Raiders work out without pads

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SAN DIEGO (AP) -- With owner Al Davis watching along with several former Raiders, Rich Gannon worked on offensive and defensive nickel strategies and Oakland finished its third practice for Sunday's Super Bowl against Tampa Bay.

Head coach Bill Callahan said Gannon worked on his timing and execution through the early part of the week. "And by the time we get to our nickel offense on Friday, he's absolutely zeroed in," he said. "He'll need to be this week. We have a real challenge on our hands, because we'll be facing the best nickel defense in the NFL."

All 53 players participated in a crisp 95-minute workout without pads. Unlike the previous two days of practice, the pool reporter assigned to the Raiders was allowed to watch the entire workout.

Davis won't be leaving his spot on the Raiders' sideline any time soon, according to his top deputy.

"Everyone's been asking if Al's going to retire," senior assistant Bruce Allen said. "I've got bad news for our opponents: He's never going to retire. He's laughing at these reports."

Allen also downplayed questions about the 73-year-old owner's health: "He's healthier than both of our corners." Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tory James will play in the Super Bowl with titanium plates stabilizing their broken legs.

Former Raiders George Blanda, Jim Otto, Kent McCloughan, Mickey Marvin and George Atkinson watched practice with Davis.

"I'm so happy for Al," said the 76-year-old Blanda, a former kicker and quarterback who played 26 seasons before retiring in 1975. "A lot of owners say they want to win. Al's whole life is football. Everything he does is for winning."

The Raiders also got their customary Friday post-practice meal. A six-person crew from a barbecue restaurant in Concord, Calif. trucked two 1,600-pound grills and 500 pounds of meat nine hours from Northern California to feed the Raiders with ribs, chicken and Italian sausage.

"The players about fell over when they saw us," Jacob Kinder said. "We bring enough to feed 225, even though there are only 100 of them."

The Raiders will hold a walkthrough practice at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday.

 

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