Silver and Black Report

Here’s a list of Oakland Raiders that will be free agents this off-season with an explanation of their status after the 2011 season.

UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

OFFENSE ANALYSIS

Undoubtedly, Campbell would like to be a starter and probably feels like he can lead a team. But those chances went down the drain in Oakland when he got injured and Carson Palmer was acquired. The problem for Campbell is that there may not be many jobs for him available. Very few teams are starving for a starter. Miami may be happy with Matt Moore, or they could passer in the draft, Cleveland is going with Colt McCoy, the Chiefs may be in the market for a new face, a return to the Redskins won’t be an option and Seattle, who may look for a quarterback, may look at Vince Young, Matt Flynn or Kyle Orton. A back-up role is his destiny, but where? In Oakland where Jackson showed confidence in him prior to his injury, or elsewhere where he could sneak up on a passer that may be on shaky ground?

Keeping Bush will be imperative. Spending big bucks on running backs isn’t the norm in the NFL, but the former 4^th round pick has little wear and tear on his body, is young and versatile enough to add some pop to any club lacking a ground attack. Oakland would have been in serious trouble if not for Bush’s presence. With questions surrounding Darren McFadden’s durability, the Raiders need to keep this tandem together. A franchise tag for Bush could be an option, especially if they fear he will depart to another club that could front-load a contract for his services.

Reece is a multi-dimensional weapon, out of the backfield or split out wide as a receiver. He is a match-up nightmare that Jackson cannot afford to lose.

Barnes was the weak-link on a very good offensive line this past season. But keeping cohesion in this group will be key. He’ll come cheap, so unless the Raiders are looking for a major upgrade, there’s no way he goes anywhere. Heyer was a serviceable back up, so unless someone showers him with a big contract or a starting role, which is unlikely, Oakland could retain his services. Satele was tough, played injured and gained the respect of Jackson throughout the campaign. That may be enough for him to be retained and keep the powerful left side in tact.

Boller will move on, especially if Campbell is retained. Terrelle Pryor will be third on the depth chart until further notice.

Houshmanzadeh or Schilens will move on. One has the full support of Palmer; the other is young and has a history of injuries, which will dampen interest league wide. If Hue Jackson thinks Houshmanzadeh has anything left in the tank, he’ll be retained.

SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYSIS

Jon Condo will be retained and paid well. Oakland tends to compensate their specialists and breaking up the dynamic kicking and long-snapping trio wouldn’t make sense. Cartwright is a emotional leader and a special teams ace. How much will they value that, especially with Hiram Eugene coming back in 2012?

DEFENSE ANALYSIS

Branch may draw enough interest league wide which could land him a contract big enough that would force Oakland to let him walk. He has youth on his side and is very versatile. The former 4^th round pick could be enticed away by a team in need of starting strong safety.

Chuck Bresnahan was a major reason why Blackstock was brought in. Good on special teams and there for depth, we’ll see if his fate is tied together with Bresnahan’s.

Groves has already mentioned the possibility of him playing elsewhere. Aaron Curry took his job and at this point, Oakland sees him as a one-way player on special teams. With Matt Shaughnessy’s return, it’s unlikely that Jarvis Moss returns, especially if they opt for other choices at end. They’ll likely pick between Moss and Trevor Scott. Scott is more versatile, but the injury he sustained in 2010 made him a non-factor in 2011. A change in defensive alignment could also sway which one stays.

Bryant has developed into a serviceable lineman in a rotation. Some team may be intrigued by his abilities, and if he gets a decent offer, the defender will depart.

Sheppard was picked up mid-season and will not be welcomed back. Especially with Michael Huff moving to cornerback and other youthful options at defensive back.

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SBReport.net wishes everyone a festive evening and a Happy New Year. As we sign out 2011, we bring in a new year with some resolutions for the Oakland Raiders:

Kyle Boller, QB

As soon as Jason Campbell was lost for the season, Oakland pulled the trigger on the Carson Palmer deal. Boller, who started the Raiders first game right after, bombed with three interceptions in the first half versus the Chiefs and never saw action again in 2011.

Resolution: To find a way to obtain the trust of any team as a back-up quarterback.

Kevin Boss, TE

After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Resolution: Boss will draw-up a few more plays himself and sneak them into Hue Jackson’s playbook.

Tyvon Branch, SS

The starting string safety was named a Pro-Bowl alternate this week after a solid campaign.

Resolution: More impact plays in 2012 to ensure he gets the attention needed to make it to Hawaii.

The Oakland Front Office

Resolution: Find a general manager to work in cohesion with Hue Jackson.

Michael Bush, RB

He has compiled 1,316 total yards from scrimmage this year – not too shabby for a back up.

Resolution: To get a big payday. After injuries derailed his final season at Louisville, the rusher missed at a chance of going higher in the draft and earning a lot more money.

Jason Campbell, QB

He was Jackson’s quarterback till the injury. Now, with Palmer in the mix, if he wants to start, Campbell will have to go elsewhere.

Resolution: To find a team that desperately needs a quarterback. There aren’t many options and with Vince Young and Kyle Orton out there, it will be very difficult for Campbell to realistically start anywhere.

Aaron Curry, LB

Resolution: To fulfill his high draft-day expectations as a member of the Silver & Black after Seattle gave up on his career.

Jacoby Ford, WR

Resolution: Better conditioning on those lower extremities. A quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Matt Giordano, S

Resolution: To parlay this solid campaign in Oakland into a multi-year deal.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Resolution: To make the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Rolando McClain, LB

Last year’s resolution: “To land jaw-dropping hits on opponents that weigh over 190 pounds and leave his impression on the Raider defense.

Resolution: See above. Oh, and stay out of the police blotter.

Darren McFadden, RB

Resolution: Play 16-games!

Carson Palmer, QB

Resolution: Regain his form with a full camp and pre-season – he’s not that far away.

Stanford Routt, CB

Resolution: To cut down on the flags… then we’ll hear talk about him being one of the AFC’s top cornerbacks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Our resolution last year for him was: “To break the 50-catch mark in 2011. Thirty-five career catches for a seventh overall selection – the letters B.U.S.T are ominous.” Well, mission accomplished.

Resolution: To become the ‘go-to guy’ in Oakland and turn into a versatile pass catcher on short and deep routes.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Resolution: To bottle-up whatever he took prior to the season and give it to McFadden and Ford. Schilens’ 2011 was not decimated by injuries.

Jared Veldheer, LT and Stefen Wisniewski, LG

Resolution: To get to Hawaii as a tandem.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Resolution: More sacks against teams not named the San Diego Chargers.

Here are last year’s resolutions for Campbell, DHB, McClain, Veldheer and others:

Oakland Raiders: New Year’s resolutions for 2011

Not bad, huh?

Happy New Year to everyone in the Raider Nation!

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MIAMI – Clyde Gates opened the 3^rd quarter with a 77-yard kickoff return, setting up the Miami Dolphins deep in Oakland territory.

Reggie Bush then gained four yards, upping his total to 79-yards for the game, before Miami called a time out on 2^nd and 6. Stanford Routt was called for pass interference on the next play, working against Lex Hilliard in the end zone. Bush then runs it in from one-yard out to push the Miami lead to 20-0.

On the ensuing drive, Chaz Schilens gained nine on a reception, before Michael Bush picked up the first down. Oakland stalled again a few plays later and had to punt. The Raiders at that point were 1-of-7 on 3^rd downs for the afternoon.

Miami began at their own 9-yard line, but quickly moved to midfield after Matt Moore connected with Brandon Marshall for 38-yards a couple plays into the drive.

Daniel Thomas then ran it twice, setting up a 3^rd and 1. Lex Hilliard then ran for 3, and Reggie Bush on 1^st and 10 for 3. A few plays later, Miami faced another 3^rd and 1, and they called Hilliard’s number for a chain moving play.

Richard Seymour was ejected during the drive as he was engaged with Jake Long. There wasn’t much evidence or any flagrant actions by Seymour to warrant the boot.

The drive that covered 13 plays for 91 yards ended on a 6-yard scamper by Moore. The Dolphins went up 27-0, Seymour was ejected and Oakland was missing in action in Miami.

The day got worse a few plays later when Kevin Burnett picked off Palmer and returned it 34-yards for a touchdown – Miami was up 34-0 with 4:41 remaining.

The 3^rd quarter ended with Miami driving into Oakland territory.

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MIAMI – Kevin Burnett’s illegal contact penalty negated a Carson Palmer interception, when the Raiders faced a 3^rd and 28.

Oakland continued the drive, faced a 3^rd and 9 a few plays later, Burnett made up for his mistake with a sack of Palmer – a loss of 8-yards.

Miami’s Davone Bess returned Shane Lechler’s ensuing punt for 21-yards, giving the Dolphins the ball at the 37-yard line.

On 2^nd and 8 – Matt Moore rolled out of pocket and found Anthony Fasano for a key 26-yard reception. Moore hit Fasano again for 10-yards, before Reggie Bush carried the football for 11-yards.

Davone Bess continued his torment of the Raiders with a 12-yard scoring reception, giving the Fins a 13-0 lead at the 8:24 mark. The drive amassed 63-yards on seven plays. Aaron Curry, who has struggled in coverage, on the move in the middle of the field.

Oakland finally showed signs of life on offense with a reverse to Louis Murphy for 15-yards, a Palmer toss to Michal Bush for 16-yards and another Murphy run before stalling.

Palmer was unable to connect with Kevin Boss on back-to-back plays and on 3^rd and 9, Darrius Heyward-Bey was unable to catch a ricocheted ball off Boss’ hands.

Daniel Thomas ran for 21-yards on Miami’s next drive. The possession ended after Jake Long was flagged for a 15-yard penalty and Miami gained very little on a 3^rd and 28.

Oakland got to the 2:00 warning scoreless, 1-5 on 3^rd downs and with 68-yards of total offense.

Palmer then got into a rhythm with Chaz Schilens, hitting the target for 16 and 30-yard son back-to-back plays. A third completion to Heyward-Bey was negated by a Khalif Barnes penalty (2^nd of game). Vontae Davis then sacked Palmer, and an incomplete on 3^rd and 27 ended the Raiders best drive of the afternoon with a 1:24 left.

Miami converted a 3rd down with under a minute to go, after Oakland used up their time outs, as they took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

STATS:

Oakland 1-6 on 3rd downs.

Time of possession: MIA 18:65 OAK 11:04

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It was a treacherous way to take care of business at home, but the Oakland Raiders prevailed and continued their run atop the AFC West with a 25-20 win against the Chicago Bears.

Here’s a breakdown of the victory, with all the key plays and moments for the Silver & Black:

SPECIAL TEAMS LEADS THE WAY… AGAIN.

Sebastian Janikowski broke his own franchise record for most field goals in a game, going 6-for-6 (40, 47, 42, 19, 37, 44) and leading the way when the offense was not able to stick it in the end zone. “It means a lot. There’s plenty more records to be broken,” he stated when asked about his performance. Each one of those kicks was crucial and equally impressive, especially after he was hindered with left hamstring injury the last few weeks.

You knew he was on his game and completely healed when he drove kickoffs deep into the end zone.

Devin Hester was shutdown, tallying seven yards on punt returns and only 39-yards on kickoffs. Rock Cartwright, Quentin Groves, Mike Mitchell, Brandon Myers and Darryl Blackstock gunned down Hester all afternoon.

Shane Lechler was stellar, averaging 54.6 on his punts, with a long of 80-yards. What impressed the most were his three punts inside the 20-yard line – especially the final one, pushed out of bounds by Bryan McCann at the four-yard line with 1:01 remaining – forcing Caleb Hanie to go long distances on drives for scores.

“Our two kickers are fantastic,” coach Hue Jackson commented. “There’s not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job.”

TURNOVERS

Caleb Hanie tossed three interceptions – all in the first half. Stanford Routt’s pick in the 1^st quarter eventually gave Oakland a 6-0 lead.

“We knew coming into this game that [Hanie] lacked experience but we knew that he could still make plays, as you saw in the Green Bay title game last year,” Routt said. “We knew he still had the ability to make us look bad and come out of here with the W if we didn’t take care of business.”

Michael Huff’s interception killed a Chicago drive that could’ve ended in at least a field goal attempt. Hanie’s poor decision making victimized the Bears early.

Kamerion Wimbley got his first pick of the season and returned it 73-yards to the Bears six-yard line. Oakland went into the half with a 15-7 lead due to that turnover.

MOMENTUM SWINGS

The Bears felt good after Johnny Knox scored from 29-yards out. It had to be demoralizing for Oakland…

They outplayed Chicago up to that point, but since they settled for field goals, the visiting team continued to have life. Corey Graham intercepted Carson Palmer and the Bears went on a 76-yard, 9-play drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.

Oakland immediately went on the attack with a Marcel Reece 47-yard catch and run. Four plays later, the Silver & Black were up again, 9-7.

Wimbley’s pick came at a point where Chicago had a 2^nd and 1 at the Oakland 7-yard line. Knox had returned a kickoff 56-yards, but instead of scoring at the end of the 2^nd quarter, the Bears let the Raiders go into the locker room with confidence. “Man, I thought I was like Barry Sanders or something. When I caught it, I was just looking at the end zone and I was trying my best to get there. An offensive lineman got me, so the guys won’t let me live that one down for a while,” said Wimbley.

Louis Murphy’s 47-yard catch on 3^rd and 4 – at midfield late in the 4^th quarter – helped set-up Michael Bush’s 3-yard scamper, which gave Oakland a 25-13 lead.

RESERVES AND ROLE PLAYERS STEPPING UP

Marcel Reece had five receptions for 92-yards. The fullback consistently beat defenders and gave Oakland an added element to their aerial attack today.

Chaz Schilens, who had some choice words for Warren Sapp this week, backed up his banter with his best performance of the year. His 14-yard reception on 3^rd and 6 in the final quarter was key. He ended with 58-yards on 4 catches.

Louis Murphy hauled in two passes, one of them being the biggest play of the game.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland had a tough time converting 3^rd downs, finishing a putrid 3-15. They also struggled in the red-zone and often settled for field goals. “It was tough in the red zone. That’s a good defense. That’s a good unit. People questioned what their ranking was statistically. That’s a very good unit that’s played together a long time and understands their scheme,” commented Carson Palmer.
• The Bears rush defense did a fine job this afternoon, limiting Michael Bush to 69-yards on 24-carries. Oakland managed 73-team rushing yards. The Raiders offensive line did not get push at the point of attack and struggled in pass protection, allowing four sacks. Jared Veldheer, who had his way with Jared Allen last week, struggled with Julius Peppers (2-sacks) and got infracted with a holding penalty. Samson Satele’s hold nullified a 14-yard Bush run and Stefen Wisniewski’s hold wiped away a 12-yard Bush score. The Bears ended with four sacks.
• The Bears out gained the Raiders, 401-341. Marion Barber was their most effective rusher, gaining 63-yards on 10 carries. Matt Forte finished with 59-yards on 12-carries, but 33 of them on one play. Hanie had 50-yards rushing, including a backbreaking 24-yard run on 3^rd and 18 – the drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.
• Oakland had one penalty at the half. They ended with 6-for-44 yards.
• Bush’s 3-yard run in the 4^th quarter snapped a five-game scoreless drought in the final quarter. “We should have won that football game based on the way our offense played,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “We didn’t play well enough on defense. We gave up too many big plays, didn’t get enough takeaways. That’s why we didn’t win.”

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Here’s a look at the top performers in today’s match-up between the Oakland Raiders (7-4) and the Chicago Bears (7-4):

Sebastian Janikowski, K

He was 6-for-6, breaking his own record for most field goals in a game. When asked about the performance, he stated, “It means a lot. There’s plenty more records to be broken.” If Janikowski missed one, it could’ve change the complexity of the game.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Up to this point, the only people who knew of him where those that followed his verbal barrage with Warren Sapp this week. But today, he was vital with Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford inactive. Four catches for 58-yards was his final stat line. Oakland converted only two first downs in the second half – one on a 3rd and 6 to Schilens for 14-yards on the scoring drive in the 4^th quarter.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Four receptions for 42-yards a week after he sustained a scary injury to his neck – that’s impressive.

Aaron Curry, LB

Was active all afternoon around the line of scrimmage and one of the reasons why they corralled Matt Forte. Curry’s play has improved every week. Kamerion Wimbley got the interception and long return, but it was Curry who dissected and blew up the play.

Tyvon Branch, SS

Had a sack and eight tackles. Flew around all afternoon and his coverage skills have been top notch.

Rolando McClain, MLB

Started today very strong, got hurt and missed a series… then came alive in the second half. Two tackles for losses and more disruptive play will be needed moving forward. Posted one of Oakland’s four sacks.

Marcel Reece, FB

He presents such difficult match-ups for opponents. He lined up as a wide receiver and hurt the Bears. Out of the backfield, he was a handful. Reece ended with 92-yards receiving. “I relish taking on every challenge,” said Reece, who had a bigger role today with injuries along the receiver depth chart.

Shane Lechler, P

An 80-yard punt? Yup… but that’s not all. He placed three inside the 20, including his final punt with just over a minute left, which forced Caleb Hanie to begin his drive at the four-yard line.

Hue Jackson, Coach

A critical decision was going for the field goal at the end of the 2^nd quarter instead of risking it and going for it with time expiring. Oakland eventually kicked the field and posted points in a game where every change of the scoreboard was critical. Handled the injuries well, rotating Louis Murphy, Schilens, Heyward-Bey and others, and mixing up the two tight end packages. That was a gutsy call on 3^rd and 4, when Carson Palmer hit Murphy for 47-yards. “Man, it was a relief. You start to doubt yourself. Can I still play this game? Coach has been telling me, ‘Murph, just stay focused, keep going.’ It was a good time to get over the hump,” commented Murphy.

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Apparently, Chaz Schilens had heard enough.

The often-injured wide receiver told the San Francisco Chronicle that, “Warren Sapp is a fool.”

Sapp, a former Raider and current NFL Network analyst, has been critical of the Silver & Black through the years, many times with merit, but Schilens and a lot of the fan-base has taken it to heart, his verbal barrage.

Schilens continued, “That dude is stupid. He played for the Raiders 20 years ago. No one cares what he says, nobody likes him, he’s a joke. … Everyone on this team thinks he’s a joke.”

The former NFL defensive player of the year responded, “Ok Just Woke Up From My Tuesday Slumber. Who’s Chaz Schilens ?? Oh Wasn’t He Just On DWTS? Did He Win??”, via twitter.

Then: “My Bad! I Looked Ole Chaz Up, 8 & 6 Starts His 1st Two Yrs. ONE Start In Last 2yrs, Better Start a Career Before Its Over! #BiggerFishToFry”

Schilens, who has done very little in his career to distinguish himself and has been known more for his fragility than actual skill level, had no reason to stir this up.

His team is atop the division at 6-4 and eyeing their first playoff berth since 2002. Whether his team does really believe Sapp is a joke or not, it makes no sense to bring further attention to a team that should be flying under the radar.

If he wanted notoriety, he got it. Now, can he actually help this team go forward, or continue his pedestrian NFL career?

Sapp has been critical many times of the Silver & Black. But who hasn’t when the team posted a historical losing stretch, finally got to 8-8 last season and many questions surrounded this year’s club ability to improve upon that with a first year head coach.

Oakland has been a pleasant surprise and with continued growth heading into the latter part of the schedule, they could become one of the scarier threats to come out of the AFC.

Fans believe that, and Schilens probably does to. If Sapp doesn’t, why bother going after him?

He gets paid by the NFL network to give his insight, thoughts and opinions on varying topics. He’s doing his job.

BEARS NEXT…

Brian Urlacher believes that Caleb Hanie will be just fine in his first NFL start…

But he’s also putting more of the onus on the defense to clamp down over the next few weeks.

“Our mindset right now is we’re going to have to carry this team,” Urlacher said. “Not to take anything away from our offense right now, but our mindset is we have to play better and get more takeaways and put them in better field position to be able to be successful.

“We can do that. We’ve done it in the past. We’ve got to do it again. No more mistakes for us. We didn’t play well [last Sunday against the Chargers]. We can’t have any mistakes this late in the season. So we’ve got to play better and hopefully our offense can pick it up when they have to.”

ORTON EFFECT…

Today is the deadline for teams to claim Kyle Orton. Candidates include the Chiefs, Bears and Texans.

Sources have stated that Chicago could claim him, but it will be unlikely he starts Sunday if that is the case. Any team claiming the passer would owe him the pro-rated portion of his $8.8 million contract, which would be around $2.58 million. If Orton goes unclaimed, Denver would be on the hook for his remaining salary.

MORE…

“That’d be 90 in three games. That’d be pretty good,” said Hue Jackson, regarding Michael Bush’s workload the last couple of weeks and his expected contributions this week.

“I think Sammy will be fine,” commented Jackson his starting center (Samson Satele).

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It wasn’t pretty, but ultimately; the Oakland Raiders (6-4) held on for a 27-21 road win against the Minnesota Vikings (2-8).

The Silver & Black improved to 4-1 on the road in the season, and like their one lost traveling against the Buffalo Bills, Hue Jackson’s club almost surrendered a lead that looked insurmountable at halftime. “We continue to battle and that’s what I really love about my football team is they won’t quit,” Hue Jackson commented.

Here’s a look at how Oakland held on to first place in the AFC West:

TURNOVERS… x5 AND MISTAKES BY MIN.

The Vikings shot themselves in the foot many times, especially as they approached or where in the red-zone. But what hurt most was when Oakland took those miscues and turned them into points. Up 7-3, the Vikings drove to the Oakland 21-yard line and on 3^rd and 5; Matt Giordano intercepted Christian Ponder. Seven plays later, the Raiders took a 10-7 lead.

“I kept on making mistakes…I have a lot of learning to do,” said Ponder.

A key error in the 2^nd quarter that kept points off the board for the Vikings was the botched field goal attempt. Tyvon Branch tackled punter Chris Kluwe, as the safety darted through the line of scrimmage and disrupted a botched exchange from center to holder.

Eight plays later, Michael Bush’s 2-yard touchdown run gave Oakland a 17-7 advantage.

On the ensuing kickoff, Brandon Myers rocked Lorenzo Booker, DeMarcus Van Dyke recovered the fumble, and Oakland took over at the Vikings’ 16-yard line. Four plays later, Carson Palmer gave Oakland the lead going into the half with a sneak, 24-7. “Things really turned for us,” said Leslie Frazier after the game, about that sequence.

“We dug ourselves a hole,” he continued.

The Vikings also had nine penalties for 50-yards and just when they had some momentum late in the game, at the Oakland 5-yard line, down 27-14, Stanford Routt picked off the rookie passer.

‘ALL DAY’ DIDN’T GO FOUR QUARTERS

Adrian Peterson had six carries for 26-yards and a score when he left the contest in the first quarter. “We’ll do an MRI to learn more about it,” Frazier said after the game. “Right now, it’s being diagnosed as a sprain.”

His absence changed the complexity of the game.

Ponder had to shoulder more of the burden, but surprisingly, he lead the team in rushing with 71-yards.

Without Peterson pounding on the Raiders front-seven, the Vikings had to find ways to move the chains and find some balance with a rookie passer under center. Minnesota made the game competitive at the end. If he had Peterson for an entire contest, it would’ve been interesting to see if Oakland’s defense could’ve held up.

HUE GOT IT

Hue Jackson’s play calling was stellar. He changed the tempo, going no huddle a few times and incorporated all his targets on the afternoon.

Kevin Boss, who has been dormant, had six targets, a team leading five receptions, for 37-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey, quiet the last two games, got back in the mix with 43-yards. Seven different Raiders tallied at least a reception and even though Louis Murphy did not snag a pass, he was able to draw an illegal contact flag.

Oakland’s ground attack amassed 162-yards against the 6^th ranked rush defense in the league.

Carson Palmer was steady once again, which will help any play caller look efficient. He ended 17-of-23 for 164-yards, one touchdown and no interceptions (rating of 107.9). Palmer’s touchdown pass was between two defenders, placed right in Chaz Schilens’ gut, as he jumped and landed on his back in the back of the end zone.

Palmer had a beautiful pass to Heyward-Bey, with oncoming pressure, thrown off his back foot, for 20-yards.

THE OL GOT IT DONE

Yes, they allowed four sacks, but Jared Veldheer won his match-up against league leader in that category, Jared Allen. For the first time this campaign, Allen was held sack-less and Veldheer’s only blip was a holding penalty. Stefen Wisniewski played like a seasoned veteran all afternoon. Oh, how many yards did Oakland pile up on the ground, again?

GAME NOTES

• Bryan McCann made his debut with two kick returns for 58-yards. A vital play early was Taiwan Jones’ 46-yard kickoff return. After Peterson made it 7-0, Oakland answered by starting on offense at their own 45-yard line on a drive that ended with a Sebastian Janikowski 29-yard field goal.
• Tommy Kelly tallied his first career interception. Giordano has a team leading three interceptions and two the last two games.
• Van Dyke was stellar on special teams, recovering a fumble and getting down the field as a gunner. Rock Cartwright had a stand out special teams tackle.
• Penalties continue to be a major problem: Oakland ended with 12 for 117 yards. Many of them extended drives, especially late when Ponder was trying to rally his team. A few were unnecessary roughness infractions, which the Raiders have the most of in the league. They now have 103 total penalties for the season. “I normally don’t complain about the officiating,” Jackson said. “I don’t make any bones that way because I said I wouldn’t. But today I just truly felt like it was a little unfair. I really do.”
• Heyward-Bey was carted off the field after taking a knee in the back of the head, which jarred loose his helmet. The receiver was attended to for a few minutes by both staffs, as teammates looked on somberly. As he was being wheeled off, DHB did raise his fisted hand to acknowledge the crowd. Hue Jackson said after the game that it was a neck injury and that he was hoping his target will join the flight with his teammates and undergo more tests in Oakland. “It’s definitely scary,” Palmer said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and I know he has family watching the game. It’s a tough situation to be in.”
• Oakland is now 4-1 on the road this season.
• Michael Bush had 30 carries for 109 yards. Marcel Reece added 45-yards on 6 rushes. Tommy Kelly (2 sacks), Desmond Bryant (2 sacks) and Lito Sheppard (1 sack) combined for five sacks. “They brought a lot of pressure,” sated Ponder.
• Raiders posted 27 unanswered points, but continued their scoring woes in the 4^th quarter. Oakland has not scored in the final quarter since October 9^th. “Like Coach Jackson said, we haven’t played a complete football game yet,” Palmer said. “And it’s scary to think, when we do, what it’s going to look like.”
• “Defender made a great play on it…” Ponder on Tyvon Branch’s fourth down defend on a pass to Percy Harvin. Oakland’s strong safety had a solid game, leading the team with six solo tackles.

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Continuing with a season of many moves, the Oakland Raiders signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh today, reuniting him with his former passer in Cincinnati.

The 34-year old wide receiver signed one-year, $910,000 after Palmer encouraged the Raiders to take a look at him. Hue Jackson worked with Houshmandzadeh when he was a staffer with the Bengals.

Oakland traded for Aaron Curry and Carson Palmer, brought back Lito Sheppard this week, after he was on the roster with the team in the summer, and added to a wide receiver depth chart, with Houshmandzadeh, that already featured youthful talent.

He tallied 79 catches for 911 yards and three touchdowns with the Seahawks in 2009 before his lone stint with the Ravens. There he posted 30 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll be remembered in Baltimore for a backbreaking fourth-down drop in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh.

The move continues to demonstrate how much influence Jackson will have on the roster and all personnel moves, as Oakland is in a transition period after the death of Al Davis.

Jackson got the Curry deal finalized a few weeks back, encouraged and helped facilitate the Palmer trade, and now bring in another familiar face he has worked with and feels comfortable with.

This move was done on the eve of Darrius Heyward-Bey’s best stretch of football since entering the league. Oakland will also like to get Jacoby Ford going as a pass catcher, as the second-year pro is at his healthiest and Jackson has talked about getting one of his prized talents the ball more often. Rookie Denarius Moore has shown glimpses, but his ups and downs are to be expected in his first season.

Oakland hasn’t incorporated Kevin Boss into the passing attack much and Marcel Reece, who’s strengths are as a pass catcher out of the backfield and line up wide versus linebackers and safeties, will be coming back, another of the many weapons Jackson has to his disposal.

There’s only one ball to go around, and with Darren McFadden sidetracked the last four game [has not tallied over 100-yards rushing in a game], it’s imperative Oakland get back to running the ball and basing everything they do on offense off their ground game.

The next question is, who will be cut to make room for Houshmandzadeh?

Early candidates include Chaz Schilens, who is known more for his injuries than his minimal contributions, a veteran like Derek Hagan, or fullback Manase Tonga.

If it were my choice, I would release Schilens. Often injured and really just another physical specimen who looks good in pads, but has not shown enough consistency to be a solid contributor at this level.

Hagan’s experience, ability to get open on 3^rd downs and professionalism is needed. So far, he’s taken well to the younger players staying ahead of him for the most part along the depth chart, after arguably, playing the best football out of all the targets in the pre-season. Unless he wants out and a chance to play elsewhere, there’s no need for Oakland to part ways with Hagan.

Manase Tonga could be another victim, as Reece looks to be primed for action after several weeks of inactivity.

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