Silver and Black Report

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) will need a win against the Oakland Raiders (4-11) and a Dallas loss to advance into the playoffs. “When you’re 9-3 at one point and you’re a couple of wins away from the playoffs, and now we’re fighting just to get in … it’s tough looking at it,” commented running back Warrick Dunn.

For Oakland, draft positioning is all that is at stake and looking forward to what may be one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of shaking up the roster and finding some new direction on the sidelines.

“We need a breakthrough as a team,” interim coach Tom Cable said. “If you can do it again then I think you can leave the facility going into the spring and the winter then having some confidence, having the right kind of positive feeling.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense (What to expect)

JaMarcus Russell had his best game as a pro last weekend in Oakland’s 27-16 win against the Houston Texans.

His 18 completions on 25 attempts for 236 yards and two scores is the first sign of this young passer’s development. Oakland will try to go into the off-season with good vibes from their quarterback, so expect the coaching staff to let him air it out some more to his young targets. If he can string back-to-back solid performances, it will go a long way in boosting his confidence level on a team that had very little around him to facilitate his growth.

On Defense (What to expect)

The run defense has been poor the majority of the season, with the exception being last week when they contained Steve Slaton.

Against the Bucs, Oakland will have to deal with versatile rushers that can be incorporated into the passing game, something lately they have had problems defending.

Another player looking to finish the season strong after a disappointing campaign is Derrick Burgess. Injuries and sub par play has kept him out of the Pro-Bowl for a second straight year, but 2-sacks last week and a solid effort on Sunday will set him up for a potentially big 2009 with free-agency looming.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

On Offense (What to expect)

Wide receiver Antonio Bryant is tearing up the league at the right time.

He will be a free-agent at the end of the season and with Tampa Bay needing some pop as they make a playoff push, the 27-year old has compiled 26 receptions for 498 yards and 5 touchdowns in his last four games.

“I’m trying to go to the playoffs. That’s all I can control right now,” Bryant said. “All of the other stuff I don’t control. I don’t sign checks – I just cash them. I’m just trying to play ball and get us to the playoffs. There are a lot of scenarios. I would hate to be at home watching a team that I know we’re probably better than go and make a run and go all the way. That wouldn’t be fun. Not for me.

“We’re just playing football. My main focus is just playing football and Dallas getting their butts whipped and let’s keep the ball rolling. That’s my only focus. I’m glad that it is brought down to the smallest scenario – win and Dallas gets their butt whipped. Then we’re rolling.”

On Defense (What to expect)

Jon Gruden is concerned about Tampa Bay’s rush defense, which has tailed off in recent weeks. They allowed large outputs versus Carolina and Atlanta and now face a Raider team that has an ability to rack up yards on the ground.

“I can’t put my finger on anything other than we’re a better defensive football team than we’ve played,” Gruden said, “and I’m confident that we can prove that this Sunday. We have to do that.”

GAME NOTES

• In their last meeting, Kerry Collins came on for an injured Rich Gannon and passed for 228 yards and a score as the Raiders beat Tampa Bay 30-20 in Gruden’s first game back in Oakland since his departure. That would be Gannon’s final game as a pro, as a serious neck injury suffered during a collision with linebacker Derrick Brooks.
• Justin Fargas needs 158 yards to reach the 1,000-yard rush plateau.
• Johnnie Lee Higgins is tied for the league lead in punt returns for touchdowns (3).

KEY MATCH-UPS

Bryant vs. Nnamdi Asomugha

The Pro Bowl bound cornerback versus the most explosive wide receiver in the league right now.

Who will run to a victory?

If Tampa Bay can control the game on the ground, they’ll be able to beat up on a Raider team that has traveled across the country to end the season.

PREDICTION

Buccaneers 19 – Raiders 17

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Kevin Harlan providing play-by-play and former Raiders QB Rich Gannon handling color analysis.  The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) Home: 6-1 Road: 3-5

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (4-11) Home: 2-6 Road: 2-5

When and Where: Sunday, December 28, 2008, 10:00 a.m. PT | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist