Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders (2-0) will host the San Francisco 49ers (2-0) on Saturday evening. Both teams are expected to go with their starters for extended periods in the yearly Bay Area match-up. For San Francisco, two of their cornerstones on offense will see action for the first time. As for the Raiders, expect Jason Campbell to see first half action and then give away to Bruce Gradkowski who is fired up to finally get on the field. “Yeah, I feel good. I’m ready to rock and roll,” Gradkowski commented this week. “Shoot, I miss it. I’ve been champing at the bit. I’m just excited to get back out there this weekend.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Breaking News: Hue Jackson has spoken – publicly. Yesterday, the first year Raiders offensive coordinator briefed the media and gave a lot of insight on the 2010 offense for the Silver & Black.

“I hope it’s already looking different,” said Jackson when asked if the attack looked different. “The most important thing is we’re striving for balance. We want to be a team that we can run the football when we need to run it and we can throw it when we need to throw it. We’re a multiple formation team. We have some no huddle. We do a little bit of everything. We do whatever it takes to win football games. That’s the most important thing that I’ve stressed from our coaches to our players that whatever it takes to win that’s what we’re going to do.”

One of his more eye-popping statements was: “Honestly, we’re trying to build a bully here.”

This third pre-season game will go a long way in doing that. Oakland will start Jared Veldheer at centerfor the injured Samson Satele. Satele and the rest of the line has not been punishing opposing front-seven’s and if they want to run the ball as Jackson will like, they have to assert themselves quickly. Veldheer is a project and the transition to the pros as a rookie along the trenches is very daunting. But if Oakland can get any tough play in the interior with their mammoth draft pick, he may be their best option to start bullying opponents.

On Defense:

Everyone is all smiles on defense, so far. Oakland’s best player believes that this edition of the Raiders is headed into the campaign with as much positivity as any other club he has been on.

“We’ve accomplished a lot, and being able to put out good practices and win games in the preseason, it goes a long way,” Nnamdi Asomugha said. ` Just getting the wins, even though it’s preseason, it’s just getting those wins builds your confidence and gets you used to it.”

One player with loads of confidence right now is Kamerion Wimbley. His four-sack performance has injected a lot of high expectations for the rebuilt linebacker unit. “I’m just happy we got him,” Tom Cable stated  “I’m glad they didn’t want him, if that’s the case, and he’s ours.”

“Since I have been in the league, that’s what teams have been trying to stop with me,” Wimbley said. “Pressuring the quarterback. The momentum-changing sack. Beating up their quarterback.”

Oakland has pounced on quarterbacks 12 times this pre-season – most in the NFL.

A reason the Raiders look better on defense is the addition of Mike Waufle. His tutelage and experience has added a lot to a staff that already consisted of solid teachers such as, Defensive coordinator John Marshall, linebackers coach Mike Haluchak and secondary coach Lionel Washington.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

On Offense:

Quarterback Alex Smith will have a full complement of starts around him this Saturday. Running back Frank Gore and second year target Michael Crabtree are expected to make their pre-season debuts against the Raiders.

“I just want to see our guys continue to take another step — just continue to execute and continue the progression,” head coach Mike Singletary stated.

Newly acquired running back Brian Westbrook is also slated to take some reps, but the athletically gifted tight end Vernon Davis will be out after an injury to his knee during the team’s first pre-season game.

On Defense:

One of the concerns for the 49ers in 2010 is their secondary and ability to defend the pass. Oakland does not feature a potent aerial attack so this could be a good match-up for them to start building their confidence.

Veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes has noticed that the defensive backfield is getting feistier this summer. “In the back end, guys are more competitive,” Spikes said. “I think we’ll have a better idea of what’s expected from us. And that’s the big thing. Everybody is playing together and everybody is understanding.”

Aubrayo Franklin is still unsigned. And the 6-foot-1, 317-pound defensive lineman is a vital cog to the defense. “I’m not going to try and dictate one thing or another,” Singletary said at the start of camp. “I’m just going to let him do what he has to do, and at the same time, we’re going to do what we have to do as a football team.

“But we will not sit back and say, ‘Is he coming in today? Is he coming in tomorrow?’ The most important thing we have to do is really continue to focus on what we control.”

GAME NOTES

Darrius Heyward-Bey on the game Saturday: “I mean, you always want to battle for it, you know, a team that’s in the same area as you,” Heyward-Bey commented in comparing it to Navy vs. Maryland . “At Maryland, we never had a chance to do that because we’re the only team in Maryland. Matter of fact, we play Navy this year so I guess that will be something.”

Tom Cable on the end of Camp: “We came with our plan, we got through everything, we installed everything that we wanted to. The mission was to try and get better every day, not have those days where you’re really disgusted or disappointed as a coaching staff, that, ‘Man, we really went backward today.’ We didn’t have any of those days.

“So, well done by this football team. Now the real issue is to continue that when we go home. Eliminate the distractions that come with living back at home and all those kinds of things, travel and such, and being able to handle that and eliminate those distractions.”

GAME INFO

When: Saturday, August 28 – 9:00 pm ET

Where: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) will take on the Chicago Bears (0-1) in historic Soldier Field on Saturday. Both clubs last met in the pre-season in 1991, when the Silver & Black defeated the visiting Bears 13-10. Chicago lost 25-10 against the San Diego Chargers in their pre-season opener. Optimizing is high for both clubs in the summer, as Oakland is trying to snap out of their doldrums since the end of the 2002 season and the Bears are looking to head into the playoffs after a three-year post-season drought.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Charlie Frye, who was the incumbent as the third quarterback in the depth chart had season-ending surgery on his right wrist. Now, the door opens for Colt Brennan and Kyle Boller. Bruce Gradkowski is still not ready for action, so head coach Tom Cable stated that after Jason Campbell reaches his quota of snaps, Boller would come in and Brennan will have mop up duty.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Boller said. “Each day, each week, I feel more and more comfortable, getting to know the guys, getting to know the offense. It’s gone really well.”

Darren McFadden will not play on Saturday. “He is much, much improved,” Cable said, “and he is pretty close to being ready to go but, again, I am probably going to lean toward being more protective now.”

The Raiders inked tight end Eric Butler to take Frye’s spot on the roster.

On Defense:

Against the Cowboys, a couple of the young Raider linemen displayed their pass rushing ability. But what John Marshall wants is continued improvements in run discipline. Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston will be a integral part of the defense. But their growth as complete ends as the season approaches is vital.

“They had a really good start,” Richard Seymour said. “We definitely need them to carry that over into the season. Anytime you can start fast, as a young guy it definitely builds your confidence.”

As for the former Patriot, expect him to be cemented in the interior in 2010. “I’m still moving around but I’ve played primarily inside this camp,” he said. “We still have some packages where I move outside. So, we do a lot of different things defensively. It’s still training camp. We’re still in that mode.”

CHICAGO BEARS

On Offense:

This season, all eyes are on Jay Cutler and how he works with Mike Martz. But not just how he handles the Xs and Os, but how he grows into being a leader for the Bears.

“You could see he was a leader last year, but he wasn’t asserting himself as much as he is now. Right now, there’s no question, just in terms of speaking up and taking control of the offense. Before, he was just running the offense. Now, it’s his huddle, it’s his offense. All eyes are on him. And everybody knows who to look to,” said veteran tight end Desmond Clark.

Cutler is itching to play more this week after the cameo versus the Chargers, but any outcomes seen on the field in the summer won’t sway the strong-armed passer either way.

“We’re doing certain things. We’re mixing some stuff in there,” Cutler stated. “But, like I said before, preseason games don’t count. Once we get in that first week, the record is clean again and that really starts to count and the bullets are for real.”

On Defense:

”I think this will be a big rebound for our team,” Brian Urlacher says. ”We’re talented, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t win a bunch of games.”

The Bears ranked 17^th last season on defense, without the services of their leader (Urlacher) and without the presence of prized free agent and five-time pro-bowler Julius Peppers.

And how important is Urlacher? “He is the defense,” three-time Pro Bowl tackle Tommie Harris commented. ”He’s the heart and soul of the defense.”

With Rod Marinelli serving as defensive coordinator, the Bears can boast having some of the best minds aiding head coach Lovie Smith.

GAME NOTES

• The Raiders are not anticipating Chaz Schilens or Darrius Heyward-Bey to be available for the contest. Tony Stewart (ankle), Sam Williams (concussion), Chris Johnson (hamstring) and Paul Hubbard (hamstring) have already been ruled out.
• Bears QB Matt Gutierrez, signed on Wednesday after back up Caleb Hanie was injured, could be on the field on Saturday.
• Like the Raiders, the Bears WR unit has been in question all summer. They have a tight end that is productive (Greg Olsen) like Zach Miller, but more pop will be needed to fulfill Martz’s vision of his offense with Cutler. “I think that our receiver corps will be the strength of this team. You can put that in granite. There’s not very many things I would say are un-retractable, but that one is pretty strong,” Martz said in May.

GAME INFO

When: Saturday, August 21 – 8:30 pm ET

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The pre season finally kicks off for the Oakland Raiders (0-0) when they travel to Arlington to face the Dallas Cowboys (1-0). Dallas notched their first win in 2010 with a 16-7 tally against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton. Oakland will look at new beginnings with Jason Campbell and a slew of young defensive standouts.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Jason Campbell got the highest praises within the organization this week when owner Al Davis likened him to former Raider Jim Plunkett. “I see this young Jason Campbell as a football player like I saw Jim Plunkett,” Davis said during an interview with Sirius NFL Radio. “He has everything. He was 13-0 in college at Auburn. He can throw up the field. He can run. He’s big. He’s smart.”

He continued: “I really predict great things for” Campbell, Davis said in the radio interview. “I hope he doesn’t let me down. I don’t think he will. This team has a lot of potential and a lot of great young players.”

What to Expect:

In this first glimpse of the Raiders on offense, the microscope will be on offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. No, he won’t present a full playbook for everyone to absorb across the league, but Oakland’s new play caller will try to show that this offense is more diverse and not as easy to defend. Most of that is due to stability at quarterback. So seeing more complex aerial attacks down the field in their pre-season games will be refreshing to Raider fans. Tom Cable’s main objective though will be to get the offensive line sorted, blocking well and cohesive as they approach their first regular season contest.

On Defense:

Oakland has revamped this unit with Lamarr Houston, John Henderson along the trenches, Kamerion Wimbley, Rolando McClain and Quentin Groves at linebacker and solid late draft picks in the secondary.

Stopping the run and keeping their defense balanced will be the prime objective in 2010. And Henderson is the type of player that can come in for 20-30 snaps a game and provide the bulk that has been missing since their 2002 Super Bowl run.

“I love stopping the run,” Henderson told the Contra Costa Times. “I take a lot of pride in it. That’s something we’ve got to get better at. I live for it. You can take me out on third and long. Just put me in on short yardage and all that good stuff.”

What to Expect:

Is this defense on the attack? How do the linebackers play in coverage? Can Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and Henderson sure up the line of scrimmage? Who steps up at Safety and becomes a playmaker? These are all questions that need to be answered. They won’t happen in this first game, but some of the reserves or players on the fringe could take a big step forward to being key contributors in 2010.

DALLAS COWBOYS

On Offense:

In his cameo last week, Tony Romo was 5-of-10 passing for 59 yards. The Cowboys want to be a tough running club with Marion Barber and dynamic down the field with their wide receivers.

But with their top rookie out of action, veteran Roy Williams (1 reception for 21 yards, last week) and break out target Miles Austin (1 reception for 16 yards vs. the Bengals) will have to generate some big plays in the coming weeks so they have a good feeling going into the regular season.

Tight end John Phillips, who tallied four catches for 60 yards last week, sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during the contest and will miss the entire regular season.

What to Expect:

Dallas will test Oakland’s batch of defenders along the line of scrimmage this week. They have one game under their belt, so getting the offensive line more reps against a Raiders unit that is seeing their first action could be in the mix. The Cowboys will probably run the ball effectively, as they’ll keep their starters in longer than Oakland will.

On Defense:

This side of the ball played well against Cincinnati, holding them to 179 total yards. In limited action, Carson Palmer was knocked around a few times and the Dallas defense looked like they were in regular season mode.

Marcus Spears will be missing for a few weeks, but teammates are optimistic about his return. “He’ll be back,” inside linebacker Bradie James said. “This gives him a chance to rest his legs and get ready for the season. We’ll need him.”

The Cowboys focus on being stout against the run. They finished fourth against the run last season, allowing 90.5 yards per game. They gave up 3.97 yards per carry, ninth-lowest average in the league.

What to Expect:

The Cowboys first team defense wants to derail any hopes for the newly installed Raiders offense. They are familiar with Jason Campbell, so it will be interesting to see how that will effect the ex-Redskins performance early in the contest.

GAME NOTES

• Oakland holds a 17-9 edge in the preseason series against Dallas; winning at home 31-10 last summer. Both clubs met on Thanksgiving Day during the 2009 regular season, a 24-7 Cowboys victory in Arlington.
• RB Darren McFadden will not play on Thursday. “Hamstrings can be tricky injuries,” he said. “I didn’t want to try to get back on it too fast. I’m just trying to make sure it’s 100 (percent) before I do.”
• Jason Witten and DajLeon Farr are the only healthy tight ends for the Cowboys. The Raider linebackers need to be tested in coverage, but Martellus Bennett will also be out.

GAME INFO

When: Thursday, August 12, 2010, 6:00 p.m. PT

Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning. Two great offenses dueling for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. One quarterback looking for immortality, the other looking to bring joy to an organization that has seen some horrid days. Super Bowl XLIV is sure to provide a lot of excitement.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

On Offense:

Sean Payton has had enough time to conjure up a game plan to counter what the Colts have been able to do on defense in these playoffs.

Brees has to be on his game, spreading the ball out via the pass to his receivers, tight ends and running backs in order to sustain drives and ultimately, put up touchdowns.

Since the Colts are speedy along their front-seven, the Saints should go try establish their presence along the trenches with their rush attack. Pierre Thomas and a Reggie Bush – who has gained life running harder in the playoffs – could have success bolting pass Colts’ defenders if the offensive line can assert themselves.

What to Expect:

Ultimately, its about how Brees can dissect Indianapolis’ secondary and whether or not Marques Colston, Devery Henderson or Jeremy Shockey can keep Larry Coyer’s defense off-balance. The Saints are too good not to rack up yards, but can it lead to touchdowns?

On Defense:

Gregg Williams’ defense will be under the gun this Sunday. Their main objective will be to rattle Manning, get into the pocket consistently and derail any chances of the great passer to getting in any rhythm with his targets.

The Saints have not been good on this side of the ball for a while and surrendered nearly 500-yards of total offense to the Vikings in the NFC Championship game.

Will Smith, Charles Grant and the rest of the front four needs to put the heat on Manning. If they blitz ineffectively, they’ll be picked apart quickly by an offense that looks to take big chunks of the field when defenses send an extra defender.

What to Expect:

The Saints may be able to surprise Manning early in the contest. But will they be able to diversify their attack enough to stay ahead of the keen passer? Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter will be unsung heroes if they can ground the aerial attack and slow down the Colts passing game.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

On Offense:

The Colts have not had much of a ground game, but when Manning is leading your offense and Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark are playing at a high level, that’s enough to get you into a Super Bowl and win one against a defense that has not shown the ability to slow down opponents.

Joseph Addai could have an awakening on Sunday, especially out of the backfield where he is adept at making big plays as a pass catcher.

What to Expect:

Manning short, Manning deep. It’s either going to be a slow death, or an aerial display depending on how the Saints decide to attack. The Hall of Fame passer has enough patience and adaptability to manage his offense and then take advantage of any mistakes the Saints may make. If he’s beat up and made to move in the pocket, the Colts will struggle on offense.

On Defense:

Dwight Freeney’s status is vital. His ankle is ‘sore’ per the speedy defensive end, and if he can play and provide a little bit of a spark, that may be enough to give his defensive mates a boost.

Raheem Brock is a capable replacement if Freeney not able to get his full compliment of reps. “He’s very versatile,” Coyer said of the 6-4, 275-pound Brock. “He can stand up and play. He can get down [on the ground] and play. He’s got some traits.”

What to Expect:

The speedy front-seven of the Colts will be capable of corralling Bush’s ability to cutback and his prowess to get to the edges. But they could be susceptible to a power attack if the Saints just line up and run the ball up the gut with Thomas. If Freeney does not play, it will make Brees a happier passer and give him some more time to hit his receivers on longer routes.

GAME NOTES

• Both teams have split their 10 all-time meetings.
• Carrie Underwood will sign the National Anthem, while Queen Latifah will perform “America the Beautiful.”
• Brees was named Fed Ex Air NFL Player of the Year.
• Former Colts head coach Tony Dungy stated he, “would be absolutely shocked,” if the Colts lost.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Manning vs. Williams

Can the Saints defensive coordinator keep the quarterback guessing enough? If so, we’ll have an exciting Super Bowl.

Saints Marching?

The Saints need to control the game on the ground and keep the Colts offense on the sideline. If they can establish a ground attack and put up touchdowns at the end of drives, the upset will be accomplished.

PREDICTION

Colts 41 – Saints 27

MVP: Manning

GAME INFO

New Orleans Saints – NFC Champion – 13-3 regular season

Indianapolis Colts  - AFC Champion – 14-2 regular season

Site: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida

When: February 7, 2010 Time: 6:25 pm ET

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

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

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

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

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

What to Expect:

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

On Defense:

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

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

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

What to Expect:

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

BALTIMORE RAVENS

On Offense:

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

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

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

What to Expect:

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

On Defense:

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

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

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

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

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

What to Expect:

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

GAME NOTES

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

KEY MATCH UPS

Where is Ray Rice?

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

Cable vs. the Ravens defense

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

PREDICTION

Ravens 27 – Raiders 9

TV & RADIO

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

GAME INFO

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

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

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

LINE: Ravens are a 10.5 point favorite

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (5-9) face the Cleveland Browns (3-11). It will mark the 18^th meeting between both clubs with the Silver & Black leading 10-7. In their last meeting, Oakland blocked a late field goal to capture a 26-24 victory. The Browns are on a two game winning streak, something the Raiders will try to achieve with a road win – a feat that has been highly elusive in the short Tom Cable era.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

What to Expect on Offense:

The Raiders are moving forward with Charlie Frye. The passer cleared all tests after his concussion and has been practicing with the squad. Bruce Gradkowski has improved per Cable, but there is very little chance for him to see any action.

Justin Fargas is expected to miss the game on Sunday, which means more of the tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Zach Miller has been limited during the week. There is a chance he may play, especially with Brandon Myers (concussion) looking like he may be inactive. Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey will be sidelined once again and will probably not see action again this season.

With Cleveland allowing 149.6 yards per game on the ground, expect Oakland to support Frye with a heavy load of Bush and McFadden sprinkled in all over in varying formations.

What to Expect on Defense:

“We love that guy from when he was here,“ stated Thomas Howard about his former coordinator, Rob Ryan. “You always have a place in your heart for a guy like that. He drafted me and was my coordinator. But, hey, we’re on opposite sides of the field this Sunday and we’re getting after him. Like he said, it’s bedlam.”

This is a different defense than what Ryan last saw when he was their leader.

One key has been their ability to rough the passer, and Greg Ellis has been a huge part of that.  He was limited in practice again this week, but as I stated a few weeks ago, the Raiders will take it easy on him during the week and unleash the veteran on game day.

Don’t expect the Raiders to let up on their pass rush. They’ll continue to bring the heat with extra defenders in hopes of facilitating mistakes out of Derek Anderson.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Shane Lechler sounded very confident this week when talking about his squad’s ability to lock down the dangerous Joshua Cribbs.

“We’re going to do exactly what we did to [Devin] Hester, what we did to Dante Hall four years ago when he was at Kansas City,” Lechler reported this week. “ When you do (try to avoid the returner) it goes to show that you don’t trust your guys. I’m willing to put my guys up against anybody. I like my guys. My punt team is outstanding, they play their butt off every Sunday.”

CLEVELAND BROWNS

What to Expect on Offense:

Jerome Harrison’s 286-yard three-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs was epic. He broke Jim Brown’s team record and now faces a 30^th ranked rush defense that can allow big chunks on the ground and big games from unknown rushers.

Derek Anderson will start for Brady Quinn, but some his thoughts this week were with the looming change atop the organization, as Mike Holmgren agreed to take over as team president recently.

“I think it’s an audition for everybody,” said Anderson, who will try to impress his new boss now that Quinn is out with a foot injury. “We’ve all got to continue to do good things and make plays and just play and do the things we’ve been doing the last few weeks.”

What to Expect on Defense:

The Browns utilize a 3-4 scheme under Ryan and head coach Eric Mangini. And they have been wildly inconsistent, playing stellar against the Steelers once week and then looking like a sieve versus a feeble Chiefs attack.

Linebacker Matt Roth has been a pleasant surprise lately. He recovered a fumble and recorded a key sack last weekend. “Matt’s been great. I think he’s done an excellent job in terms of fitting in with the group. The guys seem to really enjoy having him here. He’s tough,” stated his head coach.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Cribbs versus the special teams of the Raiders – it doesn’t get better than that. “Every single time I touch the football I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m going to go. Not just good field position, but this is going back to the house,’” Cribbs said. “My eyes light up, it’s like a kid on Christmas Day every time I get the ball.”

He now holds the NFL record for 8 kickoff returns for touchdowns. He may be able to add more scores in a different role, as a defender, per Mangini in the near future.

“He is a physical tackler. He is very aggressive. He has good ball skills in terms of his ability to locate the ball, pluck the ball. He’d be great with interceptions. He’d be a dangerous returner if he got a pick. I don’t think it’s going to happen short term, it could be something that evolves.”

GAME NOTES

• The Browns have won six of the last eight meetings versus Oakland.
• In Oakland’s five-wins, their margin of victory is an average of 2.8 points.
• “He was one of the only coaches that stuck by me when I was in the beginning of my career trying to learn the new position,” Nnamdi Asomugha said of Rob Ryan. “The amount of confidence he had in me was huge and it did a lot for my development as far as growth with the cornerback position. I owe a lot to him and he knows that already so it’s going to be great seeing him. He’s a favorite of mine.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Cribbs vs. Oakland’s cover teams

Every time the ball is kicked to Cribbs, there is excitement and anticipation he will do something special.

Which Run Defense implodes?

Both teams can put out awful efforts stopping the run. With a record breaking rusher that came out of nowhere on one side and a talented duo on the other side, this could be a game decided in the trenches and by rushers.

PREDICTION

Raiders 23 – Browns 20

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Don Criqui providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Randy Cross 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’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited directly from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 1:00 p.m. ET | Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cle., OH

Home Team: Cleveland Browns (3-11) Home: 1-5 Road: 2-6

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (5-9) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-4

LINE: Raiders are 3-point underdogs

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (4-9) will face the Denver Broncos (8-5) on Sunday at Invesco Field. Denver has won six of the last eight meetings but still trail the overall series 56-42-2. In their first contest in late September, the Broncos rushed for 215 yards and dominated the time of possession 36:15 to Oakland’s 23:45.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

JaMarcus Russell will sit again this weekend, but this time Charlie Frye will start ahead of him, as this current Raider staff has all but given up on the former first round picks ability to lead this team. Oakland will tab the journeyman to get an offense going that was jolted by the insertion of Bruce Gradkowski a few weeks ago. “Yeah, me and Bruce come from the same mold as far as our past and what we’ve done to get where we’re at,” commented Frye this week.

He may be without tight end Zach Miller who sat out practice on Friday and has been dealt with cautiously after sustaining his second concussion of the season.

Also, Langston Walker will start at left guard for just the second time in his career in place of Chris Morris. “Just the play of what we got last week at left guard and trying to secure that a little bit,” said Tom Cable, about starting the mammoth Walker.

What to Expect:

With Frye in, the Raiders will look more like the team that Gradkowski led rather than the Russell directed bunch. Cable will be able to expand on the playbook, continue to use bootlegs to move around the quarterback and utilize his passing game to attack the Broncos 2^nd ranked pass defense. Without Miller, rookie Brandon Myers will have to play a big role as Tony Stewart is not mobile enough to scare the Denver secondary down the field.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis will be handled with care as the season winds down, as the wily veteran has had knee issues since getting it drained back in October. He participated in practice, but Oakland will try to limit any strenuous work in the week so he can play at end once Sundays roll around.

Matt Shaughnessy has had groin issues, but he is listed as probable. Michael Huff, who suffered a stinger last week, could play and was active on Friday during practice.

One player in secondary who will see more reps as the season winds down is safety Mike Mitchell. The Raiders have set-up new packages in recent weeks for thee week and last Sunday; he tallied his first career sack. In the red-zone he is a solid tackler and even though he has issues covering in space, Mitchell can be used as a blitzer when the Raiders go to their Nickel looks.

What to Expect:

Since week nine versus Pittsburgh, Brandon Marshall has been tearing up the league averaging 108.6 receiving yards per game, including 5 touchdowns and a NFL game record 21-grabs versus the Indianapolis Colts last week. Oakland’s secondary has allowed big plays all season and back in week-three versus the Silver & Black, Marshall hauled in his first score of the season. The Raiders need to find a way to get to Kyle Orton and make him move his feet in the pocket to disrupt his accuracy. If Orton is hitting his targets, Oakland gets blown out.

DENVER BRONCOS

Daniel Graham mocking the crowd in Oakland during their first match-up

On Offense:

“Knowshon is going to be a great player in this league. He’s still learning a lot of things as a rookie. There are still a lot of things he has not seen. But, all in all, he’s doing great,” said Correll Buckhalter.

Knowshon Moreno had 21-carries for 90-yards in his first meeting versus the Raiders and in the last five weeks, he has tallied an average of 82.8 yards on the ground. The rookie is finding his groove late in the campaign and impressing his teammates and coaches.

“Knowshon runs the ball pretty tough in short yardage,” stated his quarterback Kyle Orton.

What to Expect:

Denver will run the ball to eat clock, move the chains and set-up big passing plays to their targets. They dominated the Oakland front-seven in their first match-up with the tandem of Buckhalter and Moreno. So more of the same can be expected. Kyle Orton waxed poetically about his big play receiver stating, “His size and physical ability is what to me is the most impressive. But he’s a total football player. You’re not as good as he is without understanding the game and understanding defenses and what teams are trying to do.”

On Defense:

Josh McDaniels has pointed out all wee the importance of corralling running back Darren McFadden. Last week, the multi-purpose rusher tallied 3 receptions for 85-yards and the Raiders will need him to be a focal point versus Denver if Miller cannot play.

“They’re using him split out, away from the formation and seeing what kind of matchup they get,” McDaniels said, “though I’m not sure the guy covering him really matters, because they’ve thrown on corners, they’ve thrown on safeties, they’ve thrown on linebackers and he’s been very productive in each way, and he can also throw the ball.

“So we’re aware of all the skills he has and all the ways he can hurt us.”

Elvis Dumervil is continuing his pro-bowl push and now has 15.0 sacks to lead the NFL.

What to Expect:

The Broncos’ resurgence on defense this season has been the reason why they are in a position to make the playoffs as we enter the last quarter of the season. They’ll try to make life difficult for Frye who has not seen football action since October 12, 2008. If they rattle him, he’ll make a mistake or two. What the Broncos cannot allow is the Raiders to run the ball for big chunks.

GAME NOTES

• Linebacker Sam Williams (illness) is listed as questionable.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey will miss his third straight game with what Cable said was a ‘foot sprain.’ The rookie has 9 catches for 124 yards.
• Center Tim Mattran was inked to the practice squad this week.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Brandon Marshall

Asomugha won’t cover him all over the field, but when they do square off, it will be a treat for all observers. Marshall will get most of his yardage when facing Chris Johnson.

Frye, or Fried?

If Oakland can get a steady performance out of their new passer, then they make this a competitive game. The Raiders won 31-10 in 2008 last year in Denver with steady play from their quarterback.

PREDICTION

Broncos 29 – Raiders 16

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Steve Tasker 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’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 20, 2009, 4:05 p.m. ET | Invesco Field at Mile High, CO

Home Team: Denver Broncos (8-5) Home: 4-2 Road: 4-3

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (4-9) Home: 2-5 Road: 2-4

LINE: Raiders are a 14-point underdog

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (4-8) will host the Washington Redskins (3-9). It will be the 11^th regular season meeting between both clubs with the Silver & Black holding a 8-3 edge including their victory in Super Bowl XVIII. Oakland has won four of the last five meetings including their last match-up during week-eleven of the 2005 season when Kerry Collins passed for 289-yards and the Raiders won 16-13.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

In three-games as a started, Bruce Gradkowski has elevated the Oakland aerial attack, which has tallied an average of 217 yards per game in that span. With Robert Gallery out for the season and the Raiders not running the ball all that well, rookie Louis Murphy emerging as a legitimate talent, Chaz Schilens back in the mix and a competent quarterback under center, its safe to say that the Oakland passing game is at its peak. They’ll get a formidable challenge from the Redskins this week who have the 5^th best pass defense in the league (190.2 per game), but in recent weeks against Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans – all teams in the top-10 in passing yards per game – they have allowed 819 aerial yards.

Last week in Pittsburgh, Johnnie Lee Higgins had his best game as a target in some time after Darrius Heyward-Bey was inactive due to injury. “Yeah, it was rough. You know me, I’m a fighter, I just hate sitting back and watching, I want to be out there, but I just do as I’m told,” Higgins told reporters on Friday. “I go out there and when my number is called, I go out there and I perform. Complaining won’t get you anywhere. When it’s my time to shine, I go out there and try and do it.”

What to Expect:

Samson Satele is expected to start at center with Chris Morris taking Gallery’s spot at left guard. Oakland has to have some cohesion along the trenches if they don’t want Gradkowski scrambling against a Washington defense that has tallied 28-sacks (12^th in the NFL). Short down and distances will be a key as well as other running situations in the red-zone. If Gradkowski can rally this team to another win, it will be a huge indictment on JaMarcus Russell as the Raiders usually struggle after wins and have rarely put together solid back-to-back performances during his time as a starter.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis’ knee has hindered him all week, limited his action in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for the game. Oakland will need a lively pass rush on Sunday due to the recent activity of Jason Campbell. Yes he has four interceptions in the last three contests. But he has also tallied 284 yards passing per game during that span.

Oakland has to bring the heat as they did versus the Eagles and Bengals in order to come away with a victory at home.

One player that helps in that aspect is Richard Seymour. And this week, he stated to the Boston Herald, “I still have an impact,” when talking about his play and the decision the Patriots made to deal him before the season. “Maybe I don’t get the glory all the time, but I free up somebody else and our team gets the success. I know what I bring to the table. They wish it was that easy to replace me, but it’s not.”

Trevor Scott could be freed up this weekend, and in two games at linebacker, he has three sacks, four quarterback pressures and five tackles for losses.

“Originally when they first said it, I was kind of shocked just because I’ve never really played it before,” Scott said. “But I just took it in stride and ran with it. It was one of those things where you’re thrown into the fire, and sometimes that’s the best way to learn.”

What to Expect:

Oakland is still susceptible to big plays against the run and pass, and can allow big chunks of yardage on the ground. But they have been stout in holding teams to field goals instead of touchdowns when they get the red-zone, forcing a key turnover or getting a vital sack to push the opponents place kicker out of field goal range. If John Marshall is able to get his pass rush going, Oakland’s secondary will be able to pick some errant throws and give their upstart offense a chance at some short drives.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

On Offense:

“We could have been 6-6 and fighting for something,” Jason Campbell stated on the team’s official Web site after throwing for a career high 367 yards and three touchdowns. “Instead we’re 3-9.”

Clinton Portis was place on injured reserve this week, so Quinton Ganther and Rock Cartwright will carry the load the rest of the way. The second year rusher out of Utah has been more productive than Cartwright in recent weeks and now will be the fourth rusher to start in the backfield for Washington in 2009.

“I’m getting the opportunity that I haven’t had to show people what I can do,” Ganther said. “I just worked harder than anybody. The longer you keep you feet in the door, the better opportunity you have.”

What to Expect:

Oakland’s secondary will be tested by Santana Moss (49 rec. 642-yards 3 TD), Antwaan Randle El (40 rec. 458-yards), Fred Davis (32 rec. 319 yards 3 TD) and Devin Thomas (23 rec. 287 yards 3 TD). Chris Johnson has been picked on playing opposite Nnamdi Asomugha and far too often, second year pro Tyvon Branch and the rest of the Raiders secondary have been caught out of position on big plays. Many times, Oakland’s rush defense has allowed unknowns to have big games at running back starting for injured starters. If Ganther is given his shot consistently, he could have a career day.

On Defense:

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will miss his third game with a sprained right ankle.

Also, cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be out with a sprained right knee, as he will miss out on a opportunity to play against his former teammates During his eight-game stint by the Bay Area, Hall was torched and tormented by double moves and was a whipping boy of the fans after being traded and signed to an extension prior to the 2008 campaign.

“Al Davis told me it salary cap issues,” Hall said. “Coach Cable actually made the statement that they had somebody better behind me. So I kind of took a little offense to that, but I don’t have any hard feelings toward Coach Cable, the organization. It was a great, great, great time for me there, the short period of time that I was there.”

“DeAngelo’s a play-maker,” ex-corner mate Asomugha stated. “He wants to be free to go out and make plays and do what he does best. When you come here, you have to understand that you’re going to be in man-to-man 90 percent of the game. It was definitely something he wasn’t used to. It took some adjusting for him, and he never really got that full chance to adjust to that change.”

GAME NOTES

• In Washington’s first seven contest, they allowed an average of 17.6 points and 283 yards per game. In the past five, foes have amassed 23 points and 352 yards of offense per outing.
• Andre Carter has eight sacks in his last eight contests.
• Gallery’s spot on the roster could be occupied by Roy Schuening, who is able to play center and is currently on the practice squad.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Can the Raiders passing attack continue to move it downfield?

The 4^th quarter versus the Steelers was explosive. If they can continue that output, they’ll be able to make life easier for a running game that has been disappointing and could use a boost from Darren McFadden.

Will the Raiders’ run defense get plowed?

This is the type of game where the Shonn Greene’s, the Jamaal Charles’ and Bernard Scott’s go wild on Oakland’s run defense. Campbell has been throwing it for big yards, the Raiders can allow big yards via the pass, and if Ganther rolls, there will be a lot of booing in the Black Hole.

PREDICTION

Raiders 26 – Redskins 19

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on FOX with Dick Stockton providing play-by-play and Charles Davis handling color analysis. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KTVU Channel 2 and in Sacramento on KXTV Channel 40. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information was cited from the Official Oakland Raiders Web Site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 13, 2009, 4:05 p.m. ET | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (4-8) Home: 2-4 Road: 2-4

Road Team: Washington Redskins (3-9) Home: 3-3 Road: 0-6

LINE: Raiders are a 1-point underdog

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

For the 18^th time in regular season play, the Oakland Raiders (3-8) will face the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5). In their storied history, the Silver & Black hold a 9-8 advantage, but during the post-season, each team has notched three victories in six meetings. Oakland is trying to avoid a seventh straight 11 or more loss season while the Steelers are trying to hang on to their playoff lives as the campaign winds down.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Bruce Gradkowski is at the helm for the Raiders again and will face a team he’s had a miserable time against. He has a 50% completion percentage no touchdowns, five interceptions and a rating of 20.3 against the Steelers in two career starts. Last December, he took aim at Pittsburgh as a member of the Browns and had a dreadful day. “Going up against a great defense and not really knowing your own offense, it was quite an experience against a team that was on fire and headed to the Super Bowl,” Gradkowski stated this week.

It’s also a homecoming for him, as Gradkowski starred at Seton-La Salle Catholic High School from 1997-to-2000 in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). “My family, my cousins, they’re die-hard Steeler fans. Last year when I was with the Browns it was hard for then,” Gradkowski said. “They wore neutral colors but I think being with the Raiders this past year and getting to know these guys and being with this team, I know I’ll have the family behind me on this one.”

What to Expect:

The Steelers statistically have the best run defense in the league (74.9 yards per game). So it will be a tough task for Oakland to establish Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden on the ground. Michael Bush appears to be in the doghouse, which leads you to believe that the Raiders will put the game on the hands of Gradkowski. Oakland needs to stay close, so the passer must keep the mistakes to a minimum and protection must be at a premium. Pittsburgh’s defense has been faulty in the 4^th quarter of games and the secondary without Troy Polamalu could be exposed. Problem is, will Oakland ever get a complete game from their targets?

On Defense:

Trevor Scott has found his way into the starting line-up as the weak side linebacker. Thomas Howard will move to the strong side of the formation for the first time in his career after Scott played well on Thanksgiving Day. “It will give us a chance to have what we want in terms of coverage and what we want vs. the run,” said Tom Cable.

Defensive end Greg Ellis was very limited all week in practice and is listed as doubtful for the contest Sunday. “[Ellis] made some improvement but has slowed down. So we’ll see,” Cable commented today.

What to Expect:

After getting torched by Tony Romo last week, Oakland’s secondary has to have a bounce back effort against the 8^th ranked pass attack in the league. Chris Johnson has been victimized way too often on big plays down the field and Nnamdi Asomugha had a tough time with Miles Austin, especially on shallower routes. More man-to-man coverage should be in play this week for the Raiders, as it appeared that many of their problems were due to blown assignments when they dropped back in zone.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

On Offense:

All signs to Ben Roethlisberger starting at quarterback on Sunday. “Ben hasn’t experienced any resurface of any discomfort from his concussion since Friday,” head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week. “All indications are…ultimately play in the game on Sunday.”

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been critiqued, especially since the Steelers have ditched their traditional run first mentality and have gone to a pass heavy attack, Many blame that for the defense giving up leads late in games and the inconsistency in 2009. Against Cincinnati and Kansas City, they combined for 82-passes and only 49 run plays. As for possibly running some Wildcat plays for last week’s starting passer Dennis Dixon, Arians stated, “He’s an extremely good talent as far as speed, and when a play breaks down and he can improvise, that’s when he’ll be dangerous,” and he continued; “But if you start designing runs for a quarterback, especially one of his stature, he’s going to get broken in half.”

What to Expect:

If there was ever a contest the Steelers would get their rush game going, it will have to be on Sunday with worries about Big Ben taking hits and facing a soft defense that allows 161.1 ground yards per game. And with Thomas Howard lining up on the strong side, tight end Heath Miller and the rest of the line could have a fun day pushing around that side of the Raider formation.

On Defense:

Dick LeBeau’s unit has taken some heat also, especially after their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. “We didn’t get off the field on critical downs,” linebacker LaMarr Woodley was quoted. “We can’t give up the big home-run hits, the passes down the field, long runs. We have to eliminate those problems.

“We knew what kind of player [Dixon] was. He put enough points on the board to give us a chance to win. We just allowed their offense to move the ball down the field on us.”

The Ravens stacked up 393 total yards of offense last week. But facing a Raider team with lesser talent could be just what the doctor ordered.

What to Expect:

It’s time for LeBeau to bring ‘Blitzburgh’ back in this contest. Gradkowski can be pressured into mistakes and the Raider wide receivers have not been able to consistently help their quarterback with big plays down the field. James Harrison (10-sacks) and Lawrence Timmons (6-sacks) can add to their stats if they constantly bring the heat.

GAME NOTES

• Rashard Mendenhall has rushed for 739 yards since being catapulted into the starting unit in week-four.
• Mike Tomlin stated, “We will not go gently. We are going to unleash hell here in December. Because we have to.” Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha stated after hearing Tomlin’s comments: “They’re used to winning, so when you lose three games or something like that, it’s the biggest deal in the world. They said everybody’s got hell to pay the next (few) weeks. They’re making a big deal about this.”
• When will the Raiders start using more of McFadden in wildcat formations? It’s obvious they don’t feel he’s an every down ball carrier, and they want to incorporate him into the passing attack, but he was a star in Arkansas with his multi-dimensional skill set out of that formation and in the NFL, many times have found a way to get consistent yardage out of that set.
• Running back Justin Fargas (stinger), linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (knee) and linebacker David Nixon (illness) are listed as probable.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Gradkowski vs. Pittsburgh’s pressure

If the Oakland quarterback can make the right decisions, use his feet to neutralize the pressure and get the ball to his targets quickly, it will help moving the chains and sustaining drives. Gradkowski has to avoid another dreadful outing versus Pittsburgh, or this will be a blowout.

Pittsburgh’s ground game vs. Oakland’s Front-Seven

Howard is not adept at his new position, Pittsburgh needs to establish their ground game and keep Roethlisberger healthy. If Oakland can’t keep the Steelers’ running backs in check this could get ugly.

PREDICTION

Steelers 26 – Raiders 6

TV & RADIO

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

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 1:00 p.m. ET | Heinz Field, Pitt. PA

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (3-8) Home: 2-4 Road: 1-4

Home Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) Home: 4-1 Road: 2-4

LINE: Raiders are 14.5-point underdogs

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Thanksgiving Day, the Oakland Raiders (3-7) will face the Dallas Cowboys (7-3). It’s the first time the Silver & Black play on this national holiday since 1970. Oakland is 3-2 on Thanksgiving, have a 6-3 lead in the regular season series versus the Cowboys and have a three game winning streak against Dallas.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

For less than a week, Bruce Gradkowski has a team and fan-base convinced that he is deserving of the starting quarterback job in Oakland. This second start will determine how well he plays when the spotlight is on and when the football world has their eyes focused on this traditional afternoon of pigskin.

Oakland rarely has prospered after wins since 2003, especially on offense where they become latent and produce very little in blowout losses. This season, opponents have outscored the Silver & Black 61-3 a week after they come off victories.

But Gradkowski is making those around him more comfortable, giving them confidence with his vigor and a win while under center on Sunday. It helps that Robert Gallery is now healthy, Chaz Schilens is back on the field and Darren McFadden’s presence has to be accounted by opponents.

What to Expect:

Dallas is one of the better run-stuffing units in the league, allowing 100.6 yards per game (7^th in the NFL). The Raiders didn’t really move the chains on the strength of their ground game versus Cincinnati, so Tom Cable may feel more confident in opening up the playbook and letting Gradkowski shoulder some of the burden that JaMarcus Russell could not with a more complex pass game. McFadden should get some looks in the ‘Wildhog’ formation to loosen up the Dallas defense.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis will face his old teammates after spending 11 seasons in Dallas. “You can’t play on one team forever,” commented Ellis, who leads the Raiders with 5-sacks. “You enjoy the years you were there. I told Jerry I wish we had won the big one while I was there. We didn’t, and he felt like it was time to make a decision.”

Oakland’s defense stifled the Bengals last week, and during their wins this season, it’s been the pressure applied by the front four, which has made life difficult for opposing offensive linemen, and the quarterback they are trying to protect.

The Raiders need to stay away from allowing big yardage on the ground, allowing big plays when defending the pass and tackling better around the line of scrimmage.

What to Expect:

The Cowboys are the 8^th ranked rushing team in the league. Oakland is the 30^th ranked rush defense in the NFL, but at times they made big plays behind the line of scrimmage against the Bengals and when the defense is at its best, they limit the long chain moving drives that has haunted them in their losses. Defensive coordinator John Marshall stated on the difficulties trying to get the run defense back to a respectable level, “Well it appears that way so far with the results. I’m really shocked, as a matter of fact. I’m surprised. We just keep working at it. There’s reasons why, which I won’t go into right now, but we just got to keep working at it.”

DALLAS COWBOYS

On Offense:

The status of Pro-Bowl tight end Jason Witten may not be known until game-time. “I won’t say it’s severe, but it’s something that worries us about him being able to play this week,” commented Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips on Tuesday.

Dallas’ offense has struggled in their last two games, scoring 14 points combined, averaging 69.5 yards on the ground while coughing up the football five times. Witten’s sprained left foot will not help, especially after they loss right tackle Marc Colombo a few weeks back with injuries to his leg and ankle.

What to Expect:

Dallas has allowed six-sacks in their last two games. Oakland can bring the heat off the edges and along the interior of the trenches. So the Cowboys have to get their running game going against a team that many times allows big chunks of yards in the ground. Tony Romo’s elusiveness and ability to throw on the run could help, especially if he is able to buy time to find his targets on broken plays down the field. And against CB Chris Johnson, Dallas may be able to re-route their receivers or big plays.

On Defense:

This unit is being asked to win games at this point due to a struggling offense who is getting beat up. “I think that is the heart and soul of the team right now, that defense,” receiver Patrick Crayton was quoted on Sunday. “The way they are keeping us around in games, it’s amazing. It has been a true blessing for our offense.”

DeMarcus Ware is one player Oakland’s protection packages have to key on as he has tallied 7-sacks in 2009 and 60.5 so far in his 5-year career.

Terrence Newman is playing very good football and this week, he shrugged off the scuttlebutt about his sideline happening with secondary coach Dave Campo.

“I’m kicking Don out,” Newman stated, joking that the scuffle will be hyped and promoted by his owner. “We’re going to have Jerry promoting it. We might have to move this whole thing to Cowboys Stadium. That’s it! Pacquiao-Mayweather at Cowboys Stadium. Yeah. It’ll be Pacquiao-Mayweather and it’ll be Campo-Newman. We’re going to make it happen. I’m telling you.”

What to Expect:

Dallas has to apply pressure on Gradkowski and force him into mistakes. Oakland’s targets aren’t consistent threats, so Dallas’ front seven can take chances with blitzes and varying attacks. If Oakland becomes too one-dimensional on offense and can’t mix in a few runs, the young talent around Gradkowski may not be able to make enough plays to keep them in the game.

GAME NOTES

• Richard Seymour is expected to play on Thursday after sustaining a lower back injury against the Bengals. Linebacker Jon Alston on the other hand looks to be dinged after his second concussion this season. Special teams ace Isaiah Ekejiuba will not play either, so the Oakland linebacker unit is very thin right now.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey broke the 100-yard barrier this past Sunday with his seventh catch of the season. The rookie first rounder now stands at 103-yards receiving.
• If Witten can’t play, fans will miss seeing two of the better tight ends in the league. Zach Miller has 34-receptions for 495 yards and 2 scores. Witten has compiled 54-grabs for 481 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Phillips is just 1-6 in his career against the Silver & Black, including 0-5 while with the Broncos (1993-94) and 1-1 while with the Bills (1998-2000).
• Shane Lechler commented on the low-hanging scoreboard in Dallas, “If that guy in Tennessee can hit it, I can hit it.” He continued, “I’m not going to go for it. If it’s there, it’s there.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Gradkowski’s targets vs. the Dallas pass coverage & pass rush

Gradkowski needs time to pass and his targets to finally make plays for their passer. I don’t expect Oakland’s ground game to run for 120+ yards, so they’ll need another big effort from Schilens, Miller and another player in their aerial attack.

Tom Cable vs. Wade Phillips

It’s time for Cable to open up the playbook and let it loose. He has all his weapons on offense healthy and on the road on national television, Oakland should make a statement with creative and exciting play calling.

PREDICTION

Cowboys 17 – Raiders 16

TV & RADIO

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

GAME INFO

Thursday, November 26, 2009, 4:15 p.m. ET | Cowboys Stadium, TX

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (3-7) Home: 2-4 Road: 1-3

Home Team: Dallas Cowboys (7-3) Home: 4-1 Road: 3-2

Line: Raiders are a 13.5 point underdog

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist