Down 17 points, Oakland erased the deficit early in the 4^th quarter when Josh McCown led an eight-play, 70-yard drive, which ended in a scoring pass to fullback Justin Griffith. The home-opening crowd was electric and a new found enthusiasm was generated with the 21-20 lead, especially after Kiffin huddled his team after that score and urged his players to get stops.

That didn’t happen, as Jon Kitna quickly replied with a seven-play drive on the ensuing possession that finished with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Shaun McDonald.

McCown was intercepted on his following drive, Jason Hanson kicked a 23-yard field goal and after another turnover immediately after going up 29-21, the Lions put the game away with a Tatum Bell 14-yard score.

“In the fourth quarter, when it got loud, we didn’t blink,” Kitna said. “We kept executing and doing what we needed to do.”

“It just makes me sick,” McCown stated about his performance. “I dwell more on the negatives right now, the turnovers and the things like that. Those are the things that I go over and over in my mind.”

The starter for Oakland ended 30-of-40 for 313-yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Fans shouted for back-up Daunte Culpepper, but Kiffin was steadfast on who his quarterback was. “Fans have the right to their opinions,” Kiffin said. “After the third touchdown in a row they weren’t chanting for Daunte anymore.”

Sebastian Janikowski missed three field goals and Oakland had eight penalties. “We’re not finishing our drives and it’s something happening here or there,” Kiffin said. “Whether it’s a false start here or a missed assignment there, just something little.”

Calvin Johnson tallied four catches for 70-yards and a score in his NFL debut.

Ronald Curry had a touchdown and 10 receptions for 133-yards.

“We’re looking better,” running back LaMont Jordan commented. “You always want to look better than you did last year because we looked awful last year. Taking the next step is becoming a winning team, and we obviously didn’t do that.”

“It was in our hands,” outside linebacker Sam Williams stated after the 36-21 defeat. “We didn’t finish.”

Here are exclusive images from our game coverage from that afternoon:

Rookie Calvin Johnson exploited the Raiders secondary.

LaMont Jordan compiled 70-yards on 15-carries, as well as 89-yards receiving. In the above picture, he celebrated a third quarter score which cut the Lions lead to 17-14.

Jerry Porter had 2 catches for 26-yards.

Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly (#93) working against Jeff Backus.

During pre-game, Michael Huff, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stuart Schweigert got themselves amped-up. ”We want the game in our hands, and it was at the end,” Schweigert said after the loss. “We just didn’t stop them. That’s disappointing.”

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The then 32-year old learned a week earlier from Mike Shanahan, who called a time-out right before Sebastian Janikowski’s potential game winner against the Broncos. The Raider kicker nailed the first field goal, which was blown dead, but missed the ensuing attempt.

Browns kicker Phil Dawson was lining up for a final kick, but his initial attempt, which split the uprights, was disallowed after Kiffin called a late-second time out.

“The rookie coach learned something from the veteran last week,” commented wide receiver Ronald Curry.

Tommy Kelly blocked the final kick and Oakland snapped an 11-game losing streak with a thrilling 26-24 victory.

“I told [the official] I was going to call it, and he gave me the ‘You’re going to have to give me the signal,’” Kiffin detailed. “I guess I don’t have as many years in the league as Mike. I got it in a second later than I wanted, but it worked out.”

Derek Anderson drove the Browns from their own 9-yard line to the Raiders 23 in the final 1:04 without a time out. “I actually didn’t hear the timeout or the whistle,” Dawson said at the end of the contest. “I thought we had won the game. They did a good job of waiting until the last second to call the timeout.”

Here are some shots from the game from SBReport.net’s archive:

Kirk Morrison (#52) tallied his third interception of the season early in that contest.

Ronald Curry scored on a 41-yard pass from Josh McCown in the 2nd quarter and ended with 3-receptions for 62-yards.

LaMont Jordan (#34) had 29-carries for 121-yards and a touchdown. Facing a 3rd and 23 in the 4th quarter, Oakland moved the chains with a screen to Jordan that went for 27-yards, leading to a key Janikowski field goal. ”It feels good. It’s a good start,” Jordan said. “My name will be the one in the headlines, but I’m happy for my offensive linemen.”

Warren Sapp (#99) gobbles up Jamal Lewis. Cleveland’s leading rusher ended the game with 56-yards on 15-carries. ”They don’t ask you how you get them done, they just ask did you,” commented Sapp. ”We’re a ballclub that is trying to learn how to win. Last week, we took a step closer and this week we got over the hump.”

Michael Huff (#24), Stuart Schweigert (#30) and Gerard Warren (#61) swamp Joe Thomas on the game’s final play – a blocked field goal.

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Stay logged on to SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of tomorrow’s game between the Browns and the Raiders. SBReport will be there live to bring you images from the O.co Coliseum.

Randy Moss tallied 5-catches for 67-yards in his return to the Bay-Area. Two of those receptions were touchdowns, and on both occasions, he pointed to the back of his jersey, as if the crowd needed any more fuel to jeer the ex-Raider.

“That’s just Randy being Randy,” said Patriots LaMont Jordan, who added a 49-yard touchdown run against his former team. “I was definitely happy for him, especially the way the Oakland media had no good things to say about him. … We came here together to wear the Oakland uniform and to try to turn that program around. It didn’t work out and we both left on bad terms.”

Here’s a look back at the Game Grades for this contest:

Game Grades: New England Patriots 49 – Oakland Raiders 26

And notes the morning after:

Monday Morning Musings: Moss, Burgess and Goodell

Here are images from that contest from the SBReport.net archives:

Randy Moss & Andrew Walter (#16) exchanging pleasantries.

JaMarcus Russell (#2) pressured by LB Jerod Mayo (#51).

LaMont Jordan ran for 97-yards on 12 carries vs. the Raiders.

Zach Miller (#80)had 5-catches for 60-yards.

Visit SBReport.net for post-game coverage of the Patriots visit to the O.co Coliseum, this Sunday.

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In 2007, Oakland went into South Beach and trounced the Dolphins 35-17. Daunte Culpepper made a triumphant return, accounting for five touchdowns (ran for three and threw for two) against his former team.

“The only thing I felt bad about is I didn’t have a chance to show the fans here me healthy as a Dolphin,” Culpepper said. “But now I had a chance to show them today, and I’m glad I was able to do that.”

Culpepper led the team out of the tunnel and on his first score; he looked at the crowd, pointed to his surgically repaired knee and signaled, “ok” to the stands.

“There were a lot of questions about my knee,” he said. “Everywhere I would go, people would ask me about my knee. I wanted to say, ‘Hey, I’m OK. I’m getting better every day.’”

Justin Fargas ran for 179-yards on 22 carries, LaMont Jordan tallied 74-yards on the ground and Jerry Porter scored twice.

“What’s he going to guarantee next week?” Warren Sapp said of linebacker Joey Porter after the game. “It’s tough when you run your mouth.”

Here are some images from that match-up, exclusively from SBReport.net:

Daunte Culpepper running into the end-zone.

Jerry Porter (84) celebrating with Ronald Curry after a score

Ronnie Brown stuffed by Warren Sapp and Terdell Sands.

Culpepper giving the ‘ok’ to Dolphins’ fans.

Culpepper and Trent Green exchanged pleasantries after the Raider win.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Last time the Raiders and 49ers met, Oakland was defeated 34-20 in San Francisco on October 8, 2006 (week-5). During that contest, Alex Smith tossed three touchdown passes, two to Arnaz Battle, as the 49ers scored 27-second half points. Frank Gore rushed for a then career high 134-yards for offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who had coached the Silver & Black the prior two campaigns.

For Oakland, Andrew Walter was benched for Marques Tuiasosopo, LaMont Jordan dropped a lateral, disregarded the loose football and Melvin Oliver returned it for a score. Then Raider Randy Moss tallied his 100^th career touchdown reception in the losing effort.

“I don’t see any improvement with what we’re doing,” defensive tackle Warren Sapp commented. “We don’t make a play. We don’t make an adjustment to get momentum back on our side.”

Enjoy images captured by our photographers from that contest, dusted off from our archived game coverage:

Robert Gallery

Kevin Huntley

Randy Moss

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Aaron Brooks, QB

After the Oakland Raiders parted ways with Kerry Collins, they signed Brooks to a 2-year deal worth $8 million. “Aaron gives us great depth at the quarterback position and provides us with a veteran presence,” then Raiders head coach Art Shell stated. Brooks was the starter at the beginning of the 2006 campaign, as his only competition was Marques Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter. Brooks was sacked seven times in the opener against San Diego and battered week-two versus Baltimore, fumbling two snaps from center before straining his pectoral muscle. Eventually he started eight games for the Raiders, losing all of them and was cut after his lone season in Silver & Black, as the team wanted to avoid a $5 million roster bonus he was due the next off-season.

Verdict: Brooks was a stopgap quarterback during an agonizing season for the Raiders. His final stats: a 57.3 completion percentage, eight interceptions and three touchdown passes while being sacked 26 times in eight games.

Eric Turner, S

Prior to the 1997 season, the Raiders were on a shopping spree, and one of their prized signings was the Pro Bowl safety. Turner was reeled in with a 4-year $6 million deal. ”We’re delighted that we can add another impact player to the organization,” said Joe Bugel. He played 32-contest with the Silver & Black before dying of intestinal cancer at age 31. “I realize people are concerned, but I have chosen to keep this issue within my family,” Turner said in a statement prior to his death.

Verdict: The former 2^nd overall pick of the 1991 draft arrived in Oakland after being selected to two Pro Bowls. Turner has always been remembered fondly by teammates and the organization on and off the field.

Andre Rison, WR

A week after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in August of 2000, Oakland picked up the 33-year old target with a one-year contract worth $450,000 and a $100,000 signing bonus. “The day I was released I already knew where I was going,” Rison commented when he landed with the Chiefs rival. The mercurial wide receiver played 16-games, compiling 41-receptions for 606-yards and 6 touchdowns. The prior season, he tallied career lows in catches and yards with no scores. Rison had 3 receptions for 44-yards in the playoffs, but had a score nullified due to pass interference flag with 4-minutes remaining in the AFC Championship game loss to the Ravens.

Verdict: Rison added attitude to the offense and solid production at wide-receiver behind Tim Brown as the Raiders marched to a 12-4 finish in the regular season in Jon Gruden’s third season.

LaMont Jordan, RB

After the 2004 season, Oakland looked to boost their putrid ground game with the signing of LaMont Jordan. After the former NewYork Jet landed in the Bay Area with a five-year, $27.5 million contract, he stated, “I’ve played out here in Oakland a couple of times and it’s actually my favorite stadium to play in, so I’m really looking forward to getting this ball rolling and hopefully being a big piece to us accomplishing our goals.” Jordan led all NFL rushers with 70 catches his first season and tallied 1,588 total yards from scrimmage and 11 scores. But it went down hill from there, as he tore his MCL in November of 2006 and missed the remainder of the season. After starting the 2007 campaign with 350-yards rushing and two touchdowns in the team’s first three-games, he sustained a back injury in Miami.

Verdict: Jordan was phased out due to his ineffective running and Justin Fargas’ emergence in his last months in Oakland. He never lived up to his contract or the expectations he had to become a productive rusher in the NFL. “After three games [in 2007], LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing,” teammate Warren Sapp said. “But…he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going.”

Stay tuned for upcoming installments, looking back at the Raiders history during the free-agency period. Part-six is coming soon…

On Friday, the inevitable occurred, as the Oakland Raiders finally released running back LaMont Jordan.

The 29-year-old rusher signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million in 2005 after backing up Curtis Martin in New York the first four seasons of his career.

He appeared to be the perfect fit for Norv Turner’s run friendly offense, but after a productive 2005 campaign that saw him rush for 1,025 yards and compile 70-receptions for 563 yards, the boisterous running back struggled to stay healthy and was ineffective during his final two seasons in Oakland.

In November of 2006, he tore his left MCL, an injury that catapulted Justin Fargas to the forefront and began his ascension within the Raider roster. At the onset of the 2007 campaign, head coach Lane Kiffin elected to go with Jordan as his starter, and the former Maryland star responded by posting 424-rushing yards in the team’s first four games. But a back injury dampened Jordan’s season and Fargas once again grabbed headlines and the starting role.

Jordan’s conditioning has always been in question during the off-season. Earlier this year, former Raider Warren Sapp stated that Jordan “is like the worst off-season running back I’ve ever been around.”

“After three games last season, LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing,” Sapp said. “But…he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going.”

Fans throughout his tenure in Oakland critiqued his putrid 3.8 yards per carry. Especially when Fargas and other rushers ran successfully behind the same offensive lines with more effectiveness.

The Raiders have told Jordan to stay away from the team and that his presence was not needed during mini-camps and training camp.

Jordan’s agent, Alvin Keels, received permission from the Raiders to seek a trade during the off-season. But teams bypassed the idea of trading for a player that would eventually be let go. The Detroit Lions were reportedly one of the suitors for his services, along with the Chicago Bears.

There were reports as early as last season that Oakland was looking to move the eight-year veteran, but with a log jam at running back and his contract status, teams around the league were hesitant to give up any compensation for a player that could be available in free-agency as training camp began.

It is believed that the Raiders would save $4.7 million in 2008 cap space after severing ties with Jordan.

Since the start of camp, head coach Lane Kiffin avoided elaborating on the situation, simply stating that owner Al Davis and Jordan’s agent have been in talks regarding the resolution of this matter.

With Jordan now gone, Oakland can now focus on giving reps to the younger rushers on the roster. And with the settlement, Jordan can now move on and shop himself without any strings attached.

Update: Several media reports indicated the Raiders re-signed quarterback Jeff Otis to fill Jordan’s roster spot. Otis was one of three players waived the day before camp began to make room for Nnamdi Asomugha re-signing and rookies Arman Shields and Trevor Scott signing. ~ES

What’s going on with LaMont Jordan – is he being released or traded?

Ideally, the Oakland Raiders would love to deal Jordan and get some compensation in return. The organization already told him he can seek a trade and to stay off the practice field; and that may be a reason why other teams are not lining up and embracing the idea of a trade with the Silver & Black knowing they will release him eventually if he stays on the roster. Oakland could definitely go into camp with Jordan on board. But the facts are, Justin Fargas and his new deal is locked in as the starter, first round draft choice Darren McFadden is going to be their multi-purpose weapon and Michael Bush is looked as the change of pace back-up for either and a player they expect big things out of.

Jordan visited the Detroit Lions stated his agent Alvin Keels in an effort to gauge interest and possibly facilitate a trade for the expendable rusher.

Other reported suitors for his services are the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears.

The Raiders would save $4.7 million in 2008 cap space if they cut ties with Jordan. But with teams looking for a running back, bringing back a late round draft choice is an opportunity Oakland hopes to take advantage of.

How will the Javon Walker incident effect his participation in training camp?

Walker will be in camp with the team and they expect him to be the top target for JaMarcus Russell in 2008.

A few weeks ago during an OTA, Lane Kiffin stated that the wide receiver needed to be in better shape. That is not a major concern at this point and once camp is in full swing, it will be more about Walker getting in tune with his quarterback, and showing that they are no ill effects from the varying injuries that limited him last season.

Which position on the team are you most worried about?

Both tackle spots along the offensive line. When you have a number one overall draft choice at quarterback who is getting paid record money, there should be no questions surrounding who will keep his blind side safe. The Raiders hope that Kwame Harris is their left tackle for years to come, but his track record does not forecast success on the other side of the bay area. He struggled with the 49ers, but many point to Tom Cable and his teachings being a perfect fit for the 6’7” 322 pound former first rounder. His footwork has been of concern, and since the Raiders use a zone-blocking scheme, it is of utmost importance that Harris moves well and understands the concepts of what the Silver & Black are trying to implement in the trenches.

Final cuts are not on the horizon, but what player(s) can surprise and make the team, and who could be in trouble?

Chris Morris is a player that may be able to earn a spot. Consequently, Jake Grove’s days as a Raider could be numbered if they feel that Morris is a better fit for the club and other linemen have a solid camp. Slated to make $1.3 million this upcoming season, Grove has been a bust and at this point, is barely hanging on to a reserve role.

The SBReport will try to answer any Raider related questions on a weekly basis. Please make sure to state your name and city prior to submitting your questions and we’ll select a few to inform the Raider Nation on what’s going on in the world of the Silver & Black.

LaMont Jordan has played his last tune with the Oakland Raiders

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

The Oakland Raiders began mini-camp today by informing LaMont Jordan that they are headed in a different direction and that his days as a member of the Silver & Black could come to an end.

 The 29-year-old rusher signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million in 2005 after backing up Curtis Martin in New York the first four seasons of his career.

 He appeared to be the perfect fit for Norv Turner’s run friendly offense, but after a productive 2005 campaign that saw him rush for 1,025 yards and compile 70-receptions for 563 yards, the boisterous running back struggled to stay healthy and was ineffective during his final two seasons in Oakland.

 In November of 2006, he tore his left MCL, an injury that catapulted Justin Fargas to the forefront and began his ascension within the Raider roster. At the onset of the 2007 campaign, head coach Lane Kiffin elected to go with Jordan as his starter, and the former Maryland star responded by posting 424-rushing yards in the team’s first four games. But a back injury dampened Jordan’s season and Fargas once again grabbed headlines and the starting role.

 Jordan’s conditioning has always been in question during the off-season. Earlier this year, former Raider Warren Sapp stated that Jordan “is like the worst off-season running back I’ve ever been around.”

 “After three games last season, LaMont Jordan led the NFL in rushing,” Sapp said. “But…he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going.”

 Fans throughout his tenure in Oakland critiqued his putrid 3.8 yards per carry. Especially after Fargas and other rushers ran successfully behind the same offensive lines with more effectiveness.

Jordan’s agent, Alvin Keels, has reportedly received permission from the Raiders to seek a trade.

 There were reports as early as last season that Oakland was looking to move the eight-year veteran, but with a log jam at running back and his contract status, teams around the league were hesitant to give up any compensation for a player that could be available in free-agency as the summer approached. If Oakland can find any suitors for Jordan and receive anything in return for his services, it would be a steal considering that they have no room or plans to utilize him in 2008. 

The Raiders would save $4.7 million in 2008 cap space if they cut ties with Jordan. 

Oakland needs to part ways with Jordan and clear the backfield for their young ball carriers.

 With Justin Fargas staking his claim to the starting role the last few seasons, the drafting of Darren McFadden and the health and development of Michael Bush, Oakland had no other alternative but to rid themselves of one of the many acquisitions that have been a disappointment during the worst stretch in team history. 

Javon Walker securing a pass during practice in Alameda last week 

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

What should be the biggest concern on offense for the Oakland Raiders?

Without a doubt, it has to be their offensive line. Both tackle spots have major question marks and none of the options assure stability or consistent play while pass protecting or run blocking. With Tom Cable’s run friendly zone-blocking scheme, you feel more confident that he will be able to get the most out of his unit paving lanes for rushers. Especially since Oakland was successful running the football in 2007 and have a fleet of talented ball carriers. But when JaMarcus Russell gets into the pocket, the likes of Kwame Harris (a possible starter at left tackle), Mario Henderson (could land a job at either tackle spot), Cornell Green or Paul McQuistan don’t seem to be the ideal options for a team that will have a still developing and very pricey passer leading the offense. If they struggle in pass protection, Oakland’s aerial attack will sputter. Russell’s development and health could be in jeopardy, and if this club is one-dimensional as it was in 2007, expect the Silver & Black to target both tackle spots as an area for improvement next off-season.  

How worried are the Raiders about Javon Walker?

Not at all…

Walker appears on target for training camp and ready to begin the process of getting in sync with his new quarterback. It’s imperative they get the 2004 and 2006 versions of Walker, when he posted stats indicative of a ‘go to’ receiver. And with the money doled out to the former Packer and Bronco, he better put up those numbers, or Oakland could be strapped with another bad-contract.

 He’s only 29, should be fully healed after an injury plagued 2007, and with a fresh start in a offense that will compliment his abilities with a strong armed passer, Walker could be a candidate for comeback player of the year if all goes well.

When will Oakland part ways with LaMont Jordan?

Adimchinobi Echemandu will make his case to stay on the roster in 2008

 It should be soon. Oakland won’t find a trade partner for Jordan and then ridding themselves of the $4.7 million salary he will be due 2008 will become essential. Michael Bush is healthy, Justin Fargas is primed to continue as the lead rusher, Darren McFadden is now in the mix and Adimchinobi Echemandu is on the roster, a very good find last season prior to being cut and landing with the Houston Texans. Parting ways with Jordan will be cost-effective and clear the clutter in the backfield. Oakland has a young core of rushers that deserve and have earned the right to carry the football without an unproductive veteran getting in their way.

Are special teams still a concern, especially if Jarrod Cooper cannot come back from his rehabilitation?

 Yes! Cooper was an integral part of Oakland turning their coverage teams around midway through the season. With him, Brian Schneider’s bunch shut down Devin Hester and showed some fight in 2007. Without him, teams like Green Bay and Indianapolis ran circles around them. Cooper is their leader, but players like Isaiah Ekejiuba, Ricky Brown and Stanford Routt demonstrated they are key building blocks to the punt and kickoff units.  It’s all about chemistry, so finding a new group of guys that can work, as a functional, unit will be a major concern going into training camp.

Are there any injuries to be concerned about?

 Jake Grove was hindered by a leg/knee injury last week during a practice. Tight end Tony Stewart was back and making nice catches with his large frame and Justin Fargas did not appear to have lingering issues after he missed the final part of 2007 with a knee injury. According to Lane Kiffin, Gibril Wilson had an “aggravated quad”, and was held out of drills last week.