Al Davis Art Shell

Please step back Mr. Reporter, minicamp season has kicked off in Alameda, California."And by "minicamp," the really mean "mini." Security outside of the camp is as tight as the Brady Bunch children on Christmas. And, unless you are under contract or you are the one that dishes out the contracts, chances are you're not getting in.So what's the big deal? Thus far in 2006, Al Davis has been the director and leading actor in the offseason feature presentation "Silence of the Fans." So it's not much of a shock that the set of this offseason film has been moved to the Alameda training camp facilities.On the whole, however, it may be for the best.In years past, the gates have been open to the media and press. Oh, and in years past, the Raiders have fallen into a bottomless pit of disappointment.The "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy may apply to some NFL teams, but for the Raiders, it's the converse. And when Art Shell had the opportunity to start contradicting the three-year offseason blueprint the led to a 13-35 record in Oakland, he seized the opportunity.What's the worst that could happen? Better yet, what's the best that could transpire from allowing a camera crew to invade your practice?The Raiders committed 1,132 yards in penalties on offense last season and another 825 yards on the defensive side of the ball-totals good enough to respectively merit the team 31st and 28th ranks in the NFL. That's 1,957 free yards for their opponents-nearly 20 trips up and down the length of the field?95 holding calls...391 false starts?br />However you want to look at it, the numbers aren't attractive for Oakland. But if he wanted, Shell could have continued on with the 2005 minicamp outline that jumpstarted these abysmal numbers. Instead, he opted to close off the camp quarters to all but the team.Perhaps for this April minicamp, the decision will make no short-term difference on the team's overall performance. However, in the grander scheme of things, Al Davis and Art Shell are sending out a message loud and clear to the media and rest of the National Football League: Things will be different in Oakland in 2006-like it or not.It may not be exactly known who the starting offensive guards will be for the team next year, but you can rest assured ex-lineman Art Shell is working to fill in the gaps with the best options available. Quarterback, cornerback, defensive tackle? The same applies.Look at this way: was it better to know what Norv Turner was doing during his minicamp to sit back months later pondering the reasons for a 4-12 season? Well, at least everyone knew which fullback lined up with the second team during Monday morning's half-speed drills.Actions speak louder than words卹eports, photographs, interviews?br />You are free to criticize Art Shell's plan only after it has failed. Until then, make like a Raider and "shhhh."