Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Penn finds fresh start with Raiders
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, June 13, 2014 - 1:15pm
Follow @BairCSN

Programming note: For all the day’s sports news, tune in to SportsNet Central tonight and every night at 6, 10:30 p.m. and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area

Donald Penn grew up a Raiders fan. The Los Angeles native spent many Sunday afternoons in L.A. Coliseum parking lots with his father and his friends, tossing pigskin prior to the main event.

“Going to the games, sitting in the nosebleed sections with my dad was always fun,” the veteran left tackle said. “We rooted for the Raiders. We’d be out there cooking and the adults would be drinking beer before the game. It was something I looked forward to as a kid. … Now I’m going to be able to help them return back to excellence.”

[RELATED: Is Wisniewski worthy of a contract extension?]

Penn will get that chance after signing a two-year contract with the Raiders this offseason. While the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer will play closer to family and don a jersey he has long cheered for, nostalgia alone didn’t bind this union.

The Raiders offered Penn a chance to rebound after the worst season of his professional career, and they were the only interested team that still considered him a left tackle.

That pushed the Raiders ahead of Washington for Penn’s services, a real coup for Reggie McKenzie after losing incumbent Jared Veldheer in free agency.

It offered a Penn a soft landing following a harsh cut. The Buccaneers didn’t communicate with Penn before signing Cincinnati’s Anthony Collins to play his position, a transaction completed shortly before the Pro Bowler received a pink slip.

“Getting released made me take a step back,” Penn said. “I was in Tampa for eight years. I played a lot of football and I never got released except from the practice squad. It was a shocker, but it’s in the past now. I’m looking forward to the future. I’m happy to be a Raider. It’s fuel and motivation going into next season. It’s always going to be in the back of my head for the rest of my career.”

Penn’s perceived slight is one of many that fuel the new veteran leaders, spurning hard work and mentorship of a young, developing foundation. Penn has put tremendous effort into bonding with his linemates, especially young tackles Menelik Watson and Matt McCants.

The offensive front has gotten bigger, stronger and far deeper with key offseason additions. Penn believes the starting five will truly make this offense go.

“I know we’re going to dictate tempo,” Penn said. “We’re going to be a physical offensive line. We’re going to play like the old Raiders, but we’re going to play smart. We’re going to run the ball and run and run until they stop us, and that’s going to be hard. We’re going to play physical. We’re not going to take any guff. We’re going to dictate the tempo.”

Penn will be a huge part of that effort, as a run blocker and the most important pass protector. Even entering his ninth season, the Raiders believe he can do that. They see surprising agility from a player standing 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, and that starts at the bottom.

“Donald has great feet,” Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said. “He’s really good and has been really good in pass protection, and so that was one of the things that we looked at. Not to mention the fact that ‘Ollie’ [offensive coordinator Greg Olson] has had an opportunity to work with him and kind of understand him a little bit and what the buttons are that you have to push to kind of drive him a little bit. I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen out of Donald and I’m hoping for a big year out of him.”

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Fangio: 'We need to find a nickelback'
Harbaugh: 'I still kinda like the loose-fitting' pants
Harbaugh perturbed reporters continue to inquire about Davis, Boone
Fangio unsure what Tank Carradine's role will be in 49ers defense

Giants

Rewind: No negative vibes, Giants will bounce back after bad turn
Instant Replay: Hudson hammered in Giants 7-6 loss to White Sox
Report: Pagan flying to Arizona for second opinion on back
Giants one of two teams who scouted Samardzija Tuesday
Read More

Athletics

Instant Replay: A's defeat Rangers 4-2, take rubber match
Mills to join A's Thursday, remains option to replace Pomeranz
Joe Stiglich's A's chat transcript (6.18.14)
A's lineup: Crisp out, Jaso leading off
Read More

Sharks

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (6.18.14)
Wilson adamant Sharks are entering rebuilding phase
Sharks re-sign Stalock, Brown
Doughty believes Kings on way to becoming dynasty
Read More

49ers

Harbaugh: 'I still kind of like the loose-fitting' pants
Harbaugh considers follow-up questions on holdouts as 'badgering'
49ers' Willis knows 'jack' ... and he's learning 'mike,' too
Justin Smith not cleared, expected to be ready for camp
Read More

Raiders

Raiders claim tackle Emmett Cleary off waivers
Allen: Schaub has been 'outstanding'
Jones-Drew: Raiders backfield will return to form
Observations from Raiders minicamp: Day 1
Read More

Warriors

Perkins says Durant should hit the weight room
Does LeBron to the Clippers make sense?
Clippers promote Doc Rivers
Bogut 'really excited about Steve,' not fully recovered
Read More

NCAA

NCAA reaches $20 million settlement of video game claims
Former SJSU OL diagnosed with lymphoma
NCAA suit goes to trial, could reshape college athletics
Stanford falls to Vanderbilt in Super Regional
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Rewind: No negative vibes, Giants will bounce back after bad turn
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Instant Replay: Hudson hammered in Giants 7-6 loss to White Sox
(51)
Report: Pagan flying to Arizona for second opinion on back
(6)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Report: Pagan in Arizona seeking second opinion on ailing back
Report: Pagan in Arizona seeking second opinion on ailing back
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Giants one of two teams who scouted Samardzija Tuesday
Giants lineup: Adrianza replaces Crawford at short, Posey catching

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Rewind: No negative vibes, Giants will bounce back after bad turn
  • Instant Replay: Hudson hammered in Giants 7-6 loss to White Sox
  • Andrew Baggarly's Giants chat transcript (6.18.14)
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets
  • Insider Joe Stiglich

Latest News

Instant Replay: A's defeat Rangers 4-2, take rubber match
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Mills to join A's Thursday, remains option to replace Pomeranz
(1)
Joe Stiglich's A's chat transcript (6.18.14)
See more >

A's VIDEO

Milone discusses his mentality on mound vs. Rangers
Milone discusses his mentality on mound vs. Rangers
See more >

A's TALK

A's lineup: Crisp out, Jaso leading off
Rewind: Norris' heroics lead A's three-headed catching monster

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (6.18.14)
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Wilson adamant Sharks are entering rebuilding phase
(89)
Sharks re-sign Stalock, Brown
(11)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

YSTL: Wilson: Thornton, Marleau are still high-end players
YSTL: Wilson: Thornton, Marleau are still high-end players
See more >

Features

Doughty believes Kings on way to becoming dynasty
Sharks own 20th overall pick in upcoming draft

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (6.18.14)
  • Wilson adamant Sharks are entering rebuilding phase
  • Sharks re-sign Stalock, Brown
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Perkins says Durant should hit the weight room
(1)
ProBasketballTalk

More Stories

Does LeBron to the Clippers make sense?
(5)
Clippers promote Doc Rivers
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

West explains ways Warriors can get better without draft picks
West explains ways Warriors can get better without draft picks
See more >

Features

Bogut 'really excited about Steve,' not fully recovered
All eyes on LeBron as free agency looms

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • A's Bob Welch was OK in my book
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Cousins, Curry read mean tweets about themselves
ProBasketballTalk

More Stories

Report: Divac spoke with Kings, wants to be NBA GM
(2)
Kings will open NBA Summer League against Spurs
See more >

Watch

Malone: First season as Kings coach full of its 'ups and downs'
Malone: First season as Kings coach full of its 'ups and downs'
See more >

Features

Terry suspects Spurs of 'foul play' in A/C outage
Report: Kings looking to convince Gay to exercise option

Fantasy Hoops

  • Fantasy news, analysis, draft guide, cheatsheets, projections & more
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Harbaugh: 'I still kind of like the loose-fitting' pants
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Harbaugh considers follow-up questions on holdouts as 'badgering'
(10)
49ers' Willis knows 'jack' ... and he's learning 'mike,' too
(10)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Fangio: 'We need to find a nickelback'
Fangio: 'We need to find a nickelback'
See more >

DRAFT CENTRAL

49ers INSIDER

  • Harbaugh considers follow-up questions on holdouts as 'badgering'
  • 49ers' Willis knows 'jack' ... and he's learning 'mike,' too
  • Justin Smith not cleared, expected to be ready for camp
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders claim tackle Emmett Cleary off waivers
(1)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Allen: Schaub has been 'outstanding'
(1)
Jones-Drew: Raiders backfield will return to form
(5)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: 1-on-1 with Raiders fullback Marcel Reece
YSTL: 1-on-1 with Raiders fullback Marcel Reece
See more >

DRAFT CENTRAL

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Allen: Schaub has been 'outstanding'
  • Jones-Drew: Raiders backfield will return to form
  • Observations from Raiders minicamp: Day 1
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Klinsman, USMNT shifting focus to Portugal
Soccerly.com

More Stories

Explosion rocks World Cup viewing party in Nigeria
Ochoa, Mexico earn draw with Brazil
See more >

Watch

Quakes' Wondolowski, Goodson proud to represent US
Quakes' Wondolowski, Goodson proud to represent US
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Rewind: No negative vibes, Giants will bounce back after bad turn
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Bogut 'really excited about Steve,' not fully recovered
(24)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Harbaugh considers follow-up questions on holdouts as 'badgering'
(10)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Allen: Schaub has been 'outstanding'
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Kevin Kurz's Sharks chat transcript (6.18.14)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

Instant Replay: A's defeat Rangers 4-2, take rubber match
See more >

RAY RATTO

Tony Gwynn: Hall of Famer & media member's dream

TOP STORIES

  • Rewind: No negative vibes, Giants will bounce back after bad turn
  • Instant Replay: Hudson hammered in Giants 7-6 loss to White Sox
  • Report: Pagan flying to Arizona for second opinion on back

Say Hey Tuesdays

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

Stanford falls to Vanderbilt in Super Regional
Walk-off home run keeps Stanford's season alive

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Fangio: 'We need to find a nickelback'
Fangio: 'We need to find a nickelback'
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California