Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was on KNBR on Tuesday and spoke openly about his position with the club, wanting to get a fair shot to start in 2010, the return of Tom Cable and other topics. Here’s a transcript of his chat.

About being on the air and disseminating information:

Anything I can do to get to the fans out in this area and a lot of Raider fans, and we’re excited.

Reflections of the Pittsburgh Steelers game – his homecoming:

Oh, it was unbelievable. To go home, be in front of all my family and friends and to get a big win against a good football team like that was unbelievable. Just for my family, in sharing that with me and just the excitement. Just the feeling we had in the locker room and as a team that we were finally coming together.

About his college career, putting up great numbers and surpassing legendary names:

Just to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys – it’s an honor. But it’s also humbling to know, I have a lot more to do in my career to even be mentioned with those guys. Being out now in the west coast, you saw what Joe Montana did out on the west coast. Hopefully one day I can do that for the Raiders. It’s definitely in my future and my goals and the dreams I have.

That was an awesome game against the Steelers, but it also would make it even more special if that was the AFC Championship game and we are going to the Super Bowl after that win. That’s kind of what I’m thinking about.

About the return of Tom Cable:

Yeah, coach Cable is going to be back. A lot of our coaching staff has stayed the same and we brought in a good coach in Hue Jackson, coming from the Baltimore Ravens, and you know, I’m excited.

Have you’ve been told Cable will be back, specifically?

We are going to work everyday like it’s the same. Coach Cable is in there working and that’s all I care about. I don’t look into details, but I just go in and take care of my own business and whoever is there I’m going to work with and we are going to do just fine.

Last season’s inconsistent play, beating the Steelers and Eagles, but failing against lesser opponents or in back-to-back games:

I think it shows that we are a good football team. And the only thing we have to work on is being consistent. And that’s the number one thing we are going to be focused on coming into this year is knowing and understanding that we are a good football team – the Oakland Raiders can compete with anyone. And we’ve proven that, we’ve showed that and now its just time to be consistent and show week-in and week-out and just prepare like that every week and believe in ourselves and know that we can get the job done just like any other team in the NFL.

What he brought to the table as oppose to JaMarcus Russell and if his leadership and work ethic was what won people over:

I think so. It was the way I’ve been raised.

Your going to get what you deserve. I believe that, so I’m just going to keep on working hard, just like I’ve been and that’s just the way my parents raised me.

I’m not really worried about how other people do their job. I’m just worried about being a professional, taking care of my own business and when the opportunity comes, just take advantage of it. And I was blessed with a good opportunity this past season.

About the situation with Russell, and how his large contract may dictate what occurs on the field:

Well, its tough. A guy like Jeff Garcia whose been in the league for years and he’s been successful, he’s never gotten the big signing bonus, the big contract that he’s deserved. And you know, its crazy how things work out in the NFL. It’s frustrating to a certain point, but you can’t worry about those things.

You just keep on working hard and good things will come. And you’ll get what you deserve. So that’s all I can really focus on.

Whether he’s officially signed?

I haven’t officially signed with them yet. They offered a second round tender. So its still free agency going on, so there are other teams out there, but in my heart, I want to be in Oakland. I believe I’ll be in Oakland and I’ll like to be here for years to come. I just feel a good presence here, especially with the fan-base we have. It’s the best in football and fans that love their team. And we need to give them something to cheer for. So that’s what I’m looking forward to changing this year and going in and having a good season.

Do you want assurance about having an open quarterback competition?

Yeah, I think that’s the way it always has to go. I believe that in any business that you are on, any field of work, competition just makes you better and the best person should be out there for the job. I think that’s the way it should take place. That’s the way it will take place and I’m looking forward to it. I’m just excited for getting this opportunity and like I’ve said, competition makes you better and there’s going to be competition everywhere. It’s just the nature of the game. So I’m looking forward to it this year and I’ll love to get it from the start and see what we can do with it.

About being the underdog year in and year out and communicating with Jeff Garcia:

Yeah, that’s why I think me and Jeff have such a good relationship. I think we are so similar in so many ways. At this point in Jeff’s career, where I’m at, he wasn’t even in the NFL, he was still in Canada, so I still have to stay positive. He reminds me of that. And when the opportunity comes, take advantage of it…

If you can win football games, if you can find a way to win, I think that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter about how much skill you really have, its about does the team rally around you, do you get the job done, are you smart and the leadership role – I think that’s one of the most important things about being a quarterback.

Differences between Cable and Jon Gruden:

I think every coach is different. And that is what makes every coach unique. There is no really right way to do it – it’s your own way. And I think coach Gruden, coach Gruden wanted his hands in everything. He was the offensive coordinator, the QBs coach, he kind of did everything.

Coach Cable is more of a overseer. A discipline guy. He’s a player’s type coach. The players want to play for a coach like coach Cable. He’s easy to communicate with and he wants the best for his players. So you like playing for a coach like that. Gruden and Cable, they each have their own way and its all about how to get the job done. And I think coach Cable did a great job with us last year and so, I’m exciting in moving forward with him this year and I think there are good things in store for us.

About the Randy Hanson incident:

I think the players, we just kind of have to worry about our job.

Just coming to work everyday and letting that stuff be handle by the people that handle that situation.

It’s unusual but, I think Mr. [Al] Davis, he just wants to win. And I think he really just wants to win and he wants the best for his players.

I’m hoping our fans back us from day one, ‘cause we can use them and we need them to be a part of this year and to be a part of this thing when we turn it around.

On Sunday, the Houston Texans (1-2) will try to avenge their 27-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders (1-2) from last season. In 2008, the Texans went into Oakland trying to extend to a franchise best five game-winning streak. But receivers Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens shined during the Raiders revival as the season wound down.

The Silver & Black has lost three of the four meetings in the short history of this series.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

The Raiders have anticipated Schilens’ arrival for some weeks now. But it appears now that the receiver will miss another game as he recovers from the broken bone in his left foot that he sustained during the pre-season. JaMarcus Russell’s favorite receiver practiced and went through drills, but his designated as ‘doubtful’ by Tom Cable.

Oakland needs as much talent around Russell right now, as he is currently slumping with a league worst 39.8 passer rating. And one former Raider has pinpointed some of the issues in Oakland with his recent comments.

“When you put him on the field in a one-on-one workout session [Russell] make every throw for you,” said Jeff Garcia who was signed by the Raiders this off-season and spent a lot of the summer in the same practice field working along side the former first overall pick before he was released. “But when it comes down to making things happen in the heat of the battle and rallying the troops around you and making a case for the team, that’s where maybe things aren’t where they need to be.”

He also commented on other issues regarding the club, stating: “It was to a point where I felt like guys who walked through those doors that just were there to collect a check and not really interested in putting everything that they had within themselves on to the football field. And that was the frustrating thing for me to see.”

“There were a lot of good young guys in that locker room who really want to do whatever it takes to win, but unfortunately it’s not everybody,” Garcia continued. “In order to compete at this level in this game, everybody needs to be on board.”

What to Expect:

The Texans are made to order for the Raiders. Oakland needs to get back to running the football and establishing Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas as the spearheads to this offense. Russell needs the help and a powerful running game to help him get out of his funk. The Texans are allowing a league worst 205 yards rushing per game. If Oakland cannot run against them, this game could get ugly.

On Defense:

The rush defense has completely collapsed since their impressive first half outing in week-one versus the Chargers. Oakland is allowing 155 yards on the ground per game and now faces a team with a very capable rusher who will try to breakout after a slow start to his season.

In the last two-contests, the Texans have racked up 420 and 397 total yards respectively and they’ll try to take advantage of the Raiders woes versus the run. Cable realizes how important it is to stuff their ground game early, stating, “We’re similar that way. So you want to get started fast. I think it probably bodes well for whichever team can get going soonest.”

What to Expect:

Pressure must be applied to the Texans offense – no excuses. The Raiders need to get to Matt Schaub and force some mistakes. So far, the Texans’ passer has only 2 interceptions and been sacked a league low 2 times. If Greg Ellis, Richard Seymour and the rest of the front-four cannot get to Schaub, he’ll carve up the Raiders’ secondary. Oakland will probably allow Steve Slaton to get his yardage, but if Schaub gets going himself, this Houston team will put up 30-points or more.

On Special Teams:

Justin Miller is back on the team. And deservingly, after Louis Rankin and Jonathan Holland were non-threats on kickoffs. The former New York Jet energized the return teams last season upon his arrival, but this summer was released in favor of other return men. “Sometimes it’s really not about you as a person,” he stated of his release. “It’s kind of what fits for the team at that point of time. You just take it in stride and be ready for the next opportunity.”

HOUSTON TEXANS

On Offense:

Schaub is enjoying a solid start to his season, recording the 4^th best passer rating in the league (101.9), the 8^th most passing yards in the NFL (823) and a solid touchdown to interception ratio, (7TD only 2 INT).

But what he would like is for 2^nd year pro Steve Slaton to get going. Houston is only averaging 70 yards a game on the ground, with Slaton rushing for 127 yards on 38 carries. Seventy-six of those yards came last week, and at this point, the Texans may be catching the Raiders at the right moment in trying to jolt their ground game.

One of the league’s best players – Andre Johnson – has started his season well. The 28-year old target has 18 catches for 270 yards and 2 scores.

What to Expect:

Many are pointing to this game as an important one for head coach Gary Kubiak. The team was expected to take a step up this season and a loss at home to the Raiders could really put the target on his back. So expect this offense to open up the playbook, attack all levels of the Raider defense and come out firing. If Slaton is churning out yardage, then Schaub will be efficient. If they cannot run the ball, Oakland will stick around and make things interesting.

On Defense:

Kubiak has talked about his unhappiness regarding the pass rush. He would like to see his front-four get to the opposing passer more often, and more importantly, he wants to see the Texans front-seven improve upon the league’s worst 205 rushing yards allowed per game.

Oakland can run it. And the Texans know it.

More importantly though, they would like continue Russell’s woes by getting to him when he drops back and covering his inexperienced targets.

Bernard Pollard was signed recently and he could see his first action against the Raiders. “We’re just not consistent [in the secondary],” coach Gary Kubiak mentioned. “We’re searching for some answers. We’re playing a lot of people back there. We’re going to continue to do that. We’re going to give some more guys some opportunities.”

What to Expect:

It’s time for Mario Williams to have a coming out party. He was shut-down by Mario Henderson last season and if the Texans want to continue to derail Russell’s season, they will need to rattle him with pressure and not allow break downs in the secondary, as the Raiders have had problems getting anything going consistent via the passing attack.

GAME NOTES

• Robert Gallery is out (fibula) as well as WR Nick Miller (shin). Hiram Eugene is questionable with his calf injury.
• The league fined Richard Seymour $7,500 for pulling Ryan Clady’s hair last Sunday.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Mario vs. Mario

LT Mario Henderson will need to have a second straight solid game versus DE Mario Williams if Oakland wants an upset victory on the road. “It was a good game for me to see where I was at,” Henderson said of his performance last season against Williams, “and it was a good feeling, too, to know that I can play.”

Which run defense plays toughest?

Both defenses are struggling against the run. Which one will play with more intensity, which one will play physical and which one will ultimately slow the other’s attack?

PREDICTION

Texans 31 – Raiders 17

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson providing play-by-play and former NFL player Steve Tasker handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, October 4, 2009, 1 p.m. ET | Reliant Stadium, TX

Home Team: Houston Texans (1-2) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-2) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-0

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Quarterback: B-

The numbers were fairly decent for JaMarcus Russell (7/11 for 76 yards and 1 TD), but most of his tosses were of the short variety and were safe. His 24-yard touchdown pass to Louis Murphy is what the team wants to see more of. On 3^rd and 22, hit got enough time to scan the field and then Russell was able to realize the break in the coverage and hit the rookie to give them a 7-0 lead. Russell was decisive and accurate on a 20-yard completion to TE Tony Stewart, releasing the ball above his OL and a defender plowing into him. Bruce Gradkowski looks to be way ahead in the fight for third in the depth chart. He was 3/5 for 44 yards, one touchdown and one interception. As soon as he came into the game in the 3^rd quarter, he showed off his mobility with a 9-yard scamper. A few plays later, he hooks up with the rookie tight end for a nice 36-yard pass before he connects with Brandon Myers again to cap the drive with a touchdown and a 14-3 lead. Jeff Garcia came on late in the 1^st half, immediately completed a 9-yard pass to Johnnie Lee Higgins, then ran for 9 yards, but as time expired and the Raiders in 49ers territory, he overthrew his target, and the pass was deflected into the hands of a defender. Garcia looked healthy and ready to continue work this week after his stint. Charlie Frye had his moments, but his interception led to the 49ers game-winning score. After Gradkowski’s pick, Carlos Thomas returned Frye’s first pass to the Raider 25 yard line. Frye was feisty at the end of the contest, scrambling and making plays with his feet.

