Silver and Black Report

JaMarcus Russell came on in relief yesterday, and instead of dragging the team down with his uninspired play like he did versus the Redskins, he led a late charge for an Oakland 20-19 victory at Denver.

We all know what has been Russell’s demise so far in his career. But after being bypassed for Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, the young passer made the best of the opportunity presented to him on Sunday. And teammates were enthused to see a positive outcome for the besieged number one overall pick.

“I don’t think words can explain,” starting LT Mario Henderson stated. “He’s the No. 1 overall draft pick. He’s been hearing it from Day 1. For him to come in and do what he did today was amazing. One thing we did was step up behind him. We didn’t abandon him . . . the thing he showed us today is he was ready for the chance, he came back out strong and helped us when we needed it.”

Russell has been booed at home and the performance Gradkowski put forth in his stint had some wondering whether or not the former LSU star had any future in Oakland.

“I always say everybody is going to have their opinion. As long as my teammates have faith, and I have faith in those guys,” Russell said. `There’s always going to be tough times. It’s how you come up from behind and fight those tough times off.”

His 4^th down completion to Tony Stewart does not wash away a resume full of missed opportunities. The game winning score to Chaz Schilens does not change the consensus thought that he is still way too immature to lead this organization. And unless he changes his work habits and strives to make himself a better passer and director, we’ll continue seeing the same poor play that made all his fans turn on him.

Russell is not out of the woods yet, and Raider Nation needs to see more out of him before they can depend on him – and rightly so. “The man has been freaking dragged through the mud and people have been taking shots at him and the man has just been standing tall. He has a lot of growing up to do but when it came time he stepped up and did the job,” Stewart said.

That performance may have done one thing for Russell; it probably extended the leash Al Davis may have been tightening on him and gave the owner a sense of belief that his selection was the right one. Even though it was only a short appearance in a game in which Oakland was lights out on the ground and stout defensively, but Russell was at quarterback and made the throw to win the game.

And that may be enough to give Davis more ammo if he wants to keep this passer around or in the starting line-up in the foreseeable future.

BUSH-WHACKING – RUN DMC

“A game like this reminds me of last year,” Michael Bush commented last night. “In Tampa, the guys went down last year and I stepped in, same thing as today. Fargas went down a little bit and we needed someone else to pick up the slack. that is why you need a stable of backs like we have.”

Bush reminiscent of his 177 yard outing versus the Buccaneers almost a year ago, torched the Broncos for 133 yards, tallying his second 100 + yard performance of the season – the only two the Raiders have had in 2009.

Darren McFadden had a key fumble that led to the Denver go ahead score and Bush dropped a make able 3^rd down reception, but the duo really spearheaded an offense that was in need of a breakout rushing performance.

Justin Fargas was unable to play due to a knee ‘tweak’, but Oakland’s depth at running back finally paid off with their young ball carriers performing as many expected when they were first acquired.

BACK-TO-BACK…

The Raiders have been notoriously bad after wins since Cable took over. This season, they have stumbled versus the Broncos, Jets, Cowboys and Redskins after victories – and all of those losses had their lackluster and embarrassing moments. Next up is Cleveland, who are on a two game winning streak  and are coming off a 41-point effort against the Chiefs and a Jerome Harrison record breaking 286-yard outing, shattering Jim Brown’s single game club record.

OTHER NOTES

Erik Pears was stellar yesterday when Oakland used him as added bulk to their offensive line. Langston Walker also manhandled Denver linemen.

Cable stated after the game: “We’ll have to sort through the bodies on the way home and decide. Charlie was playing really well before he got knocked out. If he’s ready to go he’ll play. If not, we’ll go with JaMarcus but it’s too early to tell.” If Frye has any signs of concussions symptoms this week, Oakland cannot allow him on the field. The NFL will re-evaluate how teams handle concussions this off-season and it is of utmost importance that Frye’s health is the priority. That means JaMarcus Russell could see action against the Browns, as J.P Losman may not be ready enough due to his unfamiliarity with the playbook. And if Losman were to be pegged over Russell after this week, it would speak volumes on how the coaching staff feels about their pricey quarterback.

OAKLAND, CA — The Oakland Raiders lost at home 34-13 against the Washington Redskins. Here are exclusive videos of quarterback Bruce Gradkowski talking about his injury, tackle Mario Henderson chatting about the 8-sacks allowed, Nnamdi Asomugha explaining the happenings of the bitter defeat and Zach Miller giving his outlook on the game and the hit he took in the 4th quarter.
video management, video solution, video streaming
video management, video solution, video streaming
video management, video solution, video streaming
video management, video solution, video streaming

The Oakland Raiders (1-3) travel east to face the New York Giants (4-0) on Sunday. This will be the eleventh time they will meet during the regular season with Oakland having a 7-3 edge dating back to their first contest in 1973. In their last meeting, the Giants went into Oakland and beat the Silver & Black 30-21 on December 31, 2005.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It’s time to rev up the running game if you are the Raiders. Currently, they rank 28^th in the league in rushing, a surprise considering that was the lone aspect of this club that any prognosticator expected to be productive prior to the season beginning being the only position on the roster with considerable depth. For the next few weeks they will be without Darren McFadden (meniscus), so Justin Fargas and Michael Bush will carry the load. But it must start from the trenches, and since their game versus San Diego, the Raiders have lost any toughness and chemistry on the offensive line.

“It can go two ways,” starting left tackle Mario Henderson said this week, looking ahead to the Giants. “We can go out there and embarrass ourselves or go out there and make a name for ourselves. It’s a good opportunity for us.”

Chris Morris, who may start at left guard state, “That’s how we will measure ourselves, going up against the best. If we can put up a good game like we plan on doing it will be good for us.”

What to Expect:

The Giants defensive line can bring the heat. And their rush defense is stout. With Oakland re-shuffling their line and trying to find a way to get back a respectable ground game, it spells trouble for Tom Cable’s bunch. JaMarcus Russell will face intense pressure and there won’t be many run lanes for Fargas and Bush. New York’s defense is a prideful bunch and with their offensive leader possibly sidelined, they will make sure Oakland’s offense continues their woes, as they’ve averaged 7.3 points per game in their last three contests.

On Defense:

Oakland’s front-seven must be primed to face a tough ground game. Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Richard Seymour and Greg Ellis must hold their ground and improve on the 146.3 yards allowed rushing per game so far in 2009.

“You don’t get to see 270-pound backs running that fast, but I mean he’s human so if you hit him around his beak a couple of times, he’ll slow down,’’ Tommy Kelly stated about Brandon Jacobs.

What to Expect:

The Raiders will stack the line of scrimmage in trying to slow down the Giants running backs. But they cannot allow their receivers to exploit the secondary in man-to-man coverage, as Chris Johnson has given up big yardage opposite Nnamdi Asomugha and the Giants receivers are having a solid start to 2009. If they can slow down the duo at running back for the Giants, they must attack whoever is at quarterback with their four down linemen and get there with consistency to have any shot at staying close late.

On Special Teams:

The play of the coverage units has fallen dramatically since last season; and the team returned the same components to a steady group in 2008. Oakland ranks 29th in punt returns, 32nd in kick coverage and 31st in kick returns.

Justin Miller was cut again this week, replaced by running back Gary Russell due to the injury to McFadden. Russell may see time returning kickoffs, as the combination of Louis Rankin, Jonathan Holland and Miller has been non-threats to opponents.

NEW YORK GIANTS

On Offense:

Much of the talk this week surrounded the health of starting quarterback Eli Manning. On Thursday, head coach Tom Coughlin did not predict whether or not his starter would play on Sunday after sustaining a heel injury last week, while back-up David Carr has taken snaps with the first team leading up to the game.

“I am sure he wants to play really bad, probably as bad as I want to play,” Carr said of Manning. “It’s the same for every competitor, every guy who wants to be on the field. Everybody gets hurt. We’re down a lot of guys now and I think everyone on the side wants to be out there to help the team.”

What to Expect:

Whether Manning plays or not, it won’t change what the Giants want to accomplish on Sunday. Their personality on offense is based on a tough ground game, and this may be the game to get back to being a dominant rushing unit. The Giants are averaging 145.5 yards per game rushing, but Jacobs is averaging almost 2 yards less per carry from his stats a year ago. Jacobs (288 yards rushing) and Ahmad Bradshaw (265 yards rushing) could combine for 200 yards rushing this weekend.

On Defense:

The Giants rank 19^th in rush defense (117.3), 1^st in pass defense (115.0) and 6^th in points allowed per contest (16.0)

All those numbers don’t bode well for a Raiders offense that cannot move the chains consistently or put points on the boards. Russell is struggling and is the worst starting quarterback in the league statistically, and he’s facing a team that can bring pressure with their down linemen and has covered well so far in 2009.

Linemen Justin Tuck (2.5 sacks) and Osi Umenyiora (2.0 sacks) are a quarterbacks worst nightmare, and either can line up anywhere along the formation.

What to Expect:

Antonio Pierce is the leader on defense, and his ability to dissect what offenses are trying to do and help his teammates get in the right position are invaluable traits. Oakland does not run an elaborate offensive scheme, so the Giants can just line up and play physical football. That is not in Oakland’s personality, so it will be tough for the Raiders to match New York’s intensity or style of play.

GAME NOTES

• The Giants are coming off a three-game road trip and will play in front of their home crowd for the first time since week-one. They have not begun a season 5-0 since 1990.
• Michael Bush will start at running back. He stated this week, “You want to be that man.”
• Chaz Schilens did not practice and will most likely miss another week of action. Nick Miller will be inactive and won’t be ready for at least another two-weeks. Zach Miller missed practice on Thursday, but is expected to play. Hiram Eugene finished practice and is on schedule to be activated this week.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Steve Smith vs. Nnamdi Asomugha/Chris Johnson

Smith is leading the NFL in receptions (34), yards (411) and touchdowns (4). The 24-year old is establishing himself as New York’s ‘go to guy’ and if he goes up against the best cornerback in football, it could be the best match-up of the entire weekend anywhere. Against Johnson, Smith could wiggle his way for big gains as he is a precise route runner.

RT Kareem McKenzie, RG Chris Snee, C Shaun O’hara, LG Rich Seubert and LT David Diehl vs. The Raiders front seven

That Giants’ offensive line may be the best in the league. Add FB Madison Hedgecock to that load and Oakland’s defense may be facing the toughest bunch they’ll see all year.

Can JaMarcus Russell play mistake free and make a big play or two…or three?

If by some chance Oakland is close in the 4^th quarter, they will need their QB to play over his head. They will need big plays out of him to stay close and pull an upset.

PREDICTION

Giants 29 – Raiders 3

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Greg Gumbel providing play-by-play and former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, October 11, 2009, 1 p.m. ET | Giants Stadium, NJ

Home Team: New York Giants (4-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 3-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-3) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-1

Point Spread: Raiders are 14.5 underdogs

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

video management, video solution, video streaming

On Sunday, the Houston Texans (1-2) will try to avenge their 27-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders (1-2) from last season. In 2008, the Texans went into Oakland trying to extend to a franchise best five game-winning streak. But receivers Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens shined during the Raiders revival as the season wound down.

The Silver & Black has lost three of the four meetings in the short history of this series.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

The Raiders have anticipated Schilens’ arrival for some weeks now. But it appears now that the receiver will miss another game as he recovers from the broken bone in his left foot that he sustained during the pre-season. JaMarcus Russell’s favorite receiver practiced and went through drills, but his designated as ‘doubtful’ by Tom Cable.

Oakland needs as much talent around Russell right now, as he is currently slumping with a league worst 39.8 passer rating. And one former Raider has pinpointed some of the issues in Oakland with his recent comments.

“When you put him on the field in a one-on-one workout session [Russell] make every throw for you,” said Jeff Garcia who was signed by the Raiders this off-season and spent a lot of the summer in the same practice field working along side the former first overall pick before he was released. “But when it comes down to making things happen in the heat of the battle and rallying the troops around you and making a case for the team, that’s where maybe things aren’t where they need to be.”

He also commented on other issues regarding the club, stating: “It was to a point where I felt like guys who walked through those doors that just were there to collect a check and not really interested in putting everything that they had within themselves on to the football field. And that was the frustrating thing for me to see.”

“There were a lot of good young guys in that locker room who really want to do whatever it takes to win, but unfortunately it’s not everybody,” Garcia continued. “In order to compete at this level in this game, everybody needs to be on board.”

What to Expect:

The Texans are made to order for the Raiders. Oakland needs to get back to running the football and establishing Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas as the spearheads to this offense. Russell needs the help and a powerful running game to help him get out of his funk. The Texans are allowing a league worst 205 yards rushing per game. If Oakland cannot run against them, this game could get ugly.

On Defense:

The rush defense has completely collapsed since their impressive first half outing in week-one versus the Chargers. Oakland is allowing 155 yards on the ground per game and now faces a team with a very capable rusher who will try to breakout after a slow start to his season.

In the last two-contests, the Texans have racked up 420 and 397 total yards respectively and they’ll try to take advantage of the Raiders woes versus the run. Cable realizes how important it is to stuff their ground game early, stating, “We’re similar that way. So you want to get started fast. I think it probably bodes well for whichever team can get going soonest.”

What to Expect:

Pressure must be applied to the Texans offense – no excuses. The Raiders need to get to Matt Schaub and force some mistakes. So far, the Texans’ passer has only 2 interceptions and been sacked a league low 2 times. If Greg Ellis, Richard Seymour and the rest of the front-four cannot get to Schaub, he’ll carve up the Raiders’ secondary. Oakland will probably allow Steve Slaton to get his yardage, but if Schaub gets going himself, this Houston team will put up 30-points or more.

On Special Teams:

Justin Miller is back on the team. And deservingly, after Louis Rankin and Jonathan Holland were non-threats on kickoffs. The former New York Jet energized the return teams last season upon his arrival, but this summer was released in favor of other return men. “Sometimes it’s really not about you as a person,” he stated of his release. “It’s kind of what fits for the team at that point of time. You just take it in stride and be ready for the next opportunity.”

HOUSTON TEXANS

On Offense:

Schaub is enjoying a solid start to his season, recording the 4^th best passer rating in the league (101.9), the 8^th most passing yards in the NFL (823) and a solid touchdown to interception ratio, (7TD only 2 INT).

But what he would like is for 2^nd year pro Steve Slaton to get going. Houston is only averaging 70 yards a game on the ground, with Slaton rushing for 127 yards on 38 carries. Seventy-six of those yards came last week, and at this point, the Texans may be catching the Raiders at the right moment in trying to jolt their ground game.

One of the league’s best players – Andre Johnson – has started his season well. The 28-year old target has 18 catches for 270 yards and 2 scores.

What to Expect:

Many are pointing to this game as an important one for head coach Gary Kubiak. The team was expected to take a step up this season and a loss at home to the Raiders could really put the target on his back. So expect this offense to open up the playbook, attack all levels of the Raider defense and come out firing. If Slaton is churning out yardage, then Schaub will be efficient. If they cannot run the ball, Oakland will stick around and make things interesting.

On Defense:

Kubiak has talked about his unhappiness regarding the pass rush. He would like to see his front-four get to the opposing passer more often, and more importantly, he wants to see the Texans front-seven improve upon the league’s worst 205 rushing yards allowed per game.

Oakland can run it. And the Texans know it.

More importantly though, they would like continue Russell’s woes by getting to him when he drops back and covering his inexperienced targets.

Bernard Pollard was signed recently and he could see his first action against the Raiders. “We’re just not consistent [in the secondary],” coach Gary Kubiak mentioned. “We’re searching for some answers. We’re playing a lot of people back there. We’re going to continue to do that. We’re going to give some more guys some opportunities.”

What to Expect:

It’s time for Mario Williams to have a coming out party. He was shut-down by Mario Henderson last season and if the Texans want to continue to derail Russell’s season, they will need to rattle him with pressure and not allow break downs in the secondary, as the Raiders have had problems getting anything going consistent via the passing attack.

GAME NOTES

• Robert Gallery is out (fibula) as well as WR Nick Miller (shin). Hiram Eugene is questionable with his calf injury.
• The league fined Richard Seymour $7,500 for pulling Ryan Clady’s hair last Sunday.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Mario vs. Mario

LT Mario Henderson will need to have a second straight solid game versus DE Mario Williams if Oakland wants an upset victory on the road. “It was a good game for me to see where I was at,” Henderson said of his performance last season against Williams, “and it was a good feeling, too, to know that I can play.”

Which run defense plays toughest?

Both defenses are struggling against the run. Which one will play with more intensity, which one will play physical and which one will ultimately slow the other’s attack?

PREDICTION

Texans 31 – Raiders 17

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson providing play-by-play and former NFL player Steve Tasker handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, October 4, 2009, 1 p.m. ET | Reliant Stadium, TX

Home Team: Houston Texans (1-2) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-2) Home: 0-2 Road: 1-0

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (1-1) will try to take a step towards the top of the AFC West when they face the rival Denver Broncos (2-0). Denver has won six of their last eight meetings, but Oakland leads the regular season series 55-40-2.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

It’s time for the Raiders to re-establish their run game and support JaMarcus Russell with a steady dosage of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Oakland’s passing game is erratic, mainly because of the inability of their young passer to accurately hit his targets consistently. Oh, and those targets themselves are not dependable considering their youth.

But the Silver & Black will have to get their offense in rhythm with a new left guard – Erik Pears. The former Bronco has a huge frame – 6-8 308 pounds – and how he will play in replacing the Raiders steadiest lineman could dictate how this offense performs. Cable talked about the similarities Pears has with Robert Gallery, who was a tackle in college and shares the same traits.

“We went through that same thing with Robert,” Cable said. “But I think having those same kind of talks with Erik, he’s a very bright guy and he’s figured it out pretty quick.”

Pears will have to be ready to slug it out and mimic what Gallery did in week-one against the Chargers. “Things are quicker in there. Outside it takes a little more patience,” Cable said. “Inside it just happens right now. It’s like a street fight. You start throwing and you start fighting. Outside you kind of… you’re like in the ring. You move around, you got more room.”

What to Expect:

Oakland will run…a lot. They can’t survive every week with Russell’s maddening stretches. They can’t expect to stay close every week and hope that he can put together one-drive, or make one-play that can alter a game. They’ll eventually be put in holes because of it. So trying to get the ground game going is imperative. Problem is, they showed a lack of muscle against the Chiefs and they are facing a tougher defense this week. Plus, they are missing their best lineman. Justin Fargas will be active; a positive as Cable described, “He runs so violently, he changes tempo. He as a starter kind of sets tempo for you. My opinion is, you need his energy and you need his intensity that he brings to the game.” Oakland will need that. And if they can’t run the ball, Cable better hope his defense can keep it close enough for another frantic finish.

On Defense:

Hiram Eugene did not practice late in the week and most likely won’t play. And after Michael Huff’s start to the season, the former first rounder deserves to be in the starting line-up. His interceptions have been game changing. And with young players expected to be in the back-end of the secondary, his experience should be a plus for John Marshall’s unit.

“He’ll just play more. But we’ll have a plan in terms of backing it up in with Tyvon (Branch) and Mike Mitchell, perhaps John Bowie,” Cable said.

Huff is steady, knows not to get over enthused about his start and is focused to continue his play.

“I try not to get too riled up about the first two games,” Huff stated this week. “I want to go out there and be consistent and prove it week in and week out.”

What to Expect:

Kyle Orton is steady. And the Broncos will not expose him, nor will they ask him to pull any rabbits out of a hat. So Oakland will have to pressure the first-year Bronco into mistakes. Richard Seymour, Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and the rest of the front-four must get into the backfield and disrupt any timing Denver will try to develop in their passing game. The Broncos are averaging 130.5 rushing yards a game so far. And after giving up 173 yards on the ground to he Chiefs, will the real Raider rush defense please stand-up!

On Special Teams:

Johnnie Lee Higgins looks to be ready to take over the punt return duties after a week off.

“I’m not a person who likes to sit on the sidelines and watch,” Higgins stated. “ In Kansas City, when we came out of the locker room I still had the shakes and everything and was ready to go and I looked down and was like, ‘I ain’t even suited up.’ Just sitting on the sidelines, that’s really not me.”

Cable even stated that Fargas my see some action on special teams, on coverage units throughout the game.

DENVER BRONCOS

On Offense:

All is well so far for Josh McDaniels who had a tough start to his career in Denver with the Jay Cutler trade and the Brandon Marshall drama. “We can only be 2-0 at this point and we’re certainly not pleased with everything that we’ve done on the field, but we’ve played well enough to beat two teams.  In this league, every win is critical so we’re happy where we’re at and we’re getting ready for Oakland right now,” said the first year head-coach.”

Kyle Orton is directing his offense, tallying a steady 506 yards, 2 touchdown passes and no interceptions, completing 36-of-65 passes.

Orton has a nice complement of receivers, especially when Marshall is healthy and primed to play. This week, Marshall may see more action, and after missing last year’s contest in Oakland, the fiery receiver is anticipating his match-up with Nnamdi Asomugha.

“He’s a very smart player, athletically gifted,” Marshall said. “He just fights every play.”

Brandon Stokley leads the team in receiving, but with Marshall primed, Eddie Royal having a brief but successful history against the Raiders and Jabar Gaffney in the mix, Denver will look to spread out the Silver & Black and keep them un-balance on Sunday.

What to Expect:

Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno have combined for 216 rushing yards this season. There is no doubt that McDaniels will like to test the Raiders’ rush defense and see if they are the stout club that faced the Chargers, or the team that allowed Kansas City to rack up yards. Denver will spread out the Raiders, run the ball from many sets and then try to play action and get the ball to their many targets. They won’t try anything eventful down the field; but moving the Orton out of the pocket, short quick tosses and possession football will be the game plan, as they try to confuse the Raiders with their varying attack.

On Defense:

Elvis Dumervil leads the Broncos with 4-sacks. Oakland will have to contain the defensive end if they want their dormant passing attack to awaken on Sunday.

“I’ve always had tremendous respect for him,” Cable said. “He’s always a handful. He’s a competitor and he brings it every snap … To me, this was not really a breakout game. I think this guy has been a good player for a while.”

After two games, Denver has allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th in the NFL).

Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.

What to Expect:

Denver wants to clog up the trenches and put the game in the hands of Russell. If they can build an early lead and play from in front, force the Raiders to pass more than they would like, it could lead to the turnovers and big plays the defense has been accustomed to early in this season.

GAME NOTES:

• Orton ranks first in the NFL with a 4^th quarter passer rating of 152.1.
• The Raiders have not won back-to-back games versus Denver since 2002.
• Out for the Raiders due to injury: Gallery (broken fibula), Chaz Schilens (foot), and Nick Miller (shin).

KEY MATCH-UPS

Mario Henderson vs. Elvis Dumervil

The Bronco DE had a career day last week versus Pro-bowl LT Joe Thomas (Browns). This time, he goes against a first-year starter protecting Russell’s back side.

Raiders’ rush defense vs. Broncos’ ground attack

If Oakland cannot stop the run, this game won’t be close. They currently rank 20^th in the NFL after one good showing, and bad outing.

Orton vs. Russell

Both passers have had their moments in the 4^th quarter this season. Orton is the steadier of the two throughout the game and in the final quarter. Russell has made plays when the game is on the line. Will Russell dig the Raiders in a deep hole? Or can he play steady enough to keep them close and make plays at the end again?

PREDICTION

Broncos 26 – Raiders 24

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX CBS 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, September 27, 2009, 4:15 p.m. ET  |  Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (1-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 1-0

Road Team: Denver Broncos (2-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-0

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

video management, video solution, video streaming

The Oakland Raiders needed a complete makeover along the offensive line this off-season. So far, they’ve upgraded both tackle spots and added a new Center to the mix. But will that be enough to provide a solid foundation for JaMarcus Russell’s development and to open up holes for their talented crop of rushers?

Kwame Harris is gone, and someone else will likely occupy Cornell Green’s right tackle spot. That alone will improve the play of the line, especially at both tackle positions, which were a reason why Oakland’s offense sputtered and could not provide a solid wall for Russell.

Chris Morris, John Wade and Samson Satele are the contenders at center. Jake Grove signed a huge deal in Miami, so the Raiders picked up the Dolphins center the last few seasons – Satele – in hopes that his style will fit the zone-blocking scheme that Tom Cable utilizes. Oakland won’t add a center in the draft, as it appears that they have enough there already to go into camp with.

Along the interior, barring any injuries, Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle will be firmly entrenched at left guard and right guard. Veteran Paul McQuistan is a back up for either starter, but there is nothing much after that. Marcus Johnson has seen time at tackle and guard while in the league, but its unknown whether or not he can provide enough stability at guard to warrant a spot as a back up there.

Most of the movement this off-season has been at tackle, and this is where Oakland will have to show the most improvement with all the talent brought in this off-season. Khalif Barnes is the front-runner for the left tackle spot and Erik Pears and Mario Henderson could have a nice battle in camp along the right side.

Oakland looks to have more reliable players along the trenches, but will that shy them away from spending their 7^th overall selection on one of the many solid linemen available this draft?

The Raiders have done enough along the offensive line and can afford to go in another direction with that top pick. But if they feel like they need more talent there, which it appears like they do, targeting interior linemen or young tackles to develop should be a focus when they go through the selection process during the draft.

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

Sebastian Vollmer, T, Houston

An all-conference left tackle, Vollmer allowed only one sack in 610 pass attempts last season in Houston. Born and raised in Germany, and still learning the nuisances of the game, this is the type of project that can entice the Raiders. They will be able to start the veterans acquired this off-season and hope that Vollmer learns under the close tutelage of Cable. His size and attributes will be hard to pass up in the middle rounds.

Xavier Fulton, T, Illinois

Anthony Parker, G, Tennessee

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders acquired a starting center on Monday when the Miami Dolphins sent 24-year old Samson Satele to the Silver & Black for a sixth round selection in April’s draft.

The trade also included a swap of fourth round selections, as the Raiders dropped from the 104^th overall slot to 122^nd.

Satele was expendable after the Dolphins signed ex-Raider Jake Grove to a five-year, $29 million contract, with $14.5 million in guarantees. Their second round draft choice in 2007, which started every game the past two years, was not what Tony Sparano wanted in the middle of the trenches, looking for a more physical presence in the interior to go along with the more power running game they are trying to adopt.

Grove, who played in Oakland the past five seasons, has had durability concerns and has only started 16 games only once in his career.

“We signed another center and feel like we had to get better in that area,” Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said on Monday. “It’s pretty critical that we did.

“We saw there was some value out there with Samson. We felt like if we kept Samson we would have moved him to guard and let him compete.

He continued, “But we found out there was significant value for Samson.”

This trade may sway the Raiders away from drafting a center in next month’s draft. Oakland had a need at center, filled it with a player with starting experience in the league, and with both guard spots locked up, Satele quickly becomes the distant front-runner to nab the job in 2009.

Chris Morris and John Wade remain on the roster, but it will take a miracle for either to surprise Cable enough to earn the top spot. Morris is not physical nor is imposing on the field, but his style does lend itself to the zone blocking system Cable teaches.

Having stability with Cooper Carlisle, who just signed a five-year deal, and Robert Gallery at guard will go a long way in trying to bring back a steady presence in the trenches.

It will be interesting to see what they do at right tackle especially after making it clear that recently inked Khalif Barnes will be protecting JaMarcus Russell’s blind side. Mario Henderson is the leading candidate to win that job. And owner Al Davis has talked up his play at the end of 2008 in various occasions during the off-season.

So if Henderson shows consistency and takes well to right tackle, we may be seeing a line that will have Barnes (LT), Gallery (LG), Satele (C) and Carlisle (RG) barring any injuries in the summer.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

SBReport.net was in attendance when Oakland Raiders’ owner Al Davis opened up to talk about varying topics at the team’s facility in Alameda. Here are some quotes from the session:

Davis talking about the team going younger:

[Kiffin] wouldn’t do it. Yeah, he wouldn’t do it. That’s why he got fired.

Tom [Cable] tried to start breaking it in. But there was resistance from certain assistants, and their not here.

The idea was to go young, because we were young.

Someone the other day said we had to go get a receiver. We should’ve drafted Calvin Johnson instead of JaMarcus Russell. He continued, “But their record was 0-16 last year with Calvin Johnson.”

Then [someone said] we should’ve drafted Larry Fitzgerald. But the year we didn’t draft Fitzgerald, we drafted a guy that was considered the best offensive lineman in the draft. We had as I said, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown, Jerry Porter; who everyone had thought had greatness in his future.

What kind of effort you made in trying to keep Rob Ryan around?

I like Rob Ryan a lot, but it was time to make a change.

It was time for him to move on.

What about Brian Schneider (special teams coach)?

Well, Brian did well. John Fassel did real well and you have to remember, one of the things that hurt us on special teams for a short period in the middle of the season was when we lost probably the best special teamer we’ve had in a long while [Tyvon] Branch.

We were good on returns, no question about it. But [the opponents returns], against us, we were not great.

[Schneider] wanted to go, and young Fassell is a young talent that we think is pretty good.

On Tom Rathman

The only coach that left, that really we probably would’ve kept at his position was Tom Rathman. And he wanted to go over there, we understood that, that’s where his history was made…

Whether Davis’ old offense works in this new era of football:

They certainly don’t say it now.

When we started 2000, 2001, 2002; I thought we had chance to run this decade. We didn’t do it. It slipped away from us. And we became mediocre.

In every decade, as I told you before, in every decade that started since the 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, we’ve played in the championship game at the start of the decade. And the vertical game, you got to throw the ball deep. There’s no one around who can win without doing it, Whether it will be Arizona, or Pittsburgh.

If a coaching change at the start of the 2008 season would’ve made a difference:

I tried to reason with the guy [Kiffin]. I thought we could get something out of him. And I wanted to push it through to see if I could push it through. I guess it was my stubbornness too. But he was bad, He was a liar – flat out. Which I told you. I’m never broken away from it. They know it. The players know it.

All he wanted to do is get out of here and get his money.

Greatest needs in terms of player personnel:

We’ll let you know in a little while. I’m interested to hear how they evaluate our players and what they think of them.

We have a general idea; we’ve got a tough problem with Nnamdi [Asomugha] and [Shane] Lecher. That’s a tough problem. Both are un-signed and we only have one franchise [tag].

On hiring Cable, finally deciding on him:

Just listen to him. Just the fact what he did with the team at the end.

His excellence with the offensive line was never in doubt. He always did well with them.

He’s good, he really is. He really loves football; he has a passion for the goddamn thing.

On Mario Henderson:

We took a left tackle and didn’t play him the whole season because he was my pick. And then when he got in the goddamn game, in the couple games he played– he dominated the game.

On the stadium situation:

I like this stadium right here, I like this location right here.

Sharing a stadium:

I would have to think about that.

Can the Raiders succeed with the current stadium lease and revenue generated:

It’s very difficult. Yeah, it’s very difficult. Succeed? Yeah, it’s very difficult. Because when you talk to me about free agency and things like that, off-course its difficult. It’s ridiculous not to say. You have to have the finances to compete with other teams.

I’m not used to building stadiums.

Do you expect a playoff run next year?

No.

I do like to win Super Bowls, but I’m also realistic. We can win the division. But winning Super Bowls – No. I don’t think this team is ready to win a Super Bowl. We may be a year away from putting a good group together.

On Paul Hackett:

Number two [JaMarcus Russell] – that is a formidable thing. I really think Hackett can handle him. I really feel good about that.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist