Silver and Black Report

When the Indianapolis Colts beat the Oakland Raiders in 2007, 21-14, the Silver & Black put up a tough fight against a team heading towards their twelve victory of the season.

The Colts trailed 14-13 after Justin Fargas’ 2-yard scoring run early in the fourth quarter. Fargas ran for 89-yards on 26-carries, while former Colt Dominic Rhodes added another 41-yards on the ground.

Peyton Manning, who connected with Anthony Gonzalez with 4:49 remaining, to give Indianapolis a 21-14 lead, eventually foiled Oakland. That drive, the hall of fame bound  passer completed all seven of his tosses, including a 3^rd and 3 conversion to Reggie Wayne, working against Nnamdi Asomugha, for 19-yards and orchestrated a 11-play 91-yard game winning drive. With Marvin Harrison out, Gonzalez tallied 86-yards receiving and Wayne had to pull off a stellar one-handed snag against Asomugha to keep the vital drive alive late in the contest.

Manning was 22/39 for 276-yards for one score and one interception. “It’s one of those drives that you just do at the right time,” Manning said. “Part of it kind of makes you wish we could have done that earlier in the game and not have to rely on that, but it’s always nice to know that you’re capable of doing it — starting on our own 9, backed up, and a hostile crowd. It feels good to be able to get that touchdown.”

The Raiders dropped to 4-10 in the season, their fifth straight losing campaign at that point. “We’re too far along to feel good because we played the world champs down on the 14-yard line to win the game,” then coach Lane Kiffin said. “Who cares? We lost. We got to start winning these games. Some day we’ll be that team that makes the plays and finishes people off like that.”

“They played a style of defense that we don’t always see – we like to see it – but they played man coverage and just teed off and rushed,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said of the Raiders. “The looks that they were giving us determined that we should throw the ball. They had a good rush, especially in the middle part of the game.”

Here are images from that contest from the SBReport.net archives:

Gerrard Warren (61) had 5-tackles and a sack versus the Colts.

Jerry Porter (84) making a move on Marlin Jackson.

Dominic Rhodes (33) ran tough versus his ex-mates.

Ronald Curry (89) got into the end-zone versus the Colts.

Both sides shared a post-game prayer.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders and Miami Dolphins have battled 33 times, with the Silver & Black leading the series 19-13-1 [including playoffs]. At Miami, the Dolphins have a 9-8 record against the Silver & Black. Oakland holds the edge 10-4 in front of their fans.

In 2007, Oakland went into South Beach and trounced the Dolphins 35-17. Daunte Culpepper made a triumphant return, accounting for five touchdowns (ran for three and threw for two) against his former team.

“The only thing I felt bad about is I didn’t have a chance to show the fans here me healthy as a Dolphin,” Culpepper said. “But now I had a chance to show them today, and I’m glad I was able to do that.”

Culpepper led the team out of the tunnel and on his first score; he looked at the crowd, pointed to his surgically repaired knee and signaled, “ok” to the stands.

“There were a lot of questions about my knee,” he said. “Everywhere I would go, people would ask me about my knee. I wanted to say, ‘Hey, I’m OK. I’m getting better every day.’”

Justin Fargas ran for 179-yards on 22 carries, LaMont Jordan tallied 74-yards on the ground and Jerry Porter scored twice.

“What’s he going to guarantee next week?” Warren Sapp said of linebacker Joey Porter after the game. “It’s tough when you run your mouth.”

Here are some images from that match-up, exclusively from SBReport.net:

Daunte Culpepper running into the end-zone.

Jerry Porter (84) celebrating with Ronald Curry after a score

Ronnie Brown stuffed by Warren Sapp and Terdell Sands.

Culpepper giving the ‘ok’ to Dolphins’ fans.

Culpepper and Trent Green exchanged pleasantries after the Raider win.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Ronald Curry vs. the Rams during the 2006 season

The last time the Oakland Raiders faced the St. Louis Rams, running back Steven Jackson ran for 127-yards and 2 scores. St. Louis routed the Raiders 20-0 in front of ‘the Black Hole.’

Then Rams quarterback Marc Bulger was 11-for-22 for 137-yards. The tandem of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce combined for 7 receptions for 117-yards.

“It’s just embarrassing,” said then Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks, who was pulled in the fourth quarter in favor of Andrew Walter. “It’s embarrassing because we’re better than that.”

At that point, the Raiders were 2-12.

Ronald Curry was the lone spark in that abysmal home performance, hauling in 9-catches for 87-yards.

“I didn’t like it,” Brooks said of his benching. “I thought it was bad timing. I didn’t see any reason why I should have come out. But it was not my decision.”

Here are some images from that contest, pulled from our game coverage dated December 17, 2006:

Justin Fargas (#25) breaking away from Ram defenders.

Kevin Huntley (#94) recording a sack

Kirk Morrison(#52) tallied 6-tackles and a sack during the game.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

According to Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post, the Oakland Raiders are “discussing the availability” of quarterback Sage Rosenfels. The 32-year old passer is currently a third stringer on the Minnesota Vikings and reports indicate that he’ll be made available for other teams, especially if Brett Favre decides to come back for another season.

In his career, Rosenfels has passed for 4,156 yards with a 81.2 passer rating, 30 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

The Vikings acquired his services on February of 2009, sending a 4^th round draft choice to the Houston Texans.

Free agent cornerback Frank Walker is still on the market.

At this point, suitors include the Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens would like to retain the veteran. “It’s funny you ask the question and the whole fan base, everybody’s going to be like, ‘Don’t do it,” coach John Harbaugh said at the NFL owners meetings. “But Frank’s a better player than what people think. I get as frustrated with Frank as anybody does and Frank knows that. He’ll tell you about it and he’ll laugh about it.”

Justin Fargas, who visited the New Orleans Saints in early March, is still without a club. The rusher has hinted about possibly joining the San Francisco 49ers and reuniting with Tom Rathman.

At 30, it may be difficult for the physical rushers to get a job prior to the draft.

Once that process is over, teams may reevaluate the running back depth on their rosters and start looking at veteran options available. “I definitely have a lot of football left in me,” Fargas said. “I just want to do everything I can to help another team win a championship.”

Greg Ellis is also looking for a job.

The Dallas Cowboys could be an option, as Ellis’ agent said that the aging end would be receptive to a return to his former team.

As for JaMarcus Russell, is he 290 pounds? Or 271?

Does it matter? YES.

If he can’t dedicate himself to change the perception that he is lazy and lacks any work ethic by shedding some weight this off-season, what makes you think he’ll just show up to camp in the summer and elevate his play to an acceptable level?

What’s troubling about this scenario is, Oakland will continue to pay the pricey passer and will give him the edge going into camp over Bruce Gradkowski.

Why?

Because the owner will still want a return on his investment and will try to milk any bit of talent he may believe Russell has.

Problem is, that could cost the coach the respect of the players, divide the locker room, and likely add more losses to an already inept stretch for Oakland and ultimately, Tom Cable’s job.

Talk about chatter that can facilitate a media storm…

ESPN anchor Linda Cohn Tweeted today that mercurial wide receiver Terrell Owens could become a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Now, this rumor and the coupling of Owens and the Raiders has always been bantered about – especially when he has become available. But today, in the tweet world we live in, a comment can illicit quite the reaction.

“Next stop for Terrel Owens could be the black hole and the Oakland Raiders! This according to Espn’s John Clayton,” read the twitter message.

The same Owens that has alienated Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb. The same ‘T.O’ that reportedly was at odds with Tony Romo due to his jealousy of the quarterback’s relationship with tight end Jason Witten.

To his credit, he went to Buffalo last off-season on a one-year deal and at 35 years old, he amassed a very respectable 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 TD grabs.

The Cincinnati Bengals flirted with the idea of pairing Owens with the other outlandish receiver in the league, but that was put to rest when they inked Antonio Bryant instead.

At 36, he’s a far superior target than any of the unproven wide receivers the Raiders have currently under contract. But he did look slower this past season even though he put up adequate numbers and was on his best behavior.

You know he’ll always be in good shape. And that he’ll give it his all while on the field when happy.

But can the Raiders afford to bring him in with a shaky quarterback situation and a crop of young targets that need seasoning? How would Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey get the reps needed and consistent chances to get better? Could ‘T.O’ be a model citizen for the Silver & Black?

The Cleveland Browns and St. Louis Rams could also be landing spots.

Justin Fargas will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday per Adam Schefter.

Justin Fargas will be visiting the Cleveland Browns according to a report by KHTK in Sacramento.

The former Oakland Raiders running back was cut recently and was an option for the Kansas City Chiefs before they acquired Thomas Jones.

The Oakland Raiders released Justin Fargas and now, one of their rivals is interested in his services.

The Kansas City Chiefs have contacted Fargas and will host the running back during his visit and search for a new home.

Fargas was released after failing a physical. He was due a $1.7 million roster bonus this week. Oakland’s official web site stated:

Justin Fargas was a beloved Raider who performed at a high level throughout his seven seasons with the team and his contributions to the Silver and Black will always be remembered.

We wish Justin all the best.

Per circulating reports, the Oakland Raiders are expected to waive running back Justin Fargas and defensive tackle Gerard Warren. Both have roster bonuses scheduled this month that the Silver & Black are not expected to absorb.

Fargas, 30, was selected in the 3^rd round of the 2003 draft. He emerged in 2006, rushing for 659-yards on 178 carries. The following campaign, he amassed 1,009 yards averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

Always a hard-worker and a tough competitor, Oakland has leaned on Fargas’ play even when they acquired young rushers via the draft. But his age – a time when ball carriers starting breaking down – and the presence of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden make him expendable at his cost.

Warren, 31, was acquired via trade from the Denver Broncos. He’s been entrenched along the defensive line since his arrival, but Oakland has consistently been one of the worst run defenses in the league even with his addition.

Richard Seymour will come back in 2010 along with Tommy Kelly, two linemen that have hefty cap numbers. But the presence of youngsters such as Matt Shaughnessy and Desmond Bryant, their upside and cost efficient contracts will allow Oakland to part ways with Warren very easily.

According to beat writer Steve Corkran, the Oakland Raiders could be ready to pull the plug on Tom Cable.

In an article written after the 21-13 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, he stated that several people close to Al Davis believe that he is inclined to fire Cable and bring in a new head coach.

Cable replaced Lane Kiffin four games into the 2008 campaign and went 9-19 as interim/head coach.

For the most part, players have been supportive of Cable and have stated their desire for some continuity. If he is canned, the next coach to come in will be the sixth since Jon Gruden’s departure after the 2001 season.

Players lobbied after the 2008 season before Oakland took away the interim label.

“If (Al Davis) wants to ask or if he’s interested in our opinion, I’m sure any man in this locker room would vouch for (Cable),” commented running back Justin Fargas. “From just the way he’s treated us with respect and raised our expectations.”

After the Ravens game, others stated their thoughts:

“Sometimes it doesn’t take a coach two years, sometimes it does take him three,” Nnamdi Asomugha commented. “Tom during his speech today said, ‘This is a playoff team and next year we’ll be in the playoffs.’

He continued: “We started to get a rhythm, and we started to understand what we were doing. I would definitely try to get Cable back, just because that gives us some consistency.”

Cable took over the play calling during his span. But the offense lacked plenty of pop, mainly due to the faulty development of young players.

JaMarcus Russell is nearing mega-bust status, Oakland gambled taking speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey so high in the draft and Darren McFadden has not found his niche, nor has he been the explosive talent they expected upon his arrival.

Cable did make a move away from Russell, and when Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye took over, the offense appeared more respectable.

But how does Al Davis feel about that, as he has clearly stated in the past that Russell was his choice and believes in his future greatness.

Russell is guaranteed $3 million next year and slated to bank $9.45 million in base salary.

“There always is (hope) for anyone who has the talent,” Cable was quoted.

Among some of the lowlights during Cable’s tenure:

His team’s inability to put together solid back-to-back efforts and getting hammered the week after victories, being overwhelmed with the Xs and Os during contests, noted especially as Oakland was one of the worst teams offensively coming out of halftime and then there were the stories ESPN exposed about his history of violent behavior that brought unnecessary coverage and more negative public vibes to a team that is in the midst of seven straight seasons with 11 or more losses.

Oh, and lets not forget the Randy Hanson saga.

Cable has been a good soldier. He did turn around a horrid offensive line that allowed 72-sacks in 2006 and made them into a functional group. He turned Robert Gallery’s career around, made Mario Henderson into a starting caliber left guard, was at the helm when the team pulled off solid victories against playoff contending teams and gave this team some semblance of order after the Kiffin fiasco.

If Oakland does give him the boot, where do they go?

Are there better options for this organization that will legitimately embrace this job as Cable has? And will more change just add regression to a team that is in no shape to move backward after showing signs of life in 2009.

Cable may not be the best head coach out there; but he may be there best option.

Unless a proven commodity comes in and takes over and the owner finally loosens up and allows football decisions be made by others, more of the same will be seen.

Cable may be a better position coach than a head coach. He also may only be able to take these Raiders so far. Cable doesn’t give the impression of a coach that can take his team forwardnad make major steps to turning them into a contender. And if that’s the case and Oakland parts ways with him, Davis must open up the bank account and step away to let a premier coach run his fledgling organization.

If Cable stays, Davis must let him coach, run his team and give him help on the sidelines (i.e offensive coordinator) and allow him to do as he pleases to turn this ship around.

Like Gerard Warren stated: “Guys fought with a lot of effort this year, but 5-11 just don’t get it cut, man. We’re trying to be in the playoff race and go try to get this (Super Bowl) ring. That’s what the game’s all about.”

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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

Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gradkowski may not be able to play again this season.

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

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

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

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

We are talking about Charlie Frye possibly starting over Russell!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist