especially poor, allowing 160 yards per game. If this area doesn't improve, the Raiders defense will be in for another long season. Oakland didn't do a whole lot to shore up this defense. Linebacker Kirk Morrison is a legit star and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha might be the best in the entire game. But after those two players, the Raiders don't have much. Oakland doesn't do a good job of pressuring quarterbacks and struggle to cause turnovers (24 last season). The Raiders have a great return game, though, totaling five touchdowns last season. Johnnie Lee Higgins had three punt returns for touchdowns last season and averaged 13 yards per return. He also did a good job on kick returns (23.4 per return), but Justin Miller split work with him and had two kick returns for touchdowns. Special teams are a strength for the Raiders.
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The Raiders offense doesn't help the defense, stalling and scoring little. But the team should be improved some, which could help this unit. We still don't like their sack potential, but Asomugha gives the pass defense a huge lift for interceptions and touchdown potential. And if you are in a league that is strictly touchdowns for defense, consider Oakland a top squad. Their return game is among the best in the game. But otherwise, consider them a marginal platoon unit for fantasy teams. |
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| Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis (shoulder, knee) took part in the team's practice Friday, Nov. 13, and is listed as questionable for Week 10. Head coach Tom Cable said Ellis did 40 to 50 percent of the snaps in practice, and that Ellis will be a game-time decision. |
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| Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his arthritic knee. Head coach Tom Cable would not rule Ellis out of the team's Week 10 game. |
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| CBSSports.com reports Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis (knee) will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery Wednesday, Nov. 4. DE Matt Shaughnessy would make his first NFL start Week 10 if Ellis is unable to play. |
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| Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) did not practice Friday, Oct. 30, and is questionable for Week 8. |
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| Jerry McDonald, of the Contra Costa Times, reports Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) did not practice Friday, Oct. 23, and is questionable but expected to play in Week 7. |
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| Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, Oct. 22, but he is expected to play Week 7. |
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| Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 16. He is listed as questionable for Week 6 but is expected to play. |
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| Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) had an arthritic knee drained, a condition that could limit him in practice. |
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| Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis was rested for the second straight practice Tuesday, Aug. 4. The team is trying to keep him fresh for the regular season. LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (undisclosed) and FB Oren O'Neal (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Aug. 4. |
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| CBSSports.com reports Oakland Raiders DE Greg Ellis has been named the starter at left defensive end. |
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Injury Concern.