Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Alameda regarding Lane Kiffin’s departure and the happenings around the organization during the young coach’s era.

A livid Davis spoke about Kiffin’s reluctance to draft JaMarcus Russell, the rocky relationship between himself and the former USC staffer and the notion that he wanted out and attempted to do so through insubordinate acts among other hot topics that surrounded both parties since the Raider owner hired him in January of 2007.

“I just couldn’t go on much longer with what I would call, propaganda, the lying that had been going on for weeks, and months, and a year, and time. And he had a few questions, he says ‘does that mean I don’t get paid’, I said that’s what I’m saying to you”, Davis said of his conversation with Kiffin early on Tuesday.

Kiffin was fired this morning via phone, without pay, and the Raiders official site acknowledge the transaction with a one-sentence release stating, “Lane Kiffin has been released as head coach of the Oakland Raiders for cause.”

Davis himself commented during the conference, “This morning I called Lane, and told him he was no longer the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.”

During his 20-game tenure, Kiffin went 5-15, but the team did show signs of improvement since his arrival with the change in roster, influx of young talent and just as recent as this off-season, the big money spent by Davis to bring in big name talents.

In 6-seasons, the Raiders have gone through four coaches with the team compiling a .238 winning percentage during that span. And when Davis hired the then 31-year old, it appeared that the Raiders had an innovative coach that would work hand-in-hand with the passionate owner. Davis stated, “I knew it was a bold attempt – calculated. But I always had great success, or at least I thought I did, with young people.”

He continued, “It was after a short period of time that I realized I didn’t hire the person I thought I was hiring.”

Davis also accused Kiffin of lying to the press about several incidents. “I wasn’t going to do this, but I am going to, give you the letter that was giving to Lane on the Friday before to going to Kansas City.”

The letter, which was recited by Davis started:

Over the past months you have made a number of public statements that were highly critical and designed to embarrass and discredit the organization its players and coaches. I left you alone during training camp, the implication when you were doing these things, in the hopes you would cease your immature and destructive campaign. I wanted to make this work.

During the reading of the note, Davis echoed this statement that was relayed to Kiffin, “Your actions are those of a coach looking to make excuses for not winning, rather than of a coach focused on winning. “

Davis detailed many aspects of the bad marriage stating that Kiffin was not warm on the idea of drafting JaMarcus Russell. Davis, while reading the note stated to Kiffin, “I realized that you did not want to draft JaMarcus Russell. He is a great player. Get over it.”

He continued, “That was the battle at the draft. He didn’t think we should draft JaMarcus. He had other ideas.”

Another situation that irked Davis was Kiffin’s insistence of purging the roster of Randy Moss, who was traded for a 4th round draft choice. Moss compiled 23 touchdowns last year, while the Raiders drafted John Bowie, a player who recorded 1 tackle in his rookie season and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the 2008 campaign.

Davis also declared his wanting to treat long time Raiders with more regard, something he claimed Kiffin did not do, citing Zack Crockett’s release in 2007 and how he felt players that have helped the Raiders win in the past should be treated differently. “I didn’t like his attitude towards people….”

Something Kiffin possibly wanted to change due to the fact that the team has been mired in poor football and the need for a change in direction.

Kiffin complained to Davis per the owner, as he stated, “[Kiffin] complained he didn’t have this, and didn’t have that.” Remarks that peeved Davis which he in turn he stated to Kiffin, “If you don’t think you can win resign,” per his remarks in the press conference.

In one of the most riveting events in Raiders history, the owner covered almost every topic in detail and showed emotion when talking about the end of the relationship with Kiffin.

The almost 50 minute session was stopped for an intermission before followed by the introduction of the new head coach of the Raiders, offensive line coach Tom Cable.

The Oakland Raiders have finally done what everyone has expected for several weeks and fired head coach Lane Kiffin.

The team issued a one-sentence statement that reads:

Lane Kiffin has been released as head coach of The Oakland Raiders for cause.

Kiffin had a record of 5-15 in two-plus seasons as head coach, including 1-3 thus far in 2008.

ESPN is reporting offensive line coach Tom Cable may be in line for the interim head coaching job, along with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and scout Paul Hackett. Earlier this season, S&B Report sources said defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was the favorite to take over when Kiffin was dismissed.

The only previous time Al Davis fired a head coach in-season, Mike Shanahan was dismissed with the same 1-3 mark in 1989. Offensive line coach Art Shell replaced him and led the Raiders to a 7-5 record the rest of the season.

After the Oakland Raiders (1-3) agonizing 28-18 home collapse this weekend against the San Diego Chargers, the Lane Kiffin watch is back in full swing, especially with the team entering their bye week and recent reports that Al Davis has begun the process of replacing his young head coach.

According to a report by ESPN, a source close to the situation stated that Davis had scheduled meetings on Monday with staffers Greg Knapp, Tom Cable and Paul Hackett, in which discussions would take place regarding Kiffin’s future, something he has not himself been informed about.

During his press conference on Monday, Kiffin expressed his thoughts in keeping any and all communication he has with the owner private, stating, “I just feel we’re going to open up too many things, and those are conversations that I do or do not have with him that should stay between him and I.”

Just last week, after their breakdown on the road versus the Bills, Kiffin stated, “I’m going to kind of put it this way: Until I am told by Al Davis that I’m not the head coach here anymore, we’re going to keep plugging away the same way we have been. So I have not been told by Al Davis that I am not the head coach. Until he tells me directly, we’ll keep plugging away.”

With the rocky relationship in the front office and back-to-back weeks of heartbreaking play at the end of games, if any moves were to be made, they should come now.

It is apparent that the working rapport between coach and owner has been disintegrated.

The team has played admirably during this mess, but with the obvious change looming, why string out this soap opera any longer?

Why keep the team in limbo not knowing the fate of their coach from week-to-week, especially when all signs are showing that he won’t be here to see another season.

But with the Raiders again facing another losing season, and the team not being able to finish games, who is to blame for this year’s mess?

Kiffin can be critiqued for keeping the offense under wraps, the play calling that has no creativity and a team that looks nothing like the powerhouse he boasted about bringing to the Raiders during his introductory press conference.

JaMarcus Russell is still developing, but he has shown signs of being able to handle more than what the coach is presenting on his plate. They drafted Darren McFadden because of his explosiveness and versatility, but we have yet seen what the rookie can do minus one huge rushing effort in Kansas City partly due to the lack of imagination of those handling the offense. And who would’ve thought prior to the year starting that Johnnie Lee Higgins would be one of the team’s game altering talents?

Javon Walker has been non-existent, Ronald Curry looks nothing like the dependable target has shown to be in the past and Zach Miller, who could be the Raiders best offensive talent can’t be showcased due to the double teams he faces and the need to have him on the edge blocking.

The defense has also contributed to the tough start.

Rob Ryan was toyed with by Mike Shanahan in the first game, before altering his game plan when they faced the Chiefs, demonstrating more aggressiveness which helped the Raiders lock down a mediocre offensive club, but one who has a rusher that has mauled them in the past.

What has been troubling in second half performances for the defense are the blown leads, not being able to react to the opponents adjustments accordingly and the inability to close out games with big plays or stands.

So much blame to go around in only four games.

And now they enter the bye week with a coach still in limbo on a team that obviously has a lot of talent, many young players that need to develop which will influence their future and a disgruntled fan base that is sick of losing.

The owner burns for another winning season. But at this rate, is this situation salvageable?

Even if he promotes Ryan, or other rumored candidates such as James Lofton or surprise entrant, and current consultant Paul Hackett, will it be enough to keep the ship headed in the right direction?

The Raiders are fighting in these games. But internally, the body blows and battles that are occurring could wear down a team that is trying to learn how to win.

And at this point, with the team 1-4, missing out on opportunities to make a splash this season due to a tough start, more dissention and changes, even though it may appear that it will settle what has happened behind the scenes, may not be enough to patch up the leak this ship has.

Oakland, CA - After donning white jerseys for the first time since anyone can remember and being introduced by positions instead of individual announcements to exhibit team unity, the Oakland Raiders looked to make a statement early in the game when they hit the field first. Oakland’s Johnnie Lee Higgins ran back the opening kick off to mid-field. The Raiders opened up with passes to march down the field. Initially, the Chargers looked caught off guard, but would manage to hold Oakland’s opening drive to a field goal attempt making it 3-0.

 

Oakland’s defense was aggressive and blitzed the seemingly hapless Chargers, forcing them to go 3-and-out on their first drive. After the Raiders posted a reciprocating 3-and-out, Oakland’s defense went back to work and worked over Charger running back LaDanian Tomlinson as Raider safety Gibril Wilson hit Tomlinson on their goaline, causing a fumble in the endzone as Charger quarterback Phillip Rivers fell on the loose ball and was touched down for a safety to push the Raider lead to five.

 

The Oakland Raiders remained aggressive by utilizing more passing plays compared to their last three games where they ran the ball the vast majority of the time. This time, Raider quarterback JaMarcus Russell finally connected deep to his safety valve tight end Zach Miller for a 63-yard touchdown to further put the Chargers behind the eight ball with a 12-0 score in the second quarter. Oakland continued to apply pressure with an interception by defensive back Chris Johnson and ran it back 13 yards to set up another Sebastian Janikowski field goal to make the score 15-0. Despite being able to points on the board and shutting out the Chargers in the first half, Oakland left too many points on the field. Twice in the first half, the Raiders failed to punch the ball into the endzone and had difficulty protecting Russell as he was sacked six times; many of them coming on third down. In fact, Oakland’s third down offense was woeful for most of the entire game.

 

In the second half, Oakland’s once interesting passing attack evaporated; causing it’s defense to spend a lot of time on the field and was exhausted by the 4^th quarter. Up until that time, the Raiders held the Chargers to a meager 3 points, but as with last week’s Buffalo Bills loss, Oakland was gassed as its defense gave up a Charger touchdown following a sack/fumble by JaMarcus Russell on his own 18-yard line.

 

The Raiders would manage to muster up one last offensive drive late in the game to tie the score at 18-18.  However, its special teams, who have been very good up until now, gave up a 67-yard return that automatically put the Chargers in field goal range. This time Charger kicker Nate Kaeding split the uprights, (unlike his two previously missed field goals), to go up by three with just under two minutes left in the game. Oakland’s offense once again looked non-existent as they would turn over the ball on downs. The Chargers would put the nail in the coffin on another run by Tomlinson (two on the day) to give San Diego a 28-18 lead to close the game.

 

The Oakland Raiders, by all accounts in the first three quarters should have won this game. Unfortunately because of a lack of play makers on offense, a conservative coach, or an overly-simplified play book, Oakland could not compete for four full quarters making them one of the best three quarter teams in the NFL. At least this time, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan did not play any soft zone defense that allowed the Chargers to amass 25 points in the 4^th quarter. They simply were out of gas because the offense couldn’t give them a break. At least the players played hard for embattled Lane Kiffin. And judging by lockerroom comments by the Raider players, they WANT to play for Kiffin.

 

 

The Oakland Raiders (1-2) and the San Diego Chargers (1-2) will face off for the 97th time this Sunday at the McAfee Coliseum. Both teams are trailing the undefeated Denver Broncos in the AFC Western division, but the Chargers have looked far better in their one win start than the Raiders, especially after losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Panthers and Broncos at the onset of the season.

Oakland – who has a bye week after the contest – will try to even their record and brace themselves for two weeks of volatility considering the status of their head coach and the rumblings of his imminent departure.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

The passing game has not looked good to start, ranking 32^nd in the league. And minus Johnnie Lee Higgins’ 84-yard touchdown reception last weekend, the lack of pop and the leash on JaMarcus Russell has hindered the offense, which was a major component for the collapse in the 4^th quarter in Buffalo.

Lane Kiffin needs to open it up and give his quarterback more opportunities to get the ball down the field. Opponents will start stacking the line of scrimmage in hopes of slowing down the ground game Oakland relies on. And yes, the Raiders must establish their ball carriers, but without a threat of an aerial attack, it becomes a stagnant attack when games get tight and 1^st downs are needed at the end of contests.

Javon Walker’s two receptions through three games have been very disappointing. With his large contract and the lack of playmaking at wide receiver on the roster, Walker must become productive and stay in games to help Russell and the dormant passing offense. After a quick start in Buffalo, where he recorded his lone grabs as a Raider, Walker disappeared and was non-existent or on the sidelines when needed most. After signing a six-year deal with $16 million in guarantees, Walker has been injured or ineffective during the pre-season and early stages of 2008. Not exactly what Oakland expected when they paid him top-flight receiver money.

What to expect:

San Diego has allowed 284.7 yards per game (31^st in the NFL) through the air in their first three games. They have a formidable front seven and play the run very well, so Oakland must take advantage of the Chargers deficiencies in the defensive backfield for the upset to occur. It’s time to get Zach Miller involved in the passing game, and not as an edge blocker trying to keep defenders off his quarterback. Walker, Ashley Lelie and Ronald Curry have to exploit the secondary and get open for Russell. And since San Diego likes to attack on passing downs, a few misdirection plays and screens to Darren McFadden could help the Raiders move the chains with the passing game.

On Defense:

Much of the brunt after the Bills comeback last weekend fell on the defense, who gave uo 17-points in the 4^th quarter and allowed Trent Edwards to get the ball to his receivers with consistency. This after the Raiders applied great pressure for most of the game, getting into his face and blanketing his big play targets.

But they adjusted, the Raiders did not, and the rest is history.

With cornerbacks like Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall, who can be left out on an island, you would think that applying more pressure by sending an extra linebacker or safety is something that Rob Ryan could do when the game is slipping away.

This week, they will have to get into Phillip Rivers’ face and keep him from picking apart the secondary. Even on plays were he hands off to his all world running back, the Raiders should send defenders towards the line of scrimmage in order to disrupt the flow of their blocking schemes.

What to expect:

Oakland can’t sit back and let Rivers toss to his athletic targets. Derrick Burgess, Kalimba Edwards and Gerard Warren, who were on attack mode in Buffalo in the first half, must continue their harassing ways. For the secondary, more tight coverage should be implemented in order to prevent those shorter routes from being successful, which the Bills took advantage of during their comeback.

On Special Teams:

Johnnie Lee Higgins has been a weapon for the Raiders this season on special teams. His returns have set-up scoring drives and altered field position. The Chargers are allowing 27.4 yards per kickoff return (28^th in the NFL), but only 5.5 yards per punt return (6^th in the NFL).

Fortunately for the Raiders, most of Higgins’ damage has come on kickoffs, where he has compiled 327 yards, second most in the league.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

On Offense:

Phillip Rivers bounced back on Monday night very quickly after an interception that led to an early deficit. His efficient 19/25 for 250 yards, spreading the ball out to eight different receivers showed the developing maturity level of the former first rounder.

And three games into the season, his 124.8 rating and nine touchdowns have been very impressive in giving the Chargers another threat not named LaDanian Tomlinson.

“I think he has grown a lot”, stated Norv Turner today when talking about his quarterback.

And after a 0-2 start, Turner also commented his team’s statement versus the New York Jets.

“Good players, good coaches and more importantly, good teams respond to adverse situations.”

What to Expect:

LaDanian Tomlinson has made a career of thrashing the Raiders defense. Whether as a rusher, receiver or passer, the dynamic running back has been a thorn on Oakland’s backside since he entered the league. The Chargers will try to establish him early on in order to open up plays down the field for Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers and Antonio Gates. The Raiders have improved their run defense, but they have not faced a player who saves his best when he sees black jerseys.

On Defense:

“We see a very outstanding running game, talented offensive personnel group. Defensively, they are playing as good as defensive as anyone in the league”, said Turner about the Raider units.

And if they want to slow down Oakland’s running game, it will start up front with Jamal Williams, Luis Castillo and Igor Olshansky. Williams is battered right now, so the Chargers signed Ian Scott late Tuesday to help out the nose tackle who has been limited in practice with a knee injury.

Turner continued, “They’ve got a formula that’s been very good [on offense]….” And even though he waxed poetically about Russell, there is no doubt they will rather see the Raider passer dropping back more often than handing off to his talented rushers.

“He looks a lot more comfortable…[on Russell]”, said Turner.

What to Expect:

The Charger pass defense has struggled. But that won’t stop them from attacking the Raiders on passing downs, blitzing in order to fluster Russell and facilitate mistakes in their passing game. They probably feel that Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie can match-up against Oakland’s receivers. So Russell will likely have a target on his chest, as the Chargers will come at him and play with eight men around the line of scrimmage for most of the game.

GAME NOTES:

 

• The Chargers have a nine-game winning streak against the Raiders. During that span, San Diego has outscored the Silver & Black 253 – 114.
• Oakland leads the overall series 54-40-2.
• As of Wednesday; Javon Walker and Kwame Harris worked out with the team. Those that did not participate I workouts were: Darren McFadden (boot on his foot), Cooper Carlisle, Gerard Warren, Derrick Burgess, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt. All players mentioned with the exception of Warren and Carlisle are expected to practice Thursday.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Tomlinson vs. Raiders front-seven

If Oakland’s improved run defense (ranked 13^th in the NFL) can be formidable against their nemesis and force Rivers into making plays into an active secondary, then the Raiders will have a chance to keeping it close late in the game.

Oakland’s wide receivers vs. San Diego’s Secondary

It’s time for the Raider wide-outs to show up. Someone has to get open and haul in Russell bombs. The question is, can the Raiders get adequate protection, and will the coaches loosen the leash on the big-armed passer?

PREDICTION

Chargers 26 – Raiders 24

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Jim Nantz providing play-by-play and Phil Simms 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 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. In addition, Sports USA Radio will broadcast the game nationally with Howard David, Terry Donahue and Rich Cellini calling the action. (Broadcast information found on the official Raiders web site)

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

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

When and Where: Sunday, September 28, 2008, 1:05 p.m. PT | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

Let’s see if this sounds familiar: Youthful outsider with reputation as offensive whiz takes over as head coach of struggling franchise amid grand pronouncements and great expectations, only to find himself at odds with owner and facing an employment equivalent of the Sword of Damocles hanging over him before his second year is out.

When Lane Kiffin became the youngest head coach in the history of the NFL at age 31, he may well not have been Raiders owner Al Davis’ first choice — that was rumored to be Southern Cal peer Steve Sarkisian. But, despite the owner infamously dubbing him “Lance” at the introductory news conference, many people had visions of Kiffin becoming Gruden 2.0.

A year and a half later, however, he’s starting to look more like Gruden Vista.

Or, dare I say it, Shanahan 2.0.
Read more…

Terdell Sands leaves the field dejected after 24-23 defeat in Buffalo

BUFFALO, NY – Early in the 4^th quarter, the Oakland Raiders got a play overturned in their favor after a review. On 2^nd and 7 on the 41, Thomas Howard was flagged for pass interference, but after the Raiders challenge, the proper call was made as Fred Wakefield tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage.

The Bills on that same drive had pass plays of 17 yards to Robert Royal, and 12 yards by Roscoe Parrish on 3^rd and 3. Josh Reed got in on the action with a 18 yard reception and after a 4 yard run by Marshawn Lynch, Reed hauled in a 7 yard pass t give Buffalo 1^st and goal from the 3 yard line.

Lynch drove the ball to paydirt the next play to cut the Bills deficit to 16-14 with 7:59 remaining. That scoring drive took up 8:55, on 16 plays, covering 96 yards.

With the Buffalo crowd fired up and as loud as it has been all day, the Raiders started their next offensive possession on their own 16-yard line. Darren McFadden was unable to evade Buffalo defenders on 1^st down, gaining only 1 yard and on the next play, Michael Bush did not fare any better losing 1 yard on his run. On 3^rd and 10, JaMarcus Russell hit a streaking Johnnie Lee Higgins in the seam for an 84-yard touchdown toss. The backbreaking play silenced the crowd and gave the Raiders a 23-14 lead.

Buffalo answered with a 7-play drive in which Trent Edwards completed passes of 22, 14, and 16 yards prior to connecting with Roscoe Parrish on a 14 yard scoring pass to cut the Raiders lead to 23-21 with 4:03 remaining.

The Raiders went three and out on their ensuing drive, as Michael Bush was unable to pick up significant yardage on 1^st and 2^nd down and on 3^rd down, Russell’s pass to Curry was incomplete. Oakland’s offense, which is predictated on the ground game was unable to churn out yards with Buffalo expecting the run, and with an aerial attack that has been conservative and not effective at the onset of the season, Oakland opened the door for a Bills comeback,

The Bills opened their final drive with completions to Josh Reed and Parrish for 11 and 16 yards. Lynch then carried the ball on consecutive plays for 7, 8 and 5 yards. With the game clock at :03, Ryan Lindell came out for the game winning field goal.

The kicker nailed a 38 yarder for the 24-23 victory.

JaMarcus Russell sneaking into end zone

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Bills opened the second half with a Trent Edwards to Lee Evans 24-yard pass completion. But the 7-play drive ended with a Ryan Lindell missed 46-yard field goal.

After a holding penalty on a punt return, Buffalo began their drive at the 1-yard line. The Raiders stuffed Marshawn Lynch on 1^st and 10 for no gain, and on the next play, DeAngelo Hall intercepted a Trent Edwards pass intended for Lee Evans. The athletic cornerback jumped over and wrapped his arms around the receiver to haul in the interception. Buffalo challenged the play, but the call on the field was not overruled and Oakland began their drive at the Bills 13 yard line.

Darren McFadden rushed for 7 yards on two plays after the crowd-silencing turnover. And on 1^st and goal from the 1 yard line, JaMarcus Russell sneaked in on a 1 yard dive to give the Silver & Black a 16-7 lead.

The Raiders defense, which has pressured Trent Edwards all day, followed the scoring drive with an impressive stand, keeping the Bills quarterback uncomfortable, forcing him to rush his throws. On a 3^rd and 8, Edwards connected with Evans on a deep route, but the play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty.

The Bills were pinned once again near their own goal line after Shane Lechler’s punt bounced to the 4-yard line.

Score: Oakland 16 – Buffalo 7

 

 

 

Terdell Sands recovering fumble in the 2nd quarter 

BUFFALO, NY – The Oakland Raiders second quarter got off to a rocky start when JaMarcus Russell was sacked by Chris Kelsay and linebacker Paul Posluszny recovered the loose ball on the 23-yard line.

Three plays later, Marshawn Lynch got into the end zone from 14 yards out to give the Bills a 7-6 lead.

On Oakland’s second drive of the quarter, Michael Bush rushed for 16 yards on a 3^rd and 10. But after a 2 yard run by McFadden, a 5-yard scamper by Bush and an incompletion on 3^rd down which was almost intercepted by Chris Kelsay, the Raiders punted.

The Bills got a break on a 3^rd and 9, when DeAngelo Hall was flagged for illegal contact, after a Trent Edwards interception. The penalty gave them an automatic first down, but on the ensuing play, Kalimba Edwards sacked Edwards, forced a fumble which was recovered by Terdell Sands.

Oakland then opened their drive with McFadden lined up at quarterback, and his handoff to Bush led to a 6 yard run. JaMarcus Russell connected with Justin Griffith on a 20-yard reception on the next play. On 3^rd and 7 at the Buffalo 12 yard line, McFadden was tackled for a loss of 2 yards. Chaz Schilens missed his blocking assignment on the play, as the Raiders tried to spring McFadden loose on the right side of the formation.

Sebastian Janikowski then booted his third field goal of the game from 32-yards out giving the Raiders a 9-7 lead with a 1:56 remaining. 

Janikowski was involved on the next play, as he prevented Leodis McKelvin from getting into the end zone on his 56-yard kickoff return. Buffalo could not capitalize on the field position, especially after Derrick Burgess missed a sure tackle on Marshawn Lynch on 4^th and 2 that would’ve ended the drive,

Edwards completed a pass to the sure handed Lee Evans on the next play, but Nnamdi Asomugha was able to strip the receiver as he attempted to make a move up the field –  Buffalo’s second turnover of the half.

Score at the half: Oakland 9 – Buffalo 7

 

Gerard Warren sacking Trent Edwards 

BUFFALO, NY – Prior to the contest, the Oakland Raiders announced that running back Justin Fargas was inactive for the game and that rookie Darren McFadden will start in his place.

Left tackle Mario Henderson was designated the starter at left tackle once again for the inactive Kwame Harris,

Other players declared inactive for today’s game were: WR Todd Watkins, CB Chris Johnson, offensive linemen, John Wade, Seth Wand and newly added tight end Ben Troupe.

Johnnie Lee Higgins got the Raiders started quickly with a 69-yard return to the Buffalo 30-yard line. During that drive, Javon Walker recorded his first reception as a Raider with a 13-yard catch on 2^nd and 3. On the ensuing play, he hauled in a 5-yard toss, which set up Oakland at the 5-yard line.

Oakland would score on their opening drive when Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 25-yard field goal to give the Silver & Black a 3-0 lead.

The Raider defense also got going early, forcing Buffalo’s offense to go three and out. Their opening possession was thwarted on 3^rd and 7 when Gerard Warren got great push in the interior, sacking Trent Edwards. 

The Bills attempted to get Marshawn Lynch going in their second possession, handing the ball to their leading rusher on three consecutive plays. After he gained 18 yards on those plays, Buffalo was unable to get another 1^st down and had to punt after their quarterback missed an open Roscoe Parrish on 3^rd and 4.

Oakland was able to put pressure on almost every pass attempt, forcing Edwards into rushed throws. Gibril Wilson ended a Buffalo drive with a sack on a safety blitz.

On the ensuing Raiders drive, Higgins’ nice return and Ashley Lelie’s 23-yard reception on the opening play, set-up Janikowski’s second field goal of the quarter from 35 yards out.

The quarter ended on a high note for Buffalo after Darian Barnes caught a dump off from Edwards and picked up 25 yards.

SCORE at the end of the 1^st quarter, Oakland 6 – Buffalo 0