Richard Seymour and the Raiders need one more win and some help for a division crown.

It’s all come down to this for the Oakland Raiders (8-7)…

A victory versus the San Diego Chargers (7-8) and a loss for the Denver Broncos (8-7), and they’ll be AFC West champions.

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) will have to go on the road and notch their fourth win away from Arrowhead against Tim Tebow for Oakland to have their first division title since 2002.

Just weeks ago, Oakland was atop the division – sitting pretty. But a three-game losing streak and Tebow’s miraculous run catapulted the Broncos to first-place. Denver has lost two in a row and Oakland pulled out an overtime victory on Saturday to give them a shot at making the post-season.

Hue Jackson said after the game at Kansas City: “I keep telling you people that his team is not going to quit. We are not perfect, I understand that. But we are a group of men that will fight and keep playing and they’ll play it out to the end.”

They’ll have to continue to fight to extend their current three-game winning streak against the Chargers. Oakland swept Norv Turner’s team in 2010 and won at San Diego November 10, 24-17.

They’ve done it without Darren McFadden and Jacoby Ford. Denver’s late slide could open the door for a division crown. The defense has buckled that last few weeks when trying to put away games, but they remain alive.

Oakland can also win a wild card if they win and get help from the Baltimore Ravens, who face the Cincinnati Bengals on the last weekend of the regular season.

The Raiders could be a 4^th seed as division champs and face either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Ravens at the O.co Coliseum. It’s foreseeable that either road team could be favorites on the road, as neither is a favorable match-up for the Silver & Black.

If by chance Oakland gets the 6^th seed, they could face the Houston Texans, in a rematch of their week-five meeting. The Raiders defeated the Texans 25-20, on the weekend Al Davis passed away.

With their injuries, lack of post-season experience and Oakland’s late season scamper to get in, it may be the opportune time to pick them off. A loss against the Titans would give Houston a three-game losing streak going into the playoffs. And with a victory already at that site, Oakland could be more of a threat in that position than at home against a physical Ravens club with a shifty, dynamic rusher (Ray Rice) and a stout defense, or a veteran Steeler club that can win at any venue with their clutch quarterback and physical defense.

Oakland was hurt last year when they went 6-0 within their division and missed making the playoffs, needing a lot of help to get in and losing key games down the stretch.

“It’s just tough because all through training camp, we knew that we had a team that could win the (AFC) West, make the playoffs and compete,” Michael Huff said in December of 2010. “I guess we’re not going to get the chance.”

Not getting a shot this year would hurt twice as much due to squandering opportunities and getting a shot at it on the final week of the season. With Davis’ passing and the lofty and boisterous expectations of their head coach, an 8-8 finish this time around or no playoffs, even with the injuries they have withstood and happenings in 2011, would be a major disappointment.

It was Jackson who wanted to build a bully. It was Jackson who took over a team that already had reached .500 last season. It was Jackson who planted that seed in his player’s minds that they were playoff ready. Can they actually get in now?

They had a three-game home stretch versus the Browns, Chiefs and Broncos, with a bye sandwiched in, and failed to get separation. After losing their starting passer for the year with an injury, they picked up Carson Palmer to salvage the season and possibly carry them further. They would have been stuck with Kyle Boller otherwise, a move that really changed their season and that many other teams either wouldn’t be able to make, or wouldn’t pull off – a rarity in this league to pick-up a passer of that magnitude within a season.

Pick-ups like Aaron Curry and Bryan McCann have worked. Having depth at running back helped, as any other team that would’ve lost their most dynamic presence on offense, could’ve been crippled. But Oakland had a suitable back up at their area of strength.

They lost a very good edge rusher for the year, but again, at a unit where depth is not a concern.

People could point to Campbell’s injury, Davis’ death and other happenings as major reasons why they could’ve folded. But in fact, they have had just as many opportunities placed on their laps and been given second and third chances to get back into the post-season.

One week from now, they’ll either be kicking themselves for not taking making a stop at Buffalo, tanking it at home against the Chiefs, Broncos and on the road at Miami and squandering a late lead versus the Lions, or preparing for a wild-card playoff game, their first since January 12, 2002, when they defeated the Jets 38-24, before falling the following weekend during the infamous ‘Tuck Rule’ contest.
Follow @cottovic

LOCKED-IN

New England Patriots (9-3)

Only injuries could derail their run for a first-round bye. But, as I stated a few weeks ago, Bill Belichick’s defense may be too leaky to move on during the post-season.

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)

In late November, I stated that this could be the most dangerous team in the AFC, regardless of venue and opponent they face. Mike Tomlin, Ben Roethlisberger and a gritty defense could beat anyone, anywhere.

Baltimore Ravens (9-3)

Their schedule is weak enough to help them end the season strong. If Pittsburgh slips a tad, John Harbaugh’s crew could take the division.

ON THE RISE

Denver Broncos (7-5)

Tim Tebow is the talk of the NFL. The Broncos lead the league in rushing, have taken the top spot in the AFC West and are in the midst of a five-game winning streak since the polarizing passer got under center.

QUIET THREAT

New York Jets (7-5)

They’ve won two in a row; have a home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs this week, and appear to strike again late in the season. Rex Ryan’s team has a knack of making late season runs to sneak into the playoffs. Will it happen again?

OVERRATED

Houston Texans (9-3)

In my first installment of this playoff outlook, I believed the Texans were overrated. Andre Johnson still isn’t 100% and their quarterback situation did not get any better since. Gary Kubiak has done a nice job keeping this team together and should be considered for coach of the year, but I have little faith this team can make noise in January.

FLOUNDERING

Oakland Raiders (7-5)

Face Green Bay tomorrow, then the Detroit Lions in Ndamukong Suh’s return, before facing two rivals as the season winds down. If they win the West and make the playoffs, it would be hard earned. They need Darren McFadden and their receivers to get healthy as soon as possible.

Tennessee Titans (7-5)

Chris Johnson is starting to heat up, but it’s too little too late for a team that has been surprisingly competitive all campaign.

Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)

A victim of being in a tough AFC North, the Bengals have set themselves up for the future nicely. Seven wins was unexpected with a rookie passer – a playoff spot is just the cherry on top of the sundae.

Seedings if the playoffs were to begin today:

1. Pats; 2. Steelers; 3. Texans; 4. Broncos; 5. Ravens; 6. Bengals.

Here was my playoff outlook prior to week-12:

AFC Playoff picture heading into Week-12

Follow @cottovic

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is pointing towards an AFC East title.

This weekend’s match-ups in the NFL will be the last for the month of November, as the league heads for its stretch run towards the playoffs. SBReport.net will take a weekly look at the playoff contenders and pretenders in the AFC until we hit the post-season.

LOCKED IN

New England Patriots (7-3)

They have an easy schedule, with games lined up against the Colts (0-10), at Washington (3-7), and at Denver (5-5), before closing at home versus the Dolphins (3-8) and Bills (5-5). They are destined for an opening week bye in the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed after that with a shaky defense.

Baltimore Ravens (8-3)

They are unbeaten at home, so expect the Ravens to go hard to ensure a bye and home field advantage. Baltimore is a contender to come out of the AFC, but Joe Flacco has to step his game up a few notches.

ON THE RISE

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)

Mike Tomlin’s bunch is playoff tested and if they get in, regardless of venue, they’ll draw from that past success and Ben Roethlisberger’s clutch play to carry them through. With two games remaining against the Browns and a match-up against the Rams, it’s foreseeable they’ll be on the road on Wild-Card weekend with double digit wins.

QUIET THREAT

Oakland Raiders (6-4)

Carson Palmer is hitting his stride – and he hasn’t had Darren McFadden in the line-up since he took over as starter. Things broke right for the Silver & Black this week: facing a Jay Cutler-less Bears squad. The rest of the division is floundering and as long as Oakland takes care of business the final two weeks of the campaign, they’ll have a home playoff game for the first time since 2002.

OVERRATED

Houston Texans (7-3)

They lost Matt Schaub, so they’ll lean heavily on Arian Foster (740-rushing yards) and Ben Tate (686). Andre Johnson should be back soon, but will their defense show up in big spots? Will their rankings on defense  translate to playoff football?

FLOUNDERING

Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

They could end up with a better record than the West winner and not make the playoffs. Still, this team is too young and not ready for primetime action – and it will show.

New York Jets (5-5)

They don’t ground and pound anymore, and regardless of what Rex Ryan and the staff says, questions are surrounding Mark Sanchez’s development and ability to carry a club. The defense has been broken in key spots, as this could be the weakest of Ryan’s units since he landed in New York.

Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Not the same team that was on a roll at the start of the season. Goes to show you in the NFL, is not whom you play, but when you play them.

Denver Broncos (5-5)

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow didn't stop winning after he left Oakland.

Yes, floundering, but on the prey with Tim Tebow. If Denver can covert a few more 3^rd downs and get more dynamic on offense the next few weeks, they have a solid enough defense to scare the Raiders atop the division. Heck, who am I to question Tebow? I don’t want to get struck by lightning.

Tennessee Titans (5-5)

Unless there is a collapse in Houston, the Titans will be on outside looking in. The Texans have taken advantage of a weak division and a soft schedule, winners of four in a row, to put distance between themselves and the Titans.

Click on this link to follow Victor Cotto on Twitter and get up to date news, updates & thoughts on the Silver & Black.

On their official web-site it states:

Please be sure to join us at this Sunday’s game between The Oakland Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at O.com Coliseum in Oakland as we honor and celebrate the life of Al Davis. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT.

CEO Amy Trask and the Raider organization gave complimentary tickets to season-ticket holders, stating in an e-mail, “Your guests, will be our guests.”

A who’s who of ex-Raiders will likely be there, as they pay their respects to Davis.

JANO RECOGNIZED

Sebastian Janikowski has been named AFC Special Teams Player of the week after his NFL tying three field goals from 50-yards and beyond versus Houston in week-five.

It’s the second time this season he has been given this distinction, the first being in week-one after he got into the record books with a 63-yard field goal.

The all-time Raiders leading scorer was Special teams Player of the Month, for September.

ONLY 10…1 IN SPIRIT

Yes, on the decisive play of Sunday’s victory at Houston, the Silver & Black only had 10-men on the field.

Oakland’s Michael Huff intercepted Matt Schaub’s pass as time expired, preserving a Raider win. The scramble and pass attempt was shut-down by the Raider defense, adding to the already growing lore of the game, the fact that they came away with a victory and they played one-man short.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

A solid start was a must. New head coach, an offensive line sprinkled with youth and a lot of questions in the wide receiver department.

Well, Hue Jackson has taken this team to new heights, the likes of Jared Veldheer and Stefen Wisniewski are playing stout football and the Raiders have seen growth out of Darrius Heyward-Bey and found a new revelation at wide receiver, Denarius Moore.

The defense has had its ups and downs. But yesterday, Chuck Bresnahan’s group showed grit and what they can potentially do when they buckle up and bear down.

Oakland, like last year, has found ways to stay in games and pull off victories with opportunistic special teams and two dangerous specialists.

Now they have three straight home games to put everything together and make a statement: We are ready to contend.

They are over .500 five games in, this after playing one of the early season’s biggest surprises on the road (Buffalo), and three teams expected to be atop the AFC in 2011: the Jets, Patriots and Texans.

Up next: the Cleveland Browns (2-2), Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) and the Denver Broncos (1-4) in their backyard.

“To be 3-2 and to be heading home for three big games at The O, with our fans with an opportunity to keep getting better, there’s nothing like it,” said Hue Jackson after yesterday’s win.

Win all three, compile a four-game winning streak, get to 6-2 before a Thursday night match-up against the current AFC West leaders, the San Diego Chargers, and then we’ll have crucial contest on November 10 – a match-up that could have important divisional implications.

A 6-2 start and a run of four straight games could also stamp their arrival. The league will take notice that they are consistent, take care of business and are ready to impose their style of play onto their opponents.

The Browns’ game next week will be filled with emotions; Oakland’s first appearance at the Black Hole without Al Davis. But it has the look of a trap, with Cleveland coming off a bye, the team needing to get up after an emotional win on the road and possibly looking forward to the rival Chiefs.

The Chiefs, for all their misfortunes this campaign, have put together a two-game winning streak. And before the Raiders get to the Broncos for a second time, they’ll get a bye of their own to recollect and improve.

My message to these Raiders: win these next three, get to the Charger game on a roll and then on national television, make another statement.

QUOTES FROM YESTERDAY’S BRIEFINGS:

Texans CB Jason Allen, who was beat by Heyward-Bey on his touchdown: “We probably had too soft of coverage at times. Different personnel came in, and we were expecting the deep ball. It was a track meet out there today. We had two speedsters out there. I think that is what it was, but we’ll have to watch the film and see.”

Texans RB Arian Foster on Raider defense: “They just did a good job.  They were staying in the box.  They were doing a good job of staying disciplined in their gaps. You have to give all the credit to them.”

Tommy Kelly on the Texans and what Al Davis meant to him:

“I’ve been waiting on this game since last year. Last year they came out to Oakland and ran for 200 yards and I probably played my worst game that season. This game was marked off on my calendar the whole year.”

“He meant a lot. I’m undrafted so I had to come in the league the hard way. That man believed in me and gave me an opportunity. So I just want to make the man happy. To make sure it looked like he made a good choice in believing in me. I’m just trying to uphold my end of the bargain.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Special teams kept the Silver & Black in the game, the offense gave them the lead and ultimately, the defense won it for them.

Here’s a breakdown of the Raiders 25-20 win at Reliant Stadium, versus the Houston Texans:

SPECIAL TEAMS KEPT THEM ALIVE…

Sebastian Janikowski has turned into one of the most feared weapons on special teams around the league. His powerful leg single-handedly kept Oakland afloat all afternoon.

Down 7-0, Lamarr Houston intercepted Matt Schaub, giving the Raiders the ball at the Houston 35-yard line. Three plays later, Janikowski booted a 54-yard field goal.

Four plays later, John Fassel’s crew came up with another big play, blocking a Bret Hartmann punt, which gives the Raiders the ball at the Houston 39-yard line.

The Raiders ineptness on offense forced Janikowski back out there for a long attempt, a 55-yard attempt that split the uprights with 10-more yards to spare. It took Oakland until the final minutes of the second half to generate any type of attack.

When the Raiders cut the Texans lead to 7-6, they had no first downs and 23-yards of total offense.

With the Raiders up 22-17 early in the 4^th quarter, Fassel and head coach Hue Jackson gambled, extending a drive that was looking like a three-and-out, calling a fake-punt run that Rock Cartwright tallied 35-yards on. Four plays later, the gutsy call led to three more points and a 25-17 lead.

BEST TWO-GAME STRETCH OF HEYWARD-BEY’S CAREER

The speedster is developing. Last week against the Patriots, he amassed 115-yards receiving. This week, he was a ‘go to’ guy. At the two-minute warning of the 1^st half, DHB got a Raider attack going with an 18-yard reception. And after it appeared Oakland had their rhythm with a Darren McFadden 41-yard gain, guard Cooper Carlisle was flagged for holding.

Oakland could’ve folded there and continued its first half woes. But on 1^st and 20, Jason Campbell found DHB for 18-yards and on the ensuing play, again for 34-yards and a score.

Heyward-Bey ran a clean hitch route, beating Jason Allen, and then breaking the corner’s tackle on his way to paydirt. Final stats: seven catches for 99-yards and a score.

DEFENSIVE FRONT CAME TO PLAY…

Matt Schaub ended with 416-yards passing. But he only completed 24/51 passes. Oakland many times flushed him out of his comfort zone and drew him out of the pocket, which affected his accuracy and effectiveness.

Richard Seymour tallied two-sacks. Tommy Kelly got his sack late in the contest. Lamarr Houston constantly had his motor geared up. Even Desmond Bryant got in on the action with a quarterback hit.

“The defense fought their tails off,” commented Jackson.

Arian Foster was held to 68-yards rushing (3.1 yards per carry). Oakland came into the game allowing 168.6 rushing yards per game in its last three contest.

The pressure applied made Schaub indecisive. That probably helped late when he was forced to move around late, scramble and ultimately forced into a bad decision, when Michael Huff picked him off to end the contest.

SHOWING GRIT

“Nobody thought we could win this game…and we did!” – Hue Jackson after the game.

Oakland was determined to leave Houston with a win. This is not the same Raiders club that was mired in a funk for all those years after their Super Bowl defeat at the hands of Tampa Bay.

Hue Jackson’s bunch was stuffed on offense for most of the first half. McFadden had only 6 carries for 12-yards at the half, they managed only four first downs and were beaten badly in the time of possession department (18:55 – 11:03). A few times they had great starting position, but failed to get touchdowns.

But because of their fight, they hung in and stayed close, showing life at the end of the first half.

The defense found ways to slow down Gary Kubiak’s attack, forcing them to punt in four consecutive possessions, before they got on the board again with a field goal late in the third quarter. By then, the momentum had swung and it was the Raider offense that could not be stopped.

McFadden was back to breaking runs, being a threat as a receiver, while the defense grew in confidence.

Houston got into the red-zone as time expired, and it appeared that Oakland’s fairy tale ending would not be. But as Schaub floated his pass into the end zone, instead of dashing in, Michael Huff, who did not practice all week, got his mitts on the football to end the game.

“I got to thank my players. One thing that I think is truly becoming evident is our players believe if you just keep playing and you keep on working at it, eventually good things are going to happen. So, I’m very happy for the young men,” said Jackson after the game.

Emotions were untamed. Oakland had endured a tough weekend on the road after the death of Al Davis. But they focused on one thing: to win and end this weekend on a high note.

The grit they showed in snatching away this victory would’ve made him proud.

As Jackson said in his press conference: “Today is a great day for the Raiders….”

GAME NOTES

• Texans LB Brian Cushing had a standout game, tallying 7-solo tackles, 1 pass defended and a sack. He also slammed McFadden on the Raiders opening series and laid a huge hit on Jacoby Ford on the sidelines, all while sporting a bloody forehead.
• Rolando McClain, who struggled last year versus the Texans, was victimized a few times in coverage once again. Overall, Raider linebackers had problems all day guarding tight ends and rushers out of the backfield. Foster led the Texans with 116-yards receiving, while Houston tight end’s compiled 201-receiving yards.
• The Raiders offensive line struggled early in the game. They came into the game with the fewest sacks allowed in the NFL (2), but the Texans ended the day with 3-sacks and 11 hits on Campbell. One of the reasons Campbell was antsy in the pocket and not as precise as he has been in recent games. He missed a wide-open Chaz Schilens early in the game, on a flea-flicker that would’ve led to a touchdown.
• Penalties hurt the Raiders once again, as they had two hefty runs by McFadden wiped away by holds and a 23-yard catch and run for DMAC negated by a chop-block infraction. Oakland finished with 11-penalties for 89-yards.
• More oddities, the Raiders were only 3-15 on 3^rd down, were out-gained in total yards (473-278) and had almost 9 fewer minutes of possession than the Texans.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

The Raiders sported a shield on the back of their helmets that read “Al” in honor of Al Davis, who was part of the organization for 49 of the team’s 52 years.

The Texans were the first to get on the scoreboard, driving 65 yards for a quick touchdown following a Raiders 3 and out to start the game.

On the next offensive drive by the Texans, Oakland defensive end Lamarr Houston intercepted a tipped ball from Houston quarterback Matt Schaub, giving the Raiders the ball on Houston’s 35-yard line. There, the Raiders would once again fail to get a first down and have to settle for a 54-yard field goal from Sebastian Janikowski.

Oakland would score again on another Janikowski field goal following a blocked punt by linebacker Darryl Blackstock. This time Janikowski would connect from 55 yards out to make the score 7-6.

Oakland’s offense struggled much of the first quarter, not earning a first down until late into the second quarter.

The Raiders would receive the ball with just under two minutes remaining in the first half and quarterback Jason Campbell would drive his squad down the field for their first touchdown of the game. With a little over a minute left in the half, Campbell found wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey for an 18-yard touchdown reception, his first of the season. Heyward-Bey finished with a team-high seven receptions for 99 yards.

Raiders head coach Hue Jackson would go for two in an attempt to tie the game, but Campbell’s pass would fall incomplete and the Texans would take a 14-12 lead heading into halftime.

Oakland would strike first in the second half, scoring on another Janikowski field goal to give the Raiders their first lead of the game, 15-14.

After allowing 14 points in the first half, Oakland’s defense buckled down and only allowed two Neil Rackers field goals in the second half.

Campbell would throw his second touchdown of the day to start the 4th quarter. On 3rd and 9, Campbell scrambled and found wide receiver Chaz Schilens to make the score 22-17 with just under a quarter left to play.

Oakland would increase their lead to 8 after forcing a 3 and out and Janikowski kicking his third field goal of day to make the score 25-17.

The Raiders defense would force a 4th down and 9 but rookie corner back DeMarcus Van Dyke was flagged for pass interference that extended the drive. Oakland’s defense would stall Houston’s drive and force another Houston field goal to bring the score to 25-20 with just under three minutes remaining.

Oakland would only be able to run 56 seconds off of the clock and have to punt the ball back at the two minute warning after a 3 and out.

Similar to the Bills loss in week 2, Oakland’s defense would allow Schaub and the Texans offense to drive down the field to Oakland’s 5-yard line with only seven seconds left on the clock. But this time the Raiders defense would persevere as Schaub scrambled to the left and looked for Jacoby Jones only to be intercepted by Raiders safety Michael Huff to seal the 25-2- victory for the Raiders.

Raiders quarterback finished the game 15-25 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and one interception; Heyward-Bey led the Raiders in receiving with seven receptions for 99 yards; NFL-leading rusher Darren McFadden only rushed for 51 yards on 16 carries.

Oakland’s defense was able to pressure quarterback Matt Schaub, knocking him down numerous times and recording three sacks.

The Raiders return home to take on the Cleveland Browns next week in Oakland.

From Raiders.com

The Oakland Raiders triumphed on the road, beating the Houston Texans, 25-20, a day after the passing of Al Davis. Here are some of the highlights, key plays and players that deserved game-balls during this emotional and memorable victory.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Davis’ maligned first round selection a few years back posted seven-catches for 99-yards and one touchdown. The significance of the score was paramount. It cut the Texans lead to 14-12 in the 3^rd quarter, and was the second time in as many plays he hooked up with Jason Campbell. Heyward-Bey bolted into the end-zone after breaking a tackle – the first sign of a momentum change in the contest.

Sebastian Janikowski

He was 4-for-4, booming his first three field goals from 54, 55 and 50-yards out. In the 4^th quarter, he extended the Silver & Black’s lead with a 42-yarder, 25-17. Davis took him the first round, a move that was ridiculed by many at the time, today proved to be one of the main reasons why the Raiders were in this contest. When the offense was struggling, Janikowski’s powerful leg took advantage of the short field given, when Oakland’s offense could not.

Lamarr Houston

Houston had his most productive game as a pro. The interception of a deflection early in the contest led to three-points. He blew up runs at the line of scrimmage, was not fooled on a few of Matt Schaub’s bootlegs and play-action, and constantly won his individual match-ups all afternoon.

Richard Seymour

Yes, he had another critical 15-yard penalty late, when Houston was driving, but his two-sacks in the second half crippled any drives Gary Kubiak’s team tried to put together.

Michael Huff

Sealed the game with an interception in the end zone. That football will probably be given to Mark Davis.

John Fassel

The punt block in the 1^st half helped Oakland stay in the contest, giving them a short field and eventually three-points. The fake-punt, which Rock Cartwright took for 35-yards was vital. Mike Mitchell corralled Jacoby Jones, who is a dangerous return man.

Hue Jackson

The emotional outpouring after the win on the sideline demonstrated how difficult the weekend was. He guided this group to a victory, directing one of the most memorable wins in recent Raiders history.

Al Davis

That was his team, playing an inspired contest, after a poor start on offense in the first half. The maligned defense slowed down Schaub, found a way to stop the bleeding versus the run, and kicked up the offense as the game went on. As Davis would say, “Just win, baby!”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Rolando McClain, who rarely speaks to the media, talked about the New England Patriots and the aftermath of the loss at home. “Obviously, they’re a good team. You’ve got to give them credit. They played a great game so it’s a learning experience. We’ll watch the film, we’ll get better from it and try to fix some things before we get ready to play Houston.”

Regarding the defense’s performance and their tackling: “Not to make any excuses, but I think for the most part we did all right tackling. We can always do better, we will do better. We’ll get better at every aspect of our defense. At the end of the day we still haven’t played our best football. I’ve got confidence in the guys around me and the coaching staff and we’ll get things fixed and we will be pretty good.”

OUTLOOK:

McClain has to play better. His high draft status makes him one of the targets on defense when the unit does not perform. And at middle linebacker, at this point of his career, Oakland should expect more impact plays. Especially playing in front of Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour. If he elevates his performance, it could be the major step forward this defense needs to help turn things around.

Hue Jackson on, Marcel Reece:

“I think there’s a chance. I mean, obviously, we’re not out on the field today, but he’s walking around pretty good and looks good, so once we get these guys back out there on Wednesday, I’ll have a better, a more clear picture of who’s going to be there.”

Jackson on the Houston Texans:

“They run it, they throw it. We’ve just seen that this past week. I don’t think Houston’s going to make any bones about what they do. They’re going to run the ball. They’re very good at it, and the quarterback’s a very good player, and they’re very good at receiver. So, again, another tall task, and bottom line, we just got to go execute and play Raider football in order to get this job done.”

On team’s start:

“I expected to be 4-0. I really did. I’m not going to back off of that, and we’re not. We’re 2-2, so I’m disappointed but not discouraged because I know what’s in the locker room. I’ve said this before. I have to keep coaching and keep pushing and keep grinding on these players. And these players have to keep responding, and they’ve responded every time I’ve asked them to. Maybe not as fast as I want them to, maybe not as fast as everybody wants them to, but I know the message is there, and it’s clear. And I think they know what needs to happen, and I trust them that they will get it done. We have a great group of leaders in that room. I call on them, and I call on the rest of our football team and our coaching staff. We’re not backing down from what the expectation is here by no stretch of the imagination. It’s not going to change. We’re going to win the AFC West. We’re going to do everything we can to get in the playoffs and go challenge for a Super Bowl. I am not backing down from that.”

THE HOUSTON TEXANS…

Wide receiver Andre Johnson will be sidelined with a hamstring injury, but for how long?

“It’s hard for me to give you an answer right now,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s going to miss some time. I don’t know if that’s three or four days. I don’t know if that’s a few weeks.”

Running back Ben Tate is day-to-day with a groin strain. Kubiak hopes to have Arian Foster’s back up back by the end of the week.

Houston currently ranks 20^th in the league, averaging 234.8 passing yards per game. They rank 4^th in the NFL running the football (148.5 p/game), while averaging 26.8 points per game (8^th in the NFL).

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

QUARTERBACK

Bruce Gradkowski had a gutsy and gritty effort against the Houston Texans. Bernard Pollard sent the passer to the locker room after a punishing hit. But he never missed a snap and kept the Oakland Raiders fighting all afternoon while under the gun. In the 2^nd quarter, Gradkowski scanned the field nicely and completed a 17-yard toss to Zach Miller on 2^nd and 8. On that same drive, he sustained the first major hit of the game when he faked a handoff on 3^rd and 2 and then scrambled for 5-yards. The drive ended with a 13-yard scoring pass to his fullback to tie the game at 14. Gradkowski held on to the football too long and was not aware of the backside pressure as time expired in the 2^nd quarter, which killed a possibly scoring drive. His 3^rd quarter interception was off a deflection – his first pass after being shaken up by Pollard. Gradkowski’s best toss was a 26-yard dart to Johnnie Lee Higgins on Oakland’s last scoring drive. The feistiness was there. He directed a lot of long drives and Oakland’s offense kept plugging away throughout the afternoon. Yes he had three turnovers, but his fight is what the Raiders need in the huddle.

RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS: B

Darren McFadden at one point was the Raiders only threat in the afternoon. At the half, he amassed 105-total yards of offense, while the rest of the team had 107. McFadden’s 43-yard screen set up Oakland’s first score. He ended with 47-yards rushing and 82-receiving. His day came to an end after a 23-yard scamper and coming up lame with a hamstring injury. “I was just trying to go for another gear and I just pulled up,’’ McFadden said. “I’m going to go to the trainers and see what they have me doing. I’ll take it day to day.’’ Michael Bush ended the game as the primary ball carrier and finished with 40-yards on 7-carries with a score. Bush contributed in the passing game with a 9-yard grab on a 3^rd and 8 and finishing with 16-yards receiving. Fullback Marcel Reece had 2 carries for 7-yards and recorded his first NFL score with a 13-yard catch.

OFFENSIVE LINE: C-

The line did an adequate job run blocking, as the team wound up with 118-yards rushing. A few times they were beaten at the point of attack, which slowed McFadden in the backfield, but otherwise, they set up blocks nicely on screens and got downfield at times to occupy defenders. On 3^rd and 7 on the Raiders opening drive, left guard Daniel Loper was beat badly by Antonio Smith for a sack. Smith tallied another sack on a 2^nd and 6 in the 2^nd quarter and on the following play, Zac Diles blitzed right past Langston Walker and Cooper Carlisle and Gradkowski was taken down to end the possession. Mario Williams beat Langston Walker for a sack in the 2^nd quarter. When Houston decided to bring the heat, Gradkowski was on the run.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: C-

The ‘C’ grade is based on what Zach Miller provided al afternoon. He ended with 11-receptiosn for 122-yards and a touchdown. His blocking was stellar and he was able to shield Reece’s defender on the fullbacks scoring play. Many times, the tight end caught the ball and turned up field for chunks of yardage. He dragged defenders for yards and initiated contact at the end of a few plays. Higgins provided the biggest highlight for the receivers with a 26-yard grab. The wide-outs tallied 4-catches of the 24-Gradkowski completions. Darrius Heyward-Bey went up for a deep toss that Gradkowski under threw against double coverage. On a 3^rd and 7 in the 2^nd quarter, the quarterback looked for DHB on a slant, but it was nearly intercepted. His only other contribution of note was drawing a holding infraction on Brice McCain in the 4^th quarter on a 3^rd and 3. Louis Murphy was non-existent till late in the contest when Gradkowski attempted to hook up with the injured target. Murphy hauled in a 6-yard toss on a 3^rd and 5, but his drop of a potential 1^st down on 4^th and 16 as time wound down killed Oakland’s chances of a comeback.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

Houston pushed the Raiders around all afternoon to the beat of 249-yards rushing. Arian Foster did not get his first carry till the 2^nd quarter, but at that point, Steve Slaton and Derrick Ward had already established a strong presence on the ground. The trenches were lifeless for the Raiders. When Houston wasn’t taking chunks of yards via the run, Gary Kubiak was rolling Matt Schaub out of the backfield, moving him in the pocket and taking advantage of aggressive Raider linemen with misdirections. Richard Seymour played, but only made a handful of notable plays; a clothesline stuff of Ward for a loss of 4 and penetrating into the Houston backfield to take down Foster for another 4-yard loss. Oakland did not tally a sack and was overmatched all day at the line of scrimmage. Tommy Kelly said, “It’s a (bleeping) shock to me. I thought we would handle it better. As a defense, we’ve got to play better, I’ve got to play better. Can’t nobody go out there and say nothing after they run for 200 yards in your house without their best player, basically.’’

LINEBACKERS: D

Rolando McClain struggled all afternoon. His best play was when he sniffed out a screen on 3^rd and 13 in the 2^nd quarter, ending in a tackle of Slaton for a 1-yard loss. On Foster’s 10-yard touchdown grab to put Houston up 31-14, McClain was beaten badly by the running back out of the backfield. None of the linebackers played well in space. Tight end Joel Dreessen ended with 73-yards and Houston got a lot of their passing yards on intermediate routes.

SECONDARY: B

For most of the game, Oakland’s defensive backfield blanketed the Andre Johnson-less Texans. Nnamdi Asomugha almost recorded an interception in the 1^st quarter and Stanford Routt had a chance to tally one late. Oakland was not afraid to leave their defenders one-on-one against Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones. Jones dropped a potential first down and without their all-world wide receiver, John Marshall was allowed to play press coverage. The tackling and pursuit on the other hand was miserable. Michael Huff gave horrid efforts on Ward’s 33-yard run to open the scoring and Foster’s 74-yard dash.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Jacoby Ford opened the game with a 64-yard kickoff return. He showed great vision bouncing it to the edge, showing off his stellar speed on the edge of Oakland’s blocking wall. Sebastian Janikowski booted a 39-yard field goal and Shane Lechler averaged 43.0 yards per punt. The coverages were tight, limiting Jones to 18-yards. Rookie Stevie Brown continues to be Oakland’s best defender on punt returns, as he tallied another solid stuff on Sunday.

COACHING: D

Oakland’s secondary was playing a solid game against a team with limited options at wide receiver. Yet they failed to generate any pass rush because of their ineffective base alignments and lack of creative blitz packages. Schaub needed to be pressured more. Tom Cable and Hue Jackson never adjusted to Kubiak’s calls. The defense was flat and uninspired to start the game. Oakland was overmatched in the trenches and it’s become a bad habit in 2010 that Cable’s bunch has played from behind because of poor starts. “You can’t sugarcoat it,” Oakland coach Tom Cable said. “When you get your rear end kicked like that it is what it is. You don’t sugarcoat that, you don’t talk around that. You have to deal with that.”

GAME NOTES

Arian Foster ended the game with 131-yards on 16-carries. Derrick Ward tallied 80-yards rushing. “It’s demoralizing when a team can run the ball at will and we don’t stop it,” defensive tackle Richard Seymour said. “That’s what it is. We didn’t stop the run. There’s no excuse for that, period.”

Langston Walker stated after the game: “This is the 2010 version of the Raiders.  We’re not worried about what we would have done last year, two years ago or whatever. We’re playing for right now and those types of things, for me personally, don’t enter into my head.

“I can vouch for the 53 other guys on this team that we’re not thinking about that. We’re thinking about going out there and winning and whipping somebody’s ass.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist