FORMER BULLDOG NEAL JOINS RAIDERS

One of the best blocking backs ever will now lead the way for Fargas, McFadden and Bush.

From raiders.com:

The Oakland Raiders opened their three-day mandatory mini-camp with a practice session at their Alameda, Calif., facility Friday morning. The day began with two player signings and a number change or two. The Raiders signed 17-year veteran FB Lorenzo Neal and third-year RB Gary Russell. Both players were on the field for practice. Neal donned his familiar #41 while second-year running back Louis Rankin switched to #40.

“I’m excited. I’ve been very blessed, very fortunate that after 17 years to still be playing and [play] at a high level,” Neal said. “I just thank Mr. Davis and the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be a Raider. You look at this team and you see so much talent and you are like ‘wow.’”

Neal, who has been selected for four Pro Bowls and two first team All-Pro squads, says he thinks the Raiders are poised to make a run. “The Raiders have a lot of tradition,” Neal added. “Why not start there? Why not start now? Why not this year? I played in Baltimore last year. Before last year they won five games, next year they were playing in the AFC Championship. It’s football. It’s never what people think.”

Joining a backfield that features RBs Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, Neal understands his role and how he can help. “It is not just how you play on the field but also what you bring off the field. It is the intangibles. It is showing the guys what I do that allowed me to play for 17 years. Let’s go to meetings, let’s watch extra film, let’s lift some weights and do some extra things instead of not coming in on your off day,” Neal explained. “You win the game on Sunday during the week in practice and meetings. The game is simple if you know what you are doing. It is about the practice and the attention to detail. It is very imperative that you get leadership and that you lead by example so I’m excited about it.”

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