Justin Griffith spent two seasons with the Silver & Black.

The Oakland Raiders were denied permission by the New Orleans Saints to talk to defensive line coach Bill Johnson for an opening on Dennis Allen’s staff.

Johnson has more than 30-years of football experience and just recently, he’s helped the Saints defense improved from 25th in the NFL to 4th in yardage and from 20th to 7th in scoring defense in 2010.

In his two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Johnson was crucial in developing defensive end Elvis Dumervil. From 2001-to-2006, he spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, who consistently were a solid pass rushing club and twice ranked in the top ten of the NFL in fewest yards allowed.

One return for the Raiders that will be a welcomed by many is Justin Griffith.

The former fullback was very good friends with Michael Bush early in his career, which could help influence the return of the unrestricted free agent. Griffith was always great with the media and a strong veteran presence in the locker room.

Unfortunately in 2008, his career with the Raiders ended during a contest with the Baltimore Ravens. Griffith tore his ACL in the third quarter of the game, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown toss. “You lose a terrific person, a lot of leadership,” then coach Tom Cable said. “He’s solid as a rock. He comes to work every day. He does things to the best of his ability every opportunity he gets. Someone who’s familiar with the system. You’re losing quite a bit there.”

Griffith was not known as a punishing blocker, but his knowledge then and now of the zone-blocking system was fundamental. In Atlanta, the fullback worked in that system with Cable. Then, Oakland tabbed his services for two seasons as the Raiders transitioned more to a zone-blocking scheme.

With Bob Wylie out, and Frank Pollack in, the move to a new system was inevitable, especially with the success the new offensive line coach has had in Houston with that method of blocking.

Griffith being a quality control coach on offense will help the current crop of Raiders with the nuisances of blocking and running behind the new scheme.

On this play, Griffith ended his playing career with the Raiders.

Sterling Moore will be in the spotlight in the Super Bowl this weekend. It goes to show you how far good coaching and scouting could go in this league.

The ex-Raider was pivotal in the Patriots arrival to the big game and will be vital in holding versus a dynamic Giants passing attack.

But who knew?

“Athletic guy, good ball skills. Had some versatility. Had some size, had some quickness,” said Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, who attended a workout with Moore after Oakland waived him. “So, you know, there were some things there to like. We brought him in, and with any player you bring in, you hope it works out. But a lot of it is how he prepares and how he improves.”

Even though he spent very little time in Oakland last summer, he quickly noticed difference between the Raiders and Patriots stating that Belichick’s club was a far more “professional” organization.

“I think there’s a lot of plays that helped us get here. [Brandon] Spikes’ interception and the way Vince [Wilfork] played that game; I’m just glad I had an opportunity to make a play,” said Moore.

Follow @cottovic

Bill Belichick is aiming at his fourth Super Bowl title.

If you’re a fan of the NFL, this is a bittersweet weekend because you are getting a full day worth of football, but very agonizing if you expected your team to be in this spot and you begin to realize that the season is winding down.

The New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers are in the final-four. Winners go to the Super Bowl. The losers lament a season that just fell short of being on the grand stage.

RAVENS vs. PATRIOTS

For Baltimore, it’s a simple formula…

Run Ray Rice and hope to get enough pressure on Tom Brady to slow down his offensive onslaught.

In their last playoff meeting, Rice had a monster outing and then boasted about it being his finest day as a pro. The Ravens rushed that afternoon for 234-yards in a 33-14 win at Foxborough. The same must happen again.

Baltimore has to play keep-away, control the clock and pound that suspect New England defense. Yes, the Patriots played inspired football last weekend and looked fiery versus the Broncos. But that was a different offense. The Ravens are far more versatile and can move the chains with consistency with a balanced attack.

Sure, Tom Brady will put up points. That Ravens secondary doesn’t have the talent at cornerback to match-up outside with New England, nor do they want to use their linebackers and safeties in space to cover the best tight end tandem in the league. But ultimately, if Terrell Suggs and the rest of the front-seven can get into the pocket, that can shift the flow of the game dramatically.

Brady is a master and on a mission. Bill Belichick can still game plan with the best of them. And having the game in New England will be vital.

Ultimately, I trust Brady more. And even with all their flaws on defense, I can’t see Joe Flacco playing a mistake free game. As much as I like Rice and what he could potentially do, Belichick and co. will find a way to corral him and Brady’s arsenal will make the Ravens look slow and old.

PREDICTION: Patriots 34 – Ravens 27

GIANTS vs. 49ERS

Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers one-win from the big-game.

Who do I trust more? Eli Manning or Alex Smith? Easily… I’ll go with the man who has already won a ring and more importantly, a passer who has played league MVP-type football all-season for the New York Giants, but will be trumped by the likes of Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers in the voting.

San Francisco’s defense is legit. They are tough, as evidenced by some of the hitting last week and are stout versus the run. But even Brees carved them up and had the Saints up late in the 4^th quarter, while being a one-dimensional attack. The 49ers will get a heavy dose of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw, and the Giants the last few weeks have had just as good as a aerial attack as anyone in the league.

Jacobs and Bradshaw are tough and shifty, can break big runs and will keep the 49ers off-balance enough to move the chains and help Manning’s play-action.

The 49ers need a major effort from Frank Gore. If not, they’ll have to depend on Smith’s arm again and that suspect group of receivers. The Giants secondary can be had. But can Kyle Williams, Michael Crabtree or Ted Ginn Jr. make enough plays? They were non-existent last weekend, and the only thing that saved the Niners’ offense was a career-performance from their all-world tight end, Vernon Davis.

Running the ball with Gore is a must. They need a 25+ carry, 130+ yard performance out of him. If they want to slow down that Giants’ pass rush, they must run right at Jason Pierre-Paul and neutralize New York’s four-man rush attack. If Perry Fewell has to commit extra men near the line of scrimmage to stop Gore, that could open it up for Davis, who has a clear advantage over anyone on the Giants defense who tries to cover him.

This game will be tight at the end. As I stated earlier, I trust Manning more, and if New York can apply some pressure on Smith, he’ll surely make a throw that will hurt  his team.

PREDICTION: Giants 23 – 49ers 17

Follow @cottovic

Richard Seymour and the Raiders need one more win and some help for a division crown.

It’s all come down to this for the Oakland Raiders (8-7)…

A victory versus the San Diego Chargers (7-8) and a loss for the Denver Broncos (8-7), and they’ll be AFC West champions.

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) will have to go on the road and notch their fourth win away from Arrowhead against Tim Tebow for Oakland to have their first division title since 2002.

Just weeks ago, Oakland was atop the division – sitting pretty. But a three-game losing streak and Tebow’s miraculous run catapulted the Broncos to first-place. Denver has lost two in a row and Oakland pulled out an overtime victory on Saturday to give them a shot at making the post-season.

Hue Jackson said after the game at Kansas City: “I keep telling you people that his team is not going to quit. We are not perfect, I understand that. But we are a group of men that will fight and keep playing and they’ll play it out to the end.”

They’ll have to continue to fight to extend their current three-game winning streak against the Chargers. Oakland swept Norv Turner’s team in 2010 and won at San Diego November 10, 24-17.

They’ve done it without Darren McFadden and Jacoby Ford. Denver’s late slide could open the door for a division crown. The defense has buckled that last few weeks when trying to put away games, but they remain alive.

Oakland can also win a wild card if they win and get help from the Baltimore Ravens, who face the Cincinnati Bengals on the last weekend of the regular season.

The Raiders could be a 4^th seed as division champs and face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Ravens at the O.co Coliseum. It’s foreseeable that either road team could be favorites on the road, as neither is a favorable match-up for the Silver & Black.

If by chance Oakland gets the 6^th seed, they could face the Houston Texans, in a rematch of their week-five meeting. The Raiders defeated the Texans 25-20, on the weekend Al Davis passed away.

With their injuries, lack of post-season experience and Oakland’s late season scamper to get in, it may be the opportune time to pick them off. A loss against the Titans would give Houston a three-game losing streak going into the playoffs. And with a victory already at that site, Oakland could be more of a threat in that position than at home against a physical Ravens club with a shifty, dynamic rusher (Ray Rice) and a stout defense, or a veteran Steeler club that can win at any venue with their clutch quarterback and physical defense.

Oakland was hurt last year when they went 6-0 within their division and missed making the playoffs, needing a lot of help to get in and losing key games down the stretch.

“It’s just tough because all through training camp, we knew that we had a team that could win the (AFC) West, make the playoffs and compete,” Michael Huff said in December of 2010. “I guess we’re not going to get the chance.”

Not getting a shot this year would hurt twice as much due to squandering opportunities and getting a shot at it on the final week of the season. With Davis’ passing and the lofty and boisterous expectations of their head coach, an 8-8 finish this time around or no playoffs, even with the injuries they have withstood and happenings in 2011, would be a major disappointment.

It was Jackson who wanted to build a bully. It was Jackson who took over a team that already had reached .500 last season. It was Jackson who planted that seed in his player’s minds that they were playoff ready. Can they actually get in now?

They had a three-game home stretch versus the Browns, Chiefs and Broncos, with a bye sandwiched in, and failed to get separation. After losing their starting passer for the year with an injury, they picked up Carson Palmer to salvage the season and possibly carry them further. They would have been stuck with Kyle Boller otherwise, a move that really changed their season and that many other teams either wouldn’t be able to make, or wouldn’t pull off – a rarity in this league to pick-up a passer of that magnitude within a season.

Pick-ups like Aaron Curry and Bryan McCann have worked. Having depth at running back helped, as any other team that would’ve lost their most dynamic presence on offense, could’ve been crippled. But Oakland had a suitable back up at their area of strength.

They lost a very good edge rusher for the year, but again, at a unit where depth is not a concern.

People could point to Campbell’s injury, Davis’ death and other happenings as major reasons why they could’ve folded. But in fact, they have had just as many opportunities placed on their laps and been given second and third chances to get back into the post-season.

One week from now, they’ll either be kicking themselves for not taking making a stop at Buffalo, tanking it at home against the Chiefs, Broncos and on the road at Miami and squandering a late lead versus the Lions, or preparing for a wild-card playoff game, their first since January 12, 2002, when they defeated the Jets 38-24, before falling the following weekend during the infamous ‘Tuck Rule’ contest.
Follow @cottovic

LOCKED-IN

New England Patriots (9-3)

Only injuries could derail their run for a first-round bye. But, as I stated a few weeks ago, Bill Belichick’s defense may be too leaky to move on during the post-season.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

In late November, I stated that this could be the most dangerous team in the AFC, regardless of venue and opponent they face. Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger and a gritty defense could beat anyone, anywhere.

Baltimore Ravens (9-3)

Their schedule is weak enough to help them end the season strong. If Pittsburgh slips a tad, John Harbaugh’s crew could take the division.

ON THE RISE

Denver Broncos (7-5)

Tim Tebow is the talk of the NFL. The Broncos lead the league in rushing, have taken the top spot in the AFC West and are in the midst of a five-game winning streak since the polarizing passer got under center.

QUIET THREAT

New York Jets (7-5)

They’ve won two in a row; have a home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, and appear to strike again late in the season. Rex Ryan’s team has a knack of making late season runs to sneak into the playoffs. Will it happen again?

OVERRATED

Houston Texans (9-3)

In my first installment of this playoff outlook, I believed the Texans were overrated. Andre Johnson still isn’t 100% and their quarterback situation did not get any better since. Gary Kubiak has done a nice job keeping this team together and should be considered for coach of the year, but I have little faith this team can make noise in January.

FLOUNDERING

Oakland Raiders (7-5)

Face Green Bay tomorrow, then the Detroit Lions in Ndamukong Suh’s return, before facing two rivals as the season winds down. If they win the West and make the playoffs, it would be hard earned. They need Darren McFadden and their receivers to get healthy as soon as possible.

Tennessee Titans (7-5)

Chris Johnson is starting to heat up, but it’s too little too late for a team that has been surprisingly competitive all campaign.

Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)

A victim of being in a tough AFC North, the Bengals have set themselves up for the future nicely. Seven wins was unexpected with a rookie passer – a playoff spot is just the cherry on top of the sundae.

Seedings if the playoffs were to begin today:

1. Pats; 2. Steelers; 3. Texans; 4. Broncos; 5. Ravens; 6. Bengals.

Here was my playoff outlook prior to week-12:

AFC Playoff picture heading into Week-12

Follow @cottovic

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is pointing towards an AFC East title.

This weekend’s match-ups in the NFL will be the last for the month of November, as the league heads for its stretch run towards the playoffs. SBReport.net will take a weekly look at the playoff contenders and pretenders in the AFC until we hit the post-season.

LOCKED IN

New England Patriots (7-3)

They have an easy schedule, with games lined up against the Colts (0-10), at Washington (3-7), and at Denver (5-5), before closing at home versus the Dolphins (3-8) and Bills (5-5). They are destined for an opening week bye in the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed after that with a shaky defense.

Baltimore Ravens (8-3)

They are unbeaten at home, so expect the Ravens to go hard to ensure a bye and home field advantage. Baltimore is a contender to come out of the AFC, but Joe Flacco has to step his game up a few notches.

ON THE RISE

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)

Mike Tomlin’s bunch is playoff tested and if they get in, regardless of venue, they’ll draw from that past success and Ben Roethlisberger’s clutch play to carry them through. With two games remaining against the Browns and a match-up against the Rams, it’s foreseeable they’ll be on the road on Wild-Card weekend with double digit wins.

QUIET THREAT

Oakland Raiders (6-4)

Carson Palmer is hitting his stride – and he hasn’t had Darren McFadden in the line-up since he took over as starter. Things broke right for the Silver & Black this week: facing a Jay Cutler-less Bears squad. The rest of the division is floundering and as long as Oakland takes care of business the final two weeks of the campaign, they’ll have a home playoff game for the first time since 2002.

OVERRATED

Houston Texans (7-3)

They lost Matt Schaub, so they’ll lean heavily on Arian Foster (740-rushing yards) and Ben Tate (686). Andre Johnson should be back soon, but will their defense show up in big spots? Will their rankings on defense  translate to playoff football?

FLOUNDERING

Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

They could end up with a better record than the West winner and not make the playoffs. Still, this team is too young and not ready for primetime action – and it will show.

New York Jets (5-5)

They don’t ground and pound anymore, and regardless of what Rex Ryan and the staff says, questions are surrounding Mark Sanchez’s development and ability to carry a club. The defense has been broken in key spots, as this could be the weakest of Ryan’s units since he landed in New York.

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Not the same team that was on a roll at the start of the season. Goes to show you in the NFL, is not whom you play, but when you play them.

Denver Broncos (5-5)

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow didn't stop winning after he left Oakland.

Yes, floundering, but on the prey with Tim Tebow. If Denver can covert a few more 3^rd downs and get more dynamic on offense the next few weeks, they have a solid enough defense to scare the Raiders atop the division. Heck, who am I to question Tebow? I don’t want to get struck by lightning.

Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Unless there is a collapse in Houston, the Titans will be on outside looking in. The Texans have taken advantage of a weak division and a soft schedule, winners of four in a row, to put distance between themselves and the Titans.

Click on this link to follow Victor Cotto on Twitter and get up to date news, updates & thoughts on the Silver & Black.

He will work alongside Hue Jackson once again, as both were part of the Baltimore Ravens’ staff in 2008 and 2009.

“He’s been huge for us, but you don’t want to deny guys opportunities either,” coach John Harbaugh said. “So, we’ll just have to see where it goes.”

Saunders has worked with Jason Campbell in Washington in 2006/2007, could alleviate Jackson’s move to the top by taking on offensive coordinator duties – helping with the game plan with his extensive playbook and preparing the players during the week leading up to the game. Jackson has stated he will continue to play call on game days.

Saunders has interviewed for the Raiders many times, including in 2004 when Bill Callahan was canned and in 2006 after Norv Turner was fired. In 2009, Saunders interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator position, a Raider official confirmed.

“We expect to talk to him in the next day or two,” team executive John Herrera said. “He’s a guy we’ve known for a long time on the other side of the field.

Al Davis has admired Saunders, as the long time play caller is a proponent of the “Air Coryell” passing game.

When Saunders was the Chargers head coach in 1986, he stated about the Silver & Black, “The Raiders defensive mentality push ‘em in the face and crunch ‘em.”

Saunders in 2006 accepted a three-year, $6 million deal to become the Redskins offensive coordinator.

Now, the Chad Ochocinco to the Raiders speculation by fans and some media will only heat up, especially if the Cincinnati Bengals decide to part ways with the talkative and boisterous target.

As soon as Jackson became head coach, the Bengals’ wide receiver tweeted:

“Congratulations 2 Hue Jackson for becoming the Oakland Raiders new head coach. Best receiver coach I ever had.”

He also posted these messages in the past regarding the new Raider head coach:

“It would be refreshing to be with Hue Jackson again. I know I wouldn’t have to worry about being thrown under a bus again.”

“I would not care where Hue Jackson got a job. I would go play for him, run through a wall, jump in front of a bus, etc. u get the point.”

The need is there for Oakland.

Jacoby Ford appears to be headed in the right direction. Louis Murphy is fiery and a tough competitor, but still way too inconsistent to be a starter in this league. Chaz Schilens is cheap and has solid attributes – the only reason why he is kept around, because his fragility would have been a major reason why other team’s would’ve released him already. Darrius Heyward-Bey is on the road to ‘bust-ville’ and any other receiver they have is a never will be or not NFL material.

With as many points Oakland scored this year, imagine an attack with Ochocinco, those young developing targets getting pushed down the depth chart with not as much pressure on them, Zach Miller getting some aide in the passing attack and Jason Campbell comfortable with a ‘go to’ target in his second year with Jackson. Sprinkle some more reliable offensive line play and now you can talk about the offense taking that next big step to the elite level of the league. A lot of ‘ifs’ and many of those positives are not just going to happen as easy as saying it, but the framework can be there.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Bill Williamson posted on his ESPN blog:

[Hue] Jackson, who has been said to be targeting Baltimore assistant Al Saunders and Chuck Pagano for offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively, must make sure his team heads in the right direction on defense. There is a lot of talent on that side of the ball, but Oakland gave up way too many big plays. It allowed at least 31 points six times.

On Sunday morning, I posted this tidbit regarding Oakland’s search to fill their staff:

As for the defensive side of the ball, Oakland will have to look elsewhere to find their new coordinator.

Darren Perry, Winston Moss, Lou Spanos & Chuck Pagano could be targets for the vacant opening.

Pagano joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2008, coaching a secondary that has ranked consistently among the league’s best.

He was the defensive backs coach for the Silver & Black for two seasons (2005-2006).

In his last year with the Raiders, the secondary was the NFL’s best, allowing just 150.8 yards per game, and ranking third in total defense, giving up 284.8 yards per contest. Pagano worked with Nnamdi Asomugha, who finished third in the league with eight interceptions.

When asked what are characteristics of a Pagano coached secondary, he replied, “Tough. Competitive. Smart. Great tackling. In the right spots.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

His record after Raider victories: 1-9. Opponents have outscored the Silver & Black 215-78 in those contests.

Here’s a breakdown of Oakland’s struggles under Cable after victories:

2008

Oakland coming off a 16-13 home victory versus the New York Jets, laid an egg on the road at Baltimore.

Final Score: Ravens 29 – Raiders 10

In this game, Oakland allowed 192-yards rushing. The Ravens recorded a safety, sacked JaMarcus Russell four times and the Silver & Black only managed 47-rushing yards while going 2-13 on third downs. “The first half, we just got our tails whipped at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Cable said. “There’s really no other way to put it.”

“It’s just challenging them,” Cable said. “I’m going to say this again: We have a good football team that’s got to believe … in itself. That’s where it starts, and it starts with me.”

After the game, I spoke to Thomas Howard and mentioned the 242 yards allowed versus the Jets the prior week and the 192 on the ground that afternoon and he said, “I don’t think the Jets ran for that many yards against us last week. I mean they only scored, what, 10-points against us last week. If that. I don’t know how many they had tonight….”

After a 31-10 road victory in Denver, the Raiders came home and lost 20-13 to the Kansas City Chiefs

At that point the Chiefs had a worst record than the Raiders, notching their second victory of the campaign (2-10). Kansas City ran for 145-yards, snapped a seven-game losing streak, but left Oakland with their six straight win in front of the ‘Black Hole.’

Cable’s team botched a field goal that was returned 67-yards for a score and when they lined up for a 43-yard field on a 4^th and 10, they attempted to fake it by flipping the ball to Sebastian Janikowski and expecting him to scamper for a first down. “We haven’t had a problem handling it for almost two years now,” Cable said. “It’s been something we’ve worked for really two years. We’ve handled it well. It’s something we’ve come up with. We just didn’t execute it.”

The Chiefs had allowed a franchise worst 54-points the prior week versus Buffalo. Yet Oakland had their eyes set on a bigger, unrealistic prize at that point.

“It hurts just a little bit because we were thinking about the playoffs,” stated Nnamdi Asomugha. “Even though we were 3-8, we were still thinking that there was a chance that we could get to the playoffs. It hurts us because now it’s pretty much out of the way. So, we just got to keep playing and, hopefully, get some more wins before the season’s over.”

2009

The Raiders went on the road and beat the Chiefs 13-10 in week-two. The following weekend, Denver blasted them 23-3 in Oakland.

Oakland only managed 137-total yards with Russell under center and fans began to boo the former first overall pick consistently. “I know that the guys in my locker room are behind me,” Russell said. “When the fans get to that, it’s kind of where they seem like they’re fed up. But again, until you come out and play like I know we should and get back on track it will be a different story.”

Oakland shocked the Philadelphia Eagles 13-9 in week-six, but again failed to get a back-to-back win due to a dismantling at the hands of the Jets, 38-0.

Mark Sanchez came into the contest struggling, New York had lost three in a row, Kris Jenkins was lost for the season a week prior, the defense was ranked last in sacks and torched the last four weeks during Rex Ryan’s most tumultuous stint of the season.

The Jets ran for 316-yards and forced four turnovers. “I don’t think we could have beaten an Oakland high school team today,” Richard Seymour said.

Oakland takes it to the Bengals 20-17 in week-11, but gets embarrassed the following game on national television.

Final Score: Cowboys 24 – Raiders 7

The Raiders went into the contest excited after a huge home win. But Dallas torched them for nearly 500-yards of total offense on Thanksgiving Day. Oh, the starter that day – Bruce Gradkowski.

Oakland stuns the Steelers 27-24, but follow it up with a stinker against the Redskins.

Washington was coming off a tough home defeat, but Jason Campbell led a 17-point 4^th quarter, helping his team tally only their fourth win of the campaign.

“I feel for the guys here, because we don’t come into the week saying, ‘Well, we got our one, so who cares about this next one,” stated Asomugha. “Guys are really actually going out there saying, ‘Let’s get two. Let’s get three.’ And then for some reason it has always happened this way. You can’t put your finger on it. But this is one we thought we gonna be able to get. Guys came in confident. That second-in-a-row thing got us again.”

Denver falls to Silver & Black 20-19 at home. Oakland then goes back to the ‘Black Hole’ and gets manhandled by the Cleveland Browns.

Final Score: Browns 23 – Raiders 9

Charlie Frye amasses 333-passing yards for Oakland, but the 5-win Raiders fall to a 3-win team. Cleveland ran for 164-yards and Cable’s bunch tallied 13-penalties and had two players ejected.

2010

After getting by the Rams 16-14 at home, Oakland falls to the Cardinals on the road in week-three.

Final Score: Cardinals 24 – Raiders 23

“We had a lot of opportunities, but that one goal-line stand is right now killing me,” Gradkowski said.

Janikowski had a shot at the end of the contest to get the Raiders a victory, but failed with a missed 32-yarder as time expired.

Which one of these two coaches will be under fire after Sunday's game?

NOW THIS WEEKEND: Oakland faces the winless San Francisco 49ers (0-5). Mike Singletary’s club is coming off heartbreaking contested defeats. Their owner Jed York proclaimed, “We’re going to win the division,” in a text message to ESPN.  Alex Smith is under the gun, with the home crowd chanting for back-up David Carr. Oakland snapped a long losing streak against the Chargers. They pulled off stunning victory on Sunday and don’t even have to travel far for this road game. They’ll be a large contingent of Raider fans in San Francisco. If Oakland wants to get to .500, make some noise in a weak AFC West, validate Cable’s proclamation that this is a good team and turn the corner on what has been a historic double digit losing record year-after-year, they have to win against a club with far more and bigger issues.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Seneca Wallace in Cleveland muddied things for Troy Smith

According to Ken Murray of the Baltimore Sun, a good destination for quarterback Troy Smith may be the Oakland Raiders.

Smith, tendered at his original fifth-round level, has stated his desire to bolt Baltimore. His agent went as far as to say that he “would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland,” in a report by The (Canton) Repository.

Ralph Cindrich stated, “That’s clearly where his heart is. That’s where his love is. He has a great relationship in Baltimore and with the fans as long as I don’t muck it up too much. He has a great relationship with (Ravens GM) Ozzie Newsome.

“It’s just that this is where home is. In the offseason, he tells me, ‘Get me home.’”

Problem is the Browns already acquired Seneca Wallace and at this moment, may not be looking to add another passer. Unless, reports are true regarding the Browns desire to move Brady Quinn. They already parted ways with Derek Anderson and some league sources have stated that Jake Delhomme was scheduled to visit Cleveland.

Smith could be reunited with Hue Jackson in Oakland, a coach he is familiar with. Jackson will be in charge of the Silver & Black’s offense and could vouch for Smith as a potential competitor against JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski in 2010.

After visiting the bay area, tight end Anthony Becht decided to stay in Arizona, signing a one-year deal with the Cardinals.

California running back Jahvid Best, who posted a 4.35 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine, spoke to reporters and stated that Raider assistants Kelly Skipper (running backs) and Jim Michalczik (offensive line) chatted with him.

“They did interview me,” Best said. “I think I showed them Raiders speed.”

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.”