Silver and Black Report

With the hiring of Jason Tarver as the new Raiders defensive coordinator, it has been speculated that the Raiders may try and transition to the 3-4 defense. Tarver has mostly been around the 3-4 defense in his tenure with the San Francisco 49er’s and the Stanford Cardinals.

It remains to be seen yet if Tarver is going to implement a 3-4 defense, but he may intend to in the long run while he obtains the appropriate personnel to do so. The Raiders currently have players on the roster that fit the 3-4 mold, but would need to add some pieces to institute the 3-4 correctly.

One factor that may play into a transition to the 3-4 defense if finding a way to escalate the play of

Linebacker Rolando McClain, who has struggled in Oakland, played in a 3-4 defense under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama

middle linebacker Rolando McClain. McClain played in Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense while attending Alabama and earned the Butkus Award in 2009, given to the nation’s best collegiate linebacker. McClain was questioned as to whether or not he would succeed as an inside linebacker in the 4-3 coming out of college and has largely not lived up to his expectations yet in Oakland.

Linebacker Aaron Curry, winner of the 2008 Butkus Award, could work as an inside linebacker next to McClain. Curry is a stout rush defender but has struggled in defending the pass. With head coach Dennis Allen’s exotic blitz packages, it could be beneficial to Curry due to his ability to get to the quarterback and to stop the run.

Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who played defensive end at Florida State, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Wimbley responded by having 11 sacks in his rookie year, but then saw his sack numbers diminish before being traded to the Raiders in March 2010. Wimbley has since played well for the Raiders at the linebacker position, while being lined up as a pass rusher on passing downs.

One player that could struggle should the Raiders move to a 3-4 is defensive end Matt Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy has played well at defensive end, recording 92 tackles and 12 sacks in 35 games played for the Raiders. At only 270 pounds, Shaugnessy may be asked to move to the outside linebacker position for his pass-rushing abilities.

Defensive end Lamarr Houston has the athleticism and versatility to play as either a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle. While playing for the University of Texas, Houston played both defensive end and defensive tackle. Houston’s size, 6’3” and 305 pounds, along with his tenacity and motor make him an ideal candidate to be a 3-4 defensive end opposite of Seymour.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Richard Seymour has previous experience playing in the 3-4 defense. While on the Patriots in 2003, Seymour started 14 games as a 3-4 defensive end and finished with eight sacks and 57 tackles.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour had some of his best years while playing in the 3-4 defensive end position for the New England Patriots

A difficulty that the Raiders may encounter should they try and run the 3-4 scheme is the lack of a true nose tackle on the team. In order to run the 3-4 successfully, the defense must have a big-bodied nose tackle in the middle to take up space and help stop the run. The leading candidate currently on the team to be the nose tackle would have to be Tommy Kelly, who is listed at 6’6” and 300 pounds.

If Tarver and Allen should choose to run a 3-4 base defense, they may need to try and find a true run-stuffing nose tackle to insert in the middle of the defensive line. They will also need to pick up depth at the inside linebacker position. For now, it appears that the defense will play both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts as Allen stated, as it may take a couple of years to gain the personnel necessary for a full-time 3-4 defensive scheme.

The Oakland Raiders hired Dennis Allen on Tuesday evening. His prowess as a defensive minded coach was one of the major reasons why Reggie McKenzie selected him. Especially after a 2011 season in which Oakland’s defensive unit faltered in many vital spots and was a major reason as to why they did not reach the playoffs. Here’s a look at a few players to watch now that the Silver & Black have themselves a new head man:

Rolando McClain LB

There’s no denying McClain’s football smarts. But his ability to make impact plays, become a stout middle linebacker and consistently anchor the center of the front-seven has been a major concern, with little signs of elevating his game since entering the league in 2010. His off the field issues are also very troublesome.

Ultimately, with Allen on board, McClain needs to let loose and start stamping his name on the defense. A handful of plays a year in which people take notice is not enough. When you spend such a high selection on a linebacker of his talents, you expect far more production and steadier play, especially at this point of their career.

Michael Huff S

Does he go back to safety? Remember, at year’s end, reports were that Oakland had plans to shift him to cornerback. Yes, the Raiders desperately need to upgrade their talent at defensive back, but Allen may be also dealing with a very thin safety unit of Tyvon Branch departs. Huff is a natural free-safety and as I stated, “Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.”

Not that he’s an old 28, but Huff should be left at the position he’s worked at his whole career and Allen should be able to mold him into a safety we all expected he could be when Oakland drafted him. Just look at the level of play Allen got out of the secondary when he was coaching the Saints in 2008-2010 for reference.

Chimdi Chekwa, Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke CBs

All cornerbacks that were ideal talents for the old regime. McKenzie and Allen are now in charge, and there’s no safety net for either of those players. Yes, McKenzie stated that he loves speedy athletic talents. But Johnson got paid heavily based on a small sample set a few years ago under Al Davis’ watch and both rookies last season were scouted and selected based on what Davis and the past coaching staff found intriguing.

Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston DEs

Lamarr Houston needs to rev it up with Dennis Allen as a head-coach.

Both of these defensive ends have motors and either or both could develop into menacing players in the league with the right tutelage. Shaughnessy will coming off a season ending shoulder injury, but before that, was recognized as one of the better edge defending and pass rushing ends in the AFC. Houston’s play dipped significantly from year one to year two. Both are young, paid very little and could be major keys to turning around a struggling defense.

Aaron Curry LB

Curry was rejuvenated, played violently and looked every part the Raider once he arrived. If there’s one player you can point at and say, he’ll benefit the most from Allen’s arrival, it could be the former fourth pick overall in the 2009 draft.

Kamerion Wimbley LB

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were a major reason Denver’s defense soared at times in 2011. Wimbley, who was a sack machine in his first season with the Raiders, but saw his numbers drop off dramatically last season, needs to get back to his double-digit sack days. His contract dictates that, and his role will be of importance due to his veteran presence and potential output.

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SBReport.net will take a look at the best and worst moments for the 2011 Oakland Raiders; including top plays, standout players and performances, and a lot more…

MVP (On Offense)

Michael Bush, RB

Why Bush? If not for his 977-yards rushing, 418-receiving and eight total scores, Oakland would have been in deep trouble. Yes, Darren McFadden is their most dynamic player and a superstar-type talent, but he missed the entire second half and if not for depth at that position, the Raiders offense would have been stagnant. That’s why both need to be kept together.

Honorable Mention: Jared Veldheer, LT – He faced Jared Allen, Tamba Hali twice, Julius Peppers, Elvis Dumervil twice, Andre Carter, Cameron Wake in a season of growth and maturity into one of the better young left tackles in the league.

MVP (On Defense)

Tommy Kelly, DT

I felt he had a better overall season than Richard Seymour and got slighted in the Pro Bowl selection process. He had 7.5 sacks and was steadier game in and game out.

Honorable Mention: Tyvon Branch, SS – Improved his coverage skills greatly and continued to be stout when placed around the line of scrimmage. Now, it’s time for a payday.

MVP (Special Teams)

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

He altered the look of the offense. When other teams opt to punt, Oakland strolls out their powerful kicker. With a better defense, imagine if the Raiders offense didn’t feel the stress of going long-distances on drives with Janikowski on their side.

BEST COACH

Bob Wylie

Veldheer became an anchor and Samson Satele has proven to be reliable and durable. Stefen Wisniewski did not play like a rookie and the right side, which was a major question mark coming into the season, held their own. With a top ranked running game and very few sacks allowed, Wylie easily was Oakland’s most valuable staffer.

MOST IMPROVED (On Offense)

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

In a landslide… the maligned target ended with 64-receptions for 975-yards and four scores.

MOST IMPROVED (On Defense)

This award will not be given to anyone.

BEST ROOKIE

Denarius Moore, WR

A true play-maker who can stretch the field… and he was drafted in what round?

PLAYERS WHO DISAPPOINTED…

Lamarr Houston trying to amp-up the crowd vs. the Chargers.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB – Only had seven sacks, but four of them were in one game versus the Chargers. If he’s going to be out there, Oakland needs him to be a menace pass rushing and not caught in bad match-ups with the likes of Antonio Gates.

Rolando McClain, LB – An arrest, very few impact plays at middle linebacker… if he wouldn’t had the off-field issues, it could’ve been easier to ship the talent who may need a new start elsewhere.

Lamarr Houston, DE – Only one-sack for the second year pro.

CLASSIEST RAIDERS

Quentin Groves, LB – Moved out of the starting line-up when Aaron Curry was acquired, the linebacker got on special teams and played well.

Jason Campbell, QB – At the beginning of the season, it appeared that the stars were aligned for Campbell – team on the rise, he’s at the helm playing well, at the end of a contract. Now, he may not have many options in the market to start and may have to settle on being Carson Palmer’s back up.

PLAYER MISSED THE MOST… (due to injury)

Matt Shaughnessy, DE – He has a motor, can bring the heat and is a solid edge defender. It could’ve helped.

PLAYER MISSED THE MOST… (due to departure)

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB – Boy, did that secondary need someone opposing passers feared.

PLAYER WHO NEEDS TO BE INCORPORATED MORE…

Kevin Boss, TE – They are paying him well for only 39-targets, 28 catches for 368-yards and three touchdowns. Oakland’s offense also features a very good receiving fullback (Marcel Reece) and with all the youth at receiver and rushers than can also be threats as pass-catchers, its easy to forget about Boss.

MOST OVERRATED (on offense)

Jacoby Ford, WR

Injuries slowed him, but he rarely showed any of the glimpses we saw in his rookie season.

MOST OVERRATED (on defense)

Matt Giordano, FS

Yes, he led the team with five interceptions, but many of them were in the ‘right at him’ category. Too many times he took horrible angles in run support and missed on tackles to spring running backs for bigger gains.

Honorable Mention: Stanford Routt, CB – How many times did he get flagged? Teams were not afraid to go after him – not what you want out of a top-paid cornerback.

BEST MOMENTS

Tommy Kelly, Jarvis Moss & the rest of the defense had fun bullying Mark Sanchez.

• Rallying versus the Texans on the weekend of Al Davis’ passing – On a emotional afternoon, with heavy hearts, Oakland overcame a deficit and held on late, on the game’s final play to win their first game without the legendary owner.
• Bullying the Jets in front of the ‘Black Hole’ – They ran for 234-yards, beat up Mark Sanchez and enjoyed a 34-24 victory against a top team.
• John Madden lighting up the torch – It was the Raiders first game at home without Davis, and during halftime, the coach who made his mark with the Silver & Black, lit up a cauldron during a ceremony to remember his life.
• Winning three in a row and getting to 7-4 in late November.
• The Raider fans selling out all eight home games.

WORST MOMENTS

• Al Davis Dying – It’s still unimaginable that the man synonymous with the Silver & Black will no longer be with us.
• Second-Half vs. Bills – Ryan Fitzpatrick torched Oakland, as Buffalo scored at will on every possession in the second half. One stop by the defense, and the Raiders could’ve had another win.
• Chiefs Stomping – Losing to the Chiefs is always painful for the Raiders. But getting trounced at home 28-0 was just embarrassing.
• Losing four out of their last five games to end the season, including an embarrassing collapse against the Lions and the disastrous finale versus the Chargers.

BEST PLAYS

• Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal versus Denver – Tied for the league’s longest kick and gave the Raiders a 16-3 halftime lead. Oh, Janikowski didn’t really hit it cleanly.
• Moore’s 50-yard TD catch in Buffalo – That gave Oakland a 35-31 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Bills eventually won, 38-35.
• Huff’s INT versus Houston – The free-safety sealed the game with his interception, as time expired, and with the Raiders one-man short.
• Lechler’s TD – Oakland went up 24-7 against the Browns when Shane Lechler connected with Kevin Boss for a 35-yard score, off a fake field goal.
• Heyward-Bey’s 53-yard catch to set up the game winning field goal in overtime against the Chiefs.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

• Wimbley’s sack parade vs. the Chargers.
• Carson Palmer’s 14-20 for 299 and 2 scores against the Chargers.
• McFadden’s 171-yards rushing vs. the Jets.
• Michael Bush’s record breaking night against San Diego.
• Janikowski’s six field goals vs. the Bears.

BEST PASS BY A NON-QB

Shane Lechler’s TD to Kevin Boss.

WORST PASSES BY A QB

How many did Kyle Boller attempt vs. the Chiefs?

MID-SEASON ACQUISITION THAT WILL STICK AROUND…

Aaron Curry

MID-SEASON ACQUISITIONS THAT WILL NOT STICK AROUND…

Lito Sheppard

BEST QUOTE

“I’m watching [the] History Channel and Fox Sports Soccer.” – Tommy Kelly after being eliminated and asked if he would watch the playoffs.

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SBReport.net wishes everyone a festive evening and a Happy New Year. As we sign out 2011, we bring in a new year with some resolutions for the Oakland Raiders:

Kyle Boller, QB

As soon as Jason Campbell was lost for the season, Oakland pulled the trigger on the Carson Palmer deal. Boller, who started the Raiders first game right after, bombed with three interceptions in the first half versus the Chiefs and never saw action again in 2011.

Resolution: To find a way to obtain the trust of any team as a back-up quarterback.

Kevin Boss, TE

After back-to-back 500 yard-plus seasons with the New York Giants, the tight end, who inked a deal with $8 million in guarantees, has had his number of targets and touches go down dramatically in this wide-receiver friendly system that also have dangerous pass catchers out of the backfield.

Resolution: Boss will draw-up a few more plays himself and sneak them into Hue Jackson’s playbook.

Tyvon Branch, SS

The starting string safety was named a Pro-Bowl alternate this week after a solid campaign.

Resolution: More impact plays in 2012 to ensure he gets the attention needed to make it to Hawaii.

The Oakland Front Office

Resolution: Find a general manager to work in cohesion with Hue Jackson.

Michael Bush, RB

He has compiled 1,316 total yards from scrimmage this year – not too shabby for a back up.

Resolution: To get a big payday. After injuries derailed his final season at Louisville, the rusher missed at a chance of going higher in the draft and earning a lot more money.

Jason Campbell, QB

He was Jackson’s quarterback till the injury. Now, with Palmer in the mix, if he wants to start, Campbell will have to go elsewhere.

Resolution: To find a team that desperately needs a quarterback. There aren’t many options and with Vince Young and Kyle Orton out there, it will be very difficult for Campbell to realistically start anywhere.

Aaron Curry, LB

Resolution: To fulfill his high draft-day expectations as a member of the Silver & Black after Seattle gave up on his career.

Jacoby Ford, WR

Resolution: Better conditioning on those lower extremities. A quad injury, hamstring issues and a foot ailment have been some of things the second year talent had dealt with in 2011.

Matt Giordano, S

Resolution: To parlay this solid campaign in Oakland into a multi-year deal.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Resolution: To make the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Rolando McClain, LB

Last year’s resolution: “To land jaw-dropping hits on opponents that weigh over 190 pounds and leave his impression on the Raider defense.

Resolution: See above. Oh, and stay out of the police blotter.

Darren McFadden, RB

Resolution: Play 16-games!

Carson Palmer, QB

Resolution: Regain his form with a full camp and pre-season – he’s not that far away.

Stanford Routt, CB

Resolution: To cut down on the flags… then we’ll hear talk about him being one of the AFC’s top cornerbacks.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Our resolution last year for him was: “To break the 50-catch mark in 2011. Thirty-five career catches for a seventh overall selection – the letters B.U.S.T are ominous.” Well, mission accomplished.

Resolution: To become the ‘go-to guy’ in Oakland and turn into a versatile pass catcher on short and deep routes.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Resolution: To bottle-up whatever he took prior to the season and give it to McFadden and Ford. Schilens’ 2011 was not decimated by injuries.

Jared Veldheer, LT and Stefen Wisniewski, LG

Resolution: To get to Hawaii as a tandem.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Resolution: More sacks against teams not named the San Diego Chargers.

Here are last year’s resolutions for Campbell, DHB, McClain, Veldheer and others:

Oakland Raiders: New Year’s resolutions for 2011

Not bad, huh?

Happy New Year to everyone in the Raider Nation!

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It’s a must-win game on Sunday for the Oakland Raiders (8-7) when the rivals San Diego Chargers (7-8) invade the O.co Coliseum. With a win and some help, the Silver & Black could either be a division winner, or a wild-card participant in the post-season. Either way, Oakland has to win and finish with an above .500 record for the first time since the 2002 season for a chance at the playoffs. “You have to embrace these moments because they don’t come around too often. You want to play your best football in the biggest games. As a competitor, you have to want that, but you have to enjoy it. It’s a fun time,” said Richard Seymour.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland has to continue the trend of pounding Michael Bush at the Chargers. In seven career games versus San Diego, Bush has amassed 490-yards rushing (4.3) and four touchdowns, including his record breaking 242-yards from scrimmage performance earlier in the season.

“We’ve been doing a good job sticking to it and not getting behind where we have to turn to pass situations,” stated the running back.

Oakland has to play from in-front and pound away at the Chargers front-seven in hopes of demoralizing them but more importantly, keeping the attack balanced against a defense that has 13-sacks in their last four games.

On Defense:

Chuck Bresnahan’s unit is under scrutiny, but they’ll get back safety Michael Huff and may have a motivated Tommy Kelly, who was bypassed on the Pro-Bowl selection process.

“[Huff] gives you another outstanding competitor and another outstanding football player,” Bresnahan was quoted this week. “We’ll see where he’s at and judge it as the week goes on.”

Oakland’s secondary will likely be under a lot of pressure with Norv Turner possibly coaching his last game in San Diego and Philip Rivers wanting to go out with gun’s blazing.

The Raiders need to get a heavy pass rush and contain tight end Antonio Gates.

In 17 games versus Oakland, Gates has compiled 69-catches for 934-yards and nine touchdowns. That duty will likely go to Mike Mitchell.

Kamerion Wimbley had four sacks earlier in the season at San Diego, but has only tallied three others the entire campaign. The Chargers have been forced into seven turnovers in their last three games against Oakland, mainly due to the pressure placed on Rivers.

Kamerion Wimbley sacks Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

On Offense:

Rivers has always been a closer, and nothing demonstrates that more than his 25-3 record as a starter in December.

Despite throwing a career high 19 interceptions, he was selected to the Pro Bowl roster. And with talk of Turner’s possible demise, he’s motivated to end the season strong.

“I think it is evident what I feel about [Turner],” Rivers said. “It has been an unusual year and a rough year. Hopefully everybody here, coaches included, will be able to gear up and go back at it next year.”

Rivers has thrown for 4,314 yards and is just the fourth quarterback in NFL history with four straight seasons over 4,000 yards. With one more touchdown pass, Rivers will become just the sixth quarterback in league history with at least 25 touchdown passes in four straight seasons.

On Defense:

Shaun Phillips has been a Raider-killer in his career, compiling 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 13-games against Oakland.

But it was Eric Weddle who made headlines this week, not just for his Pro Bowl nod, but his desire to keep the Silver & Black out of the playoffs.

“I don’t want the Raiders to go,” said Weddle, who is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. “We have control over at least one more game, and who can go. “We’re going to try our hardest to spoil their postseason and keep them out of it.”

The Chargers have struggled with spread-offenses, so it will be interesting to see if Oakland puts the game on Palmer’s abilities, or do they try to re-establish a ground presence?

GAME NOTES

• “Everybody in the locker room wants to win and wants to win now,” Shane Lechler said about the team’s playoff hopes. “My situation is, hopefully I get to see this thing go full circle. I had it great when I first got here. … Just to see it go full circle would be good.”
• Carson Palmer on the importance of Sunday’s game: “These types of games, especially when you get to play them at home. These types of games are why you do what you do in February, March, April, May when nobody is watching. It’s why you stay up late at night watching film. This is why you do that, to be prepared. … This is a big moment for this team and our fans.”
• Darren McFadden will be out.
• For the first time in 16-years, all eight home games have been sold out.
• DE Trevor Scott was named this year’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
• “I don’t know what the penalty thing is,” Tommy Kelly on Oakland’s record breaking penalty pace. “Coach stresses it, defensive coordinator stresses it, D-line coach stresses it.”
• Jacoby Ford will play on Sunday. Taiwain Jones practiced, but could be a game-time decision.

KEY MATCHUPS

Rivers vs. Oakland’s Pass Rush/Secondary

It’s been a strange season for the fiery passer, who will miss the playoffs but go to Hawaii in a few weeks. He’s into the rivalry and a huge statistical game versus a rival and keeping them out of the playoffs will be his motivation on Sunday.

Bush-whacked

San Diego was mauled by the Oakland offensive line in their first meeting. It will be in the Raiders best interest to start the game by establishing themselves on the ground and keep pounding on a defense that may want to go home early for the winter.

PREDICTION

Raiders 30 – Chargers 16
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Lambeau Field - Home of the Green Bay Packers

The Oakland Raiders (7-6) ran into the NFL’s best team – the undefeated, defending Super Bowl champs – and were massacred 46-16. Sunday’s victory by the Green Bay Packers (13-0) clinched a bye week  in the post-season and just emphasized how far the Silver & Black are from being at their level. Here’s a look at what went wrong at Lambeau Field for Oakland:

PENALTIES, TURNOVERS & POOR TACKLING

Oakland had eight penalties for 64-yards in the first half and ended with 11 infractions for 89-yards at games end.

Jared Veldheer’s hold on their second drive was disheartening due to the fact that they were moving the ball well at the onset of the game and were already down 7-0 on that possession. The Raiders did not move the ball after that penalty and were forced to punt.

Green Bay scored on their next drive and was quickly up 14-0.

Mike Mitchell was flagged for pass interference on a 3^rd and 16.

Carson Palmer had the Silver & Black moving on the opening drive, but a costly interception in Green Bay territory was the start of an ugly afternoon. Oakland’s starting passer set-up the Packers in the 2^nd quarter with his second interception of the game into the hands of Charles Woodson. The quarter was quoted after the game, “I put us in a position not to win, turning the ball over and not taking advantage of opportunities. That is what cost us this game. I did not play well enough to give us a chance to win.”

The Packers began the drive at the Oakland 25-yard line and four plays later, were up 31-0 on Ryan Grant’s six-yard run.  Oakland finished with five turnovers. “You can’t turn the ball over five times, commit 11 penalties and think you have a chance to win a game,” said Hue Jackson after the game.

The defense did not wrap up many times, missed opportunities to take down Green Bay ball carriers and were undisciplined in the first half.  Grant recorded 44 of his 85 rush yards after initial contact. That’s the most rush yards after contact in a single game for a Packers running back all season.

DEFENSIVE NO-SHOW

Granted, the offense did put Chuck Bresnahan’s bunch in tough spots with quick possessions and short fields, but the run defense was a sieve and a lack of energy early in the contest was evident.

Rolando McClain was lost in Ryan Grant’s 47-yard run for a score to open the game, as the rusher danced through the line of scrimmage and had everyone in the secondary trailing.

Green Bay out-rushed the Silver & Black 136-117 and averaged a staggering 9.2 rush yards per carry in the first half.

The Raiders did finish with four sacks, but not enough pressure was put on Aaron Rodgers when they needed it most. Veteran lineman Richard Seymour was non-existent.

At the half, the Packers 296 total yards of offense and were 2-4 on 3^rd downs. That’s when it mattered most, and at that point, their lead was an insurmountable 31-0. Green Bay had four touchdowns and a field goal on its first five possessions.

“Our quarterback is outstanding at handling the no-huddle. He has the best seat in the house. We’re playing at home. We knew our defense would have a chance to go out and jump on these people,” Packers head coach Mike McCarthy commented.

ANYTHING THAT COULD GO WRONG…DID.

Just when you thought Oakland had executed soundly, something happened to make their afternoon a longer one.

Trailing 31-0, the Raiders called a fake punt, but Shane Lechler missed a wide-open Rock Cartwright, giving the Packers possession at the Oakland 28-yard line. Lechler commented: “I just missed the throw. If I don’t miss the throw, it’s a first down, easy. It was there. I haven’t missed that pass since I don’t know how long. Just a bad throw.”

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Randall Cobb clearly had his foot out of bounds during a 50-yard return. But the replay system malfunctioned and kept the play from being changed.

Kamerion Wimbley had recovered a fumble and returned it 82-yard for a score before halftime, but Green Bay challenged the call on the field and the play was reversed, as Rodgers’ apparent turnover was ruled an incompletion.

GAME NOTES

• Carson Palmer ended the game 24/42 for 245-yards, one touchdown and four interceptions (42.4 QB rating). Aaron Rodgers was 17/30 for 281-yards, two scores and one interception (96.7 QB rating, lowest of the season).
• Darrius Heyward-Bey led Oakland with 78-yards receiving, on five catches. Louis Murphy added another 70-yards on four grabs. Kevin Boss tallied his second touchdown as a Raider in the 4^th quarter.
• Rolando McClain had 7 solo tackles, 3 tackles for losses and 2 sacks. His second sack was of Matt Flynn in the end zone, leading to a safety. At that point, Oakland was down 46-9.
• On Erik Walden’s 5-yard fumble return for a score, Marce Reece had lost possession of the football and Palmer was unable to recover it.
• Shane Lechler had a 71-yard punt, downed by Brandon Myers at the one-yard line in the final quarter.
• For a second straight game, the Raiders were down 34-0. Last week, they were down by 34, without scoring a point, to the Dolphins. They also allowed a long return on special teams coming out of the locker room. The 31-0 halftime deficit was the largest in team history. In 1961, they were down 30-0 to the Chargers.

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It was a treacherous way to take care of business at home, but the Oakland Raiders prevailed and continued their run atop the AFC West with a 25-20 win against the Chicago Bears.

Here’s a breakdown of the victory, with all the key plays and moments for the Silver & Black:

SPECIAL TEAMS LEADS THE WAY… AGAIN.

Sebastian Janikowski broke his own franchise record for most field goals in a game, going 6-for-6 (40, 47, 42, 19, 37, 44) and leading the way when the offense was not able to stick it in the end zone. “It means a lot. There’s plenty more records to be broken,” he stated when asked about his performance. Each one of those kicks was crucial and equally impressive, especially after he was hindered with left hamstring injury the last few weeks.

You knew he was on his game and completely healed when he drove kickoffs deep into the end zone.

Devin Hester was shutdown, tallying seven yards on punt returns and only 39-yards on kickoffs. Rock Cartwright, Quentin Groves, Mike Mitchell, Brandon Myers and Darryl Blackstock gunned down Hester all afternoon.

Shane Lechler was stellar, averaging 54.6 on his punts, with a long of 80-yards. What impressed the most were his three punts inside the 20-yard line – especially the final one, pushed out of bounds by Bryan McCann at the four-yard line with 1:01 remaining – forcing Caleb Hanie to go long distances on drives for scores.

“Our two kickers are fantastic,” coach Hue Jackson commented. “There’s not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job.”

TURNOVERS

Caleb Hanie tossed three interceptions – all in the first half. Stanford Routt’s pick in the 1^st quarter eventually gave Oakland a 6-0 lead.

“We knew coming into this game that [Hanie] lacked experience but we knew that he could still make plays, as you saw in the Green Bay title game last year,” Routt said. “We knew he still had the ability to make us look bad and come out of here with the W if we didn’t take care of business.”

Michael Huff’s interception killed a Chicago drive that could’ve ended in at least a field goal attempt. Hanie’s poor decision making victimized the Bears early.

Kamerion Wimbley got his first pick of the season and returned it 73-yards to the Bears six-yard line. Oakland went into the half with a 15-7 lead due to that turnover.

MOMENTUM SWINGS

The Bears felt good after Johnny Knox scored from 29-yards out. It had to be demoralizing for Oakland…

They outplayed Chicago up to that point, but since they settled for field goals, the visiting team continued to have life. Corey Graham intercepted Carson Palmer and the Bears went on a 76-yard, 9-play drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.

Oakland immediately went on the attack with a Marcel Reece 47-yard catch and run. Four plays later, the Silver & Black were up again, 9-7.

Wimbley’s pick came at a point where Chicago had a 2^nd and 1 at the Oakland 7-yard line. Knox had returned a kickoff 56-yards, but instead of scoring at the end of the 2^nd quarter, the Bears let the Raiders go into the locker room with confidence. “Man, I thought I was like Barry Sanders or something. When I caught it, I was just looking at the end zone and I was trying my best to get there. An offensive lineman got me, so the guys won’t let me live that one down for a while,” said Wimbley.

Louis Murphy’s 47-yard catch on 3^rd and 4 – at midfield late in the 4^th quarter – helped set-up Michael Bush’s 3-yard scamper, which gave Oakland a 25-13 lead.

RESERVES AND ROLE PLAYERS STEPPING UP

Marcel Reece had five receptions for 92-yards. The fullback consistently beat defenders and gave Oakland an added element to their aerial attack today.

Chaz Schilens, who had some choice words for Warren Sapp this week, backed up his banter with his best performance of the year. His 14-yard reception on 3^rd and 6 in the final quarter was key. He ended with 58-yards on 4 catches.

Louis Murphy hauled in two passes, one of them being the biggest play of the game.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland had a tough time converting 3^rd downs, finishing a putrid 3-15. They also struggled in the red-zone and often settled for field goals. “It was tough in the red zone. That’s a good defense. That’s a good unit. People questioned what their ranking was statistically. That’s a very good unit that’s played together a long time and understands their scheme,” commented Carson Palmer.
• The Bears rush defense did a fine job this afternoon, limiting Michael Bush to 69-yards on 24-carries. Oakland managed 73-team rushing yards. The Raiders offensive line did not get push at the point of attack and struggled in pass protection, allowing four sacks. Jared Veldheer, who had his way with Jared Allen last week, struggled with Julius Peppers (2-sacks) and got infracted with a holding penalty. Samson Satele’s hold nullified a 14-yard Bush run and Stefen Wisniewski’s hold wiped away a 12-yard Bush score. The Bears ended with four sacks.
• The Bears out gained the Raiders, 401-341. Marion Barber was their most effective rusher, gaining 63-yards on 10 carries. Matt Forte finished with 59-yards on 12-carries, but 33 of them on one play. Hanie had 50-yards rushing, including a backbreaking 24-yard run on 3^rd and 18 – the drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.
• Oakland had one penalty at the half. They ended with 6-for-44 yards.
• Bush’s 3-yard run in the 4^th quarter snapped a five-game scoreless drought in the final quarter. “We should have won that football game based on the way our offense played,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “We didn’t play well enough on defense. We gave up too many big plays, didn’t get enough takeaways. That’s why we didn’t win.”

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SBReport.net would like to send best wishes to all fans of the Oakland Raiders on this Thanksgiving Day. We give thanks to everyone that reads this site on a daily basis and the millions in the Raider Nation.

Today, we look at who should give thanks for what has occurred so far this season in Silver & Black:

Michael Bush, RB

He’ll easily surpass Darren McFadden this weekend as the team’s leading rusher, as Bush is currently sitting on 599 yards, while the starter has been stuck with 614 since he got injured. Bush can enter free agency at the end of the campaign and land a hefty contract based on this year’s performances. He was projected as a first round draft choice prior to his senior season at Louisville, but a broken right leg derailed that. Now, Bush is in line to make up for some of that lost money.

Carson Palmer, QB

Pulled out of retirement, the former Bengal passer now has a new lease on life. He’s on a winning club that has high expectations in the coming years. Palmer has a stable of offensive talent, a secure left side of the offensive line and a head coach that wanted him badly. He got his wishes – out of Cincinnati and on a team that is an upstart.

Aaron Curry, LB

In the doghouse at Seattle, Curry was another acquisition the Raiders made in-season that landed them a starter. The former first round draft pick is playing better football, has fit in with Oakland and has a chance to head to the playoffs, instead of floundering on the depth chart on a four win team.

The Raider Offense…

Should be thankful for Jared Veldheer’s maturation into one of the better left tackles in the AFC. They also would like Stefen Wisnieski’s seamless transition to the pros at left guard and his ability to slide into the center spot when needed, Samson Satele’s steady presence and Cooper Carlisle and Khalif Barnes’ underrated play along the right side.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR

Should give thanks to Palmer and Hue Jackson – both integral reasons why he has a job at this point in the season.

Stanford Routt, CB

The cornerback won’t make the Pro Bowl nor will he receive notoriety for his play, especially since the defensive backfield has allowed a lot of yardage in 2011. But, Nnamdi Asomugha’s high contract demands opened the door for him to land his big deal and has given him a shot to be the key corner in Oakland’s schemes.

Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Wants to give thanks to the San Diego Chargers. Prior to his four-sack performance on Thursday night a few weeks back, he was sitting on two sacks and appeared lost in Oakland’s defense.

Sebastian Janikowski, K

He gives thanks to a powerful left leg and the thin air at Denver. He is now part owner of the league’s longest field goal.

Raiders passing attack…

Is thankful for having Denarius Moore. The rookie could wind up as the team’s leading pass catcher. Yes, he was a fifth round selection.

Chaz Schilens, WR

Would like to thank Warren Sapp for being so boisterous about the Silver & Black. No one outside of Oakland would have known who the receiver was if not for his rant about the future Hall of Famer.

The Raider Nation…

Gives thanks to Al Davis, his life and legacy, which will be forever synonymous with the Oakland Raiders.

Hue Jackson

The head coach should give thanks to Jason Campbell, for being such a professional, especially after Oakland quickly acquired Palmer, following the former starter’s injury.

Click on this link to follow Victor Cotto on Twitter and get up to date news, updates & thoughts on the Silver & Black.