Silver and Black Report

Derrick Burgess, DE

The Oakland Raiders got great value out of the speedy defensive end in his first three-campaigns after signing a five-year, $18 million contract. The then 26-year old had only played in 29 regular season contests with 15-starts for the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m ecstatic and proud to have the opportunity to wear the Silver and Black,” Burgess said. “I’m joining a quality organization in the Raiders with a great tradition and history.” Burgess started his career in Oakland as a back-up, but midway through the 2005 campaign, the sacks began to pile up and at seasons end, he had the team record for sacks (16), while leading the league in that category in landing his first Pro Bowl bid. He followed that up with 11-sacks in 2006 and another Pro Bowl selection while fighting through injuries. His numbers dipped in his last full season with the Raiders and frustration regarding the losing and the desire for a new deal eventually soured Burgess. “He’s been frustrated,’’ said then position coach Keith Millard. “We’ve had four head coaches in four years and we struggled on defense.’’

Verdict: Oakland had a very productive pass rusher for three-seasons, priced way below the going rate for players of Burgess’ caliber when he arrived. When he became disgruntled, the Raiders traded him to the Patriots and instead of bucking in to his demands, they parted ways with a player who has not been able to regain his form.

Tory James, CB

Oakland signed James away from the Denver Broncos with a 5-year, $18 million contract. In his three campaigns with the Silver & Black, the cornerback tallied 11 interceptions during the regular season. In his most memorable moment with the Raiders, James returned an interception 90-yards in Oakland’s 27-0 romp of the Miami Dolphins, propelling them into the AFC Championship game in January of 2001. “Before I go to sleep, I always visualize making plays,” James stated after the game. “It seems like today my dreams came true.”

Verdict: James was a solid member of the Raiders defensive backfield. He was released in 2003 due to a high cap number ($5.7 million), as Oakland scrambled to get under the cap after their Super Bowl appearance.

Zack Crockett. RB/FB

From 1999-to-2006, Crockett was a fiery leader for the Silver & Black. He compiled 35 touchdowns in his Raider career as a short yardage and goal line specialist. In 2003, Oakland retained his services with a seven-year, $12 million contract when he was 30-years old. Crockett bowled over Kansas City defenders in the 2002 regular season finale – in a muddy field – tallying 72-yards on 11 carries with one score. A few weeks later in the AFC Championship Game, his 7-yard scoring run was the last nail in the Titans coffin.

Verdict:  In September of 2007, Oakland released the aging leader. He was a hard runner for the Raiders, a solid blocker and a stout presence in the locker room and on the practice field.

Here are past installments of this Free-Agent series:

Part 1:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 1

Part 2:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 2

Part 3:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 3

Part 4:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 4

Part 5:

15-years of Free Agency for the Raiders – Part 5

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

The Oakland Raiders needed to end the saga with Derrick Burgess. And they did early in camp by sending the unhappy defensive end to the New England Patriots for two draft picks.

Burgess, who has 47 career sacks, 38.5 since joining the Raiders in 2005, was disgruntled and skipped the team’s organized team activities; boycotting training camp in an effort to force his way out the bay area.

In 56 games as a Raider, Burgess provided an edge rush that was missing for quite some time, last seen by one individual along that line in the early 1990s when Greg Townsend was tallying double-digit sack campaigns.

But the constant losing and turmoil in Oakland soured his outlook in Silver & Black, along with his belief that the front office turn their back on him when it was time for the speedy end to cash in on his early success.

“He’s been frustrated,’’ said Keith Millard. “We’ve had four head coaches in four years and we struggled on defense.’’

After back-to-back Pro Bowl efforts, Burgess expected an increase in his salary. However, two subsequent sub par years that were filled with injuries curtailed any notion of a raise.

With the addition of Greg Ellis and the young cost efficient talent Oakland believes they can plug in at end for 2009, the Raiders felt that this move was one that they had to make – quickly.

And they were right.

Just like the move that jettisoned Randy Moss, ironically to the Patriots as well, the Raiders had to purge themselves of Burgess. Not because they don’t need his speed rushing abilities. And not because they have enough talent or were trading from an area of strength. They had to because just like Moss, Burgess was unhappy and not producing at the Pro Bowl caliber level he once played at.

You can argue that keeping Burgess around on his walk year could pay dividends, as he will give max effort in order to cash in on the pricey nature of menacing ends in the open market. But then Oakland would have just lost him in 2010; because there was no way that he was re-signing with the club.

The time is now for 2^nd year pro Trevor Scott. Jay Richardson is now a veteran on this unit. And Ellis is expected to bring his elevated play to a defense that piled on quarterbacks 32 times last season.

Who knows whom those picks will turn into, but at this point, with the salary off the roster on a building team, they got valuable chips back for a player intent on not donning a Raider jersey.

And that alone makes it a solid move for Oakland.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) will need a win against the Oakland Raiders (4-11) and a Dallas loss to advance into the playoffs. “When you’re 9-3 at one point and you’re a couple of wins away from the playoffs, and now we’re fighting just to get in … it’s tough looking at it,” commented running back Warrick Dunn.

For Oakland, draft positioning is all that is at stake and looking forward to what may be one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of shaking up the roster and finding some new direction on the sidelines.

“We need a breakthrough as a team,” interim coach Tom Cable said. “If you can do it again then I think you can leave the facility going into the spring and the winter then having some confidence, having the right kind of positive feeling.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense (What to expect)

JaMarcus Russell had his best game as a pro last weekend in Oakland’s 27-16 win against the Houston Texans.

His 18 completions on 25 attempts for 236 yards and two scores is the first sign of this young passer’s development. Oakland will try to go into the off-season with good vibes from their quarterback, so expect the coaching staff to let him air it out some more to his young targets. If he can string back-to-back solid performances, it will go a long way in boosting his confidence level on a team that had very little around him to facilitate his growth.

On Defense (What to expect)

The run defense has been poor the majority of the season, with the exception being last week when they contained Steve Slaton.

Against the Bucs, Oakland will have to deal with versatile rushers that can be incorporated into the passing game, something lately they have had problems defending.

Another player looking to finish the season strong after a disappointing campaign is Derrick Burgess. Injuries and sub par play has kept him out of the Pro-Bowl for a second straight year, but 2-sacks last week and a solid effort on Sunday will set him up for a potentially big 2009 with free-agency looming.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

On Offense (What to expect)

Wide receiver Antonio Bryant is tearing up the league at the right time.

He will be a free-agent at the end of the season and with Tampa Bay needing some pop as they make a playoff push, the 27-year old has compiled 26 receptions for 498 yards and 5 touchdowns in his last four games.

“I’m trying to go to the playoffs. That’s all I can control right now,” Bryant said. “All of the other stuff I don’t control. I don’t sign checks – I just cash them. I’m just trying to play ball and get us to the playoffs. There are a lot of scenarios. I would hate to be at home watching a team that I know we’re probably better than go and make a run and go all the way. That wouldn’t be fun. Not for me.

“We’re just playing football. My main focus is just playing football and Dallas getting their butts whipped and let’s keep the ball rolling. That’s my only focus. I’m glad that it is brought down to the smallest scenario – win and Dallas gets their butt whipped. Then we’re rolling.”

On Defense (What to expect)

Jon Gruden is concerned about Tampa Bay’s rush defense, which has tailed off in recent weeks. They allowed large outputs versus Carolina and Atlanta and now face a Raider team that has an ability to rack up yards on the ground.

“I can’t put my finger on anything other than we’re a better defensive football team than we’ve played,” Gruden said, “and I’m confident that we can prove that this Sunday. We have to do that.”

GAME NOTES

• In their last meeting, Kerry Collins came on for an injured Rich Gannon and passed for 228 yards and a score as the Raiders beat Tampa Bay 30-20 in Gruden’s first game back in Oakland since his departure. That would be Gannon’s final game as a pro, as a serious neck injury suffered during a collision with linebacker Derrick Brooks.
• Justin Fargas needs 158 yards to reach the 1,000-yard rush plateau.
• Johnnie Lee Higgins is tied for the league lead in punt returns for touchdowns (3).

KEY MATCH-UPS

Bryant vs. Nnamdi Asomugha

The Pro Bowl bound cornerback versus the most explosive wide receiver in the league right now.

Who will run to a victory?

If Tampa Bay can control the game on the ground, they’ll be able to beat up on a Raider team that has traveled across the country to end the season.

PREDICTION

Buccaneers 19 – Raiders 17

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Kevin Harlan providing play-by-play and former Raiders QB Rich Gannon handling color analysis.  The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black 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 KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-6) Home: 6-1 Road: 3-5

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (4-11) Home: 2-6 Road: 2-5

When and Where: Sunday, December 28, 2008, 10:00 a.m. PT | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

 

On Sunday, the Houston Texans (7-7) will try to extend their winning streak to a franchise record fifth straight when they visit the Oakland Raiders (3-11).

Neither club is making the playoffs, but the upstart Texans are shooting for their first nine-win season with victories to close out the season and a fourth straight win in their all-time series against the Silver & Black.

The emotional wear and tear of the season has tested Oakland’s young passer, as he stated this week, “It’s tough to tell the guys to keep fighting, just to keep pushing, that things are going to turn around.” JaMarcus Russell continued, “Everybody looks at each other like, ‘When?’ It’s really depressing.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland ranks 31^st in total yards per game, 32^nd in passing yards, 30^th in total points scored and 32^nd in third down conversion rate. The abysmal numbers are widespread on offense. Pick a category and Oakland is most likely ranked near the bottom of the rankings.

The one thing they could do earlier in the season was run the football. But even that part of their game has sputtered. In the final two weeks, the one thing the Raiders should showcase is their rookie rusher.

Darren McFadden has been a disappointment due to his injuries, the staff’s lack of creativity in using him and the ineffectiveness of the offense to balance itself out enough to make him a threat.

It’s time to feed McFadden the football, feature him the rest of the way and let him give some glimmer of hope for this offense’s future.

What to Expect:

Mario Henderson will be in at left tackle again. Kwame Harris shouldn’t see action the rest of the year and at this point, this glimpse of Henderson could go a long way in determining whether or not he can play on this offensive line in 2009.

Head coach Tom Cable has relegated him to the bench most of this season. And even with Harris’ struggles, Henderson was kept on the sidelines because of a perceived lack of passion in his game.

“It’s taken longer than I think anyone would have liked, but we’re seeing signs of it now, and that’s a good thing,” said Cable.

On Defense:

“It’s very frustrating,” said defensive end Derrick Burgess regarding his side of the football.

“I’ve been here four years. It’s the same defense. We’ve been running the same defense for four years. To still have these same kinds of problems is hard to explain.”

That is an indictment on Rob Ryan. And because of Ryan’s inability to field a consistent defense during his time in Oakland – even though talented young players are scattered on this defense – his days are likely numbered.

What to Expect:

Nnamdi Asomugha has struggled in recent weeks. And even though he did face one of the better receivers this league has ever seen last weekend, it appears that the first time pro-bowler has hit a wall. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend, as the league leader in receiving yards comes into town.

The Raiders need to generate more pressure from their front-seven or they’ll fall victim to a passer that has compiled 698 yards in his last two contest.

HOUSTON TEXANS

On Offense:

Matt Schaub has posted big passing numbers the last two weeks. With Andre Johnson being the best wide receiver in the game and Owen Daniels’ 60 receptions for 714 yards, it is easy to see why the Texans have the 4^th ranked pass attack in the league.

Kevin Walter, their third leading receiver, has more receptions (57) and receiving yards (859) than any Raider target.

What to Expect:

Rookie Steve Slaton has become the featured back in Houston. And with the Raiders horrendous rush defense, you can expect the former West Virginia star to run circles around Ryan’s bunch. Slaton has run for 1,124 yards – 7^th in the NFL – averaging a stellar 4.9 yards per carry.

If Johnson does not have big game, expect Walter or Daniels to get open on shallower routes and have a field day against a struggling linebacker crew that was chasing targets the last two weeks versus San Diego and New England.

On Defense:

The sensational linebacker DeMeco Ryans leads the defense. The team leader in tackles sounded confident this week about this weekends match-up.

“Yeah, we expect our team to go out there and win,” Ryans commented. “We’re not looking at Oakland as a cakewalk or anything like that. Even though a lot of people may expect us to win this game, we still understand that Oakland, they can get it done. If we go out there and we don’t play our game, they can definitely get it done. They have some great playmakers out there. It’s still the NFL.

“Everybody has their day. Everybody has their day to shine. We just can’t let them shine on us.”

What to Expect:

Mario Williams was voted to his first pro bowl this week. And now he faces a left tackle trying to find a niche in this league. It appears that Williams has cemented himself as a pass rushing menace in this league after bumps on the road early in his career.

“It was a lot thrown at me,” Williams said. “I’m thankful for it because I’ve seen so much stuff and I guess it kind of made me grow up a lot faster than I would expect to.”

Williams will get to Russell this weekend. How many times? I think Henderson is in for a long day.

GAME NOTES

• The Raiders have been outscored 110-45 since their last win at home versus the New York Jets.
• Both Ashley Lelie (calf) and Ronald Curry (toe) could miss the game. Johnnie Lee Higgins, who has been one of the few sparkplugs this season for Oakland, will start. Oakland should try to get the ball to Higgins in space, as he is very good once the football in his hands weaving through traffic.
• DE Trevor Scott leads all rookies with five sacks.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Asomugha vs. Johnson

The best confrontation of the day! They’ll one-up each other, but can the Raiders defense the other targets Schaub has to his disposal?

Miller Time!

Justin Miller has back-to-back games with kickoff returns for touchdowns. Will three be the charm?

The Slaton Sleigh

The rookie is a good pass catcher as well. If Oakland cannot contain him, this will be a blowout.

PREDICTION

Texans 29 – Raiders 16

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Bill Macatee providing play-by-play and former Raiders QB Steve Beuerlein handling color analysis.  If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black 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 KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (BROADCAST INFORMATION CITED FROM OFFICIAL RAIDERS WEB SITE)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (3-11) Home: 1-6 Road: 2-5

Road Team: Houston Texans (7-7) Home: 5-2 Road: 2-5

When and Where: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 1:05 p.m. PT | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Randy Moss pointed to the back of his jersey on both touchdowns yesterday during the New England Patriots 49-26 thrashing of the dreary Oakland Raiders.

As he needed any more attention drawn to him.

The crowd knew who it was and he enjoyed rubbing it in; as the former Raider had a victorious return to the Bay area with his 5 receptions for 67 yards and 2 scores. Heck, he even went up against the pride and joy of the Raider Nation – Nnamdi Asomugha – and drew a couple of flags on the steady cornerback while making a few receptions on the one player the Silver & Black have that is in the stratosphere with him. Ok…maybe not.

Moss showed the fans in Oakland how he plays when he wants to play. And he showed them how he can perform when he cares about football, or when he has an agenda against the opponent.

“That’s just Randy being Randy,” said LaMont Jordan, another ex-Raider who made a successful return to the Black Hole. “I was definitely happy for him, especially the way the Oakland media had no good things to say about him. … We came here together to wear the Oakland uniform and to try to turn that program around. It didn’t work out and we both left on bad terms.”

The team jettisoned Moss when he wanted no part of an organization that was floundering. They traded him for a fourth round draft selection (John Bowie) and ridded themselves of a malcontent that could’ve caused way more damage than he did in his two seasons.

Moss’ vindication didn’t come when he romped through the Raiders secondary. Yeah, he wanted to show Raider Nation what type of player he really is per Wes Welker. “I think it meant a lot to him,” said his fellow receiver. “There was a lot of focus on Randy this week, just like every week. But you could tell he wanted this game and really wanted to show what kind of player he is.”

His vindication came when he was moved to a team that demanded respect from him that could corral his volatility and channel that talent onto what matters – winning on the field.

Moss’ return to limelight last season and the statistical epic regular season and playoff run he had with Tom Brady were enough of ‘I told you so…’, for those that casted him off. And Moss’ march towards the Hall of Fame is what ultimately people will remember, not his exiled time in Oakland.

THE COMMISH IN OAKLAND

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was in attendance yesterday. He met with the media at halftime and spoke on a few topics:

WHY COME HERE NOW, COMMISSIONER?

“I try to get around to every stadium every couple of years. I haven’t been out here yet so…this is a game that we had picked a couple of months ago. I’m glad I’m here.”

YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THIS STADIUM FACILITY AND THE AREA? ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE NFL?

“It is. And it’s something that we’ve been meeting with a lot of people today about how to address that from a long-term standpoint. It’s clear, and I think everyone accepts it, that something has to get done here with a new stadium at some point. And I’ve had a chance to talk to some of the leadership here about how we can help in that process.

“There are a lot of passionate fans here, as you know, from talking to fans here.”

THE RAIDERS HAVE NOT BEEN COMPETITIVE FOR SOME TIME. DOES IT FALL WITHIN YOUR REALM AS COMMISSIONER TO ADDRESS?

“Not individually, no. Competitiveness…I think we’ve got a very competitive league. The Dolphins showed how fast you can turn a franchise around. The Atlanta Falcons have showed how fast you can turn a franchise around.

“This franchise has been competitive for decades. I’m sure Mr. Davis and the Raiders are going to turn that around.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR THE RAIDERS TO REMAIN HERE IN OAKLAND ? THEIR LEASE IS UP IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.

“I think it’s important for all of our teams to stay in their communities. This is something we’ve focused on a n awful lot over the last 10 or 15 years, in trying to make sure we create an environment where the team can be successful, the community can be successful and together they can create a partnership that’s going to do great things for the fans and the community.”

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ANY OF YOUR MEETING WITH AL DAVIS?

“No. Nothing that is significant. We talked about a variety of different issues. I don’t mean it was that secretive.”

SO, YOU CAN’T DIVULGE ANY DETAILS?

“No, we had a good dialogue about a variety of things that are happening in the league. And that’s part of what I do when I go to markets is want to hear from owners, I want to hear from club people, I want to hear from fans, I want to hear from the media.”

BURGESS A NON FACTOR

Derrick Burgess has no sacks since his return to the line-up after missing six games due to injury. He has 1.5 sacks all season and none in the Raiders last four games. And with the lack of pressure they’ve applied in recent weeks, it’s becoming more obvious the glaring need to generate more of a pass rush.

Burgess had hopes for a big season after injuries slowed him early last year. He ended 2007 strong and the Raiders felt he would get back to his dominant 2005 and 2006 form when he compiled 27 sacks and had back-to-back pro bowl appearances.

With one year remaining left on his 5-year deal, Burgess has to show in 2009 that he will be deserving of the raise he felt he should’ve got before the start of last season.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto — SB Report Columnist

QUARTERBACK — D

A game of peaks and valleys for JaMarcus Russell; with far more bad play than good in a contest that got out of hand early. He ended 17-of-31 for 242 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Due to the Patriots jumping out in front, the Raiders opened up the playbook and let Russell throw it around. Today he was wildly inaccurate in spots, overthrowing Chaz Schilens on a slant in the 1^st quarter and then making poor decisions; going down the field to Schilens when he had an open Darren McFadden on a dump off with space for him run after the catch. His targets didn’t help him, as Ronald Curry dropped a short crossing route on a 3^rd and 9 in the 1^st half, Zach Miller dropped an easy score in the 3^rd quarter and Johnnie Lee Higgins got handcuffed on what would’ve been a big gainer. Other pitiable moments included: Russell stripped by Mike Vrabel early in the game, which led to an 8 yard loss on a 3^rd and 9, on a roll out, he tried to release the football across his body and fumbled which he fell on for the recovery and on a audible on 2^nd and 2 from the Patriots 24-yard line, he left a pass way short of his intended receiver which fell into the hands of Jonathan Wilhite, ending a drive that could’ve led to points. The Raiders tried to mimic the success Joe Flacco had in torching Ricky Brown by sending Russell out on a pattern with Michael Bush throwing a pass that the quarterback could not haul in. Russell’s 10-yard pass to Curry on a fade pattern showed nice touch.

RUNNING BACKS — C-

Why does it take so long for McFadden to get touches in these games? His first action came in the 2^nd quarter. And when they got him in, the Raiders attempted a run out of the ‘Wildcat’ formation that gained no yards. When the Raiders incorporated him into the passing game, he showed his elusiveness and play-making abilities, as McFadden finished with 3 receptions for 68 yards. Oakland needs to use him more often on runs to the edges. He picked up 12-yards on a pitch in which he beat Patriot defenders to the sideline. His blocking leaves a lot to be desired still, but there are no excuses for not having McFadden out there as much as possible. Justin Fargas carried the ball 15 times and tallied 70 yards rushing.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS — D

Zach Miller led this group once again with 5 receptions for 60 yards. He dropped an easy score, but his block was able to spring loose Higgins on his 56-yard touchdown. Higgins had 3 catches for 66 yards, but could’ve had another big play on his stat line if not for a drop in the 3^rd quarter. On his touchdown reception in the 1^st quarter, Higgins showed good vision in the open field – similar to when he is returning kicks. Curry had 2 grabs for 19 yards and appeared hindered by an injury during the game.

OFFENSIVE LINE — C

No Kwame Harris, no problems at left tackle. Mario Henderson played well replacing the vilified free-agent acquisition. Cooper Carlisle was flagged for holding on a first down run by Fargas and Robert Gallery had a false start on the game’s second drive; one of the first three drives that were three and out for Oakland. Not a bad day overall considering recent performances by the offensive line. Only two sacks allowed, but Russell was flushed out of the pocket frequently which made it more difficult for him to get the ball down the field accurately.

DEFENSIVE LINE – F

The Patriots ended with 277 yards rushing. Heck, they made LaMont Jordan look good with his 12 carries for 97 yards, which included a 49-yard scamper for a touchdown. Matt Cassel wasn’t pressured enough and the Patriots offense looked like a well oiled machine when they got in the end zone in their first five possessions. Trevor Scott tallied two sacks (has four in the season; his first two came against the Jets), replacing an ineffective Kalimba Edwards and had a nice stop behind the line of scrimmage, tackling Jordan for a 3-yard loss. Jay Richardson also saw some time in the 2^nd half in place of Derrick Burgess, who has not been able to turn up the field and get to the quarterback consistently. Since his return from injury four games ago, Burgess has not been able to record a sack. On a 3^rd and 2 in the first quarter, Burgess was flagged for offsides, and at that point, the Patriots were 5-for-5 on 3^rd down conversions.

LINEBACKERS — F

This group had their worst outing of the season. Thomas Howard was non-existent and Kirk Morrison spent most of the day chasing down Kevin Faulk who had 6 receptions for 66 yards and 1 touchdown. The Patriots confused the Raider linebackers with misdirections, screens and shallow routes all day.

SECONDARY — F

Randy Moss and Wes Welker beat up on the Raiders secondary today. Nnamdi Asomugha lost many confrontations against his former teammate, most notably in the 3^rd quarter when Moss had consecutive catches of 11 and 14 yards before ending the drive with his second touchdown of the day – a 9-yard haul that made the score 42-14. On both scores, Moss turned his back to ‘the Black Hole’ and pointed to the back of his jersey to incite more boos from the crowd. Asomugha has played sub par football in recent weeks and today; he got flagged three times in the secondary (one was not accepted, as he was beat by Moss for 13 yards on the reception). Gibril Wilson recorded his second interception of the season when Ben Watson botched a perfectly thrown ball by Cassel.

SPECIAL TEAMS — C-

In consecutive games, Justin Miller has kickoff returns for a touchdown. Last week against San Diego, he ripped a 92-yard return in the second quarter. Today, he scored on a 91-yard dash that made the game 28-14 in the second quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Ellis Hobbs torched the Raider coverage teams with a 95-yard return of his own that deflated the crowd and propelled the Patriots back up 35-14. Hiram Eugene had a couple of solid special team tackles, but Shane Lechler today had an average – by his standards – day, punting 6 times at a 43.5 clip in the steady rain fall. Sebastian Janikowski had an extra appoint blocked in the 3^rd quarter.

COACHING – F-

Tom Cable needs to find ways to get McFadden in the flow of the game a lot quicker. Oakland has no comeback-ability. And the Raiders seem to dig themselves a big hole, taking them out of what they want to do on offense and then forcing the ball into the hands of Russell with no flow to the attack. Rob Ryan takes a big hit after this game and his days on the sidelines for the Raiders are numbered. The Patriots did what they wanted on offense. Yes they executed well and put Cassel in spots where he can move the ball around to his rushers on shallow routes and crossing patterns. But Oakland’s defense had no fight in it and barely made an attempt to slow down an offense that moved the ball up and down the field with relative ease.

EXTRA POINTS

• After missing some time this week due to the death of his father, Matt Cassel ended with a career high four touchdown passes. He ended the game 18-of-30 for 218 yards and 7 carries for 18 yards.
• In their return to Oakland, former Raiders LaMont Jordan and Randy Moss combined for 164 total yards and 3 scores.
• The Raiders notched their second offensive touchdown of the season in the first half with Higgins 56-yard reception. That was the first time they hit paydirt in their last 20 possessions.
• At the half, New England had rushed for 160 yards and led the Raiders 21-5 in first downs.
• Oakland became the first team in NFL history to lose at least 11 games in six straight seasons.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Oakland Raiders (3-8) are actually favored going into a contest for the first time in 2008. After a convincing 31-10 road victory last weekend against the Broncos and with the lowly Kansas City Chiefs (1-10) coming into town, the Silver & Black are the prognosticators choice on Sunday, as they will look to sweep the season series from their west rivals for the time first time since 2001.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

When the Raiders win, they run the ball effectively. The Chiefs have been one of the league’s worst clubs at stopping the run allowing an average of 165.9 yards per game (31^st in the NFL). Combine that with Darren McFadden’s health, his week two 164-yard effort at Arrowhead and the Silver & Black’s 158-yard output against the Broncos, and the Chiefs could be in for a long day. “They’ve got two big punishing backs and their offensive line is very good,” Kansas City coach Herm Edwards commented this week. “They run their scheme very well. They’ve got some good receivers but their game is run the ball. They’re going to try to pound you that way.”

Also promising last weekend was the production the Raiders got out of receiver Ashley Lelie. The former Bronco torched his teammates for 92 receiving yards and a touchdown. And a week after learning a family had passed away; JaMarcus Russell played his best game as pro statistically going 10/11 for 152 yards and a touchdown pass.

What to Expect:

Oakland will run the ball. They’ll try to stem everything on offense of the success of the ground game and hope to see their trio of rushers mimic the numbers they produced during their week-two 23-8 victory in Kansas City. Having a solid game under his belt and the Chiefs focusing on stopping the run, the Raiders will let Russell get vertical a few times as well to excite the ‘Black Hole.’

On Defense:

Derrick Burgess got back on the field last Sunday after a six game absence. He didn’t record a sack, but along with Kalimba Edwards, the Raiders were able to apply enough pressure on Jay Cutler to force some miscues and ground the Denver aerial attack. Burgess has only 1.5 sacks this season, his solo sack coming during the Raiders victory against the Chiefs.

Thomas Howard is playing the best football of his career right now, even though he has not tallied as many interceptions as he had last season. He is flying to the football, making plays in the backfield and last weekend, Howard picked off his first pass in 2008.

What to Expect:

What was impressive last weekend was how the Raiders held the Broncos to only 48 yards rushing in the 2^nd half and when they went ahead and made Denver one-dimensional, they forced turnovers and frustrated the opposing offense.

Larry Johnson has tormented the Raiders in the past, but in their first meeting they held him to 22 yards on 12 carries. Can they do it again?

On Special Teams:

You can make the case that Johnnie Lee Higgins has been the Raiders most valuable player in 2008. He has only 8 receptions, but one of those was a game altering 84-yard touchdown reception in the 4^th quarter versus Buffalo.

But where he has made his mark is on punt returns, where in recent weeks he has shifted the momentum of games with returns of 93 yards for a score in Miami and 89 yards right before halftime against the Broncos.

The Chiefs are allowing 10.3 yards per return on punts and 24.2 yards per on kickoffs.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

On Offense:

Tyler Thigpen is at the helm of the Chiefs offense. In their first meeting, Thigpen was 14-of-33 for 151 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception while being sacked three times. He has started the last 5 contests for Kansas City and during that span; Thigpen has been sacked 13 times.

Larry Johnson needs to get going if they expect to pull out the road victory. Last weekend, he had a 63-yard run and had 81 yards on 7 carries. Rookie rusher Jamaal Charles could be an under the radar talent that could help cause match-up problems. During their 54-31 loss to Buffalo, Charles tallied his first career touchdown reception from 36 yards out.

What to Expect:

The Raiders allow 160 yards per game on the ground. And even though they’ve played well recently in the trenches, Kansas City’s best bet will be to try to pound away at the Raiders defensive line and stay away from their athletic secondary. The Chiefs are averaging a second best 4.9 yards per carry. Now, if they can sustain drives with their rush and keep Thigpen out of long down and distances, they may have a shot at pulling off the upset.

On Defense:

The Chiefs may have a depleted unit on Sunday. After allowing 54-points last weekend, Herm Edwards said yesterday that four regulars were unable to practice this week and that two others were limited.

“We’ll have 11 (players),” Edwards said of his defense’s travel unit. “Don’t know which 11, but we’ll have 11.”

In the secondary, safety Jarrad Page (groin) and cornerback Patrick Surtain (quad) are banged up. Linebacker Pat Thomas (thigh) is expected to be ready, but his unit mates Donnie Edwards (knee and ankle) and Weston Dacus (knee) were two players that did not practice on Thursday.

GAME NOTES

• Kansas City has lost 19 out of their last 20 games.
• Oakland will look for back-to-back victories against divisional rivals. Last year, they pulled off the feat by beating the Chiefs on the road 20-17 (11/25/2007) and the Broncos at home 34-20 (12/2/2007). The Chiefs have a six game wining streak in Oakland.
• Transactions this week: On 11/26, the Raiders signed G Dylan Gandy and placed WR Javon Walker on injured reserve. On 11/25, they signed DB Darrick Brown onto the active roster and waived OL Junius Coston.
• The Raiders have lost 9 of their 11 contests against the Chiefs. Kansas City also leads the all-time series 50-44-2.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Tony Gonzalez vs. the Raiders Secondary

The hall of fame bound tight end has a reception streak of 126 games and he set a record for tight ends last weekend with his 25^th career 100-yard receiving game. Will Michael Huff be on the field against the veteran? Huff has had success in the past due to his size and speed.

Raiders front seven vs. LJ & JC

Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles are capable of big games. And with the suspect Raiders run defense, they could rack up big yardage.

PREDICTION

Raiders 26 – Chiefs 24

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Bill Macatee providing play-by-play and Steve Beuerlein handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black 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 KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information can be found on the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

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

Road Team: Kansas City Chiefs (1-10) Home: 1-5 Road: 0-5

When and Where: Sunday, November 30, 2008, 1:15 p.m. PT | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

MIAMI, FL – The Oakland Raiders have designated CB Michael Waddell, FB Jason Davis, DE Derrick Burgess, LB Ricky Brown, C Jake Grove, T James Marten, WR Javon Walker and QB Andrew Walter (3^rd QB) as inactive players for today’s game versus the Miami Dolphins.

For the home team, WR Ernest Wilford, CB Joey Thomas, G Shawn Murphy, Lionel Dotson, T Nate Garner, TE Joey Haynos, DE Rodrique Wright and QB John Beck (3^rd QB) will be inactive.

Line up changes are the following:

• #87 Ashley Lelie will start at WR for the injured Walker.
• #71 John Wade will start at Center for Grove.
• #58 Kalimba Edwards will start again at DE for Burgess. Sam Williams will start for Brown.

 DB Justin Miller, picked up from waivers earlier in the week will wear #22. 

For the Oakland Raiders, rookie running back Darren McFadden will miss his third straight contest, designated inactive for today’s game versus the Carolina Panthers.

Oakland will start Andrew Walter today, as JaMarcus Russell was also on the inactive list along with WR Ronald Curry, OL James Marten and OL John Wade.

On defense, Derrick Burgess will sit again along with linebacker Ricky Brown.

Sam Williams will start today in place of Brown, who was replaced by Robert Thomas last week before he was injured and eventually placed on injured reserve.

Kalimba Edwards will be in the starting line-up once again in place of Burgess.

For Russell, it’s the first game missed in his career due to injury. Throughout the week, rumors circled regarding his aching right knee and whether he would be able to make the start. 

For the Panthers; CB CJ Wilson, LB James Anderson, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, T Frank Omiyale, WR Dwayne Jarett, WR Kenneth Moore, DT Darwin Walker and QB Matt Moore (3^rd in the depth chart) occupied the inactive list. 

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?