Silver and Black Report

In this second installment of SBReport’s exclusive interview with Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson, the 26-year old talks about his head coach coming back for one more campaign, the off-season and the Silver & Black’s fan-base among many other topics.

SBREPORT: You’ve been around a lot of solid veteran defensive linemen since you arrived: Warren Sapp, Derrick Burges, Greg Spires, Kalimba Edwards, Greg Ellis…what have you learned from those guys?

JAY RICHARDSON: “That’s a good point you make, I’ve had the privilege to be around a lot of good defensive ends, just good leaders, good players and all very different. All guys you can learn from.  When it comes to leadership, Greg Ellis was just one of those guys that is going to take charge, he’s just a perfect model for what a pro is supposed to be. But when I first go there, Derrick Burgess was here, and he was kind of like the man at the time, and who you wanted to look at, to see how to do things and the way he rushed the quarterback…he was just a real special athlete. I had the privilege of watching him rush every day, just trying to take what I could, such a tough player, just started to rub off on me. Obviously, we have [Richard] Seymour now, and he’s like a champion. A guy who has three rings, he’s been to the big show and I think it just helps a lot. It valuable to have someone like that on your team.”

SBREPORT: Not to many people know about your defensive coordinator. What’s John Marshall like during game days, the week leading to the game and now, in the off-season during camp and OTAs?

RICHARDSON: “It’s fun. He plays an attacking style defense. John Marshall is a fundamentally sound coordinator. He wants everything done right all the time and he has a lot of personality. He does the best he can to try to get us going throughout the week, even though it gets tough sometimes, he sticks with it and he’s just one of those guys that is relentless. He has fun with it. We have a good time with coach Marshall.”

After a six-year stint with the New York Giants, Oakland brought back defensive line coach Mike Waufle this off-season. He was on staff when the Raiders and Giants were in the Super Bowl and has been credited for helping the careers of many successful defensive linemen. Tom Cable also has a connection with the tough coach, spending six years with Waufle at the University of California. Richardson talked about Waufle and answered a question regarding Cable’s return after speculation of his demise after the 2009 season.

SBREPORT: Mike Waufle is your new position coach. He was with the New York Giants when they won the Super Bowl recently and worked with many good linemen. Have you talked to him during the off-season and what do you expect out of Waufle?

RICHARDSON: “’Waf’ is real military man. He’s a serious guy, but he knows his stuff. He’s one of those guys that knows how to play defense. He’s been doing it for so long, he’s so technical about it and he has the formula down for everything. He knows exactly how he wants things done. It’s good to play for a coach like that because; you know when you are making a mistake, you know there is no gray area. As long as you do things the right way, you’ll be fine. He’s a very smart coach.”

SBREPORT: How does it feel knowing that Tom Cable will be back another season?

RICHARDSON: “Its good for us. You want some consistency. There can’t be a new coach every year; it makes it hard on a team trying to hold on to its identity. Under Cable, we’ve kind of grown as a team and we are still trying to polish it up. But he’s helped a lot in trying to get this team to, rallying the troops if you will and getting us all on the same page. Getting us all to understand what it’s going to take for us to win in this league and be successful as a team and not a group of individuals. So I think he’s very important to our team success.”

SBREPORT: When Jay Richardson is not playing football or training, what’s your day like during the off-season?

RICHARDSON: “Not nearly as exciting as you think. I do some grocery shopping, I play some video games. I relax, I try to do as little as possible. I’m out there paying bills, making sure my family is ok and just do the day-to-day normal stuff.”

SBREPORT: How do you approach the off-season; in terms of balancing your time off and recovering from the season, and working-out and trying to get better as a player?

RICHARDSON: “It’s been fun. I took it a little different this particular year. I took it a little bit more serious. Obviously a contract year and all of that. I just, I felt like this year, I had to be in the best shape of my life and you know, I didn’t do as much hanging out as I probably have done in the past years because this is a big year, not just for myself, but for this team, this organization and I think this is going to be a pivotal year in Oakland Raiders history. This is going to be a big one for us. So I just wanted to be ready for it. As far as my preparation goes, its at an all-time high when it comes to focus and trying to make it happen this year.”

During the draft weekend, Oakland parted ways with veteran linebacker Kirk Morrison. A teammate of Richardson since 2007, the defensive end gave his thoughts on his former teammate and what he meant to the squad.

“Captain Kirk man, I know…that’s the man. We are all going to miss Kirk. Kirk is just a good stand up guy. A good linebacker. A good player. A good smart guy. Any team that gets him, obviously, it was Jacksonville. They are fortunate to have him. He’s a real good guy in the locker room. Kirk is going to do his job and he’s a real classy guy. So, he’ll definitely be missed out here in the Bay Area.”

SBREPORT: The team is taking on a new look: Jason Campbell was acquired, the new draft picks, and JaMarcus Russell looks to be on the way out. What are your thoughts on that?

RICHARDSON: “Yeah, its crazy man. You just don’t know and as they say: you don’t know what you don’t know. All you can do is just worry about yourself. But at the same time, Jason Campbell, from what I have seen of him the last few years, it’s a pretty solid guy, a solid quarterback who knows what he’s doing. He needed a fresh start it seems, this was the best place for it to try to re-establish his identity at quarterback in this league and jump-start his career. I think there is a lot of potential in him, he’s a smart guy. You know, we have a good stable of quarterbacks. Charlie Frye can play. Bruce Gradkowski, we all saw last year, can go out there and hold his own and win games for us. It’s just going to be an interesting dynamic for us this year, going into camp with a lot of talent out here.”

SBREPORT: You’ve gone through tough seasons, but in all, what are your impressions of the fan-base and your start of your career?

RICHARDSON: “They are unbelievable. I remember when I got drafted, I never knew how many Raiders’ fans are nationwide, globally, they are really. I never watched a tons of Raider football in the Midwest, you just didn’t see too much of those games.”

“For a team that has had the lack of success, I guess I have to say, over the last half decade, no fans cheer harder, no fans travel better than our people out here and that’s a testament to the fans, that they believe in us no matter what’s going on, no matter what the situation is. I think that is just awesome. That kind of stuff gives us the energy, especially on game day, like those tough games, the Philly game. We went out, at home, against a playoff team that we beat, most of that you tribute to the fans just being there for us and giving us energy.”

He continued to talk about the direction of the club, stating, “Things are about to turn around. This team is so close to turning the corner and becoming a potential playoff contender year in and year out. We are a few pieces away, I think we have to gain our identity as a team this year and do it early on in the year and establish ourselves our first eight games and I know for a fact that we can do that. I believe it is going to happen this year. I think it’s going to be a huge year for us.”

SBREPORT: What are the next few weeks looking like in terms of mini camps etc.?

RICHARDSON: “We got mini-camp this weekend, we finally get to have the whole team together. This whole new team we have here. Have good practices: we have two on Friday, two on Saturday, one on Sunday and kind of see where we are at. Get everyone up to speed and then the next few weeks, we’ll be polishing that up, working out and building some sort of chemistry and get guys going. It should be fun.”

SBREPORT: You are also a spokesperson for “The Right to Read Foundation,” can you talk about your contributions there and your countless hours of work with The United Way and the local Boy Scouts.

RICHARDSON: “For me its fun. This was all stuff I was involved in, in my life growing up, so it only made sense that once I had a chance to help give back, to help kids that may have been in similar situations that I was in growing up –  it just made sense. As soon as I got out west, out here, my rookie year, there was an opportunity to, on Saturday mornings, to go to children’s hospitals. It was always voluntary. But I signed up. At least every other week, just because I can relate to a lot of the stuff kids are going through. Plus, it’s always just nice to go in there and cheer the kids up, especially in the hospitals. There are a lot of kids in a lot tougher situations than we are. And I think sometimes, our lives get stressful and we focus so much on ourselves and wondering how we are getting out of the situations we put ourselves into and we never stop to look back at the situations other people are in. Especially kids. Doing stuff like that keeps things in perspective.”

RICHARDSON NOTES:

• Participated in 48-league games; tallying 109 combined tackles and 7.0 sacks.
• While at Ohio State, the collegiate majored in African-American studies.
• Selected in the 5^th round (138^th overall) in the 2007 draft.
• His mother, Deborah Johnson, attended Ohio State, where she played rugby and graduated in 1979.

Here is a link to Jay’s Official Web Site & info about his foundation:

JayRichardson98.com

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

NEW YORK – The Oakland Raiders continued to make moves in the draft, trading up to the 108^th overall selection and selecting Jacoby Ford, a wide receiver/return specialist out of the University of Clemson.

The speedster was a NCAA 2008-09 60-meters indoor champion and had a streak of 18 straight victories in 60 and 100-meter races as a collegiate.

Oakland traded linebacker Kirk Morrison and their 5^th round selection  (153^rd overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars to select Ford.

Ford started 27-of-48 games at Clemson, catching 143 passes for 1,986 yards and sixteen touchdowns. He also carried the ball 58 times for 494 yards and two scores. The return specialist also tallied 479-yards and two touchdowns in 49 punt return attempts.

Morrison was on the trading block well before the draft, as Oakland finally parted ways with their starting middle linebacker in recent years after choosing Rolando McClain in the first round on Friday.

The local product was deemed expendable and the Raiders used him as bait to slide up the draft board to take a player they feel will add pop to their special teams and can potentially stretch the field with his speed.

In this final installment of the Oakland Raiders draft outlooks, we analyze the mid-section and backfield of the Silver & Black’s defense.

LINEBACKERS

Oakland has tried to gauge the interest around the league for middle linebacker Kirk Morrison. Ultimately, no club felt that he was worth his 3^rd rounder and the Raiders brought him back at a one-year deal worth nearly $2.5 million. Thomas Howard also signed his tender at $1.759 million for 2010. Neither is a lock to remain with the club, as they could be used as trade bait to bring in mid-to-late round selections and open up spots for cheaper alternatives on the roster. Ricky Brown is one of those other options, but he’ll also make $1.7 million and his inability to be durable and unproven play over a course of 16-games may leave Oakland very light in the middle of the defense with the 6’2, 235 pound talent who has mainly played on special teams. The trade for Kamerion Wimbley was an under the radar move that could pay dividends. But he’ll be on the strong side initially, and all indications are that Trevor Scott will be given every shot to continue his solid play from the end of last season along the weak-side of the formation.

The rest of the unit; Sam Williams, David Nixon, Slade Norris and Isaiah Ekejiuba will compete for depth or be pillars on special teams.

OUTLOOK:

In the last week, Oakland has shown interest in Rolando McClain (Alabama) and they’ve viewed film of the talented linebackers. Mock drafts have shifted a tad and more pundits are speculating whether or not he could be a selection. And if the Raiders pull off a trade prior to the start of the first round, and Howard or Morrison are jettisoned, then McClain could be a real possibility. Could they add McClain anyway knowing a deal could be brokered? Sure. You’ll also wonder if this team could be better of as a 3-4 unit with the talent on the roster and Richard Seymour anchoring the defensive line.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Stanford Routt, Mike Mitchell, Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff at this point are all expected to be on the roster in 2010. You can realistically look at this collection and say that there is no immediate need in the secondary. But the Raiders – Al Davis – find it irresistible adding athletic talents to this corps.

OUTLOOK:

Joe Haden (Florida) has been rumored to Oakland, as they are indications that the Silver & Black may not be too enthused with the corner play opposite Asomugha. But it is more likely that the Raiders will add a speedier or more physically gifted defensive back later in the draft that may fly under the radar or drop on draft boards. Taylor Mays can be aggressive in run support, is a physical specimen and enjoys making the big hit in the open field. Problem is, many of his vitals and attributes may not translate well on the next level and many scouts believe he won’t be versatile enough to succeed as pro. Oakland could be enamored enough to take him in the 2^nd round if he is there.

The Oakland Raiders will be busy next week at the NFL Draft. But so far this month, they have made a few moves on their roster. Here is a capsule of the Silver & Black’s recent transactions:

The 19th overall selection in the 2003 draft – Kyle Boller – was added to the Raiders roster. The former Cal signal caller has played for the Baltimore Ravens (2003-2008) and the St. Louis Rams (2009). In his career, Boller has tallied 8,745 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, 50 interceptions at a 56.8 completion rate and a passer rating of 70.6. He’ll likely battle for the third spot on the depth chart behind JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. All signs indicate that the Raiders will have an open competition in the summer at quarterback, but Russell will jolt out of the gate with the lead due to the draft and monetary commitment that Oakland locked themselves in.

Kirk Morrison signed his restricted free agent tender deal offer this week. The one-year contract will land him nearly $2.5 million if he makes the roster. While Oakland slapped a 3^rd round tender on the middle linebacker, no team bit and now Oakland can trade him if they choose to do so.

Kicker Swayze Waters was also added to the roster. With the quality of legs already on the unit, Waters will be fodder eventually unless an injury keeps Sebastian Janikowski or Shane Lechler off the field. Waters best chance to make a squad in 2010 will be to learn as much as possible from the incumbents and impress in his stints during the pre-season, if he even makes it that far.

Since Boller is now on the roster, will Oakland attempt to roll the dice on the passer in the draft? A week ago, a report by the National Football Post stated that the Raiders were working out Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka. And in recent weeks, speculation about Donovan McNabb, Jimmy Clausen and Tim Tebow has been rampant.

As for McNabb, who was traded to the Redskins, while on ESPN radio the chatty passer stated, “I would have been at the workouts and working out with the team, throwing and trying to get the timing down with the corps of receivers and running backs they have and communicated with the offensive line to get ready for minicamp,” if he would have been a member of the Silver & Black.

Chris Cooper is back with the Raiders. The defensive lineman who has played for San Francisco, Dallas and Seattle and Arizona since leaving the Raiders following the 2003 season, inked a deal with Oakland last week. Linebacker Sam Williams was also signed, as the 29-year old will likely continue his role as a reserve and a special teams contributor.

According to Profootballtalk.com, the Oakland Raiders have released defensive tackle Gerard Warren, who had a roster bonus due on March 16.

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

He started 32-games last two seasons.

Kirk Morrison, who was a guest of Adam Schein and Solomon Wilcots today on “The Sirius Blitz” on Sirius NFL Radio stated, “There are some teams we’re looking at and we’ve talked to.”

“I’m technically an Oakland Raider still. That’s No. 1,” Morrison said. “But at the same time, you have to explore your options for the future, for the long term. There are some teams out there that would be a good fit, I feel like. But we just have to wait and see.”

The linebacker did not mention any specific clubs.

“Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we can get something done … either with the Raiders or with other teams. I know next year I’m going to be playing football. I just want to make sure I’m in the best, most comfortable position I can be in.”

Morrison, 28, can pocket up to $2.521 million if he signs the third round tender by the Raiders.

He’s been a five-year starter and has lead the team in tackles in four of those five campaigns.

Oakland Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison received a third-round tender on Wednesday. The transaction could net him $2.521 million if signed or give the Silver & Black a third-round choice in the draft if he signs elsewhere.

Morrison is a five-year starter and has lead the team in tackles in four of those five campaigns.

He stated in January about his pending free-agent status:

Time is going to tell.

I’ve spent a lot of good time in Oakland. I played my heart out for that football team.

This is the NFL. This is a business

The following Oakland Raiders will become restricted free agents. These players have four or five credited seasons and in an uncapped 2010 season, will be restricted. Info provided by NFLLabor.com.

• Kirk Morrison, LB
• Thomas Howard, LB
• Ricky Brown, LB
• Jon Alston, LB
• Charlie Frye, QB
• Khalif Barnes, OL
• Stanford Routt, CB
• JP Losman, QB

Analysis

Morrison and Howard have faults and neither is a lock to come back. Howard’s speed and play in coverage brings more to the table to the Raiders’ defense. Brown challenged Morrison early last summer for his spot, but injuries have kept him off the field far too often. Alston’s concussions this past season were far too serious to predict whether or not he’ll be able to play effectively next season. Frye is a perfect back up; works hard and is smart enough to understand his role. Barnes is not very good and Oakland needs to upgrade their offensive line, Losman came in late and won’t look to stick around and Routt has enough ability, which will keep him around as a Raider for another season.

In an item published on Pro Football Weekly’s web site, Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable commented on what could be around the corner in free agency.

Kirk Morrison, who was drafted by the Silver & Black in the 3^rd round of the 2005 draft, will become a restricted free agent in March. Cable stated during the Senior Bowl, “He’s proven that he can (get the job done), and the question is: ‘Are you where you want to be with all of these guys?’ Not just Kirk.”

“To single anyone out right now, it’s probably way, way too early to do that. It’s still a matter of seeing where we’re at as a team and what’s available to us as we try to get better.”

In January, Morrison, who resides in San Diego, stated in a radio interview:

Time is going to tell.

I’ve spent a lot of good time in Oakland. I played my heart out for that football team.

This is the NFL. This is a business. And people don’t see that side of it.

Oakland Raiders starting linebacker Kirk Morrison was on 1090 am sports radio in San Diego today with host Darren Smith and he talked about various topics.

Morrison briefly talked about how plays John Madden football on XBOX live and the host jokingly asked about JaMarcus Russell’s rating on the game. “I haven’t looked at that yet,” Morrison answered. He continued, “I run Wildcat.”

On the coaching situation with the Raiders:

I can’t worry about what happens within, who you bring in as coach or, what happens to the coach. Only thing I can control is my play on the football field.

On his pending free-agency:

Time is going to tell.

I’ve spent a lot of good time in Oakland. I played my heart out for that football team.

This is the NFL. This is a business. And people don’t see that side of it.

On Sebastian Janikowski:

I have to give my guy props too – Sebastian Janikowski. Who I felt should be in the Pro Bowl.

He’s just automatic.

On Lane Kiffin’s move to USC and his time with the Silver & Black:

No, it wasn’t a surprise at all. People are getting mad at Lane for what he did. I don’t fault the guy at all. At all.

We were a team that was rising. I think we started off 2-2 – his first year. And then we just kind of, went on a little slide. But we were still getting to learn Lane Kiffin. And then before you know it, a couple of games in, you know, he was let go.

Wherever he’s been, he’s brought an attitude, he’s brought a confidence, he’s brought a swagger and he just hasn’t had, let his plan fall all the way through.

TE Zach Miller speaks about his touchdown catch and run:

video management, video solution, video streaming

Thomas Howard speaks following the Eagles Game:

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video management, video solution, video streaming

Richard Seymour following the Eagles game:

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Louis Murphy speaks about the Eagles game and his blocks on the Miller touchdown:

video management, video solution, video streaming

Stanford Routt speaks following the Eagles game:

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Kirk Morrison speaks following the Eagles game:

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