SBReport.net will take a look at the best and worst moments for the Oakland Raiders (4-3) in the midst of their bye week; including top plays, standout players and performances, and a lot more…
MVP (On Offense)
Darren McFadden, RB – Leads the team with 614-rushing yards; good for second in the AFC. McFadden is their spark plug and alters the look of the offense when he’s rolling. In the year of the quarterback, where offenses are pass happy, McFadden could make a case for himself as a MVP candidate in the league with a strong second half, leading Oakland towards playoff contention.
Honorable Mention:
Jared Veldheer, LT – In his second year, Veldheer is developing into one of the better young left tackles in the league. Oakland has cut down their sack numbers significantly. Their ground attack is powered on the left side. But what has been impressive is his steady play lined up next to a rookie.
MVP (On Defense)
Richard Seymour, DT – A leader, the go to guy in the locker room and the one defender who has a history of championship caliber play. When he’s on his game, Seymour can dominate his match-ups and free up other linemen in the trenches. He leads the team with 5-sacks and on his way to another Pro Bowl.
Honorable Mention:
Tyvon Branch, SS – Has a team high 35-solo tackles. When he’s in the box and playing around the line of scrimmage, Oakland’s run defense generally improves. Branch is a sure tackler and his coverage abilities are underrated.
MVP (On Special Teams)
Sebastian Janikowski, PK – Other teams blink and don’t even attempt long distance field goals when they are near midfield. Oakland can confidently send out Janikowski to put up points and alter the look of a game. His presence is comforting, especially when drives stall. During kickoffs, the coverage teams can nap, as Janikowski will drive the football into the back of the end zone with regularity.
Honorable Mention:
Jacoby Ford, KR – He rounded out to shape the last few games and his return for a score against the Browns was a momentum killer after Cleveland tied the game at seven.
BEST COACH

Bob Wylie, Offensive Line – Veldheer has stabilized the left tackle position and Samson Satele has proven to be reliable and durable. Stefen Wisniewski is not playing like a rookie and the right side, which was a major question mark coming into the season, has held their own. With a top ranked running game and very few sacks allowed, Wylie has to be commended for his work.
MOST IMPROVED (On Offense)
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR – Leads the team with 27-receptions and 434-yards. Since tallying 115-yards against the Patriots, the speedster has enjoyed his best four game stretch as a pro.
MOST IMPROVED (On Defense)
Jarvis Moss, DE – Forced into more action after Matt Shaughnessy’s injury, Moss has proven to be a solid acquisition. Has provided reliable depth and was key in Oakland’s win against the Jets.
BEST ROOKIE
Denarius Moore, WR – Has disappeared as of late, but Moore had a break-out performance against Buffalo and had a touchdown rushing on a reverse against New York.
PLAYER WHO THEY NEED MORE OUT OF…
Rolando McClain, MLB – They need more impact plays out of the linebacker. A few run stuffing tackles and a interception or two could ease up some of the pressure he’ll start feeling, as fans are beginning to worry about this pick. There’s no denying his mental capacity or desire, but can he become a force in the middle of the defense?
Honorable Mention:
Kevin Boss, TE – The free-agent acquisition has eight receptions for 160-yards. His only score as a Raider came out of a fake field goal. Oakland’s offense could be more diverse with Boss in the mix. He’s a big target and can get down the field. If defenses’ have to worry about him, it could only free up the young wide receivers as the season winds down.
PLAYER WHO HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME SINCE INJURY…
Trevor Scott, DE – No sacks and four tackles so far for Scott. His teammates love his work ethic and motor. But since his ACL tear and eventual rehabilitation, Scott has not been effective. Whether at linebacker or end, Scott was a gamer in 2010 for the Silver & Black.
PLAYER THAT NEEDS THE BALL MORE ON OFFENSE…
Jacoby Ford, WR – The Raiders need to find ways to get Ford the ball in space. When he was injured, the reverses and screens that made him a great find as a rookie, went to Moore. One of Hue Jackson’s favorites, expect Ford to touch the ball more after the bye.
BRING IT IN THE SECOND HALF…

- Kamerion Wimbley – Only one sack after leading the team last season.
- Marcel Reece – Will be back from injury after the bye. He presents match-up problems out of the backfield and lined up wide. Could help receivers and Boss get more touches.
- Lamarr Houston – Just one-sack, as I said, Oakland needs their pass rush to be more productive.
SAY GOODBYE TO…
Jason Campbell, QB – With Carson Palmer locked in for a few years; Campbell’s future in Silver & Black looks bleak. He’ll probably want to start, something Oakland can’t give him. The cold facts about the NFL were on display after his injury – a team leader one day, likely seen his final snap under center for the Raiders the next day.
Honorable Mention:
Matt Shaughnessy, DE – He’ll be back next year, but placing him on injured reserve and ending his year was a costly loss. The young end was primed for a break out year and is one of the Raiders best edge defenders.
THREE THINGS THAT MUST IMPROVE:
- Carson Palmer – The Raiders need him to absorb the playbook quickly, get in sync with his targets immediately and lead them forward towards a playoff push.
- Defending against the Pass – Oakland is allowing 279.3 passing yards per game. One way their play will improve against the pass; more consistent pressure up front.
- Mistakes, mental lapses and turnovers – Hue Jackson has harped on the penalty problem, but playing clean football and eliminating mental miscues is a must if they want to win the AFC West.
BEST MOMENTS:
- Rallying versus the Texans on the weekend of Al Davis’ passing – On a emotional afternoon, with heavy hearts, Oakland overcame a deficit and held on late, on the game’s final play to win their first game without the legendary owner.
- Bullying the Jets in front of the ‘Black Hole’ – They ran for 234-yards, beat up Mark Sanchez and enjoyed a 34-24 victory against a top team.
- John Madden lighting up the torch – It was the Raiders first game at home without Davis, and during halftime, the coach who made his mark with the Silver & Black, lit up a cauldron during a ceremony to remember his life.
WORST MOMENTS:

- Al Davis Dying – It’s still unimaginable that the man synonymous with the Silver & Black will no longer be with us.
- Second-Half vs. Bills – Ryan Fitzpatrick torched Oakland, as Buffalo scored at will on every possession in the second half. One stop by the defense, and the Raiders could’ve had another win.
- Chiefs Stomping – Losing to the Chiefs is always painful for the Raiders. But getting trounced at home 28-0 was just embarrassing.
BEST PLAYS:
- Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal versus Denver – Tied for the league’s longest kick and gave the Raiders a 16-3 halftime lead. Oh, Janikowski didn’t really hit it cleanly.
- Moore’s 50-yard TD catch in Buffalo – That gave Oakland a 35-31 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Bills eventually won, 38-35.
- Huff’s INT versus Houston – The free-safety sealed the game with his interception, as time expired, and with the Raiders one-man short.
- Lechler’s TD – Oakland went up 24-7 against the Browns when Shane Lechler connected with Kevin Boss for a 35-yard score, off a fake field goal.
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