Silver and Black Report

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:

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Thomas Howard speaks following the Eagles Game:

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Richard Seymour following the Eagles game:

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

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Stanford Routt speaks following the Eagles game:

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Kirk Morrison speaks following the Eagles game:

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Raider head coach Tom Cable addresed the media folowing the Raiders second practice this Monday afternoon to discuss the status of the Richard Seymour trade and the status of his curently rostered squad heading into the Monday Night Game against the visiting San Diego Chargers.

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Quarterback: B-

The numbers were fairly decent for JaMarcus Russell (7/11 for 76 yards and 1 TD), but most of his tosses were of the short variety and were safe. His 24-yard touchdown pass to Louis Murphy is what the team wants to see more of. On 3^rd and 22, hit got enough time to scan the field and then Russell was able to realize the break in the coverage and hit the rookie to give them a 7-0 lead. Russell was decisive and accurate on a 20-yard completion to TE Tony Stewart, releasing the ball above his OL and a defender plowing into him. Bruce Gradkowski looks to be way ahead in the fight for third in the depth chart. He was 3/5 for 44 yards, one touchdown and one interception. As soon as he came into the game in the 3^rd quarter, he showed off his mobility with a 9-yard scamper. A few plays later, he hooks up with the rookie tight end for a nice 36-yard pass before he connects with Brandon Myers again to cap the drive with a touchdown and a 14-3 lead. Jeff Garcia came on late in the 1^st half, immediately completed a 9-yard pass to Johnnie Lee Higgins, then ran for 9 yards, but as time expired and the Raiders in 49ers territory, he overthrew his target, and the pass was deflected into the hands of a defender. Garcia looked healthy and ready to continue work this week after his stint. Charlie Frye had his moments, but his interception led to the 49ers game-winning score. After Gradkowski’s pick, Carlos Thomas returned Frye’s first pass to the Raider 25 yard line. Frye was feisty at the end of the contest, scrambling and making plays with his feet.

Running Back: C

Much of the talk here is what they couldn’t do due to the weak play of the offensive line. Darren McFadden opened the game with Oren O’Neal. The fullback looked slow and not able to neither seal any lanes nor get into the second level of the defense. McFadden had to dance around bodies just to get to the line of scrimmage. On a 2^nd and goal in the 1^st quarter, Justin Fargas got the call, but the offensive line was mauled on the play. The running backs were at their best during screens and dump offs and little else. The best ground game Oakland had was with their shifty quarterbacks when they broke out of the pocket.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends: B+

Brandon Myers was athletic, sure-handed and looked every part of being a tight end at the NFL level. His 4 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown were very impressive. Murphy continues to show that he can be a contributor to this attack. He found the soft spot in the 49ers cover-2 on the touchdown and tallied 34 yards on the night. Zach Miller had 3 catches and was Russell’s safety blanket once again. On a 3^rd and 9 in the first quarter, it appeared that Darrius Heyward-Bey wiggled open on a out pattern, but Russell was not able to connect on his pass. Johnnie Lee Higgins was active and beat a CB so bad, he drew a pass interference penalty that netted the Raiders 22-yards.

Offensive Line: D-

This group was ineffective and looked sluggish all night. They were not able to open up any holes for the rushers, beaten at the point of attack on the majority of running plays the Raiders called. On a 2^nd and 13 in the 2^nd quarter in which Fargas got near the goal line on a screen pass, Center Samson Satele was flagged for a hold. James Marten could’ve had a costly penalty, as he was flagged before Frye’s touchdown run deep in SF territory. Cornell Green’s penalty in the 2^nd quarter also put the Raiders in a tough down and distance.

Defensive Line: F

The 49ers rushed for 275 yards and controlled the time of possession 38:44 to 21:16. Frank Gore got his feet wet early, but his back-up Glen Coffee plowed through the Raiders, amassing over 100 yards rushing in the 1^st half and 129 for the contest. Michael Robinson and Kory Sheets joined the party later; they totaled 148 yards. Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly were a sieve. They got pushed around all night, and when Terdell Sands and William Joseph were in there, it did not get any better. The most noticeable trend from last night was how the edges of the defense were exposed. Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and Jay Richardson all were manhandled on tosses, sweeps and any rush plays run at them. William Joseph did have some nice plays, batting a ball down on 4^th down to end a 49er drive and shutting down an end around for -6 yards. Ellis got pressure early on passing downs, but his rush was neutralized once San Francisco began to pound at John Marshall’s defense.

Linebackers: D

If not for a Ricky Brown interception and return for 46 yards that set Oakland up for points in 49er territory, this unit would have been given an ‘F’ as well. Oakland blitzed a lot with this group, but only managed one sack the whole night. Kirk Morrison was whipped away on a few rushes, Thomas Howard was active, but needed to make trailing tackles on rushers that broke free into the second level of the defense, and Jon Alston, who started at OLB was ineffective. Slade Norris missed some tackles and Morlon Greenwood could not a case for himself making the roster with poorest showing by the defense.

Secondary: C

The starters were solid, but not tested much since the 49ers had so much success on the ground. Starter Chris Johnson had his moments in the 1^st half; covering and tackling Vernon Davis for minimal gains. Hiram Eugene and Tyvon Branch appeared lost at times as well as Jerome Boyd. Ricky Manning Jr. played well, and recorded a big tackle on a 3^rd and 7 run to get the Raiders off the field.

Special Teams: B

Nick Miller did not put any fear into the 49er coverage units. His fumble late ended any hope the Raiders had of winning the game. Justin Miller had a 26-yard kickoff return and punter Ricky Schmitt did an admirable job averaging 48.0 yards a punt.

Coaching: B-

Tom Cable should had left Russell in the game to end the half. That was a perfect opportunity to let the young passer orchestrate a 2-minute drill. He did a good job challenging Frye’s touchdown. He stuck to the game plan, playing all the quarterbacks on the roster and giving them all a shot to get their feet wet last night. His team built a nice lead and appeared in control to start the 3^rd quarter, but there was no answer for the onslaught on the ground. Cable did a nice job taking a time-out in the 2^nd quarter when the 49ers got to the goal line. That got the Raiders a breather and thwarted a 13 play drive that could’ve ended in a touchdown, but instead the 49ers got a FG.

NOTES:

• When the 49ers took a 21-14 lead, they had scored 18-unanswered points on the strength of a powerful running game and 3 turnovers. San Francisco has also dominated the time of possession, 35:14 to 15:52 to that point in the final quarter.
• Kirk Morrison was seen leaving the game with his arm in sling. He will be out at least 2-weeks, and with Ricky Brown making plays and looking more intense out there, it appears that the product out of Oakland will have to deal with a bumpy road in 2009.

Here are some notes from yesterday’s PM practice versus the San Francisco 49ers.

• Nnamdi Asomugha sustained a slight heel injury; but he will be just fine. The pro-bowl cornerback was suited but did not practice.
• OL Cornell Green got poked in the eye, and his injury is not considered serious.
• The defense did a better job versus Fran Gore and the rest of the 49ers rushers during the PM session. All the linebackers were better in pursuit and tackling with the exception of Kirk Morrison. His struggles continued, as he was getting lost in traffic and was ‘dancing’ around the line of scrimmage per S&B Report journalist DeMarcus Davis. He continued, “[Morrison] showed a real indecisiveness at times.”

Continuing with the defense:

• Hiram Eugene got his hands on a Shaun Hill pass for an interception.
• TE Vernon Davis gave the Raiders fits; scoring on back-to-back plays during the session.
• DE Greg Ellis was getting in the backfield with frequency, showing good pressure and recording at least one sack in the process.
• Thomas Howard was sharp yesterday, as evidenced by his dissection of a 49er mis-direction play that was blown up by the speedy linebacker.
• LB Ricky Brown “was much better than Morrison” and was very verbal after Vernon Davis scored on a play. Brown was disruptive on several plays; deflecting a pass and shedding a blocker on another play to record the tackle.
• Tyvon Branch came up from his safety spot to wipe out a run at the line scrimmage towards the end of practice.
• As for the offense: they were vastly improved from the disastrous morning session. Jeff Garcia appeared to be the best passer on the team

Thursday night, at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, the Oakland Raiders host the Dallas Cowboy in both clubs pre-season opener. The Silver & Black lead the pre-season series 16-9; as their history dates back to 1972. As with any opener, both teams will evaluate and assess the depth on their roster in order to make their initial cuts and get a look at many players who are considered to be long shots.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

JaMarcus Russell’s highly inconsistent start to training camp has to be frightening to the coaches and the type of opening Jeff Garcia needs to slide into the starting role if the 24-year old is not ready to step it up in 2009. Early on, he has not shown touch on his tosses, is erratic from session-to-session and until proven otherwise, his ethic and leadership will be questioned.

“At times, he ripped it,” Tom Cable said Tuesday. “He had that streak where he really targeted well and all that and then he got on a roll where everything was overthrow and overthrow.”

Garcia is not healthy enough to put the heat on Russell yet, but with the fiery mind-set the former 49er plays with and his ability to adapt quickly to schemes, it will be a quick plug on the former number one overall pick if he can’t show that he is ready to become a productive player on this roster.

What to expect:

Oakland wants to build chemistry along the trenches and solidify an offensive line that will have new components in 2009. Expect the Raiders to run often in order to give the big bodies in the trenches some confidence in blocking for the best unit on this team – the running backs.

As the pre-season moves on, and Russell gets more reps, they’ll open up the passing game and help get the pass blocking schemes some lengthier looks against live opponents.

Cable stated that quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye will play significantly versus the Cowboys, as Oakland will likely settle on one to be their third stringer.

On Defense:

With a new coordinator at the helm, the defense will look to be more disciplined and accountable for being where they need to be in order to lessen the problems versus the run they have had since 2003.

John Marshall is preaching gap control and better communicating, as he feels that the talent is there to get the job done in 2009. “I’ve certainly seen it get better,” Cable stated recently. “We’re starting to squeeze things, have people overlapping gaps where we’re supposed to be. But we’ll find out starting Thursday. Dallas is a big, physical team, likes to run in it, too. So we’ll find out pretty quick.”

A key to the run defense is linebacker Kirk Morrison, and he is realizing some of the faults and seeing some change so far in camp. “I think a lot of times last year, sometimes you get frustrated when you see guys in their gaps and a run hits us here and a run hits us there and everyone’s trying to make the play instead of saying, ‘Hey, let’s trust what we’re doing and we can’t make every play, let’s make sure we’re in our gaps and the guy who is supposed to make that play needs to be there.’”

What to Expect:

With the trade of Derrick Burgess, Oakland will try to look for new ways to generate a pass rush; whether by blitzing or finding a gem along the line that can help fill some of that void.

Schematically, Oakland has said they will change and be more on the attack than they were under Rob Ryan, but cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha wants to see it before he believes it, stating “That’s like a wait-and-see type of thing.” He continued, “because even in camps previously we were doing a lot of blitzing and doing multiple things defensively and then we got into games and we were pretty basic.”

DALLAS COWBOYS

On Offense:

Life without ‘T.O’ has been good for Dallas. The revamped offense will feature a tough ground game, more double tight end sets and more importantly, free-up Tony Romo as a passer, without the worries of trying to pamper a diva wide receiver throughout the game.

Offensive coordinator Jason Garret will have his full complement of weapons tomorrow night after some of his key weapons sat out of practice on Tuesday due to injuries (Felix Jones and Martellus Bennett).

Wide receiver Roy Williams stated this week, “We just want to be productive. We might not score, but we might drive it down and kick a field goal. That’s productive. Just don’t turn the ball over. That’s one thing that, if we want to be in the playoffs and want to win the Super Bowl, you can’t turn the ball over.”

What to Expect:

Dallas will try to pound away at the Raiders front seven with their ground game. And when Romo does drop back to pass, expect him to move around in the pocket and find targets down the field, as they want to stretch the field to prove that this offense will be better without Terrell Owens.

On Defense:

Cornerbacks Terence Newman (groin) and second-year defensive back Mike Jenkins (ankle) will not see action on Thursday.

Head coach Wade Phillips will have his hands all over this defense in 2009, and this many people believe will have a steady influence on what happens on the field.

“With my expertise, I can help even more by basically doing it myself, along with our coaches on defense,” Phillips said. “I just feel like that’s a little strength of mine.”

He continued: “I think we have improved defensively in the last two years, certainly.

There are some areas that we have even gone to No. 1 in the league in. But we’d like to get even better on defense, and I think I can help us do that.”

What to Expect:

Attack, attack, attack… the Cowboys want to suffocate the Raider offense and plug every gap on running downs. They want to play fast this season, and with Phillips’ job on the line and many big name head coaches available next off-season, his work with this defense will determine whether he is employed in Dallas in 2010.

NEWS & NOTES:

• Linebacker Jon Alston (foot) and Safety Michael Huff missed time in practice on Wednesday. Huff stated he’d play with the first unit during the opener.
• Don’t be surprised if rookie Safety Mike Mitchell also sits on Thursday, as a hamstring injury has the coaches concerned. At this point, there is no need to push the first year player and further the extent of the injury.
• A report linked the Oakland Raiders and free-agent linebacker Derrick Brooks. With his lack of speed and the scheme the Raiders utilize, don’t expect too much interest on either side.

TV & RADIO

Greg Papa and Tom Flores, alongside Jim Plunkett, will simulcast the game on the Raiders Radio and Television Network. Raiders Legend George Atkinson will serve as the broadcast’s sideline analyst next to the host of the broadcast, popular radio personality JT the Brick.  This week’s game will be televised locally on tape-delay on KICU Action 36 Cable 6 on Thursday, August 13th at 10:00 p.m. There will be an encore showing of the game on Friday, August 14th at 8 p.m. on KICU Action 36 Cable 6. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Papa and Raiders two-time Super Bowl wining head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year.  The radio pregame and postgame shows will feature Raider Legends Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist