RAIDERS 101

In the NFL long snappers are taken for granted, but as the Oakland Raiders found out in week one of the 2012 season, they are very important. Luckily for the Raiders, they have one of the best in Jon Condo. Condo is a two time Pro Bowl selection and provides a spark to Oakland's special teams.

Condo left week one against the San Diego Chargers with an injury. As a result, the Raiders botched three punts, one getting blocked and two bad snaps in a 22-14 season opening loss. The three miscues led to 9 points. Condo's importance was never more apparent. Long snapping is a very specialized position and finding a replacement is difficult.

The next week Condo returned and provided stability for the rest of the season. Punter Shane Lechler never had another punt blocked all year. Condo also contributed five special teams' tackles and a fumble recovery.

Entering the final year of his contract, Condo will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2013 season. This year, he will make a base salary of 1.2 million dollars. The Raiders are still battling salary cap issues so they can wait to extend Condo. His leadership and consistency make him a valuable member of the Oakland special teams.

Tags: Football, Jon Condo, NFL, Oakland, Oakland Raiders, Pro Bowl, Shane Lechler, special teams

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