Silver and Black Report

QUARTERBACK — B-

 JaMarcus Russell followed last week’s solid performance with more steps forward toward his development. He showed great accuracy along with his arm strength today. More importantly, he went through his progressions and didn’t lock in on his targets. Russell’s interception in the 4^th quarter was careless, as he put too much air underneath that toss intended for his tight end. He stayed with the play and made the tackle on Sabby Piscitelli 84-yards later, but more importantly, he responded with a 3-play 66-yard drive that ended in a 12-yard strike to Johnnie Lee Higgins to cut the Tampa Bay lead to 24-21. Russell showed good bounce back ability after the late adversity and his offense responded with 17 unanswered points to cap the road victory. He ended 14-of-21 for 148 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

RUNNING BACKS — B+

 The game-ball goes to Michael Bush. The second year pro shouldered the load when Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden were lost for the afternoon due to injuries. His 27 carries for 177 yards were vital. Bush’s 67-yard gallop to give the Raiders a 28-24 4^th quarter lead deflated the Buccaneers and their crowd. He impressively closed the game, showing toughness after taking a big hit to the helmet that dazed him. Oakland took a time out after that play, Bush recovered and then answered with a run of 19 yards to the Tampa Bay 9 yard line. He even was able to draw a pass interference flag on a Bucs’ defender on a halfback option pass that was under thrown to Todd Watkins. The penalty gave Oakland 43-yards.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS — B-

 Higgins had a solid outing with 6 receptions for 52 yards and a 4^th quarter score. He ran routes well, got open enough to make an impact and showed that he may just be more than a return specialist with his improved play at wide receiver as the season wound down. Chaz Schilens put together his second straight three-reception game, tallying 46 yards and his 2^nd career touchdown. Zach Miller had a 28-yard haul off a beautiful play fake by Russell that set up the Raiders on the Tampa Bay 8-yard line before they took a 14-7 lead in the 2^nd quarter. Prior to that play, on 3^rd and 4, Russell also hit Schilens for 19-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE — A

 The offensive line ended a rough 2008 season with a solid showing. They weren’t dominant like earlier in the campaign versus Kansas City, but against Monte Kiffin’s creative schemes, they gave Russell a nice pocket consistently to step into his throws and allow him time to scan the field. They wore down the Buccaneer front seven as the game wound down; opening up large lanes for Bush. Mario Henderson, starting his fifth consecutive game at left tackle was stout and Jake Grove, who came out early in the game with an injury, got back on the field to finish the game strong. This group allowed one sack, a play in which Russell could’ve got rid of the ball as he rolled out towards the sideline.

DEFENSIVE LINE – C

 The Buccaneers did rush for 125 yards and started getting large chunks of yardage in the 2^nd half after the Raiders held them to 46-yards at halftime. Gerard Warren was disruptive against the run in spurts and Derrick Burgess, although he didn’t record a sack, forced Jeff Garcia to run around the pocket this afternoon. Greyson Gunheim recorded his first career sack to end the game.

LINEBACKERS — A

 This groups stuggled in recent weeks defending short routes and going up against running backs that are adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. Today, Kirk Morrison was where he needed to be on check-downs, dump offs and screens. Morrison compiled 13 tackles to end the season with a team high 135. Thomas Howard was very good in coverage.

SECONDARY — B-

 No Nnamdi Asomugha, no problem. The secondary played well even though there was a breakdown on Michael Clayton’s 58-yard touchdown reception. Justin Miller, who was used more often today due to Asomugha’s absence, bit on Clayton’s double move and had no help over the top. He redeemed himself in the 4^th quarter with tight coverage on Antonio Bryant, pinning him near the sideline and slowing him down on Rashad Baker’s interception. Hiram Eugene showed very good route recognition and almost had an interception.

SPECIAL TEAMS — A

 Shane Lechler had 6 punts for an average 47.7 per. He dropped three inside the 20-yard line, including one that went for 69-yards. Higgins continued his solid efforts on punt returns, racking up 67 yards on 4 opportunities. Justin Miller had 4 kickoff returns for 90 yards.

COACHING – A

 Could this win save Tom Cable? That remains to be seen, but his best was saved for last, as he outshined Jon Gruden and had his team playing at a high level against a club that was playing for their playoff life. He mixed up the run and pass well, called a key time out late to give Bush a breather after taking a big shot and was efficient in the play calling. Cable had a lot of young guys in key roles as the season wound down, and with a lack of pop on offense all season, he was able to improve the attack as the year ended. Rob Ryan didn’t get much out of Trevor Scott, who started this afternoon. But the linebackers played a lot better today than in recent weeks and the secondary, playing without their best player, did an admirable job on the road. Raiders scored 17 unanswered to end the game and shut down Gruden’s offense after Carnell Williams second touchdown. 

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist