Silver and Black Report

According to a report by Pro Football Talk, the Oakland Raiders will host Larry Johnson on Sunday, when the running back comes in for a free agent visit.

The former Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals rusher is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins tomorrow.

Johnson, 30, was a very productive ball carrier for the Chiefs from 2004-to-2006. In 2006, he racked up 416 rushing attempts and since has not been the same. Injuries, off the field issues and a suspension that was termed “conduct detrimental to the club,” by the Chiefs marred his final years with the club that drafted him.

To what extent the Raiders are interested is unknown.

Oakland has two young running backs in Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Neither has shown the ability to carry the ball consistently over the course of 16-games, but bringing in Johnson and his questionable demeanor and adding him to the mix seems odd.

Oakland should just go with their current crop of rushers and if they have a need to add a third rusher, adding one via the draft or an undrafted free-agent may be the better option rather than a guy who had a lot of off the field concerns and is on the down side of his career,

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.

Yesterday; one reception for 22-yards. For the season six catches for 96-yards. Oh, lets not forget his two-carries for 19-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey has been in over his head in his rookie campaign.

The controversial seventh overall pick in April’s draft has done very little as a member of the Silver & Black. His route running has been critiqued; Heyward-Bey’s one virtue – his speed – has been a non-factor. Fellow rookie Louis Murphy has fared better, but until yesterday’s loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, Heyward-Bey has not been in the mix or been looked at to make plays when it counted most.

And when he had a shot to give the Oakland Raider fan base some glimmer of hope – he failed.

Heyward-Bey had a ball sail out of his hands and into the mitts of a Kansas City defender, sealing the Chiefs seventh straight victory in Oakland.

Oakland will stick to their guns that the product out of Maryland was who they wanted in the draft. They claimed to like his abilities as a pass catcher, but at this point there is no reason to believe that the one man calling the shots selected him based on one thing only – speed.

Far more polished targets such as Michael Crabtree (18 rec. for 215 yds.) and Jeremy Maclin (31 rec. 413 yds. 4 TD) were selected three and twelve picks later respectively. Percy Harvin (31 rec. 422 3 TD) went at the 22^nd slot to Minnesota. And Hakeem Nicks (23 rec. 407 yds. 4 TD) and Kenny Britt (22 rec. 351 yds.) were taken back-to-back at the end of the first round. But none has struggled or has been as dormant as DHB.

“I know Darrius works every day catching the ball,” said Chaz Schilens. “I’m out there with him. I don’t know what to say other than at game time, you’ve just got to make the play.

“That’s all there is to it.”

The rookie had an opportunity to do what Oakland drafted him for in the second quarter. And on one of the few times JaMarcus Russell was able to hit his target accurately, DHB let a 50-yard bomb near the goal line go right through his arms.

It’s too early to say he’s a bust. Yet its hard to bypass the fact that: a) Oakland could have taken far better targets at their slot in the draft, or b) could’ve had him a lot lower, paid less money and not be as scrutinized for it if someone was willing to move to their spot.

Matt Shaughnessy started in place of the mending Greg Ellis at defensive end. He recorded a sack and had 4 tackles (including one behind the line of scrimmage). The rookie was one of the bright spots during a 1^st quarter in which Oakland beat up the Chiefs offensive line and held their rushers to -4 yards and a measly 57-yards at the half. Oakland’s run defense was swarming at times and ended the contest allowing 112 yards on the ground. Their one blip was Jamaal Charles 44-yard touchdown scamper (KC first TD on the ground in 2009).

NOTES FROM SUNDAY

• Chris Johnson tallied his third interception of the season.
• Robert Gallery came back from his injury and started at LG. He had a costly penalty in the 2^nd quarter when Russell connected with Murphy for a 52-yard gain. The play was negated due to a tripping infraction. “It was one of those things, I’m not going to let the quarterback get hit,’’ Gallery stated after the game. “I can’t put myself in that situation. It is what it is. It cost us pretty big, so it’s a hard one to swallow.’
• Sebastian Janikowski’s streak is over. The hefty kicker connected from 50-yards, but missed a 45-yarder in the 3^rd quarter. The 20-consecutive converted field goals were the longest streak of his career.

The second half of the regular season; a new beginning for the Oakland Raiders and an opportunity to at least build some momentum by trying to beat a Kansas City team that is minus tight end Tony Gonzalez, minus running back Priest Holmes, and minus newly cut running back Larry Johnson. All three being perennial behemoths that have always been the deciding for in Raiders’ losses to the the Chiefs. For all intents and purposes, a very winnable game.

The Raiders elected to receive the ball first and put on an explosive offensive display; reminiscent of the season opener against the San Diego Chargers except that this time, Oakland would actually end the opening drive wih a touchdown following a huge 60-yard run by running back Michael Bush and a 1-yard dive into the endzone by running back Justin Fargas to put the Raiders up 7-0 right off the bat!

The defense also got off to a good start; cornerback Chris Johnson intercepted a Matt Cassell pass. In fact, the pass was initially caught by the intended Kansas City receiver when he went up high to grab it. However, Johnson met the ball and the receiver at the apex and quite literally snatched the ball away from the Kansas City receiver for no gain.

The Raiders’ offense tried their interpretation of the popular Wild Cat formations twice on their subsequent drive. Both Wild Cat plays netted them next to nothing and were forced to punt away.

The Raider defense put up a valiant effort this time around, but couldn’t keep the Chiefs off the score board after forcing Kansas City to either punt or kick a 50-yard field goal. The Chiefs chose the points and booted the 50-yarder to pull to within 4-points with the score now 7-3.

After a stalled Raider offensive drive, the Raiders would catch a lucky break when Kansas City would muff the ensuing punt return. LB Jon Condo would recover the fumble.

At this point and on into the 3rd quarter, Oakland’s offense begins to stall. 3-and-outs, errant passes, non-productive runs, and unimaginative play calling quickly became the norm as Raider fans booed the offense whenever they came off the field. At least this time, Sebastian Janikowski slowed the bleeding by booting a 5-yard field goal of his own to extend the lead to 10-3. The field goal would be the last sniff of points for the remainder of the game.

Oakland’s defense still had life left in them as displayed by a sack by Tommy Kelly for -8 yards. The Chiefs would strike with a deep pass play on 3rd and 23. Fortunately for Oakland, the ball was an inch or two short and Kansas City elected to punt it away.

On the ensuing Raider drive, Russell and company could only manage yet another 3-and-out as the home crowd continued to voice it’s displeasure.

K.C. would take advantage of Oakland’s offensive woes and put more points on the board by exploiting the Raiders’ defeense on a 4th and 1 situation by busting out a 44-yard for a touchdown to tie the game 10-10.

Oakland got off to a good footing early in their next offensive drive with a 12-yard pass to wide receiver Chaz Schilens. But then, the wheels began too fall off following a outright dropped deep pass by WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. Then WR Louis Murphy would get his deep pass reception negated because of a tripping penalty called on Guard Robert Gallery. To make matters worse, JaMarcus Russell would be sacked for a 13-yard loss; forcing them to punt the ball once more.

And again, K.C. would manage to get a field goal out their next offensive drive to push Kansas City ahead with the score of 13-10.

At about 2:30 left in the third quarter where Russell would receive the hook from coach Cable. Benched…for the second game this season and again, Bruce Gradkowski would come in as relief. The benching came following a failed offensive drive in which Russell missed his targets and according to coach Cable, missed his reads. The last play for Russell was a pass play in which he had plenty of time to throw the ball, there were no defenders in his face or in pursuit, but the pass landed just before the receiver’s feet in the flats. Russell’s footwork being the culprit as he never stepped into the throw and relied only on his arm strength to get the ball to the receiver; a familiar theme all season long.

Kansas City would tighten the screws with a 4th quarter field goal to make the game 16-10; daring Oakland to beat them with a touchdown. Oakland, would have their chance.

With about 1:53 left in the game, Gradkowski would have to march his team 80 yards with only one time out left. First, Gradkowski hit Schilens for 9-yards. Then, he hit WR Johnnie Lee Higgins for 14-yards. Gradkowski adverted disaster by running away from the pass rush and managed to gain 9-yards. The offense is now clicking on all cylinders against a defense that really hadn’t gone prevent. The Chiefs were playing the same defense they had been playing all game long. The Raiders got even closer when Gradkowski connected with Heyward-Bey on a deep out with Bey tip-toeing the sidelines. An official’s challenge would confirm the catch a reception.

Fate would have a sense of irony. After DHB’s reception got the Raiders to the Chiefs’ 26-yard line, Gradkowski would return to the receiver well by throwing again to DHB. This time, fate…being the fickle mistress, frowned upon Oakland. The ball would find it’s way to DHB’s outstretched hands, but would go right through them, bounce off his chest, up into the air and into the waiting arms of the Chiefs’ defender at K.C.’s 10-yard line to essentially end the game…10 yards from possible victory. An obviously emotional Bey could not be found in the locker room following the post game press conference.

The Raider would fall to the Chiefs 16-10 and more importantly, Coach Cable will have to decide who he will start at quarterback next week, and the team will have to find a way to fix all the dropped passes.

Bitter AFC Wet rivals meet again on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) face the Oakland Raiders (2-6). During their week-two meeting, the Silver & Black pulled out a 13-10-road victory despite being dominated in total yardage (409-166) and time of possession (38:39- 21:21). Both clubs have had a lot off the field concerns and they will fight to avoid being the cellar dwellers of the division.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Is Chaz Schilens finally seeing football action on Sunday? We’ll have to wait and see, but so far, all indications point to the 24-year old making his debut in 2009. “It’s feeling better, It’s not worse,” stated the wide out who has been inactive since breaking a bone in his foot back in the summer.

“I don’t know if it will be for right now, but I kind of just go to go and do what I can,” he continued when asked if his injury is completely healed.

Darren McFadden is set to return to the running back rotation. He has practiced with the team this week. And on Sunday, McFadden will face an opponent he has racked up 212 rushing yards, 79 yards receiving and 2 scores against in three career games.

What to Expect:

Kansas City is allowing 136.3 rushing yards per game. Oakland must run the football to have any success in this game. Getting McFadden back will help the diversity of this offense, but pounding the football with Justin Fargas will help them move the chains. If Schilens does play, expect Oakland to go with more three-receiver formations. The health of many of these players should help Tom Cable’s lackluster play calling.

On Defense:

Struggling cornerback Chris Johnson is highly optimistic regarding Oakland’s second half. “If you really want to look at it, you can go 8-0 and you might end up 10-6,” Johnson said yesterday. “There’s a possible way you can actually do it.”

The Raider cornerback may be kept busy this week with Matt Cassel coming off a 23-for-39 performance, with 262 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Johnson has the bull’s eye on his jersey being the second part of the tandem with Nnamdi Asomugha.

What to Expect:

The Chiefs offensive line has allowed 30 sacks this season (31^st in the NFL). Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and the rest of the front-seven has to be on attack mode. John Marshall’s unit had a field day against the Eagles by blitzing and confusing the Philadelphia offensive line. Greg Ellis will continue his recovery from knee and shoulder surgery, so Trevor Scott and rookie Matt Shaughnessy should get ample opportunities to stake their claim to more reps along the defensive line.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

On Offense:

The Chiefs parted ways with Larry Johnson, but now must find a replacement for one of the weakest ground attacks in the league.

Kansas City is averaging a pedestrian 96.1 yards per game and are the only team in the league not to tally a rushing score so far in 2009. Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith are two options. But neither was impressive against Jacksonville last week.

In his first career start, Smith ran for 150 yards on 31 carries with 2 touchdowns against the Silver & Black on November 25, 2007.

What to Expect:

The Raider rush defense is allowing 161 yards per game. Just what the doctor ordered for the Chiefs. It won’t be easy after the lost of Mike Goff (RG), but Oakland struggles against teams that commit to run the football against them and Smith’s shiftiness could be effective versus a Raider team that can be undisciplined and can get sloppy in their tackling.

On Defense:

Kansas City corralled the Raiders ground game in their first match-up, allowing a measly 67-yards. They would sign up for similar results right now, especially if they could place the game in the hands of JaMarcus Russell.

Their 30^th ranked defense has many holes. But can scheme overcome many of their deficiencies and force Russell into miscues?

The front-seven tallied one sack last week, so more pressure will be needed. Tamba Hali has only three-sacks in 2009, and no other defender on this roster has more than one-sack.

What to Expect:

Starting cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr cannot let the Raiders’ young targets gain confidence early in this game. They must play physical at the line of scrimmage and harass them all afternoon. Russell’s accuracy has been off all year. So the Chief secondary has to be ready to pounce on his mistakes and keep Oakland’s wide receivers from getting any touches.

GAME NOTES

• This will be the 99^th meeting between both teams. The Chiefs hold a 51-45-2 advantage in the regular season. Oakland has been victorious in three of the last four meetings.
• WR Nick Miller and LB Ricky Brown were inactive during practice on Wednesday.
• Chris Chambers, who faced the Raiders a few weeks ago as a member of the San Diego Chargers is now a Chief. Chambers recorded 3 receptions for 70 yards and 2 scores last week in his debut in Kansas City, this after Tom Cable stated he had no interest in the target due to the talent he possessed on the roster.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Chambers & Dwayne Bowe vs. Asomugha & Johnson

Cassel will look to have another solid game against Oakland and a consecutive week with productive numbers. Now that he has a second target teams have to focus on, it will open up the passing game for the Chiefs.

Which Run D breaks down?

Both teams can allow big chunks on the ground. McFadden’s memorable moments have been against the Chiefs and KC would love to get something going on the ground as to relive the pressure off Cassel’s shoulders.

PREDICTION

Raiders 19 – Chiefs 16

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson providing play-by-play and former NFL player Steve Tasker handling color analysis. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, November 15, 2009, 1:05 p.m. PT | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, CA

Road Team: Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) Home: 0-4 Road: 1-3

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (2-6) Home: 1-3 Road: 1-3

Point Spread: Raiders -2 (favored)

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND – Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson talks about the Kansas City Chiefs, the team’s record and the outlook for the remainder of the campaign.

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OAKLAND – Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Robert Gallery spoke to the media today regarding his injury layoff and the status of the team.

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OAKLAND – Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens talks to the media about his health, possibly coming back this weekend to face the Kansas City Chiefs and his work with quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

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QUARTERBACK: D-

What prevented JaMarcus Russell from getting an ‘F’ this week? Completing 3-of-6 passes for 58 yards in the decisive drive for the Raiders. Otherwise, it was a display of inaccuracy, struggles, and miserable quarterback play. Russell ended 7/24 for 109 yards 0 TD 0 INT and a rating of 46.0%. He had difficulties checking down to his running backs and sailing passes over the heads of his receivers. It started immediately with the game’s first play; an incompletion to Darren McFadden. On the opening play of the second drive he missed a wide-open Zach Miller, on 3^rd and 9 at the end of that possession he bypassed an open Miller and threw into double coverage to one of his rookie wide receivers and after three consecutive three and outs on offense, Oakland’s passer ended the first quarter 0-for-5 with his team holding the ball for only 3:15. When he audibled in the first half, both pass plays he went to were futile fade patterns. When one of his receivers slipped on a play in the first half, he delivered the ball right into the hands of a Kansas City defensive back, but the defender was not able to haul in the pass that could’ve been a touchdown the other way. He also inexplicably tossed a prayer up to Miller on a 3^rd and 7, with the Raiders holding the lead; pinned deep in their own territory, a careless play late in the 3^rd quarter. Like last Monday night, Russell struggled for most of the game, but made enough plays late to get his team a lead when it mattered most. That’s the silver lining in his overall stumbling to start the season; that Russell can shake off in-game problems, and stay focus for the next play. Russell’s 3^rd and 15 pass on the game winning drive to Todd Watkins for 28-yards was as good as it got today. (Note: on Oakland’s first scoring drive, Russell was 3/6 for 42 yards)

RUNNING BACKS: C-

Darren McFadden punched it in from 5-yards out to secure the Raiders first victory. But before that, there were no electrifying moments and very little semblance to the running game that thrashed the Chargers last week. McFadden was at his best on rushing plays on the edges, but he only ended with 12 carries for 35-yards. Michael Bush tallied 35-yards on 9 carries, but was a non-factor on the ground. He did bulldoze his way to 8-yards on one brutal run in the 2^nd quarter and picked up 17-yards off a screen pass on a 2^nd and 9 during the drive Oakland tied the game at three a piece.

WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS: D

Again, the un-proven and young talent at receiver contributed to the woes on offense. Louis Murphy started and compiled 2 receptions for 26-yards. First rounder Darrius Heyward-Bey recorded his first NFL reception on an 18-yard catch. That was one of the few throws Russell had both good velocity and accuracy and showed that the rookie has the ability to go over the middle and make a catch within arms reach of safeties. Todd Watkins keyed the rally with his lone catch for 28 yards and almost had another big play if not for a great play by a Kansas City cornerback. Russell went deep to Watkins to start that game-winning drive, made an accurate toss, but Maurice Leggett broke up the play, extending his right hand to deflect the pass. Javon Walker saw action, looked good on his first play getting a seal block on a run, but was non-existent after that. Zach Miller had no catches today, last time he was shutout was during week-three at Buffalo last season.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D-

Where did the dominant group that played physical football last week go? They were not explosive at the point of attack, aggressive, or consistent in pushing off the Chiefs at the line of scrimmage. Cornell Green made sure to collect more infractions this week; getting flagged for a false start in the 4^th quarter on a 3^rd and 10. Guard Robert Gallery had a solid block down the field on Bush’s 17-yard screen play and Cooper Carlisle had his moment on another dump off that was positive. But for the most part this unit had a negative effect on the ground game and at times had Russell backpedaling and tossing the football in disadvantageous situations. Oakland ended the first half with only 26 rushing yards and 61 total yards. When the outcome was decided, they only managed 67-yards on the ground with a measly 2.7 yards per carry.

DEFENSIVE LINE: C-

Greg Ellis continues to be Mr. Consistent, recording two sacks today; giving him three for the season. His second sack was key late, getting to Matt Cassel on 3^rd and 1 on the Chiefs last drive. Like the offensive line, this unit was neither as physical nor as tough as they were last week. Kansas City averaged 4.3 yards a carry on their way to 173 rushing yards. In the 2^nd quarter, Matt Shaughnessy made a cameo appearance and forced Cassel into an incompletion. Trevor Scott again played on passing downs and showed a good motor. Gerard Warren was flagged for a personal foul (facemask) in the 2^nd quarter.

LINEBACKERS: C

Thomas Howard was superb this afternoon, run blitzing early in the game and recording a 6-yard loss on one play and notching tackles around the line of scrimmage with his speed on dump offs. Ricky Brown and Kirk Morrison played well, but many times were victims of a defensive line that took a step back after a solid performance on Monday night. Morrison led the team with 13 tackles.

SECONDARY: C-

The defensive backfield allowed 236 passing yards this week. But Nnamdi Asomugha’s tackle of Dantrell Savage at the end of the first half may have been the underrated play of the game. Not having any time outs, Kansas City’s running back tried to get out of bounds after a short catch, but the pro-bowl cornerback tackled him in the field of play as time expired, hindering the Chiefs from getting their field goal unit for a chance at three points. When Asomugha went out o the game, Dwayne Bowe feasted on Stanford Routt for a 29-yard touchdown that gave Kansas City a 10-6 lead with 2:36 remaining. Michael Huff played centerfield perfectly in the 3^rd quarter, reading Cassel from afar and breaking underneath the intended target to pick off a pass. That turnover gave Oakland the ball on the KC 49-yard line and led to a 6-3 lead. Huff struck again the 4^th quarter ending a KC drive deep in Oakland territory on a diving catch for his second interception of the game.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Shane Lechler was outstanding; punting 7 times and averaging 56.9 per. Sebastian Janikowski was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts (48, 54) and consistently drove the ball into the end-zone for touchbacks during kickoffs. Louis Rankin is sure-handed during returns, but does not provide any punch. With Johnnie Lee Higgins out, Hiram Eugene got a lot of work in on punts, but he was at his best today rushing down the field covering punts. Oakland dodged a bullet and made a mistake sending out Javon Walker to field a punt in the second half.

COACHING: B-

Oakland did not play a clean game. But neither did Kansas City who is a team with a new coach, a new quarterback, rebuilding with lesser talent than Oakland, and they shot themselves in the foot with drops, penalties that negated positive plays on offense and mental mistakes. Yet they almost pulled out the victory. Tom Cable has to be given credit for keeping his club focus throughout the game and pulling out the victory after appearing to have blown it late. His quarterback was erratic, the defense was not as good as it was last week, and his offensive line did not maul anyone. Yet they won a game that in the past they would have never been in. And now they have a three-game winning streak at Arrowhead. Cable believes in Russell; he has no choice. But even through the passers struggles, and heading into the final drive, he had missed on 10 consecutive tosses; Cable had enough confidence in Russell to open it up.

GAME NOTES:

• The Chiefs out gained the Raiders 409-166 in total yards. They also ran 28-more plays and led in time of possession 38:39 to 21:21.
• Oakland was 3-of-13 on 3^rd downs.
• Reports after the game indicate that Robert Gallery may have a broken fibula.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (0-1) hit the road for the first time in the season to face the rival Kansas City Chiefs (0-1). Kansas City has won 10-of-12 against their old AFL adversary and leads the series 51-44-2 in regular season meetings. Last week, the Chiefs played an admirable game on the road against the Baltimore Ravens before losing 38-24. Oakland pushed around the San Diego Chargers for most of their contest to start the season, but ultimately lost 24-20 on an 89-yard drive late in the contest.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland’s receiving corps needs a major boost. On Monday night, Louis Murphy, the rookie from Florida, provided that spark. Now, with Nick Miller sidelined with a fractured right shin (expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks), Johnnie Lee Higgins hurting with a A-C joint sprain sustained versus the Chargers and Chaz Schilens not expected back until possibly in week-four, the Raiders must either continue to ride the wave with Murphy, be surprised by Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has not looked ready to take the majority of the reps, or hope that Javon Walker can give them anything.

“I’m trying to get out of the old Javon (mode),” Walker said, who was ready to go in wee-one, but was held out by Tom Cable. “The old Javon would be ranting and raving right now. I just take what I can get.”

“I feel like I am a receiver still in my prime. I am still young just 30 years old. A lot of the top receivers are my age or a year older. Its kind of difficult because I am in a situation where all the receivers here are a year or two years. That is just the politics of football and you got some young guys, and I mean young. If you look at it statistically everybody here is young. That might be the direction they are going in.I am just playing my role for what it is right now.”

What to Expect:

The Chiefs allowed 198 yards last week versus the Ravens. Oakland will keep it on the ground and try to punish Kansas City the way they manhandled San Diego in week-one. This time, Oakland will try to sustain it throughout the game and incorporate more of Darren McFadden into the aerial attack with short dump offs and screens. McFadden had his career game last year at Arrowhead with 164 yards in a Raider win. With JaMarcus Russell having some accuracy issues and the receivers looking suspect, it will be in the Raiders best interest to get the ball to McFadden and Michael Bush with screens.

On Defense:

After looking aggressive, physical and rejuvenated with the acquisition of Richard Seymour, the Oakland defense reverted to a safe mode as the Chargers marched on them late for the victory.

Scheme wise, it appeared that John Marshall hit the brakes peddle, which took away their dominance in the trenches and tough play. “(It was) players playing too far back. That’s all of it. That’s coaching, that’s being confident in how we’re going to do this to close it out. It’s almost like we got into a prevent mode rather than just continuing to play defense,” said Cable.

What to Expect:

At first glance, Kansas City may not seem like a foe that will give Oakland problems. But Larry Johnson has had big games versus the Silver & Black and Jamaal Charles has ability. The Raiders need to cement their week-one performance with another hard-nose effort against the Chiefs. If the run-defense keeps Kansas City under-wraps, it will go along way in building confidence that they are legitimately a solid defense. That is why Oakland will probably slow down the Chiefs on the ground and force them to beat them via the pass. Matt Cassel is a game time decision.

On Special Teams:

With Miller out and Higgins nicked up, Hiram Eugene took some reps returning punts this week in practice. Louis Rankin also fielded punts, but he will likely continue his role as the primary kick returner. If Oakland decides that the punt team looks shaky, Higgins may see isolated action as a punt returner just to have a set of sure hands fielding them.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

On Offense:

Todd Haley may wait till game time before he decides whom to play at quarterback against the Raiders.

Matt Cassel is nursing an injured left knee and was again listed on the league’s injury report as not being a full participant in Thursday’s practice. But he has felt better and the workload in practice has been increased, leading many to think he may see action on Sunday. “It was a little bit more, definitely,” Cassel said. “Last week I was limited to certain things. I couldn’t do certain movements, and this week my workload has definitely gone up. We’re still in the healing progress. That’s part of the injury, but at the same time we’re making progress.”

What to Expect:

The Chiefs scored 10 points early in the 4^th quarter last week versus the Ravens and tallied 131 of their 188 yards in that span. Against the Raiders, Haley will like to see more consistency, so moving the chains via the ground and keeping the Raiders safeties busy with play-action, mis directions and deeper routes will be in order. Dwayne Bowe, Bobby Engram and newly signed Bobby Wade will have to cause the Raiders fits. Mark Bradley can be a threat if he focuses and is able to bounce back from his rough week-one not being able to convert some third downs, despite his 50-yard catch and run.

On Defense:

Getting off the field is the theme of the week for the defense. The Ravens converted 10-of-17 third downs last week, which took a toll on Clancy Pendergast’s unit. “Those are the money downs,” strong safety Mike Brown commented. “That has been harped into us this week.

“We get off the field on third down, and there’s no problems.”

What to Expect:

The Chiefs 3-4 defense could present some issues to Russell. Linebackers Mike Vrabel, Demoorrio Williams, Corey Mays and Tamba Hali are versatile enough to hide in coverage, and this week they’ll bring more heat after Joe Flacco passed 43 times and was only sacked once.  Pendergast has to hope that the front three of Tyson Jackson, Tank Tyler and Glenn Dorsey can disrupt the flow of the Raider offensive line enough to force Russell into long down and distances and obvious passing situations. If they can’t slow the Raider rush, it will be a long day. If they can force the Raiders to drop back and toss the football 25-30 times, they may be able to get off the field more consistently and maybe facilitate some mistakes.

GAME NOTES

- Kansas City has won 14 of their last 20 home openers. The Chiefs are 12-1 and when Johnson gets 30+ carries.

- “I’m not even thinking about the first catch,” rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey said this week. “People want to see the stats. Everyone wants to see the big numbers. But reality is, if you come in, put in the work and help the team win …

“If you look at it that way, it’s great. If you look at it the other way, you’re like ‘When is it going to happen?’ ”

- Khalif Barnes practiced this week and commented on possibly playing guard: “That’s interesting,” Barnes said. “That shocks me too. To be honest with you, the guy, when you’re like pass-rushing, is right on top of you. That’d be a difference, and you’d be enclosed by two different people pretty much all the time. At tackle you’re pretty much at the job by yourself.”

- Various reports have CB Chris McAlister interested in signing with the Silver & Black. The 32-year old was cut by the Ravens in February.

- Greg Ellis was limited in practice on Thursday (sore shoulder), but will start on Sunday.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Oakland’s Offensive Line vs. Kansas City’s Front-Seven

The Raiders must maul the Chiefs in the trenches. They have to set the tone early as they did on Monday night versus the Chargers and get McFadden and Bush running down hill. If they do that, Oakland will be able to ride a strong ground game to victory. If not, the game could get interesting, especially if Russell has to pass a lot and face a 3-4 scheme with disguised coverage.

Asomugha and Co. vs. Bowe, Bradley and Engram

I have a feeling that Haley will try to open up the offense in hopes of surprising the Raider defense. After Asomugha, the Raider secondary can be exposed.

Getting Heat on Croyle/Cassel

Richard Seymour, Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and the rest of the Raider rushers have to put the heat on whoever is at quarterback for the Chiefs.

PREDICTION

Raiders 23 – Chiefs 19

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Kevin Harlan providing play-by-play and Solomon Wilcots handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, September 20, 2009, 10 a.m. PT  |  Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Home Team: Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) Home: 0-0 Road: 0-1

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (0-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 0-0

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist