Shell encouraged but says Raiders hardly a polished act
Monday, August 7, 2006

Art Shell had a busy weekend. The Oakland Raiders coach took part in the Hall of Fame ceremonies, attended a party later for his former coach and newest inductee John Madden, then led his team to a 16-10 win over Philadelphia in his return to the coaching ranks.

On Monday, Shell was back at work at the Raiders' training camp facilities, though his work schedule won't be slowing down much.

While saying he was generally pleased with Oakland's performance against the Eagles, Shell seemed more frustrated about the Raiders' lack of energy along the offensive and defensive lines when both teams' starters were in the game.

"At the beginning of the game, on both sides of the ball, I don't think we were as physical as we need to be," Shell said. "We have to address that. (Philadelphia) came out and played with a lot more intensity, for whatever reason, than we did up front." The Raiders won their exhibition opener on the strength of three field goals by Sebastian Janikowski, but it was the Eagles who controlled the game when the starters were in during the first quarter.

Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb completed all three of his pass attempts and drove the Eagles 61 yards on nine plays for a touchdown in his only series of work, while his Oakland counterpart, Aaron Brooks, went 1-for-3 with a touchdown and interception.

The Raiders also failed to slow Philadelphia's running game in the first half. The Eagles' Brian Westbrook rushed for 32 yards, most of them coming in large chunks.

"We've got to go to work," Shell said. "It's nothing we haven't been working on — that's the disappointing thing," Shell said. "You can't play this game if you're not physical. When our guys watch the tape, they'll learn from this."

Shell said he was pleased with Oakland's special teams, particularly Janikowski, who is coming off his worst season since 2000. Janikowski made three field goals — from 24, 50 and 51 yards out — and missed a shot at a fourth when the snap from center was botched.

"The snap was kind of low and (holder Shane Lechler), who is very good at fielding the ball, couldn't get his bottom hand on the ball," Shell said. "So we lost a chance there."

The Raiders, who set an NFL record in 2005 for fewest interceptions in a 16-game season (five), had two against the Eagles, who committed five turnovers overall in the game.

Oakland also had just five penalties, a dramatic improvement for a team that routinely ranks among the league-leaders in that category.

"That's a positive, a big positive," Shell said of the turnovers. "That's something we've been working on and it's showing up. Even the penalties. Five is too many, but if we can keep it to five or less, I'll take that right now."

[More at SF Gate ]