Silver and Black Report

Javon Walker, WR

Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008. The six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees was restructured in March of 2009 after he tallied a putrid 15 receptions for 196 yards with one score after his first year with Oakland. He recorded no stats in 2009 and stated in September, “I’m more than healthy enough.

“I’m just going with the flow.”

Verdict: Walker’s contract with the Raiders will go down as one of the biggest flops in the history of free agency.

Anthony Dorsett, S

The Raiders signed the 26-year old Dorsett after playing 56-games with the Tennessee Titans. He started in Super Bowl XXXIV at free-safety and it was expected that the son of Tony Dorsett and Pro Bowl alternate at the end of the 1999 campaign, would have started next to Eric Turner. Turner passed away in 2000 and in November of that year, Jon Gruden stated, “Dorsett is a guy that’s going to continue to get better and better and better.” Dorsett had a key blocked field goal versus the Cowboys that led to a win and forced a fumble versus the Chiefs that also keyed a Raider victory in 2000.

Verdict: In his first two years in Oakland, Dorsett showed promise. But it was down hill after that and he became a liability in the secondary the last two campaigns in Silver & Black.

Kevin Gogan, G

The 6-foot-7, 320 pound guard signed a three-year $3.6 million deal with a $1.3 million signing bonus in 1994. At 30-years old, he made his first Pro Bowl in his first year with Los Angeles. Gogan was a grinder in the interior and had a reputation of being one of the toughest linemen in the league.

Verdict: A solid lineman while with the Raiders, Gogan was a perfect fit and his presence moved Max Montoya out of his starting spot.

Amos Zereoue, RB

The former West Virginia Mountaineer and Pittsburgh Steelers all-purpose back was expected to fill the void of the departed Charlie Garner in 2004. He inked a one-year deal worth $535,000 in base salary and a $25,000 signing bonus.

Verdict: Zereoue led the Raiders with a feeble 425 yards rushing in his only season in Oakland. His competition during that year; Tyrone Wheatley, Justin Fargas and Troy Hambrick were given the back seat by Norv Turner. Zereoue’s best outing was during a 30-17 loss versus the Texans when he rushed for 117-yards on 14 carries with 2 scores.

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-three coming soon…

Archived Game Coverage: Rod Woodson was a solid veteran addition for the Silver & Black

Rich Gannon, QB

At 33, Oakland tabbed the former Kansas City passer to lead Jon Gruden’s offense. That signing in February of 1999 changed the fortunes of the Silver & Black. Gannon once said, “When I came to Oakland in 1999, I didn’t sign up to be the team jerk but I was taken aback by the things I was seeing. Guys being late to meetings, guys missing practices. Sometimes, something had to be said.” He said them and backed it up with Pro Bowl years, playoff appearances and ultimately, winning the league’s MVP award in 2002 as he led the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII.

Verdict: One of the best signings in Raiders history.

Larry Brown, CB

In February of 1996, Oakland raided the world champion Dallas Cowboys. They signed cornerback Larry Brown to a five-year $12.5 million deal that included $3.5 million signing bonus. He played in 12 games in two seasons for the Raiders, parlaying his MVP winning performance in Super Bowl XXX to the then lucrative deal. Within days of signing Brown, Oakland snatched up defensive tackle Russell Maryland, inking him to a six-year $19 million deal. Leigh Steinberg, Maryland’s agent at the time stated, “This is another case of the salary cap breaking up a marriage.”

Verdict: Brown was a complete disaster in Oakland and while Maryland had his moments, neither influenced the team enough to make them into winners.

Rod Woodson, S

In his first year with the Raiders, the Hall of Fame bound safety led the NFL in interceptions (8) at 37-years old. Woodson added stability, veteran leadership and solid playmaking ability to a secondary that featured Tory James, Charles Woodson, Derrick Gibson and Anthony Dorsett. An underrated play during the 2002 campaign was his 98-yard interception return for a score. A loss in Denver would have had them at 4-5, instead, they romped in that game led by that momentum-changing play and won six of the next seven games.

Verdict: Although it was a brief stint in Silver & Black, Woodson gave them a presence at safety that was much needed. He was a key addition to that Super Bowl run.

Warren Sapp, DT

After spurning the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland reached out to the boisterous veteran and signed him to a seven year $36.6 million deal. In his 4 campaigns in Silver & Black, Sapp tallied 19.5 sacks. His first year was a disappointment, as Oakland moved him around from tackle to end throughout the season. A shoulder injury sidelined him for six games in 2005, but in 2006, the former Buccaneer had 10-sacks. A more svelte Sapp ended his career after the 2007 season with a simple message on his web site stating, “I’m done!”

Verdict: Yes Sapp was a loud mouth, never was the dominant force he was in Tampa Bay nor was he as influential as he was earlier in his career. But he had his moments and added some life at times to teams that were just abysmal and otherwise boring to watch.

During the off-season, SBReport.net will continue to look back at signings that work and that failed for the Oakland Raiders. Stay tuned for the second installment very soon…

QUARTERBACK: C-

Bruce Gradkowski ended the game 18-of-35 for 200 yards one touchdown and no interceptions. Many times, he had to get rid of the football under the gun, which affected his accuracy. On back-to-back plays to open the game – on 2^nd and 6 and 3^rd and 6 – he was not able to set up his feet or release the ball cleanly to keep the drive alive. A few times, Oakland attempted to stretch the field and Gradkowski stated after the game, “There were plays there to be made downfield and I didn’t make them.”

His elusiveness helped the Raiders on their scoring drive and in total; Gradkowski’s feet helped him tally 30-yards rushing. Oakland’s passer misfired on plays that could have been converted which would have moved the chains.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: B

Justin Fargas’ first half was superb. He ran hard and gained big chunks, compiling most of his team leading 63-yards rushing. Darren McFadden finished the game with 6 carries for 23 yards, but he was mostly used as a receiver, getting split out wide in one-to-one match-ups with the Cowboys’ cornerbacks. On 2^nd and 5 on the Raiders’ first drive, he hauled in a quick slant for 16-yards. McFadden had 4 catches for 43-yards.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: D

Zach Miller recorded 5 grabs for 73-yards in the dual between two of the top tight ends in the NFL. Miller on national television demonstrated he ranks right up there with Jason Witten (5 rec. 107 yards) and was one of the few bright spots for the Oakland offense. Chaz Schilens outstretched on a 3^rd and 4 on the game’s third drive but could not haul in a make able reception. On the Raiders next possession, he ran a sloppy slant that the defender broke up on a 3^rd and 4. Schilens ended with 2 receptions for 32-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey finally hauled iin his first professional touchdown. “I tried to help the cause with that play,” Heyward-Bey commented, “but when you lose, it’s all that matters. You want to win at the end.” The rookie had a nice block on McFadden’s best run of the game – a sweep for 12-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

Right tackle Cornell Green left the game for a few plays with an injury and was replaced by Langston Walker. He eventually went back into the game. Cooper Carlisle’s holding penalty thwarted any movement on Oakland’s second drive. The front looked good early in opening holes for their rushers, but did very little at times to keep Gradkowski’s pocket clean or his passing lanes paved. They allowed three sacks.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

Dallas ran up 195 rushing yards against this defense. It all headed downhill after Tashard Choice’s 66-yard run to open their third drive in the 1^st quarter. To the defenses credit, they did hold the Cowboys to a field goal on that drive. But on the very next Dallas possession, Felix Jones erupted on a 46-yard scamper for a score. “What is Rule No. 1 in Pop Warner?” nose tackle Gerard Warren pose to reporters after the game. “Stop the run.”

LINEBACKERS: C

Trevor Scott had a stellar game at weak side linebacker. Due to injuries on this unit, Oakland mixed it up placing the defensive end in coverage situations and giving him the opportunity to use his instincts in space. Scott could’ve had an interception on a 3^rd and 9 in which Tony Romo carelessly tossed the football away,  on a 2^nd and 13, he dissected a screen and closed in on the pass catcher for a 4-yard loss and he ended with two-sacks when he pass rushed. “A few days ago they said they wanted me to start at (Will) this game so I was like, `all right, let’s run with it,’ ” Scott was quoted. “If it’s an opportunity to get on the field, so be it. Some guys don’t feel comfortable in a two-point stance, so if they stick with it, great.”  Sam Williams was beat a few times by Witten.

SECONDARY: F

Miles Austin torched this unit for 7 receptions, 145 yards and 1 touchdown. Nnamdi Asomugha was the victim a few times on man-to-man coverage. Michael Huff started the game nicely on a 3^rd and 24, breaking up a pass intended for Roy Williams and then on the next Cowboy possession on 2^nd and 9, jarring a pass out of Austin’s grasp with a solid hit. Romo had a field day with his 18 completions for 309 yards. Tyvon Branch had a beat on a deflected ball that could’ve been an interception for a touchdown, but Trevor Scott gave chase as well and both took each other out on the play.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

The anemic return units continued with their struggles. Gary Russell did very little to add some pop to the kickoff returns as Oakland looked for a change of pace after trying Jonathan Holland in that spot for a few games. Shane Lechler punted nine-times for a 54.8 average. His season average is now 51.9 – keeping him ahead of Sammy Baugh’s single season record.

COACHING: D

On defense, it was nice to see the Raiders pressure from the linebacker spot and John Marshall mixing up the formations and disguising the coverages. But many times, the attacks along the line of scrimmage led to big plays due to the Raiders being out of position.  Not too much praise though can be given especially after Dallas racked up 494 total yards of offense. Tom Cable has altered his game plan and feels more confident with Gradkowski at the helm of the offense. The Raiders are mixing up more passing a play, but at times, that has taken away from their bread and butter – running the football.

GAME NOTES

• Jon Alston was placed on injured reserve, ending his season, after suffering two concussions in four weeks. Rookie Slade Norris was activated in his place after spending the majority of the season on the practice squad.
• CB John Bowie, forever linked as the player selected with a 4^th round pick acquired from the Patriots in the Randy Moss trade, was waived this week. His final stats with the Raiders – 2 tackles.
• Greg Ellis did not finish the contest due to swelling in his knee. “I don’t know what happened. I just know swelling, a lot of pressure, going down my leg, going down my knee down my shin and my calf. I don’t know if I did something during the game,’’ Ellis stated. “It started off swelling some but that’s to be expected coming off the scope but when we started playing, it was just killing me.”

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

Oakland, CA – Oakland won the toss and elected to kick. The Cowboys started their drive backed up to their own 6yd line after having committed a holding penalty on the kickoff. The Raiders began with a strong defensive stand as they batted a pass incomplete, stuffed the Cowboy runner for a 1 yard loss, and forced an incompletion to record their first 3-and-out.

Oakland began their shaky offensive start on an un-retuned punt that bounced away from returner Johnnie Lee Higgins. The Raiders managed to get to within the Dallas 5 yard line, but would have to settle for a field goal to make it 3-0 as their drive stalled, but not without having aired the ball out to DHB and to Chaz Schilens; both deep pass attempts. One of the DHB passes being nearly intercepted due to it being slightly under thrown and just a tad off line.

The next Dallas drive would be very much different from their first. They would march 82 yards against a porous run defense and a front four that provided little pressure when the Cowboys opted to pass. On the last play of the drive, Cowboy QB Tony Romo held on to the ball for what seemed an eternity from about the Raiders 10 yard line. With no blitz coming from the defense and the front four not able to get a single sniff of a Romo jersey, the Dallas QB took his time to wait for a man to get open in the endzone to take the lead of 7-3.

JaMarcus Russell led his ensuing drive from his own 21 yd line to the Cowboys’ 40 yd line after having battled back from a team false start after an 18yd run by Russell. Oakland would elect to punt the ball away as they weren’t able to reach the first down marker.

The Raider defense bounced back from their last pitiful stand and forced the Cowboys to go 3-and-out after forcing them deep inside their own 5 yd line on the punt.

Now with QB Brice Gradkowski in at the helm, the Raiders unleashed RB Darren McFadden who ripped the Cowboy defense for 45 yards on one single run play to end the first quarter.

The Raiders continued their march with a nice catch and an even more brilliant run after the catch by WR Chaz Schilens who initially slid to make the grab and then quickly popped up before a defender could touch him down. Chaz then scuttled towards the sidelines, stopped just short of it, then hopped forward to get beyond the first down marker all while defenders were reaching for him to get him out of bounds. Shortly thereafter, Gradkowski would connect with TE Tony Stewart with a 5 yard strike to put the Raiders back on top 10-7.

The Raiders and Dallas would trade ensuing stalled back-to-back drives.

QB Jon Kitna, still at the helm for the Cowboys, was picked off by maligned safety Michael Huff on a deep pass intended for WR Sam Hurd. The ball would be down inside the Raiders 10 yard line, but could do little with the gift of a possession and would be forced to punt.

Fast forward to close the half-way point of the 2nd quarter, the Cowboys began a drive that exploited an lesser effective defensive line anchored by Terdell Sands, who at times looked to have given up on pass plays where he was being double teamed. The time Kitna was given allowed the Cowboys to march down the field with a first and goal situation.

With Raiders backup players on defense, they held their own with a surprisingly stout goal line stand lead by Isaiah Ekejiuba and by benefit of a botched snap that sailed over Kitna’s head. On 3rd down, Kitna could not connect with his receiver as the ball was too high to bring down.

So, with a few seconds left on the game clock, the Cowboys attempted a field goal attempt that fortunately for the Raider fans in attendance, just slipped outside the left goal post (wide left).

The Raiders finished off the half on a run by RB Michael Bush to run down the clock. The score would remain 10-7 with the Raiders being ahead and will receive the ball in the 3rd quarter.

The Oakland Raider began the 3rd quarter with an impressive offensive drive that featured a big passing game between QB Gradkowski and WR Louis Murphy. Then the Raiders put an exclamation point it with showcase runs by RB Louis Rankin (with one of them being a nifty and nimble touchdown run); perhaps he best player to not make a roster spot due to the log jam at running back. Oakland extended it’s to 17-7.

The following Raider defensive stand was initially good, that is until CB Jason Horton got tagged with a hands to the face penalty and a pass interference penalty. The same Jason Horton who has been getting schooled at Raider Training Camp in Napa. The Cowboys kept things going long enough to score field a goal to get them closer to the Raiders by making it 17-10.

Raiders’ offensive backups would not go quietly into the night as they would strike deep and in a hurry. Bruce Gradkowski connected with WR Nick Miller deep for 48 yards. It was a spectacular grab because Miller reached out for the pass, leaped forward and while in mid air, briefly let go of the ball, re-positioned his hands, then cradled the ball a split second before he hit the ground. Simply amazing! The Raiders then extended their lead to 24-10 with a 1-yard touchdown run by RB Gary Russell.

Fast forward once again to about 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter and again, the Raiders’ depth steps it up with a big stop against Dallas. This time from the special teams coverage team as LB David Nixon would scoop up a muffed Cowboys fair catch and down it on the Cowboys’ own 11 yard line. QB Charlie Frye punctuated the drive with an audibled short fade pass to WR Will Franklin to bump the Raider lead to 31-10 to the dismay of the throngs of Cowboy fans in attendance.

With Oakland on defense with over 5 minutes left on the game clock, they made an impressive goal line stand to shut the Cowboys out f the endzone on a 4th down attempt; keeping it 31-10 at the 3:30 mark.

Oakland’s backups look impressive as the starting units still need some work. Run stopping is STILL an issue with this 1st defensive unit and JaMarcus Russell’s accuracy needs to be worked on (namely under throwing the deep passes) despite having gone 6-for-9 with his pass attempts.

On the brighter side of things, running back Louis Rankin and WR’s Louis Murphy and Nick Miller are making names for themselves and are making convincing cases of why they should earn a spot on this team.

On 2^nd and 8 in the 2^nd quarter, Gradkowski rolls out, hits Schilens to set up a 1^st goal at the five-yard line. Gradkowski a few plays later finds a wide-open Tony Stewart in the back of the end zone after a very nice play fake. The Raider quarterback showed nice patience in the red zone and after giving the Raiders a 9-7 lead, he jumped into the arms of Samson Satele. The PAT was good, and the Raider offense showed something rarely seen in 2008 – bounce back ability. The Cowboys scored fairly easily, but Oakland came right back with their back up in the 2^nd quarter. Schilens so far has been the star of the contest.

Ricky Brown, playing at MLB, blitzed and Jon Kitna went down, as Jay Richardson came over to finish off the play. On 3^rd and 18, rookie LB Slade Norris flew to the football on a RB screen, ending the feeble Cowboy drive.

Gradkowski opens his next drive with a nice pass to Louis Murphy near the sideline that was not hauled in by the rookie. The play was negated due to a tripping penalty. On the next play, Heyward-Bey snags a slant for an 8-yard gain. Gradkowski does a good job with his cadence on the next play, and gets Dallas to jump offsides. Michael Bush on the next play picked up a blitz very nicely, but his QB was under pressure due to an all out Dallas attack. Gradkowski on 3^rd and 7 steps up in the pocket and fires a bullet to Murphy, but the rookie from Florida was not able to hold on to what would be a first down as a Cowboy safety jars the ball loose.

At this point the Raiders have raked up 142 total yards on offense and both of their passers have looked very good.

Miles Austin dropped a perfect pass from Kitna that would have led to a big gain. Kitna on the next play rolls out on a designed bootleg and hits his WR Sam Hurd for 21-yards. DT William Joseph jumps offside prior to the snap.

Michael Huff sighting: Kitna lobs a bomb down the field and the former 1^st round draft choice played centerfield perfectly coming over to make the interception at the 8:17 mark of the 2^nd quarter. Huff was where he needed to be in support down the field. Oakland takes over at their own 7-yard line.

Gradkowski again delivers a perfect pass, this time over the middle to Murphy, who is able to hold on to it for a gain of 18 yards. A draw to the nimble Michael Bush on the next play goes for 1^st down yardage, but a hold on Paul McQuistan negates the big gain. Gradkowski bounces one low to Murphy on the infield dirt. Alone in the backfield, Bush gets the carry for 7 yards after hurdling over the left side of the line. On 3^rd and 13, Gradkowski fails to connect with Johnnie Lee Higgins over the middle.

Ricky Brown missed a key tackle on a big gain by the Cowboys, but a flag on Dallas negates the run.

Slade Norris shows some fierceness, tossing aside a Cowboy after a short reception.

Hurd makes another good catch, 30 yards, as Kitna lobed the pass over Ricky Brown. Justin Miller was also in coverage. The Cowboys are killing the Raiders with ball fakes and mis-directions on play action.

On 3^rd and 4, Huff gets flagged for pass interference in the end zone. Isaiah Ekejiuba made a solid stuff on 1^st and goal when the Cowboys tried to run it in. Jay Richardson recorded an easy sack after Kitna was not able to handle an errant snap that sailed over his head. The Cowboys faced a 3^rd and goal on the 18-yard line with 24 second left in the half, but Miller and Jerome Boyd were in coverage.

Nick Folk missed a 36-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

Bush ends the half with a solid run.

Score: Raiders 10 – Cowboys 7

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On the opening kickoff, Isaiah Ekejiuba made a stellar tackle on the Dallas 14-yard line. The special teams ace just continues to play at a high level on the coverage units.

On 3^rd and 11, and their backs to the end zone on their opening drive, Dallas was pressured into a quick toss down the sidelines, as the Raiders blitzed and forced Tony Romo to get rid of the ball quickly.

On their own 32, the Raiders begin their attack with a JaMarcus Russell pass to Chaz Schilens for 11 yards. Three plays into the Raiders first drive, Russell under throws the speedy Darrius Heyward-Bey on a bomb down the sideline, which falls incomplete after bouncing off the arms of the defender and receiver. On the next play, 3^rd and 8, Russell buys some time by rolling out of the pocket and again throws deep, but this time, his under throw forces a flag (48 yard penalty), as Schilens cannot haul in the football. Russell needs to do more of this in order to prolong plays and stretch the field. The play sets up the Raiders at the Cowboys 8 yard line.

1^st and goal from the 8-yard line, Schilens hauls in a 6-yard pass on a slant. The following play was a hold on RG Cooper Carlisle. 2^nd and goal from the 12-yard line resulted on a dump off to Lorenzo Neal for a loss of 2 yards. 3^rd and goal, Russell on the other side of the formation hits Schilens with another slant well short of the end zone. The penalty was a drive killer, but Sebastian Janikowski was able to boot a 23 yard field goal to give the Raiders a 3-0 lead.

Nnamdi Asomugha left the game, Stanford Routt took over, and Romo hit Roy Williams for 12 yards. A few plays later, Routt was penalized for a hold covering Williams. On their second drive, Dallas has set the tone with a nice quick pace, changing the cadence and snap count and keeping the Raiders off balance. Patrick Crayton surprised everyone on the Raider defense with a 13-yard end around rush. The Cowboys have nice rhythm on offense, but a hold along the offensive line, nullifies a touchdown run and pushes the ball back to the 11-yard line. Two plays later, Romo hits Jason Witten for an 11-yard touchdown toss. The Raider show blitz on the play, drop back 7 into coverage, and Romo maneuvers around in the backfield to evade pressure and find the pro-bowl tight end. After the Raiders took a 3-0 lead, the defense yields to Jason Garret’s attack, allowing Dallas to go 71 yards on 9 plays to take a 7-3 lead.

Justin Miller returns his first kickoff for 17 yards to the 20-yard line.

On the first play of the Raiders second drive, Keith Brooking blitzed, and mauled JaMarcus Russell, as he went through the line cleanly and sacked the QB for an 11 yard loss. Darren McFadden looked explosive on his first carry for 13 yards. On 3^rd and 8, the Raiders converted when Russell threw a perfect out patter to Schilens for 16 yards. On the next play, Russell ran for 17 yards, scrambling after the play breaks down, showing very good decisiveness in taking off for the big gain. Russell again tries to hit Heyward-Bey deep, this time on a 2-step drop and fade pattern, which fell incomplete. Carlisle is penalized again, this time for a false start. On 2^nd and 15, Dallas collapses the pocket and knocks down Russell’s pass at the line of scrimmage. The Raiders pick up 9 on a screen to McFadden; Shane Lechler comes on for the punt as the drive ends at the Dallas 39 yard line.

Lechler drops the ball on the Dallas 5 yard line, downed by RB Gary Russell.

As the 1st quarter clock runs out, McFadden breaks off a 45 yard run. Bruce Gradkowski is now at QB.

Score after the 1st Quarter: Cowboys 7 – Raiders 3

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Thursday night, at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, the Oakland Raiders host the Dallas Cowboy in both clubs pre-season opener. The Silver & Black lead the pre-season series 16-9; as their history dates back to 1972. As with any opener, both teams will evaluate and assess the depth on their roster in order to make their initial cuts and get a look at many players who are considered to be long shots.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

JaMarcus Russell’s highly inconsistent start to training camp has to be frightening to the coaches and the type of opening Jeff Garcia needs to slide into the starting role if the 24-year old is not ready to step it up in 2009. Early on, he has not shown touch on his tosses, is erratic from session-to-session and until proven otherwise, his ethic and leadership will be questioned.

“At times, he ripped it,” Tom Cable said Tuesday. “He had that streak where he really targeted well and all that and then he got on a roll where everything was overthrow and overthrow.”

Garcia is not healthy enough to put the heat on Russell yet, but with the fiery mind-set the former 49er plays with and his ability to adapt quickly to schemes, it will be a quick plug on the former number one overall pick if he can’t show that he is ready to become a productive player on this roster.

What to expect:

Oakland wants to build chemistry along the trenches and solidify an offensive line that will have new components in 2009. Expect the Raiders to run often in order to give the big bodies in the trenches some confidence in blocking for the best unit on this team – the running backs.

As the pre-season moves on, and Russell gets more reps, they’ll open up the passing game and help get the pass blocking schemes some lengthier looks against live opponents.

Cable stated that quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye will play significantly versus the Cowboys, as Oakland will likely settle on one to be their third stringer.

On Defense:

With a new coordinator at the helm, the defense will look to be more disciplined and accountable for being where they need to be in order to lessen the problems versus the run they have had since 2003.

John Marshall is preaching gap control and better communicating, as he feels that the talent is there to get the job done in 2009. “I’ve certainly seen it get better,” Cable stated recently. “We’re starting to squeeze things, have people overlapping gaps where we’re supposed to be. But we’ll find out starting Thursday. Dallas is a big, physical team, likes to run in it, too. So we’ll find out pretty quick.”

A key to the run defense is linebacker Kirk Morrison, and he is realizing some of the faults and seeing some change so far in camp. “I think a lot of times last year, sometimes you get frustrated when you see guys in their gaps and a run hits us here and a run hits us there and everyone’s trying to make the play instead of saying, ‘Hey, let’s trust what we’re doing and we can’t make every play, let’s make sure we’re in our gaps and the guy who is supposed to make that play needs to be there.’”

What to Expect:

With the trade of Derrick Burgess, Oakland will try to look for new ways to generate a pass rush; whether by blitzing or finding a gem along the line that can help fill some of that void.

Schematically, Oakland has said they will change and be more on the attack than they were under Rob Ryan, but cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha wants to see it before he believes it, stating “That’s like a wait-and-see type of thing.” He continued, “because even in camps previously we were doing a lot of blitzing and doing multiple things defensively and then we got into games and we were pretty basic.”

DALLAS COWBOYS

On Offense:

Life without ‘T.O’ has been good for Dallas. The revamped offense will feature a tough ground game, more double tight end sets and more importantly, free-up Tony Romo as a passer, without the worries of trying to pamper a diva wide receiver throughout the game.

Offensive coordinator Jason Garret will have his full complement of weapons tomorrow night after some of his key weapons sat out of practice on Tuesday due to injuries (Felix Jones and Martellus Bennett).

Wide receiver Roy Williams stated this week, “We just want to be productive. We might not score, but we might drive it down and kick a field goal. That’s productive. Just don’t turn the ball over. That’s one thing that, if we want to be in the playoffs and want to win the Super Bowl, you can’t turn the ball over.”

What to Expect:

Dallas will try to pound away at the Raiders front seven with their ground game. And when Romo does drop back to pass, expect him to move around in the pocket and find targets down the field, as they want to stretch the field to prove that this offense will be better without Terrell Owens.

On Defense:

Cornerbacks Terence Newman (groin) and second-year defensive back Mike Jenkins (ankle) will not see action on Thursday.

Head coach Wade Phillips will have his hands all over this defense in 2009, and this many people believe will have a steady influence on what happens on the field.

“With my expertise, I can help even more by basically doing it myself, along with our coaches on defense,” Phillips said. “I just feel like that’s a little strength of mine.”

He continued: “I think we have improved defensively in the last two years, certainly.

There are some areas that we have even gone to No. 1 in the league in. But we’d like to get even better on defense, and I think I can help us do that.”

What to Expect:

Attack, attack, attack… the Cowboys want to suffocate the Raider offense and plug every gap on running downs. They want to play fast this season, and with Phillips’ job on the line and many big name head coaches available next off-season, his work with this defense will determine whether he is employed in Dallas in 2010.

NEWS & NOTES:

• Linebacker Jon Alston (foot) and Safety Michael Huff missed time in practice on Wednesday. Huff stated he’d play with the first unit during the opener.
• Don’t be surprised if rookie Safety Mike Mitchell also sits on Thursday, as a hamstring injury has the coaches concerned. At this point, there is no need to push the first year player and further the extent of the injury.
• A report linked the Oakland Raiders and free-agent linebacker Derrick Brooks. With his lack of speed and the scheme the Raiders utilize, don’t expect too much interest on either side.

TV & RADIO

Greg Papa and Tom Flores, alongside Jim Plunkett, will simulcast the game on the Raiders Radio and Television Network. Raiders Legend George Atkinson will serve as the broadcast’s sideline analyst next to the host of the broadcast, popular radio personality JT the Brick.  This week’s game will be televised locally on tape-delay on KICU Action 36 Cable 6 on Thursday, August 13th at 10:00 p.m. There will be an encore showing of the game on Friday, August 14th at 8 p.m. on KICU Action 36 Cable 6. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Papa and Raiders two-time Super Bowl wining head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year.  The radio pregame and postgame shows will feature Raider Legends Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Oakland Raiders will open the regular season in prime time.

The Silver & Black will host the three-time defending AFC West champions San Diego Chargers on Monday September 14^th, on ESPN, as part of their traditional double header to kickoff Monday Night Football’s schedule. All four teams playing on that night began play in 1960, as the NFL will commemorate the 50th anniversary season of the American Football League.

Oakland, which has a 36-24-1 record on Monday Night Football, lead the all-time series versus the Chargers 54-42-2. In 2005, the Silver & Black opened the NFL season on a Thursday night versus the New England Patriots, in 2006 they hosted the Chargers on Monday night and in 2008, they faced the Denver Broncos in another prime time contest to kickoff the season.

The Raiders will also play on Thanksgiving at Dallas. That marks the first time since 1970 that the Silver & Black play on the traditional American holiday.

The announcement of the Kickoff Weekend and Thanksgiving games was made Monday by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the NFL Annual Meeting in Dana Point, Calif.

The rest of the 2009 regular-season schedule will be completed and announced in April.

NOTES

• The Raiders have lost 10-straight nationally televised games by a combined score of 279-122.
• Oakland has lost six straight Monday night games by a margin of 173-31.
• Oakland’s other road games are at Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, the New York Giants, Pittsburgh, Houston and Cleveland. They will host: the New York Jets, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Denver and Kansas City.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist