Silver and Black Report

Following talk that newly-named Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen was working on assembling his coaching staff, reports have quickly surfaced involving his hires.

After the Raiders officially announced the hiring of Greg Knapp as Allen’s offensive coordinator, other reports came out Wednesday involving Allen’s staff.

According to FOXSports.com, Allen has decided to retain running backs coach Kelly Skipper. Skipper, who has been with the Raiders since 2007, has been the Silver & Black’s running backs coach since 2009. Oakland averaged 131.9 yards per game (7th in the NFL) on the ground last season even with star running back Darren McFadden being out for the season since week seven with a foot injury.

It appears that Knapp, who was the Houston Texans quarterback coach last season, will be bringing Texans’ assistant offensive line coach Frank Pollack with him to Oakland to be the Raiders new offensive line coach.

Pollack replaces Bob Wylie, who turned around the Raiders offensive line while having two young players on the left side in second year left tackle Jared Veldheer and rookie left guard Stefen Wisniewski. Last season, the Raiders offensive line only allowed 25 sacks, tied for the third-lowest in the NFL, and opened up holes for running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

One difference between Pollack and Wylie is the types of schemes that they run. Last season, under Wylie, the Raiders were dominantly a power-blocking team. During his coaching tenure in the NFL, Pollack has only coached zone blocking.

Last season under the zone-blocking philosophy, the Texans allowed only 33 sacks and ran for a NFL second-best 2,448 yards. Raider fans may be familiar with the zone-blocking philosophy from Tom Cable’s tenure in Oakland, both as an offensive line coach and head coach. It remains to be decided if ex-Raiders offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski will be retained as an assistant offensive line coach.

Allen also decided to bring in longtime NFL strength and conditioning coach Al Miller to serve as the same position for the Raiders. Miller currently has 21 years of experience as an NFL strength and conditioning coach.

Miller, who last worked in 2005 with Allen for the Atlanta Falcons, interviewed with the Broncos and John Elway earlier this week, according to CSNBayArea.com. Shortly after interviewing with Elway, Miller heard that his friend Allen may get a head coaching job in Oakland and decided to wait before making a decision.

Miller then chose to join Allen in Oakland and serve as the Raiders new strength and conditioning coach, also bringing along John Grieco to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach. Miller has helped coach four teams to the Super Bowl in his career.

Miller left the NFL in 2005 to spend more time with his wife, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004, and move to Monroe, La. where Miller volunteered at University of Louisiana-Monroe. Grieco has worked the past two seasons as the strength and conditioning coach for the ULM.

Allen is still yet to hire a defensive coordinator to work under him. It has been reported that the New Orleans Saints denied Allen from permission to talk to their defensive line coach Bill Johnson and the Broncos had also denied permission to talk to linebackers coach Richard Smith for the defensive coordinator vacancy.

FOXSports.com has reported that the Raiders have interviewed Greg Manusky for the job. Manusky worked as the defensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers last year before being released at the end of the season.

Manusky’s defense allowed only 224.4 yards per game in the air, but allowed 122.2 yards per game on the ground.

Another name that has been tossed around regarding the open defensive coordinator position is San Francisco 49er’s secondary coach Ed Donatell. Donatell has previous defensive coordinator experience with the Green Bay Packers (2002-2003) and the Atlanta Falcons (2004-2006), where he worked with Allen.

Bob Wylie is out… Frank Pollack is in.

The Oakland Raiders continued to re-shape their coaching staff by adding Pollack, who spent the last five years as the assistant offensive line coach.

The Texans featured the NFL’s leading passer in 2009 and that offensive line allowed only 25-sacks (5^th fewest in the league). In 2010, that same line helped produce the leagues’s rushing and touchdown champion – Arian Foster. In 2011, The Texans allowed 33 sacks and ran for a second best 2,448 yards.

Pollack’s arrival may be credited to Greg Knapp, who recently was hired to be Oakland’s offensive coordinator. Both were on Houston’s staff last season.

According to ESPN, the Silver & Black were denied permission to interview Cowboys special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis for an assistant head coaching position.

The Raiders also hired Al Miller as the strength and conditioning coach and John Greico as his assistant.

Wylie did a stellar job with a unit that featured two young players along the left side and a right side of the formation that was highly questionable going into the campaign.

Pollack inherits a very good left side, with Jared Veldheer at left tackle entering his third season and Stefen Wisniewski at left guard, going into his second season.

Veldheer enjoyed a very good year cemented at left tackle, facing the likes of Jared Allen, Tamba Hali twice, Julius Peppers, Elvis Dumervil twice, Andre Carter and Cameron Wake.

“He’s had some good games against some really good defensive ends,” commented the Lions Kyle Vanden Bosch late in the season.

“I just asked him if he realized what he did today,” Carson Palmer said after he shutdown Jared Allen. “I don’t think it’s hit him. Not many guys play that well against that guy, and he didn’t have any help, either.”

Even the defensive linemen loved Wylie. Tommy Kelly towards the end of the 2011 season stated how much he enjoyed having Wylie’s presence on the other side of the ball during practices.

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The National Football League’s All Pro team was selected this week and no members of the Silver & Black were selected.

Six Oakland Raiders received votes, but their cross bay rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, kept two stand out players off the squad. Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler, who will represent the conference in the Pro Bowl, were runner-ups to David Akers and Andy Lee.

Tyvon Branch, Richard Seymour, Jared Veldheer and Marcel Reece all received at least one vote of a possible 50 at each position by a national panel of writers that cover the league.

Now that the Raiders will have Reggie McKenzie as their new general manager, here are some initial thoughts on the hiring:

What’s his philosophy in selecting players and evaluating talent? Yesterday, I posted an article that gave you some insight into his thinking. But, we all know that when Al Davis was in action during the draft, it was all about the biggest, fastest and most decorated players.

Hue Jackson: There’s no denying his want for power and the fact that he wants to have his fingerprints on anything Silver & Black. But now he has a general manager he has to answer to. Jackson can now be held accountable for all the moves he has made and will be tied with the success or failure of Carson Palmer. McKenzie inherits Palmer, a depleted draft class and a team chopped full of talent that went on a slide after posting a 7-4 record heading into December. Will McKenzie even want to work with Jackson? It could also be one and done for the coach if McKenzie wants to do it his way. That may be the case if Oakland wants to start fresh and wash away the taste of a 2011 season that ended badly. And if Jackson does want too much power over the roster and becomes a nuisance, let the coaching search begin.

The Defense: It’s a matter of time for the ax to come down on a few staffers. McKenzie will likely see this unit in-fit to move forward and compete. Who stays, who goes… especially players will be very interesting.

Contracts: Palmer is here to stay — you can’t argue that. But what other contracts may the new g.m. see unfit? Will Stanford Routt’s contract be in jeopardy? Who will be asked to take a pay-cut or allocate their money elsewhere?

Free Agency: I’ve mentioned the importance of retaining Michael Bush, but now, it’s not just what Jackson may want, but what McKenzie will want to accomplish with the club with the future in mind. Jackson did the ultimate live for today move by trading for Palmer. In the NFL, some coaches live from year-to-year. Not general managers who have a plan for the organization and want to see them build towards consistency.

Green Bay crossover: McKenzie spent a lifetime for some as a Packer. So its natural for him to try to migrate some people over; whether staffers or players that he has had success with to Oakland. Darren Perry, Winston Moss, Kevin Greene and Mike Trgovac could all have a possible role with the Raiders once the defense begins to get revamped.

TE/WR Jermichael Finley, RB Ryan Grant, C Scott Wells, DL Johnny Jolly will be free agents. If Bush does not get tagged or signed, Grant could be an option. If Kevin Boss’ contract is not honored, Finley could be a dynamic addition and if Stefen Wisniewski is kept at guard and Samson Satele is not around, Wells could be replacement.

We’ll find out more about McKenzie during his introductory press conference and bring you more info on SBReport.net then.

MORE

Ron Wolf on McKenzie: “Well, he’s worked his way right from the bottom up, all the way up to the top. He’s gone as far as you can go in his particular area, personnel. He’s handled every aspect in the personnel office that one could handle. He’s signed players. He’s cut players. He’s involved with players in contractual disputes. He’s handled things with the union. He understands how contracts work. He understands how the money end of the game works. He’s negotiated contracts. But most importantly, he’s an exceptional judge of talent.”

Wolf on Mark Davis: “I think what Mark Davis’ deal is, he wants to bring the Raiders back to where they were, the glory years of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. I think that’s what he wants to do. I also think he’s smart enough to realize what he can and cannot do, what he’s capable of and what he isn’t capable of. So I think, rather than putting himself in the limelight, I would think that he is going to hire people that would enable him to bring out the best in the Raiders. He knows, I believe, Mark is smart enough to know what he can do, and he will only help in areas that he can help in. I don’t think he feels that he needs to be the front line guy here.”

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SBReport.net wishes everyone a festive evening and a Happy New Year. As we sign out 2011, we bring in a new year with some resolutions for the Oakland Raiders:

Kyle Boller, QB

As soon as Jason Campbell was lost for the season, Oakland pulled the trigger on the Carson Palmer deal. Boller, who started the Raiders first game right after, bombed with three interceptions in the first half versus the Chiefs and never saw action again in 2011.

Resolution: To find a way to obtain the trust of any team as a back-up quarterback.

Kevin Boss, TE

After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Resolution: Boss will draw-up a few more plays himself and sneak them into Hue Jackson’s playbook.

Tyvon Branch, SS

The starting string safety was named a Pro-Bowl alternate this week after a solid campaign.

Resolution: More impact plays in 2012 to ensure he gets the attention needed to make it to Hawaii.

The Oakland Front Office

Resolution: Find a general manager to work in cohesion with Hue Jackson.

Michael Bush, RB

He has compiled 1,316 total yards from scrimmage this year – not too shabby for a back up.

Resolution: To get a big payday. After injuries derailed his final season at Louisville, the rusher missed at a chance of going higher in the draft and earning a lot more money.

Jason Campbell, QB

He was Jackson’s quarterback till the injury. Now, with Palmer in the mix, if he wants to start, Campbell will have to go elsewhere.

Resolution: To find a team that desperately needs a quarterback. There aren’t many options and with Vince Young and Kyle Orton out there, it will be very difficult for Campbell to realistically start anywhere.

Aaron Curry, LB

Resolution: To fulfill his high draft-day expectations as a member of the Silver & Black after Seattle gave up on his career.

Jacoby Ford, WR

Resolution: Better conditioning on those lower extremities. A quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Matt Giordano, S

Resolution: To parlay this solid campaign in Oakland into a multi-year deal.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Resolution: To make the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Rolando McClain, LB

Last year’s resolution: “To land jaw-dropping hits on opponents that weigh over 190 pounds and leave his impression on the Raider defense.

Resolution: See above. Oh, and stay out of the police blotter.

Darren McFadden, RB

Resolution: Play 16-games!

Carson Palmer, QB

Resolution: Regain his form with a full camp and pre-season – he’s not that far away.

Stanford Routt, CB

Resolution: To cut down on the flags… then we’ll hear talk about him being one of the AFC’s top cornerbacks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Our resolution last year for him was: “To break the 50-catch mark in 2011. Thirty-five career catches for a seventh overall selection – the letters B.U.S.T are ominous.” Well, mission accomplished.

Resolution: To become the ‘go-to guy’ in Oakland and turn into a versatile pass catcher on short and deep routes.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Resolution: To bottle-up whatever he took prior to the season and give it to McFadden and Ford. Schilens’ 2011 was not decimated by injuries.

Jared Veldheer, LT and Stefen Wisniewski, LG

Resolution: To get to Hawaii as a tandem.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Resolution: More sacks against teams not named the San Diego Chargers.

Here are last year’s resolutions for Campbell, DHB, McClain, Veldheer and others:

Oakland Raiders: New Year’s resolutions for 2011

Not bad, huh?

Happy New Year to everyone in the Raider Nation!

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To everyone in the Raider Nation – enjoy a safe and prosperous Holiday Season with best wishes for the New Year. Since this is the season of giving, SBReport.net will hand out presents to a few Oakland Raiders:

Kevin Boss, TE

A few more plays in the weekly game plan: After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Tyvon Branch, SS

Strong Pro Bowl consideration: Always known to be one of the more talented young strong safeties in the conference, Branch has put it all together in 2011.

Michael Bush, RB

A strong finish to the season: Darren McFadden’s injury showcased him to the league and now, he can go into the free-agent waters if he chooses to and land a nice deal. Rushers usually don’t get loads of money thrown at them, but he’s very young, does not have a lot of wear and tear and already knows how to share a backfield with another ball carrier. If Oakland does not place a tag on him, he’ll be a sought after player.

Bruce Campbell, OL

I’m sure he’ll love if Santa found a way to get him off the inactive list.

Jason Campbell, QB

A good home in 2012: Campbell was in and out of the line-up last year when Bruce Gradkowski was around. This year, the job was his and the team was rolling before his injury. Now, with Carson Palmer around and Terrelle Pryor looming, he may have to shop himself around in the off-seaosn. Campbell is a hard worker, very classy and a pros pro.

Aaron Curry, LB

More running backs and quarterbacks to hunt down: One of the better additions to this club, who looks to have found his niche in Silver & Black.

Jacoby Ford, WR/KR

Healthy set of legs: a quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

A bullhorn: DHB is not a diva and has worked hard to shed the image of being a one-trick pony. He’s become a more complete wide-receiver, but you’ll never here him say, “I told you so.”

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR

Gift Cards: For him to give to Hue Jackson and Carson Palmer – as they are the main reasons he has a roster spot.

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Another 10-more attempts from 63+ yards out: The only kicker in league history that is expected to nail those lengthy field goals. He deserves to stand alone atop the record book for longest field goal made.

Shane Lechler, P

A tire swing for his backyard: He should practice his accuracy and sell himself as a passer for his final few years. Lecler’s spiral is tight, but…

Rolando McClain, LB

A new P.R. person: I’m sure whoever had that job this season had nightmares after McClain displayed his pearly whites while being handled by officers.

Darren McFadden, RB

Healing Pills and Wolverine like armor: Oakland would surely love to have him for the final weekend and a possible playoff run. Questions about his fragility will always be asked, so some sort of mutant-like armor would be very useful for the rest of his career.

Carson Palmer, QB

An entire off-season worth of workouts with the team: He’ll get that this time around and then we’ll be able to access the trade a tad better in the coming years.

Richard Seymour, DT

Manny Pacquiao’s hand-speed: Next time he clobbers someone, maybe he’ll do it fast enough where no one will see it. Then, he can avoid being booted from a game.

Jared Veldheer, LT

Suntan lotion: He’ll be going to many Pro-Bowls in his career.

Trevor Scott, DE

A compass: So he can find his way back. Since his injury in 2010, we haven’t seen the same explosiveness or fire.

Hue Jackson, Coach

A penalty box: Maybe he can put his players in it if they keep on accumulating flag after flag like it’s going out of style.

John Fassel, Special Teams Coach

A pencil and a pad: No one draws up fakes or other plays on special teams like he has the last few years. One of the more underrated unit coaches in the league.

Sanjay Lal, Wide Receiver coach

Acknowledgment: DHB, Ford, and Moore… he’s worked with a lot of young targets and they are coming along nicely.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Podium: No other Raider provides better quotes.

The Raider Nation

A playoff berth: Boy, do you guys really deserve it.
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Both the Oakland Raiders (7-6) and the Detroit Lions (8-5) are in desperate need of a win when they face on Sunday. Oakland is currently chasing the Denver Broncos for the division lead and are on the outside looking in if the playoffs started today. The Lions are currently a fixed as a wild-card entrant to the post-season, but a loss could easily push them right out of that spot. “We have to go 3-0 in the next three weeks,” Carson Palmer said this week. “There is no other option, no other route. If you want to make it to the playoffs and then you want to play well in the playoffs, you have to be playing really good football at this time of year. We got to start on Sunday.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Denarius Moore, who missed the last three games, could see action for the Silver & Black this week. Oakland needs to find ways to jolt the offense, and the rookie’s return could be a way to do it.

Darren McFadden will be out again and Taiwan Jones is questionable to play.

If there was a week to get the ground game going, it’s this one against the Lions 27^th ranked rush defense. The only team that is allowing more yards per carry than the Lions is the Raiders.

Jared Veldheer, a native of Grand Rapids, could spearhead the attack. “He’s big and he’s smart, and when you are an offensive lineman, that’s half the battle,” Jim Schwartz said this week about Oakland’s young left tackle. “He just looks different because he’s so big and so long. Coming from a smaller school and being successful right away tells you how smart and hard-working he is.”

“Our offensive line coaches had good grades on him,” commented Kyle Vanden Bosch. “They really liked him when he was coming out. He’s had some good games against some really good defensive ends.”

On Defense:

If the Raiders don’t sure up their ground defense as the season winds down, they’ll get exposed in the next few games and then they could point to that as one of the key reasons why they failed ot make the post-season.

“It’s a unit out there, so all 11 guys have to do their responsibility and all 11 guys have to finish the play, but it is tough,” said Chuck Bresnahan.

Detroit does feature a potent pass attack with a young passer and a fleet of young targets. So a steady pass rush and solid play at the back-end of the secondary is a must.

“Then of course, they want to go down field. They’re going to throw it to big number 81 [Calvin Johnson] and little number 16 [Titus Young] down the field, so you’ve got to be ready at all times,” Bresnahan continued.

DETROIT LIONS

On Offense:

Running back Kevin Smith was a full participant on Friday and is expected to play against the Raiders. Last week, Ryan Grant had a solid game against Oakland’s fading rush defense, but will the Lions deviate from their usual game plan in order to establish a presence on the ground?

One thing’s for sure, as long as they are winning, their big play target is not worry about how many balls come his way. “As long as we’re winning, it keeps everyone happy,” Calvin Johnson said.

Oakland’s linebackers could have a long afternoon. Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler have used their seize to help out Matthew Stafford. “[TEs] have to be physical and create space,” Scheffler said. “We can’t let [the Raiders LBs] get their hands on us.”

Detroit has the 5^th ranked aerial attack, featuring Stafford’s 29 touchdowns, only 14 interceptions and rating of 92.6

Johnson is the 4^th in the league with 1,121 receiving yards, with a NFL leading 12 scores by a wide receiver.

On Defense:

“It’s not like [Palmer’s] a statue, but he’s not a scrambler,” Schwartz said of Oakland’s passer. The Lions have tallied 35 sacks in 2011 and nine in the last four games.

Detroit ranks third in the NFL with 29 takeaways and are tied for second with 18 interceptions. The Lions lead the league in defensive scoring with 36 points. Oakland is knotted at second for throwing most interceptions in the NFL.

Just like the Raiders, Detroit is starting to feel the playoff-heat, and one of their leaders on defense stated that the time is now. “Everything we’ve done for 13 weeks is all for nothing if we don’t win (Sunday),” Vanden Bosch said. “It’s all about getting into the playoffs. This is our chance.”

GAME NOTES

• Since 2000, the Lions are 1-7 in games played in the Pacific Time zone. Their lone win – a 36-21 win at Oakland in 2007.
• Detroit has 105 penalties this season, while Oakland has a league leading 130 infractions. “Any little thing, (officials) are going to try and throw a flag,” DT Corey Williams said.
• Oakland is allowing 160.2 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks.
• Detroit is 5-0 against teams with losing records and 3-5 versus clubs at .500 or better.

KEY MATCHUPS

Suh & Seymour: Which team will make the mental mistakes? Get flagged at critical times?

Richard Seymour and Ndamukong Suh are targets for the officials. Suh has hurt the Lions with his undisciplined play; Seymour has been exuberant to say the least a few times this year and was booted in Miami and a no-show on the stat line last week. Both teams know how to shoot themselves in the foot… who does it the fewest times, or more importantly, who looses their cool when it counts?

Bad Run D vs. Bad Run D

Neither team sports a solid run stuffing unit. What Detroit does posses is an explosive passing attack. Oakland has to find a way to get big plays. Young and Johnson are tough to handle, and Detroit has two solid tight ends. If Oakland’s offensive line does not dominate, Detroit will romp.

PREDICTION

Lions 29 – Raiders 20

At this point, Detroit has far more weapons they can depend on. Oakland’s secondary can be had, and unless they bring relentless heat, Stafford can pick Bresnahan’s defense apart. One good thing for the Raiders – the Broncos are facing the Patriots. Tim Tebow can’t possibly win another? Right?
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Here are excerpts of Hue Jackson and Chuck Bresnahan’s briefings with the media as they talk about their upcoming match-up versus the Detroit Lions. The Oakland Raiders face a daunting task trying to stop Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and a physical defensive front that will get their best lineman back after a suspension.

HUE JACKSON

On Lions defensive line:

“They have a good rotation and they’re very strong, very athletic and I haven’t seen any other team that we’ve faced that has that kind of talent throughout their front four. When they bring one guy in, they put in another guy. There’s not much drop-off. Those guys – they play hard, they play fast, they have a good front, so again, it’s a challenge but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”

On Ndamukong Suh:

“He’s good. He’s really good, he’s really good. Great respect for the player, he knows how to play the game and he’s very strong, very athletic, makes some incredible plays. So again, it’s going to be a challenge for our line but this is the line that we put together and I feel very comfortable that these guys will come and play.”

On being back at the O.Co Coliseum:

“Oh my gosh, that’s going to be a huge boost. We’ve been on the road with angry people screaming at us, yelling at us for the last couple of weeks and giving it to us, and we’ve had to take it. Now we’re at home and our crowd will be there for us, and they’ll be there yelling, screaming for us and we’ve got to give them something to yell and scream for.”

CHUCK BRESNAHAN

On Lions aerial attack:

“They’re going to throw it to big number 81 [Calvin Johnson] and little number 16 [Titus Young] down the field, so you’ve got to be ready at all times.”

On run defense:

“You know what – it’s very frustrating. Not just for me, for our coaching staff, for the players in general because we talked about consistency and not riding that roller coaster. Until we get over the hump and do that each and every week, and I tie that right in with the penalties…we have a game where we have one penalty and then you go maybe the next game, you have two and then the next game you have nine and we’ve got to play at a consistent level and that’s been a real emphasis point for us throughout the season. But each and every week now because these games are more and more important because of the playoff atmosphere and the playoff consequences. So we’ve got to get that taken care of, but it’s been very frustrating.”

NOTES

• Oakland is allowing 160.2 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks. “Stopping the run is a collective effort. It’s not just the front four or the front seven,” said Richard Seymour this week. The Raiders are also allowing a league worst, 5.2 yards per carry.
• “Coming from a smaller school and being successful right away tells you how smart and hard-working he is,” stated Lions coach Jim Schwartz about Raiders LT Jared Veldheer. “He’s big and he’s smart, and when you are an offensive lineman, that’s half the battle.”
• “Calvin Johnson is as good as there is. The guy has unbelievable athleticism.” – Hue Jackson
• “He’s obviously healthy and looked good and is excited to be back and focused on the Oakland Raiders.” – Schwartz on Suh.

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The Oakland Raiders (7-6) ran into the NFL’s best team – the undefeated, defending Super Bowl champs – and were massacred 46-16. Sunday’s victory by the Green Bay Packers (13-0) clinched a bye week  in the post-season and just emphasized how far the Silver & Black are from being at their level. Here’s a look at what went wrong at Lambeau Field for Oakland:

PENALTIES, TURNOVERS & POOR TACKLING

Oakland had eight penalties for 64-yards in the first half and ended with 11 infractions for 89-yards at games end.

Jared Veldheer’s hold on their second drive was disheartening due to the fact that they were moving the ball well at the onset of the game and were already down 7-0 on that possession. The Raiders did not move the ball after that penalty and were forced to punt.

Green Bay scored on their next drive and was quickly up 14-0.

Mike Mitchell was flagged for pass interference on a 3^rd and 16.

Carson Palmer had the Silver & Black moving on the opening drive, but a costly interception in Green Bay territory was the start of an ugly afternoon. Oakland’s starting passer set-up the Packers in the 2^nd quarter with his second interception of the game into the hands of Charles Woodson. The quarter was quoted after the game, “I put us in a position not to win, turning the ball over and not taking advantage of opportunities. That is what cost us this game. I did not play well enough to give us a chance to win.”

The Packers began the drive at the Oakland 25-yard line and four plays later, were up 31-0 on Ryan Grant’s six-yard run.  Oakland finished with five turnovers. “You can’t turn the ball over five times, commit 11 penalties and think you have a chance to win a game,” said Hue Jackson after the game.

The defense did not wrap up many times, missed opportunities to take down Green Bay ball carriers and were undisciplined in the first half.  Grant recorded 44 of his 85 rush yards after initial contact. That’s the most rush yards after contact in a single game for a Packers running back all season.

DEFENSIVE NO-SHOW

Granted, the offense did put Chuck Bresnahan’s bunch in tough spots with quick possessions and short fields, but the run defense was a sieve and a lack of energy early in the contest was evident.

Rolando McClain was lost in Ryan Grant’s 47-yard run for a score to open the game, as the rusher danced through the line of scrimmage and had everyone in the secondary trailing.

Green Bay out-rushed the Silver & Black 136-117 and averaged a staggering 9.2 rush yards per carry in the first half.

The Raiders did finish with four sacks, but not enough pressure was put on Aaron Rodgers when they needed it most. Veteran lineman Richard Seymour was non-existent.

At the half, the Packers 296 total yards of offense and were 2-4 on 3^rd downs. That’s when it mattered most, and at that point, their lead was an insurmountable 31-0. Green Bay had four touchdowns and a field goal on its first five possessions.

“Our quarterback is outstanding at handling the no-huddle. He has the best seat in the house. We’re playing at home. We knew our defense would have a chance to go out and jump on these people,” Packers head coach Mike McCarthy commented.

ANYTHING THAT COULD GO WRONG…DID.

Just when you thought Oakland had executed soundly, something happened to make their afternoon a longer one.

Trailing 31-0, the Raiders called a fake punt, but Shane Lechler missed a wide-open Rock Cartwright, giving the Packers possession at the Oakland 28-yard line. Lechler commented: “I just missed the throw. If I don’t miss the throw, it’s a first down, easy. It was there. I haven’t missed that pass since I don’t know how long. Just a bad throw.”

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Randall Cobb clearly had his foot out of bounds during a 50-yard return. But the replay system malfunctioned and kept the play from being changed.

Kamerion Wimbley had recovered a fumble and returned it 82-yard for a score before halftime, but Green Bay challenged the call on the field and the play was reversed, as Rodgers’ apparent turnover was ruled an incompletion.

GAME NOTES

• Carson Palmer ended the game 24/42 for 245-yards, one touchdown and four interceptions (42.4 QB rating). Aaron Rodgers was 17/30 for 281-yards, two scores and one interception (96.7 QB rating, lowest of the season).
• Darrius Heyward-Bey led Oakland with 78-yards receiving, on five catches. Louis Murphy added another 70-yards on four grabs. Kevin Boss tallied his second touchdown as a Raider in the 4^th quarter.
• Rolando McClain had 7 solo tackles, 3 tackles for losses and 2 sacks. His second sack was of Matt Flynn in the end zone, leading to a safety. At that point, Oakland was down 46-9.
• On Erik Walden’s 5-yard fumble return for a score, Marce Reece had lost possession of the football and Palmer was unable to recover it.
• Shane Lechler had a 71-yard punt, downed by Brandon Myers at the one-yard line in the final quarter.
• For a second straight game, the Raiders were down 34-0. Last week, they were down by 34, without scoring a point, to the Dolphins. They also allowed a long return on special teams coming out of the locker room. The 31-0 halftime deficit was the largest in team history. In 1961, they were down 30-0 to the Chargers.

 

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MIAMI — Oakland Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer spoke briefly to reporters after the Miami Dolphins romped, 34-14. Here’s the lineman’s take on what occurred this afternoon. Jared Veldheer

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It was a treacherous way to take care of business at home, but the Oakland Raiders prevailed and continued their run atop the AFC West with a 25-20 win against the Chicago Bears.

Here’s a breakdown of the victory, with all the key plays and moments for the Silver & Black:

SPECIAL TEAMS LEADS THE WAY… AGAIN.

Sebastian Janikowski broke his own franchise record for most field goals in a game, going 6-for-6 (40, 47, 42, 19, 37, 44) and leading the way when the offense was not able to stick it in the end zone. “It means a lot. There’s plenty more records to be broken,” he stated when asked about his performance. Each one of those kicks was crucial and equally impressive, especially after he was hindered with left hamstring injury the last few weeks.

You knew he was on his game and completely healed when he drove kickoffs deep into the end zone.

Devin Hester was shutdown, tallying seven yards on punt returns and only 39-yards on kickoffs. Rock Cartwright, Quentin Groves, Mike Mitchell, Brandon Myers and Darryl Blackstock gunned down Hester all afternoon.

Shane Lechler was stellar, averaging 54.6 on his punts, with a long of 80-yards. What impressed the most were his three punts inside the 20-yard line – especially the final one, pushed out of bounds by Bryan McCann at the four-yard line with 1:01 remaining – forcing Caleb Hanie to go long distances on drives for scores.

“Our two kickers are fantastic,” coach Hue Jackson commented. “There’s not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job.”

TURNOVERS

Caleb Hanie tossed three interceptions – all in the first half. Stanford Routt’s pick in the 1^st quarter eventually gave Oakland a 6-0 lead.

“We knew coming into this game that [Hanie] lacked experience but we knew that he could still make plays, as you saw in the Green Bay title game last year,” Routt said. “We knew he still had the ability to make us look bad and come out of here with the W if we didn’t take care of business.”

Michael Huff’s interception killed a Chicago drive that could’ve ended in at least a field goal attempt. Hanie’s poor decision making victimized the Bears early.

Kamerion Wimbley got his first pick of the season and returned it 73-yards to the Bears six-yard line. Oakland went into the half with a 15-7 lead due to that turnover.

MOMENTUM SWINGS

The Bears felt good after Johnny Knox scored from 29-yards out. It had to be demoralizing for Oakland…

They outplayed Chicago up to that point, but since they settled for field goals, the visiting team continued to have life. Corey Graham intercepted Carson Palmer and the Bears went on a 76-yard, 9-play drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.

Oakland immediately went on the attack with a Marcel Reece 47-yard catch and run. Four plays later, the Silver & Black were up again, 9-7.

Wimbley’s pick came at a point where Chicago had a 2^nd and 1 at the Oakland 7-yard line. Knox had returned a kickoff 56-yards, but instead of scoring at the end of the 2^nd quarter, the Bears let the Raiders go into the locker room with confidence. “Man, I thought I was like Barry Sanders or something. When I caught it, I was just looking at the end zone and I was trying my best to get there. An offensive lineman got me, so the guys won’t let me live that one down for a while,” said Wimbley.

Louis Murphy’s 47-yard catch on 3^rd and 4 – at midfield late in the 4^th quarter – helped set-up Michael Bush’s 3-yard scamper, which gave Oakland a 25-13 lead.

RESERVES AND ROLE PLAYERS STEPPING UP

Marcel Reece had five receptions for 92-yards. The fullback consistently beat defenders and gave Oakland an added element to their aerial attack today.

Chaz Schilens, who had some choice words for Warren Sapp this week, backed up his banter with his best performance of the year. His 14-yard reception on 3^rd and 6 in the final quarter was key. He ended with 58-yards on 4 catches.

Louis Murphy hauled in two passes, one of them being the biggest play of the game.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland had a tough time converting 3^rd downs, finishing a putrid 3-15. They also struggled in the red-zone and often settled for field goals. “It was tough in the red zone. That’s a good defense. That’s a good unit. People questioned what their ranking was statistically. That’s a very good unit that’s played together a long time and understands their scheme,” commented Carson Palmer.
• The Bears rush defense did a fine job this afternoon, limiting Michael Bush to 69-yards on 24-carries. Oakland managed 73-team rushing yards. The Raiders offensive line did not get push at the point of attack and struggled in pass protection, allowing four sacks. Jared Veldheer, who had his way with Jared Allen last week, struggled with Julius Peppers (2-sacks) and got infracted with a holding penalty. Samson Satele’s hold nullified a 14-yard Bush run and Stefen Wisniewski’s hold wiped away a 12-yard Bush score. The Bears ended with four sacks.
• The Bears out gained the Raiders, 401-341. Marion Barber was their most effective rusher, gaining 63-yards on 10 carries. Matt Forte finished with 59-yards on 12-carries, but 33 of them on one play. Hanie had 50-yards rushing, including a backbreaking 24-yard run on 3^rd and 18 – the drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.
• Oakland had one penalty at the half. They ended with 6-for-44 yards.
• Bush’s 3-yard run in the 4^th quarter snapped a five-game scoreless drought in the final quarter. “We should have won that football game based on the way our offense played,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “We didn’t play well enough on defense. We gave up too many big plays, didn’t get enough takeaways. That’s why we didn’t win.”

 

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