Silver and Black Report

This one hurt…

For three quarters, the Oakland Raiders (7-7) defense held their own versus the Detroit Lions (9-5). Linebacker Aaron Curry had scored, the unit was putting pressure on Matthew Stafford and the crowd was revved up knowing that with a Broncos’ loss, Oakland would again share the same record as their rival.

But a 13-point deficit was washed away in the final 7:47 and Ndamukong Suh blocked Sebastian Janikowski’s 65-yard game winning field goal as time expired. “It’s probably one of the worst things that happened since I’ve been here,” said Mike Mitchell.

Here’s what went wrong during the final minutes:

Matthew Stafford hit Titus Young for a three-yard score to cut into the Oakland lead, 27-21.

The drive opened with a 14-yard pass interference call on Stanford Routt, as he worked on Calvin Johnson. A few plays later on 3^rd and 10, Brandon Pettigrew hauled in a 17-yard pass.

Johnson then had a 16-yard catch. Jim Schwartz went for it on 4^th and 2 from the eight-yard line and his passer scrambled for a first down. Young hit paydirt on the next play.

Drive: 10-plays, 71-yards, 2:48 elapsed.

WITH OVER 4:00 TO GO, OAKLAND TOOK OVER…

Michael Bush quickly gained 12-yards on the ground to start the drive and a play later, after Hue Jackson decided to keep the clock running with another run, Detroit was forced to use their second time out.

A few plays later, on 3^rd and 3 at the Lions 48-yard line, Carson Palmer went deep to Chaz Schilens, but the receiver failed to haul in the pass. In the 1^st quarter, Palmer had missed a wide-open Denarius Moore for a score. This time around, Oakland’s chance to run out the clock was washed down the drain with Schilens’ effort.

Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 2:32 elapsed.

MEGATRON WINS IT…

After a stellar Shane Lechler punt, which was placed at the 2-yard line, Stafford went to work against the Raiders secondary.

Nate Burleson had a vital 8-yard catch on 3^rd and 2 and then Johnson hauled in a 21 yard toss near the sideline that was reviewed and held up.

The mind-boggling play of the day was on Johnson’s 48-yard catch. Why were Rolando McClain and Jerome Boyd in coverage versus their lethal downfield target?

“It isn’t a scheme issue,” Jackson said. “The ball’s laying up in the air. You gotta go make that play. Their guy made it and we didn’t. So they won the game.”

Routt, who gets paid top cornerback money, was not on their best wide receiver, and then he gets flagged for pass interference on a 1^st and 20. Two plays later, Johnson hauls in the game-winning 6-yard score.

“He is a good player. We have a lot of great players and we made a lot of plays on Calvin today. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the ones that counted,” stated Tyvon Branch.

Drive: 7 plays, 98 yards, 1:35 elapsed.

OAKLAND’S FINAL CHANCE

Palmer got Oakland off on the right foot on their final drive with a 13-yard completion to Kevin Boss and then another 21-yard toss to the tight end.

But Janikowski’s 65-yard field goal was too much to ask for. It was blocked at the line of scrimmage and the Raiders lost a thriller at the O.Co Coliseum.

“I got off the ball as hard and as fast as I could. Put up my hand.  Coach (Danny) Crossman does a great job with us, telling us that Janikowski is a great kicker and he gets the ball off fast. I put my (right) hand up. It hit my thumb,” Suh stated in the locker room.
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Carson Palmer wasn’t the only addition the Oakland Raiders made yesterday. They officially announced the signing of former-Bengals safety Chinedum Ndukwe.

Ndukwe, a 7^th round choice in the 2007 draft, tallied 257 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 6 interceptions from 2007-to-2010.

To make room for Ndukwe on the roster, Oakland parted ways with Jerome Boyd.

Nic Grigsby, a rookie, who was also released by the Dolphins, was taken off the Raiders practice squad.

The Silver & Black have been busy with varying transactions recently, trading for Aaron Curry, acquiring Palmer and making roster moves to free-up space for all the new talent. Joe Porter was also a casualty a few days ago, as Terrelle Pryor will now occupy a spot on the active roster.

A few reports yesterday had Lito Sheppard working out for the Raiders.

The cornerback played for Oakland during the pre-season, consequent to getting calls from the Giants and Falcons.

OTHER NOTES

Oakland will play their second game in as many weeks against a team coming off a bye. The week-off helped the Kansas City Chiefs regain their health. Running back Jackie Battle and fullback Le’Ron McClain could play this Sunday, both who are vital to the their ground attack, which lost Jamaal Charles for the season.

Hue Jackson has not announced his starting quarterback against the Chiefs, but Kansas City expects to be ready for whoever is under center. “Whoever they put in, I’m sure they are going to get him ready to go,” DE Glenn Dorsey said. “Hopefully we can try to take advantage of that [inexperience] and see how it goes.”

“This is a big, strong, physical team on all sides of the ball that I think has continued to develop and improve here through my time here in Kansas City,” Chiefs head coach Todd Haley stated. “Going out there to Oakland is always a great, great test, so we will have our work cut out for us any way you cut it.”

Darren McFadden has tallied some big stats against the Chiefs. In five games, he’s compiled 312 yards [5.1 avg.] and two scores. Without McFadden in the season finale last year, Oakland ran for 209-yards. “They don’t give up on (running).  They will run the same play three times in a row. They’ll just keep doing it. I think they’re banking on one of them opening up and popping off for a long run. It’s about the fits. You have to be consistent with your play, even more so against a team like this,” commented Dorsey.

 

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The Oakland Raiders (2-1) took it to the New York Jets (2-1) in their home opener, rumbling for 234-rushing yards, in their 34-24 victory. Here’s who was deserving of game-balls after the contest:

Darren McFadden

Ran the ball 19-times for 171-yards and two scores. He’s just the fourth player to run for over 100-yards against the Jets defense since Rex Ryan took over. His 70-yard run for a score was the longest of his career, and the turning point of the contest, especially since New York had reeled off 17-unanswered points.

Denarius Moore

The rookie was not the explosive pass catcher this week, tallying only 34-yards on four grabs, but he gave Oakland the lead for good in the 3^rd quarter on a 23-yard run that ended with him sprawling into the end-zone. Just like Jacoby Ford last season, Moore is becoming a vital playmaker for the Raiders in 2011.

Jason Campbell

Yet another steady performance for the quarterback, with 18-completions for 156-yards, but more importantly, no interceptions. Campbell used his legs to get out of trouble and extend plays. His 10-yard carry to open a drive late in the 4^th quarter set the tone for Oakland’s last score. He later hit Michael Bush, after scrambling, for 28-yards to the Jets 32-yard line, to set up Sebastian Janikowski’s 49-yard field goal.

Jarvis Moss

Credited for two-sacks, Moss played his best game as a Raider, while being a disruptive force in the second half.

Chimdi Chekwa

The rookie cornerback was catapulted into long-relief after Chris Johnson was injured early in the contest. He held his own versus Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes, made stellar tackles and played well enough to give the Raiders confidence going forward in his abilities.

Tyvon Branch

Solid in run support all afternoon. His interception early in the game was crucial, as the Jets were driving in Raider territory.

Sebastian Janikowski

The powerful kicker nailed two long field goals and had the distance on a 56-yarder that sailed wide right.

Jerome Boyd

Had a pass defended near the goal line versus Dustin Keller. Another Raider back up that stepped up after the secondary was hit with injuries.

 

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The official Oakland Raiders transaction page was updated with the signing of safety Jerome Boyd.

The Silver & Black added Boyd after the 2009 draft, inking the then linebacker before he was released on September 5^th, 2009 and then re-signed to the practice squad the following day. At the end of the season, Boyd was promoted to the active roster, but was a non-factor on the field.

While in college, he was a two-time Honorable mention All-Pac 10 (2007-2008). Boyd was clocked running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash in Oregon. In his final season, he was fifth on the team with 80-tackles, fighting through injuries and ailments all campaign which led him to receive the Bob Officer Award as the program’s player who excelled despite adversity and injury.

His lone memorable moment as a Raider came in a 17-9 preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Boyd clinched the win with an interception returned 48-yards for a score.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders signed safety Stevie Brown back onto the practice squad. Brown was originally a seventh round draft choice in April’s draft out of Michigan.

Quinton Scott was also added to the practice unit.

Scott played at Northern Iowa and was at the facility trying out for the club along with one of Oakland’s top performers in the pre-season, safety Jerome Boyd (pictured on right).

The move corresponded with the release of linebacker Slade Norris.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) defeated the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) 17-9 in their first pre-season action. Here are some highlights of the contest:

It was a good showing for rookie defensive end Lamarr Houston. He started and played the entire first half and tallied two-sacks. He acknowledged during the game’s telecast that the solid coverage down the field helped him get to Tony Romo. His horrible haircut, at the hands of John Henderson, was also on display when he spoke to sideline reporter, George Atkinson.

Jon Condo got down the field on punts smoothly and made two solid tackles. Hiram Eugene assisted on Oakland’s first punt coverage attempt in the first quarter.

Nnamdi Asomugha stared down Romo and nearly picked off his pass attempt to Roy Williams on 2^nd and 5 on Dallas’ first drive. Stanford Routt played well in run support and was in coverage on a 3^rd and 7 that forced Dallas to punt.

Chris Johnson was beat for 24-yards by Miles Austin on 3^rd and 12 in the first quarter. The Cowboys breakout wide receiver last season made an athletic play to haul in the Romo pass. Austin again beat Johnson on a slant for 9 yards on a 3^rd and 6.

Michael Huff stuffed a screen to Marion Barber on 2^nd and 19 early in the contest. Later, he tallied a tackle bouncing Austin out of bounds on an end around that Mike Mitchell dissected perfectly.

Trevor Scott’s sack and forced fumble on 3^rd and 18 forced a long field goal attempt in the first quarter.

Langston Walker had a crucial flag that turned a 3^rd and 4 into a 3^rd and 9. The OL started with Walker at RT, Cooper Carlisle at RG, Samson Satele at C, Robert Gallery at LG and Marion Henderson at LT. The second unit struggled with Kyle Boller under center. Khalif Barnes was infracted for a false start to start Boller’s night and on the ensuing play, second year tight end Brandon Myers was flagged as well for the same penalty. Chris Morris was even called for holding, but Dallas declined it.

Jason Campbell chucked up a few long tosses to Louis Murphy. His best pass was a 3^rd and 3 completion for 7-yards to tight end Zach Miller. The former Redskin was getting hit as he released the football, still getting good velocity on the accurate pass towards the sideline. On that drive at the end of the first quarter, Campbell was sacked when Samson Satele was bulldozed on 2^nd and 10.  On a 2^nd and 5, Campbell got appeared in rhythm when he hit Todd Watkins on a quick slant for 10-yards – changing the pace of the stagnant Raiders’ offense as he noticed the CB was playing off his target.

Matt Shaughnessy continues his solid development with a two sack performance. On back-to-back plays in the 2^nd quarter, he almost recorded a safety with his powerful penetration into the Dallas backfield.

Tom Cable went for it on 4^th and 1 in the 2^nd quarter. The play: Campbell taking the snap from a shotgun formation, but flailing his toss incomplete. On 4^th and 1 in the 4^th quarter, Boller sneaked for a first down behind Veldheer.

Dallas also took a shot on a 4^th and 1, but Ricky Brown stuffed the screen play on a solid Raider defensive stand.

Rookie Jared Veldheer sprung Rock Cartwright for 16-yards with a solid block. He played at center in the 4^th quarter.

Michael Bennett showed his swiftness through the line of scrimmage and play making ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Rock Cartwright did a little bit of everything throughout the night. With Darren McFadden not playing, Oakland displayed their depth at running back. Bennett’s 68-yards on 12 carries and 33-yard reception were crucial in the win.

Shane Lechler was in All-Pro form with a 62-yard punt.

Shaun Bodiford muffed a punt that Dallas recovered at Oakland’s 11-yard line.

Kyle Boller’s lofted an out pass to Yamon Figurs for 18-yards in the 4^th quarter. The toss just got over the defenders fingertips and Figurs did a fine job staying in bounds. The WR/specialist followed that up with a 7-yard catch on 2^nd and 5.

Nick Miller appeared to grab a touchdown on a fade pattern near the back pylon late in the contest. The back judge called it a score initially, but the referee announced that the play was incomplete. Oakland challenged and won.

Oakland was fortunate when Leon Williams dropped a deflected pass up in the air that could’ve ended their late scoring drive. Raiders rookie Stevie Brown could’ve had a game closing interception with under 90 seconds left.

Jerome Boyd ended all hope for the Cowboys with a 50-yard interception return for a score. The deflection was bounced right into the safety’s arms.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Per press releases by the Oakland Raiders:

LB Thomas Howard visited The Bay Area After-School All-Stars at Horace Mann Elementary in San Jose. The Bay Area After-School All-Stars is a program that provides free after school programming for underserved youth. The program currently serves 26 schools in San Jose and is looking to expand to more schools in the future. Students attend the program for four hours each day after school, doing their homework creating art and playing sports.

Raiders cornerback and United Way ambassador Nnamdi Asomugha participated in the United Way/Matchbridge Dress for Success Work-Readiness Fair. Young people had the opportunity to select donated business clothing to wear for job interviews, and also take part in mock interviews to learn how to enter the business world and land a job. Asomugha helped the participants choose clothing and served as a mock interviewer.

QB Bruce Gradkowski surprised Napa High School senior Michaela Lambert by presenting her with the Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Award during class. This was Napa High’s first student to receive the scholarship. The Bay Area All-Star Scholarship Program receives applications from schools in nine Bay Area counties annually. Student advisors recommend two female and two male seniors who display outstanding achievement in the classroom, community, and in sports.

LB Thomas Howard and safeties Michael Huff, Jerome Boyd, Tyvon Branch and Mike Mitchell, went head to head against the 5th graders of Anna Yates Elementary School in Emeryville for an “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” showdown. The Thomas Howard Foundation partnered with the Bay Area After-School All-Stars to demonstrate to students that learning can be fun. As standardized testing approached, Howard wanted to motivate the students to be successful in school. Students were on the edge of their seats for the opportunity to prove to the NFL players that they could beat them in this educational competition.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here are more views exclusive to SBReport.net of the Oakland Raiders Organized Team Activities (OTA). The Silver & Black are just weeks away from beginning their training camp and kicking off their pre-season campaign. Stay logged on to SBReport throughout the summer for a peek into all the happenings in Raider-Land.

Safety Tyvon Branch (#33) will be looking to break out in 2010. An underrated player in the AFC, his tackling ability around the line of scrimmage and coverage skills has improved since entering the league. Oakland boasts a young and talented defensive backfield that will only get better with Branch’s maturity and will get more recognition as the defender makes a name for himself this season.

Rookie Jacoby Ford (#12) is fast – very fast. In college, he was dubbed the “fastest player on the East Coast,” an attribute that Oakland will put to the test on special teams and as a wide receiver this summer.

Jerome Boyd (#30), a one-time linebacker, will try to sneak onto the roster as a safety. While in college, he was a two-time Honorable mention All-Pac 10 (2007-2008). Boyd was clocked running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash in Oregon. Hiram Eugene is most likely his obstacle for a roster spot.

Elliot Vallejo (#62) is a 6’7, 315 pound tackle, who was initially signed to the Raiders practice squad on December of 2009. Released a few days later that season, Oakland brought him back on June 8, 2010. The offensive line is a major question mark for the Silver & Black, but it is unlikely that Vallejo impacts that depth chart, unless he has an impressive summer and Tom Cable’s bunch suffers crippling injuries.

Yes, the above image is of Darrius Heyward-Bey attempting to snag a pass during drills. All reports have been good so far. But his rookie season was so bad; you may have to temper the enthusiasm until the 2^nd year pro actually sees live action in a regular season game. Heyward-Bey was so bad in 2010; any signs of improvement will be received with high praise.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

JEROME BOYD

• SAFETY
• No: 30
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 225
• Birth date: 05/26/1986
• College: OREGON
• Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2009 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders added Jerome Boyd after the 2009 draft, inking the then linebacker before he was released on September 5^th, 2009 and then re-signed to the practice squad the following day. At the end of the season, Boyd was promoted to the active roster, but was a non-factor on the field.

While in college, he was a two-time Honorable mention All-Pac 10 (2007-2008). Boyd was clocked running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash in Oregon. In his final season, he was fifth on the team with 80-tackles, fighting through injuries and ailments all campaign which led him to receive the Bob Officer Award as the program’s player who excelled despite adversity and injury.

In the season finale, the Oakland Raiders (5-10) will play host to the Baltimore Ravens (8-7). And it’s a simple formula for the Ravens – win the game and you’re in the playoffs. Oakland has lost five of the six meetings against Baltimore, the last time being a 29-10 thrashing in which they allowed 192-yards rushing during week-eight of the 2008 campaign.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It will be Charlie Frye again under center, as Tom Cable continues to reiterate how the journeyman gives his club the best chance to win as oppose to the mega-bust in the making JaMarcus Russell.

Frye may have the services of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Brandon Myers this week. Both took the field during Wednesday’s practice session and Tom Cable stated that either might have a chance to see a reserved role on Sunday.

Justin Fargas (knee) and Langston Walker (ankle) don’t look as promising as they sat out during mid-week practices.

What to Expect:

It’s the last game of the year, so its time for Cable to throw the kitchen sink at the Ravens and open up the offense. Chaz Schilens has been a nice spark since coming off his injury and the combo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush in the backfield could provide enough diversity to make some plays against the Ravens 3^rd ranked defense. Since there is no tomorrow for the Silver & Black, they should display ‘Wildhog’ formations with McFadden and let Frye air it out against a team that will desperately need the win to continue their season.

On Defense:

“It doesn’t motivate me to be no spoiler,” defensive Greg Ellis said yesterday. “I want to be the one that’s going there and somebody’s trying to spoil my stuff.

Ellis has enjoyed a solid season with the Raiders, although knee injuries have hindered his availability to practice during the week. His ability to get to the passer this week will be of importance against Joe Flacco.

Oakland’s rush defense will be put to the test by Pro Bowl bound Ray Rice, who has paced the Ravens offense with 1,269 yards on 240 carries for a stellar 5.3 yards a carry average, 7 touchdowns and leading the team with 74 catches.

What to Expect:

Again, the Raiders have no tomorrow after Sunday, so John Marshall’s bunch should blitz alter their coverage’s and try to confuse Flacco and the Ravens offense. In recent weeks, we’ve seen solid outings from the front-seven in trying to slow the bleeding versus the run. Baltimore averages 130 yards per game on the ground and will pound away all game in order to make big plays in their aerial attack.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

On Offense:

When the Ravens win, Flacco is usually upright and making plays. The second year pro wants to take his team to the playoffs once again and if he does, it will behind the strength of their offensive line and their ability to pave lanes for Rice and protect their franchise passer.

“We just have to execute better,” left guard Ben Grubbs stated this week. “When you watch the film, there’s no special remedy to our problems. Literally, it’s sometimes about taking the right step or using our hands better. It could’ve been a different game. So we just have to focus on the little things, which could lead to big things.”

Jared Gaither has missed has missed the last three-games but could be available Sunday. “We’ve just got to block them. That’s as simple as it is,” he said.

What to Expect:

Ravens want to punish the Raiders’ front seven to slow down their rush and make Flacco’s play action more effective. In Baltimore’s eight wins, their passer has been sacked 14-times. During their seven losses, he has been taken down 18-times.

On Defense:

Ray Lewis still remains the emotional leader of this organization and this week, he has set the tone in regards of going into Oakland and coming out of there with a playoff berth.

“We don’t overlook anybody,” he said. “I don’t care what their record is or what their situation is.

“Everything is about beating the Raiders. Period. We will be ready.”

Ed Reed – who has been out of action with a groin injury – could play. Reed talked about an ESPN report that stated he would play Sunday, saying, “[Reporters] seem to know the decision before I even make it. It’s funny, but none of it is right. I don’t really pay no mind to it.”

“Honestly, it will be a game-time decision,” Reed said.

What to Expect:

The Ravens defense will play on emotion and with determination to get them into the post-season. But if they are down early, will they begin to panic or make mistakes that Oakland can capitalize on? If the Ravens just bring some consistent heat and don’t allow the Raider rushers to dominate on the ground, this game will be over and decided before the start of the 4^th quarter.

GAME NOTES

• “It’s a good group,” Raiders coach Tom Cable commented about his defensive line during a conference call with the Baltimore media. “We’ve got Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis and Matt Shaughnessy at the end spot and then inside with Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant. And they kind of offset each other and compliment each other in different ways.”
• In one of the most mind numbing moves of the season, Oakland decided to place receiver/returner Nick Miller on injured reserve this week. This after he was diagnosed with shin splints and later with a tibia fracture but remained on the roster and inactive list on gamedays all season. Slade Norris was also place on IR. Safety Jerome Boyd and end Greyson Gunheim will take their places.
• After the game in Baltimore last year, I spoke to Thomas Howard and he stated, “But I felt we did pretty well against the run. The pass is what hurt us. A couple of big pass plays; one to [Williams] and the one to Flacco.” The Ravens ran for 192-yards that day.
• A loss will give Oakland their 11^th defeat, continuing their NFL worst seventh straight season with at least 11 or more.

KEY MATCH UPS

Where is Ray Rice?

The Raiders need to be aware of this multi-faceted star. If he runs wild, the Ravens roll.

Cable vs. the Ravens defense

What does the coach implement this week to combat this tough defense? And more importantly, how does he get his team to perform at a high level to close out another terrible season?

PREDICTION

Ravens 27 – Raiders 9

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Jim Nantz providing play-by-play and former NFL player Phil Simms handling color analysis. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5 and in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13. 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 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 directly from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 4:15 p.m. ET | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (5-10) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-5

Road Team: Baltimore Ravens (8-7) Home: 6-2 Road: 2-5

LINE: Ravens are a 10.5 point favorite

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist