Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders are known for controversies. After this weekend and the happenings in their first two contests, one can look at their quarterback situation and their state at running back and assume trouble could be brewing.

But Tom Cable put a squash to that this afternoon in his weekly Monday briefing with the media.

“I’ve heard if you have two running backs, like Michael [Bush] and Darren [McFadden], you have a tandem, but if you have two quarterbacks, it’s a controversy. There isn’t going to be a controversy. I’ll make a good decision, the right decision, and we’ll go from there.’’

McFadden is the second leading rusher in the NFL with 240-yards. He’s also added 8-catches for 63-yards and a score. But when Michael Bush gets back, both will share the duties, making the Raiders one of the strongest clubs in the league at running back. Those two players can coexist.

As for the two at quarterback – that’s a different scenario.

Bruce Gradkowski entered the game in relief of Jason Campbell and won over the crowd at the Coliseum. He may have solidified his stance in the locker room as well, and ultimately, with the coaching staff.

And if it is the coaching staff solely making the decision on who starts, then Gradkowski will likely have the edge. The only question remains is; Will Al Davis step aside and let Cable, Hue Jackson and co. select who is best to run the club?

When asked if he has the final say on this, Cable stated, “Well, I think it has to be. When you sit in the chair that I do, you have to be able to go out and coach your team and make your decisions and do those things. If you don’t, I think you put yourself in a bind.’’

OL SHUFFLE

Cable insisted that rookie Jared Veldheer and Mario Henderson will continue to rotate at left tackle. “I want to do this for what’s right in that, I think we sit back and look at the film now and you see we’ve got two guys that are pretty even there and we’re able to keep them both fresh and roll ‘em in there and see if we can get one to kind of rise if you will,’’ Cable commented.

This will continue to be detrimental to the line. Veldheer is a rookie with much to learn. He was bulldozed by a safety on a blitz because he played too high with no leverage, was infracted by the referees a few times and looked every bit like a project. Problem is, Henderson has not been any better.

Oakland would like the veteran to affirm himself as a starter. But his shaky play has open the door for the younger player, who the Raiders may eventually envision at that position.

If Gradkowski is the starter, the woes there could be alleviated since he’s such a quick decision maker, mobile and not a traditional, deep in the pocket passer like Campbell is.

JLH WITH SWAG

Johnnie Lee Higgins played well returning punts. He struck early with a field position turning return in the 1^st quarter and had no blips during yesterday’s contest.

“I got my swag back and it’s on,’’ Higgins said. “Once I got past the first wave, everything opened up. I was so amped. It was the opener, planes flying over, everything just got me amped.’’

OTHER NOTES

Luke Lawton’s contract has been terminated. The league reinstated the fullback after the conclusion of his four-game ban for violating the NFL’s policy on performing enhancing drugs.

With Marcel Reece playing well, Oakland had no visions of keeping Lawton around, especially with Manase Tonga on the practice squad.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Luke Lawton during training camp drills

Here are some highlights of the Oakland Raiders training camp session on Saturday:

• Chaz Schilens was dressed, but did not participate in drills.
• Louis Murphy was “kicked in the head” per Tom Cable and sustained a concussion that will keep him from contact drills.
• With Luke Lawton’s suspension looming at the start of 2010, Marcel Reese looks ‘particularly confident per SBReport.net journalist DeMarcus Davis.
• Tyvon Branch picked off a Jason Campbell pass intended for Zach Miller. A few plays later, the tight end hit paydirt against the young safety.
• Monday, the team will be in full pads and go all out…
• Raiders owner Al Davis made an appearance on the practice field. Several players walked over to shake his had; RB Rock Cartwright, WR Jacoby Ford, RB Michael Bennett, OL Bruce Campbell, QB Kyle Boller, and OL Jared Veldheer.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER NOTES

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

Luke Lawton blocking Jon Alston during summer drills

Fullback Luke Lawton was banned four games by the NFL yesterday after reportedly violating the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy.

The 29-year old will not be available for the Silver & Black’s next two games and the first two games of the 2010 regular season. Lawton signed as a free agent with the Raiders on 2008 and has been a member of the Bills, Jets and Colts in his 5-year career.

Lawton will be a free-agent once the season ends, so any teams that decides to sign him will have to wait for his services till at least week-three of next year.

He will lose nearly $63,000 in salary.

Reserve Marcel Reece could be activated from the practice squad, but it is more likely that Gary Russell will get most of the reps at that position.

OTHER NOTES

• Zach Miller has been cleared to practice, but Brandon Myers has not, as both tight ends have sustained concussions in recent weeks. Miller has felt better as the week ended and feels that he could see action soon once he passes some final tests. “I think it’s called a post-accident concussion test,” Miller said. “It’s the same test I’ve taken four times already. I’m really close. I’ve been practicing, feeling fine practicing, so everything looks good.”
• If neither could go, that leaves Tony Stewart as the lone tight end. Erik Pears could be used again as an extra blocker on the edges to assist Stewart and added some bulk to a ground game that will look to pound the ball with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden.
• The Browns got an extension till 1 p.m. Saturday to try to avoid their first local blackout since 1995. Browns’ officials would not state how many more tickets needed to be sold to prevent the game to be seen within a 75-mile radius of downtown Cleveland.
• Since 2003, Cleveland has a record of 36-74. The Raiders are 29-81 during that same span.

Gary Russell in pre-season action against the Saints

Gary Russell, who led the Oakland Raiders in rushing during the pre-season (28 carries for 155 yards and 3 scores) will see action on Sunday versus the Philadelphia Eagles at fullback. Oren O’Neal was ineffective, fell into the doghouse, was waived when Langston Walker signed this week and Luke Lawton is doubtful to play with an ankle injury.

At first glance, Russell is not your typical looking fullback. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, the 23-year old will have to use his quickness to hit holes and pave lanes for Raider running backs. That may be a welcomed sight after seeing the slow trotting O’Neal have his difficulties all season. Oakland has to worry about his use on passing downs, and if they are smart, they will avoid using him as a key protector when JaMarcus Russell drops back to pass versus a blitz happy Eagles defense.

Rookie tight end Brandon Myers, who lined up at fullback in big packages during the summer, could see action back there as well.

Defensive end Greg Ellis missed practice again late in the week, which could cut into his time on the field on Sunday. The first year Raider had his knee drained on Monday and was very outspoken this week with the media stating, “The mood we’re going to be in or should be in, right now we’re kind of the laughingstock of the NFL,” on Thursday. “This isn’t anything new. Teams have been that way before. New England wasn’t always winning Super Bowls and Dallas wasn’t always the team they are. So, it goes in cycles. When you’re in that down cycle, you got to fight and claw to get back out of it and that’s what we’re doing here right now in Oakland.”

Linebacker Ricky Brown

Ricky Brown will wear a cast on his right ankle for a few weeks before doctors decide whether or not they opt for surgery. If surgery is needed, Brown will be lost for the season.

Wide receiver Chaz Schilens is listed as questionable and will be a game time decision. Tom Cable stated that Javon Walker would be active. It will be the first time he sees game action since week-two.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On the first play of the second quarter, Eli Manning connected with Mario Manningham for a 30-yard score to cap a 5-play 94-yard drive. The Giants led 21-0 at that point and dominated the box score with 249-total yards of offense as oppose to the Raiders 18-total yards.

Oakland fell deeper into a black hole on their next drive when Terrell Thomas blitzed, sacking JaMarcus Russell and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Justin Tuck at the Raiders 13-yard line. Three plays later, Manning hit Hakeem Nicks on a 9-yard toss to give the Giants a dominating 28-0 lead. Manning at that point was 8-of-10 for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Raiders were three and out again on their next drive. Russell scrambled on 3^rd and 3 but fell inched short of the 1^st down marker.

Oakland stopped the Giants from hitting paydirt on the ensuing drive. Brandon Jacobs bulldozed for 12-yards on the first play of the drive but was shutdown after that forcing the first punt of the game by Jeff Feagles.

Oakland then mounted their best drive when Russell hit Zach Miller for 21-yards to start. A few plays later, Michael Bush runs for 8-yards. On 3^rd and 2, Bush ran for no yards, Samson Satele was called for a hold, but the Giants opted to decline and force a 4^th down. The Raiders then went for it and converted the 4^th and 2 on a Russell 3-yard scamper. The drive ended near midfield when Russell was blindsided by Michael Johnson for a 6-yard sack on 3^rd and 6.

The Raiders were fortunate when Sinorice Moss muffed the ensuing punt and Jonathan Holland recovered the loose ball at the Giants 15-yard line. After a 9-yard pass interference penalty on CC Brown gave the ball near the goal line, Bush rumbled into the end zone from 5-yards out to put Oakland on the board, down 28-7.

Manning departed on the Giants next drive, giving away to back-up David Carr with a huge-lead and unscathed after a week where there was doubt whether or not he would play due to a foot injury.

Carr completed his first pass to Manningham for 6-yards. Ahmad Bradshaw then ripped a 19-yard run before Carr connected with Steve Smith for 19-yards. They would eventually punt after getting to midfield.

The Raiders started their possession with 0:43 left in the half. Russell and Luke Lawton connected for 14-yards, but on the next play, Justin Tuck sacked Oakland’s passer and Osi Umenyiora recovered at the 25-yard line.

Carr then hit Darcy Johnson for 10-yards and with 0:06 remianing, Lawrence Tynes hit a 25-yard field goal to extend the Giants lead to 31-7.

SCORE: Giants 31 – Raiders 7

First Half Stats:

First Downs: NY 18 – OAK 5

Total Yards: NY 340 – OAK 68

Passing Yards: NY 211 – OAK 25

Rushing Yards: NY 129 – OAK 43

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report.net Columnist

Best Offensive Player:

Zach Miller, TE

He’s the best blocker on the line of scrimmage and the most reliable pass catcher. In two seasons, he’s compiled 100 catches for 1,222 yards and 4 touchdowns – very productive for a tight end in a miserable offense. At 6-5, 255 pounds, he’ll be JaMarcus Russell’s ‘go to’ target until Chaz Schilens gets back. After that, his value may increase when the Raiders can actually field better talent at wide receiver and then vary what they can do on offense.

Mr. Reliable; Flying under the radar is…

Robert Gallery, LG

The former 1^st round draft choice has settled in at guard and has become the Raiders most consistent lineman. Oakland would have loved for him to pan out at tackle, but Gallery who was considered a can’t miss prospect coming out of college suffered through growing pains, a lot of movement along the line early in his career and a revolving door of coaches. He is the motor along the trenches, the Silver & Black’s best run blocker and a player that would be a pro-bowl contender on any other team.

Player ready to make his own highlight reel…

Darren McFadden, RB

Hand it off to him, pass it to him, wildcat formations…anything to see the football in his hands more often in 2009. That will equate to big plays, exciting moments, more points and an offense that will keep defensive coordinators on their toes. McFadden is one of the few multi-dimensional threats around the league that can legitimately score from anywhere on the field. But Oakland has to commit to giving him the ball at a higher frequency, or use him as a decoy to free-up others on offense.

Player that must take it to the next level…

JaMarcus Russell, QB

It’s time for Russell to start showing why he was deserving of that no. 1 overall selection. He has to show leadership, help this team win games with his abilities, elevate the play of others around him and give the organization hope of a brighter future.

Best RB not named McFadden is…

Michael Bush, RB

With all due respect to Justin Fargas, and what he has been able to demonstrate in recent years, but Bush needs more touches. He is a better pass catcher than Fargas and is the perfect complement to the explosive McFadden. Fargas is a relentless runner, but he does not have the game-breaking abilities of Bush, nor the size to move piles on short yardage situations.

What to look for…

Two Tight End formations

Miller is a stud and Oakland has high hopes for the nimble Brandon Myers. His 9 receptions for 131 yards and a score in the pre-season opened many eyes and gave the Raiders a legitimate secondary threat in a big formation with two tight ends. Both are adept at blocking and can get depth in their routes. Add McFadden into the mix in the backfield, and Russell has a nice grouping to move the chains.

A slow start to the speedy receiver’s career…

Darrius Heyward-Bey was named the starter and now faces the daunting task of making a splash at wide receiver in his initial season. Oakland must incorporate him on shorter routes; slants, hitches and crossing patterns, before opponents start fearing his ability to stretch the field. Once he becomes a reliable route runner, opponents will have more to deal with and be more surprised when he actually bolts down the field.

Can Chris Morris settle in at Center?

What he lacks in physical attributes, he makes up with technique and smarts. That is good, but ultimately, will he be able to handle the rigors of playing in the trenches and will he be able to play physical enough to help this run game evolve?

O’Neal and Lawton mixing it up at FB

Oren O’Neal’s knee is fine, but he looked slow at times and not as bruising as he did in the past. Luke Lawton will play mainly on special teams, but if he can be quicker to the line of scrimmage and find his assignments faster as a fullback, expect him to take reps away from O’Neal.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Tuesday, the Oakland Raiders officially added Ashley Lelie to their roster, and to make room for the wide receiver, they released defensive tackle William Joseph.

Joseph, the former 25^th overall selection in the 2003 draft, was deemed expendable with the presence of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren and Terdell Sands and his position as a reserve tackle along a defensive line that will go with a three-man rotation.

Oakland was in need of a speedy, down the field target to replace the injured Drew Carter, who will be out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Lelie will wear no. 87 as per the official Raiders web site, and he is expected to practice on Wednesday with his teammates.

NFL writer Jerry McDonald reported on his blog that Oakland will look to sign Luke Lawton on Wednesday, which will mean that another player will be given their release to make room for the fullback that was initially claimed off waivers on 8/25/2008 before being cut last Saturday.

Today, the Raiders got one step closer to tomorrow’s 75-man roster limit, making a series of moves, including some expected, some surprising and some in-between.

The expected:

Wide receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O’Neal, both out for the season after suffering knee injuries in this weekend’s preseason game, were placed on injured reserve.

The surprising:

Special teams ace Jarrod Cooper was released, amid reports the popular safety intends to retire.

The in-between:

Veteran defensive end Greg Spires, like Carter a free agent signed this off-season, and linebacker Grant “Game Ready” Irons, attempting to make a comeback from back troubles, were waived.

Cornerback John Bowie, forever known for being drafted with the “Randy Moss pick” in 2007, was placed on injured reserve, his knee injury rendering him unable to go. Like Carter and O’Neal, Bowie’s season is over.

The additions:

The Raiders claimed fullback Luke Lawton, last of the Philadelphia Eagles, off waivers to replace O’Neal. They also signed defensive back Marviel Underwood.

The transactions leave the Raiders with 76 players on the roster (80 minus six plus two), meaning one more player must be cut to reach the limit tomorrow, and more if other players are added.