Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders hired Dennis Allen on Tuesday evening. His prowess as a defensive minded coach was one of the major reasons why Reggie McKenzie selected him. Especially after a 2011 season in which Oakland’s defensive unit faltered in many vital spots and was a major reason as to why they did not reach the playoffs. Here’s a look at a few players to watch now that the Silver & Black have themselves a new head man:

Rolando McClain LB

There’s no denying McClain’s football smarts. But his ability to make impact plays, become a stout middle linebacker and consistently anchor the center of the front-seven has been a major concern, with little signs of elevating his game since entering the league in 2010. His off the field issues are also very troublesome.

Ultimately, with Allen on board, McClain needs to let loose and start stamping his name on the defense. A handful of plays a year in which people take notice is not enough. When you spend such a high selection on a linebacker of his talents, you expect far more production and steadier play, especially at this point of their career.

Michael Huff S

Does he go back to safety? Remember, at year’s end, reports were that Oakland had plans to shift him to cornerback. Yes, the Raiders desperately need to upgrade their talent at defensive back, but Allen may be also dealing with a very thin safety unit of Tyvon Branch departs. Huff is a natural free-safety and as I stated, “Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.”

Not that he’s an old 28, but Huff should be left at the position he’s worked at his whole career and Allen should be able to mold him into a safety we all expected he could be when Oakland drafted him. Just look at the level of play Allen got out of the secondary when he was coaching the Saints in 2008-2010 for reference.

Chimdi Chekwa, Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke CBs

All cornerbacks that were ideal talents for the old regime. McKenzie and Allen are now in charge, and there’s no safety net for either of those players. Yes, McKenzie stated that he loves speedy athletic talents. But Johnson got paid heavily based on a small sample set a few years ago under Al Davis’ watch and both rookies last season were scouted and selected based on what Davis and the past coaching staff found intriguing.

Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston DEs

Lamarr Houston needs to rev it up with Dennis Allen as a head-coach.

Both of these defensive ends have motors and either or both could develop into menacing players in the league with the right tutelage. Shaughnessy will coming off a season ending shoulder injury, but before that, was recognized as one of the better edge defending and pass rushing ends in the AFC. Houston’s play dipped significantly from year one to year two. Both are young, paid very little and could be major keys to turning around a struggling defense.

Aaron Curry LB

Curry was rejuvenated, played violently and looked every part the Raider once he arrived. If there’s one player you can point at and say, he’ll benefit the most from Allen’s arrival, it could be the former fourth pick overall in the 2009 draft.

Kamerion Wimbley LB

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were a major reason Denver’s defense soared at times in 2011. Wimbley, who was a sack machine in his first season with the Raiders, but saw his numbers drop off dramatically last season, needs to get back to his double-digit sack days. His contract dictates that, and his role will be of importance due to his veteran presence and potential output.

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Many Raider fans were in attendance last time Oakland traveled to Green Bay in 2007.

“I think everybody is beatable. You just have to play your best game. You have to play probably as well as you’ve played all year in order to do it. Everybody is going to take their shot at them. It’s our opportunity now. We’re the next team up. We’re not coming there to lose, that’s for sure. We’re coming there with an attitude that we’re coming there to win a football game, and that’s what you have to do. If you don’t, you might as well not even make the trip,” said Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson on Wednesday.

The Silver & Black travel the Green Bay to face the undefeated Super Bowl champion Packers on Sunday. At 7-5, Oakland is tied atop the AFC West with the Denver Broncos, but if the playoffs were to start today, the Raiders would be spectators. “It’s a tight race for everyone in our division. It’s a race to the end but I kind of like where we are. We just have to finish well over these next four weeks,” Jackson said.

He continued: “That’s the schedule we have and we have to play in an unbelievable stadium against a really good football team and we look forward to the challenge.”

“It’s my favorite place to play. I love getting a chance to go out there and play and be in that atmosphere. It’s fun to be cold. We’ve got a chance to play against the champs and they’re undefeated. We’re in desperate need of a win,” stated quarterback Carson Palmer.

Oakland has to find a way to get back to basics on Sunday – that means running the football. Over the last two weeks, the Raiders have averaged 59.5 rushing yards per game. “We need to get back to playing Raiders football, get back to doing what we do,” Jackson was quoted. “We’re a big, physical football team and we need to play that way. We need to be able to stop the run and we need to be able to run the ball. That’s where it starts for us and that’s where it’s going to end. We need to be who we are and that’s what we plan on doing.”

“We just aren’t running the ball (enough),” Michael Bush commented. “We have to stick to it and run it more.”

Palmer added: “We weren’t successful the last two weeks running the ball, and it’s definitely on our minds, something we’re getting screamed at and ripped for, but something we’re working very hard on, because you have to keep the ball out of Aaron’s hands and keep those receivers off the field.”

OTHER NOTES

• Chris Johnson’s sister, Jennifer, was fatally shot Monday in Fort Worth, Texas. His mother, Della, was also shot, but is expected to live, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Johnson was excused from practice today, as Jackson stated, “Very, very tough situation that he’s dealing with. He’s handled it like any man or any brother or son would.”
• The team inked running back Lonyae Miller, who played four games last season for the Cowboys, and linebacker Carl Ihenacho to their practice squad. To correspond those signings, they cut tight end Kevin Brock and linebacker Jeremy Lehman from the practice squad.
• Including playoffs, the Packers have won 18 straight games, the longest winning streak in team history. It is tied for the second-longest winning streak in NFL history, including the postseason, behind only the 2003-04 New England Patriots (21 games).
• Green Bay holds a 6-5 edge in the all-time series with Oakland. The Raiders won five straight games in the series from 1972-1987, but Green Bay has won the last five meetings between the clubs.
• Ironically, the last time both teams met, it was also in Week 14 at Lambeau Field, in the 20007 season. Green Bay won 38-7, as they clinched the NFC North title in front of their home crowd. A win on Sunday clinches a first round bye for the Packers.
• Charles Woodson tidbit: In 106-games (8-years) with the Silver & Black, the cornerback posted 4.5 sacks, 17 interceptions and 2 touchdowns. As a Packer, in 90-games (6-years), he has tallied 10 sacks, 36 interceptions and 10 touchdowns.
• Aaron Rodgers’ overall passer rating is an NFL-best 125.3, but when he’s blitzed it’s 149.3.

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The Oakland Raiders played two different football games on Sunday when they visited the Buffalo Bills. The first two quarters were clean, penalty-free, efficient on offense and opportunistic on defense. Darren McFadden ran the ball effectively, Stanford Routt got his hands on an interception and the offense converted that turnover into points.

But in the second half, Hue Jackson’s team was penalized, looked lost on defense and were out-bullied by a team who was also looking to go 2-0, was missing their owner at a home-opener for the first time ever and that rallied in front of their sell-out crowd.

Here’s a capsule of what went wrong for the Silver & Black:

PENALTIES, AGAIN…

Oakland got sloppy in the second half, and that came back to bite them on several plays. It started early in the 3^rd quarter when Chris Johnson was flagged for a 17-yard pass interference call on the Bills opening drive.

Matt Shaughnessy thought he had a sack on 2^nd and 10 at the end of the third quarter, but Rolando McClain made illegal contact in coverage. Two plays later, Buffalo took a 24-21 lead.

On 3^rd and 8 in the 4^th quarter, Ryan Fitzpatrick missed David Nelson in the back of the end zone, but Johnson was infracted again for defensive holding. Two plays later, the Bills went up 31-28.

Buffalo’s game winning drive started with a pass interference call on Johnson.

A SOFT RUN DEFENSE

An Achilles heel for the Raiders for a long time, but a facet of the defense that was overlooked coming into this game versus the Bills.

Buffalo ran for 217-yards, at a 8.7 yard per carry average. Fred Jackson’s explosive runs gave the Bills life. CJ Spiller ran tough, and even Brad Smith had success when in the Wildcat formation.

That running game help slow down the Raiders pass rush. “We couldn’t get their offense off the field in the second half. That effort isn’t going to be good enough, period,” commented Richard Seymour.

TALKING ABOUT THE PASS RUSH…

In 46 pass attempts Fitzpatrick was not sacked. Oakland harassed Kyle Orton last week and were among the NFL sack leaders in 2010. The defensive line received a lot of recognition after week-one, but they failed to make their mark in Buffalo. “We blew it,” tackle Tommy Kelly said. “We blew a golden opportunity. I don’t know what happened.”

POOR COACHING…

An indictment on the coaching has to be the 21-3 at the half and the way the Raiders left their defense and sense of urgency in the locker room.

A 2-0 start heading home to face the Jets and Patriots would have had the fan-base buzzing. Instead, they came out flat and let a team who had no momentum going into halftime just light up the scoreboard.

Chuck Bresnahan’s defense was shredded, and when he tried to throw in some zone looks, Buffalo was already rolling. Oakland tried to outmuscle the Bills. Chan Gailey and his staff out-smarted the Raiders and adjusted accordingly when they needed it most.

“No excuses,” head coach Hue Jackson said. “Our players have got to dig down and finish a game. When you’re up, 21-3, you’ve got to finish.”

THE GOOD FOR THE RAIDERS:

Denarius Moore – The rookie receiver stepped in for Darrius Heyward-Bey and tallied 146-yards and a score. He added 25-yards on a reverse, proving that he’s no summer sensation. Twice he went up for balls against defenders and came away with the catch. The 50-yard touchdown was clutch.

Darren McFadden – At this point, you just expect tough running and explosive plays from the multi-dimensional threat. The fumble in the 3^rd quarter did hurt, but he continued to stay aggressive in his running.

Jason Campbell – He was poised for most of the game and accurate. He ended 23-33 for 323-yards and two scores. Clutch throws to Moore and Derek Hagan in the second half were some of the highlights. Campbell is also not forcing the issue and smart enough to dump it to McFadden so he can work his magic.

Derek Hagan – Inactive last week, the veteran posted 61-yards. He had a penalty to stall a drive, but he made up for it by hauling a 25-yard pass on the next play.

Hue Jackson’s aggressiveness – At the end of the 1^st half, he attacked and came away with touchdown to make it a 21-3 contest. He surprised me with his willingness to stretch the field. Jackson was not afraid to air it out on the road in key spots. His offense was the reason the Raiders had a chance to win the game.

First Half Play – Goes to show you that this team just needs to be more consistent and focus more. They played penalty free in the first half and looked like a legitimate bully. According to STATS LLC, the 35 points were the most given up by the Raiders in a second half and the most points the Raiders have scored in a loss since a 43-37 loss to Seattle in 1998.

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Was that Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, or Frank Reich?

The Buffalo Bills (2-0) overcame a 21-3 deficit, scoring 21-unasnwered points at one point, while lighting up the scoreboard in the second half of their exciting 38-35 comeback victory versus the Oakland Raiders (1-1).

Fitzpatrick toyed with the Oakland secondary, going 28-46 for 264-yards and three touchdowns, orchestrating an offense that ran 40-plays in the second half for 366 yards and five touchdowns on all of their possessions after halftime.

Oakland was up 21-3 at the end of the 2^nd quarter and looking pretty much in control with a solid ground game, while playing a clean contest on the road. They had forced a turnover that directly lead to seven points and the penalties were nowhere to be found.

But that all changed at the start of the second half.

Oakland, who controlled both sides of the line of scrimmage against Denver, let Buffalo back in the game when Fred Jackson jolted 43-yards into the end zone to cut the lead to 21-10.

The Raiders answered by converting three 3^rd downs on the ensuing drive before Darren McFadden fumbled at the Buffalo 41-yard line. The first of a long line of miscues for the Silver & Black that aided the Bills comeback.

Seven plays later, Fitzpatrick and Steve Johnson hooked up for a seven-yard score to cut the Oakland lead to 21-17.

Hue Jackson’s offense went cold on the following drive, going three and out. Then seven plays later, Fred Jackson scored form one-yard out to give Buffalo their first lead, 24-21, in the fourth quarter.

Oakland showed spunk on offense, as Jason Campbell answered back with a nice drive featuring completions to Denarius Moore for 10-yards and Derek Hagan for 25-yards, before finding McFadden for a 12-yard score to give the Raiders the lead, 28-24.

But Oakland’s defense had no answers for Chan Gailey’s attack, as they ran and passed at will and the Silver & Black reverted to their self-destructing ways. A defensive holding penalty on 3^rd and 8 against Chris Johnson fueled the Bills drive that gave them a 31-28 lead.

Moore, who was a camp sensation for the Raiders, made his regular season splash late in the 4^th quarter, hauling in a bomb from Campbell from 50-yards out to give Oakland their last lead, 35-31.

Fitzpatrick’s game-winning drive featured a 4^th and 3 conversion and ended on 4^th and 1 with a pass to David Nelson from 6-yards out with 14 seconds remaining to make it 38-35.

It was a tale of two half’s, with Oakland playing mistake free, dominating football in the first two quarters and Buffalo pushing around the Raider defense in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters.

Buffalo tallied 34-first downs, 217-yards rushing, and averaging 8.7 yards per carry.

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The Oakland Raiders look to build on an improved 2010 season this year. The Raiders swept the AFC West en route to an 8-8 record, good for 3rd in the division.

The Raiders offense ranked 6th in the NFL with 25.6 points per game under then offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. The Raiders will look for starting quarterback Jason Campbell to improve in his second year directing Hue Jackson’s offense, who is now the head coach of the squad.

Running back Darren McFadden eludes defenders

Campbell will get help from arguably one of the best backfields in the league which is led by fourth-year running back Darren McFadden. McFadden ran for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns last year, while also hauling in 47 receptions for an additional 507 yards and three touchdowns. But McFadden’s biggest question is his ability to stay healthy. In McFadden’s three seasons with the Raiders, he has never started more than 13 games in a season.

Should McFadden go down due to injury, he will be backed up by a formidable group in Michael Bush and rookie Taiwan Jones. Bush has shown he can be a solid back, providing a big body that can run hard and catch out of the backfield. Jones has shown his explosiveness this preseason, proving he can be a weapon for Coach Jackson whether it be rushing, returning or receiving the football.

The Raiders biggest question on offense is their offensive line. Throughout the preseason Jackson has tried a variety of combinations in an attempt to find the best fit. It looks like the Raiders will only have three of last year’s starters on the offensive line this year as they look to start Jared Veldheer, Stefen Winiewski, Samson Satele, Cooper Carlisle and Khalif Barnes.

To make things more difficult on the offensive line, the Raiders have also changed over to a power-blocking scheme this year with the departure of Tom Cable. The offensive line will need to play well in order to give Campbell necessary time and to open up holes for the Raiders running game.

Raiders wide receivers will also need to improve in 2011 if Oakland hopes to build on their 8-8 record. Third-year wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey will look to be productive in an attempt to prove critics wrong, following a 2010 season where he finished with 26 receptions. The Raiders also hope Jacoby Ford will continue to build on his rookie campaign in 2010 as he finished with 25 receptions and seven touchdowns; two receiving, two rushing, and three on kickoff returns.

The Raiders hope rookie wide reciever Denarius Moore can be more than just a preseason sensation. Moore was drafted in the 5th round in April and has impressed both

Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour

players and coaches in training camp and on the field in the preseason. Oakland also brought in veteran Derek Hagan who has also impressed coaches in camp, including a six reception, 121 yard game against New Orleans in the third week of preseason.

Oakland’s defense has been more questionable than the offense in the preseason.

The remaining constant on defense is their stout defensive line anchored by veteran Richard Seymour. Seymour and company will need to get pressure on the quarterback while stopping the run in order for the defense to have success.

Besides Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch who have become a solid safety tandem, the seven players behind the defensive line still hold many question marks for new defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan who was also Oakland’s defensive coordinator from 2000-2003.

Middle linebacker Rolando McClain will need to become the play maker they drafted him to be as he enters his second year of play. Kamerion Wimbley must play like someone that deserves the five-year, $48 million contract he received this off season. Although he was Oakland’s leading pass rusher with nine sacks last year, he proved to be a liability in pass coverage. Weak-side linebacker Quentin Groves will also need to excel his game to help the Raiders defense become successful.

With the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Raiders secondary has a huge hole to fill. Oakland will start veteran corner backs Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson in an attempt to fill this void.

Routt and Johnson will be backed up by two rookies in DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa, drafted in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

Van Dyke was forced to start for the Raiders this preseason due to an injury to Chris Johnson and had a rough time. Quarterbacks continued to target him as he continued to give up plays. Chekwa has primarily seen playing time against second- and third string offenses, including some time playing at free safety.

Rookie CB Demarcus Van Dyke lines up against the San Francisco 49ers

Punter Shane Lechlar remains the best punter in the game, and kicker Janikowski has become one of the best in the game to leave special teams with little-to-no questions.

Overall, the Raiders biggest question is the play from their corner backs and the lack of depth at the position. Oakland’s defense will need strong play from their front seven to try and support their defensive backs. With an offense returning almost in full, the Raiders will need an improvement from Campbell and his wide receivers along with solid defensive play to build on their 8-8 season and make a playoff run in 2011.

Here’s a summary of the best and worst for the Oakland Raiders (8-8) in the 2010 season:

MVP (Offense)

Darren McFadden, RB

By far Oakland’s most valuable offensive performer with 1,664-combined yards from scrimmage. Ten times he hit paydirt with either amazing runs or impressive scampers after catching the football.

Honorable Mention:

Robert Gallery, LG: He played next to a rookie for most of the season and is the steadiest along the trenches.

MVP (Defense)

Tommy Kelly, DT

Led all AFC tackles with 7.0 sacks and was the most consistent performer along the defensive line all season.

Honorable Mention:

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB: The best cornerback in the NFL. Made the Pro Bowl, was barely tested all year and was hobbled towards the end of the season.

LVP (Least Valuable Player) – Offense

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

The coaches can rave about his work ethic all they want, facts are, he has poor instincts as a receiver and is headed towards bust status.

Honorable Mention:

Chaz Schilens, WR

Nine catches for 40-yards and one score for the season. Most of 2010, he was injured and/or recovering from his ailments.

LVP (Least Valuable Player) – Defense

Chris Johnson, CB

Far too often, the target of opponents with Asomugha on the other side. The beneficiary of DeAngelo Hall’s departure in 2008, cashing in on his three interceptions, 12 passes defended and a forced fumble after replacing the dumped corner.

Honorable Mention:

Thomas Howard, LB

One of the locks to clean out his locker room for good this week. Barely made it onto the field in 2010.

Best Coach:

Hue Jackson, OC

Oakland ranked 31st in offense in 2009 and scored 197-points. In 2010, they ranked 10th and ended with 410-points.

MVP Special Teams:

Jacoby Ford, KR

Exciting to watch and always electric with the football in his hands. Had comparable stats to all the top return men in the AFC and had three kickoffs for scores.

Get Back Healthy:

Trevor Scott, DE/LB

Went on injured reserve. Wherever he played, Oakland got production. A solid veteran on and off the field.

Kamerion Wimbley (96) and Trevor Scott (91) getting to Sam Bradford.

Best 1^st Year Raider (non-rookie)

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

The Raiders got a starting linebacker and nine-sacks from Wimbley in 2010. All they gave up was a third round choice.

Best 1^st Year Raider on Offense (rookie)

Jared Veldheer, LT

Yes, you can make a case for Ford, but Veldheer played more reps at a tougher position as a rookie. Now, he looks to be the Silver & Black’s left tackle for years to come.

Best 1^st Year Raider on Defense (rookie)

Lamarr Houston, DE

Five sacks and improved play as the year went on. Beats out first rounder Rolando McClain, by far.

Underrated Player of the Year

Matt Shaughnessy, DE

Seven sacks and solid edge play all year. He has the look of a defensive end that will have a long and fruitful career. And if he continues to produce those types of sack numbers, he’ll be a very rich man very soon.

Honorable Mention:

Rock Cartwright, RB

Fiery vocal veteran that was unsung on special teams all season.

Energizer Award:

Mike Mitchell, SS

Loves to blitz, savors landing big hits. Even if the impact isn’t grand, he’ll get up and let you know it was.

The Perfect Timing Award:

Michael Huff, FS

Was in on 77-tackles, had 4.0 sacks and 3 interceptions. A possible unrestricted free agent, Huff may look to cash in. Still inconsistent, but at least he has numbers to justify his contract demands.

Best WR who is not a WR:

Marcel Reece, FB

Looked sharper in his route running than Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy or Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Honorable Mention:

Khalif Barnes, OL

No other Raider wide receiver was money. HA – seriously, two targets and two completions including a touchdown.

Say Farewell to…

• Bruce Gradkowski, QB: Jason Campbell belongs under center, without the fragile Gradkowski looking over his shoulder.
• Nick Miller, PR: Provides little when he actually returns a punt and doesn’t fair catch it deep in own territory. Does not look like a pro on the field.

We should see more of in 2011…

• Finding ways to get Jacoby Ford the ball in space. Bubble screens, receiver screens, end arounds and more importantly, receptions down the field, as he develops into a well-rounded receiver.
• Blitzing: Wow, when Tyvon Branch, Huff or Mitchell came in from their safety spots, Oakland did a lot of damage to opposing passers.
• The Michael Bush & McFadden combo: The Raiders need to keep that tandem together to spearhead their offense.

We should see less of in 2011…

• Blackouts – There you go fans; the Raiders just gave you a .500 season. Now fill the seats and support during home games.
• AFC West victories: It is unlikely the Raiders sweep their division again in 2011. If they do, they better take care of business outside the AFC West.
• Heyward-Bey: I know he gets paid a lot of money, was a 1^st rounder and the owner wants to see him succeed, but it will be a shame if one of the younger wide-outs get less reps because of DHB’s presence.

The Raiders will miss…

George Blanda and Jack Tatum. Oh, the players will miss Tom Cable if he’s not giving another year at the helm.

The Raiders have not missed…

JaMarcus Russell

Best Hit(s)

Rolando McClain slamming Danny Amendola and knocking out Darren Sproles.

Best Moments:

Sebastian Janikowski after nailing the game winning FG in overtime vs. Chiefs

• Raiders blocking back-to-back punts vs. the Chargers and building an early lead against their rivals. Eventually, the crowd was treated to a last second defensive stand that featured a Tyvon Branch 64-yard fumble return for a score.
• All 59-points during Oakland’s annihilation of the Broncos.
• The three-game winning streak before the bye week.
• Ford’s opening kickoff of the 2^nd half and overtime victory against the Chiefs.
• Any of McFadden’s dazzling runs, especially his 36-yard run vs. the Jaguars with 1:53 left in the game that was capped with a jolting stiff arm.
• Closing the season at Arrowhead with a victory.

Worst Moments:

• Sebastian Janikowski missing a 32-yard field goal in Arizona as time expired during the Raiders 24-23 loss versus the Cardinals.
• Failing to win back-to-back games at San Francisco, and losing to the winless 49ers, 17-9.
• Allowing 205-rushing yards to the Titans in the season opener.
• Losing two ten point leads at Jacksonville.
• Back-to-back losses, at Pittsburgh where they got dominated physically, and against Miami, which was a lackluster effort.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

QUARTERBACK: B-

Jason Campbell’s first half statistics were respectable; 12-of-17 for 87-yards. But the offensive output for the team was horrendous. Zach Miller dropped a potential 1^st down on a 3^rd and 4, Campbell’s arm was hit as he released the football by Robert Mathis on a 3^rd and 9 and was pressured on another 3^rd and 9 when Jared Veldheer was beaten by Dwight Freeney. One of his best passes was a 10-yard strike to Louis Murphy on 3^rd and 6 in the 2^nd quarter and a 9-yard conversion to Chaz Schilens on a 3^rd and 5 on the same drive. Oakland was able to take a 13-10 lead four plays later on a field goal. He orchestrated a controlled right before halftime, spiking the ball with one-second remaining to give the Raiders another shot at a score. One of the few questionable decisions he had was on 3^rd and 9 in the fourth quarter, when he attempted to hits his tight end on a pass thrown behind him, instead of running for more yardage.

RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACK: C

The coaching and offensive line directly affected their lack of production. The speed of the Colts front-seven prevented big plays on screens and sweeps. Michael Bush had a 15-yard gain during the scoring drive in which the Raiders tied it at 10 and Oakland took the lead 13-10 on the strength of Darren McFadden’s 26-yard scamper to start that possession. McFadden only had six carries for 33-yards at halftime, not enough touches for the MVP of the team. Marcel Reece was ineffective, and his holding infraction negated a Bush 16-yard gain. McFadden ended with 45-yards rushing and 31-yards receiving.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: D

Chaz Schilens tallied his first two catches of the season for 16-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey has some miscommunication with Campbell on a hitch on 2^nd and 9 in the 1^st quarter, but hauled in a nine yard pass to start their first drive in the 2^nd quarter. He almost broke away from a defender after getting his legs cut out from underneath him on a 11-yard catch. Jacoby Ford had two-catches, his best a 17-yarder early in the 4^th quarter during a drive that the Raiders cut into the Indianapolis lead to 24-19. Murphy had 36-yards on two receptions. Zach Miller’s score with 1:51 left in the game brought Oakland within 31-26. The tight end ended with nine catches for 66-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

Oakland had 60-yards rushing at the half and 80 at the end of the contest. Langston Walker was inactive and replaced by Mario Henderson at right tackle. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis combined for 2.5 sacks and made Campbell’s day unsteady in the pocket. Robert Gallery saved his passer in the 1^st quarter, fending of Freeney after Veldheer was blown away at the line of scrimmage. Veldheer was flagged for a hold and false start on the same drive in the 4^th quarter.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

No Richard Seymour meant a shuffling along the trenches for the Silver & Black. Lamarr Houston played all over the interior of the defense, but was overpowered at times and was thoughtless with his unnecessary roughness penalty that aided a Colts scoring drive right before halftime that gave them a 17-13 lead. His actions will likely land him a fine, as tempers flared on the next play when Ryan Diem retaliated and caused a scuffle. Kamerion Wimbley saw action at defensive end, but was ineffective and neutralized during runs. Oakland could not near Peyton Manning and rarely put him in frantic situations. John Henderson had his moments with nine solo tackles and one pass defended. The Colts out gained the Raiders 191-80 on the ground in Dominic Rhodes’ [98-yards rushing] return to Oakland and Joseph Addai’s [45-yards] first action since week-six. “There’s no magic to it,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “We’re running the same plays, running the same defense. We were just playing what we do, and doing it a little better.”

LINEBACKERS: D

This group had their problems with crossing routes and was trailing a few times in coverage. Even though Manning only had 179-yards passing, the linebackers did very little to make their presence felt. Roland McClain was running with Jacob Tamme during Michael Huff’s interception.

SECONDARY: B

Stanford Routt had a tough drive late in the 3^rd quarter, flagged for pass interference and beaten by Blair White for a score, which increased the Colts lead to 24-16. Chris Johnson was Manning’a bull’s-eye a lot of the afternoon, but the cornerback demonstrated great hand-eye coordination intercepting a slant that was tipped by Rolando McClain and bobbled before the pick. He almost had another interception earlier in the contest, but Pierre Garcon broke up the pass as Johnson put his hands in on it. Johnson did get flagged for pass interference on 3^rd and 17 before the half, when Manning and Tamme torched Tyvon Branch in coverage for a 18-yard score. Nnamdi Asomugha won the majority of his match-ups versus Reggie Wayne. “There’s not a quarterback that I’ve played against that controls the game the way that he does, and handles every situation and is basically the coordinator on the fly,” Asomugha said of Manning.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

This group kept the Raiders alive for most of the contest. Jacoby Ford’s 99-yard kickoff return for a score to open the game was electric. After Shane Lechler’s first attempt, which had little power behind it, the ailing punter bombed five kicks, one for 63-yards which was covered instantly by Hiram Eugene and Rock Cartwright. Stevie Brown recorded another stuff during punt coverage and Cartwright forced a holding penalty after bolting through the line of scrimmage and almost getting to the Pat McAfee. Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 59-yard field goal attempt (2^nd longest in team history) and booted three other attempts from 38, 51 and 45-yards.

COACHING: D

Tom Cable coached loose when he sent Janikowski out for a 59-yard field goal attempt down 10-7 early in the game. But the team showed little life after that on offense and was kept in it because of an opportunistic special team. There are no excuses for getting out-rushed by a team that ranks 32^nd on offense running the football and 28^th stopping the run. McFadden did not get enough touches, the offense did not get its first 1^st down till the 2^nd quarter and did not reach the red-zone till the 4^th quarter. Too many three and outs, not enough sustained drives and eventually, the Colts will get to you. Manning toyed with the Raiders at the end of the contest, getting Branch to declare the defense’s intentions and then calling an audible that led to a Garcon score to give them a 31-19 lead before calling a bootleg that netted 27-yards to end the contest. Oakland fought hard till late, but they were listless for most of the game. You have to wonder if being eliminated from any post-season positioning due to Kansas City’s 34-14 romp over the Titans effected their disposition. “The guys were trying not to pay attention to it,” Jason Campbell said. “We were just really trying to focus on our game. That’s the situation you’re in when you have to count on other teams. It’s a tough situation to be in.”

GAME NOTES

• In back-to-back weeks, the Colts stuffed Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, and teams with top ranked ground attacks. [67 yards vs. Jacksonville & 80 yards vs. Oakland]
• Colts are one win away from clinching the AFC South title for their ninth straight playoff berth.
• Oakland had 10 penalties for 116-yards. The Raiders were also 4-15 on 3^rd downs.
• Ford joins Ike Thomas of the 1971 Cowboys as the only players in NFL history to take the opening kickoff back for a TD twice in the same season. Ford did it November 28 versus the Dolphins and today versus the Colts. He is the only Raider to return opening kickoffs for a score in team history.
• “That’s a heck of a running team. They do a good job; big strong offensive linemen, backs that can certainly run. Our guys did a nice job overall. They had six three and out, one four an out, weathered the storm, showed some poise,” Jim Caldwell after the game about the Raiders offense and the job his defense did.
• “All we did was win today,” Manning said about the Colts playoff hopes. “We have to find a way to win again next week.”
• Manning tied former Raiders OL Gene Upshaw for the most consecutive starts to begin a career with 207.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND, CA – For the Oakland Raiders, cornerback Jeremy Ware, running back Michael Bennett, cornerback Chris Johnson, guard Daniel Loper, wide receivers Chaz Schilens and Nick Miller and linebacker Jarvis Moss will be inactive.

Kyle Boller will be the third string quarterback.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

PITTSBURGH, PA – Tom Cable talked to reporters after the Oakland Raiders 35-3 drubbing at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here’s some excerpts from his press briefing:

On players that did not finish the game:

“Chris Johnson strained a groin in the first half and Trevor Scott has a torn ACL in his left knee I believe.”

On the Pittsburgh Steelers and the flow of the game:

“They played very well and we didn’t. We didn’t seem to ever find any rhythm offensively. I though defensive we were playing hard and never really let it get out of hand.”

“Not a very good day for us. It wont be a game that defines us, we got to move forward from here and get ready to go next week versus Miami.”

“We’ve got to acknowledge the fact that we just got out tails whipped.”

On Jason Campbell being pulled:

“Just enough, they turned up the blitz a little bit more on him and I thought it started to get out of hand a little bit for him. He’ll be the starter next week, there’s no issue there. I just felt like a change was needed. As we all saw, it didn’t make a lot of difference.”

The bye week, and whether it affected their performance:

“I’ll like to think not. Obviously we were healthier coming into the game, really only missing [Nnamdi] Asomugha and [Darrius] Heyward-Bey, but getting [Louis] Murphy back, [John] Henderson, Zach Miller.”

“I felt that the intensity wasn’t where it needed to be today.”

On Trevor Scott injury:

“It looks to be an ACL injury, so if that’s the case, it will take some time.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist