Silver and Black Report

MIAMI – Kevin Burnett’s illegal contact penalty negated a Carson Palmer interception, when the Raiders faced a 3^rd and 28.

Oakland continued the drive, faced a 3^rd and 9 a few plays later, Burnett made up for his mistake with a sack of Palmer – a loss of 8-yards.

Miami’s Davone Bess returned Shane Lechler’s ensuing punt for 21-yards, giving the Dolphins the ball at the 37-yard line.

On 2^nd and 8 – Matt Moore rolled out of pocket and found Anthony Fasano for a key 26-yard reception. Moore hit Fasano again for 10-yards, before Reggie Bush carried the football for 11-yards.

Davone Bess continued his torment of the Raiders with a 12-yard scoring reception, giving the Fins a 13-0 lead at the 8:24 mark. The drive amassed 63-yards on seven plays. Aaron Curry, who has struggled in coverage, on the move in the middle of the field.

Oakland finally showed signs of life on offense with a reverse to Louis Murphy for 15-yards, a Palmer toss to Michal Bush for 16-yards and another Murphy run before stalling.

Palmer was unable to connect with Kevin Boss on back-to-back plays and on 3^rd and 9, Darrius Heyward-Bey was unable to catch a ricocheted ball off Boss’ hands.

Daniel Thomas ran for 21-yards on Miami’s next drive. The possession ended after Jake Long was flagged for a 15-yard penalty and Miami gained very little on a 3^rd and 28.

Oakland got to the 2:00 warning scoreless, 1-5 on 3^rd downs and with 68-yards of total offense.

Palmer then got into a rhythm with Chaz Schilens, hitting the target for 16 and 30-yard son back-to-back plays. A third completion to Heyward-Bey was negated by a Khalif Barnes penalty (2^nd of game). Vontae Davis then sacked Palmer, and an incomplete on 3^rd and 27 ended the Raiders best drive of the afternoon with a 1:24 left.

Miami converted a 3rd down with under a minute to go, after Oakland used up their time outs, as they took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

STATS:

Oakland 1-6 on 3rd downs.

Time of possession: MIA 18:65 OAK 11:04

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It was a treacherous way to take care of business at home, but the Oakland Raiders prevailed and continued their run atop the AFC West with a 25-20 win against the Chicago Bears.

Here’s a breakdown of the victory, with all the key plays and moments for the Silver & Black:

SPECIAL TEAMS LEADS THE WAY… AGAIN.

Sebastian Janikowski broke his own franchise record for most field goals in a game, going 6-for-6 (40, 47, 42, 19, 37, 44) and leading the way when the offense was not able to stick it in the end zone. “It means a lot. There’s plenty more records to be broken,” he stated when asked about his performance. Each one of those kicks was crucial and equally impressive, especially after he was hindered with left hamstring injury the last few weeks.

You knew he was on his game and completely healed when he drove kickoffs deep into the end zone.

Devin Hester was shutdown, tallying seven yards on punt returns and only 39-yards on kickoffs. Rock Cartwright, Quentin Groves, Mike Mitchell, Brandon Myers and Darryl Blackstock gunned down Hester all afternoon.

Shane Lechler was stellar, averaging 54.6 on his punts, with a long of 80-yards. What impressed the most were his three punts inside the 20-yard line – especially the final one, pushed out of bounds by Bryan McCann at the four-yard line with 1:01 remaining – forcing Caleb Hanie to go long distances on drives for scores.

“Our two kickers are fantastic,” coach Hue Jackson commented. “There’s not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job.”

TURNOVERS

Caleb Hanie tossed three interceptions – all in the first half. Stanford Routt’s pick in the 1^st quarter eventually gave Oakland a 6-0 lead.

“We knew coming into this game that [Hanie] lacked experience but we knew that he could still make plays, as you saw in the Green Bay title game last year,” Routt said. “We knew he still had the ability to make us look bad and come out of here with the W if we didn’t take care of business.”

Michael Huff’s interception killed a Chicago drive that could’ve ended in at least a field goal attempt. Hanie’s poor decision making victimized the Bears early.

Kamerion Wimbley got his first pick of the season and returned it 73-yards to the Bears six-yard line. Oakland went into the half with a 15-7 lead due to that turnover.

MOMENTUM SWINGS

The Bears felt good after Johnny Knox scored from 29-yards out. It had to be demoralizing for Oakland…

They outplayed Chicago up to that point, but since they settled for field goals, the visiting team continued to have life. Corey Graham intercepted Carson Palmer and the Bears went on a 76-yard, 9-play drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.

Oakland immediately went on the attack with a Marcel Reece 47-yard catch and run. Four plays later, the Silver & Black were up again, 9-7.

Wimbley’s pick came at a point where Chicago had a 2^nd and 1 at the Oakland 7-yard line. Knox had returned a kickoff 56-yards, but instead of scoring at the end of the 2^nd quarter, the Bears let the Raiders go into the locker room with confidence. “Man, I thought I was like Barry Sanders or something. When I caught it, I was just looking at the end zone and I was trying my best to get there. An offensive lineman got me, so the guys won’t let me live that one down for a while,” said Wimbley.

Louis Murphy’s 47-yard catch on 3^rd and 4 – at midfield late in the 4^th quarter – helped set-up Michael Bush’s 3-yard scamper, which gave Oakland a 25-13 lead.

RESERVES AND ROLE PLAYERS STEPPING UP

Marcel Reece had five receptions for 92-yards. The fullback consistently beat defenders and gave Oakland an added element to their aerial attack today.

Chaz Schilens, who had some choice words for Warren Sapp this week, backed up his banter with his best performance of the year. His 14-yard reception on 3^rd and 6 in the final quarter was key. He ended with 58-yards on 4 catches.

Louis Murphy hauled in two passes, one of them being the biggest play of the game.

GAME NOTES:

• Oakland had a tough time converting 3^rd downs, finishing a putrid 3-15. They also struggled in the red-zone and often settled for field goals. “It was tough in the red zone. That’s a good defense. That’s a good unit. People questioned what their ranking was statistically. That’s a very good unit that’s played together a long time and understands their scheme,” commented Carson Palmer.
• The Bears rush defense did a fine job this afternoon, limiting Michael Bush to 69-yards on 24-carries. Oakland managed 73-team rushing yards. The Raiders offensive line did not get push at the point of attack and struggled in pass protection, allowing four sacks. Jared Veldheer, who had his way with Jared Allen last week, struggled with Julius Peppers (2-sacks) and got infracted with a holding penalty. Samson Satele’s hold nullified a 14-yard Bush run and Stefen Wisniewski’s hold wiped away a 12-yard Bush score. The Bears ended with four sacks.
• The Bears out gained the Raiders, 401-341. Marion Barber was their most effective rusher, gaining 63-yards on 10 carries. Matt Forte finished with 59-yards on 12-carries, but 33 of them on one play. Hanie had 50-yards rushing, including a backbreaking 24-yard run on 3^rd and 18 – the drive that gave them a 7-6 lead.
• Oakland had one penalty at the half. They ended with 6-for-44 yards.
• Bush’s 3-yard run in the 4^th quarter snapped a five-game scoreless drought in the final quarter. “We should have won that football game based on the way our offense played,” linebacker Brian Urlacher said. “We didn’t play well enough on defense. We gave up too many big plays, didn’t get enough takeaways. That’s why we didn’t win.”

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Oakland never looked back after Jacoby Ford's electrifying return.

In their first game at home since the passing of Al Davis, the Oakland Raiders (4-2) defeated the Cleveland Browns (2-3), 24-17. Here is a look at today’s top performers:

Darrius Heyward-Bey

For a third consecutive week, the wide receiver posted very good numbers, ending with 82-yards on 6 receptions. This week, he looked sharp as a route runner, caught balls cleanly and looked very much like a ‘go to’ target. In the first quarter, he converted a 1^st and 15 with a 21-yard catch. Then in the 4^th quarter, working with Kyle Boller, DHB moved the chains on 2^nd and 7 with a 16-yard grab and on 3^rd and 5 for 15-yards.

Jacoby Ford

Immediately after the Browns tied it at 7 in the second quarter, Ford ran back the fourth kickoff of his career for a touchdown. It was the longest on his résumé, 101-yards, swinging momentum back to Oakland. He also had three receptions for 43-yards, one a 27-yarder on 3^rd and 7 on a drive that eventually ended in a field goal, giving the Raiders a 17-7 lead. The kickoff return for a score was reviewed, as Ford tiptoed near the sideline at full-speed after a missed tackle.

Shane Lechler

He tossed the game’s best pass, a short lob to Kevin Boss that led to a 35-yard score off a fake field goal attempt in the 3^rd quarter. It was the punter’s first ever pass in the league. After losing Jason Campbell due to injury, Kyle Boller came on, with Lechler serving as his back up. Lechler also averaged 48.5 yards per punt.

Matt Giordano

Recorded a sack early in the game against Colt McCoy and later clobbered the young passer on a blitz in the 4^th quarter. His coverage was solid, the run support he provided was helpful and the pressure he applied at times helped the Raiders derail McCoy’s rhythm.

Matt Giordano made some noise with his play versus the Browns.

DeMarcus Van Dyke

Jumped a route and almost got his hands on an interception. He wiggled quite a few times after throws his way, as he provided the best coverage to date, in his young career. Proved to be important since Chris Johnson was inactive again, so was fellow rookie Chimdi Chekwa. The Browns were held to 203-passing yards. “He’s talented, we drafted him for a reason. I think he’s doing a good job,” commented Hue Jackson after the game.

Kyle Boller

Ending 8-of-14 for 100-yards is not impressive, but he came in relief and did not make any crucial mistakes in a contest that ultimately was contested late. He made key throws to convert first downs and scrambled for 5-yards on a 3^rd and 4. On a 3^rd and 8 on Oakland’s ensuing drive, he ran for 3-yards, setting Sebastian Janikowski up for a 48-yard attempt that gave Oakland a 17-7 lead. “I’m really never a nervous guy,” Boller said in his post game conference. Some throws sailed, but otherwise, he settled in towards the end after a few drives.

Quentin Groves

He lost his starting job this week to Aaron Curry, but that did not derail his play on special teams. Had the special teams tackle of the day when he took down Joshua Cribbs on a kickoff return. “I’m a dynamic special teams player. I need to refocus on how I got into the league, playing special teams, making tackles, doing what I do, doing my part,” said Cribbs after the game, visibly frustrated about his role with the team.

GAME NOTES

• Kevin Boss’ touchdown reception on the fake field goal was his first as a Raider. “It’s just taking advantage of what the defense is doing,” Boss said. “It’s a pretty simple pass and a pretty simple catch. I think all the credit goes to Coach Fassel for being able to recognize it’s something we should take advantage of. And to Coach Jackson for having the guts to call the play.”
• Rock Cartwright, Matt Shaughnessy, Marcel Reece, Chris Johnson, Chimdi Chekwa, Bruce Campbell were inactive for the contest.
• Louis Murphy made his first appearance this season, targeted once, but failing to make the reception on a route in which he appeared to pull up on the ball due to the presence of the safety that was targeting him for a big hit.
• Tyvon Branch had an interception overturned, as officials saw the football hit the turf on the replay. The Raiders starting strong safety scooped from the turf a ball deflected off Mike Mitchell’s chest.
• Raiders had only five penalties in the contest, with only two in the second half.
• Oakland ran the ball for 151-yards. They held the Browns to 65-yards rushing the entire game, with only 26 of them coming in the second half.
• Early reports are that Jason Campbell broke his collarbone and could be out the remainder of the season. “This football team will be fine,” coach Jackson said. “This team is a little bit more resilient than everyone thinks they are.”

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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy saw action in practice on Wednesday for the first time in two months.

He’s been inactive with a groin injury the first four games of the season, and likely to miss this weekend’s match-up against the Houston Texans as he gets into football shape. “He looked good,” Raiders coach Hue Jackson commented. “He ran around. It was his first extended practice, so we’ll get an idea of how he feels [Thursday] and go from there.”

The Raiders will have to start making room in a now crowded receiving depth chart. Rookie sensation Denarius Moore will not lose reps when Murphy is active. Oakland can’t afford to keep a key playmaker off the field and what has become Jason Campbell’s most dynamic target.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, for all the bashing he has received and lack of productivity considering his draft status, has shown glimpses of growth. Jacoby Ford, last year’s revelation, is back and just getting into the groove. And with Derek Hagan, a reliable veteran who has become a vital third-down target, it appears that Chaz Schilens may be the player pushed out when Murphy gets back into the swing of things.

“You earn what you get and get what you earn. All those other guys are back, and they’ll earn their time — they’re good players,” said Jackson.

Murphy has been a fiery pass catcher, who has shown lapses of concentration and immaturity as a route runner in games. But he has provided some grand moments in spurts and while he’s been out, Schilens has done little to keep him atop the depth chart.

Schilens has been key blocking down the field for Darren McFadden on big runs. But as a receiver, his large frame and athletic ability has not been on display.

Marcel Reece is a major component to Jackson’s pass attack. Defenses have to account for his ability, whether out of the backfield, or lined up wide. Kevin Boss is slowly matriculating himself into the offense. So they aren’t many balls to go around.

With all the options at wide receiver, unless Schilens has a breakout game versus Houston, his health won’t be the reason why he doesn’t see the field; instead it will be his inability to produce.

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Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is facing foreclosure on his bay area mansion.

The estimated $3 million property was purchased by the former no. one overall selection in 2007 before he signed a six-year deal worth up to $68 million and $31.5 million in guarantees.

Russell earned $36.4 million while with the Raiders, producing only seven wins as a starter.

The former LSU star was charged last July with possession of a controlled substance – codeine syrup – as he was arrested at his home in Alabama.

There has been little interest in his services since Oakland released him. The Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL took a look, there were rumors about the Buffalo Bills possibly mulling over scenarios to bring him in and the Washington Redskins in November worked him out.

The New Orleans Saints nixed any notions of inking Russell some time ago.

“I don’t think [we'd consider signing him] right now, with where we’re at,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.  “I’m sure he’s going to look for that other opportunity and our league usually provides that. Certainly, any time the first pick of the draft after three years is released, it’s newsworthy, and that next opportunity for him is going to be important.

“Outside of that, I really haven’t had a chance to study him a lot.”

Last July, the Raiders released a statement that read:

“We did all we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell. NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time.

“Therefore, those in the media who declare what the Raiders knew or should have known, or did or should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public.”

The 5,800-square-foot mansion, with six bedrooms and six bathrooms, four fireplaces and four-car garage could be auctioned if Russell does not come up with $195,512.05 in backed mortgage payments.

EX-RAIDER CHARGED

Anthony Smith, 43, who played defensive end for the Raiders from 1991-to-1998, is one of three men charged in the killing of 31-year old Maurilio Ponce.

Smith was arrested earlier in the week and was being held on $1 million bail, per district attorney spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.

The former 11^th overall selection in the 1990 draft tallied 57.5 career sacks. Upon being drafted by the Silver & Black, Smith stated, “The team fits my personality and style of play. I’m like a free spirit, with a hard-core, hell-bent-for-leather attitude towards playing.”

Smith had a history of knee problems and played at three colleges before entering the pros. “I’m really shocked I was picked on the first round.”

He continued: “I had no idea when I would be picked, but I knew who would pick me.”

BURRESS A RAIDER?

ESPN’s Bill Williamson kicked around the idea of jailed wide receiver Plaxico Burress possibly landing in Oakland. The former New York Giants playmaker will be released from prison in June and his agent has already talked about Burress playing in 2011.

Williamson stated: “There has long been speculation that the Oakland Raiders could sign Burress. But I’m not so sure. I certainly don’t think Burress should be a top target in Oakland. He’ll be 34 before the season starts, he missed more than two seasons and his productivity was declining before he went to prison. I think Oakland can find better veteran receiving options in free agency, assuming it will begin before Burress is released from jail. The only way I see Burress being a fit in Oakland is if the Raiders have another veteran option on the roster and it is a short, team-friendly contract.”

I can’t see the Raiders bringing in Burress or any other veteran receiver at this point.

It’s a matter of numbers, and facts are, Darrius Heyward-Bey will play. The owner will demand that, as he still believes the speedster can contribute and be a downfield threat. Louis Murphy, albeit inconsistent, is fiery and has shown glimpses of being a serviceable receiver. He needs to be more reliable and mature in every aspect of his game. Chaz Schilens is a staff favorite, but is always injured. When he is healthy, the likelihood of him playing is high. And then there was last year’s revelation, Jacoby Ford, who is a favorite of Hue Jackson’s and will be incorporated into the offense more. Oakland won’t take away reps from their youth, and more importantly, bring in a commanding veteran who may rattle Jason Campbell with demands for more touches.

LOCKOUT EFFECT

According to CSN Bay Area reporter Matt Maiocco, NFL clubs have routinely included ‘lockout clauses’ in the contracts of coaches to provide ownership  financial protection.

His article reports: “The standard contract for Raiders coaches includes a 33-percent reduction in salary after 90 days of a work stoppage, Kennan said. After six months, the Raiders will begin deducting 50 percent from coaches’ paycheck. The Raiders also declined comment.”

Per Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, the 49ers and the Raiders generally rank below the top teams when it comes to how they treat their coaches. Kennan said the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens are among the teams with the best reputations for working with assistant coaches.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 2^nd quarter with a Rashard Mendenhall run for 4-yards on 2^nd and 10. On 3^rd and 6, Mewelde Moore caught a slant for 7-yards to set the Steelers up with 1^st and goal at the 5. There, Mendenhall punched it in to give the Steelers a 7-3 lead. The drive compiled 85-yards on 14-plays (8:06 time consumed).

The Raiders sputtered on their first possession of the 2^nd quarter. James Farrior sacked Jason Campbell on 1^st down and then on 3^rd and 16, his pass failed to hook up with a diving Zach Miller.

Antonio Brown’s 67-yard punt return for a score was nullified by two holding infractions by the Steelers.

Matt Shaughnessy and Tommy Kelly gobbled up Mendenhall on 1^st and 10 for a loss of 2-yards. Roethlisberger then hit Hines Ward for 10-yards before connecting with Heath Miller for 18-yards. Oakland then got stout; Kamerion Wimbley stuffed Mendenhall for a loss of 4 yards on 2^nd and 6 and on 3^rd and 10, Chris Johnson blanketed Emmanuel Sanders to force a Steeler punt.

Oakland took over at their own 11-yard line after a Nick Miller one yard punt return.

The Steeler defense did not budge, corralling McFadden on a one-yard run. On 2^nd and 9, Campbell waited too long in getting the ball to Jacoby Ford, which fell on the turf for an incompletion and then on 3^rd and 9, he was unable to hook up with McFadden on a short dump off.

Pittsburgh extended their lead on the next drive. The possession started with a Mike Wallace 19-yard run and a vital 21-yard Antonio Brown reception on 2^nd and 15. Three plays later, Roethlisberger jolted into the end zone from 16-yards out, juking Stevie Brown as he broke the goal line to make it a 14-3 contest.

Oakland with their backs to the end zone, went with Michael Bush on 1^st and 10 and only managed 3-yards. Campbell avoided a disastrous situation when he recovered his own fumble, forced by James Harrison on a sack. On the next play, 3^rd and 14, Campbell went deep to Louis Murphy and Ike Taylor was infracted for pass interference (27-yards). But on the ensuing play, Taylor got revenge when Murphy caught a short toss and was stripped by the cornerback. Lawrence Timmons recovered and the Steelers had the ball at the Oakland 35-yard line.

Roethlisberger connected with Matt Spaeth for 8-yards and Hines Ward for 5 before hitting a streaking Sanders for 22-yards in the end zone against Jeremy Ware. The 22-yard score gave the Steelers a commanding 21-3 lead. After the play, Richard Seymour was ejected for striking Roethlisberger. The official first announced that Tommy Kelly was thrown out of the contest, but corrected the miscue a few minutes later.

SCORE: Pittsburgh 21 – Oakland 3

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

One of the great rivalries in NFL history is renewed on Sunday when the Oakland Raiders (5-4) face the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3). The Silver & Black stunned the Steelers last season at Heinz Field with 21 fourth quarter points, in a Raiders 27-24 victory. “Oakland’s a pretty good team. Last year they beat us. That’s fresh on a lot of guys’ minds,” said wide receiver Hines Ward. Oakland will go with Jason Campbell at quarterback and he’ll have a healthy Louis Murphy and Zach Miller in his huddle.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland is glad to have Murphy and Miller back in the line-up. Their prowess as targets will surely help an attack that could open it up against the Steelers 26^th ranked pass defense (268.3 yards per game). Tom Cable hinted that his club is not equipped like opponents that have had success against Pittsburgh, saying, “We’re really not. You hit it on the head. We have to be who we are. At the same time, you look at some of the issues that they had on Sunday night was about spreading them out and mixing them up,” but a pass first approach may be seen in spurts to keep their defense off-balance.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, who missed last season’s contest versus the Steelers, has been limited in practice with a strained hamstring that Cable stated could worsen, “if you push it too much too quick.”

Chaz Schilens is out again, as the wide receiver is “still not very smooth yet,” according to the head coach.

What to Expect:

Oakland has to pound the football against the Steelers – it’s what they do best. Darren McFadden leads the league with a 108.1 yards rushing per game average. And even though the Steelers rush defense ranks first in the NFL (63.2 y/ per game), Hue Jackson’s play action plays and down field threats will be dismissed without a reliable ground attack. With Miller and Murphy back, they’ll be able tp spread out the Steelers and dink and dunk. Oakland cannot afford a bad half from Campbell this week.

On Defense:

“I think you have to keep him in the pocket. We’re very aware that one, escapeability, he may be as good as there is. Outside the pocket, he’s dramatically, to another level, dramatically better than most,” commented Cable on Ben Roethlisberger’s abilities.

Oakland, who can get blitz happy, will have to contain the mobile passer and hold their coverage responsibilities a lot longer against a scrambler who can extend plays.

“He’s probably the best pump-faker in the league. He’s so big he can palm the ball in one hand and pump it all the way like, full throwing motion. Whenever you’re going against a quarterback like that, it definitely makes the receivers more effective, because anytime you can get someone to, like Michael Vick with his feet or Ben Roethlisberger with his size and pump-faking ability, anyone who can prolong the play, that gives his receivers more time to get open, run around, this that and the other. It makes a cornerback’s job tough,” said cornerback Stanford Routt.

What to Expect:

Rolando McClain’s ability to pursuit from his middle linebacker spot will be highlighted this week, especially when Big Ben is scrambling. Oakland still has to apply pressure against a weakened offensive line and trust that their defensive backfield can blanket the opposing targets while singled up.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

On Offense:

This is a game where Pittsburgh may just have to keep it on the ground. Rashard Mendenhall leads the team with 752-yards rushing and 7-scores. Left tackle Max Starks and left guard Chris Kemoeatu are injured, so establishing the run, keeping their quarterback from taking major hits and attacking the Raiders 24^th ranked rush defense (124.8 y/per game) will be their best shot at putting up points.

Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was predictable with his play selection against the Patriots, running primarily to the right side of the formation.

When they take shots down the field, Chris Johnson will be their primary target, especially if they get Mike Wallace on the shaky cornerback. Wallace leads the team with 30-receptions for 643-yards and seven touchdowns.

What to Expect:

Roethlisberger’s improvisational skills are second to none. And those are the type of plays Pittsburgh will need from him when Oakland blitzes. Mendenhall wants to show that McFadden is not the only rusher in the AFC putting up big numbers. If the Steelers can get him 24 or more carries that means the Raider run defense is struggling.

On Defense:

“We did take a hit. No excuses,” cornerback Ike Taylor said after the New England game. “We have to come back and do what we need to do, feed off of this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

The Steelers have allowed 272.6 passing yards per game the last four weeks.

“You can’t start dredging up things from the past,” safety Ryan Clark said. “This is one night, and one night we need to get better from. Obviously, for our defense, it hurts more because we’re not used to playing this way. We’re not used to giving up yardage the way we did.”

Their heart and soul – Troy Polamalu – has a strained Achilles tendon, but he’ll play on Sunday. Linebacker Lawrence Timmons has a hip bruise, but Mike Tomlin has indicated that he’ll play.

What to Expect:

With a rookie left tackle and an offensive line that is more adept at running the football, the Steelers want to stuff Oakland on early downs and force Campbell into 3^rd and long distances. The Steelers believe they can derail Oakland’s passing attack, which does not feature short tosses that can counter a team that likes to apply great pressure. They do have to be aware of McFadden out of the backfield, as Oakland does feature screens that can go for big yardage.

GAME NOTES

• Mike Tomlin on Zach Miller: “Their tight end is as good and as complete a tight end as you’re going to find in football. This guy is capable of doing it all, similar to our [Heath] Miller. He’s good on the line of scrimmage, good at blocking. He’s a vertical threat.”
• Tomlin on the Raiders: “This is the kind of opponent that we need coming off our last performance. We’ve got to get back in the world of the competent and the competing.”
• Louis Murphy tallied receptions for 128 yards and two scores last season versus the Steelers.
• “I don’t think it matters [who’s starting],” cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said about the QB situation. “The guys aren’t really worried about it, either. As long as we’re winning, everybody’s happy. You look at Bruce, and he’s still excited we’re winning games. So, as long as we’re winning games, everybody’s o.k.”
• On his injury, Asomugha said, “I’m just itching to get back out there. I want to be a part of every second of it. Whatever the percentage is that I am, if I’m good enough to go out there and play, I’m just going to do it.”
• “I want to beat Pittsburgh so bad, because that not only solidifies us in first place, that we earned that, but people are really going to start talking about us for playoff contention,” Mike Mitchell was quoted.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Mendenhall vs. McFadden

Whoever has the most impact for their club, will be the victor.

Big Ben vs. the Raiders Pressure

Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly are playing at a high level. John Marshall has been dialing up the blitz more. It will either devour Roethlisberger or hurt them for big gains.

PREDICTION

Steelers 23 – Raiders 20

GAME INFO

Sunday, November 21, 2010 1:00 p.m. ET | Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA

Home Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) Home: 4-1  Road: 1-3

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (5-4) Home: 4-1 Road: 1-3

BROADCAST INFORMATION (cited from the Official Raiders web site)

TELEVISION: The game will be televised on CBS with Ian Eagle providing play-by-play and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts handling color analysis.  The game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX Channel 5 and in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13. The game also airs on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. RADIO: Greg Papa and Tom Flores will call the game live on Raiders Radio Network originating on KITS LIVE 105.3 FM and KFRC 1550 AM, with pre and post-game analysis on KFRC. Papa and Raiders two-time Super Bowl winning head coach Flores will man the booth for the 13th straight year. The radio pregame and postgame shows will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm as well as local veteran radio personalities Bruce Magowan and Jason Ross.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist