Silver and Black Report

The NFL will hold it’s annual Pro Bowl in Hawaii this weekend. For more than 20-years, the league has provided grants to Hawaiian-based non-profit organizations focused on youth education, health, and physical fitness.

In a release disseminated today, the NFL announced that thirty-six Hawaiian non-profit organizations will benefit from a total of $100,000 in grants as part of the Pro Bowl Grant Program.

Here’s a list of organizations who were given grants, along with more from the press release:

•          African American Diversity Cultural Center Hawaii

•          After-School All-Stars Hawaii

•          Armed Services YMCA – Honolulu

•          Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui

•          Diversity Activities National Association

•          Family Programs Hawaii

•          Friends of the Library of Hawaii

•          Friends of the Missing Child Center – Hawaii

•          Fun Day Foundation

•          Habilitat, Inc.

•          Hale Kipa

•          Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation

•          Hawaii Council on Economic Education

•          Hawaiian Kamalii, Inc.

•          Hospice of Kona

•          HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support)

•          Kaho’omiki on behalf of Niu Valley Playground

•          KAMP Hawaii

•          Keiki Kokua

•          Make-A-Wish Hawaii, Inc.

•          Making Dreams Come True, Valley of Rainbows

•          Marimed Foundation

•          Ohana Komputer

•          Pacific Big Boyz Football Conference

•          Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance

•          Palama Settlement

•          Positive Coaching Hawaii

•          Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii

•          Special Olympics Hawaii

•          Talk About Curing Autism

•          The Children’s Alliance of Hawaii, Inc.

•          Waikiki Community Center

•          Waikiki Health Center

•          Waimanalo Health Center

•          Young Women’s Christian Association of Oahu

•          YWCA of Kauai

NFL Giving encompasses the many ways that the National Football League, including its clubs, owners and players, strengthen communities nationwide. While representing the NFL’s heritage of community commitment and charitable engagement, NFL Giving encourages long-term health and wellness in communities; fosters community citizenship and philanthropy; advances sports-related medical research and education; and supports the health and well being of our former NFL players.

With the conference championship games completed last Sunday, the 2012 Pro Bowl rosters have been finalized and both teams have begun practicing in Honolulu for

Punter Shane Lechler punts the ball against the Detroit Lions in week 16

Sunday’s game.

Due to the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 and numerous injuries around the league, the NFL was forced to replace a total of 16 players on the AFC roster. Unfortunately for the Raiders, none of the players invited donned the Silver & Black this season.

Earlier this month, the league named Raiders safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece as alternates for the Jan. 29 Pro Bowl game.

Tommy Kelly hoped to make his first Pro Bowl with Patriots Vince Wilfork going to the Super Bowl and Ravens Haloti Ngata out with an injury, instead, the league chose Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins and Miami’s Paul Soliai.

Kelly, who was also listed as an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, finished the season with 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Atkins finished with 47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while Soliai finished with only 27 tackles and no sacks or forced fumbles.

Reece also looked to make his first Pro Bowl, most likely being the next in line had the Ravens and their fullback Vonte Leach made the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour in the week 3 game against the Jets

Reece, who played as a wide receiver at University of Washington, once again played an integral part in Oakland’s offense when on the field. Reece only played in ten games this season, starting six, but finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and 27 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

With Reece and Kelly not getting the call, the Raiders lone four Pro Bowl representatives will be punter Shane Lechler, long snapper Jon Condo, defensive tackle Richard Seymour and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Lechler, playing in his 7th Pro Bowl, averaged 50.8 yards per kick this season and broke the Raiders franchise record with an 80-yard punt that went sailing over the dangerous Devin Hester when the Raiders took on the Chicago Bears in week 12.

Seymour has been named a starter for the game and is also participating in his 7th Pro Bowl of his career. Seymour played in all 16 games, often through injury, and finished the season with 29 tackles, six sacks and two kicks blocked.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects from 63-yards out to tie the NFL record

Janikowski’s roster spot marks the first time that the former first-round draft pick has made the Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. Janikowski hit 31 of his 35 attempts (88.6 percent) while connecting on seven attempts 50+ yards out, including a league record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in week one on Monday Night Football.

Condo earned his spot in the Pro Bowl by being named the AFC’s “need” player, an honor that also sent him to the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Be sure to check back on SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Long snapper Jon Condo earned his second Pro Bowl appearance this year

Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain was ordered to stand trial on May 17^th. He allegedly punched a man, threatened to kill him, and firing a gun near his ear.

McClain is charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm.

The team did not impose any sanctions at the time of the alleged incident. McClain was in Alabama with the organizations permission so that he could attend the funeral of his grandfather.

His attorney, Billy C. Burney II, said the former first round pick denies firing the gun and being involved in any fight.

“At the end of the day,” Hue Jackson stated in early December, “there’s no question that he knows I’m disappointed with some things that occurred. And I will take care of that in-house.”

“If the league comes down on him,” Jackson continued, “then I’m going to come down on him like you’ve never seen.”

Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler, who’s enjoying the perks of being selected to the AFC All-Star team in Hawaii, talked about his new coach. “I think it will be a good fit for us,” said Lechler. “He’s a young, energetic guy. Smart guy. Been through a lot with Atlanta, then a lot with New Orleans, over to Denver and that defense. We’ll take all the help we can get right now.”

In 1995, Dennis Allen and Lechler were teammates at Texas A&M.

“I’ve known him forever. I think this will be a good fit,” commented Lechler.

On Sirius satellite radio, John Madden stated, “I don’t know Dennis Allen. Obviously, I wasn’t a part of that [hiring], but everything I hear about him is good and what the Raiders need. I think he’s a very bright guy, he’s a good teacher, he’s a disciplinarian and he’s demanding.”

Terms of his deal are being finalized and a press conference in Oakland could be held the week after the Super Bowl.

The one name that constantly pops up when chatter about the composition of his staff is bantered about is Kansas City defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas. Allen and Thomas are good friends; having a working relationship during their days in Atlanta.

Al Saunders may be retained for continuity sake and the fact that he’s well versed with many of the talents currently on the roster.

Saunders is one of the more respected coaches in the league and a candidate to remain as offensive coordinator. Mike Sherman, a former staffer in Green Bay, who also has connections to Reggie McKenzie could be added to the offensive staff.

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As soon as the news broke that Dennis Allen would become the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders, the Silver & Black’s faithful took to twitter to voice their opinions.

Here’s what some fans had to say:

“gotta say Im nervous – Bronco background / little resume / doesnt look like a Raider HC to me either … but Im 100% behind him !” -Marcus Marsden

“Most pleased that RM didn’t hire one of “his guys” from GB. He found one of his new “his guys” from elsewhere. D minded. Love it” – drew benz

“kinda skeptical about another rookie coach but if future HOF’er Champ Bailey says he’s good then that’s sounds like a good coach.” – Raider_Nation559*

“I think its a good move…def need better defensive minds running this team” – Steve O’Grady

“well the D certainly couldn’t get much worse. Hopefully he turns that around. Offensively #Raiders okay – should keep Saunders” - Trent Hawkes

“seems like he has TONS of energy and DEMANDS discipline and hard work, which i think #Raiders lack most of! #2012AFCWestChamps” - Marcus Gonzales

“On a scale from “Boo!” to “Woo!” Im at a solid “Meh”. I could really go either way. I like OC-Saunders DC-Bowles/Moss/JDR.” - Ray Shirey

“Young, hungry guy. Well respected by his players. Trusted by John Fox, defensive-minded guy. Maybe just what we need. Optimistic.” - jfullerfreeman

Follow me at www.twitter.com/Cottovic for updates, Raider news and football chatter 24/7.

Post your thoughts regarding Oakland’s recent moves and get featured on SBReport.net.

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(AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez)

One way you can gauge a hiring early on is how former players and staffers react to the change. With Dennis Allen now as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, just listening to some Denver Broncos and their reactions just demonstrates how much he will be missed.

“It will be another coordinator,” Champ Bailey said at the Pro Bowl . “… I might sound a little selfish. I’m happy for him, don’t get me wrong. At the same time, I’m thinking about our team. That’s another change for us.”

The pick-up for Oakland will set up another year of instability for the rivals. Denver had a remarkable turn around on defense under Allen, but prior to that, they had revolving door of defensive coordinators: Don Martindale (2010), Mike Nolan (2009), Bob Slowik (2008), Jim Bates (2007) and Larry Coyer (2000-2006).

“He knew how to get us ready,” Bailey said. “I give him a lot of credit for the success we had this year.

“(He’s) serious about the business,” Bailey continued. “He’s one of the most intense coaches I’ve had. It was a pleasure working with him. You knew what he was going to bring you every day.”

Bailey now realizes what he may have to deal with versus Oakland twice a year.

“I know what type of team he’s going to have,” Bailey said. “Very intense, hard-nosed, tough. That’s the way he is. That’s what I expect his team to be.”

Von Miller, one of the bright young defenders in the NFL, also glowed when talking about Allen. “First and foremost, they’re getting a guy that’s going to come in right away, and he’s going to get it done,” Miller said. “That’s what he did for us. He came in, he laid out a plan for us, he told us, ‘This is how we’re going to do it, and this will work,’ and that’s what happened. We improved our defense an incredible amount. It was a night and day team from a year before.

“I think he’ll do the same thing with the Oakland Raiders.”

COTTO’S ANALYSIS:

I love the hiring. Allen is energetic, fiery and he wants those same elements incorporated into his defense. I stated earlier in the month, “there is fresh air blowing through Oakland,” and that surely started with hiring Reggie McKenzie and continued with giving Allen the honor to coach the Silver & Black.

This team needed a transplant on defense. It will be a new voice, a new way of doing things on that side of the ball, with a clear direction and a leader that is well defined. No long will we have a veil of secrecy, masquerading who is running the show on defense. Allen once stated about his defense, “We want to be a very fast, violent, aggressive type of defense that plays within the rules. We are going to try and hit you as hard as we can.” All attributes fans would love to attach to the Raiders.

There are many questions; what will happen on offense, specifically under center and who will be his trusted offensive coordinator? Those will be crucial decisions that can ultimate lead to his success. He has to select a coordinator he trust, can work with and continue to develop some of the young talents the Raiders do posses.

Penalties, and how he attacks that major problem will be highlighted. The development of players such as Rolando McClain and the youthful defensive ends will be vital.

His ability to work with McKenzie during draft time and what purges they make to the current roster from the old regime will also be spotlighted.

The fact that they addressed their biggest concern philosophically, and upgraded a major need right off the bat with this coaching hiring – the defense – demonstrates that Oakland wants to head in the right direction.

When Hue Jackson got hired, too many fans noted his success as a one-year coordinator and crowned him a great coach to be without looking at all the circumstances around his one-season turnaround of the Raider offense. They applauded his bully talk – I did not buy it from day one and said winning is all that matters, stating, “First build a consistent winner. You are not going to bully anyone with an 8-8 record. Opponents will fear you when you win, and do it consistently.”

He was a puppet of Davis like others before him, and I made that clear, “Step one – wax poetically about the owner. Step two – state your desire to be with the organization. Step three – make sure you pledge your allegiance to the Silver & Black and that they’ll be a contender, again.  Jackson, like many before him, said similar things and at this point, those words mean nothing until the team jumps over .500, gets to the playoffs and become a consistent winner.”

Jackson failed in his first and only year as a head coach, as I stated in this article:

Raiders: Hue Jackson failed in his rookie season

And back in January 2011, I clearly painted a picture of what could be in store for him:

After years of dreadful campaigns, Cable’s 8-8 effort was not good enough in Al Davis’ eyes. So Jackson better get into the playoffs in 2011 or, he’ll begin to feel the heat from the owner.

The team went undefeated in the AFC West, something that won’t happen again. They got a career year out of Darren McFadden and solid development from their youth.

Jackson should be under the microscope. His play calling was not mesmerizing, nor his playbook amazed anyone. His handling of players, the owner and how he’ll navigate a team not used to winning are all major questions.

He’s not the ‘best’ man for the job, but he was the only man for the job. And like many Davis hires, he’s a first-timer, cheap and won’t demand the reigns of the organization. If he is a success, Davis can then claim he discovered him and that his career started in Silver & Black. A typical Raider hire.

Oh, and if he has to much success, enough to anger the owner, especially if Jackson steps on his toes, he’ll suffer the same fate many have before him.

Allen comes in with similar circumstances; never a coordinator till last year in Denver, but you get a sense that this time around, due to the new-found freshness surrounding the organization, that this will be entirely different.

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The Oakland Raiders hired Dennis Allen on Tuesday evening. His prowess as a defensive minded coach was one of the major reasons why Reggie McKenzie selected him. Especially after a 2011 season in which Oakland’s defensive unit faltered in many vital spots and was a major reason as to why they did not reach the playoffs. Here’s a look at a few players to watch now that the Silver & Black have themselves a new head man:

Rolando McClain LB

There’s no denying McClain’s football smarts. But his ability to make impact plays, become a stout middle linebacker and consistently anchor the center of the front-seven has been a major concern, with little signs of elevating his game since entering the league in 2010. His off the field issues are also very troublesome.

Ultimately, with Allen on board, McClain needs to let loose and start stamping his name on the defense. A handful of plays a year in which people take notice is not enough. When you spend such a high selection on a linebacker of his talents, you expect far more production and steadier play, especially at this point of their career.

Michael Huff S

Does he go back to safety? Remember, at year’s end, reports were that Oakland had plans to shift him to cornerback. Yes, the Raiders desperately need to upgrade their talent at defensive back, but Allen may be also dealing with a very thin safety unit of Tyvon Branch departs. Huff is a natural free-safety and as I stated, “Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.”

Not that he’s an old 28, but Huff should be left at the position he’s worked at his whole career and Allen should be able to mold him into a safety we all expected he could be when Oakland drafted him. Just look at the level of play Allen got out of the secondary when he was coaching the Saints in 2008-2010 for reference.

Chimdi Chekwa, Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke CBs

All cornerbacks that were ideal talents for the old regime. McKenzie and Allen are now in charge, and there’s no safety net for either of those players. Yes, McKenzie stated that he loves speedy athletic talents. But Johnson got paid heavily based on a small sample set a few years ago under Al Davis’ watch and both rookies last season were scouted and selected based on what Davis and the past coaching staff found intriguing.

Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston DEs

Lamarr Houston needs to rev it up with Dennis Allen as a head-coach.

Both of these defensive ends have motors and either or both could develop into menacing players in the league with the right tutelage. Shaughnessy will coming off a season ending shoulder injury, but before that, was recognized as one of the better edge defending and pass rushing ends in the AFC. Houston’s play dipped significantly from year one to year two. Both are young, paid very little and could be major keys to turning around a struggling defense.

Aaron Curry LB

Curry was rejuvenated, played violently and looked every part the Raider once he arrived. If there’s one player you can point at and say, he’ll benefit the most from Allen’s arrival, it could be the former fourth pick overall in the 2009 draft.

Kamerion Wimbley LB

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were a major reason Denver’s defense soared at times in 2011. Wimbley, who was a sack machine in his first season with the Raiders, but saw his numbers drop off dramatically last season, needs to get back to his double-digit sack days. His contract dictates that, and his role will be of importance due to his veteran presence and potential output.

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As first reported in the premium section of RaiderFans.net, the Oakland Raiders have made it official and hired former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as their new head coach.

Allen met with Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie for a second interview today in Mobile, Ala. and quickly let the Broncos know that he would no longer be their defensive coordinator after accepting McKenzie’s offer.

Allen becomes the 18th head coach in franchise history, and the eighth since the 2001 season.

With the hiring, Allen also marks the first defensive-minded head coach since the late Al Davis hired John Madden to replace John Rauch in 1969.

Now, Allen must get started immediately and decide on who he wants to hire as assistant coaches to work under him. McKenzie has stated that his new head coach will have the power to hire his own staff. Currently, offensive coordinator Al Saunders is the only assistant coach still under contract with the Raiders.

For more information regarding Dennis Allen’s coaching history, CLICK HERE.

Image rights belong to denverbroncos.com

Per Raiderfans.net sources, the Oakland Raiders have targeted Dennis Allen to become their next head coach.

Allen is meeting with Raider officials today for the second time since Reggie McKenzie began his search to replace Hue Jackson. SBReport.net reported this week that the new general manager could come to a decision towards the end of this week.

Oakland could possibly hammer out any final details with Allen tonight, or continue to gauge whether or not he’s the right man for the job.

“He’s got a lot of stuff he needs to answer,” McKenzie told CSNCalifornia.com. “Nah, it’s not a lock, irregardless of other people’s reports.”

In his first season as defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos, Allen oversaw a unit that improved from allowing a league-worst 29.4 points and 390.8 yards per game in 2010, to rank 20th in yards (357.8) and 24th in points (24.4) this season on their way to a surprising AFC West title.

Here’s his profile on Denver’s official site:

DENNIS ALLEN

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Sources close to RaiderFans.net have reported that the Oakland Raiders plan to hire Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as the next Raiders head coach.

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie fired Hue Jackson on Jan. 10 with the desire to bring in his own guy and start anew.

Allen coaches his Broncos defense, which ranked last prior to Allen's arrival (Photo courtesy of DenverBroncos.com)

Many believed that McKenzie would hire former Raiders linebacker and current Green Bay Packers linebacker and assistant head coach Winston Moss after the two worked with each in Green Bay. Other names linked to the head coaching vacancy included Miami Dolphins interim head coach Todd Bowles, former Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice, Packers assistant coaches Joe Philbin, Tom Clements, among others.

Should Allen be given the job, it will be the first defensive-minded head coach for the Oakland Raiders since Davis hired John Madden as head coach in 1969.

Allen inherited a Broncos defense that was ranked dead last in 2010 and was able to improve it to 20th in yards allowed in 2011 while running a base 4-3 defense, the same base the Raiders ran last season.

39-year-old Allen started his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Texas A&M in 1996 before heading to Tulsa to be their secondary coach. Since 2002, Allen has worked as a defensive assistant for both the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons before becoming the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator last season.

While coaching the Falcons defensive secondary, Allen improved the team from 30th in pass defense to 16th the following year with 24 interceptions, third in the league that season. Allen was also able to improve Atlanta’s defensive line during his tenure with the Falcons, helping Atlanta’s defensive line to lead the NFL in sacks in 2004.

If hired, the Raiders hope that Allen will have similar success in Oakland. The Raiders struggled defensively this year, ranking 27th in the league in both passing yards and rushing yards allowed per game while suffering late-game defensive collapses to Buffalo, Detroit, Denver and San Diego.

McKenzie stated in his introductory press conference that whoever becomes the next head coach of the Raiders will be given the power to hire their own staff.

What I’m going to do is empower the head coach to hire his staff. The best possible staff that he can hire,” said McKenzie. “We’re not going to tie the guy’s hand and tell him ‘he has to hire this guy’ or ‘this guy.’ That wouldn’t be fair to the new head coach.”

When asked before the Bronco’s 2011 season, Allen stated that he desires his defense to be aggressive.

We’re going to be built off speed and athleticism,” Allen told the Broncos website. “We want to be a very fast, violent, aggressive type of defense that plays within the rules. We are going to try and hit you as hard as we can.”

CSN California reporter Paul Gutierrez reports that McKenzie is expected to conduct a second interview with Allen tonight at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Sterling Moore working with the Silver & Black in the summer of 2011.

The Oakland Raiders and their 27^th ranked pass defense had no use for Sterling Moore.

Why would they need a young cornerback who saved the New England Patriots’ season on Sunday during their 23-20 home win versus the Baltimore Ravens?

Moore broke up a potentially game-winning touchdown pass to Lee Evans in the closing seconds on Sunday. Two plays later, when Billy Cundiff missed a 34-yard field goal attempt, the Patriots were headed to Super Bowl XLVI.

“I really didn’t know that I even knocked it out until after,” Moore said after the game. “I still thought he had caught the touchdown, and then I saw the ball rolling away a few feet later. I was just glad I made that play because it was over after that.”

Earlier, it appeared like he would be one of the goats of the contest when his missed tackle sprung Torrey Smith for 29-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

“Everybody was telling me, ‘We know what you can do, just put that behind you,’” Moore commented. “You gotta have a short memory. … I thought this loss was going to be on me. That was the first thing I could think of. I’m glad it worked out.”

The 21-year-old signed corner was an un-drafted free agent that signed with the Silver & Black in July, only to be cut after training camp. Moore then latched on to New England and was placed on the practice squad before playing in one game, released and signed again later in the campaign.

“Definitely gratifying, it’s a blessing to be here, especially being cut and released and having to come back,” he said. “It’s been a rollercoaster ride this season. I’m just trying to keep it on a high right now.”

The Raiders on the other hand dealt with injuries to Chris Johnson and rookie Chimdi Chekwa, who replaced the ineffective DeMarcus Van Dyke in the line-up. Lito Sheppard was brought in when the defensive backfield was thin, and ultimately, he was picked on during their collapse and Denver’s rise to the division title.

New England’s pass defense did not fare better in 2011, allowing 294-yards per game (31^st in the NFL). But since Moore has been active and getting a lot of reps, they got a two-interception (one returned for a score) performance out of him in the season finale and key contributions in the post-season.

“That was a great play by Sterling,” Tom Brady said. “These games come down to one or two plays. Our defense made a couple of critical plays. It comes down to the end.”

Moore continued, “I feel very fortunate, very blessed just to be here right now. When I was released by the Raiders, who knew that I would be picked up.”

Who knew that you would’ve played a critical role on championship Sunday, and will play such an essential part Brady and Bill Belichick’s quest for a fourth title?

Certainly not the Silver & Black.

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