Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders have a lot of decisions to make, mainly on their own players.

Oakland’s roster is full of question marks and depending on what happens with the collective bargaining agreement. With March 4^th just around the corner, we’ll look at the players that could stay, or depart.

PLAYERS LIKELY TO STAY

Richard Seymour, DL

All signs point to the Silver & Black using their franchise tag on their veteran leader on defense. He was dominating for stretches in 2010 and was the vocal presence needed on the field and in the locker room for many of their developing players. His age is a concern, and Oakland would love to strike a multi-year deal with him to free up the tag for their tight end, but keeping Seymour is imperative especially with a gang of youths along the trenches and a new coordinator coming in. The tag could cost Oakland roughly $15 million for 2011.

Stanford Routt, CB

Oakland tendered first and third round choices last year, ensuring he’ll stick around. He’s a favorite of the owner and will likely stay and battle for a starting spot.

Hiram Eugene, S/ST

Evolved into special team stand-out last year, which will keep him around. It is unlikely anyone sees him as a contributor on defense, and Oakland knows exactly what his value is.

Zach Miller, TE

He has a value in the open market and many teams need a player of his abilities. Equally adept at pass blocking and at pass catching, Miller may be wooed or enticed by the chance of earning a tad more elsewhere. But he is the Raiders player rep and genuinely likes the vibe with the team.

Langston Walker, OL

Likely to stick around because of his stability. A very smart player, Walker has a home in Silver & Black as long as Al Davis is calling the shots.

Jon Condo, ST/OL

Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler will lobby for his return – that’s enough for the front office.

Sam Williams, LB/ST

Not going anywhere. A role player that understand his value to the team.

Rock Cartwright, RB/ST

Players respected the veteran. He was key on special teams and a guy that was fiery during practices and on Sunday’s.

PLAYERS ON THE FRINGE

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB

There’s no way he earns the same paycheck he has the past few years. No one will just fork that over, but he will get teams inquiring about his services with what may appear like greener pastures. If Asomugha plays nice and gives Oakland a hometown discount, the Raiders will retain him. If the All-Pro cornerback wants to win and join what may appear a perennial winner, then he will depart.

Michael Bush, RB

It’s unknown how the arrest for drunk driving will effect his courtship. One thing is for sure, he is young, has little wear and tear on his body and can be valuable to a team that is looking for a primary ball carrier. Teams shy away from throwing money at running backs, but with his versatility and youth, someone could overpay pay him the first few years of a deal and force Oakland to let him walk. Hue Jackson would love to keep the duo together, it’s up to Bush whether or not he wants to be in spotlight elsewhere.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

One of the fine moves Oakland made prior to 2010. But with that success, a team high nine sacks, now comes the attention of other suitors.

Michael Huff, FS

Has improved his play in recent years, but far from the playmaker that was highly touted coming out of Texas.

Ricky Brown, LB

A solid backup and coverage unit contributor. In March, Oakland gave him a second round tender. He won’t earn the nearly $1.6 million he did in 2010, but he has a spot on the roster.

Samson Satele, C

Played well enough to deserve another shot at locking down a spot at center, but with Tom Cable gone, does the rest of the staff feel the same way about him?

Mario Henderson, T

Replaced by a rookie, now may get a shot to play if the owner brings him back.

LIKELY GONERS

Thomas Howard, LB

Couldn’t break the rotation and was relegated to spot duty after starting since being drafted in 2006. Time to find a new home, since he won’t crack the line-up and he likely feels that he’s more than just a reserve.

Michael Bennett, RB

If Bush is back, Bennett will depart.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB

I can’t see Oakland keeping him around. Jason Campbell was at ease once the fiery Gradkowski was on injured reserve.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR

Had one campaign as a dangerous punt returner. Oakland can easily replace him and his inconsistent play.

Robert Gallery, G

With a change in philosophy along the trenches and Tom Cable’s departure, that could mark the end of Gallery’s career in Silver & Black that never materialized in the greatness that was anticipated.

Daniel Loper, OL

Plugged holes when needed, but at this point, he may find that job interesting on another club, especially if he doesn’t think he’ll have a fair shake in Oakland.

PICK AND CHOOSE

Kyle Boller or Charlie Frye, QBs

Both are undoubtedly backups. At least Frye has the respect of the organization and is looked at as a player/coach.

NOT GOING ANYWHERE DUE TO SERVICE YEARS

Desmond Bryant, DL

Came on strong in the second half of the season. A key reason why John Henderson may not be back.

Nick Miller, WR/ST

Doesn’t seem to have the pro pedigree, yet sticks around. May not make any other roster.

Marcel Reece, FB

One of the unsung heroes in 2010.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable had his weekly press briefing this afternoon. Here are some excerpts from the conference:

On injuries yesterday:

CABLE: Johnnie Lee Higgins has an ankle issue; we’ll know more about it come Wednesday. Don’t know the severity of it…

CABLE: Stinger for Jason Campbell, all was well today, we checked it out. He feels fine.

On his rookie middle linebacker:

CABLE: [Rolando] McClain was feeling better today, but there’s still some issue in there that has to be researched and we’ll continue to do that.

CABLE:  It’s just a foot, today in his rehab stuff, was really pretty good. But he still has an issue in it and we are going to continue to research on it and figure out exactly what’s going on here.

On game, team’s fight and playoff feel to the contest:

CABLE: We played very hard, did a lot of good things but, it’s not good enough in a game that you have to finish the deal.

CABLE: Very pleased though about our effort, our intensity and all of that, but you can’t give up big plays and you cant turn the ball over.

CABLE:  It was good for us to be involved in that and be a part of that.

On playoff hopes:

CABLE: We got to win out and we need some help.

CABLE: Well, I mean, let’s be real about it; you have to be a 49ers fan on Thursday and a Rams fan on Sunday.

On team learning how to win and if this is a successful year:

CABLE: I think it hardens you and it makes it that much more of a big deal when your opportunity comes. And when you cease it, you can look back on it and say, that was a stepping-stone.

CABLE: Yeah, there’s a lot of success, but not in my book. My book is getting to the playoffs. You could improve a lot, which we’ve have, you could change the attitude, which we’ve have. We’re on the step now in becoming one of those teams that talks about getting in the final group of twelve, but you have to do it. You have to do it.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

PITTSBURGH, PA – For the Oakland Raiders, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will be inactive when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. CB Walter McFadden, RB Michael Bennett, LB Bruce Davis, G Daniel Loper, WR Chaz Schilens and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey will also sit the contest. Oakland’s third string passer will be Kyle Boller.

For the Steelers: S Will Allen, RB Jonathan Dwyer, CB Crezdon Butler, T Chris Scott, T Tony Hills, DE Aaron Smith and DE Brett Keisel will sit. Charlie Batch will be designated their third quarterback.

Johnnie Lee Higgins will start for Heyward-Bey. Chris Johnson will start for Asomugha.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Seattle Seahawks (4-2) are currently leading the NFC West while the Oakland Raiders (3-4) are trying to get themselves in the mix for the AFC West. With first year coach Pete Carroll, the Silver & Blacks’ former divisional rival will try to win in Oakland for the first time in 13-years. For the Raiders, it’s the same old story; trying to put together back-to-back solid efforts. “If you show it to us and you show me what you’re capable of and you’ve been able to do it more than once, it’s expected,” Tom Cable said. “It’s called raising the bar. And when you raise the bar you’ve got to be accountable to that.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Jason Campbell experienced the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs in consecutive weeks. After posting a 10.7 passer rating two weeks ago, his club went into Denver, tallied 59-points while he compiled two touchdowns and a 127.9 quarterback rating. This week, he shared snaps with Kyle Boller, but if he’s ready to go, Cable will tab him the starter once again. “Hey, I always prepare myself to be the starter,” Campbell said. “I’m just preparing myself to be ready.”

The biggest boost came from Darren McFadden, the third leading rusher in the AFC (557-yards). Oakland’s rush offense currently ranks third in the league.

The Raiders most reliable wide receiver – Louis Murphy – has missed practice all week and is doubtful to play on Sunday. Jacoby Ford and Johnnie Lee Higgins are expected to pick up the slack. If there ever was a time for Darrius Heyward-Bey to show why he was deserving of being selected so high in the draft a few years back, now is the time.

“Whenever you get an injury at a position, everyone has got to step it up,” Cable said. “Look for whoever goes in Louis’ place to step it up as well as the guy already in there, Darrius and those guys who have been playing, Johnnie Lee, we’ve got to get more out of everybody now.”

What to Expect:

Oakland’s 3^rd ranked rush offense versus Seattle’s 2^nd ranked rush defense – the winner of that match-up could determine the victor on Sunday. McFadden and Michael Bush need to be the focal points, as the Raiders will have little much to depend on via the air. Zach Miller can be productive, but if you have to rely on that weak crop of receivers, it could be a sputtering afternoon of Hue Jackson’s attack. Nick Miller made his first NFL catch last weekend, so he should be given a shot to make big plays.

On Defense:

“The feeling is there that this is the type of standard that we set, these are the things that we can do,” Nnamdi Asomugha stated. “But in order to completely turn the corner, we have to put together a string of wins.”

The defense will have a major part in that, facing a Seahawks defense that ranks only 28^th in total offense and is averaging 20.0 points per contest (20^th in the NFL).

Mike Mitchell has been a standout the last few weekends, and his play is earning him more reps. Chris Johnson opened the game last weekend with an interception for a score. And his confidence is oozing after the dominant performance on the road.

“Our secondary is probably one of the best in the league,” said Johnson. “We feel that if we get up and press you, do what we need to do, there aren’t too many people that can mess with us.”

What to Expect:

The Raiders feel like they can get to Matt Hasselbeck. But what they’ll face is a more rush happy Seattle after they totaled 255-yards in two weeks. Russell Okung has a high ankle sprain, their passer was sacked 5-times last week – it’s time for the Raiders to bring the blitz as they did in the 2^nd half versus San Diego.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

On Offense:

Hasselbeck has gone ten quarters without an interception. And that has been one of the keys to Seattle’s resurgence.

“In our offense and our football team, it’s about taking care of the ball,” Carroll said. “Matt is the first guy that has to do that.”

Another vital area has been the improved play of receiver Mike Williams. The former USC star had high hopes entering the league and ultimately, he landed in Oakland where many thought that that would be his last destination as a pro after a poor stint in Silver & Black. “I know Mike was not in good shape over the couple of years he wasn’t playing well,” said Carroll. “If he could ever get back to that and his nature was to really prove something, then maybe you got something here. And that’s exactly what happened. Mike has been as consistent as can be.”

Williams has 32 receptions for 348 yards and one score in six games.

What to Expect:

Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett have to be featured against the Raiders 28^th ranked rush defense (138.9 yards p/game). If they can pound the football all day and keep the Raiders off-balance, Hasselbeck will continue his turnover free streak and Williams, John Carlson, Deon Butler and Golden Tate could have an easier time freeing themselves against the Raiders confident defensive backfield.

On Defense:

The Seahawks’ secondary is also playing confidently. And just the like the Raiders unit, they love to come after the passer.

“We love it,” cornerback Roy Lewis said.“It’s a DBs dream to get a chance to blitz.”

Lawyer Milloy has 3-sacks, Jordan Babineaux has 1.5 and Lewis has one. “When you play extra guys it just affords you more of a multiple style and guys that can do more things,” Carroll said. “If you feel OK about your [defensive backs] rushing — which some teams don’t — then they can rush, they can drop, they can cover backs. A guy who’s on the line of scrimmage can end up being a deep defender and so you just give yourself a variety of things that you can do and interchange some parts and stuff and try to make it difficult.”

What to expect:

It’s all about stuffing McFadden and Bush. Oakland’s attack cannot sustain unproductive play from either rusher and depend on Campbell with his weak crop of targets.

GAME NOTES

• LT Russell Okung is a long shot to play (ankle). DE Chris Clemons and G Ben Hamilton were given time off this week from practice. DT Brandon Mebane (calf) and CB Kelly Jennings (hamstring) are expected to see action during Thursday’s practice.
• “This place is notorious,” Pete Carroll said of the Coliseum. “They have a great following.”
• The Raiders have scored 19 touchdowns in 2010 (8 rushing, 8 receiving, 3 defensive). In 2009, they only tallied 17.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Raiders ground attack vs. Seahawks’ run defense

McFadden is playing like an All-Pro. If he has a huge game, Oakland will reach .500.

Jeremy Bates vs. John Marshall

The Raider defense is at their best with Mitchell in the line-up and when they bring the heat. Can Bates counter that with some big plays?

PREDICTION

Seahawks 26 – Raiders 17

Oakland’s lack of pop at wide receiver will hinder them when Seattle stacks the front to stop their ground attack. Plus, how can you expect Cable’s bunch to put together a rare streak when it rarely happens…?

GAME INFO

Sunday, October 31, 2010 4:15 p.m. ET | Oakland Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (3-4) Home: 2-1  Road: 1-3

Road Team: Seattle Seahawks (4-2) Home: 3-0 Road: 1-2

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans have faced five-times since their first meeting in 2004. Houston leads the series 4-1.

In 2009, the Texans throttled the Raiders 29-6. Darren McFadden ended with 6 carries for -3 yards. Steve Slaton scored twice and Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff for a score, while the defense allowed 165-yards to the Raiders – the second fewest in team history. “We could not run the football and that really disrupted our offense,” Raiders coach Tom Cable said. “We are really killing ourselves — we’re shooting ourselves in the foot all over the place.”

During the 2008 season, the Raiders defeated the Texans 27-16. In one of the few games JaMarcus Russell actually looked like a potential franchise passer, the former number one overall choice connected on 18-of-25 passes for 236-yards and two scores. Johnnie Lee Higgins busted the game open late in the third quarter with an 80-yard punt return for a score.

“I feel like I’m explosive,” said Higgins. “You never know what can happen. You know, it looks like he’s tackled, it looks like he’s down. Oh, he’s gone. It looks like he can’t catch it, like he can’t do this. … There he goes. So I look at myself, I always look at myself as a playmaker.”

Sage Rosenfels led the Houston to a 24-17 victory in 2007 against the Silver & Black.

Josh McCown was propelled back into the starting role at that point for Oakland after missing four games with a broken toe and being replaced by Daunte Culpepper. McCown was booed throughout the contest, as he tossed 3 interceptions on 13-completions out of 28-attempts.

“As much they may hate me or anybody else they don’t understand how I feel,” McCown said. “Nobody in this room and none of the fans want to feel what I feel right now. Trust me. It’s a sick, hurting feeling you can’t describe.”

During the contest, Sebastian Janikowski attempted a 64-yard field goal at the end of the first half. The kick had plenty of distance but bounced off the right upright.

“It wasn’t going to be a distance issue. He felt great going that direction,” then head coach Lane Kiffin said. “It would have been a spark for us going into the locker room at halftime, but it hit the post.”

Justin Fargas ended that contest with 23-carries for 104-yards and a score.

In 2006, Oakland held the Texans to negative 5 passing yards in the game and still lost 23-14. “It’s the weirdest feeling I’ve ever had in a football game,” David Carr said.

Here are archived pictures from some of those contest snapped by SBReport.net and Raiderfans.net photographers:

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders are known for controversies. After this weekend and the happenings in their first two contests, one can look at their quarterback situation and their state at running back and assume trouble could be brewing.

But Tom Cable put a squash to that this afternoon in his weekly Monday briefing with the media.

“I’ve heard if you have two running backs, like Michael [Bush] and Darren [McFadden], you have a tandem, but if you have two quarterbacks, it’s a controversy. There isn’t going to be a controversy. I’ll make a good decision, the right decision, and we’ll go from there.’’

McFadden is the second leading rusher in the NFL with 240-yards. He’s also added 8-catches for 63-yards and a score. But when Michael Bush gets back, both will share the duties, making the Raiders one of the strongest clubs in the league at running back. Those two players can coexist.

As for the two at quarterback – that’s a different scenario.

Bruce Gradkowski entered the game in relief of Jason Campbell and won over the crowd at the Coliseum. He may have solidified his stance in the locker room as well, and ultimately, with the coaching staff.

And if it is the coaching staff solely making the decision on who starts, then Gradkowski will likely have the edge. The only question remains is; Will Al Davis step aside and let Cable, Hue Jackson and co. select who is best to run the club?

When asked if he has the final say on this, Cable stated, “Well, I think it has to be. When you sit in the chair that I do, you have to be able to go out and coach your team and make your decisions and do those things. If you don’t, I think you put yourself in a bind.’’

OL SHUFFLE

Cable insisted that rookie Jared Veldheer and Mario Henderson will continue to rotate at left tackle. “I want to do this for what’s right in that, I think we sit back and look at the film now and you see we’ve got two guys that are pretty even there and we’re able to keep them both fresh and roll ‘em in there and see if we can get one to kind of rise if you will,’’ Cable commented.

This will continue to be detrimental to the line. Veldheer is a rookie with much to learn. He was bulldozed by a safety on a blitz because he played too high with no leverage, was infracted by the referees a few times and looked every bit like a project. Problem is, Henderson has not been any better.

Oakland would like the veteran to affirm himself as a starter. But his shaky play has open the door for the younger player, who the Raiders may eventually envision at that position.

If Gradkowski is the starter, the woes there could be alleviated since he’s such a quick decision maker, mobile and not a traditional, deep in the pocket passer like Campbell is.

JLH WITH SWAG

Johnnie Lee Higgins played well returning punts. He struck early with a field position turning return in the 1^st quarter and had no blips during yesterday’s contest.

“I got my swag back and it’s on,’’ Higgins said. “Once I got past the first wave, everything opened up. I was so amped. It was the opener, planes flying over, everything just got me amped.’’

OTHER NOTES

Luke Lawton’s contract has been terminated. The league reinstated the fullback after the conclusion of his four-game ban for violating the NFL’s policy on performing enhancing drugs.

With Marcel Reece playing well, Oakland had no visions of keeping Lawton around, especially with Manase Tonga on the practice squad.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

One position that will have a quick benching if there is not improved play  for the Oakland Raiders will be at kick returner.

Yamon Figurs fumbled the opening kickoff on Sunday versus the Titans and was shaky this pre-season, misplaying a punt against Seattle.

“It’s something that we’ve got to work on, we have to harp with him. A light, fast guy could have ball security issues when he gets into traffic and gets hit hard by some of those core linebackers that might be covering kicks,” said special teams coach John Fassel prior to the start of the campaign about Figurs.

And after his debut against Tennessee, Figurs stated, “The guy who hit it, he put his helmet right on the ball.”

“It was a good hit.”

Oakland suffered an outage in 2009 with feeble kickoff and punt return units.

This season, they have plenty of options if we see continued faulty play in that area.

So Figurs will be under the gun, especially if he’s given the assignment again this week against the St. Louis Rams.

Johnny Lee Higgins – who excited Raider fans two seasons ago with explosive punt returns – could be an option to unseat Figurs. Nick Miller, who Oakland was high on in 2009 and secured him away on the inactive list practically the whole campaign, is another alternative waiting his turn.

And then there is the speedy rookie Jacoby Ford.

The offensive line was a mess against the Titans. But some cohesion is needed there, delaying any changes for some time on that unit.

It’s easier to plug in different return men, hoping to catch a spark.

So Figurs better sure up his play and increase his production, or fall behind in the depth chart to salivating options.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here is SBREPORT.NET’s look at the Oakland Raiders roster for the upcoming 2010 season. In this edition, we look at the defense and special teams.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Richard Seymour is the most important aspect of this grouping. His ability to disrupt the offensive line’s flow will be vital for the defense and its young players. Rookie Lamarr Houston could be the biggest wild card of the bunch. He has been aggressive since donning the Silver & Black in the spring, shown to be a feisty and his constant motor could be the perfect complement to Seymour. Matt Shaughnessy will make a name for himself in 2010. The Raiders will start him at defensive end and hope to get close to double-digit sack totals from the second year prospect. Two pivotal players will be Tommy Kelly and John Henderson. Oakland has been notoriously pitiful at stuffing the run since 2003. If those two tackles can play stout in and give their new set of linebackers room to roam toward the ball carrier, the Raiders will have a top-15 defense in the NFL.

Vital Cog:

Kelly – Seymour is a major key, but the pricey Kelly could really put this unit on a different level if he played up to his contract numbers.

LINEBACKERS

No other roster position had so much turnover during the off-season. Rolando McClain will roam at middle linebacker, flanked by Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley. None wore Raider colors last year and all three will be put to the test, especially while in coverage. Wimbley has potential to give the Silver & Black a menace as a pass rusher. Ricky Brown and Travis Goethel will contribute more on special teams, along with veteran Sam Williams. Thomas Howard got demoted, but he’ll play a big role in long down and distance situations and when Oakland faces opponents that feature speedier tight ends.

Vital Cog:

McClain – The rookie needs to anchor a new corps and become a force against the run.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Nnamdi Asomugha still remains the club’s best player. But his new corner mate will be Stanford Routt. He beat out Chris Johnson this summer and will get his first real shot to prove he can be a NFL starting caliber cornerback. Johnson allowed too many big plays and was victimized often in 2009, knowing teams would challenge him with an all-pro on the other side of the field. Oakland has high hopes for Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware. Tyvon Branch is primed to be one of the better young strong safety in the AFC and Mike Mitchell will be have his chances to attack opposing quarterbacks. Michael Huff remains an enigma. Will he ever be a playmaker at the pro level?

Vital Cog:

Huff – Asomugha locks down opponents, Routt and the rest of the cornerbacks should be ok, but if Huff can be a ball hawk and not be out of position consistently, the Raiders could feature one of the better young defensive backfields in the AFC.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Shane Lechler is the league’s best punter, Sebastian Janikowski should have been in the pro-bowl last season and specialist Jon Condo is a professional at his craft. The coverage groups have to upgrade significantly their play. Of concern in 2009 was the lack of pop on kick and punt returns. Not only will Oakland have Johnnie Lee Higgins back, but also a healthy Nick Miller could finally see some action. Yamon Figurs and Jacoby Ford are also options if anyone falters or can’t give the Raiders return units some jolt.

Vital Cog:

Whoever steps up as a punt returner – Two years ago, Higgins surprised the league with game altering returns. A hit in the season opener last season affected his play the rest of the season. Oakland must find a returner that can change field position at any point in a contest.

PRACTICE SQUAD:

WR Shaun Bodiford, TE Kevin Brock, S Stevie Brown, DT Kellen Heard, LB Slade Norris, OL Alex Parsons, DB Joe Porter and FB Manase Tonga.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens continues to show fragility and is expected to be out for three-to-six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery. Head coach Tom Cable had a media session yesterday and stated it’s a “three to six week issue.”

Schilens would have been a starter, even though he has not been able to prove himself as a starter since entering the league and has spent more time on the sidelines injured than on the field. This guarantees more playing time for Louis Murphy, who is Oakland’s best wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey would have seen time out there regardless being a first round pick last year and the owner wanting to see his speedy receiver in action. Oakland was very thin and had many questions along this unit to begin with, now, without a player they depended on, Hue Jackson will face some major hurdles in the passing game unless the youngsters develop quickly.

Running back Michael Bush will undergo a procedure on his fractured left thumb, but will not likely miss the opener. Bush will get the bulk of the load of the ground if healthy.

Jared Veldheer will dabble at center and tackle this week. He’s too raw and very inexperienced at both spots. More maturations will be needed, but expect the rookie to be in the line-up sometime this year, especially if Samson Satele or Langston Walker cannot entrench themselves at their respective positions. Tom Cable said of Satele, “ want to look at it. There were some things from last night’s game that I was not pleased with but there were also a lot of good things at the center position. I think the fact that Samson is ready to go is the most important thing right now.”

DE Jay Richardson and DL Alex Daniels will miss the final game of the pre-season.

Cable gave very little when talking about his special teams: “I felt like we were getting closer to that. I don’t know after last night that it’s any clearer than it was before but I’ve got an idea.” There is little indication on who will grab the return duties, but at this point, the veteran Yamon Figurs provides more consistency and a better option at wide receiver. Johnnie Lee Higgins has not been the same since getting rocked in the home opener in 2009.

Cable on Marcel Reece:  ”Well, I’ll say this: He just continues to get better. That’s the thing that he’s shown us is that, from one week to the next he’s going out and improving on whatever his negatives were from the week before. It’s starting to show up more and more that this guy, you can coach him, he’ll take it and he’ll go get it again. I certainly think that he’s really showing himself the right way.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Slade Norris had starring roles in the Oakland Raiders 32-17 victory at Chicago. Wimbley, acquired from Cleveland during the off-season, tallied 4-sacks as a nickel pass rusher and Norris recovered a bobbled punt in the end zone for a score and then blocked a punt that lead to a safety.

Wimbley’s emergence is imperative, as the Raiders reshuffled their linebacker unit this unit in order to get more versatility and play making ability out of that grouping. So far, Rolando McClain has done everything the coaches have asked of him and Trevor Scott has continued his steady development. But if Wimbley plays at a level like he demonstrated last night, Oakland’s front seven will be a menace.

Matt Forte’s 89-yard run was an exhibition in great run blocking by the Chicago Bears. Oakland’s front seven was neutralized and once Forte got into the secondary, Michael Huff took a bad angle to the ball carrier and eventually was danced around the paydirt bound Bear.

Oakland’s offense showed some resiliency converting a 3^rd and 19, which led to the opening score. Michael Bush’s 24-yard screen was a pivotal play. Bush’s hands have always been raved about, but rarely used. And with the offense being more versatile in its playmaking, Oakland was able to pull that play off without worrying defenses pinching down around the line of scrimmage. Last year, no way they would have converted that third down.

Johnnie Lee Higgins may have bought himself more time on the roster. The WR/PR who has been challenged by Yamon Figurs had one catch for 18-yards. Not an impressive evening, but Figurs was non-existent against the Bears.

Michael Bennett continues to be the Raiders most productive offensive player this pre-season. He added 64-more yards rushing (including a 44-yard scamper) and 14-yards receiving to his stats.

“The last game I had a couple of jitters before the game started, the first time with a new team, but this time I was just out there playing football,” Jason Campbell said. The former Redskin sneaked in for a score but also had two turnovers.

Samson Satele left the game with an ankle sprain and coach Tom Cable would like to see more cohesiveness in the offensive line. Pre-snap penalties and missed blocks will be on his agenda to get this group in order for the all-important third pre-season contest.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist