[Lefty Noob]

The Associated Press has a good article today about Raiders C Jeremy Newberry.

Raiders taking cautious approach with former Pro Bowl center
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 08/02/2007 08:13:54 PM PDT

NAPA, Calif.—After seven knee surgeries in nine years, Jeremy Newberry knows eventually his knees will begin to ache as he grinds through the rigors of training camp. Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin understands it, too, which is why he's being selective with how much work the veteran center is getting in practice.

Newberry was given the day off Thursday, the first time since camp began that he sat out consecutive practices. When he has been on the field, however, he's shown flashes of the form that made him a Pro Bowl pick in 2000 and 2001.

Provided his knees can hold up underneath him, the 31-year-old Newberry is also putting himself in position to supplant Jake Grove as the Raiders' starting center. The two shared reps during the first week of training camp as Oakland tries to strengthen a struggling offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks last season.

"I feel so good right now," Newberry said. "The physical part's not that bad. I've dealt with pain and a lot of different things before. I'm just excited to be out here feeling healthy. I haven't been able to do that in a long time."

So what do you think? Can Newberry's knees hold up? Will he be an effective starting center for the Raiders?