Silver and Black Report

The Raiders, who had to pare 22 players from the roster by today’s deadline, made the following moves to get to the NFL-mandated 53-man roster limit, according to Inside Bay Area’s Jerry McDonald (UPDATE: the Raiders confirmed the transactions an hour or so later):

• Placed on injured reserve: WR Arman Shields (D4b-08).
• Waived: OL Jesse Boone, DB Darrick Brown, DL Derrick Gray, DE Greyson Gunheim, WR Johnathan Holland, FB Luke Lawton, S Nate Lyles, WR Chris McFoy, P Glenn Pakulak, RB/KR Louis Rankin, FB/TE Marcel Reese, OG Brandon Rodd, CB Nick Sanchez, LB Shane Simmons, TE Darrell Strong, S Marviel Underwood, CB/KR Michael Waddell and TE Chris Wagner.
• Released: SS/OLB Adam Archuleta, RB Adimchinobe Echemandu and DT Josh Shaw.

Read more…

The Oakland Raiders (1-3) ended their pre-season with a 23-16 defeat last night versus the Seattle Seahawks in a game that featured mainly back-ups, as head coach Lane Kiffin’s goal was to avoid any more major injuries.

“Very successful on the first thing: nobody got hurt,” he stated after the game.

JaMarcus Russell was in uniform, but stood on the sidelines as Andrew Walter started, going 16/24 for 162 yards, solidifying his position as the 1^st overall picks back-up.

Oakland’s lone touchdown came in the final quarter when Marques Tuiasosopo connected with Marcel Reece for 25-yards. “(Reece) is very explosive with the ball, and he made a great play on the touchdown there,” Kiffin stated.

Darren McFadden was impressive once again in game action. The rookie played very little, but demonstrated his big play potential with his 4 carries for 50 yards. On one 23-yard gain, he was one shoestring tackle away from busting a big play.

Walter commented on McFadden’s explosiveness after the contest, stating, “Absolutely. You see it every day in practice, but when you see it out there in the game … he looked great.”

Oakland finally got some work in with Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler on field goal attempts, but not without showing some rust after being inactive earlier in the pre-season. Lechler botched an errant snap by center Jon Condo on a 21-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, which he then tried to toss away but was intercepted by CJ Wallace and returned for 41 yards.

Janikowski nailed three field goals from distances of 40, 50 and 37 yards.

The Raiders eventually ended the pre-season the way they started it, running the football effectively, amassing 157 yards on 28 carries, led by Michael Bush’s 12 attempts.

Receiver Jonathan Holland, who has struggled throughout camp and has had his difficulties on offense when on the practice field, made his presence felt on kick returns, compiling 71-yards on 2 attempts last night.

Both the Oakland Raiders (1-2) and the Seattle Seahawks (2-1) will keep their starters and key players on the sidelines for the majority of the contest on Friday night after the injury bug bit them during the summer.

Oakland will sit JaMarcus Russell and hand over the offense to Andrew Walter. Darren McFadden will likely see very limited action before Louis Rankin takes over and gives coaches one more look at the un drafted free agent before final cuts.

Todd Watkins will have a chance to put an exclamation point to his summer, after being one of the better performer the Raiders have had since the start of camp. He stated earlier this week, “You don’t want to get complacent. I’ve been thinking to myself, ‘It’s not over. I’ve had a good camp, yeah, but it’s not over.’ I need to go out there and practice hard this week to get myself ready for this game mentally and physically. I’m going to be on special teams, most of the offense, so I’ll be out there running a lot.”

Shane Lechler and Nnamdi Asomugha will also be held out of action, and after injuries crippled the Raiders last game, head coach Lane Kiffin made a point this week to make sure they go into the regular season with all their key players ready to go.

“This roster can’t afford any more injuries right now,” said Kiffin. “I just don’t see the value of putting these guys out there and losing one of these guys.”

As for the Seahawks, Matt Hasselbeck (tight back), receivers Bobby Engram (broken shoulder), and Deion Branch (knee surgery), right tackle Sean Locklear (sprained knee) and linebacker Lofa Tatupu (bruised knee), will all sit out on Friday.

GAME INFO

Home Team: Seattle Seahawks (2-1) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-1

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-2) Home: 1-1 Road: 0-1

When and Where: Friday, August 29, 2008, 7 p.m. PT | Qwest Field, Seattle, WA

TV & Radio

Greg Papa and Tom Flores will simulcast the game both on the Raiders Radio Network and on the TV broadcast. Raider Legend George Atkinson will serve as analyst and popular radio personality JT the Brick will serve as TV broadcast host. This week’s game will be televised live locally on KTVU Channel 2. There will be an encore showing of the game on Saturday, August 30 at 9 p.m. on KICU Action 36 Cable 6. 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 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information found on the official Raiders web site) 

 

Oren O’Neal’s season ending knee injury has led to news that running back Michael Bush may be utilized at fullback for the Oakland Raiders.

Generally news like this, a former fourth round pick who has not seen the football field in two years and that is in the same backfield as a 1,000 yard rusher and a high profile first rounder this season, isn’t noteworthy.

But Bush, who was a Heisman hopeful the last two years in college, has looked very good running the football all summer and is known for his ability to follow his blocking, not help with the blocking, now has to adjust and possibly take a less glamorous role – an unexpected twist to an already slow starting career.

“I’ve always been a team player,” Bush stated on Monday when news about his new responsibility surfaced. “So, it’s one of those things. You just suck it up, go about your business and try to have some fun with it.”

And at this point, regardless of what he may feel about it, it’s a move that he will have to live with and make the most out of.

Backfield combinations of Bush and Justin Fargas or Darren McFadden may just be what Oakland needs to add some pop to this offense.

And when you consider their abilities and what defenses will have to watch out for with all three being good to very serviceable pass catchers and rushers out of the backfield, and the wide array of formations that can be used in this offense that has appeared lackluster, head coach Lane Kiffin may be able to generate more interest on the field with what could potentially happen to this offense, rather than news off the field that one of his players may not be too thrilled about a particular role.

Bush should just take advantage of the chance given and make the best out of the situation. After a year of inactivity that could’ve been used for development, the Raiders decided to sit him – a move he had no control of.

Now, he can go out there and perform.

It may not be at the capacity he is accustomed to. But this team is in no shape to have players not happy with their roles.

You want to question his skill set at blocking? I guess that’s a fair question about the move.

But he is a football player. And if he wants to see reps and has a chance to contribute in any way possible…

Then just play, baby.

Today, the Raiders got one step closer to tomorrow’s 75-man roster limit, making a series of moves, including some expected, some surprising and some in-between.

The expected:

Wide receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O’Neal, both out for the season after suffering knee injuries in this weekend’s preseason game, were placed on injured reserve.

The surprising:

Special teams ace Jarrod Cooper was released, amid reports the popular safety intends to retire.

The in-between:

Veteran defensive end Greg Spires, like Carter a free agent signed this off-season, and linebacker Grant “Game Ready” Irons, attempting to make a comeback from back troubles, were waived.

Cornerback John Bowie, forever known for being drafted with the “Randy Moss pick” in 2007, was placed on injured reserve, his knee injury rendering him unable to go. Like Carter and O’Neal, Bowie’s season is over.

The additions:

The Raiders claimed fullback Luke Lawton, last of the Philadelphia Eagles, off waivers to replace O’Neal. They also signed defensive back Marviel Underwood.

The transactions leave the Raiders with 76 players on the roster (80 minus six plus two), meaning one more player must be cut to reach the limit tomorrow, and more if other players are added.

History is made with issue #3 of Silver & Black Report the Magazine.

The greatest punter to ever grace a football field is featured in this stunning issue, as Ray Guy was able to give the Silver & Black Report an exclusive look into his career in what is the most comprehensive interview ever by the former Raider legend.

Nowhere else will you be able to get an in depth look into his life.

Also in this issue, linebackers Phil Villapiano and Jack Squirek give their thoughts on Guy and highlights throughout their careers.

Both sat down with Bob ‘Nexx’ Ortiz to give YOU, the Raider fan, exclusive interviews and video that can only be found embedded in the pages of this groundbreaking online magazine.

Video, animated pages, and content found only in the virtual pages of Silver & Black Report the Magazine.

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Huff hovering in the secondary

The Oakland Raiders finally have the right alignment in the secondary. One reason for the optimistic outlook in the defensive backfield is the return of Michael Huff to his natural free safety position. Now, his athleticism will be on displayed, not shackled by the rigors of playing closer to the line of scrimmage, a duty that belongs now to Gibril Wilson.

Huff recorded an interception against the Arizona Cardinals last night during the Silver & Black’s 24-0 defeat. A sight many fans hope to see more often now that he is at that spot where he was most effective as a collegiate.

“I’m getting more chances to make plays,” Huff stated. “Instead of focusing on one guy, worrying about being in the box covering tight ends, I can just read the quarterback and make plays.”

OH BOY – O-Line woes

JaMarcus Russell is a statuesque quarterback. He doesn’t go down easily and is mobile enough to scamper away from pressure. But the Raiders have to be very worried about what his protection will be like in his first season as a pro.

Last night, the Cardinals sacked him four times, and it could’ve been six if not for his physical attributes.

With his ongoing development, which is one of the major keys to this organizations resurgence, a lack of quality depth at quarterback and the need for him to stay on the field and provide the team a big-armed passer, it is imperative that the offensive line plays a lot better in pass protection.

“I was very discouraged,” Lane Kiffin said of the pass blocking. “It just kind of reminded me of who we are.”

Tackles have struggled all pre-season and if last night was an indicator of what could occur, Russell will have a tough season in the pocket evading pressure and looking for anyone to step up down the field to make plays for him. Or worse, Raider fans may have to see their prized passer on the sideline injured.

OUCH – Injuries to key contributors

“Very disappointing night, right from the start,” Kiffin stated. “That’s the last thing you want to have happen in a preseason game. It wasn’t a very good sign.”

Fullback Oren O’Neal who was expected to be a key contributor on short yardage situations and goal line packages at fullback was injured on the opening kickoff and will likely miss the entire season. A proto-typical lead blocker, O’Neal is just the opposite of what Justin Griffith is as a fullback, and that variation of style was going to help the Raiders change up the pace as needed in their powerful rushing attack.

The left knee injury will be revaluated, but early signs are not promising.

Free-agent acquisition Drew Carter was also lost to a left knee injury in the 1^st quarter.

When he went down, it appeared to have deflated the Silver & Black’s night before it even got started.

“The outcome really doesn’t matter,” Kiffin said. “We lost two significant parts of what our offense hoped to be, so not very good from that perspective.”

Justin Griffith elaborated: “Aw man, those are frontline guys. Just to see those guys go down, that takes the air out of the team.”

GAME NOTES:

• Javon Walker had his best outing of the summer, compiling 60-yards on four receptions.
• Huff was not the only one to record an interception. Cornerback Stanford Routt and safety Rashad Baker picked off Matt Leinart also.
• Johnnie Lee Higgins bounced back from his last effort versus the Titans, this time on kickoffs, amassing 88-yards during three returns.
• Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler were given the night off again, and replaced with Aaron Elling and Glenn Pakulak.
• Oakland felt they needed to put a jolt in their passing game last night. That led to the smallest output in rushing yards all season (54-yards) and a shutout defeat. After losing Carter and the offensive line being so shaky, it is clear that if this team doesn’t emphasize the run and cannot pound away at opponents on the ground, it will have many problems putting up points in 2008.
• Conversely, the rush defense that appeared a lot better over recent weeks and that has been troublesome for the Raiders in recent years allowed 215 yards last night.
• DeAngelo Hall played briefly with his injured hand.

On Saturday night, the Oakland Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals will meet for their 11^th pre-season meeting all time, as the Silver & Black hold a 7-3 advantage during the series.

The all important third pre-season game for both clubs will be highlighted by the presence of their respective starters on the field for an extensive amount of time in preparations for the start of the season, Neither club will risk playing key contributors longer than a quarter in their final game next week, so the Raiders and Cardinals will try to get one more dress rehearsal in before they make final decisions on players on the bubble as the pre-season winds down.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

One of the big concerns going into this game will be the play at wide receiver. Oakland is in dire need of a solid performance from Javon Walker, who has been inconsistent throughout camp and the pre-season and needs to show why Oakland showered him with a huge contract this off-season.

Walker was expected to be JaMarcus Russell’s ‘go to’ target at split end, thus enabling the likes of Ronald Curry to play in the slot, where they can be most effective. But Lane Kiffin this week hinted that he is not afraid to shake things up if need be to help a pass attack that is going into the season with many question marks. “If it becomes something where Javon is not playing as well as we need him to play, both of those guys have learned ‘X’ so they can go over there,” Kiffin stated a few days ago.

What to expect:

It’s time for Walker to produce in a game. And the Raiders will try to get him the ball early and often in hopes of getting his and the teams confidence up about their aerial attack. “I expect Javon to have a big (versus Arizona) game. I’m putting in a game plan, and he should see some balls early. Hopefully, he’ll make some plays.”

With a ground game that looks in mid-season form and a slew of rushers ready to take aim at the top ranking of the league, Oakland should let loose against the Cardinals and get Russell ready for his first opener as a pro.

On Defense:

DeAngelo Hall has torn ligaments in his right hand and will have to wear a cast to protect it from further damage.

In all, not crippling news for the Raiders, who will rely on Hall’s speed, athleticism and swagger to help boost a defense that went through a huge makeover during the off-season.

“It’s something where he still has to wear a cast because of a bruise,” Kiffin said. “We think by the time we get to the [season] opener, that it will be a non-issue.”

Of concern if it lingers will be his tackling, jostling at the line of scrimmage versus wide receivers and ability to make plays on the ball with his hands, but considering its not hindering his ability to run, the Raiders won’t fret over this set back.

What to expect:

Ricky Brown may be able to lock up his starting spot this weekend with another solid performance. And considering where he was a year ago in the eyes of his coach, Brown has been one of the Raiders that has made a name for himself since Kiffin took over.

“When we first got Ricky on the field, I went back into our meetings with our coaches and I couldn’t even understand why the guy was here, watching him,” Kiffin said last weekend. “But he’s completely different. Over the year and a half that I’ve been here, he’s completely changed. Now his confidence is growing, he’s more comfortable.”

On Special Teams:

The Johnnie Lee Higgins soap opera continued against the Titans, a week after he clearly defined himself as the lead candidate for return duties versus the 49ers.

Higgins fumbled a return, which led to a Tennessee touchdown and now must gain the confidence of the coaches once again if he wants to be looked at as the main guy on punt returns. Oakland will give him an opportunity to do so, but after that, they don’t have many feasible options. “I really don’t have anybody to look at, that’s the problem,” Kiffin said. There isn’t anybody there that’s very dynamic with the ball. So, we’re worried that if Johnnie can’t do it, we’re in a little trouble in the return game.”

ARIZONA CARDINALS

On Offense:

Matt Leinart has played well in the pre-season, but the ever looming presence of veteran Kurt Warner, and his good chemistry with the Cardinal wide-outs cast a shadow of impending doom if the former USC star struggles at any point of the season.

Of importance is the relationship between Anquan Boldin and the team, a few days after the 27-year old stated he would like to be moved to another club.

So far, head coach Ken Whisenhunt has stated there is no strain, answering those who have stated the communication lines have been cut off. “We’ve been communicating,” he said. “If communicating is talking, that’s what we have been doing at practice.”

On Defense:

The Cardinals are a lot healthier than they were a year ago today, which is one reason why there is so much optimism about the upcoming season.

“I’m just really excited to see how this year’s going to be, having everybody back healthy,” said cornerback Eric Green. “If we stay healthy and slow down on penalties, I think we’ll do well this year.”

Last year, injuries to Adrian Wilson as the season wound down and missed time from Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor damaged the defense. And now, with a healthy camp under their belt, linebacker Clark Haggans is setting is goals very high.

“We have a great chance to make a great run this year, not just the playoffs but the Super Bowl,” said the former Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh linebacker.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Oakland’s secondary vs. Arizona’s wide receivers

Two of the better units around the league will face. Oakland has a lot of talent in the secondary and the Cardinals line up top targets on offense.

Protecting JaMarcus

Arizona likes to attack on defense, and with the problems the Raiders have had during camp along the offensive line, this will be a good litmus test for Tom Cabe’s bunch, who we already know can run block. But can they pass protect?

GAME TID BITS

• Rookie Tim Hightower has scored in back-to-back games for the Cardinals.
• Adimchinobi Echemandu rushed 17 times for 75 yards in their last pre-season meeting.
• John Bowie (knee), linebacker Grant Irons (back), wide receiver Arman Shelds (knee) and kickers Shane Lechler (quad) and Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) will not play.

GAME INFO

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (1-1) Home: 1-0 Road: 0-1

Road Team: Arizona Cardinals (1-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 0-1

When and Where: Saturday, August 23 2008, 6:00 pm PT | McAfee Coliseum – Oakland, CA

TV & Radio

Greg Papa and Tom Flores will simulcast the game both on the Raiders Radio Network and on the TV broadcast. Raider Legend George Atkinson will serve as analyst and popular radio personality JT the Brick will serve as TV broadcast host. If not sold out 72 hours in advance per NFL blackout rules, this week’s game will be televised locally on tape-delay on KICU Action 36 Cable 6 on Saturday, August 23 at 10 p.m. There will be an encore showing of the game on Sunday, August 24 at 7 p.m. on KICU Action 36 Cable 6. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information found at the official Raiders web site)

 

Photo courtesy of Raiders Archives

Former Oakland and Los Angeles Raider guard and hall of fame enshrinee Gene Upshaw has passed away.

Upshaw, 63, was the current NFLPA President and the longest tenured labor leader in professional sports.

The breaking news early on Thursday morning was a shock to the NFL world, as many web sites first reported his death due to complications from his recent battle with pancreatic cancer,

Upshaw was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a eleven-time All-Pro during his playing days (1967-81). A two time Super Champion, the dominant guard was the only player to participate in three Super Bowls with the same team spanning three decades (60s, 70s, 80s).

In 1987, he was inducted into Canton, his first year of eligibility.

In a statement released on the players union web site, the message stated, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader, Gene Upshaw.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Terri, and their three sons — Eugene, Justin and Daniel. Gene learned he was sick just this past Sunday and he died with his family at his side.”

According to the union, Upshaw died at his home Wednesday evening in Lake Tahoe, California.

“Gene Upshaw did everything with great dignity, pride and conviction,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, according to the AP.

Goodell continued, “He was the rare individual who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, both for his accomplishments on the field and for his leadership of the players off the field. He fought hard for the players and always kept his focus on what was best for the game. His leadership played a crucial role in taking the NFL and its players to new heights.”

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis stated the following in regards to the loss of Gene Upshaw, “The Raider Organization, the National Football League, and the world have lost a great man.  Gene Upshaw’s career successes as a professional football player and a union leader are unparalleled.  He is as prominent a
sportsman as the world has known.  He was and will remain a part of the fabric of our lives and of the Raider mystique and legacy.  We loved him and he loved us.  We will miss him.  Our heart’s go out to Terri and the boys.”

SBReport.net, Raiderfans.net and the entire Raider Nation sends their condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Upshaw family.

 

• Tony Stewart (toe) practiced. 
• Arman Shield (knee) tried to practice, but couldn’t. 
• John Bowie still out (knee). 
• Hiram Eugene out (hip). 
• Michael Huff (ankle), practiced, it bothered him, then sat out. 

• All the quarterbacks threw well today (against the wind). 

• Louis Rankin, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Darren McFadden worked on returning kicks (Sunday). 

• DeAngelo Hall practiced with a protective cast on his right hand. 

•  Ricky Brown worked with the starting defense as expected. 

• Javon Walker, on one play, was not paying attention during team drills against the defense, looking back at the end zone behind him (not even in a full stance) when JaMarcus Russell initiated the play. Russell had to double pump the ball, hesitating,  because Walker was not ready and looked confused. Russell eventually threw Walker the ball, but looked extremely odd. It appeared like Walker was somewhere else on that play. Other than that, he had a good practice.

• Chaz Schilens caught a rifled pass from Marques Tuiasosopo in tight coverage.

• Coach Lane Kiffin gave praise to WR Todd Watkins and his abilities to make plays. 

• RB Louis Rankin unleashed a long run with a nice block from newly converted FB Marcel Reece. 

• TE Zack Miller made a one-handed catch from  Russell with safety Tyvon Branch on his hip.

• QB Andrew Walter threw an interception directly at Ricky Brown. The line drive pass was intended for Johnnie Lee Higgins who was 10 yards behind the coverage. It seemed that Higgins ran the wrong route. Afterwards, Higgins could be seen talking about the play to a fellow receiver.

• WR Drew Carter made a nice deep sideline grab with the defender trailing on the play. The play was even better because the defense had blitzed and the offensive line, which picked it up beautifully. However, Carter would drop the same type of pass a couple of plays later.

• CB Stanford Routt’s skills at defending has greatly improved by breaking up a couple of passes while staying right on the receiver’s hip (not giving him room to separate). 

• WR Ronald Curry had an up and down workout as he would catch and drop passes throughout.

• WR Todd Watkins went down low to haul in an Andrew Walter pass for a completion in tight coverage.

• Kicker Aaron Elling missed a 39 yard field goal (wide right) against the wind.

• After practice, the only two players getting more work in was Todd Watkins and Arman Shields. Watkins has been consistently putting in extra time and sweat after each practice since the last OTA’s and through training camp. This time, he was working on hand positioning with Arman and later catching line drive passes off the automatic ball machine.