Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders booted JaMarcus Russell off the club and now, the hefty passer will realize how hard it will be to get a new lease on life in the National Football League.

Russell cleared waivers; not surprising considering that any team claiming him would inherit his $9.45 million salary. Oakland had already paid him over $39 million over the course of three disappointing seasons, but the 24-year old will now have to work extremely hard to rehabilitate his image.

The Buffalo Bills could be a destination for the former LSU star. Buffalo is starving to get a starting caliber signal caller, featuring a mix on that unit that is uninspiring.

Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are battling for the top spot. The offense has been horrific in seven years, finishing 25th or worst in the NFL in yards gained during that span. At least five quarterbacks have started eight games or more, including Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb.

Ironically, Buffalo was rumored to acquire Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins prior to the Raiders landing his services.

The New Orleans Saints have already nixed the notion of bringing in Russell.

“I don’t think [we'd consider signing him] right now, with where we’re at,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.  “I’m sure he’s going to look for that other opportunity and our league usually provides that. Certainly, any time the first pick of the draft after three years is released, it’s newsworthy, and that next opportunity for him is going to be important.

“Outside of that, I really haven’t had a chance to study him a lot.”

According to CBS Sports’ web site, the Indianapolis Colts could be a landing spot. The Colts have not commented on their interest and that speculation at this point could be far fetched considering the environment Russell would be stepping into.

Peyton Manning is the anti-Russell and the expectations of offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and senior assistant Tom Moore could be insurmountable for a passer that has very poor work habits and what appears to be a limited football capacity as evidenced by his inability to handle simpler schemes while in Oakland.

Russell is in limbo right now. And if he wants any life in the NFL; he’ll have to work harder than he ever has to gain the confidence of an organization and earn a roster spot based on effort, production and accountability needed to be a solid contributor at any capacity.

But with a bank account that is healthier than when he was a prospect in high school or college, and perceptions around the league that are not to complimentary, Russell will have very few shots to polish that image and will have to locate a newfound desire to be a pro.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

WIVB.com is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will meet with Oakland Raiders right tackle Cornell Green.

Green, 34, has been entrenched at right tackle for the Silver & Black the last three campaigns, tallying 38-starts. His unstable play and tendency to rack up penalties has been one of the major issues along the trenches for the Raiders.

The Bills have a need along the offensive line and Green is one option that won’t be pricey and that has starting experience.

With Khalif Barnes signed and the possibility of the Raiders targeting offensive linemen in this upcoming draft, Green’s departure will be a welcome sight to many.

UPDATE***

Green inked a a 3-year deal with the Bills.

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.

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

 

 

 

 

The Oakland Raiders (1-1) will head east to face the Buffalo Bills (2-0) this Sunday in their second of back-to-back games on the road.

After a morale raising 23-8 victory last weekend at Arrowhead stadium, Oakland will look to shock the undefeated Bills, who are ranked 5^th in the NFL in total defense and 7^th overall in points allowed per game.

Oakland will likely be without the services of Justin Fargas after sustaining a groin injury in their last game. But with young rushers that provide incredible depth, the Raiders will look to continue to put on a show with their second ranked rush attack.

Buffalo will try to reach their best start in 16 years with a win and break Oakland’s four-game winning streak in the series.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Just run, baby! Darren McFadden made a splash last weekend, ripping through the Kansas City defense for 164 yards rushing. Much of the same is needed if the Raiders expect to upset the Bills. And with Fargas looking like he may sit, Michael Bush will provide the change of pace and continue keep the production going for a team that depends heavily on moving the chains via the ground game.

It looks like Kwame Harris will miss his second game in a row with a lingering knee injury. He is listed as doubtful for the game, and with Mario Henderson taking the majority of his reps during practice, expect no. 75 to start at left tackle once again. And after Henderson’s solid performance against the Chiefs, the 2^nd year pro should continue to see action protecting JaMarcus Russell’s blind side until further notice.

What to expect:

When you start the season averaging 225 yards per game on the ground, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what the Raiders must do to pull out a victory. McFadden’s explosiveness has to be on display, and if possible, incorporating him in the passing game with screens or quick tosses to get him with the football in space will help diversify the offense ad space out the Buffalo defense.

The Buffalo secondary has played well to start the season, and their pass rush has compiled 7-sacks. So they’ll be able to stack the line of scrimmage, leave their secondary on a island and attack the Raiders as needed when Russell drops back to pass on long down and distances.

Bush is a solid receiver out of the backfield, so a lot of screens ad misdirections could confuse a Buffalo defense that could be ready to disrupt the young quarterback.

On Defense:

The Raiders played one of their best games in recent memory against the run versus the Chiefs last week. And if the offense can put up points early and play from in front, this defense may have the opportunity to repeat that performance and let their highly talented secondary match-up against Buffalo’s receivers.

A key to their front four is Tommy Kelly, who was arrested on Sunday night on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. It appears that he will play and is ready to take steps forward in his game after signing a multi-year deal this off-season with $18.125 in guarantees. “Me personally, I’m getting better from week-to-week, just trying to get my weight down where I needed at and move from there on,” stated the defensive tackle.

What to expect:

Oakland needs to apply consistent pressure and vary their coverages as they did in Kansas City. Derrick Burgess was aggressive at the onset of the game, and Rob Ryan’s willingness to bring extra defenders benefited the secondary, as they were able to bat balls away and even record an interception that set-up a score.

The Raider secondary must be physical with the Bills wide-outs and put pressure on Trent Edwards to make big plays down the field.

On Special Teams:

Sebastian Janikowski again leads the NFL with 6 touchbacks. And with the dynamic returners that Buffalo has, Janikowski will have boom a few into the back of the end zone to minimize those opportunities for the opponent. His directional kicking on kickoffs and how the coverage teams clog up the field will be vital.

Shane Lechler, who has one of the most powerful legs in the league will likely get them into the end zone as much as possible as well.

BUFFALO BILLS

On Offense:

The 8^th best quarterback ranking in the league belongs to Trent Edwards. And his 70.9 completion percentage has helped the Buffalo offense move the ball down the field and win games. His 37-yard toss to Lee Evans set up the go-ahead touchdown pass to James Hardy last weekend.

Edwards and offensive coordinator Turk Schonert will use their rushers as pass catchers out of the backfield, but their biggest playmaker is Evans, who leads the team with 8 receptions for 179 yards.

One of the strengths of this team is their offensive line, featuring former Raider Langston Walker at right tackle. When Buffalo decides to pound away yardage with Marshawn Lynch, expect them to go to the left where LT Jason Peters and LG Derrick Dockery reside.

What to expect:

Buffalo may see Oakland’s performance against the Chiefs as an aberration, so expect a heavy dosage of Lynch and Fred Jackson. The Bills like to have a balanced attack and if they can’t get either rusher going, it will be tough for their smaller receivers to get open against a Raider secondary that can play physical.

James Hardy, who caught the decisive touchdown last weekend, is the only big target that Edwards has. The rookie wide out will have to make his presence felt in this game if the Bills cannot rush the ball consistently.

On Defense:

Marcus Stroud has impacted the Buffalo defense immensely, especially last weekend when he recorded two sacks and got his fingers on a ball that was intercepted. And after the first game, head coach Dick Jauron stated, “I don’t see how Marcus could play any harder than he did last week [in the opener].”

Starting cornerback Terrence McGee has been limited in practice with a back injury.

What to expect:

Buffalo can rush the passer. And with ends like Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel, Oakland will be tested when they drop back to pass, especially on long down and distances.

The defensive line is much improved, but the Raiders can run block and have the ball carriers to get through those holes quickly and brutally.

On Special Teams:

Buffalo may just have the best special teams in the NFL, with punter Brian Moorman, and game breaking returners like McGee and Roscoe Parrish.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland has won seven of the last eight contests and have an overall lead in the series, 19-15.
• Oakland ranks 31^st in the NFL in passing offense. (106.0 yards per game)
• Javon Walker has practiced this week and will look to have his first contributions in the regular season after being slowed by a hamstring injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Which ground game will help their team the most?

Both clubs want to predicate their offense on the rushing attack. Whoever is able to diversify their offense with success the most, stemming of play action and the effectiveness of the rushing yards attained will be the team to move the chains down the field and put up the points needed to get the ‘w.’

Who has the special, special teams?

Johnnie Lee Higgins has had a solid start to the season returning kicks for the Raiders. But Buffalo can put out some good personnel on their special teams unit as well. If there is a big play on special teams, chances are the team that pulls it off will win.

PREDICTION

Bills 19 – Raiders 16

Both defenses will take advantage of aerial attacks that will struggle. And with the Raiders dealing with off the field distractions, its hard to believe they can go on the road a second straight week and come away with a victory.

TV & RADIO

This week’s game will be televised on CBS with Don Criqui providing play-by-play and former NFL quarterback Dan Fouts 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 Walcof. (Broadcast information found at the Raiders official web site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Buffalo Bills (2-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-0

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

When and Where: Sunday, September 21, 2008, 10:00 a.m. PT | Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY