Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders took a break from Organized Team Activities this week. Here’s a schedule of their remaining sessions: June 8-10, June 15-17.

In the meantime, here’s an exclusive look of more images captured by SBReport.net photojournalist DeMarcus Davis during recent OTAs. Stay logged on to SBReport for comprehensive coverage of the Raiders throughout the summer.

Rookie Jared Veldheer and veteran Khalif Barnes at work during drills.

Wide receiver Todd Watkins is in for a battle against some of the other young wide receivers on the Raiders’ roster. He could be out of a roster spot, especially if some of the other players show their versatility on special teams.

Rookie Lamarr Houston has been one of the bright spots so far; his attitude and aggressiveness may just change the dynamic of the Silver & Black’s defensive line.

Darrius Heyward-Bey was overwhelmed as a rookie. As a second year pro, he’s putting in a lot of work to silence many of the critics that scolded the Raiders for taking him so high in the draft.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders will be bringing back defensive tackle William Joseph, linebacker Ricky Brown and fullback Luke Lawton.

Joseph has appeared in 14-games in the last two seasons, mostly in a reserve role, as he has also been cut and picked up by the Silver & Black three times during that span.

Brown was a restricted free agent who was offered a second round tender. The un-drafted free agent out of Boston College challenged Kirk Morrison for most of the summer prior to the start of the 2009 season atop the depth chart and could be the leading candidate to take over at middle linebacker if Morrison is traded away before the start of the 2010 campaign. He has been a key cog on the special team coverage units and will likely continue in that capacity. Brown will reportedly earn around $1.7 million, the projected value of the one-year tender offer.

Lawton, who will be suspended for the fist two contest of next season for violating the league’s policy against performing enhancing substances, will try to compete for the vacant fullback spot.

Gary Russell got most of the reps at that spot last season as the year wound down. Lawton lost nearly $63,000 in salary after being banned.

OTHER NOTES

• Khalif Barnes is the projected starter at right tackle at this point prior to the draft. Tom Cable stated that Erik Pears could also be in the mix, but with Oakland targeting offensive line prospects, things could change depending on whom they select in April.
• Kamerion Wimbley will play linebacker. After Oakland acquired his services earlier this month, many questioned whether or not he’d be transitioned onto the defensive line. But Cable projects the talent on the strong side of the formation. And since Greg Ellis’ release, its pretty clear at this point that Oakland will like to see Matt Shaughnessy penciled in at one defensive end spot.
• The Raiders picked up a seventh round compensatory pick for the draft – 251^st overall.
• Maurkice Pouncey is one name to watch in the draft. The center out of the Florida is projected as a mid 1^st rounder. Oakland selects much higher, but he has caught their eye and could be a target of the Silver & Black if they decide to trade back a few spots down.

WIVB.com is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will meet with Oakland Raiders right tackle Cornell Green.

Green, 34, has been entrenched at right tackle for the Silver & Black the last three campaigns, tallying 38-starts. His unstable play and tendency to rack up penalties has been one of the major issues along the trenches for the Raiders.

The Bills have a need along the offensive line and Green is one option that won’t be pricey and that has starting experience.

With Khalif Barnes signed and the possibility of the Raiders targeting offensive linemen in this upcoming draft, Green’s departure will be a welcome sight to many.

UPDATE***

Green inked a a 3-year deal with the Bills.

The Oakland Raiders have reportedly agreed to bring back offensive tackle Khalif Barnes for one more season.

Barnes, 27, did not receive a contract tender from the Raiders prior to free-agency beginning, but they hammered out a deal for one-season in which he could make between $1.2 million & $1.3 million he becomes a starter according to a source for ESPN.

After departing Jacksonville, Barnes played sparingly for the Silver & Black after being slowed by injuries in August. He did see game action during the regular season – starting two games and playing in six as a reserve.

QUARTERBACK: C

JaMarcus Russell bounced back from his benching last week with a conservative and safe effort against the Chargers. When Oakland drafted him, they hoped that at this point of his career he’d be using his big arm to go vertical and deep. Today, the majority of his passes were short and non-threatening to the San Diego secondary. He opened the game with a quick 5-yard toss to Zach Miller for 5-yards. His second pass was off a play fake in which Russell overthrew Miller, who was covered by multiple defenders, and was intercepted by Antonio Cromartie. On Oakland’s second possession, he overthrew a wide-open Miller again on a 3^rd and 4, displaying poor footwork; as he never set his feet to get off a strong throw. He did the same thing in the 3^rd quarter, floating a pass to Louis Murphy – who was in double coverage – as he moved backward when releasing the football. His best pass was late in the 4^th quarter, facing a 4^th and 7, avoiding the rush in the pocket and finding Miller for 10-yards. He ended 14-of-22 for 109 yards at a measly 5.0 yards per completion. It’s agonizing watching this passing attack struggling for every yard they can tally and not being able to present a threat to opposing defensive backfields.

RUNNING BACKS & FULLBACKS: B

Justin Fargas again demonstrated great determination and fought hard to pick up every one of those 59-yards compiled this afternoon. He was able to tie the game at seven in the 2^nd quarter with a 3yard touchdown run – his first score of the season. Fargas added 3 receptions for 20-yards. Michael Bush got 7-carries for 27-yards. Early in the game it looked like he could romp through the Charger defense, but the offensive line could not sustain their blocks throughout the game and Bush’s production waned as the game went on. Luke Lawton blocked well in stints.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: F

On 2^nd and 28 in the 4^th quarter, the Raiders receiver woes were highlighted when Johnnie Lee Higgins and Louis Murphy ran into each other at the start of the play, taking themselves out and collapsing to the turf erasing any chance of Russell having them as targets. On that play, Shawne Merriman recorded a sack. Higgins’ only catch of the game came on a 3^rd and 5 in the 3^rd quarter in which he gained 6-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey finished with one reception for 10-yards, which came at the end of the 2^nd quarter right before they scored on a field goal to make it 21-10 Chargers. Higgins was futile in his attempt to volley a pass from Russell to Heyward-Bey on 4^th and 20 at the end of the contest – attempting a lateral before completing a catch. Murphy had a drive-killing false start on 3^rd and 8 at the start of the final quarter. Zach Miller compiled 5-receptions for 52-yards, but struggled blocking allowing Steve Gregory to blow past him for a sack on a 3^rd and 10 and was ineffective aiding the line on running downs. Brandon Myers recorded his first two receptions in the NFL.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D

Khalif Barnes was horrendous. He was flagged for a false start in the first quarter, and late in the game, and was consistently beat by an attacking Charger front-seven. Cooper Carlisle struggled inside getting any push, was infracted for a false start as well and Mario Henderson was victimized by Merriman and Shaun Phillips for a few sacks. This group looked nothing like the dominant unit that knocked around the Chargers during their first match-up.

DEFENSIVE LINE: C

The 100-rushing yards allowed were not crippling. The front-seven was able to contain LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, but most of the day, they could not get any pressure on Philip Rivers. Matt Shaughnessy was the best performer on the defense tallying 5 tackles (most of them around or behind the line of scrimmage versus the run) and his first career sack.

LINEBACKERS: B

Jon Alston has his most active game this year with 5-tackles and solid play versus the Charger ground game. Kirk Morrison ran freely and Thomas Howard got good depth in coverage versus Antonio Gates. Their one-mix up when in zone coverage came when Morrison released Gates into the back-end of the secondary with no help for a gain of 30-yards on a 3^rd and 4.

SECONDARY: D

Rivers orchestrated a solid passing attack and finished with 249 passing yards. Vincent Jackson tortured Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt, as he tallied 103 yards and a score on 8 receptions. Malcolm Floyd out jumped Michael Huff on San Diego’s first play, a pass that gained 53-yards and set Tomlinson up for a 6-yard touchdown scamper on the next play. Floyd tormented Johnson, as he drew a flag in the first half on the Raider defensive back for illegal contact. Johnson’s second interception of the season came off a bobbled Rivers pass. That turnover helped the Silver & Black tie the game at 7. Tyvon Branch was very good at times covering Gates and helping in run support. But Jackson consistently beat the Raiders; gaining 20-yards on a 3^rd and 7, 14-yards on a 3^rd and 9 and scoring on a 3^rd and 4. Rivers challenged Nnamdi Asomugha once, as he completed a difficult 3^rd and 10 pass to Chris Chambers for 20-yards with the receiver looking into the sun and blanketed by the All-Pro cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Jonathan Holland had his best game returning this season. He compiled 145 yards on kickoffs, but none were more important than the 60-yards he acquired to set-up the Oakland offense at the San Diego 37-yard line before the end of the half.  Branch was stellar containing Sproles on punt returns. Sebastian Janikowski was 3-for-3, nailing field goals from 48, 41 and 28-yards. Sam Williams got penetration when attacking a punt, just barely grazed the football, but was not able to affect the flight of the punt enough to help Oakland. Sproles had a 39-yard return and was chased down from behind by rookie Mike Mitchell.

COACHING: C

Tom Cable is trying to ease Russell through his tough times. He has simplified the offense a lot, but at this point there is no scary aspect to this passing attack nor is there any chance of this team coming back when they are down in games or have to go the length of the field in a short time. When Oakland started their drive at the 4:38 mark of the 4^th quarter down by 8, you just got the feeling that there was no way they could move the chains down the field 74-yards for a chance at the upset. A few times on 3^rd downs, Oakland elected to run the ball with Fargas instead of letting their pricey passer find a way to get a first down. Unlike Russell, Rivers and the Chargers can get big chunks of yardage and find a way to convert when they are facing long down and distances. John Marshall’s secondary was torched and Norv Turner’s play calling at times had Oakland off-balance.

GAME NOTES

• Tomlinson scored twice, increasing his total to 25 against the Raiders. The Hall of Fame bound rusher has scored three touchdowns against the Silver & Black and none against any other opponent this season.
• Russell was sacked five times, twice by Shaun Phillips who increased his career total against the Raiders to 11.5. Merriman tallied his first two sacks of the campaign.
• Oakland has lost 13 straight games to San Diego.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Raiders tackle Khalif Barnes talks about his play versus the New York Jets.

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video management, video solution, video streaming

Robert Gallery underwent surgery to repair a broken left fibula that could keep him out as much as six weeks.

“It’s not as easy as just plugging in a new left guard or a new center,” head coach Tom Cable said Monday. “You want to make sure it all gels together. If this was a week issue or something like that, maybe it’s pretty easy, but it’s not. I think you have to look at it as a month issue.”

Preliminary reports stated that Cable could opt to play either Khalif Barnes or Erik Pears at left guard; two players that are more adept at tackle spots. A long shot for the nod is Paul McQuistan, a career back-up who has stepped in due to injuries in the past for short spurts.

Gallery had started 34-straight games at left guard and was the best lineman on the Silver & Black.

Oakland must get back to running the football the way they did versus the Chargers in order to help out an anemic offense that has been hindered by the inconsistencies of JaMarcus Russell.

Losing Gallery won’t help. And re-shuffling the line won’t either.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how Cable will cope and adjust to finding new chemistry in the trenches and how he will direct this offense.

Chaz Schilens is on his way back. Cutting down the load on Darrius Heyward-Bey and making him a third option could help the aerial attack. And finding creative ways to get Darren McFadden the ball while using Michael Bush and Justin Fargas to move the chains on the ground will be imperative.

One thing will be a constant; Chris Morris at center.

Cable likes the way he handles the middle and the technique he brings to the trenches.

BRONCOS DEFENSE STOUT EARLY

After two games, the Denver Broncos have allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th in the NFL).

Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.

The Broncos are 2-0 on the strength of their newly revamped 3-4 defense. So if Oakland expects to threaten the upper half of the AFC West, they must play mistake free football on offense, establish the run and keep Russell upright on Sunday.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Starting left guard Robert Gallery sustained a fractured left fibula during yesterday’s victory in Kansas City. Based on early prognosis, the former first round selection will miss a month.

He departed the 13-10 win in the closing moments, although he suffered the fracture earlier in the contest. “I cracked back on a guy, and I heard it break,” Gallery commented after the game. “I just have to get it fixed and come back as soon as I can.”

Oakland then slid starting center Chris Morris to left guard and brought in Samson Satele to take over at center. Expect a similar formation on Sunday when the Raiders face the Denver Broncos.

CHANGES TOM CABLE SHOULD CONSIDER

Get Cornell Green out of the starting line-up ASAP

The starting right tackle is the weak-link in the trenches. Last week he was flagged for a false start, got infracted on a 3^rd and 4 in the 4^th quarter for a hold and yesterday, he added to his tally of penalties. Khalif Barnes has started to practice with the team since fracturing his left ankle in the summer. It’s time to speed him up during the week to get a more quality body in the trenches. “I’m just trying to go out there and practice every day,” Barnes said some time ago. But to his surprise, coach Tom Cable stated that the free-agent acquisition would be Mario Henderson’s back up at left tackle when he is fully healed.

Barnes is not a back up. Especially when Green is on the field ahead of him. The former Jaguar is not a guard and should be given action at tackle, as Raider fans have seen enough of Green and his inconsistencies.

Start Michael Huff ASAP

“I’m just getting more confident and studying film the right way,” said Michael Huff, yesterday. “It goes back to “… being around a Pro Bowl corner, the best corner in the game. That just helps me on my game.”

Yes, he is taking advantage of his limited action, seeing mostly reps during passing downs. But he is far more athletic and an upgrade over Hiram Eugene.

Huff received his first game ball in his four-year career in Oakland after the victory, and should be starting next to Tyvon Branch at free-safety. He has made good reads in the back-end of the secondary, attacked errant passes and made game-changing plays in the first two contests of the season. Eugene has played physical, but still he misses too many tackles and is a liability in pass coverage. Eugene played his best ball in special teams coverages yesterday, and that is a good sign, but long-term, its best that the team move their former first rounder back into the limelight.

When Schilens gets back, sit Heyward-Bey and keep Murphy on the field

Chaz Schilens may not be ready for this week’s game, but as soon as he gets back, unless Darrius Heyward-Bey lights up the league, Louis Murphy should push him out of the starting line-up. Murphy is more reliable at this point, gets open on short and deep routes, and is more adept at running cleaner routes for JaMarcus Russell. Heyward-Bey did record his first NFL reception yesterday, but at this point, he is a one-trick pony. He can stretch the field, but its not effecting defenses at this point, as defenders will give him a cushion and even if he pulls a safety away from one-side of the field, no one is there to take advantage of it. Cable said Schilens will be re-evaluated this Thursday.

He’s already pulling coverage toward him because of his speed, and that definitely showed up,” Cable said last week. “That is a part of his responsibility, and a big part. But at the same time, he’s got to grow in all facets, whether it’s blocking, catching, running the route, pulling the coverage, whatever that is. You just want to get him as close to a complete player as quickly as we can.”

Schilens and Murphy are the Raiders two best receivers right now. They should start. And a lighter load, a simpler set of duties for Heyward-Bey as the team’s third receiver should pay dividends as the year rolls on.

Use more two tight end sets

Rookie Brandon Myers played well enough in the pre-season to warrant more time. He is a competent blocker and can add a varying look to the passing game with his abilities to run routes. He surprised many in the summer with his solid production. And if you pair him with Zach Miller, teams may be shocked to see how fluid of a player he is.With the two TE set, less of  Oren O’Neal will be seen on the field, but that’s ok, because he may not be swift enough to get out of Darren McFadden’s way, and the 2^nd year pro out of Arkansas is at his best running on sweeps and tosses to the edges where the tight ends could show their value.

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