Silver and Black Report

Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker was interviewed on a web site called Thefootballgirl.com and had some interesting comments about his days in Silver & Black.

Here are some comments from that session.

About landing in Oakland:

“I was in an unfortunate situation in Oakland where I got put on the backburner… A lot of people know that situation when you go to Oakland so it’s not to no surprise. It wasn’t the right situation for me. . . When I was in Denver I performed. I was in Green Bay I performed, so now you’re trying to tell me that now I’m in Oakland I can’t perform? I never really got a fair chance. I’m not the first athlete who went into Oakland and all of a sudden it looked like his talents have disappeared. We can all remember, you know I’m a huge fan, with Randy Moss. People thought Randy Moss was done and look what happens when he decides to leave.”

Not playing and contract:

“It wasn’t my fault because obviously the Raiders gave it to me. Everybody knows how Al Davis is. What fans don’t realize is when I signed that contract I offered to give it back. I don’t take money just to take it. People need to give the money back and they said no. I didn’t go into Oakland like [Bernie] Madoff. Somebody has got to give it to you, and they gave it to me. Last year, they didn’t put me on the field so if anybody “made-off” it was Oakland. . . People were wondering why I wasn’t dressing, well you know what, I couldn’t tell you. They just decided not to utilize my talent the way it needed to be utilized.”

Playing future:

“Yes, the thing about football right now is it’s not really about the money. Even when I went to Oakland, I said I’d give that money back. I just want to play football and utilize my talent to help a team win the Super Bowl and everything else will take care of itself.”

The Oakland Raiders took advantage of the uncapped off-season the NFL is operating under and dumped one of the biggest free agent busts in league history.

Wide receiver Javon Walker was released per ESPN reports.

The Silver & Black signed Walker to a six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees in 2008. He tallied a putrid 15 receptions for 196 yards with one score after his first year with Oakland and then the organization restructured his deal in March of 2009 in a move that reportedly saved the club $22 million.

“We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”

The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”

He did not record any stats in 2009 and was a healthy inactive for the majority of the campaign, as he stated in September, “I’m more than healthy enough. I’m just going with the flow.”

The saga of the troubled receiver continued in January when he was subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.

Walker was with Williams on the night he was murdered on New Year’s Day 2007. Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.

“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.

Walker also miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”

There were also reports about him wanting to retire prior to his first season in Oakland and being critiqued by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.

“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.

“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”

Greg Ellis had a solid start with the Raiders before suffering knee ailments that slowed his production significantly.

The Raiders were cautious with Ellis during the workweek in practices and activated him during game days to get the most out of the aging pass rusher.

When Ellis did sit, rookie Matt Shaughnessy played admirably.

He was a solid veteran presence and his voice in the locker room will be missed.

Ellis, 34, underwent a procedure during the regular season on his knee and he said in November, “I don’t know what happened. I just know swelling, a lot of pressure going down my leg, going down my knee down my shin and my calf.”

Prior to landing in Oakland and signing a 3-year $10 million deal with $5 million in guarantees, the New England Patriots offered a one-year contract worth $1.5 million.

The end finished his lone season with the Raiders tied for the team lead in sacks (7). Ellis was due $2.5 million in 2010.

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable divulged to The Boston Globe his happiness with Richard Seymour and how glad he is to have him in Silver & Black.

“Look at what he brought to our team — the ability of opponents or lack thereof to run at him on that side of the line of scrimmage,” Cable commented.

Oakland tagged Seymour their exclusive rights franchise player, ensuring he stays at least one more season as a Raider.

“He was everything that I thought he would be,” Cable said.

Cable sees Seymour as a leader; a mentor for many of the young players and a successful talent that knows what it takes to win after coming from New England – a team that consistently performed at a high level and knew what it took to stay atop as a perennial winner.

“The thing that I was probably most excited about was how much he impacted our young players on our football team,” Cable said. “He’s been in the NFL for quite some time and knows how to prepare, how to get himself ready, how to take notes, the time it takes day to day, week to week as you go through the season and ultimately how to take care of your body.

“I think there was a lot of good lessons learned there for a bunch of young football players.”

Cable, while in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, was asked about wide receiver Javon Walker.

“Will he be there next year?” Cable questioned. “We’ll see.”

There is no denying that the Raiders need to improve on their play at the line of scrimmage – on both sides of the ball.

And cable addressed that stating, “I think both. You always have to look at it and see where you want to be in those two areas.”

He also continued about the importance of leadership on this club and how some veterans impacted the roster.

“Both [Seymour] and Greg Ellis brought a lot of that to our football team. And guys like Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski I thought brought some of that to the other side of the ball. I don’t think you can ever have a team that can turn it around and start building something without that type of leadership in the locker room.”

What about Darren McFadden?

“Every time he’s gotten himself going and had pretty good production something has happened to either take him out of that game or not let him be as big a part in the next one. He’s a fine player and as he’s able to stay healthy for longer periods of time you’ll see more for what we all hope.”

Cable stated he never felt concern about his job after the season and operated as he would knowing he would be the head coach in 2010.

“No, it wasn’t. We went through the evaluation process. As I was told, ‘You’re under contract and we need to talk about everything.’ That’s what we did. There was a lot of speculation but the whole time I went to work every day and did what I knew I needed to do to get ready for the evaluation, get ready for the Senior Bowl,
ready for all those things that were coming up.”

He continued: “I was never told I wasn’t. . . . That’s the one misnomer. There was a lot of speculation. But every day I went to work and every day I got ready for the routine, the self-scout and all the things you’d normally do. So for me sitting back, I wondered what all the fuss was about. I just going to work every day.”

As for the development of Michael Huff: “I’ve always felt Michael was on the cusp of his breakthrough. He had it this year. Lionel Washington and those guys on defense really got him ready to go, and I thought he was outstanding the whole year from the first game all the way through the last one. It was definitely a breakthrough for Michael, and hopefully that’s just the sign of where he’s at as a player now and we can get a lot of big play from him.”

Javon Walker, WR

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

“I’m just going with the flow.”

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

Anthony Dorsett, S

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

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

Kevin Gogan, G

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

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

Amos Zereoue, RB

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

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

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

Javon Walker has been subpoenaed to testfy in the trial of the alleged killer of former teammate Darrent Williams.

Oakland’s receiver will most likely testify in the trial of Willie Clark, who is the suspect that allegedly shot Williams after a nightclub altercation on New Year’s Day 2007.

Walker and Williams were members of the Denver Broncos and the wide receiver was next to Williams in a limousine that was showered by gunfire.

Jury selection for the trial will begin in February. Clark, 26,  is charged with first-degree murder, but has denied firing any shots on that evening.

Walker told HBO’s “Real Sports” he was haunted by that event and still had objects from that frightful evening in an interview August 2007.

“I still have those clothes,” Walker replied.

When asked about the clothing, he said, “It’s just something that reminds me every day of what could happen and this is what happened to my friend. And this is like … what’s left of him is on my clothes.”

Walker signed with the Raiders in March of 2008. The six-year $55 million contract that included more than $16 million in guarantees will go down as one of the biggest free-agent bust signings for the organization.

He then restructured in March of 2009, saving the Raiders a reported $22 million. “We are very happy Javon agreed to restructure his contract and be a part of what we’re building here,” senior executive John Herrera said. “This shows his loyalty and commitment to being a member of the Oakland Raiders and we’re excited about that.”

The executive continued: “The guy can play, he’s proven that before. He was injured last year and didn’t get the chance to show what he can do. This gives him that opportunity.”

But Walker was a non-factor this season and was exiled on the inactive list all year, seemingly in the owner’s doghouse.

Walker stated in September of 2009, “I’m more than healthy enough.”

“I’m just going with the flow.”

Walker miffed the Raiders when he had a procedure done on his right knee that was a surprise to them during their camps. “We just found out about it,” Tom Cable said back in May. “Yeah, it is a little bit uncommon but we’re aware of it now and it was probably the right thing to do and get it cleaned up.”

It is expected that both parties will end their relationship with each other this off-season.

Oakland has a group of young players they like at wide receiver and at this point, there is no need to continue to keep a disenchanted bust on the roster that is ready to move on.

“That’s a done issue,” Walker commented in 2008 after reports circulated about the Raiders talking him out of retirement. “I’m not really sure what happened but that’s a done issue. That’s something that obviously people hear stuff. I’m here practicing, waiting, and [I] obviously can’t wait till the season starts.

“I’m in a great frame of mind. Why wouldn’t I [be]? I’m with a new team, a great bunch of guys. I’m looking forward to getting this season on the road and actually looking forward to going into next week and try to put everything together as a team and as an offense.”

That was just one incident after being called out by former coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape and after he was reportedly abducted, beaten and robbed in Las Vegas. Walker was found on the side of a street with facial injuries after he was robbed for thousands of dollars worth of money and jewelry.

It’s official; the Raiders will start Charlie Frye on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Bruce Gradkowski is doubtful for the season finale per Tom Cable and at this point, the coaching staff has no intent of giving JaMarcus Russell any more reps this season.

Russell has been a huge disappointment and for several weeks, Cable has stated that the team has a better shot at performing in a functional manner with other passers under center. And its hard to argue against that when the former number one overall choice led an abysmal attack for most of the season and performed atrociously in the nine-games he started in 2009.

The Raiders are burdened with his presence and the big money doled out since his arrival.

Journeymen like Frye and Gradkowski have started over him, performed better than he has and are just better quarterbacks than him. It will take a immense turnaround this off-season for Russell to get his job back if he remains on the roster.

His work ethic during the off-season, how he comes into camp, the ability to digest and operate a pro offense and exponential growth in all facets of his play will be needed to even fathom the thought of him being the leader at quarterback he should be at this point of his career.

“I just think it’s a matter of him accepting and learning what it is he has to do to be great,” Cable stated. “And I think when he does that then we’ll all enjoy it.”

OTHER NOTES

• Nick Miller – who was never placed on injured reserve – will most likely be out on Sunday again. This is just another head scratching move by the Silver & Black, keeping an un-drafted free agent on the roster all season and never designating him where he belonged. At least he kept Javon Walker company on the sidelines on game days, another receiver who was exiled by the Raiders and that will be one of the monumental free-agent busts in club history. Walker is probably happy to be counting down his days in Oakland. Miller’s only stats this season were during the pre-season: 3 receptions for 61-yards. Where he could have helped the Raiders this season would have been on their kickoff return units. Gary Russell, Jonathan Holland, Louis Rankin and Justin Miller were dreadful.
• Will we see Michael Bush and Darren McFadden get more carries in the finale? Cable all but abandoned the running game last Sunday and now they face a Ravens club that is 6^th best in the league defending that aspect of an offense.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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:

JaMarcus Russell:

Hopefully Santa will bring him accuracy, better footwork, pocket awareness and a little more motivation this Christmas. On second thought, the jolly old fat-man and his reindeers may not be able to lug that around on his sleigh. He may not be able to give Russell a ride either – poor reindeers.

Luke Lawton:

Clean blood and urine samples.

Shane Lechler:

Continued strength on that powerful right leg so he can destroy Sammy Baugh’s 51.4 punt average set in 1940. He is currently at 51.5 per punt.

Nnamdi Asomugha:

Another Pro-Bowl selection.

Tyvon Branch:

More recognition around the league as he continues to develop into one of the better safeties in the AFC.

Darren McFadden:

More touches in varying formations and glue for his hands.

Cornell Green:

A new address in 2010.

Darrius Heyward-Bey:

An injection of instant wide receiver skills.

Tommy Kelly:

A functioning belt.

Mike Mitchell:

More reps and clean targets for his fury.

Nick Miller:

A one-way ticket off the inactive list.

Javon Walker:

A time machine to speed up his departure out of Oakland.

Greg Ellis:

A healthy set of knees.

Johnnie Lee Higgins:

A new barber.

Louis Murphy:

His own set of referees that won’t overturn any of his receptions.

Tom Cable:

A punching bag, a new playbook and hope for two-more wins and a chance to keep his job.

Sebastian Janikowski:

Ten more clean attempts at a 70-yard field goal.

Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey will be inactive for the Oakland Raiders today in their match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team disclosed late Friday that the rookie had a foot injury and today, they listed him as out. Louis Murphy will start in his place. He leads all receivers on the the team in receptions (19) and yards (283).

Murphy lost his starting spot when Chaz Schilens came back from a broken foot. Heyward-Bey had started all 11-games, but has struggled all season posting a meager 9-catches for 124 yards and 1 score.

Greg Ellis will also sit today with a knee injury and he will be replaced in the line-up by rookie Matt Shaughnessy.

Todd Watkins will be active and for the seventh time in 12 games, Javon Walker will be on the sidelines in street clothes.

MVP (Offense)

Zach Miller, TE

28 receptions 421 yards 15.0 avg. 1 TD

It’s quite impressive to put up those numbers on a team ranked near the bottom of every offensive team category like the Raiders are. Plus, he’s their only legitimate threat on offense, yet he still gets open and produces at an adequate level. Imagine if he was on a well-rounded offense, with complementary talent around him and an accurate passer? His blocking is top notch, Miller’s effort is never in question and he is legitimately one of the better tight ends in the conference.

Honorable Mention: Robert Gallery, LG

Since he broke a bone in his right leg Sept. 20 against the Kansas City, the offensive line has not been the same. He is Oakland’s best lineman.

Least Valuable Player LVP (Offense)

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

5 receptions 74 yards 14.8 avg. 0 TD

The seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft has been non-existent. Oakland took him in hopes of pairing his blazing speed with JaMarcus Russell’s huge arm. Instead, they have a un-polished receiver who gets mugged at the line of scrimmage, does not run clean routes and cannot get open; one of the main reasons to why this offense has struggled. Until he can get open on shorter routes and become a skilled route runner, no one will fear his track star velocity.

Honorable Mention: Javon Walker, WR

Walker has said he is ready to play several times this season. Oakland has consistently placed him on their inactive list. He’s banked a lot of money since signing with the team in 2008. At this point, we are all just waiting for the season to end so we can see the two part ways.

MVP (Defense)

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

Pro-Bowl bound once again…

Honorable Mention: Richard Seymour, DL: 28 tackles 4 sacks 1 FF

His arrival changed the dynamics of the front-four. Yes they have struggled versus the run, but Seymour’s ability to apply pressure has made this defensive line a tough one to defend.

LVP (Defense)

Chris Johnson, CB

When you play opposite Asomugha, opponents will test you. But he’s been torched way too often and has played inconsistent football, not worthy of the $4 million signing bonus and $3.825 million per season average salary he got from Oakland after a brief stint as a starter last season.

MVP (Special Teams)

Shane Lechler, P

Lechler’s 44.0 net punting average is way above his NFL record for a season (41.2). His 52.3 average is currently higher than the league record for a year set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh (51.4).

Pleasant Surprise

Michael Huff, S 27 tackles 9 PD 3 INT

Took over the starting job a few weeks into the season with his solid play defending the pass. Early in the campaign, Huff looked like the playmaking safety the Raiders thought they were getting coming out of Texas.

The ‘I am Mr. Perfect’ Award goes to…

Sebastian Janikowski, K

The hefty kicker is a perfect 12-for-12 so far in 2009, including 7-out of-7 from 40-to-50+ yards out.

Biggest Disappointment(s)…

JaMarcus Russell, QB 48.4 completion% 38.3  QB rating 2 TD 9 INT

He looks overwhelmed, has been inaccurate, with no sense of leadership and a feeling from the fan-base that he may not be able to carry this moribund franchise.

Darren McFadden, RB 47 carries 146 yards 1 TD 2 lost Fumbles

The speedy running back missed four contests and has not been the dynamic presence Oakland wanted when they used the 4^th overall pick on him in the 2008 draft.

Best Rookie

Louis Murphy, WR 16 rec. 232 yards 1 TD

Wildly inconsistent from play-to-play, but he plays with fire and looks to be a keeper.

Rookie to look out for the rest of the season…

Matt Shaughnessy, DL

Has played well in spurts and recorded a sack versus the Chargers.

Best Moments…

1. Zach Miller’s 86-yard touchdown catch and run, aided by two stellar blocks by rookie Louis Murphy, during the Raiders 13-9 victory against the Eagles.
2. Murphy’s 57-yard reception on 4^th and 14 late in the 4^th quarter to give Oakland a 20-17 lead versus the Chargers in week-one.
3. Todd Watkins’ 28-yard reception on 3^rd and 15, late in the 4^th quarter to extend a Raiders’ drive. Two plays later, McFadden scored to give Oakland a 13-10 victory in Kansas City.

Worst Moments…

1. The 38-0 shellacking in front of the home crowd versus the New York Jets, a week after beating the Eagles.
2. Johnnie Lee Higgins and Louis Murphy bumping into each other as they came off the line of scrimmage, and taking themselves out of the play against the Chargers.
3. Russell being pulled after going 6-for-11 for 61 yards with 2 interceptions and a lost fumble against the Jets.

We should see more…

Mike Mitchell, SS

Hiram Eugene should not see the field, and Mitchell should share more time with Huff and Tyvon Branch as the season winds down. It’s time to see what the rookie can do in extended action.

Justin Fargas, RB

Fargas runs harder and has more determination than any of the other Raider rushers. McFadden’s explosiveness is needed when he is healthy, so that means less of Michael Bush.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Ok, so how much longer do we have to hear that is almost ready to play? Once he is active, Schilens and Murphy should be the starters. Heyward-Bey’s role needs to be simplified and his reps should be shrinking.

Blackouts

Fans are not filling those seats and why should they with the product Oakland has put out since 2003?

Father Time is creeping on…

Greg Ellis, DE

Since his knee started acting up, the defensive end’s production has slowed down. The bye was needed, but will it rejuvenate him?

We miss you…

Johnnie Lee Higgins, PR

The return units have been abysmal. And Higgins has not been the game breaking player he was in 2008.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Gary Russell, who led the Oakland Raiders in rushing during the pre-season (28 carries for 155 yards and 3 scores) will see action on Sunday versus the Philadelphia Eagles at fullback. Oren O’Neal was ineffective, fell into the doghouse, was waived when Langston Walker signed this week and Luke Lawton is doubtful to play with an ankle injury.

At first glance, Russell is not your typical looking fullback. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, the 23-year old will have to use his quickness to hit holes and pave lanes for Raider running backs. That may be a welcomed sight after seeing the slow trotting O’Neal have his difficulties all season. Oakland has to worry about his use on passing downs, and if they are smart, they will avoid using him as a key protector when JaMarcus Russell drops back to pass versus a blitz happy Eagles defense.

Rookie tight end Brandon Myers, who lined up at fullback in big packages during the summer, could see action back there as well.

Defensive end Greg Ellis missed practice again late in the week, which could cut into his time on the field on Sunday. The first year Raider had his knee drained on Monday and was very outspoken this week with the media stating, “The mood we’re going to be in or should be in, right now we’re kind of the laughingstock of the NFL,” on Thursday. “This isn’t anything new. Teams have been that way before. New England wasn’t always winning Super Bowls and Dallas wasn’t always the team they are. So, it goes in cycles. When you’re in that down cycle, you got to fight and claw to get back out of it and that’s what we’re doing here right now in Oakland.”

Ricky Brown will wear a cast on his right ankle for a few weeks before doctors decide whether or not they opt for surgery. If surgery is needed, Brown will be lost for the season.

Wide receiver Chaz Schilens is listed as questionable and will be a game time decision. Tom Cable stated that Javon Walker would be active. It will be the first time he sees game action since week-two.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist