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.”

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.

Is Jackson being looked at to groom Russell?

A report by ESPN states that the Oakland Raiders are asking permission to speak to Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback coach Hue Jackson.

The Raiders reportedly have received permission to talk to the 24-year coach for an unspecified position.

We can assume that Oakland is looking for as much support as possible for JaMarcus Russell. Jackson worked his first season as a quarterback’s coach in 2008 with rookie Joe Flacco.

Jackson has been the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2007) and the Washington Redskins (2003).

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 receivers.

Chad 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.

Sanjay Lal has not had success working with some of the young wide-outs in Oakland. Could this be an addition to boost their development? Is to help out Russell? Heck, it’s Raider-Land, so for all we know, he may be interviewing for a head coaching spot.

Or, is Jackson being looked at to groom young targets such as Higgins?

No announcement has been made about Tom Cable’s status, so its unlikely talks with Jackson will help the Raiders comply with the Rooney Rule.

All we know at this point is, Jackson has been contacted and with his expertise, the Raiders could surely have him dabble in many of the non-functional spots on this club.

Here is a link to Jackson’s profile on the official Baltimore Ravens web site:

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Hue_Jackson.aspx

JaMarcus Russell

Chaz Schilens

Nnamdi Asomugha

Richard Seymour

Zach Miller hauled in a Charlie Frye pass for a score

QUARTERBACK:

Charlie Frye – A

Frye was gutsy during his performance, limping around till halftime and compiling 180-yards passing and 1 touchdown on 18-of-25. He led the Raiders to 191 total yards of offense. He knew were he wanted to go with the football giving his targets a chance to move the chains. Frye started Oakland’s third drive down 7-0 with a 15-yard pass to Chaz Schilens. A few plays later, he connected with Johnnie Lee Higgins for 16-yards and then on 3^rd and 7, he spun around and scrambled to free himself and hook up with Higgins for 16-yards. Oakland scored on that drive and cut into the Baltimore lead, 7-3. In the 2^nd quarter, he performed an outstanding play fake, turning his back to the defense and then hitting Higgins for 21-yards. Five plays later, he showed great touch lobbing a 12-yard pass to Zach Miller in the end zone. The score cut the Ravens lead to 14-10 and gave him his first touchdown pass since October of 2008.

JaMarcus Russell – C-

His insertion came with a chorus of boos, but often he was able to turn the jeers to cheers. On 2^nd and 7 on his first series, Russell scanned the field and then hit Schilens for 18-yards. On 2^nd and 8 in his second drive, Russell hit Louis Murphy in stride for 11-yards. And on 3^rd and 14 a few plays later, he rocketed a pass to Schilens for 17 yards. Oakland was able to cut into the Baltimore lead on that drive, 14-13. But then he unraveled at the end of the 3^rd quarter with a pivotal interception into the hands of linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who ran it back 28-yards to the Oakland 22-yard line. A few plays later Willis McGahee tallied his third touchdown of the game to give the Ravens a 21-13 lead. It appeared Russell would shake off the turnover with completion of 18 yards and a 3^rd and 7 conversion to Murphy for 20-yards. But in Russell fashion, he coughed it up again when he did not feel the pressure on his backside and Antwan Barnes forced a fumble at the Baltimore 25-yard line.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: D

Michael Bush was used as a battering ram against that stout Ravens rush defense. Problem was, he had no room to wiggle through and had little effectiveness throughout the afternoon. Bush ended with 10 carries for 18-yards. Darren McFadden did not fare better with 9 yards on 5-carries. He only paid dividends on a 2^nd and 8 in the 1^st quarter when he drew an illegal contact flag on Frank Walker split out wide as a receiver. McFadden did aide Frye on a scramble on 3^rd and 1, blocking defensive tackle Haloti Ngata at the 1^st down marker.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: A

Chaz Schilens compiled 99-yards on 8 receptions. He had his best game of the season and provided one of the better highlights on Sunday jumping over former Raider Chris Carr on a 22-yard gain. Higgins closed the season on a high note as a receiver with 4 catches for 71-yards. Murphy had a career best 6 grabs for 59-yards. Zach Miller ended with 7 catches for 38-yards, including a solid route beating Ray Lewis into the end zone and leaping to haul in his third touchdown of the campaign.  Marcel Reece was used as a target and saw increased playing time in the finale.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

They were not able to move the Ravens front seven and the running suffered with only 51-yards in the day. Baltimore compiled three sacks as well. Cornell Green added to his penalty resume with a ineligible man down the field infraction to open the game, a false start on 3^rd and 9 when Russell entered in the third quarter and another false start on the Raiders last offensive possession.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

The Ravens ran for 240 yards. Baltimore’s offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage when they decided to run the ball consistently and stabilized a Raiders front four that can get to the passer. Jay Richardson chased down Joe Flacco as the passer got back to the line of scrimmage. Greg Ellis was quiet this afternoon and Richard Seymour had a few highlights, but not enough to significantly affect what the Ravens wanted to accomplish.

LINEBACKERS: D

It seemed like Kirk Morrison was out of position all day or being pushed around by Ravens’ linemen. He tallied a sack, but the linebacker was caught in pass coverage and his 9 solo tackles were not effective. Thomas Howard jarred a Ray Rice potential completion loose and Trevor Scott tallied another sack (7 for the season).

SECONDARY: B-

Mike Mitchell and Michael Huff shared a sack today

Nnamdi Asomugha shut down Derrick Mason. Asoomugha’s corner blitz on 3^rd and 8 forced Flacco into Morrison. Flacco ended with a meek 102 passing yards and Stanford Routt played solid for an inactive Chris Johnson. Routt’s lone blip was when he got beat by Mark Clayton on 3^rd and 5 for 7 yards with 5 minutes left in the game. Tyvon Branch had his moments, but he again at times was sub par in space. Branch was out of position on the Ravens big running plays. Mike Mitchell and Michael Huff shared a sack on 3^rd and 8 to end a Ravens drive in the final quarter. Hiram Eugene’s horrific attempt at a tackle sprung Willis McGahee for his 77-yard touchdown scamper. His high off-balance attempt was met with a stiff arm that left him in the turf.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C-

Sebastian Janikowski hit both of his field goals (37 and 39 yards). Shane Lechler capped off a solid campaign with 5-punts for an average of 52.4. But the coverage teams were bad; allowing 138-yards by Jalen Parmele including a 54-yard kickoff return to the Oakland 43-yard line that was a backbreaker after Oakland cut the lead to 14-10 (Brandon Myers missed tackle). Fortunately, the Ravens couldn’t score, as Billy Cundiff missed from 37-yards as time expired at intermission.

COACHING: B

John Marshall brought the heat on a few blitzes and it helped the Raiders corral the Ravens at times. Tom Cable tried to mix up the play calling with two reverses to Murphy that tallied 17-yards. And considering they played a solid defense that neutralized their running game, Oakland moved the ball well via the pass and gave themselves chances to stay close and possibly tie the game late. Cable’s team played well at home to close the season, and with little fan support due to an empty stadium, they tried their best to keep the ravens out of the playoffs.

GAME NOTES

• McGahee ended with 16 carries for 167 yards and 3 rushing scores. He had big runs all day; including a 36-yard scamper on 3^rd and 5 that ended any chance of a Raider comeback. That run was out of a spread formation and Oakland’s front seven was not able to seal the corner on the edge run. Ray Rice also was solid, compiling 70-yards on the ground. On his 27-yard rush, Kirk Morrison lost containment  and another run, Branch and Mitchell were caught inside with all the traffic.
• Russell ended his dreadful campaign 9/14 for 102 yards, one interception and a rating of 56.3.
• The loss extended the Raiders streak to seven straight seasons with 11 or more defeats in a campaign. That is a NFL worst.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

As for the Baltimore Ravens, safety Ed Reed and tackle Jared Gaither will be in uniform.

The Ravens, who need a win to make the playoffs have listed: QB John Beck, WR Justin Harper, DB Marcus Paschal, DB Keith Fitzhugh, ILB Tavares Gooden, G David Hale, G Tony Moll and NT Kelly Talavou as inactive.

Chaz Schilens was boisterous after his 60-yard reception versus Baltimore in 2008

In the season finale, the Oakland Raiders (5-10) will play host to the Baltimore Ravens (8-7). And it’s a simple formula for the Ravens – win the game and you’re in the playoffs. Oakland has lost five of the six meetings against Baltimore, the last time being a 29-10 thrashing in which they allowed 192-yards rushing during week-eight of the 2008 campaign.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It will be Charlie Frye again under center, as Tom Cable continues to reiterate how the journeyman gives his club the best chance to win as oppose to the mega-bust in the making JaMarcus Russell.

Frye may have the services of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Brandon Myers this week. Both took the field during Wednesday’s practice session and Tom Cable stated that either might have a chance to see a reserved role on Sunday.

Justin Fargas (knee) and Langston Walker (ankle) don’t look as promising as they sat out during mid-week practices.

What to Expect:

It’s the last game of the year, so its time for Cable to throw the kitchen sink at the Ravens and open up the offense. Chaz Schilens has been a nice spark since coming off his injury and the combo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in the backfield could provide enough diversity to make some plays against the Ravens 3^rd ranked defense. Since there is no tomorrow for the Silver & Black, they should display ‘Wildhog’ formations with McFadden and let Frye air it out against a team that will desperately need the win to continue their season.

On Defense:

“It doesn’t motivate me to be no spoiler,” defensive Greg Ellis said yesterday. “I want to be the one that’s going there and somebody’s trying to spoil my stuff.

Ellis has enjoyed a solid season with the Raiders, although knee injuries have hindered his availability to practice during the week. His ability to get to the passer this week will be of importance against Joe Flacco.

Oakland’s rush defense will be put to the test by Pro Bowl bound Ray Rice, who has paced the Ravens offense with 1,269 yards on 240 carries for a stellar 5.3 yards a carry average, 7 touchdowns and leading the team with 74 catches.

What to Expect:

Again, the Raiders have no tomorrow after Sunday, so John Marshall’s bunch should blitz alter their coverage’s and try to confuse Flacco and the Ravens offense. In recent weeks, we’ve seen solid outings from the front-seven in trying to slow the bleeding versus the run. Baltimore averages 130 yards per game on the ground and will pound away all game in order to make big plays in their aerial attack.

Kirk Morrison hopes to close the season with some celebrations

BALTIMORE RAVENS

On Offense:

When the Ravens win, Flacco is usually upright and making plays. The second year pro wants to take his team to the playoffs once again and if he does, it will behind the strength of their offensive line and their ability to pave lanes for Rice and protect their franchise passer.

“We just have to execute better,” left guard Ben Grubbs stated this week. “When you watch the film, there’s no special remedy to our problems. Literally, it’s sometimes about taking the right step or using our hands better. It could’ve been a different game. So we just have to focus on the little things, which could lead to big things.”

Jared Gaither has missed has missed the last three-games but could be available Sunday. “We’ve just got to block them. That’s as simple as it is,” he said.

What to Expect:

Ravens want to punish the Raiders’ front seven to slow down their rush and make Flacco’s play action more effective. In Baltimore’s eight wins, their passer has been sacked 14-times. During their seven losses, he has been taken down 18-times.

On Defense:

Ray Lewis still remains the emotional leader of this organization and this week, he has set the tone in regards of going into Oakland and coming out of there with a playoff berth.

“We don’t overlook anybody,” he said. “I don’t care what their record is or what their situation is.

“Everything is about beating the Raiders. Period. We will be ready.”

Ed Reed – who has been out of action with a groin injury – could play. Reed talked about an ESPN report that stated he would play Sunday, saying, “[Reporters] seem to know the decision before I even make it. It’s funny, but none of it is right. I don’t really pay no mind to it.”

“Honestly, it will be a game-time decision,” Reed said.

What to Expect:

The Ravens defense will play on emotion and with determination to get them into the post-season. But if they are down early, will they begin to panic or make mistakes that Oakland can capitalize on? If the Ravens just bring some consistent heat and don’t allow the Raider rushers to dominate on the ground, this game will be over and decided before the start of the 4^th quarter.

GAME NOTES

• “It’s a good group,” Raiders coach Tom Cable commented about his defensive line during a conference call with the Baltimore media. “We’ve got Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis and Matt Shaughnessy at the end spot and then inside with Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant. And they kind of offset each other and compliment each other in different ways.”
• In one of the most mind numbing moves of the season, Oakland decided to place receiver/returner Nick Miller on injured reserve this week. This after he was diagnosed with shin splints and later with a tibia fracture but remained on the roster and inactive list on gamedays all season. Slade Norris was also place on IR. Safety Jerome Boyd and end Greyson Gunheim will take their places.
• After the game in Baltimore last year, I spoke to Thomas Howard and he stated, “But I felt we did pretty well against the run. The pass is what hurt us. A couple of big pass plays; one to [Williams] and the one to Flacco.” The Ravens ran for 192-yards that day.
• A loss will give Oakland their 11^th defeat, continuing their NFL worst seventh straight season with at least 11 or more.

KEY MATCH UPS

Where is Ray Rice?

The Raiders need to be aware of this multi-faceted star. If he runs wild, the Ravens roll.

Cable vs. the Ravens defense

What does the coach implement this week to combat this tough defense? And more importantly, how does he get his team to perform at a high level to close out another terrible season?

PREDICTION

Ravens 27 – Raiders 9

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Jim Nantz providing play-by-play and former NFL player Phil Simms handling color analysis. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5 and in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited directly from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 4:15 p.m. ET | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (5-10) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-5

Road Team: Baltimore Ravens (8-7) Home: 6-2 Road: 2-5

LINE: Ravens are a 10.5 point favorite

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Nick Miller during pre-season action versus the Dallas Cowboys

It’s official; the Raiders will start Charlie Frye on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Bruce Gradkowski is doubtful for the season finale per Tom Cable and at this point, the coaching staff has no intent of giving JaMarcus Russell any more reps this season.

Russell has been a huge disappointment and for several weeks, Cable has stated that the team has a better shot at performing in a functional manner with other passers under center. And its hard to argue against that when the former number one overall choice led an abysmal attack for most of the season and performed atrociously in the nine-games he started in 2009.

The Raiders are burdened with his presence and the big money doled out since his arrival.

Journeymen like Frye and Gradkowski have started over him, performed better than he has and are just better quarterbacks than him. It will take a immense turnaround this off-season for Russell to get his job back if he remains on the roster.

His work ethic during the off-season, how he comes into camp, the ability to digest and operate a pro offense and exponential growth in all facets of his play will be needed to even fathom the thought of him being the leader at quarterback he should be at this point of his career.

“I just think it’s a matter of him accepting and learning what it is he has to do to be great,” Cable stated. “And I think when he does that then we’ll all enjoy it.”

OTHER NOTES

• Nick Miller – who was never placed on injured reserve – will most likely be out on Sunday again. This is just another head scratching move by the Silver & Black, keeping an un-drafted free agent on the roster all season and never designating him where he belonged. At least he kept Javon Walker company on the sidelines on game days, another receiver who was exiled by the Raiders and that will be one of the monumental free-agent busts in club history. Walker is probably happy to be counting down his days in Oakland. Miller’s only stats this season were during the pre-season: 3 receptions for 61-yards. Where he could have helped the Raiders this season would have been on their kickoff return units. Gary Russell, Jonathan Holland, Louis Rankin and Justin Miller were dreadful.
• Will we see Michael Bush and Darren McFadden get more carries in the finale? Cable all but abandoned the running game last Sunday and now they face a Ravens club that is 6^th best in the league defending that aspect of an offense.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

GET RUSSELL READY FOR MORE ACTION

JaMarcus Russell took his first real beating at the pro level. And what better team to do it than the physical Baltimore Ravens, led by Ray Lewis and the alleged ‘bounty’ hunter, Terrell Suggs.

Even through the tough afternoon, Russell found ways to get back up and complete some tosses with relative ease that many passers around the league can’t even dream about. His 60-yard bomb to Chaz Schilens was a thing of beauty. And getting the ball to Zach Miller on a couple of occasions with Raven defenders draped on him showed the type of moxie that this team will need out of their passer to legitimately call him the ‘franchise.’

“But today … you just keep on fighting,” stated Russell after the Raiders 29-10 drubbing. “Myself, I’m not gonna let ‘em stop me until I can’t throw it anymore. So no matter what it is – a hit or whatever – I’m just gonna keep punching, punching, until I get what I want, as far as in life as well as football.”

This Raider team, who is looking straight down the barrel of another losing season, has to find a silver lining. And that should be the continued development of Russell.

“You have to grow up fast. I think in certain situations, you become better. It’s tough out there, man. I promise. I mean, you can see,” said last year’s first overall pick.

At this point; its time to unleash his boundless talent. Yes, the running game is the backbone of this lowly attack and there isn’t much at wide receiver to compliment Russell’s great abilities. But why hold him back in his second year because of the team’s inability to find adequate targets? Why play conservative football because you are afraid of what he may not be able to do?

It’s time for the Raiders to stop babying Russell. He showed he’s a big boy, standing up to a rugged Ravens and getting back up to keep plugging away.

“To fight for my team. Just to show them that I’m capable. When you show toughness like that, it brings back up your level of play.”

TALKING TO HOWARD

I spoke to Thomas Howard after the game, and he didn’t seem to worried about the rush defense, especially after allowing 242 yards versus the Jets last week, and 192 yesterday against the Ravens.

“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…

But I felt we did pretty well against the run. The pass is what hurt us. A couple of big pass plays; one to [Williams] and the one to Flacco.”

Reality is, the Raiders have struggled against the run. A continuing theme from recent years, when they consistently ranked at the bottom of the NFL in that category. This after emphasizing all year the importance of Gibril Wilson’s acquisition and moving Tommy Kelly back to tackle.

As for that trick play where Joe Flacco was able to haul in a 43-yard pass from Troy Smith, Howard stated, “They made a god play. That’s Cam Cameron. He does trickery type stuff like that. We saw that when he was in Miami. We saw that a ton when he was in San Diego.”

“We had coverage on it, and it was a great play. I’m really surprised by Flacco; that he can run as well as he can.”

GRIFFITH DONE FOR THE YEAR

Oakland announced on Monday that fullback Justin Griffith will need season ending surgery on his right knee.

He tore the ACL in the third quarter yesterday and the managed to score on a 2-yard touchdown toss. “You lose a terrific person, a lot of leadership,” 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.”

This is the second fullback the Silver & Black has lost this season. During the pre-season, the bruising Oren O’Neal also went down with a knee injury. The only remaining fullback on the roster is the seldom-used Luke Lawton.

Although Griffith is not a focal point of the offense, his steady presence and knowledge of Cable’s zone blocking scheme has helped others on the roster improve the Raider rush offense the last two seasons. More adept at pass catching and not really known for typical punishing blocking at fullback, Griffith has compiled 35-receptions for 250 yards and 2 scores since becoming a Raider.