Silver and Black Report

With the conference championship games completed last Sunday, the 2012 Pro Bowl rosters have been finalized and both teams have begun practicing in Honolulu for

Punter Shane Lechler punts the ball against the Detroit Lions in week 16

Sunday’s game.

Due to the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 and numerous injuries around the league, the NFL was forced to replace a total of 16 players on the AFC roster. Unfortunately for the Raiders, none of the players invited donned the Silver & Black this season.

Earlier this month, the league named Raiders safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece as alternates for the Jan. 29 Pro Bowl game.

Tommy Kelly hoped to make his first Pro Bowl with Patriots Vince Wilfork going to the Super Bowl and Ravens Haloti Ngata out with an injury, instead, the league chose Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins and Miami’s Paul Soliai.

Kelly, who was also listed as an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, finished the season with 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Atkins finished with 47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while Soliai finished with only 27 tackles and no sacks or forced fumbles.

Reece also looked to make his first Pro Bowl, most likely being the next in line had the Ravens and their fullback Vonte Leach made the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour in the week 3 game against the Jets

Reece, who played as a wide receiver at University of Washington, once again played an integral part in Oakland’s offense when on the field. Reece only played in ten games this season, starting six, but finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and 27 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

With Reece and Kelly not getting the call, the Raiders lone four Pro Bowl representatives will be punter Shane Lechler, long snapper Jon Condo, defensive tackle Richard Seymour and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Lechler, playing in his 7th Pro Bowl, averaged 50.8 yards per kick this season and broke the Raiders franchise record with an 80-yard punt that went sailing over the dangerous Devin Hester when the Raiders took on the Chicago Bears in week 12.

Seymour has been named a starter for the game and is also participating in his 7th Pro Bowl of his career. Seymour played in all 16 games, often through injury, and finished the season with 29 tackles, six sacks and two kicks blocked.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects from 63-yards out to tie the NFL record

Janikowski’s roster spot marks the first time that the former first-round draft pick has made the Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. Janikowski hit 31 of his 35 attempts (88.6 percent) while connecting on seven attempts 50+ yards out, including a league record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in week one on Monday Night Football.

Condo earned his spot in the Pro Bowl by being named the AFC’s “need” player, an honor that also sent him to the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Be sure to check back on SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Long snapper Jon Condo earned his second Pro Bowl appearance this year

Today, long snapper Jon Condo was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster.

It marks the second time the Oakland Raiders specialist has been selected to the league’s all-star game.

Per the Raiders.com:

In 2011, Condo snapped for K Sebastian Janikowski, who tied the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal on September 12 at Denver and set a franchise record with six field goals on November 27 against Chicago. He also snapped for P Shane Lechler, who averaged 50.8 yards per punt to rank second in the NFL and boomed a franchise-record 80-yarder on November 27 against Chicago.

Condo has handled all long-snapping duties for the Silver and Black on punts and place kicks for the past five seasons, playing in 80 straight games. The 6-3, 250-pounder entered the NFL with Dallas in 2005 as a rookie free agent and played in three games for the Cowboys that year. He spent the 2006 training camp and preseason with the New England Patriots before being signed to the Raiders practice squad later that season.

Condo served as Maryland’s long-snapper and also saw action as a reserve defensive end for the Terrapins, earning the team award as “Top Special Teams Performer”—the first pure long snapper to earn the honor in Maryland history. Condo was an all-conference running back, linebacker and punter at Philipsburg-Osceola High School in Pennsylvania.

Condo becomes the fourth Raider selected to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl, joining Janikowski, Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour for the January 29 game in Honolulu. Safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece were named Pro Bowl alternates.

The Raiders have had 180 Pro Bowl selections among 61 different players since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

Depending on who winds up in the Super Bowl, Oakland could have more representatives.

If the Ravens reach the bog-game, their fullbacks, Vonta Leach, will have to bow out, thus leading to Reece’s elevation to the AFC’s roster.

With either New England or Baltimore heading to the Super Bowl, Kelly could then take the place of Vince Wilfork or Haloti Ngata.

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Unlike his dad, Mark Davis will be content with letting others run the show.

The National Football League’s All Pro team was selected this week and no members of the Silver & Black were selected.

Six Oakland Raiders received votes, but their cross bay rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, kept two stand out players off the squad. Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler, who will represent the conference in the Pro Bowl, were runner-ups to David Akers and Andy Lee.

Tyvon Branch, Richard Seymour, Jared Veldheer and Marcel Reece all received at least one vote of a possible 50 at each position by a national panel of writers that cover the league.

Now that the Raiders will have Reggie McKenzie as their new general manager, here are some initial thoughts on the hiring:

What’s his philosophy in selecting players and evaluating talent? Yesterday, I posted an article that gave you some insight into his thinking. But, we all know that when Al Davis was in action during the draft, it was all about the biggest, fastest and most decorated players.

Hue Jackson: There’s no denying his want for power and the fact that he wants to have his fingerprints on anything Silver & Black. But now he has a general manager he has to answer to. Jackson can now be held accountable for all the moves he has made and will be tied with the success or failure of Carson Palmer. McKenzie inherits Palmer, a depleted draft class and a team chopped full of talent that went on a slide after posting a 7-4 record heading into December. Will McKenzie even want to work with Jackson? It could also be one and done for the coach if McKenzie wants to do it his way. That may be the case if Oakland wants to start fresh and wash away the taste of a 2011 season that ended badly. And if Jackson does want too much power over the roster and becomes a nuisance, let the coaching search begin.

The Defense: It’s a matter of time for the ax to come down on a few staffers. McKenzie will likely see this unit in-fit to move forward and compete. Who stays, who goes… especially players will be very interesting.

Contracts: Palmer is here to stay — you can’t argue that. But what other contracts may the new g.m. see unfit? Will Stanford Routt’s contract be in jeopardy? Who will be asked to take a pay-cut or allocate their money elsewhere?

Free Agency: I’ve mentioned the importance of retaining Michael Bush, but now, it’s not just what Jackson may want, but what McKenzie will want to accomplish with the club with the future in mind. Jackson did the ultimate live for today move by trading for Palmer. In the NFL, some coaches live from year-to-year. Not general managers who have a plan for the organization and want to see them build towards consistency.

Green Bay crossover: McKenzie spent a lifetime for some as a Packer. So its natural for him to try to migrate some people over; whether staffers or players that he has had success with to Oakland. Darren Perry, Winston Moss, Kevin Greene and Mike Trgovac could all have a possible role with the Raiders once the defense begins to get revamped.

TE/WR Jermichael Finley, RB Ryan Grant, C Scott Wells, DL Johnny Jolly will be free agents. If Bush does not get tagged or signed, Grant could be an option. If Kevin Boss’ contract is not honored, Finley could be a dynamic addition and if Stefen Wisniewski is kept at guard and Samson Satele is not around, Wells could be replacement.

We’ll find out more about McKenzie during his introductory press conference and bring you more info on SBReport.net then.

MORE

Ron Wolf on McKenzie: “Well, he’s worked his way right from the bottom up, all the way up to the top. He’s gone as far as you can go in his particular area, personnel. He’s handled every aspect in the personnel office that one could handle. He’s signed players. He’s cut players. He’s involved with players in contractual disputes. He’s handled things with the union. He understands how contracts work. He understands how the money end of the game works. He’s negotiated contracts. But most importantly, he’s an exceptional judge of talent.”

Wolf on Mark Davis: “I think what Mark Davis’ deal is, he wants to bring the Raiders back to where they were, the glory years of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. I think that’s what he wants to do. I also think he’s smart enough to realize what he can and cannot do, what he’s capable of and what he isn’t capable of. So I think, rather than putting himself in the limelight, I would think that he is going to hire people that would enable him to bring out the best in the Raiders. He knows, I believe, Mark is smart enough to know what he can do, and he will only help in areas that he can help in. I don’t think he feels that he needs to be the front line guy here.”

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Here’s a list of Oakland Raiders that will be free agents this off-season with an explanation of their status after the 2011 season.

UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

OFFENSE ANALYSIS

Undoubtedly, Campbell would like to be a starter and probably feels like he can lead a team. But those chances went down the drain in Oakland when he got injured and Carson Palmer was acquired. The problem for Campbell is that there may not be many jobs for him available. Very few teams are starving for a starter. Miami may be happy with Matt Moore, or they could passer in the draft, Cleveland is going with Colt McCoy, the Chiefs may be in the market for a new face, a return to the Redskins won’t be an option and Seattle, who may look for a quarterback, may look at Vince Young, Matt Flynn or Kyle Orton. A back-up role is his destiny, but where? In Oakland where Jackson showed confidence in him prior to his injury, or elsewhere where he could sneak up on a passer that may be on shaky ground?

Keeping Bush will be imperative. Spending big bucks on running backs isn’t the norm in the NFL, but the former 4^th round pick has little wear and tear on his body, is young and versatile enough to add some pop to any club lacking a ground attack. Oakland would have been in serious trouble if not for Bush’s presence. With questions surrounding Darren McFadden’s durability, the Raiders need to keep this tandem together. A franchise tag for Bush could be an option, especially if they fear he will depart to another club that could front-load a contract for his services.

Reece is a multi-dimensional weapon, out of the backfield or split out wide as a receiver. He is a match-up nightmare that Jackson cannot afford to lose.

Barnes was the weak-link on a very good offensive line this past season. But keeping cohesion in this group will be key. He’ll come cheap, so unless the Raiders are looking for a major upgrade, there’s no way he goes anywhere. Heyer was a serviceable back up, so unless someone showers him with a big contract or a starting role, which is unlikely, Oakland could retain his services. Satele was tough, played injured and gained the respect of Jackson throughout the campaign. That may be enough for him to be retained and keep the powerful left side in tact.

Boller will move on, especially if Campbell is retained. Terrelle Pryor will be third on the depth chart until further notice.

Houshmanzadeh or Schilens will move on. One has the full support of Palmer; the other is young and has a history of injuries, which will dampen interest league wide. If Hue Jackson thinks Houshmanzadeh has anything left in the tank, he’ll be retained.

SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYSIS

Jon Condo will be retained and paid well. Oakland tends to compensate their specialists and breaking up the dynamic kicking and long-snapping trio wouldn’t make sense. Cartwright is a emotional leader and a special teams ace. How much will they value that, especially with Hiram Eugene coming back in 2012?

DEFENSE ANALYSIS

Branch may draw enough interest league wide which could land him a contract big enough that would force Oakland to let him walk. He has youth on his side and is very versatile. The former 4^th round pick could be enticed away by a team in need of starting strong safety.

Chuck Bresnahan was a major reason why Blackstock was brought in. Good on special teams and there for depth, we’ll see if his fate is tied together with Bresnahan’s.

Groves has already mentioned the possibility of him playing elsewhere. Aaron Curry took his job and at this point, Oakland sees him as a one-way player on special teams. With Matt Shaughnessy’s return, it’s unlikely that Jarvis Moss returns, especially if they opt for other choices at end. They’ll likely pick between Moss and Trevor Scott. Scott is more versatile, but the injury he sustained in 2010 made him a non-factor in 2011. A change in defensive alignment could also sway which one stays.

Bryant has developed into a serviceable lineman in a rotation. Some team may be intrigued by his abilities, and if he gets a decent offer, the defender will depart.

Sheppard was picked up mid-season and will not be welcomed back. Especially with Michael Huff moving to cornerback and other youthful options at defensive back.

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The Oakland Raiders will have three representatives at the Pro Bowl this season: kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Shane Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour.

Lechler will make his seventh appearance (’01, ’04, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11) at the league’s all-star game. He leads the NFL with a 50.7 average per punt. More importantly, he has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.

This is the seventh selection for Seymour and his second with the Silver and Black. He has 6.0 sacks for the season and two season saving field goal blocks versus Kansas City last weekend.

Janikowski is going to Hawaii for the first-time. His is presently fifth in the AFC in scoring with 115 points, is the Raiders all-time leading scorer with 1,257 points and broke the team’s single-season scoring mark with 135 points last season when he was named a Pro Bowl alternate. The powerful left-footed kicker tied an NFL record with his 63-yard field goal just before halftime in the 2011 season opener at Denver.

ANALYSIS:

I stated earlier in the day that three Raiders would make the squad… and that’s what happened. Janikowski deserved his first nod; stellar all year even through an injury, as others around the league finally realized what Raider fans always knew…

That Janikowski is a very good kicker with a special leg.

Lechler is reaching elite status and in my book, is the greatest punter to ever lace ‘em up. Any other choice would have been insulting.

As for Seymour, you can argue that Tommy Kelly’s body of work was better this campaign, but as it happens often, the player with more fame and notoriety gets the call. Seymour was missing in action in a few games, was booted out of the Miami contest and was a penalty machine in other vital games. His veteran leadership is immeasurable and the team respects him highly. No doubt he will be a hall of famer, but at this juncture, Kelly may have been the right choice.

ALTERNATES

Per the Raiders: Safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece have all been named Pro Bowl alternates for the January 29, 2012 game in Honolulu.

ANALYSIS:

McFadden was the league’s best rusher and one of the more dynamic players in the NFL prior to his injury. At this point, Raider fans could care less if he’s healthy to play in the exhibition, rather wanting him on the field this weekend and in the coming weeks.

Branch deserved consideration, but his numbers did not stack-up with others, nor will he replace Troy Polamalu’s popularity. His game has evolved and Branch has become one the AFC’s best strong safeties. But more game-changing plays and his defense not allowing so many yards and points, especially late in collapses, will help him get to Hawaii in the future.

Reece is a fine fullback who last year made noise with his pass catching abilities. This year, he’s become a far better blocker and continued to be a threat as a target in the Oakland offense. Vonta Leach is a far superior blocking fullback and a key aspect to the Ravens ground attack. Injuries slowed him a bit, if not, Reece’s numbers would’ve trumped his total from last year and he would’ve been in.

OVERALL:

There’s nothing to gripe about  here…

Kelly surely deserved more recognition, but in the Pro Bowl, players always get in a year or two late, or stick around for a year or two too long. Oakland’s total number of pro-bowlers is just about right. McFadden would’ve been a shoe-in with a full complement of games and others like Branch, Reece and possibly Stanford Routt will have their chance in the future.

TIDBIT

In 1991, place-kicker Jeff Jaeger and punter Jeff Gossett made the Pro-Bowl together as members of the Silver & Black.

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On Saturday, two teams who need a victory and loads of help for a post-season berth will meet at Arrowhead Stadium. The Oakland Raiders (7-7) have squandered a divisional lead and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-8) are coming off a victory against the unbeaten defending Super Bowl champs and feel good under interim coach Romeo Crennel. History dictates this could be a solid match-up with a thrilling ending, as many times in the past, both of these rivals have met late in the season with either or both needing a win to make the playoffs.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland has lost the personality that made them such a tough football team earlier in the season. They used to be a ground-based club, but since Jason Campbell’s injury and Darren McFadden’s absence, they’ve leaned heavily on Carson Palmer and have not been as successful running the football.

Carson Palmer has a career record of 3-5 versus Crennel and is very aware of his coaching prowess. “If there is one thing that I know, it’s that Romeo is a good coordinator. I don’t know what he’s going to come out in. I just know that they’ll be well-prepared and well-coached,” stated Palmer.

Palmer is 158-of-249 for 1,834 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions against Crennel defenses.

Kansas must realize that this is not the same Palmer they faced weeks ago. Safety Kendrick Lewis stated: “He has a better feel of how to get his play-makers the ball. You can just see that he’s a different quarterback because he’s comfortable with the playbook and everything that they’ve since setup for him.”

On Defense:

The seat could get hotter for Chuck Bresnahan if the Raiders’ defense collapses again or carries over their horrid play from last Sunday.

A few days later, Bresnahan was still answering questions regarding Calvin Johnson’s performance. “At the end of the day, we failed because, when you allow somebody to have 200-plus yards in receiving yardage and making impact plays like he did, we obviously didn’t do a good enough job on defense,” said Bresnahan.

Oakland must pressure Kyle Orton, who sprayed the ball around to ten different targets and amassed nearly 300-yards passing on Sunday.

No pass rush this week for Oakland will equate to a long afternoon.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

On Offense:

“That was about the most fun as I’ve had on a football field,” Orton stated about their game versus the Packers.

They ran the ball for 139 yards, led by Thomas Jones’ 15 carries. Steve Breaston, Dwayne Bowe and tight end Leonard Pope, led the way last weekend.

What will be imperative for the Chiefs is their play calling and execution when they get inside the 20-yard line. They needed three Ryan Succop field goals to pull off a win last weekend. “We have to try to get touchdowns when we get to the red zone, which will become critical for us in the next couple of weeks here so we have to try to get that done,” Crennel said.

On Defense:

Tamba Hali will go against one of the better left tackles in the AFC. “Tamba comes to work every day,” said Crennel.

The speedy defender has five sacks in his last four games, and in 11 career contests against the Silver & Black, he has tallied 6.5.

Derrick Johnson has played fabulous football in 2011 and a lock to make the Pro Bowl. He also is furious about their recent lack of success at home versus Oakland.

“That just has to stop,” ILB Derrick Johnson said. “A couple times they came in and whipped us. That has to change. We remember last year where they just punked us good.”

GAME NOTES

• “There’s a good chance he could be back out there and give us a little spark and a little lift in another area for our football team,” Hue Jackson said of rookie Denarius Moore and the possibility of seeing him back on special teams on Saturday.
• “He’s carried the ball quite a bit,” Jackson commented on RB Michael Bush. “There was a stretch there where he was averaging 30 attempts a game.” Bush has surpassed career totals in rushing and carries.
• Jacoby Ford, Darren McFadden and John Henderson will likely be out. It doesn’t look good either for Michael Huff, who was inactive versus the Lions and was a no-show in practice.
• Marcel Reece on Oakland’s chances at the post-season: “We’re still playing for the playoffs. We’re playing for each other right now. And that’s what it all comes down to, playing for the next man, that man next to you because that’s what we want… We’re still playing for the playoffs because we still believe we have a chance.”

KEY MATCHUPS

Kyle Orton vs. Carson Palmer

Both passers have the ability to light it up. Palmer was impressive last week, and his only miscue was an overthrow to Moore. Orton was sacked five times last time he met the Raiders, but that was in Denver and he did not have this set of wide receivers.

Special Teams?

Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas are elusive and dangerous. Oakland’s pair of kickers will be vital, both putting up points in a tight game and shifting field position with their powerful legs.

PREDICTION

Raiders 27 – Chiefs 23

Oakland has been a better road team this season. The Chiefs would love to end their season, but talent will win out, as Oakland will get back to running the football. Kansas City will play a solid game, but the Raiders are more desperate and playing in a hostile environment. That will raise their focus and keep them alive another week.
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There was little doubt to the outcome of this game entering the final quarter, with the Oakland Raiders down 34-0. Miami was romping and Reggie Bush was doing push-ups on the field… as he flexed his muscles even after Aaron Curry provided Raider fans with one of their lone highlights – a bone crunching hit on the running back.

Bush danced around the Oakland defense, Kevin Burnett tangoed into the end zone and the Dolphins romped during their home effort of the season.

Oakland’s lack of emotion, inability to win battles in the trenches and lack of efficiency on 3^rd downs were a recipe for disaster. Carson Palmer never looked in sync with his receivers, minus a brief span at the end of the first half when he connected a few times with Chaz Schilens.

The Raiders avoided the shutout with a Palmer to T.J Houshmandzadeh 40-yard scoring reception, cutting the deficit to 34-7 with 7:51 remaining in the contest. Oakland went 9-plays for 80-yards on the possession.

That was the first touchdown allowed by Miami at home since their loss to the Broncos.

Marcel Reece hurdled a defender during a 38-yard gain and a few plays later; Darrius Heyward-Bey capped the drive with a touchdown reception.

Oakland went 5 plays in 72 yards, ending in the speedster’s 3-yard haul, and cutting into the Dolphins mammoth lead, 34-14.

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The Oakland Raiders (7-4) are entering December in first-place, but embark on a critical stretch of back-to-back road games, which begins with the Miami Dolphins (3-8) on Sunday. “Seize the opportunity,” says defensive tackle Richard Seymour. “You’d rather play in games like this where every play is meaningful. It’s so much more fun for everybody.”

“Everyone realizes the opportunity that we have,” Seymour stated this week. “You don’t want to be the guy that squandered it away.”

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It appears that Carson Palmer will be without running back Darren McFadden and receivers Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore on Sunday. Today, Moore skipped practice with a sprained right foot and Ford was seen jogging lighttly – all signs that both playmakers will be inactive once again.

Palmer has not played with McFadden yet, but has been the beneficiary of Michael Bush’s solid play in relief.

Against the Chicago Bears, Oakland mixed up their passing attack with Marcel Reece while also incorporating Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey, who valiantly made it back into the line-up a week after sustaining a scary neck injury versus the Vikings.

“[Reece] looks like a fullback, but he runs like a receiver, and once the ball is in his hands he looks like a tailback,” Palmer said. “He is kind of a chameleon. Whatever we ask him to do, he’ll do it.”

On Defense:

The Raiders got their pass rush going against the Bears, something they’ll need to bring to Miami is they plan to snatch their fifth road win of the season.

Unlike Tim Tebow, Christian Ponder or Caleb Hanie, Oakland does not have to worry about Matt Moore scampering out of the backfield, as he’s more of a pocket passer. This should give the Raiders a chance to put the Dolphins in some compromising down and distances.

Miami has allowed 34-sacks so far, so expect Oakland to be aggressive all afternoon. Jake Long and the rest of his line mates were flagged for four false starts in Dallas last week.

Despite missing practice on Wednesday, Seymour and starting middle linebacker Roland McClain are expected to start.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

On Offense:

Reggie Bush has taken a heavier load as of late and he’s the type of rusher Oakland has issues with. His elusiveness out of the backfield and pass catching abilities will be a concern of Chuck Bresnahan’s.

In his last four games, Bush has tallied four touchdowns and 355 total yards of offense. Moore is coming off a solid month of November, posting a 112.7 passer rating – only Aaron Rodgers (131.6) and Tony Romo (113.0) were better.

Brandon Marshall is always a threat, especially coming off a touchdown and 103-yard performance on Thanksgiving Day.

Like the Raiders last week, Miami has suffered through red-zone woes. “That’s what really hurt us,” tight end Anthony Fasano said. “We learned that settling for field goals isn’t going to get us wins.”

On Defense:

In their last five games, the Dolphins have allowed an average of 72.2 yards rushing per game, second best in the league during that span.

Cameron Wake’s play has dropped off significantly from last season. Yeah, of course my sack numbers aren’t as high,” he said recently. “But I would like to think that I’m doing the things that I need to do to help the team win.”

He has freed up other teammates and has definitely caught the eye of Oakland’s passer. “Haven’t thought about Green Bay once, Miami’s too good. I see Cameron Wake in my sleep at night,” stated Palmer.

“There are so many things that go on that aren’t on the score sheet,” Wake said. “There’s no stat for [Paul] Soliai taking on a double team to let Karlos [Dansby] come through the hole and get a tackle for loss. There’s no stat for holding two guys so someone else can make a play.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Raiders’ ground attack vs. Dolphins’ defensive front

Bush ran for 69-yards last week, his lowest total since starting in place of McFadden. Oakland had a season low 73-ground yards also versus the Bears. They have to re-establish their presence running the ball to come away with this road win.

Moore vs. Raiders 2ndary

Oakland’s defensive backfield can be had. Moore and Marshall are a dangerous combination. Fasano and Bush could also cause havoc. If Moore doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll wind up with hefty numbers on Sunday.

GAME NOTES

• In the last four games, Miami has only allowed two touchdown passes and racked up six interceptions.
• Sebastian Janikowski was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after posting a franchise record six field goals last weekend.
• Jason Campbell has been doing some light throwing, as he recovers from a broken collarbone. “He has been pitching it around a little bit. Not very far, but he’s pitching it around a little bit and getting better. So we’ll see where he is here soon,” said Hue Jackson.
• Jarvis Moss hopes to return this weekend: “I just did some jogging out there, and it felt good compared to last week. It feels better every single day,” he said earlier this week.
• Since 1992, the Dolphins are 10-3 against the Raiders.

PREDICTION

Raiders 24 – Dolphins 20

Oakland can’t look ahead at the Green Bay Packers. A slip could be hazardous in the tight AFC West. The Dolphins should take advantage of a blitz heavy Raider defense with Moore, Fasano, Bush, Marshall, Brian Hartline and Davone Bess. It won’t be easy for the Silver & Black, and Miami has found its stride as a spoiler in the last few weeks. But Oakland has the superior talent and a sense of urgency to pile the wins now, as they enter a tough stretch of football.

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Marcel Reece played an important role yesterday in the Oakland Raiders 25-20 home win versus the Chicago Bears.

With two of their key targets inactive, the fullback ran through the Bears secondary for a total of 92-yards. “I relish taking on every challenge,” said Reece after the game, who split out wide and scampered for yardage as a receiver out of the backfield. “Whatever the case may be, I just challenge myself to do it to the best of my abilities.”

Oakland is now 7-4 and controlling their own destiny entering December.  Stanford Routt noted how vastly different it is being the hunted: “But 7-4 is also a gift and a curse. Right now we’re still leading the division. If we go in and pee down our leg and wind up finishing second in the division, it’s going to be an embarrassment. Se we definitely got to keep going.”

The rush defense is a major concern, especially since the Bears tallied 172-yards on the ground. “We’re an aggressive team, a lot of young, hungry dogs, but we’re trying to play smarter,” safety Mike Mitchell stated.

Matt Forte did not hurt them out of the backfield pass catching, and he only had one breakout run. But Marion Barber plowed through the defensive line and gave Chicago life when they needed a ground attack. Oh, and yet another quarterback enjoyed success bolting out of the backfield, as Caleb Hanie ended with 50-yards rushing.

“We knew Forte was 60 percent of the offense, so our goal was to stop him and put the game in the quarterback’s hands,” commented Michael Huff. “And we did that.”

The linebackers had their best game as a unit all season. Kamerion Wimbley had the momentum shifting interception and 73-yard return, Rolando McClain had a sack and was violent at the line of scrimmage and Aaron Curry was disruptive, as he dissected Hanie’s interception at the end of the 2^nd quarter.

The red-zone woes almost hurt Oakland, and their lack of success in the 4^th quarter. But a vital 3^rd down conversion by Chaz Schilens and Louis Murphy 47-yard catch gave them enough breathing room at the end.

“Not to get touchdowns is something that frustrates you, but you can’t let it frustrate you,” stated Carson Palmer, who tallied 301-yards on  21-for-37 attempts. “You have to be happy to get field goals and points and getting points on the board when your defense is playing like that, and be conservative at times.”

UP NEXT…

The Miami Dolphins, who are 3-8, have been playing better football lately and are coming off a tough defeat on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas.

“They played a heck of a football game, a hard fought national NFL game last night. It was a hard fought game. We didn’t win the game. I’m proud of the effort the guys put out there. We didn’t win the game. They’ll be excited to get back to work. They’ll be a little bit healthier and ready to go,” said head coach Tony Sparano after their loss.

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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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