Running Back: C

Much of the talk here is what they couldn’t do due to the weak play of the offensive line. Darren McFadden opened the game with Oren O’Neal. The fullback looked slow and not able to neither seal any lanes nor get into the second level of the defense. McFadden had to dance around bodies just to get to the line of scrimmage. On a 2^nd and goal in the 1^st quarter, Justin Fargas got the call, but the offensive line was mauled on the play. The running backs were at their best during screens and dump offs and little else. The best ground game Oakland had was with their shifty quarterbacks when they broke out of the pocket.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: B+

Brandon Myers was athletic, sure-handed and looked every part of being a tight end at the NFL level. His 4 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown were very impressive. Murphy continues to show that he can be a contributor to this attack. He found the soft spot in the 49ers cover-2 on the touchdown and tallied 34 yards on the night. Zach Miller had 3 catches and was Russell’s safety blanket once again. On a 3^rd and 9 in the first quarter, it appeared that Darrius Heyward-Bey wiggled open on a out pattern, but Russell was not able to connect on his pass. Johnnie Lee Higgins was active and beat a CB so bad, he drew a pass interference penalty that netted the Raiders 22-yards.

Offensive Line: D-

This group was ineffective and looked sluggish all night. They were not able to open up any holes for the rushers, beaten at the point of attack on the majority of running plays the Raiders called. On a 2^nd and 13 in the 2^nd quarter in which Fargas got near the goal line on a screen pass, Center Samson Satele was flagged for a hold. James Marten could’ve had a costly penalty, as he was flagged before Frye’s touchdown run deep in SF territory. Cornell Green’s penalty in the 2^nd quarter also put the Raiders in a tough down and distance.

Defensive Line: F

The 49ers rushed for 275 yards and controlled the time of possession 38:44 to 21:16. Frank Gore got his feet wet early, but his back-up Glen Coffee plowed through the Raiders, amassing over 100 yards rushing in the 1^st half and 129 for the contest. Michael Robinson and Kory Sheets joined the party later; they totaled 148 yards. Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly were a sieve. They got pushed around all night, and when Terdell Sands and William Joseph were in there, it did not get any better. The most noticeable trend from last night was how the edges of the defense were exposed. Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and Jay Richardson all were manhandled on tosses, sweeps and any rush plays run at them. William Joseph did have some nice plays, batting a ball down on 4^th down to end a 49er drive and shutting down an end around for -6 yards. Ellis got pressure early on passing downs, but his rush was neutralized once San Francisco began to pound at John Marshall’s defense.

Linebackers: D

If not for a Ricky Brown interception and return for 46 yards that set Oakland up for points in 49er territory, this unit would have been given an ‘F’ as well. Oakland blitzed a lot with this group, but only managed one sack the whole night. Kirk Morrison was whipped away on a few rushes, Thomas Howard was active, but needed to make trailing tackles on rushers that broke free into the second level of the defense, and Jon Alston, who started at OLB was ineffective. Slade Norris missed some tackles and Morlon Greenwood could not a case for himself making the roster with poorest showing by the defense.

Secondary: C

The starters were solid, but not tested much since the 49ers had so much success on the ground. Starter Chris Johnson had his moments in the 1^st half; covering and tackling Vernon Davis for minimal gains. Hiram Eugene and Tyvon Branch appeared lost at times as well as Jerome Boyd. Ricky Manning Jr. played well, and recorded a big tackle on a 3^rd and 7 run to get the Raiders off the field.

Special Teams: B

Nick Miller did not put any fear into the 49er coverage units. His fumble late ended any hope the Raiders had of winning the game. Justin Miller had a 26-yard kickoff return and punter Ricky Schmitt did an admirable job averaging 48.0 yards a punt.

Coaching: B-

Tom Cable should had left Russell in the game to end the half. That was a perfect opportunity to let the young passer orchestrate a 2-minute drill. He did a good job challenging Frye’s touchdown. He stuck to the game plan, playing all the quarterbacks on the roster and giving them all a shot to get their feet wet last night. His team built a nice lead and appeared in control to start the 3^rd quarter, but there was no answer for the onslaught on the ground. Cable did a nice job taking a time-out in the 2^nd quarter when the 49ers got to the goal line. That got the Raiders a breather and thwarted a 13 play drive that could’ve ended in a touchdown, but instead the 49ers got a FG.

NOTES:

• When the 49ers took a 21-14 lead, they had scored 18-unanswered points on the strength of a powerful running game and 3 turnovers. San Francisco has also dominated the time of possession, 35:14 to 15:52 to that point in the final quarter.
• Kirk Morrison was seen leaving the game with his arm in sling. He will be out at least 2-weeks, and with Ricky Brown making plays and looking more intense out there, it appears that the product out of Oakland will have to deal with a bumpy road in 2009.

Glen Coffee starts the 2^nd quarter with another big run, tallying 18 more yards. Shaun Hill is now in the game, and his first toss is incomplete to Arnaz Battle. CB Chris Johnson on the next play makes a solid open field tackle after a short gain on a pass. On 3^rd and 9, Justin Miller almost got his hands on a pass, but WR Josh Morgan made a great catch for 7 yards. But William Joseph ended the 49er drive on 4^th and 2 by batting a ball down at the line of scrimmage.

The Raiders take over on their own 40-yard line. JaMarcus Russell to Zach Miller for 11 yards opens the next drive. Russell had a nice play fake and looked comfortable on that play. The 49ers blitzed on the next play, Russell stayed in the pocket and attempted to hit Darrius Heyward-Bey, but the toss was incomplete. Justin Fargas on the next play gained 11 yards on a dump off pass. Russell hit Miller again, on a short quick toss to Miller for 2 yards. Russell showed his arm on the next play going deep to Johnnie Lee Higgins, but the CB was fooled and was penalized for a pass interference that netted the Raiders 22 yards. On 2^nd and 8, Russell tried to hit Higgins on a crossing pattern, but this time the Raiders were penalized for having an ineligible man downfield (Cornell Green). On 2^nd and 13, Fargas gained big yardage near the goal line on a screen, but the play was nullified by a Samson Satele hold penalty. The Raiders now faced a 2^nd and 23, and on a end around to Louis Murphy, the Silver & Black only mustered up one yard. On 3^rd and 22, Russell hit Murphy for a 25-yard touchdown pass. It appeared that the 49ers had a mix up in coverage, as the rookie beat Nate Clements on the play and the safety was not there to back him up. Oakland had great field position, they shot themselves in the foot after getting near the goal line, but they rally on a 3^rd and long and take advantage of San Francisco’s mix-up in the secondary as they attempted to play cover-2.

Oakland leads 7-0.

The 49ers get the ball at the 20-yard line after Sebastian Janikowski rolls a kickoff into the end zone. Coffee off the left side ran through a gaping hole and gained 35 yards. Eugene again was the last line of defense. Hill went deep on the next play and over threw his intended target, who had a step on Chris Johnson. Coffee gains another 3 yards on 2^nd down, as the 49ers continue to push around the Raiders’ front-seven with ease. On 3^rd and 7, Coffee gets the call on a draw play and gains another 8 yards against the Raiders’ abysmal rush defense. Coffee for 5 more yards on the ground on the next play. On 2^nd and 5, the Raiders blitz, but Stanford Routt gets beaten on a quick slant by Arnaz Battle for a gain of 12. On this drive, Coffee has punished any Raider defender who attempted to tackle him. San Francisco faced 3^rd and inches; so they went to Coffee who again churned out first down yardage. Coffee gets to the 2-yard line on the ensuing play right up the gut of the Raiders’ defense. Tommy Kelly and Sam Williams thwart Coffee on the next play after Tom Cable calls a time-out. Hill cannot connect with Vernon Davis on 3^rd and goal, as Tyvon Branch had nice coverage in the back of the end zone. The 49ers settle on a FG after a 13 play, 76-yard drive after the Raiders scored. They controlled the line of scrimmage during the entire series and dominated on the ground before getting near the goal line.

At this point, Coffee has 16 carries for 129 yards.

Justin Miller was not able to return the errant kick that went out of bounds. Jeff Garcia took over at this point, making his pre-season debut with the Silver & Black. A false start along the offensive line started Garcia’s drive. Garcia completed his first pass for 9 yards to Higgins. He then scrambled for 9 yards to midfield. As the clock reached the 1:07 mark, the Raiders call a time-out. Garcia moves in the pocket on the ensuing play and hits Murphy for 10 yards. 1^st and goal from the SF 38, Garcia was not able to hit a streaking Zach Miller. Michael Bush gets his first carry on a draw that compiles 10 yards. A few plays later, Garcia again scrambling out of the pocket, over throws a wide-open Higgins, who tips the ball and it is deflected into the hands of Allen Rossum for an interception.

A few plays later, the 1^st half ends with the Raiders holding a 7-3 lead.

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

The Oakland Raiders’ offense did not have a bad practice session versus the San Francisco 49ers. They were abysmal!

San Francisco’s pass defense toyed with the Raider offense; including five interceptions, four during run throughs in the red-zone and three of them that were picked off from JaMarcus Russell.

His response, “It’s not the end of the world. If it is, then show me.”

We all know by now how laid back the cannon armed passer can be. So this just may be how he emotes after a lackadaisical effort during practice. Russell may not let this affect him in the long run. But showing a little frustration and letting his teammates know that that was not an acceptable performance is something we should see out of the guy pegged to lead this team.

S&B journalist DeMarcus Davis said of the embarrassing practive, “All the Raiders could do was hold their heads down in shame. NOT ONE RAIDER got in the face of their tormentors. They would just walk back to the huddle and limp to another play. It was pathetic.”

That’s when Russell needs to show leadership. That’s when he has to gather his troops and stop the bleeding. So far, we have not seen signs of this and eventually, he’ll have to show some more fire if this team is going to turn the corner and avoid a seventh straight 11+ loss season.

Even his opponents see the immaturity. Cornerback Dre Bly stated, “He’s kind of young. He’s kind of learning to be a leader. I didn’t notice anyone stepping up and saying, ‘this is enough.”

What should be troubling to Russell is how his teammate Jeff Garcia is showing more fire. It was the former 49er that huddled the team and gave them words of motivation.

“[Garcia] brought the guys up,” Russell said. “You can see some of the guys haven’t been in that situation to where a guy jumping on them like that. It’s the big leagues. You going to get that. You never know who it’s going to come from. You can have a kid in there say a few words but Jeff is a guy that’s been in the NFL for quite some years. I think a lot of the young guys will take heed to that.”

Yes JaMarcus…

Learn from that, because if you don’t, Garcia will take your job. He is not there to baby-sit you. He may teach how to be a leader, – if that’s something you can learn – but he’ll do it knowing that he may be the best quarterback on the roster and deserving of the job if Russell cannot show progress.

MURPHY THE IGNITOR

One player who showed some fire during practice was rookie Louis Murphy.

The wide receiver out of Florida was boisterous, getting in the face of cornerback Shawntae Spencer in drills. “That’s how I get motivated,” Murphy said. “And the coaches know that. Just out there talking man, you know? That’s just part of my game. To a certain extent, it helps me get pumped and ready for the play.”

It was important to see Murphy back on the field, especially after the loss of Chaz Schilens. The rookie has a chance to get substantial playing time once the season starts, so working with Russell and the first team in practice and during pre-season games could go a long way in seeing him contribute early in 2009.

Head Coach Tom Cable said, “We have to have guys step up. Louis Murphy’s back, and someone else has got to go make those plays.”

What did the 49ers think of Murphy?

Bly commented: “Well, (Louis) Murphy. A Florida guy. They’ve got two national championships, so I guess you feel like you can come into this league and talk. I was telling one of the guys, the national championships on this level is equivalent to a high school state championship. Nobody cares. That’s in the past. It was cool while you were in college, but when you get to the league it’s equivalent to a high school state championship. He’s a guy that has a lot of swagger… He’s young. When you’re young you’re going to come in talking and want to compete. I was the same way. I don’t know if I talked that much, but I was fired up about being in the league and having a chance to compete against different guys.”

BAKER BACK

Per reports, CB Rashad Baker has signed a deal with the Raiders. The Philadelphia Eagles cut the 27 year old recently after inking him back in March to shore up a secondary that had lost leader Brian Dawkins.

“I think I’ve had a fair camp,” Baker had said before being waived. “I know there are a lot of good players at the safety position on this team. My goal is to open some eyes. Some days it might happen because I make a couple of interceptions. Some days I might not get any picks, so I’ll have to do something else to stand out. That might mean doing something on special teams or anywhere on the field.”

Baker was on the Raiders roster during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Two areas that the Oakland Raiders do not need to fill with prospects in next week’s draft are quarterback and running back.

JaMarcus Russell will either make or break the organization with his development or lack thereof, Jeff Garcia signed this off-season, giving the Raiders a reliable veteran presence behind their most expensive commodity and Bruce Gradkowski, Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo bring up the rear for the battle at the bottom of the depth chart.

Garcia knows that Russell has been chosen to lead this team in the near future. And he also knows that he is in Oakland to support and push him in any way to get the best out of his massive potential. The Raiders are in good hands with Garcia if any injuries keep Russell out of the line-up; really the only way the former 49er, Eagle, Brown, Lion and Buccaneer will see action on the field in 2009.

There is no need for the Raiders to even glance at any passers in this draft with the mix of veterans and youth in their crowded quarterback corps.

The same can be said at running back.

Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush can all stake their claim to getting the majority of the carries on any given Sunday.

Fargas’ durability is always a concern, especially with his reckless style of running. His body takes a pounding every year, and because of this, the Raiders can make the case that keep all three in rotation will be imperative.

McFadden needs to be utilized more as a rusher, and not just a gimmick player. You don’t draft a rusher number four overall and just use him as a change of pace ball carrier.

As for Bush, his performance late in the season versus Tampa Bay opened up eyes and demonstrated what he can do at this level. His size and skill set adds another dimension to this offense.

Fullback may be the only position in the backfield the Raiders will try to improve next week.

Last year, Oakland lost Oren O’Neal for the season with a knee injury, but Tom Cable has stated that he expects him to be ready at the start of camp. With Marcel Reece and Luke Lawton being the only two other fullbacks on the roster, the Raiders may have to add some competition to this unit.

Justin Griffith, released in the off-season, was a steady veteran who understood the zone-blocking scheme and was an outlet for the quarterback on short dump offs. O’Neal is more of bulldozing blocker, so if they do fill the fullback spot in the draft, expect a player with similar attributes to what Griffith had.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Will Ta’ufo’ou, FB, California

Big blocker, great work ethic and a leader type. Just the type of player Tom Cable likes. And if they feel O’Neal won’t be ready at the start of camp, this California prospect could be surprise addition to the roster.

Eddie Williams, FB, Idaho

More of the Griffith type with soft hands, good route running and ‘tweener’ skills.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Monday, Jeff Garcia returned to the Bay area, but this time, he will be donning the Silver & Black of the Oakland Raiders.

Garcia inked a one-year contract with Oakland knowing he will have to take a back seat to starter JaMarcus Russell. The 39-year old has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the last five campaigns with four different clubs since departing the San Francisco 49ers after 2003.

Raiders executive John Herrera stated to The Associated Press that the passer would join the club’s off-season workout program immediately.

A native of Gilroy, Ca., it has been reported that Garcia will be paid slightly more than the league minimum.

There is no doubt that Oakland will go with Russell as the starter for the foreseeable future. Garcia’s arrival will just ensure there is more competition for the back up role and provide stability to the offense if Russell happens to miss any time due to injury.

Garcia is a fiery quarterback and a proven leader who gains the respect of his teammates. The professionalism and work ethic he will bring to the Raider locker room can be invaluable as head coach Tom Cable will try to change the losing culture that has festered this team since the start of the 2003 season.

Garcia may not impact the team physically on the field. But if any of his determination, approach and preparation can rub off on Russell, the Raiders may have just added a key component to their club. Plus, regardless of whether he plays or not, Garcia is a positive presence that can only bring some spunk to a Raider team that will try to learn to win with many young players.

Andrew Walter and Bruce Gradkowski are the other two back-ups on the roster. Neither will be insured a roster spot, and if the Raiders go into the pre-season with that same line-up, depending on performances and need around the league, they may be able to swap a player like Walter if a team is in search of depth to fill out their corps.

Oakland continued a solid off-season with this signing. Garcia is savvy and knows how to win. If Russell goes down, they will be in good hands. And if Russell’s play is down, Garcia will be the right guy to light fire under the no. one overall choice.

Nothing was ever given to Garcia on a silver platter. Maybe his presence and story will influence and push Oakland’s franchise passer to greater heights.

 

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist