Silver and Black Report

Shane Lechler and Richard Seymour were the only current members of the Oakland Raiders to be named on the National Football League’s All-Decade team.

The full squad was announced tonight prior to the Pro-Bowl in Miami and it also included former Raiders Randy Moss, Warren Sapp and Charles Woodson.

Lorenzo Neal who was with the team during the summer and waived prior to the season also made the squad.

Lechler is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time first-team All-Pro and a two time second team All-Pro.

In his 10-season with the Raiders, the former 5^th round pick has averaged 47.3 yards per punt and a 38.6 net average.

Moss spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons in the Bay Area.

Randy Moss in Silver & Black during the 2005 season

He compiled 102 receptions for 1,558 yards and 11 touchdowns after being acquired for Napoleon Harris, a 1^st round selection and a late round pick.

After Oakland traded him to New England, Moss found his stride again after a dominant start to his career in Minnesota and tallied 23 touchdown grabs, setting the league single season record.

Woodson was Oakland’s 4^th overall selection in the 1998 draft. The six-time Pro Bowl selection was the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Silver & Black.

He donned the Raider colors from 1998-to-2005.

This past season, he was voted the AP NFL defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson has 45 career interceptions.

Warren Sapp made a stop in Oakland during his illustrious career

Sapp spent 4-years with the Raiders. The boisterous defensive tackle tallied 19.5 sacks while in Oakland.

Seymour just finished his first season with the Raiders after being acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots.

NOTES

• Seymour is a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and is a three-time first team All-Pro.
• Sapp is a four time first team All-Pro and a Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (XXXVII). He was also selected to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team. The former first rounder out of the University of Miami won the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He ended with 96.5 career sacks.
• Moss was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the year (1998), has been a seven time Pro Bowl selection and was the Pro Bowl MVP in 2000.

Tom Cable 'absolutely' thinks he'll continue to work with Oakland

Tom Cable was on KHTK – 1140am – and talked about his current status with the Oakland Raiders while at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Here are some excerpts of his conversation with the host.

At the Senior Bowl:

Well, you’re really looking at these kids and trying to familiarize yourself with them as you prepare for the next step, which will be the combine. So, you get a chance to look at, basically, 70-some players, you get a chance to go back now and look at all the juniors that are coming out and just kind of start comparing this whole thing and then it gets you ready for the combine. Because that group that was here in Mobile, they’ll be at the combine, as well as all those juniors that came out. So, it gives you a great opportunity to kind of get a jump on it and familiarize yourself with the whole group.

Talking to Al Davis:

Well, we’ve had a lot of conversations. You’re right, there’s been a lot of speculation. But the whole time, we’ve talked about where we’re at as a football team. And that’s everything. That’s the organization, that’s the coaches, that’s the roster, our free agents, who we need to get signed back, just everything that goes into it. We really never have had discussions about what would or wouldn’t happen. It’s just always been about evaluating the Oakland Raiders. I don’t know that at anytime he’s ever said he was going to change or he wasn’t going to change. It’s just an evaluation process that every team goes through. We did great diligence in terms of an organization, the coaches, and here we are getting ready for the 2010 season and starting the scouting routine with the Senior Bowl.

About being the head coach of the Silver & Black:

Well, absolutely. I don’t think there was ever any question. That, really, was more speculation than anything else. It’s never been a thought in my mind. We went at this thing every day, whether it was discussions with the owner or discussions with the staff, that we were moving forward and getting ready for 2010. So, it’s never really been an issue for us.

On Jamarcus Russell:

He’s just one man on this football team. He knows he’s got to get better. We know we’ve got to get him better. But everyone on this team, coaching staff, players alike, has to get better, and that starts with me. So, obviously, people want to single someone out or whatever that is but right now, it’s about all of us getting better.

Look, I’m not into ranting and raving about NFL conspiracies against the Oakland Raiders.

Nor do I like to play along like many Raider fans and act like there are ulterior motives behind every decision the NFL makes whether referees on the field or off the field by league officials.

Quite frankly, that shtick is old and tired.

I can even understand Nate Kaeding being selected to the Pro Bowl. It was deserving.

He led the league with 32 field goals made. The San Diego place-kicker missed only three all season (from 41, 43 and 55 yards out) and he was first in 2009 with 146 points.

That’s impressive and praiseworthy. I don’t care about the missed field goals against the New York Jets. The Pro Bowl is an award for regular season performances. He earned that merit.

We all found out later Kaeding is not clutch – so did Charger fans. But that’s a whole different story.

But when Kaeding went down with a groin injury and could not represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl, Sebastian Janikowski should have been the choice rather than the Miami Dolphins’ Dan Carpenter.

Carpenter was chosen to replace Kaeding for the NFL’s all-star game. A horrible decision by those that elevate alternates or select replacements.

Janikowski enjoyed his best season as a pro. He beat out Carpenter in field goals made (26-to-25) and even torched him in touchbacks (17-to-7), as the Dolphin kicker had 21 more chances to kickoff in 2009.

The former 1st round pick was highly efficient missing only one kick under 49-yards while showing off his powerful left leg going 6-of-8 from 50+ yards out. Janikowski even nailed a 61-yard kick in Cleveland.

Carpenter on the other hand missed 2 field goals under 49-yards and was a mere 1-of-2 from 50+ yards out. The only reason he ended with more total points than Janikowski was that his offense was far more productive, giving him a tally of 37-extra points as oppose to the 17 the Silver & Black kicker had this past season.

“I was real surprised,” Carpenter stated after finding out he was added to the Pro Bowl roster.

I was too!

It’s a sham that Carpenter was selected over Janikowski.

The better, more deserving kicker was screwed.

#10 – The greatest WR does it again – Super Bowl XXXVII

In a contest with very little entertainment value for Raider fans, receiver Jerry Rice continued his excellence in the big game albeit in a losing effort. His 48-yard touchdown reception gave the Raiders a glimmer of hope against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cutting their deficit to 34-21. It mainly added to his legacy, as he became the first player to haul in a touchdown pass in 4 different Super Bowls. His final tally career wise in Super Bowls – 33 catches for 589 yards and 8 scores.

#9 – Kenny King’s 80-yard Touchdown – Super Bowl XV

It was a simple dump off just away from the arms of the defender Herm Edwards. But King hauled it in and bolted for a record 80-yard score. The mark stood till 1997, but the damage it inflicted was long standing as it gave Oakland a 14-0 lead in an eventual 27-10 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

#8 – ‘The Assassin’ left his mark – Super Bowl XI

It was a convincing victory versus the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. But a lot of the Raider lore and history for being tough renegades, who just dominated and placed feared into opponents was acquired by one of the most devastating hits in football history – which happened in the game’s grandest stage. Jack Tatum knocked the helmet of Vikings’ receiver Sammy White. He stood over him admiring his work in a menacing fashion…

That was the ‘Assassin’ at work.

#7 – Rod Martin’s INT parade – Super Bowl XV

Jim Plunkett won the MVP in Super Bowl XV, but it was Rod Martin’s performance that will be remembered with his Super Bowl record three-interceptions. He tallied two championship rings with the Raiders, playing a vital role with key stops as well in the Silver & Black’s win versus the Redskins in 1984.

#6 – Davis celebrates his 3^rd Title – Super Bowl XVIII

After the Raiders whipped on the Redskins, owner Al Davis boasted about the victory and proclaimed, “Not only, in my opinion, are you the greatest Raider team of all time, I think you rank with the great teams of all times to have ever played any professional sport.”

#5 – Images of Madden – Super Bowl XI

John Madden led the Silver & Black to their first title. And in that game, video captured of him being animated on the sidelines, jumping (err, I think…) for joy and being carried away by his teammates will always be cherished by Oakland’s fan-base.

#4 – Rozelle and Davis – Super Bowl XV

The Pete Rozelle and Al Davis feud was epic. The Raider owner once stated that the legendary commissioner was a man ‘who will destroy the whole league if we’re not careful,’ while also calling him a ‘phony and a fraud.’ After the Silver & Black dismantled the Eagles, Rozelle awarded the Vince Lombardi trophy to Davis, head coach Tom Flores and congratulated the Raiders for being the first wild-card team in league history to win the Super Bowl. Quite an awkward moment and one that Davis cherished immensely at the time while stating it was ‘the finest hour in the history of the Oakland Raiders.’

#3 – Jack Squirek’s INT for a score – Super Bowl XVIII

It was the perfect storm for the Silver & Black. Ray Guy had pinned the Redskins at their 12-yard line. Joe Theismann was about to run an identical screen pass that torched the Raiders a few months earlier, but Squirek sniffed it out and turned a close game into a laugher with his interception return for a touchdown right before halftime, giving Los Angeles a 21-3 lead. Marcus Allen’s run was breathtaking, but Squirek’s play was pivotal in altering the momentum in the contest.

#2 – “Old man Willie…,” – Super Bowl XI

Willie Brown’s 75-yard interception return for a touchdown is one of the most iconic images captured in Super Bowl history. His intensity jetting down the sideline towards the end zone giving the Raiders a 32-7 lead capped what was a wonderful day for the Silver & Black as they captured their first Super Bowl victory.

#1 – Marcus Allen’s 74-yard run for a TD vs. the Redskins – Super Bowl XVIII

The Hall of Fame rusher danced around the Washington defense putting the last nail in the coffin with his stellar 74-yard scamper. Allen skipped behind the line of scrimmage before turning around and finding a crease as he cut back and ran to paydirt. At that point Los Angeles led 35-9. Allen won the MVP with his 20-carries for 191 yards and 2 scores.

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable talked to the National Football Post while he was observing action in Mobile, Alabama during Senior Bowl activities.

He applauded the Raiders decision to bring in Hue Jackson as their offensive coordinator.

“I think it’s a good decision by the organization,” Cable stated today. “It’s someone that I’m familiar with. It’s someone that I think can help us take the next step, so we’re all pretty excited about it.”

He sounded like a coach fully entrenched in his job with no worries about any of the rumors regarding his demise.

“Well, I think we have a chance,” Cable said. “I think we’ve gotten to that level of competitiveness that it takes. The next step will be the hardest, and that’s getting to the playoffs. But that will be the goal.”

“We’ve been meeting constantly and talking about how we can get better,” Cable commented about the struggling Raiders, who have now compiled seven straight seasons with 11 or more losses. “We’re continuing to do that as we get ready for the draft.”

Also, on the official Raiders web site, the Silver & Black officially acknowledged the additions of offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and defensive line coach Mike Waufle.

Many reports are indicating that Hue Jackson will sign on to the Oakland Raiders staff and become their offensive coordinator.

Jackson was expected to talk to the Chicago Bears on Tuesday for that same job, but that was nixed and now it appears that the he’ll depart the Baltimore Ravens to head to the Bay Area.

The former quarterbacks coach in Baltimore worked with Joe Flacco for the first two years of the passers career. Under Jackson’s tutelage, Flacco became the first rookie in NFL history to win two playoff games under center. While with the Cincinnati Bengals (2004-2006), Jackson worked with their receivers.

Chad – then Johnson – Ochocinco  (1,369) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (1,081) became the first duo at wide receiver to put up 1,000-yard seasons for the organization. Ochocinco had his best years under Jackson and Houshmandzadeh developed into one of the better pass catchers in the AFC.

Jackson had a desire to become a coordinator in this league after stints in that same capacity in 2007 with the Atlanta Falcons and with the Washington Redskins in 2003.

His biggest objective while in Oakland will be to get the most out of former number one overall pick JaMarcus Russell.

It appears that Jackson was hand-picked by Al Davis to direct an offense that ranked 31^st in points scored per game, 21^st in rushing yards per game and 29^th in pass yards per contest.

Tom Cable was the primary play caller in 2009 and with Davis not happy with the direction of his attack and the lack of development in his prized passer; the change at offensive coordinator was imminent.

All signs point to Cable coming back as head-coach, but it appears that he had to make concessions and allow Davis to tinker with his staff in order for him to finish his contract in Oakland.

Russell struggled all of 2009 and showed little improvement. His footwork, accuracy and work ethic among many other things have been scrutinized.

Cable benched the former LSU star as the season wound down while Bruce Gradkowski helped the team increase their offensive output. Once he went down due to injury, Charlie Frye also surpassed any production Russell was able to muster up.

Both back-ups were able to absorb Cable’s playbook and give the Oakland offense more of a fighting shot.

In the other hand, Russell was unproductive, had the game plans simplified, yet he continued to play inept football.

If Oakland is pinning all their hopes on Jackson to revive Russell, it could be a risk that may cost them another double-digit losing season.

Unless Russell takes it upon himself to work harder, get into camp in shape and somehow miraculously improve many of the mechanical issues he has passing along with his accuracy, Oakland will be wasting their time trying to milk anything out him.

Davis obviously thinks Russell has more to give.

He drafted Russell with visions of John Elway.

And Jackson’s arrival may just mean that Davis wants to see if another voice not named Cable could wake him up.

FROM THE BALTIMORESUN.COM

“After much consideration I have decided to accept a position as offensive Coordinator with the Oakland Raiders,” Jackson said in a statement. “I will miss the fans here and I thank them for all the encouragement and support they have shown me while I called Baltimore my home. I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, Dick Cass and especially Coach John Harbaugh who brought me to Baltimore. Baltimore will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m especially thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with a world class organization, a top notch coaching staff and some of the best talent in the league.”

I guess Hue Jackson won’t interview with the Chicago Bears.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach was reportedly headed to Chicago for an interview for their offensive coordinator position, the same job the Oakland Raiders interviewed him for.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Jackson was a last-minute scratch per their NFL sources.

Also, it is expected that Tom Cable will be at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.,  observing and evaluating talent this week for the upcoming draft.

Stay tuned…

Per the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Bears are seeking permission to talk to Baltimore Ravens’ quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson.

Jackson was in Oakland last week talking to team officials. The extent of the talks is not exactly known, but it is believed that he interviewed for the offensive coordinator job.

After his first year working with Joe Flacco, Jackson was allowed to interview in San Francisco for a similar position on Mike Singletary’s staff. The 49ers elected to go with former Raider assistant Jimmy Raye.

The Bears may now be looking into Jackson’s services to work with Jay Cutler.

That cheese is going down nicely this morning in Green Bay.

The New Orleans Saints ousted Brett Favre – who spent a year in New York Jet green before landing where he always wanted to go – when his Minnesota Vikings lost in overtime 31-28.

His last pass as a Packer, a crippling interception to Corey Webster in overtime, that propelled the New York Giants into the Super Bowl and a historic finish to their campaign.

His closing act as a Jet was a three-interception performance against the Dolphins.

“The hardest part is the finality of it,” Favre said after that game, “especially when you expect to go on.”

He didn’t go on to the playoffs after an 8-3 start in New York, but he did move on to Minnesota.

And with Packer fans dreading his arrival to the hated foe, and the Vikings making a push to a Super Bowl, Green Bay couldn’t have been happy to see Favre with the ball with two minutes left in New Orleans with a chance to fulfill his dream.

A Super Bowl was within reach. A chance at adding to his legacy was a few yards away. But Favre’s one-way destination was undone again by…

Well, Brett Favre.

His last pass as a Viking could be that interception he lofted into the hands of Tracy Porter.

The gunslinger that played recklessly throughout his career just crashed Minnesota’s dream of a Super Bowl into the ground.

Instead of just running toward the sidelines and picking up a few more yards for a game winning field goal attempt, the football God’s righted everything.

Favre’s offense never got to see the football field again.

A fitting sight for Packer fans that were left yearning another Super Bowl appearance a few years back when Favre tossed away their dreams and then held the organization hostage as he did many off-seasons.

He eventually got what he wanted. Favre got to the Vikings.

It took a short disingenuous stint in New York for it to happen, but he got his way.

Yesterday, Packer fans got their way.

“The year could not have gone any better, aside from us not going to Miami,” Favre said last night.

In Green Bay, even though their team team suffered a bitter playoff defeat, their year could not have gone any better after seeing Favre fizzle and being sent home with no shot at adding to his ring total.

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi also supports Adam Schefter’s report that the Oakland Raiders will keep Tom Cable around for one more season.

Lombardi also details that ‘key Raider assistants have been told to get to work,’ indicating that Cable will be allowed to fulfill the final year of his contract with the Silver & Black.

Oakland denied any decision being made late Saturday evening.

Stay tuned…