Silver and Black Report

Richard Seymour and Carl Nicks went toe-to-toe on Sunday evening.

SBReport.net was in attendance all weekend in Hawaii for the pro bowl and in the press box and sidelines during the AFC’s 59-41 victory.

Four Oakland Raiders donned the red all-star jerseys during the contest.

We’ll take a look at how they fared on Sunday:

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Janikowski finished 8/8 on extra points, earning the record for most points after touchdown in the game. He also converted on his only field goal attempt from 37-yards out. “Oh, that’s what happened?” said Janikowski, exclusively to SBReport.net in the locker room after the game, surprised he had a record in his first pro bowl appearance.

Jon Condo, LS

Condo was on both punt and kickoff coverage teams and was perfect on all of his snaps. Not one incident occurred, and the long snappers name was not mentioned with seamless snaps.

Shane Lechler, P

It must’ve been nice not to see any action as a punter. The AFC never called on Lechler, as his duties were mainly as a holder for Janikowski. “I didn’t punt today, I kind of like that,” said Lechler on the field after the game.

Richard Seymour, DT

Seymour started the game and had one tackle. After the game, he talked at length about Tommy Kelly, his new head coach Dennis Allen and what it means to be in the Pro Bowl.

Denver Broncos starting safety Brian Dawkins gave SBReport.net some insight on Allen. Seymour, Janikowski and Lechler also talked after the game. To watch the video, click on this link:

RAIDERS CHAT AFTER THE PRO BOWL

Here are more images from the event:

Brandon Marshall took home the hardware, earning MVP honors with six receptions for 176-yards and a record four touchdowns in the game. The Miami Dolphins target ”You never know when you’re going to be back,” Marshall said, “and I wanted to go all out today because it could be my last Pro Bowl.”

Rookie Cam Newton ended his season with 186-yards passing, on 9-of-27, for two scores and three interceptions.

Janikowski, Condo and Lechler were inseparable all weekend.

Two hall of fame bound players sat on the bench: Ravens MLB Ray Lewis and Seymour.

Raiders DL Seymour was in pursuit in the 1st quarter.

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Despite the Pro Bowl being an offensive shootout with little opportunities for field goals, Oakland Raiders placekicker Sebastian Janikowski was able to make his mark in his first Pro Bowl appearance on Sunday as the AFC came back to defeat the NFC 59-41.

Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler watch Janikowski's field goal soar through the uprights

Janikowski, the Raiders all-time franchise leading scorer, used the shootout as an opportunity to add yet another record to his kicking résumé. After tying the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in week one against the Broncos, Janikowski finished the 2011 NFL season going 8/8 in the Pro Bowl on extra points, earning the record for most extra points made in a game in Pro Bowl history. San Francisco 49er’s kicker David Akers previously set the record with seven made extra points in the 2010 Pro Bowl.

Janikowski also made his sole field goal attempt from 37 yards out and had five touchbacks, including one that drew “oohs” from the crowd of 48,423 as the kickoff soared over the end zone with plenty of distance to make it through the uprights.

Punter Shane Lechler appeared in his seventh Pro Bowl but did not get the opportunity to show off his strong leg as the AFC chose to go for it on three of their fourth downs. Despite not being able to punt the ball, Lechler was able to be a part of Janikowski’s record-setting performance as his holder, just as he is on the Raiders.

Another familiar piece on the AFC special teams was Raiders long snapper Jon Condo who was making his second Pro Bowl appearance. In addition to serving as the AFC long snapper, Condo also saw time on the field in both kickoff returns and kickoff coverage.

Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI

On two occasions, the NFC went to their bag of trickery and called an onside kick to catch the AFC off guard. After the first one was recovered with ease by the NFC, the AFC was ready for it the second time but Condo failed to fall on the ball and the NFC recovered the ball.

Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour started the game for his seventh Pro Bowl but finished with only one sack in a game that saw mostly arm tackles and over 1,100 yards of total offense.

Janikowski wasn’t the only one on the field breaking Pro Bowl records. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald tied the Pro Bowl record for most career Pro Bowl touchdowns when he hauled in his second touchdown of the day in the first quarter to give the NFC a 14-0 lead early. The touchdown reception marked his sixth career Pro Bowl touchdown, tying fellow Pro Bowler and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall also set his own record en route to being named the 2012 Pro Bowl MVP. Marshall hauled in six receptions for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl record four touchdown receptions. The 176 receiving yards also marks the second most in Pro Bowl history.

Broncos safety Brian Dawkins gave time to let the Raider Nation know exactly who they are getting in their new head coach Dennis Allen, who was Dawkins’ defensive coordinator this season. To see the interview, along with interviews with the Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl attendees in Honolulu, watch the video below.

The 2012 Pro Bowl teams practiced in front of NFL fans for free at Aloha Stadium on Saturday under the beautiful Hawaiian sun.

A fan shows his love for the Raiders while attending 'Ohana day

Fans from all over came to Honolulu to see their favorite NFL players take the field in the annual all-star game. As tradition, the NFL offers its fans an ‘Ohana day the day before the game takes place, allowing fans to come watch both the NFC and AFC practice live in Aloha Stadium.

‘Ohana Day serves as a family day, allowing families to enter the stadium at no charge to watch and attain autographs from their favorite players. The NFL provided a “kid’s zone” where kids were able to participate in contests, win prizes, and meet the mascots from various NFL teams.

Jerseys from all 32 teams were present in the stands, and the Silver & Black was no exception. The Raider Nation, who holds a strong following on the islands of Hawaii, was well represented at Aloha Stadium as they took advantage of a chance to watch their Raider representatives: Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, Jon Condo, and Richard Seymour.

Be sure to check back for more exclusive coverage of the Pro Bowl from SBReport.net.

Shane Lechler and Jon Condo pose for a photo at the Pro Bowl.

SBReport.net was live at Pro Bowl Ohana Day Saturday at Aloha Stadium, covering the league’s festivities prior to their all-star game.

Pro Bowl Ohana Day ran from 9 a.m. till noon and was open to the public. The NFL offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at the final AFC and NFC practices.

The Oakland Raiders had a presence at the event, with four pro-bowl selections.

Richard Seymour, Shane Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski and Jon Condo donned their conference jerseys. Raiderette of the year – Anna –  represented along with other AFC cheerleading representatives.

Here’s a look at the happenings, brought to you exclusively by SBReport.net:

It was all smiles for Lechler and Janikowski during the walk-through. Both specialist kept things light, as they enjoyed their first visit to Hawaii together. In 1991, the Raiders Jeff Jaeger and Jeff Gossett were teammates at the Pro Bowl. As November wound down, I posed the question:

Oakland Raiders: Is their kicking tandem the best ever?

Seymour spent time with the NFL Network. The defensive lineman is a seven time pro bowl selection, six time All Pro and three time Super Bowl champion.

2011, Raiderette of the year Anna, shined on the sidelines.

A faithful member of the Raider Nation says, “Aloha.”

Stay tuned for exclusive images from the Pro Bowl all weekend, only at SBReport.net.

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For the first time ever, both kicker and punter combination from both conferences in the league’s Pro Bowl is comprised from two teams.

The NFL will have an all-Bay Area special teams fest, as the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders have six representatives donning the all-star jerseys.

Yes – six. Even the long snappers got a nod to Hawaii.

Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler and Jon Condo will be on the AFC squad. David Akers, Andy Lee and Brian Jennings will on the NFC’s side.

“There must be something in the water,” said Lee, the 49er punter who averaged 50.9 yards per punt in 2011.

“It’s awesome to be here with my guys and to have my long snapper here,” Lee said. “For Dave to have his long snapper here, so it’s his rhythm that he’s been used to all season, it’s a really unique thing to share this with those guys that you spent all season with.”

Sebastian Janikowski kicking off in 2011.

“It’s fun,” the Raiders Lechler said, as he continued his excellent career in 2011 with a 50.8 average last campaign. “We’re going to see if one of these golf courses can let us get a six-some out here because we’re going to go play, us against them, and put a little money on the line.”

NOTES:

• Lechler is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine time all-pro.
• This will be Janikowski’s first Pro Bowl. He is Oakland’s franchise leading scorer, a holder of the league’s longest field goal (63-yards) and the longest field goal in overtime history (57-yards in 2008).
• Condo is a two time Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2011).

For more Pro Bowl coverage, stay tuned to SBReport.net, as our staff will be live in Hawaii bringing you images from the annual event.

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With the conference championship games completed last Sunday, the 2012 Pro Bowl rosters have been finalized and both teams have begun practicing in Honolulu for

Punter Shane Lechler punts the ball against the Detroit Lions in week 16

Sunday’s game.

Due to the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 and numerous injuries around the league, the NFL was forced to replace a total of 16 players on the AFC roster. Unfortunately for the Raiders, none of the players invited donned the Silver & Black this season.

Earlier this month, the league named Raiders safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece as alternates for the Jan. 29 Pro Bowl game.

Tommy Kelly hoped to make his first Pro Bowl with Patriots Vince Wilfork going to the Super Bowl and Ravens Haloti Ngata out with an injury, instead, the league chose Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins and Miami’s Paul Soliai.

Kelly, who was also listed as an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, finished the season with 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Atkins finished with 47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while Soliai finished with only 27 tackles and no sacks or forced fumbles.

Reece also looked to make his first Pro Bowl, most likely being the next in line had the Ravens and their fullback Vonte Leach made the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour in the week 3 game against the Jets

Reece, who played as a wide receiver at University of Washington, once again played an integral part in Oakland’s offense when on the field. Reece only played in ten games this season, starting six, but finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and 27 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

With Reece and Kelly not getting the call, the Raiders lone four Pro Bowl representatives will be punter Shane Lechler, long snapper Jon Condo, defensive tackle Richard Seymour and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Lechler, playing in his 7th Pro Bowl, averaged 50.8 yards per kick this season and broke the Raiders franchise record with an 80-yard punt that went sailing over the dangerous Devin Hester when the Raiders took on the Chicago Bears in week 12.

Seymour has been named a starter for the game and is also participating in his 7th Pro Bowl of his career. Seymour played in all 16 games, often through injury, and finished the season with 29 tackles, six sacks and two kicks blocked.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects from 63-yards out to tie the NFL record

Janikowski’s roster spot marks the first time that the former first-round draft pick has made the Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. Janikowski hit 31 of his 35 attempts (88.6 percent) while connecting on seven attempts 50+ yards out, including a league record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in week one on Monday Night Football.

Condo earned his spot in the Pro Bowl by being named the AFC’s “need” player, an honor that also sent him to the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Be sure to check back on SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Long snapper Jon Condo earned his second Pro Bowl appearance this year

Today, long snapper Jon Condo was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

It marks the second time the Oakland Raiders specialist has been selected to the league’s all-star game.

Per the Raiders.com:

In 2011, Condo snapped for K Sebastian Janikowski, who tied the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal on September 12 at Denver and set a franchise record with six field goals on November 27 against Chicago. He also snapped for P Shane Lechler, who averaged 50.8 yards per punt to rank second in the NFL and boomed a franchise-record 80-yarder on November 27 against Chicago.

Condo has handled all long-snapping duties for the Silver and Black on punts and place kicks for the past five seasons, playing in 80 straight games. The 6-3, 250-pounder entered the NFL with Dallas in 2005 as a rookie free agent and played in three games for the Cowboys that year. He spent the 2006 training camp and preseason with the New England Patriots before being signed to the Raiders practice squad later that season.

Condo served as Maryland’s long-snapper and also saw action as a reserve defensive end for the Terrapins, earning the team award as “Top Special Teams Performer”—the first pure long snapper to earn the honor in Maryland history. Condo was an all-conference running back, linebacker and punter at Philipsburg-Osceola High School in Pennsylvania.

Condo becomes the fourth Raider selected to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl, joining Janikowski, Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour for the January 29 game in Honolulu. Safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece were named Pro Bowl alternates.

The Raiders have had 180 Pro Bowl selections among 61 different players since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

Depending on who winds up in the Super Bowl, Oakland could have more representatives.

If the Ravens reach the bog-game, their fullbacks, Vonta Leach, will have to bow out, thus leading to Reece’s elevation to the AFC’s roster.

With either New England or Baltimore heading to the Super Bowl, Kelly could then take the place of Vince Wilfork or Haloti Ngata.

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Here’s a list of Oakland Raiders that will be free agents this off-season with an explanation of their status after the 2011 season.

UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

OFFENSE ANALYSIS

Undoubtedly, Campbell would like to be a starter and probably feels like he can lead a team. But those chances went down the drain in Oakland when he got injured and Carson Palmer was acquired. The problem for Campbell is that there may not be many jobs for him available. Very few teams are starving for a starter. Miami may be happy with Matt Moore, or they could passer in the draft, Cleveland is going with Colt McCoy, the Chiefs may be in the market for a new face, a return to the Redskins won’t be an option and Seattle, who may look for a quarterback, may look at Vince Young, Matt Flynn or Kyle Orton. A back-up role is his destiny, but where? In Oakland where Jackson showed confidence in him prior to his injury, or elsewhere where he could sneak up on a passer that may be on shaky ground?

Keeping Bush will be imperative. Spending big bucks on running backs isn’t the norm in the NFL, but the former 4^th round pick has little wear and tear on his body, is young and versatile enough to add some pop to any club lacking a ground attack. Oakland would have been in serious trouble if not for Bush’s presence. With questions surrounding Darren McFadden’s durability, the Raiders need to keep this tandem together. A franchise tag for Bush could be an option, especially if they fear he will depart to another club that could front-load a contract for his services.

Reece is a multi-dimensional weapon, out of the backfield or split out wide as a receiver. He is a match-up nightmare that Jackson cannot afford to lose.

Barnes was the weak-link on a very good offensive line this past season. But keeping cohesion in this group will be key. He’ll come cheap, so unless the Raiders are looking for a major upgrade, there’s no way he goes anywhere. Heyer was a serviceable back up, so unless someone showers him with a big contract or a starting role, which is unlikely, Oakland could retain his services. Satele was tough, played injured and gained the respect of Jackson throughout the campaign. That may be enough for him to be retained and keep the powerful left side in tact.

Boller will move on, especially if Campbell is retained. Terrelle Pryor will be third on the depth chart until further notice.

Houshmanzadeh or Schilens will move on. One has the full support of Palmer; the other is young and has a history of injuries, which will dampen interest league wide. If Hue Jackson thinks Houshmanzadeh has anything left in the tank, he’ll be retained.

SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYSIS

Jon Condo will be retained and paid well. Oakland tends to compensate their specialists and breaking up the dynamic kicking and long-snapping trio wouldn’t make sense. Cartwright is a emotional leader and a special teams ace. How much will they value that, especially with Hiram Eugene coming back in 2012?

DEFENSE ANALYSIS

Branch may draw enough interest league wide which could land him a contract big enough that would force Oakland to let him walk. He has youth on his side and is very versatile. The former 4^th round pick could be enticed away by a team in need of starting strong safety.

Chuck Bresnahan was a major reason why Blackstock was brought in. Good on special teams and there for depth, we’ll see if his fate is tied together with Bresnahan’s.

Groves has already mentioned the possibility of him playing elsewhere. Aaron Curry took his job and at this point, Oakland sees him as a one-way player on special teams. With Matt Shaughnessy’s return, it’s unlikely that Jarvis Moss returns, especially if they opt for other choices at end. They’ll likely pick between Moss and Trevor Scott. Scott is more versatile, but the injury he sustained in 2010 made him a non-factor in 2011. A change in defensive alignment could also sway which one stays.

Bryant has developed into a serviceable lineman in a rotation. Some team may be intrigued by his abilities, and if he gets a decent offer, the defender will depart.

Sheppard was picked up mid-season and will not be welcomed back. Especially with Michael Huff moving to cornerback and other youthful options at defensive back.

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The Oakland Raiders place a premium on their special teams. And it shows with past contracts to many of their specialists and kickers.

Here’s a look back at some of Oakland’s deals with past special team contributors:

Sebastian Janikowski

Selected in the 1^st round in 2000 and then given a four-year, $16 million contract with $9 million in guarantees in 2010. He was also the league’s highest paid kicker in 2005 when Oakland extended his contract five years, worth $10.5 million.

Shane Lechler

“This contract is the greatest ever given to a punter in the history of the National Football League,” said senior executive John Herrera after the Raiders inked Lechler for four years, $16 million, with $9 million guaranteed.

Isaiah Ekejiuba

In 2009, Oakland made Ekejiuba the highest paid coverage specialist with a 3-year deal worth $5.4 million and a $1.25 million signing bonus.

Jon Condo

Reportedly given a 2^nd round tender. In March of 2010, Condo signed a restricted free agent tender worth $1.684 million.

Desmond Howard

Oakland snagged their second straight Super Bowl MVP in 1997, with a four-year, $6 million contract, that included a $2 million signing bonus. Howard salvaged a fading career by becoming a terrifying kickoff returner with the Green Bay Packers prior to landing with the Raiders.

Darrien Gordon

In 1999, after releasing Howard, the Silver & Black signed Gordon, who at the time had an NFL best 13.2-yard punt return average. The contract was worth $9.2 million over three-seasons.

Adam Treu

The Raiders released the long snapper in 2007 after he earned more than $1.2 million in salary during the 2006 season.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Per Nationalfootballpost.com, who cited a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Oakland Raiders have assigned a second-round tender on Jon Condo.

The Silver & Black’s specialist has been a valuable contributor on special teams for several seasons and is regarded as one of the leagues best long snappers.

Condo, 29, has been with Oakland since 2006, taking over the duties from then long time Raider center, Adam Treu. He joined Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler on the AFC’s pro bowl squad after the 2009 campaign.

The tender ensures that the trio of Sebastian Janikowski, Lechler and Condo remain together for at least another season. There are very few long snappers in the NFL that can get downfield on punt coverage like Condo. His athleticism, consistency during extra points and field goals and discipline on the kickoff coverage unit is top notch.

In March of 2010, Condo signed a restricted free agent tender worth $1.684 million.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist