Silver and Black Report

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

After doling out huge contracts in the off-season, a 2-6 record at the midpoint isn’t exactly what the Oakland Raiders expected.

A 41-14 blow-out at home in the opener, the Lane Kiffin firing and the recent news regarding veterans that may be on the way out has highlighted a first half that has Raider fans losing faith whether or not this organization will ever turn it around with a 21-67 record since their Super Bowl loss at the end of the 2002 season.

QUARTERBACK

JaMarcus Russell has been the victim of bad offensive line play; conservative play calling and a set of targets that have not played very well.  He is young, raw and still looking to evolve as a passer. So mistakes are expected and part of the learning curve. But he has not looked overwhelmed or out of his league, especially considering the hold out last season, change of coaches and lack of cohesiveness in this organization. His 48.6 completion percentage has to improve. And his ability to trust his athleticism and become more decisive has to come along. Overall, not a bad start to his career, but not exactly the ideal situation you want to groom a young passer in.

RUNNING BACKS

The Raiders have the 8^th ranked rush attack in the league (121.5 per game). But that seems like a disappointment considering the trio they have at running back and what they accomplished last year. Justin Fargas’ injury hurt team, as they lost one of the few players on the roster that brings a lunch pail to work every Sunday.

Darren McFadden leads the team in rushing (341 yards), but 164 of those yards came in their lone road victory in Kansas City. Oakland has not exploited his game breaking ability, pass catching skill or utilized him in a diverse manner. And with turf toe injuries and inactive designations over the last few weeks, it’s hard to imagine that we will see the explosive player in 2008 that electrified the college ranks just a year ago.

Michael Bush has looked good in stints. But there aren’t enough carries to go around. And eventually, this trio will have to be trimmed down to get a better flow to this rushing attack.

The loss of Justin Griffith, lost for the season due to injury, will hurt in the locker room and on the sidelines.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

No other unit on this roster has been as unproductive as the receivers. Johnnie Lee Higgins leads all receivers in receiving yards (170), a putrid number at the midpoint of the season and an unexpected name to have such ranking.

Javon Walker cashed in on a big contract, but the Raiders are not getting the production needed to justify such a deal. His six-year, $55 million contract with $16 million in guarantees could go down as one of the biggest bust signings in free-agent history. With only 13 catches in seven games, there is no doubt that the Raiders are looking to get out this deal, as they did with cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Ronald Curry has been a huge disappointment, especially since he was the team’s leading receiver the last two seasons and a hard worker since his successful conversion to wide-out. He has uncharacteristically dropped passes and looked lethargic on the field in 2008, which has lead to his benching, in favor of the rookie Chaz Schilens.

Ashley Lelie has seven grabs and one touchdown reception, but like Walker, may have seen his best days in the past.

Zach Miller is the team’s best offensive player. He is their best edge blocker and Russell’s favorite target. Now, if they can only find a way to have him block on passing plays, run routes and make the reception all at once.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Oakland gambled going into the season with Cornell Green at RT and Kwame Harris at LT.

They have both failed and the Raiders will have to go back to the drawing board in the off-season to revamp that offensive line. Mario Henderson looked far better than Harris did at LT, when the former 49er was out of action for two games. Yet Henderson, who mauled his counterparts and showed he can handle the job, has not seen the field since Harris healed and got back into the line-up.

Tom Cable did a phenomenal job last season working with this unit. Now, he has to assess the rest of the way whether or not there’s anyone at tackle that can be depended on in 2009. If he remains as head coach for 2009.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Same old story here for the Raiders. They are allowing 157.6 rushing yards per game (30^th in the NFL), this after giving Tommy Kelly a record breaking contract for defensive tackles coming off an ACL injury. Terdell Sands was given a hefty deal two years ago, and neither has been able to stop teams from running through the sieve that is the Raiders front-four.

The pass rush has been hurt by the absence of Derrick Burgess, who has missed the last four games with a triceps injury. His presence can change the complexity of the defense and how Rob Ryan attacks. Without Burgess, the Raiders have not had anyone on the edge that opponents have to double team. Trevor Scott has shown glimpses, especially with his solid effort versus the Jets, but the lack of speed on the edges has altered the Raiders plan of attack.

LINEBACKERS

Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are solid players. But both have struggled due to the lack of protection in the front four, and their lack of big plays, unlike in 2007, where both had a knack of getting into passing lanes and coming up with big interceptions off tip passes.

Ricky Brown has not distinguished as a linebacker, and at this point, is a better special teamer. Robert Thomas, who started for Brown versus the Falcons, was placed on the IR with an hamstring injury.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Adding DeAngelo Hall to the secondary did not make the Raiders dominant in their pass coverage. His presence did not alter how Ryan could stack the line of scrimmage and stop the bleeding versus the run. Raider fans suggested all off-season how Hall could have a domino effect on the entire defense and elevate the play of the unit. That did not occur and Hall will wear a different uniform as the second half of the season unfolds.

Gibril Wilson leads the team in tackles, but not even his addition has helped what has been a poorest run stuffing unit now for years.

Nnamdi Asomugha is the best player on the roster. But he is out on an island in every game and no quarterback has enough guts to consistently test him.

Michael Huff’s move to FS has not been smooth. The once touted playmaker out of Texas has not shown any of the ball hawking skills he demonstrated as a collegiate.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Easily one of the few watchable units on the Raiders. Higgins has been very good on returns, Tyvon Branch made people forget about Jarrod Cooper, Shane Lechler is the league’s best punter and Sebastian Janikowski has been one of the only players that has provided thrills in 2008.

BEST & WORST

Offensive MVP – Zach Miller

Defensive MVP – Nnamdi Asomugha

Special Teams MVP – Shane Lechler

Most Improved – Johnnie Lee Higgins

Least Improved – Michael Huff

Biggest Surprise – Kalimba Edwards

Biggest Disappointment – Ronald Curry & Tommy Kelly

Best Rookie – Darren McFadden (Honorable mention: Tyvon Branch)

Best Free-Agent – Gibril Wilson

Worst Free-Agent – Javon Walker

Best-Kept Secret – Trevor Scott

Best Moment(s) – Zach Miller’s 63-yard pass for TD vs. the Chargers; made the game 12-0. Sebastian Janikowski’s GW 57-yarder FG in OT vs. the NYJ. 

Worst Moment(s) – Home opener vs. the Broncos and the shellacking vs. the Falcons

The Lane Kiffin sayonara award – DeAngelo Hall

3 Reasons for Hope

1. Russell has not been ruined so far, so there is hope in turning him into a franchise passer.
2. McFadden, Bush and Miller will be solid weapons for Russell in the future.
3. A purging of bad contracts may begin.

3 Reasons to Worry

1. Asomugha and Lechler, two of the better players on the team could be lost at season’s end.
2. Cable is just the ‘interim coach’, and if he can’t make a statement with a strong finish, yet another coach will be on the sidelines in 2009.
3. With the release of Hall, Oakland basically admitted to bad a personnel decision. Will there be enough harmony or symmetry between the coach and owner to do what’s best for the football team?

It was a week of shake-ups and frank player reactions for the Oakland Raiders (2-6), who now have the daunting task of playing a Carolina Panthers (6-2) that won two consecutive games prior to their bye week and sit atop the NFC South.

Oakland released DeAngelo Hall and dealt with the aftermath all week, with players reinforcing the bizarre happenings around the volatile organization and the difficulty playing under such circumstances. One thing is losing and another is dealing with all the extra stuff. We have so much on our plate already. To deal with the extra stuff is not healthy for anybody, especially when you’re trying to get a game plan in and you’re trying to know what you’re supposed to do and all that. It’s not a healthy situation at all,” said Gibril Wilson this week.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Since Lane Kiffin’s firing, the Raiders have been outscored 100-29. Last week against the Falcons, they didn’t get their initial first down until the 3^rd quarter. And with Darren McFadden out of the line-up with a lingering toe injury, the offense has been in shambles.

JaMarcus Russell had the worst start of his young career, going 6-of-19 for 31 yards with an interception, while being sacked four times.

The offensive line’s play has gotten progressively worse, and at some point, Tom Cable has to plug in Mario Henderson for the ineffective Kwame Harris. When Henderson last saw action, the Raiders were running the ball efficiently and the former 3^rd round draft choice played very well, starting in place for an injured Harris. Cable believed in Harris’ ability to run block and develop in his zone-blocking scheme, but Raider fan are learning exactly what 49er fans knew all along – that Harris should not be trusted to protect a young and pricey quarterback.

What to expect:

The offense has been abysmal. And with Carolina being the 8^th ranked defense in the NFL, it’s hard to imagine the Raiders moving the ball consistently down the field. They’ll need big plays and breakdowns in the Panther secondary when Greg Knapp opens it up for his quarterback. Which is something I think he’ll do to loosen up the front seven in order to get his running backs going.

On Defense:

DeAngelo Hall can’t be blamed for the rush defense. For a sixth straight season, the interior of the defensive line has been a sieve, currently allowing 157.6 yards per game (30^th in the NFL). Tommy Kelly, Terdell Sands and Gerard Warren have been pushed around, thus allowing opposing blockers to get to the second level easily and occupying the Raider linebackers.

At defensive end, it appears that Derrick Burgess will miss another game, as his injured triceps isn’t healed enough. His fellow end Jay Richardson gave his thoughts this week on the struggles versus the run, stating, “Until we decide we want to stop some of these concepts and some of these schemes, it’s going to be like that. I think we can, I think we will. I know we will.”

What to expect:

What to expect…? Hmmm — maybe more of the same this week. I can’t see the Raiders stopping Carolina’s 13^th ranked ground game, led by DeAngelo Williams. The only entertaining match-up this week will be when Nnamdi Asomugha lines up in front of Steve Smith.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

On Offense:

Jake Delhomme is back under center a year after Tommy John surgery. And that has made a world of a difference due to his leadership and fiery play.

It helps also when you have Steve Smith (33 rec. 613 yards 4 TD) and Muhsin Muhammad (37 rec. 507 yards 2 TD). But what has helped this offense click has been Williams’ team leading 522 rushing yards and Jonathan Stewart’s 5 touchdowns as a back up.

On Thursday, Stewart missed practice and was walking with a boot to protect his sore left heel. “It’s a sharp pain in my heel,” Stewart said. “I have to run the ball and it hurts every time I press off on it.”

What to expect:

Williams can carry the load of needed, and the way the Raiders are defending the ground game, he should be able to produce enough yards to move the chains and then help Delhomme use his play action to attack down the field. Center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah have been practicing and will start for the Raiders. So the Panthers are getting healthy at the right moment.

On Defense:

Reserve defensive tackle Darwin Walker has a sore neck after being in a car accident. He stated this week, “It was like a super-hard hit on the field.

“My neck still hasn’t recovered.”

The Panthers won’t need him as long as DE Julius Peppers (4 sacks), DT Damione Lewis, DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu and DE Charles Johnson (3.5 sacks) can control the line of scrimmage.

The solid trio of Jon Beason, Thomas Davis and Na’il Diggs can chase down ball carriers with the best of them.

What to expect:

The Raiders have struggled at tackle. John Abraham had a three-sack game last week, and with Peppers coming into town, Russell should have his head on a swivel. Johnson has played well for the Panthers, and head coach John Fox has appreciated the play of his 6’2” end, stating, “He’s got good playing strength and has the flexibility to play inside or outside. A good athlete. The only thing missing is experience, and that is just a matter of playing.”

GAME NOTES

 

• This will be the fourth meeting between both clubs, with the Raiders leading the series 2-1, winning the last two contests.
• When Delhomme has a passer rating of 100.0 or better, the Panthers are 15-0.
• DeAngelo Hall cleared waivers, making him a free agent and eligible to sign with any team. Since he cleared waivers, the two-time pro bowler will not be able to receive the remaining six years and $64 million of his seven-year, $72 million contract.
• This week, the Raiders placed Robert Thomas on injured reserve. Other transactions included the re-signing of defensive tackle William Joseph, and cornerback Michael Waddell. Oakland also picked up linebacker Marquis Cooper.
• Former Raider Tyler Brayton has compiled 14 tackles and 2 sacks in his first season as a Panther.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Raiders LT & RT vs. Carolina pass rush

If Abraham had three-sacks last week, what can the combo of Peppers and Johnson rack up?

Asomugha vs. Smith

We may not see these two match-up often, but when it does happen, it will be entertaining. This face-off may not decide the winner of the game, but high caliber talents should provide good moments.

PREDICTION

Panthers 23 – Raiders 13

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on FOX with Dick Stockton providing play-by-play and Brian Baldinger and Brian Billick handling color analysis with Laura Okmin the sideline reporter. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air locally on KTVU Channel 2. The game will also air in Sacramento on KXTL Channel 40 as well as on KCVU Channel 30 in Chico/Redding, KCBA Channel 35 in Monterey, KVBU Channel 29 in Eureka and KMPH Channel 26 in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black 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 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. Sports USA Radio will broadcast the game nationally with Howard David, Terry Donahue and Tony Graziani calling the action. (Broadcast information found on the official Raiders web site)

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (2-6) Home: 1-3 Road: 1-3

Road Team: Carolina Panthers (6-2) Home: 5-0 Road: 1-2

When and Where: Sunday, November 9, 2008, 1:05 p.m. PT | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Oakland Raiders safety Gibril Wilson gave his thoughts today regarding the recent happenings for the Silver & Black. Here are some highlights from his press session:

On DeAngelo Hall being a scapegoat:

I think a lot of what happened to D wasn’t his fault. D is a playmaker out there. He’s a good football player. I don’t know if he’s being made a scapegoat or whatever but I know DeAngelo Hall is a good football player. That’s all I know.

Whether teammates are playing on their heels, wondering if they are next:

Me personally I’m not really worried about that. I know what I can do and my coach knows what I can do. Whatever else happens upstairs or wherever it happens, that’s in its own. I’m not worried about making mistakes out there.

That’s definitely not healthy. It makes you play tentative a little bit and that’s not good. That’s not good, where you always have somebody coming down on you that might not really know what the situation is. So that’s definitely not healthy for anybody to go out there and do that.

Initial reaction after hearing the news about Hall:

I was very shocked. I talked to D last night and me and him have the same agent. I thought it was actually going to be me or him. It’s him and it’s just a messed up situation. I don’t know what else more to say. D was a good football player and we needed him. It’s kind of disappointing that we still have eight games to go and we got rid of one of the best corners.

Comparing Oakland to the New York Giants:

This is a soap opera over here, man. If this was New York there would have been about 50 media people around here. This is a soap opera. I just think we need to settle on something. We need to have a vision of where we’re trying to take this team. If you don’t have a vision and you’re just trying to plug in players, then you’re always going to get the same results. We’re not about losing. This is the first team that I’ve been in a situation like this ever since I been playing football. We gotta win. That’s all I’m worried about, getting a win. I’m getting phone calls from friends asking me what’s going on and all that stuff. Right now, to be honest, football’s not even really fun just because of all the losing and stuff. Coming to work is kind of hard. Now dealing with D getting cut and all that stuff…

One thing is losing and another is dealing with all the extra stuff. We have so much on our plate already. To deal with the extra stuff is not healthy for anybody, especially when you’re trying to get a game plan in and you’re trying to know what you’re supposed to do and all that. It’s not a healthy situation at all.

Aftermath of Hall’s cut:

I’ve never been in a situation where you cut one of the best players. That’s strange to me. It’s almost like we’re throwing in the towel. We have eight games to go and we’re two games down in the division. All we need to do is get on a roll in November and the next thing you know we’re right back in this thing. For me, the sense I got was we’re kind of throwing in the towel. There’s still eight games left. You never know what could happen.

Direction and goal:

No. The direction of the franchise should be championship. I mean that’s common knowledge. We ain’t up in here just to collect a check. I would hope everybody’s vision is to get a championship. Not anything else but to get a championship. I’m assuming (laughter) that their thing is championship.

Today in Oakland, Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha spoke to the media about many of the happenings surrounding the team at the midpoint.

 Reacting to DeAngelo Hall’s departure:

 I’m obviously disappointed. I don’t agree with what happened. I don’t agree with what’s going on. But I am just a player so I can’t speak on it. I don’t make the decisions. All I can do is play but I don’t agree with what happened at all.

 

I don’t know exactly what went into the release but he’s been playing, he’s been getting better with each game. He’s a good player in this league, I think we all know that. We all know it’s probably the most difficult place to play if you’re a corner, no matter who you are, no matter how much you get paid. He came in and the first game was rough but he got better since then. A lot of blame went to him. I just didn’t think it was right.

 On Hall’s improving play prior to the total quit job versus Atlanta:

Yeah, absolutely. They were throwing at him and he was playing. He had eight games to prove himself, which is what really got me. I was sitting at home last night, watching the election and all that and excited, and then he calls me, hurt. Because he wanted to finish out the season here and he told me he was getting cut and it was just shocking. I couldn’t make any sense of it. He had eight games to prove himself. I don’t think that was enough.

 Was Hall’s style a fit in Oakland?

Well you don’t have to be a big guy to be able to do that stuff. Fabia had success at it when he was here. Phillip had some success at it and he went back and forth, those sorts of things. but he was getting to the point to where he was establishing himself as a man corner. In Atlanta he didn’t play as much man as he had to play here. That’s why it was a little different. I knew he didn’t play as much man so it wasn’t shocking to me when he had to adjust. To everyone else it was a big deal to them but he was getting better.

 Does this effect your desire of being here next year, to sign a long term deal?

 Yeah, uh, I won’t comment on that on what will happen next year, what will happen with me as far as the contract. I would say all those types of questions I’ll just say no comment.

 On the Ronald Curry & Michael Huff benchings:

 Curry again. I still can’t make sense of that one either. That’s why I said there’s been some things that have been going on, some shakeups, that I haven’t agreed with. Like I said, I’m not allowed to speak on it because we’re just supposed to shut up and play. But you ask me if I agree with it? I don’t agree with it. Ronald Curry has, since I’ve been here, been my best work on the field. Without question of any receiver that’s come through here. He hasn’t played. Now he’s inactive. I don’t know what’s going on. Now with Michael Huff, he’s still a developing safety who got his position changed. I don’t know if he got enough time to develop. I guess it’s the nature of what’s been going on here. If you don’t perform within an allotted time, they you move on.

Where does this season rank in terms of turmoil in your tenure here?

 This would actually be No. 1 as far as what’s been going on and I’ll tell you why, because it’s been eight weeks. It hasn’t been 16 weeks. Even though it’s been eight weeks of all the back and forth. The first half of the season this has probably been No. 1 as far as things that can be perceived as distractions aside from football.

How do you move forward into the second half?

I don’t know if we’re done with the shake-ups and the move-ups. But everybody has been promised things would happen. As far as moving on, you can only move on. Like I said, you can only bite your lip and play football. That’s what we’re here for, that’s what they pay us for. You get paid to deal with these problems and to make the best of it. With everything that’s going on, none of us are blind to it. We talk about it

as players. We understand the nature of what’s been going on. But we still have to perform on Sundays. People are still watching. We still have to show ourselves fit for what we’re doing.

Are the shake-ups taxing on the players and does it make it harder to play with these things on their minds?

There are a lot of guys that being honest have played on their heels here at some point within the last eight weeks. There are a number of guys who are like, ‘If I mess up once, I’ll be gone.’ Or, ‘If I mess up once, someone else will take my spot.’ It’s a difficult thing to do as a player. You want to go out and have that confidence that you can go out and make mistakes and still get better. But when it seems like you’re on a time schedule it’s kind of difficult to always play up to par and not be hesitant like a lot of guys have shown that they’ve been.

On Hall, and why he thought he was cut:

He said it was just a matter of his play wasn’t up to par so far with what he’s being paid I guess. He reached his eight-week mark and he couldn’t go forward. He said that he wanted to come back and at least finish out the season. That’s what he told me but they said they didn’t want to continue on with him. He was hurt. He was disappointed when I spoke to him because he wanted to at least get to 16 games. He has a lot of pride. What he put out on tape in those first two weeks, he wanted to prove himself from that type of stuff and he doesn’t get the chance. But he’ll go somewhere where he’ll be able to redeem himself.

Was he a scapegoat?

When you’re losing there’s a lot of finger pointing. I don’t think he’s the one scapegoat. There’s fingers pointed everywhere. I don’t think it’s just him. He was kind of singled out in regards of let’s cut someone. Let’s find him. Guys have played much … I don’t want to say that guys have played much worse because I don’t think that he’s played that badly given what we do and what we have to do in this defense. I don’t care who you bring over here; it’s going to be difficult. You see it with him.

How is the situation since Tom Cable took over?

There has been more issues in the last four weeks. The first four weeks was [Lane] Kiffin, and it was non-stop. Then the second four weeks, it has been a number of things, from a new coach, to certain players, and changes. There has been a lot. So, I don’t think it has gotten worse, I just think that it has been a bigger variety of things to pull from.

 

 About Chris Johnson: 

Well, Chris is a fast player. He’s the fastest player on the defense, maybe on the team. He’s also a quick player. He played well against San Diego. You love his heart and his toughness, and he does study, which you also love about a corner. Stanford [Routt] has done all those things, but Chris has shown himself ready to play.

 Teammates reactions to the news:

Yeah, and it’s true. I don’t know how they reacted to what happened, specifically, but I do know that guys, after seeing that, it’s not one of those things that is making guys go out and want to play harder. It’s one of things that guys are looking like, ‘I could be next, so let me not make a mistake.’ That’s a difficult thing to play with on Sundays.

 Did Huff get short-changed?

You never know if Huff was even in the plans to begin with. Maybe that might have had something to do with it. It could be a number of things that went on with him.

How do you preserver?

I have a lot of people that I talk to actually that keep me involved, as far as family and friends. Like Charles, I talk to him. I talked to him last night after I found out everything. He said, ‘Keep pushing.’ As a captain for the team, I always just try to keep pushing. I don’t know how else to explain it.

 

The Oakland Raiders 2-6 start has frustrated owner Al Davis so much, that rumors are beginning to circulate regarding the future of several veterans on the roster.

According to ESPN and NFL Network reports, the Silver & Black could cut ties with DeAngelo Hall as early as Wednesday.

After being picked on by his former team, the Raiders may have grown tired of Hall’s play and may be ready to bite the bullet on his deal to avoid paying the $16 million in guarantees in his contract.

If Oakland does part ways with the two time pro bowl selection, teams could put a claim on him while he is on waivers, take on the contract, a scenario which is unlikely due to how much money is owed. If he clears waivers, Hall will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.

The Raiders sent a second round pick to Atlanta to acquire Hall. But the deal became official when they agreed to a seven-year, $70 million contract. His start in Oakland was a rocky one, as Denver’s rookie wide out Eddie Royal torched the talkative cornerback in the season opener for 9 receptions, 146 yards and one score. This after talking to the SBReport and stating, “It’s a good thing I don’t mess up [smiling],” when asked about how the Raider fans in the Coliseum react to players that don’t perform well.

Since then, teams have targeted him as the weak link of the secondary, refusing to challenge corner mate Nnamdi Asomugha, who went into the Atlanta game as the cornerback least tested in the NFL.

Raiders may also consider cutting wide receiver Javon Walker, who has been extremely disappointing after inking a six-year $55 million contract with $16 million in guarantees.

The former Packer and Bronco has only 13 receptions in seven games, and has been enigmatic since he arrived in the summer.

Since taking over as coach, Tom Cable has shook up the starting line-up, benching safety Michael Huff and wide receiver Ronald Curry, while giving indications that more changes may be coming.

Curry stated last week after his demotion, “It’s like the team gave up on me. You go from playing to getting one or two snaps a game, the decision is being made. I’m going to go out there and continue to work at practice, work at games and once the season’s over, the picture’s pretty clear.”

He has been the Raiders’ leading receiver each of the past two seasons and last year signed a five-year, $20 million extension that included $8.5 million guarantees.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you go from that to not playing at all. Like I said, the picture’s pretty clear. I feel like my past kind of speaks for itself and I’ve shown that I can make plays and hopefully my talent will be wanted somewhere else.”

ANALYSIS

Parting ways with Hall may be a good thing. For one, they compensated the wrong cornerback this past off-season, and if they want to keep the better of the two, purging the team of bad contracts, especially Hall’s, may be the best situation in trying to keep Asomugha, who has stated in the past that he does not want to be franchised again.

Asomugha is a model citizen, has developed with the Raiders through the bad times and has become a fan favorite.

The Raiders spent a lot of money this off-season. Many of the players they brought in were gambles. The crapshoot with Hall has failed due to his style of play. He is not your typical cover corner in the Raider mold, and when teams pinpointed his deficiencies; it made the Raiders realize that he was not the cornerback they thought he was.

With Stanford Routt on the roster, losing Hall may not hurt them on the field as much and it will give them a better opportunity to lock up the player they should’ve some time ago.

Walker was needed to be their ‘go to’ target for JaMarcus Russell. He is far from that and no where near the receiver he was a few years back. They have not received any production from him. And at this point, with the money he makes, there is no reason to keep him on the roster, especially with the team ranking 31^st in the NFL passing the football.

When the season is over, Oakland will need another makeover, as the Kwame Harris experiment at left tackle has not worked and the situation over at right tackle isn’t a whole lot better. 

JaMarcus Russell sneaking into end zone

BUFFALO, NY – The Buffalo Bills opened the second half with a Trent Edwards to Lee Evans 24-yard pass completion. But the 7-play drive ended with a Ryan Lindell missed 46-yard field goal.

After a holding penalty on a punt return, Buffalo began their drive at the 1-yard line. The Raiders stuffed Marshawn Lynch on 1^st and 10 for no gain, and on the next play, DeAngelo Hall intercepted a Trent Edwards pass intended for Lee Evans. The athletic cornerback jumped over and wrapped his arms around the receiver to haul in the interception. Buffalo challenged the play, but the call on the field was not overruled and Oakland began their drive at the Bills 13 yard line.

Darren McFadden rushed for 7 yards on two plays after the crowd-silencing turnover. And on 1^st and goal from the 1 yard line, JaMarcus Russell sneaked in on a 1 yard dive to give the Silver & Black a 16-7 lead.

The Raiders defense, which has pressured Trent Edwards all day, followed the scoring drive with an impressive stand, keeping the Bills quarterback uncomfortable, forcing him to rush his throws. On a 3^rd and 8, Edwards connected with Evans on a deep route, but the play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty.

The Bills were pinned once again near their own goal line after Shane Lechler’s punt bounced to the 4-yard line.

Score: Oakland 16 – Buffalo 7

 

 

 

Terdell Sands recovering fumble in the 2nd quarter 

BUFFALO, NY – The Oakland Raiders second quarter got off to a rocky start when JaMarcus Russell was sacked by Chris Kelsay and linebacker Paul Posluszny recovered the loose ball on the 23-yard line.

Three plays later, Marshawn Lynch got into the end zone from 14 yards out to give the Bills a 7-6 lead.

On Oakland’s second drive of the quarter, Michael Bush rushed for 16 yards on a 3^rd and 10. But after a 2 yard run by McFadden, a 5-yard scamper by Bush and an incompletion on 3^rd down which was almost intercepted by Chris Kelsay, the Raiders punted.

The Bills got a break on a 3^rd and 9, when DeAngelo Hall was flagged for illegal contact, after a Trent Edwards interception. The penalty gave them an automatic first down, but on the ensuing play, Kalimba Edwards sacked Edwards, forced a fumble which was recovered by Terdell Sands.

Oakland then opened their drive with McFadden lined up at quarterback, and his handoff to Bush led to a 6 yard run. JaMarcus Russell connected with Justin Griffith on a 20-yard reception on the next play. On 3^rd and 7 at the Buffalo 12 yard line, McFadden was tackled for a loss of 2 yards. Chaz Schilens missed his blocking assignment on the play, as the Raiders tried to spring McFadden loose on the right side of the formation.

Sebastian Janikowski then booted his third field goal of the game from 32-yards out giving the Raiders a 9-7 lead with a 1:56 remaining. 

Janikowski was involved on the next play, as he prevented Leodis McKelvin from getting into the end zone on his 56-yard kickoff return. Buffalo could not capitalize on the field position, especially after Derrick Burgess missed a sure tackle on Marshawn Lynch on 4^th and 2 that would’ve ended the drive,

Edwards completed a pass to the sure handed Lee Evans on the next play, but Nnamdi Asomugha was able to strip the receiver as he attempted to make a move up the field –  Buffalo’s second turnover of the half.

Score at the half: Oakland 9 – Buffalo 7

 

Oakland, CA –- Monday night football, season & home opener, and against a hated division rival who in all accounts should be a beatable team this year…

All the ingredients needed to take that next step forward into a season of respectability. Instead, what happened to the Raiders was a do-it-yourself clinic on how to beat yourself with mental mistakes, penalties, and an unwillingness to change things up on defense.

First, let’s look at the mental mistakes. The Raiders looked to unleash it’s formidable running game on a Denver Broncos team that was one of the worst teams at stopping the run last year; and run is exactly what the Raiders did. On their opening offensive drive, Oakland got a kick-start with a 57-yard kick off return by Johnnie Lee Higgins. It was a steady diet of hand offs to running backs Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas. The Raiders even converted on a 4th down to keep the drive alive. All that hard work of driving down the field came crashing down when quarterback JaMarcus Russell fumbled (slipped out of his hand), while reaching back to make a pass.

That wouldn’t be the only costly error on offense for Oakland. In the second quarter, wide receiver Ronald Curry drops an easy pass with no one around him for what would have been major yardage. The pass hit Curry in both hands before it dropped harmlessly to the ground. The Raiders would be forced to punt.

On its next offensive drive, Higgins would badly muff a reverse hand off as Denver would scoop it up to claim the fumbled ball. Higgins later in the game would also blow it when on another reverse handoff, instead of getting outside the tackles and throwing the ball away when the defense read and reacted to the play, he opted to run to the sidelines 15-yards deep in his backfield leaving the Raiders to climb out of a 2nd and 25 hole.

The defensive mistakes were two-fold. Newly acquired cornerback DeAngelo Hall was picked apart all night long by rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal. Hall would give the receiver a 10-yard cushion the entire night as he accumulated 149 yards (mostly on Hall) and a touchdown, (when it looked like Hall had broke off his coverage and released Royal). Hall would compound the mistakes by committing two personal fouls in three plays.

But where the biggest defensive mistake came from was the sideline. The Raiders stayed in man coverage the entire night. There was no mixing up coverages and there were no blitzes all night long, thus allowing Broncos quarterback, Jay Cutler, the luxury to sit back and throw to any receiver he wanted to at will. The four Raiders down lineman did not get any pressure on Cutler the entire night as the defense gave away 441 total yards to its divisional foe.

The Broncos would score often throughout the game as they amassed 41 points and ushered the Raiders out of their own stadium as scores of faithful fans walked out to their cars with 10 minutes remaining in the game. So much was promised, so much was said to be different, to be better when in fact, fans were treated to it’s home team that showed it was not yet ready to turn that corner and looked as if some of the coaching staff was inept or unable to scout, game plan, or compete against a divisional rival that for the most part out-coaches this staff in his sleep.

QUARTERBACK

JaMarcus Russell: In his first home opener, last year’s 1^st overall pick did not disappoint completely, especially considering that this will be his first full year as a pro. His 17 completions in 26 attempts were encouraging. The 180-yards are putrid, and if Oakland wants to improve this offense, he has to toss for more yardage, but what was far better is the absence of interceptions. The football coming out of his hand on the opening drive was a miscue that was facilitated by the pressure provided. Russell was able to get the ball down the field on a well executed 3^rd and 1 play action bootleg that Ronald Curry bobbled, and another play, he nearly missed hitting the Raiders best wide receiver on a deep route. The touchdowns to Ashley Lelie and Curry helped pad his stats. Ultimately, its about winning and leading your club…

GAME GRADE: B-

RUNNING BACKS

Justin Fargas: He is a pros pro. Regardless of score, situation or where the team is in the standings, Fargas runs hard and gives it his all. His 18 carries for 97 yards don’t indicate how determined he is when he has the football tucked away in his arms. Oakland needs a roster filled of players like Fargas.

GAME GRADE: A

Darren McFadden: He started and got the game’s first carry, breaking into the Bronco secondary for 8-yards. His 5.1 yards per carry were impressive, but not nearly enough to keep the Raiders in the game. His explosiveness is evident, and as the season approaches, it will be fun to see how Lane Kiffin utilizes him. At one point, lined up at quarterback, McFadden handed off to Fargas, as he did often at Arkansas.

GAME GRADE: C+

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT END

Ronald Curry: After getting behind a defender, Curry bobbled a deep toss in the 2^nd quarter that could’ve lead to a big play. Curry must make those plays for his young quarterback and play more consistent football. Oakland will be desperate to move the chains, especially if they get into those arduous 3^rd and longs.

GAME GRADE: D

Ashley Lelie: Against his former team, Lelie compiled 3 receptions for 37-yards and a touchdown. If Oakland can get anything out of him, it will go a long way in helping this team improve their aerial attack.

GAME GRADE: C

Zach Miller: The Raiders need to find a way to get him involved in the passing game. Problem is, Miller is probably their best blocker on the edge.

GAME GRADE: C

OFFENSIVE LINE

Cornell Green started at right tackle, a position that was up in the air during the pre-season. At times, Russell had happy feet in the pocket. And with an offensive line that is far better at run blocking than pass protecting, this will be an issue for the Raiders all season. Denver attempted to pressure Russell with blitzes, and it worked disrupting the timing and flow of the Raiders passing game.

GAME GRADE: D

DEFENSIVE LINE

Denver ran the ball for 142-yards, continuing the woes of the Raiders defensive line against the run. Whenever Selvin Young and Andre Hall needed the big yardage on the ground, they were able to attack the interior of Oakland’s line. Tommy Kelly was non-existent and any pass rush was neutralized by Mike Shanahan’s crafty play-calling, moving Jay Cutler out of the pocket and keeping him in rhythm with a good mix of run and pass plays.

GAME GRADE: F

LINEBACKERS

Kirk Morrison: Was a victim on the 72-yard pass play from Cutler to Tony Scheffler. The defensive captain and his teammates looked overwhelmed all night as Shanahan dictated all night what occurred on the football field.

Thomas Howard: The speedster was active early, especially when stuffing a wide receiver screen, but his quickness was neutralized by the effective zone blocking of the Denver offensive line.

GAME GRADE: D

SECONDARY

DeAngelo Hall: Eddie Royal dominated the former Atlanta Falcon, giving him fits all night on short and deep routes. Hall fell victim to the rookie on numerous double moves and was even flagged for unnecessary roughness penalties twice on the same drive.  A horrendous night overall for Hall, who stated this weekend to SBReport, “It’s a good thing I don’t mess up [smiling],” when asked about how the Raider fans in the Coliseum react to players that don’t perform well.

Gibril Wilson: Another Raider making his debut that didn’t play well. He was exposed in the passing game and made little impact to the Raiders run defense.

Michael Huff: The free-safety displayed Schweigert-esque aptitude on Darrell Jackson’s 48-yard touchdown reception. Huff was the last line of defense and his missed tackle sprung the receiver free.

GAME GRADE: F

SPECIAL TEAMS

Johnnie Lee Higgins got Oakland going early with a huge 58-yard kickoff return after Denver’s opening scoring drive. But that was it…

Tyvon Branch gave a great effort in trying to pin the Broncos near the own end zone in the 2^nd quarter, but the play was called a touchback.

GAME GRADE: C

COACHING:

Rob Ryan’s defense was mesmerized by Shanahan’s play calling. The Denver head coach was masterful in placing his young passer in situations he could succeed. Kiffin attempted to add juice to the Raiders offense with a reverse to Higgins (which was botched) and some “trickeration” with McFadden line up at quarterback on one play. But it is clear that without Javon Walker, Russell’s learning curve, issues with the offensive line, and a early deficit, the Raiders will have problems putting up points in 2008. Especially if they have to abandon the run and play from behind during contests.

GAME GRADE: D