Silver and Black Report

Nothing could have been more obvious. The balloon was deflated. The energy was sucked away. An offense that tallied nearly 200 yards in the first half was pitiful in the second half.

Why?

JaMarcus Russell entered the game for an injured Bruce Gradkowski and any chance of the Oakland Raiders notching back-to-back victories was flushed away.

Russell was sacked six times. Yes, the offensive line was dreadful, but the guy holding on to the ball had no pocket presence or awareness that defenders were flying at him. There was no way Russell could imitate Gradkowski under similar situations because the former number one overall pick just can’t play quarterback as well as the underdog.

Gradkowski could’ve extended plays and drifted away from some of those salivating Redskins’ defenders. He could’ve stepped up in the pocket a few times and tried to pick up yardage with his feet. Gradkowski could’ve kept the positive vibes the offense had going after their 4^th quarter barrage in Pittsburgh. Russell could not.

Russell’s presence anchored the team so much, that even his head coach was constrained. Hamstrung by Russell’s inability to absorb a complex NFL playbook, the Raiders regressed to their old ways and ran simple plays that made it easier for Washington to defend the football field.

Cable admittedly had to change the offenses’ approach because of the incapable passer. Gradkowski makes quicker decisions, scans the field better, elevates the performance of others and has jump-started an attack that was horrendous under Russell. Defenses had more to prepare for with Gradkowski at the helm because Oakland ran a non-threatening offense to cater to their soon to be bust.

“You could kind of see it emotionally a little bit, the wind left our sails, so to speak, just a little bit, when that happened,” defensive end Jay Richardson said when Gradkowski limped off the field.

That speaks volumes and gauges the exact feel of the team. Did they lose hope because their fighter at quarterback was not available? It certainly looked like it, and if a whole team is down so much on a guy like Russell – the player Oakland tabbed to be their savior when they took him in the draft and paid him a Brinks truckload – then this team must purge themselves of him at seasons end.

Gradkowski may not be able to play again this season.

“Right now, it’s to figure out where Bruce is at here in the next 24-48 hours and then make that decision.,” Cable stated today. But if ‘Bruce Almighty’ cannot use his legs effectively with a torn MCL and the other one partially torn, how good of an option can he be?

Well, you have Russell and Charlie Frye as your choices.

“I think certainly I’m going to look at what the options are and again as I told you before I’ll do what’s best for this team, what gives us the best chance to win,” stated Cable.

All of the sudden, it’s a matter of whether you play Russell or Frye with the coach trying to figure out what is the best solution for this team?

We are talking about Charlie Frye possibly starting over Russell!

At this point, its painfully obvious to even the most loyal Russell supporter that if the team is fighting over whether or not Frye plays over Russell, then you know the end is near for the former LSU product.

“It’s kind of different coming in, and not starting,” Russell stated to a reporter for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. “Best thing to do is just let the game come to you, don’t force anything. Couldn’t get too much going. That’s basically it. Nothing else to be said just couldn’t get nothing going.”

He continued to elaborate on the sack onslaught yesterday by saying, “I don’t know, but I say everything is my fault, so I’ll put it on me, maybe. I could’ve stepped up a different way to protect those guys, but that’s what happened.”

Yes JaMarcus, that is what happened. And what didn’t happen was what you predicted a few days earlier, stating “A totally different JaMarcus,” was going to be on display after your demotion.

We saw the same dreadful play that will lead this team nowhere and that just continues to reinforce the bust label that you are quickly earning.

Justin Fargas stated, “Well I think we were building something there but we can’t let the momentum or fire be killed by that we have to find a way to keep it going.”

It can Justin, but not with Russell as your quarterback.

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND — Chaz Schilens has been practicing this week in preparation for their game against the New York Jets on Sunday. Here is video of the wide receiver along with other Raiders talking about their game this weekend, and their victory over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.

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QUARTERBACK: B

Facing what could’ve been more boos and a hostile crowd with another bad performance, JaMarcus Russell (17-of-28 for 224 yards 1 TD 2 INT) gave the ‘Black Hole’ a glimmer of hope that all may not be lost. For the first time in 2009, the big-armed passer was composed, looked comfortable and decisive throughout the contest. He opened the game with a slant to Darrius Heyward-Bey that was off target and almost intercepted. Then on that same drive, he audibled on 3^rd and 10 into a safe run play and that three and out had those in attendance worried about another inept offensive outing. A couple of drives later, Russell was picked off by Asante Samuel when his pass popped out of the hands of Louis Murphy. But after the Eagles took a 3-0 lead, Russell answered with an 86-yard completion to his tight end that put Oakland up 7-3. In the 2^nd quarter, he showed off his elusiveness opting to bolt out of the pocket and gain 12-yards on a run that ended with a spin move to evade the tackler. On the ens9uing play, he connected with Zach Miller for 20-yards showing good pocket awareness and demonstrating a play fake prior to the football leaving his hand. At the end of that drive, he managed the game well on a 3^rd and 8, and eventually, the Raiders would score on that 13-play possession and go up 10-3. One of his better moments was on a 3^rd and 2, as Trent Cole tried to drag him down, he got the ball off to Tony Stewart for an 8-yard gain. But on the next play, he lobbed a ball into double coverage that was picked off by Quintin Mikell. Overall, he played within himself, made key throws late to his fullback and got some heat off his back with a win and a solid performance in leading this offense that is lacking pop at wide receiver and a offensive line that has been re-shuffled the last few weeks.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: A

Until further notice, Justin Fargas should be the starting running back for the Silver & Black. His tough running and energy was a welcomed site to this offense. His 23 carries for 87-yards were vital in keeping the Eagles honest on defense. He chugged for physical yardage and punished defenders all afternoon. More importantly was his blocking; protecting Russell against a blitz happy defense and giving his passer that extra second to get rid of the football, specifically on Gary Russell’s big gainers where he picked up attacking linemen. Russell was elusive as the starting fullback, providing punch out of the backfield with his pass catching abilities and getting into the second level quickly to set up his blocks for Fargas. His 5-catches for 55-yards were crucial in the win. His 13-yard reception on 3^rd and 10 before the two-minute warning finished the Eagles.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: B

If not for Zach Miller’s best game as a pro, and the solid contributions from Tony Stewart, this group would get an ‘f’ grade.  Miller blocked very well today and it showed on Fargas’ sweeps. His six-receptions for 139-yards (first career 100-yard game), will go down as the best performance by a Raider so far in 2009. Louis Murphy’s two blocks on Miller’s long touchdown run were textbook and exactly what Oakland needs to do more of on offense to get some juice back into this attack. His physical play annoyed Asante Samuel enough to draw a personal foul flag on the veteran cornerback in the 2^nd quarter. Javon Walker was active, but again was a ghost when he saw action on the field.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B

LT Mario Henderson, LG Chris Morris, C Samson Satele, RG Cooper Carlisle and RT Erik Pears played a solid game. They allowed two-sacks, but at times controlled the line of scrimmage and helped Fargas get some key yardage. The mistakes were eliminated, Morris had a false start, but no infractions or miscues wrecked any drives. On a 3^rd and 2 to open the 4^th quarter, Juqua Parker beat Pears for a sack. One of the few noticeable plays where the offensive line was at fault.

DEFENSIVE LINE: A

At times, this group was suffocating. Richard Seymour looked great against all-pro tackle Jason Peters. But once he left with an injury, Seymour dominated his match-up and tallied two-sacks and four-solo tackles, including one stop behind the line of scrimmage in which he timed the snap and got to LeSean McCoy before he could even get started. Trevor Scott seems to have a knack to have multiple sack games in raider wins. Last year, he had his coming out party versus the Jets, and today, he compiled two-sacks on Philadelphia’s first two possessions. Jay Richardson’s sack for a loss of 13-yards came on a 2^nd and 2. The rush defense allowed no yards in the first half and the Eagles ended with a lackluster 67-yards on the ground. It forced Donovan McNabb to drop back to pass 46-times, which helped the Raiders tally 6-sacks in the game.

LINEBACKERS: B

Thomas Howard had his best game of the season. He recorded a sack and was key in coverage versus Brent Celek. On one of the finer individual plays this afternoon, Howard dissected a screen pass to Brian Westbrook and nailed the versatile rusher for no gain. Kirk Morrison was in on 11-tackles and was stout versus the run. Philadelphia was 2-of-16 on 3^rd downs; and when you play against Westbrook who is a multi-dimensional threat, credit has to be given to the linebackers for keying on him and keeping him under wraps.

SECONDARY: A

Stanford Routt came on strong when the Raiders needed him most. Nnamdi Asomugha got hurt, entered briefly, but Routt ended playing on his side of the field the rest of the game when the all-pro cornerback could not finish the contest. Routt had an interception return for a touchdown nullified on a questionable pass interference infraction, blanketed DeSean Jackson on key plays in the 2^nd half and ran in stride with Jeremy Maclin to ground an Eagles pass attack that can be very tough to stop. Chris Johnson had his ups and downs; torched by Jackson on a 51-yard completion, but providing the hardest hit of the afternoon on Leonard Weaver on a 3^rd and 10 for no gain as time expired in the final quarter. Tyvon Branch tackled well, was on his assignments in help coverage and on man-to-man match-ups versus Celek.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

They contained Jackson – who is deadly – on punt returns. Shane Lechler 51.1 yards per punt and Sebastian Janikowski was 2-for-2, converting field goals of 29 and 46 yards. Johnnie Lee Higgins continues to be passive on punt returns. On one return, he lost control of the football before recovering his own fumble.

COACHING: B+

Tom Cable got the best out of his club facing a team that was flying high on offense and that had a chance to move a game from being atop the NFC East. The game plan on defense was to attack McNabb and keep him uneasy in the pocket. And that worked, with an uncharacteristic number of blitzes by John Marshall’s defense. That helped cause havoc whenever McNabb dropped back to throw and gave the secondary a break in trying to cover down the field man-to-man throughout he entire contest. The offense still struggled at times, with a couple of three-and-outs, adding to their league leading total of 26, but he tried to be creative and attack especially on a 4^th and 1 when he called a play action with Russell that could have gone for a first down if his passer would have hit Russell on a shallower route or if he would have zipped the ball to a wide open Murphy. The reverse run to Heyward-Bey in the red zone was not a good call considering the defense they were playing and the position of the field they were in. Oakland did not fold after turnovers and played inspired football in front of a home crowd that booed them off the field their last home game.

AFTER THE GAME

• “It’s a matter of whether we go out and fight to win,” said Tom Cable after the game. “Today we fought to win.”
• “That was pretty sweet,” commented JaMarcus Russell after the victory. “Whether we were up or down; good or bad play, we found a way to keep fighting. And as an offense, that’s what we need to get us going.”

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On 2^nd and 3, the opening play of the 2^nd quarter was a run by Lynell Hamilton for 3 yards. Drew Brees then continued to dissect the Raiders’ secondary with a quick slant to Marques Colston for 15-yards. Brees then hits Lance Moore after a great ball fake for a 5-yard touchdown. The 11-play for 78 yards drive gave the Saints a dominating 21-0 lead. The Raider secondary is non-existent. There has been no pressure applied to Brees, as the Saints have changed the pace of the game going no-huddle and kept the Oakland defense off-balance with their mix of run and pass.

Nick Miller handles the ensuing kickoff to the 23-yard line. Up to this point, the Oakland offense has only ran six plays. Darren McFadden’s first carry of the game on the next play goes for 29-yards, but a holding penalty on Zach Miller negates the huge gainer. McFadden hauls in a dump off on the next play for 4-yards. Javon Walker enters the game for the first time, but Russell hits Miller on a 6-yard route towards the sideline. Russell on 3^rd and 7 hits Louis Murphy on a short crossing pattern, but the rookie could not handle the football as he juggled it attempting to secure it and making a move up the field.

Prior to the punt, Sam Williams was flagged on a false start. Ricky Schmitt punted and Gary Russell darted down the field for the nice tackle.

Mark Brunell enters the game and hands-off to Hamilton, as he gains three-yards running towards the right side. Brunell rolls out on the next play and throws incomplete to Robert Meachem. They tried to set-up a screen on the next, which fell incomplete, but Jay Richardson was there to stuff the play if it was completed.

Johnnie Lee Higgins fielded a 32-yard punt at the OAK 27-yard line.

McFadden on the draw runs hard for 3-yards right into linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Russell on the next play rolls away from the pressure on his backside and throws a wobbly pass to Louis Murphy, but the rookie had troubles securing the pass, as it was called an incomplete pass by the referees. On 3^rd and 7, Russell throws a bullet to Higgins on a quick out pattern that would have been a first down. Russell’s strong arm needed to be restrained on that short toss.

Linebacker David Nixon made a nice stop on punt coverage.

Brunell goes deep on the ensuing play to Meachem, but the pass errant and Stanford Routt was in coverage. The quarterback then steps into the pocket on the following play and hits Hamilton for 9-yards. Hamilton then darts across the gaping hole in the line of scrimmage and makes safety Hiram Eugene miss on the 19-yard run. Brunell then goes deep again, this time to Lance Moore, who almost makes the catch, but Stanford Routt was called for the pass interference (31-yards on the infraction). A few plays later, Routt gets flagged again giving the Saints an automatic 1^st down at the OAK 7-yard line. The run defense finally shows life near the goal line, as Ricky Brown and Desmond Bryant built a wall versus Hamilton. Jamar Nesbit was flagged for a hold on Gerard Warren on the next play, and the Saints faced a 3^rd and goal at the 16-yard line. Brunell connects on a touchdown pass, but for the second straight play a score was negated due to a flag. Now New Orleans faced a 3^rd and goal at the 22-yard line. Brunell hits Billy Miller, near the goal line, but the Saints shoot themselves in the foot again with another penalty. Now facing a 3^rd and goal from the 27-yard line, a hand-off to Hamilton goes for minimal yards, as Tommy Kelly and Ricky Brown were there for the stop.

John Carney nails a 35-yard field goal to extend the Saints’ lead to 24-0.

Russell from the shotgun dumps a short pass on the flat to McFadden, and the running back weaved for 11-yards. McFadden on the following play fumbles on the sweep and the Saints recovered the loose football and returned it near the Oakland goal line. Oren O’Neal was slow to get to the defenders and McFadden was mobbed behind the line of scrimmage as he ran towards the left side. Tom Cable challenges the fumble call on the field, but the play was not overruled.

The Saints took over at the 6-yard line with 4:22 remaining in the half. Trevor Scott applies pressure on the Saints’ first play after the turnover and forces Brunell to throw out of the end-zone. Scott again puts the heat on the Saints’ quarterback on the next play, and the forced throw lands right into the hands of Hiram Eugene. The safety gets the pick in the end zone and returns it 31-yards to the 30-yard line.

Russell was almost picked off on the ensuing play, on a slant intended for Heyward-Bey. On 3^rd and 5, Troy Evans blitzes and Russell has no shot to get away from the heat and gets sacked for a 12-yard loss.

David Nixon again plays the punt return very well; as he records his second tackle. (Play was negated due to a flag on the Saints)

Gary Russell and Jon Condo stuff the punt return on the next play.

PJ Hill is now carrying the football for the Saints. Warren on the tackle after a 4-yard gain. On the next play, Meachem gains 71-yards on the pass after Routt miss a tackle on the play. Chris Johnson runs down the WR before he hits paydirt. With the ball on the 2-yard line, Warren and Sam Williams keep Hill out of the end zone. Hill scores on the next play to give the Saints a 30-0 lead before the point after.

Up to this point, the Saints have 19 first downs; Oakland 3. Saints have racked up a total of 344 yards; Raiders 77. The Saints are 6-of-8 on 3^rd downs, the Raiders are 0-for-4.

After a Nick Miller 25-yard return, Russell rolls out, gets pressured and is not able to release the football cleanly on the toss, hit by a defender as he threw it. Robert Gallery was flagged on the play for holding. On 3^rd and 10 a few plays later, Russell gets sacked to end the Raiders horrid first half effort on offense.

Chris Johnson hauled in an interception as the half ended.

Score: Saints 31 – Raiders 0

NOTES

• TOTAL YARDS: New Orleans 351 Oakland 60
• PASSING YARDS: New Orleans 259 Oakland 59
• RUSHING YARDS: New Orleans 92 Oakland 1
• Time of Possession: New Orleans 20:27 Oakland 9:33
• 1st downs: New Orleans 19 Oakland 3

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) take the short trip across the bay to face the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) on Saturday night. In their 36 prior meetings, Oakland has the 19-17 edge, as the first pre-season contest between both clubs dates back to 1967.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

The Raiders officially begin life without Chaz Schilens this weekend. Rookies Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy will start at wide receiver, and if Javon Walker can’t get back into football shape before the opener, head Tom Cable said he won’t be apprehensive starting both players. “If they’re the best two guys, that’s who’s got to play,” Cable commented.

JaMarcus Russell will play most of the first half with the other starters. When Oakland makes their first change at quarterback, it is expected that Jeff Garcia will make his debut. The former 49er stated, “I know I may not get a whole lot of time in this preseason game but I expect probably more playing time in the next game against New Orleans. It’s about how physically I feel. I would hope to get a couple series Saturday night and do some things to where I can get some positive things happening on the field.”

What to Expect:

The Raiders need to start incorporating their young targets into their offense and give them confidence into the season. Russell should get at least 15-20 pass attempts in this game.

As for the trio at running back, Darren McFadden or Michael Bush will start. It’s time that the 2^nd year pro from Arkansas becomes the full-time starter and gets the most touches on this unit. Whoever does not get the nod at the beginning this weekend, will the following contest. Cable stated, “I just want to give them all a chance as a starter in the preseason.”

On Defense:

Oakland needs to decide who will start in the regular season betweenJay Richardson and Trevor Scott. Greg Ellis has been a quality acquisition, showing glimpses of his abilities versus the Cowboys and demonstrating his superior work ethic every day in camp. He’ll get to the quarterback consistently in 2009, but can his book-ends play consistent football? Scott is a pure pass rusher who gets handled in the run game. Richardson is not as dynamic as Scott, but the veteran may be able to hold his own a little better on early downs.

What to Expect:

Keep an eye out at the linebackers. Ricky Brown continues to show more fight than Kirk Morrison and rookie Slade Norris made a nice impression last weekend in his first action.

Rashad Baker is back with the Silver & Black and wearing no. 32.

The secondary has to play a lot better. And with the recent additions of Baker and Ricky Manning; Oakland has to start making judgments on which players they can move on with.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

On Offense:

The 49ers are trying to look for any positives on offense this summer. First round draft pick Michael Crabtree is holding out, rookie receiver Brandon Jones will miss substantial time with a broken bone in his shoulder and the quarterback competition is still up in the air.

Shaun Hill and Alex Smith will get about 15 reps a piece according to offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. But too many observers, Hill may be ahead based on what occurred this week versus the Raiders during their practice sessions.

“I thought he (Hill) did a good job,” head coach Mike Singletary said. “I think Shaun did a good job of getting the ball out and making some good decisions. I thought Alex did some nice things as well, but Shaun did do a good job.”

What to Expect:

Glen Coffee will take most of the reps at running back. It’s unclear whether or not they play starter Frank Gore. What is clear, is that they have full confidence in Coffee with his running and blocking skills.

“It’s unusual for a college back because they are not asked to protect much from the I-back position,” Raye stated. “If (Coffee) continues to develop the way that he has — he’s a rugged player, he is mentally tough — I think that he has a bright future.”

On Defense:

Patrick Willis was back on the field this week after missing 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles injury. When asked if he will be on the field against the Silver & Black, Willis stated, “If things continue to go well then, yes, sir, I’ll be out there unless an authority says no.”

The 49ers lost starting cornerback Walt Harris for the season with an ACL injury. They signed Eric Green on Wednesday for depth after inking veteran Dre Bly.

What to Expect:

The 49ers whooped on the Raiders this week in practice. But after the Raiders view the tape, adjust and maybe get their pride back; how will the 49ers respond? Singletary was happy with the defense after their victory against Denver, as they tormented Kyle Orton. Can they continue their dominance of the Raiders aerial attack?

NOTES:

• Khalif Barnes (broken left ankle) is moving around without his crutches, but he will most likely miss the entire pre-season and not be ready for the opener against the Chargers. That has not prevented him from chirping and defending his mates on the field stating, “I heard (cornerback) Nate Clements say something about we weren’t on their level and all that (stuff),” Barnes said after practice this week. “I beg to differ. “… They had one good day, but it doesn’t mean that they can beat their chests and walk around like they’re the best in the Bay.”
• Barry Sims, now with the 49ers, played for Oakland 1999-to-2007. Coaches Ted Tollner and Paul Hackett served as staffers on the 49ers for various seasons.

TV & RADIO

Greg Papa and Tom Flores, alongside Jim Plunkett, will simulcast the game on the Raiders Radio and Television Network. Raiders Legend George Atkinson will serve as the sideline analyst next to the host of the broadcast, popular radio personality JT the Brick.  This week’s game will be televised live locally in the Bay Area on KTVU Channel 2.  The game will also air live in Sacramento on KCRA Channel 3. The game can be heard on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the flagship for the Silver and Black’s multi-state Radio Network. Papa and Raiders two-time Super Bowl wining head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year.  The radio pregame and postgame shows will feature Raider Legends Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

I spoke with Jay Richardson after the Jets game to find out from him what he took from having directly spoken several former Raider greats and about game planning for Brett Favre…

Jay Richardson exclusive audio

 

 

JAY RICHARDSON

• DEFENSIVE END
• No: 98
• Height: 6’6
• Weight: 280
• Birth date: 01/27/1984
• College: Ohio State
• Acquired: Selected in the 5^th round (138 overall) of the 2007 NFL Entry Draft

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