Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders hired Dennis Allen on Tuesday evening. His prowess as a defensive minded coach was one of the major reasons why Reggie McKenzie selected him. Especially after a 2011 season in which Oakland’s defensive unit faltered in many vital spots and was a major reason as to why they did not reach the playoffs. Here’s a look at a few players to watch now that the Silver & Black have themselves a new head man:

Rolando McClain LB

There’s no denying McClain’s football smarts. But his ability to make impact plays, become a stout middle linebacker and consistently anchor the center of the front-seven has been a major concern, with little signs of elevating his game since entering the league in 2010. His off the field issues are also very troublesome.

Ultimately, with Allen on board, McClain needs to let loose and start stamping his name on the defense. A handful of plays a year in which people take notice is not enough. When you spend such a high selection on a linebacker of his talents, you expect far more production and steadier play, especially at this point of their career.

Michael Huff S

Does he go back to safety? Remember, at year’s end, reports were that Oakland had plans to shift him to cornerback. Yes, the Raiders desperately need to upgrade their talent at defensive back, but Allen may be also dealing with a very thin safety unit of Tyvon Branch departs. Huff is a natural free-safety and as I stated, “Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.”

Not that he’s an old 28, but Huff should be left at the position he’s worked at his whole career and Allen should be able to mold him into a safety we all expected he could be when Oakland drafted him. Just look at the level of play Allen got out of the secondary when he was coaching the Saints in 2008-2010 for reference.

Chimdi Chekwa, Chris Johnson and DeMarcus Van Dyke CBs

All cornerbacks that were ideal talents for the old regime. McKenzie and Allen are now in charge, and there’s no safety net for either of those players. Yes, McKenzie stated that he loves speedy athletic talents. But Johnson got paid heavily based on a small sample set a few years ago under Al Davis’ watch and both rookies last season were scouted and selected based on what Davis and the past coaching staff found intriguing.

Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston DEs

Lamarr Houston needs to rev it up with Dennis Allen as a head-coach.

Both of these defensive ends have motors and either or both could develop into menacing players in the league with the right tutelage. Shaughnessy will coming off a season ending shoulder injury, but before that, was recognized as one of the better edge defending and pass rushing ends in the AFC. Houston’s play dipped significantly from year one to year two. Both are young, paid very little and could be major keys to turning around a struggling defense.

Aaron Curry LB

Curry was rejuvenated, played violently and looked every part the Raider once he arrived. If there’s one player you can point at and say, he’ll benefit the most from Allen’s arrival, it could be the former fourth pick overall in the 2009 draft.

Kamerion Wimbley LB

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil were a major reason Denver’s defense soared at times in 2011. Wimbley, who was a sack machine in his first season with the Raiders, but saw his numbers drop off dramatically last season, needs to get back to his double-digit sack days. His contract dictates that, and his role will be of importance due to his veteran presence and potential output.

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Per beat writer Steve Corkran, the Oakland Raiders will move free-safety Michael Huff to cornerback next season.

This indicates that the Silver & Black are highly concerned with the play at defensive back, especially opposite Stanford Routt. Rookies DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa saw action at that spot, but both are raw and neither appears ready to take major steps forward.

Lito Sheppard ended the season getting the majority of the reps, but his play may have sealed his fate, especially after the Chargers torched him last Sunday.

Huff is versatile enough to play in space and handle being in coverage. But at this late point of his career (not that he’s is falling apart), it is a risky move with a touch of desperation. Obviously Oakland is preparing to go into free agency not wanting to upgrade that spot with this transition and have little hope that one of the younger players could evolve into a contributor quickly.

Usually cornerbacks get moved to safety, especially veterans – not the other way around.

What does that mean for the safety spots? Tyvon Branch could be a hot commodity to other clubs this off-season, and if they need a change at both positions at the back-end, it will not bode well for a pass defense that allowed 251 passing yards per game (27^th in the NFL).

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In seven career games versus the San Diego Chargers, Michael Bush has amassed 490-yards rushing (4.3) and four touchdowns, including his record breaking 242-yards from scrimmage performance earlier in this season.

Norv Turner and San Diego’s defense is well aware of the rusher’s prowess and his importance to Oakland’s offense.

“[Bush] is a big, physical guy. He’s a downhill runner,” Turner said. “What’s happened with us the last two times we’ve played them, they’ve gotten ahead in the game and he’s gotten an awful lot of carries. Two of his biggest plays the last time we played him came on screens.”

Hue Jackson is known to pull rabbits out of his hat, but Eric Weddle simplified Oakland’s attack and hit on an important aspect for them.

“They’re going to run the football. They’re going to take shots up the field. It’s pretty simple,” Weddle stated. “They’ll be successful if they win on first down and get into second or third-and-manageable.

“Carson’s an elite quarterback. He has his ups and downs, but he can make all the throws. When he’s protected he can sling it around. We didn’t play particularly well last time, 24 points, but we gave up too many big plays. They ran the ball efficiently so we have to go out and play great. It’s got to be a team effort to go out and win in Oakland with a lot riding on the line for them.”

Jacoby Ford said he is ready to go on Sunday. So is Michael Huff.

“I’ll be out there,” Ford said. “If I practice this much this week and I’m not out there, I’d be mad. I’ll be out there, though.”

If he plays, it will be as a receiver, as Oakland will not gamble with Ford as a kick returner. Bryan McCann has done well enough to maintain that job and limit any risks with Ford.

Al Saunders stated, “Well, [Ford] has practiced and we are excited to see that. He is a very talented young man with great speed and he adds another dimension when he is able to be there. He has done a nice job this week. He hasn’t practiced fully, but he has been worked in and is very, very good at what he has done so we are excited about the possibility of him making a contribution.”

John Henderson will not play, and unless Oakland gets into the deep playoff run, don’t expect the veteran back on the field this season.

Saunders on the playoffs:

“You know what, that is funny because somebody asked me just before practice, what are the scenarios of the wild card? And in all honesty, I really don’t know. I just know that we have to win. And I know having been in this league for 30 years, you can’t control anything other than what you do. And all of our focus and all our attention and all of our energy has to be spent on what we need to do against the San Diego Chargers. And then after the game, the chips will fall where they may, but I really don’t know, and I don’t look at those things, it is wasted energy. We have got enough to worry about what is going to happen over there on Sunday at 1:00.”

NOTES

• There is a lot of speculation surrounding the Chargers and whether it will be Norv Turner’s final game with the organization. As a Raider, Turner’s tenure ended after a 9-23 overall record and 1-11 divisional record, including a 0-6 mark against the west in 2005.
• “This is a rival. They hate us and we hate them, and they want to spoil our playoff run,” said Michael Huff.
• Weddle: “I love playing on the road, especially at Oakland.”

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It’s a must-win game on Sunday for the Oakland Raiders (8-7) when the rivals San Diego Chargers (7-8) invade the O.co Coliseum. With a win and some help, the Silver & Black could either be a division winner, or a wild-card participant in the post-season. Either way, Oakland has to win and finish with an above .500 record for the first time since the 2002 season for a chance at the playoffs. “You have to embrace these moments because they don’t come around too often. You want to play your best football in the biggest games. As a competitor, you have to want that, but you have to enjoy it. It’s a fun time,” said Richard Seymour.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland has to continue the trend of pounding Michael Bush at the Chargers. In seven career games versus San Diego, Bush has amassed 490-yards rushing (4.3) and four touchdowns, including his record breaking 242-yards from scrimmage performance earlier in the season.

“We’ve been doing a good job sticking to it and not getting behind where we have to turn to pass situations,” stated the running back.

Oakland has to play from in-front and pound away at the Chargers front-seven in hopes of demoralizing them but more importantly, keeping the attack balanced against a defense that has 13-sacks in their last four games.

On Defense:

Chuck Bresnahan’s unit is under scrutiny, but they’ll get back safety Michael Huff and may have a motivated Tommy Kelly, who was bypassed on the Pro-Bowl selection process.

“[Huff] gives you another outstanding competitor and another outstanding football player,” Bresnahan was quoted this week. “We’ll see where he’s at and judge it as the week goes on.”

Oakland’s secondary will likely be under a lot of pressure with Norv Turner possibly coaching his last game in San Diego and Philip Rivers wanting to go out with gun’s blazing.

The Raiders need to get a heavy pass rush and contain tight end Antonio Gates.

In 17 games versus Oakland, Gates has compiled 69-catches for 934-yards and nine touchdowns. That duty will likely go to Mike Mitchell.

Kamerion Wimbley had four sacks earlier in the season at San Diego, but has only tallied three others the entire campaign. The Chargers have been forced into seven turnovers in their last three games against Oakland, mainly due to the pressure placed on Rivers.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

On Offense:

Rivers has always been a closer, and nothing demonstrates that more than his 25-3 record as a starter in December.

Despite throwing a career high 19 interceptions, he was selected to the Pro Bowl roster. And with talk of Turner’s possible demise, he’s motivated to end the season strong.

“I think it is evident what I feel about [Turner],” Rivers said. “It has been an unusual year and a rough year. Hopefully everybody here, coaches included, will be able to gear up and go back at it next year.”

Rivers has thrown for 4,314 yards and is just the fourth quarterback in NFL history with four straight seasons over 4,000 yards. With one more touchdown pass, Rivers will become just the sixth quarterback in league history with at least 25 touchdown passes in four straight seasons.

On Defense:

Shaun Phillips has been a Raider-killer in his career, compiling 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 13-games against Oakland.

But it was Eric Weddle who made headlines this week, not just for his Pro Bowl nod, but his desire to keep the Silver & Black out of the playoffs.

“I don’t want the Raiders to go,” said Weddle, who is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. “We have control over at least one more game, and who can go. “We’re going to try our hardest to spoil their postseason and keep them out of it.”

The Chargers have struggled with spread-offenses, so it will be interesting to see if Oakland puts the game on Palmer’s abilities, or do they try to re-establish a ground presence?

GAME NOTES

• “Everybody in the locker room wants to win and wants to win now,” Shane Lechler said about the team’s playoff hopes. “My situation is, hopefully I get to see this thing go full circle. I had it great when I first got here. … Just to see it go full circle would be good.”
• Carson Palmer on the importance of Sunday’s game: “These types of games, especially when you get to play them at home. These types of games are why you do what you do in February, March, April, May when nobody is watching. It’s why you stay up late at night watching film. This is why you do that, to be prepared. … This is a big moment for this team and our fans.”
• Darren McFadden will be out.
• For the first time in 16-years, all eight home games have been sold out.
• DE Trevor Scott was named this year’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
• “I don’t know what the penalty thing is,” Tommy Kelly on Oakland’s record breaking penalty pace. “Coach stresses it, defensive coordinator stresses it, D-line coach stresses it.”
• Jacoby Ford will play on Sunday. Taiwain Jones practiced, but could be a game-time decision.

KEY MATCHUPS

Rivers vs. Oakland’s Pass Rush/Secondary

It’s been a strange season for the fiery passer, who will miss the playoffs but go to Hawaii in a few weeks. He’s into the rivalry and a huge statistical game versus a rival and keeping them out of the playoffs will be his motivation on Sunday.

Bush-whacked

San Diego was mauled by the Oakland offensive line in their first meeting. It will be in the Raiders best interest to start the game by establishing themselves on the ground and keep pounding on a defense that may want to go home early for the winter.

PREDICTION

Raiders 30 – Chargers 16
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Following their overtime victory last week, the Oakland Raiders find themselves in another must-win game as they take on the San Diego Chargers this week at O.Co Coliseum on New Year’s Day.

The Raiders kept their playoff hopes alive with their win over the Chiefs last week, but they still need to defeat the Chargers and receive help from other teams in order to make the playoffs.

In order to become the AFC West champions, the Raiders must defeat the Chargers and have the Chiefs defeat Tim Tebow and the Broncos, who are playing in Denver.

The Raiders can also obtain their first postseason berth since 2002 with a win, and a loss by the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals take on the Baltimore Ravens and the Titans take on the Houston Texans. The Raiders can also win the final wildcard spot with a Bengals loss and a New York Jets victory against the Miami Dolphins.

Although the Raiders need help from elsewhere no matter what, Hue Jackson needs to make sure that his squad takes care of their own business first as either scenario requires a Raiders victory.

The Raiders hope to have similar success against the Chargers that they achieved in week 10 when the Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17.

Luckily this week, it appears that the Chargers will be going without star wide receiver Vincent Jackson who has not practiced with a groin injury. Jackson is the Chargers leading receiver with 58 receptions for 1077 yards and eight touchdowns.

Even without Jackson, quarterback Phillip Rivers and the Chargers have a solid passing game that will look to exploit a Raiders defense that has struggled against the pass. Oakland is currently 25th in the league in defending the pass, allowing an average of 247.5 yards per game.

Although Rivers is having arguably his worst season in the NFL, he is still averaging 274.4 yards per game but also 19 interceptions. The Raiders will look to intercept Rivers and take advantage by scoring points off of any turnovers.

The Raiders benefit from the return of safety Michael Huff, who has missed the last two weeks due to injury. Huff will have a tough task of not only helping with stopping the run, but also will find himself matched up with the athletic tight end Antonio Gates. Gates has been a solid receiver when healthy this season, hauling in 59 receptions for 672 yards and six touchdowns. With Jackson out, it is likely that Rivers will look for Gates more, especially in the end zone.

The Chargers also have a formidable rushing attack to go along with Rivers and the passing game. Leading the rushing attack is second-year running back Ryan Mathews who has 1091 yards and six touchdown runs. The Chargers also like to use bruising back Mike Tolbert in goal line situations, allowing Tolbert to tally 7 touchdown runs thus far. In their week 10 match up, the Raiders were able to hold the Chargers to just 75 yards on the ground.

On offense, the Raiders will need quarterback Carson Palmer and running back Michael Bush to have the same big games that they had against the Chargers in week 10.

Palmer was able to pick apart the Chargers defense, finishing 14/20 for 299 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Rookie wide receiver Denarius Moore was able to beat the Chargers secondary on multiple plays, allowing Palmer to find him five times for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Palmer will also have another speedy option returning as wide receiver Jacoby Ford has returned to practice this week and is expected to take the field on Sunday. Ford was expected to have a breakout year this year but has been hobbled by injuries much of the season, including the most recent foot injury he suffered in the week 10 match up with the Chargers. With the return of Ford, the Raiders get their starting kickoff return man back. Ford has returned four kickoffs back for touchdowns in his short two-year NFL career.

With star running back Darren McFadden still out to a foot injury, running back Michael Bush will look to have a similar day to his career day in his last match up against the Chargers. Bush finished the game with 30 carries for 157 rushing yards, along with hauling in three receptions for 85 yards. Bush’s 242 yards from the line of scrimmage is the most for the franchise since the Art Powell recorded 247 yards in 1963.

The Raiders also see the return of the speedy rookie Taiwan Jones, who has also been out to injury. Jones will look to provide a nice spark as a speedy alternative to the bigger Bush.

There is no doubt that the Chargers will be looking to spoil the Raiders chances at the playoffs, but the Raiders will need to persevere if they want any chance of playoffs. The team needs to take care of their own business, and let the other scores play out.

With the Chargers already out of the playoff hunt, it is likely that the sold-out O.Co Coliseum will be all Raider fans in what will seem like a playoff atmosphere. With the sellout of the final game, the Raiders successfully sold out all eight of their home games this season.

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Michael Huff does not want to miss this Sunday’s match versus the San Diego Chargers. He intends to play due to the importance of the game after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring injury.

“This is a one-game season,” Huff said. “I’m going to go out there and play and give my all.”

The Oakland Raiders starting free safety was one of the more vocal players at the end of last year in their disappointment not making the playoffs, especially with a 6-0 divisional record. On Sunday, they need a win and a few other possible scenarios for them to taste the post-season.

“It feels good to be this close,” Huff said. “It’s been a while since it’s been like this around here. It’s a good feeling. We know we have to go out there and handle our business this week and everything will take care of itself.”

Taiwan Jones also thinks he can contribute this Sunday after weeks of inactivity. Oakland will re-evaluate him today and the true test will then be on Wednesday during practice. Jones will be a welcomed addition, especially since Michael Bush has carried the bulk of the ground attack, meeting career highs in rushing yards and rushes. Plus, a change of pace in the backfield could really alter the look of the run game.

Jacoby Ford and Darren McFadden are long shots to play and neither should be expected to be active.

Hue Jackson is happy with the situation Oakland is in. “There’s been a struggle to get to this position,” Jackson said. “[Everybody] knows this. It’s been well documented. But at the end of the day, to say that at the last game of the regular season, that you have a chance to have something special happen, that we’ve all talked about since Day one, that’s what you want.”

He may be saying that now, but the Raiders have blown chances all year to either snag victories late (i.e. Buffalo, Detroit), defend their home-field during a three game stretch versus rivals (i.e. Chiefs & Broncos) and were listless on the road (i.e. at Miami), all which contributed to the position they are in now.

A victory in any of those games could’ve had them controlling their own destiny or locked in already, instead of hoping for help in week-17.

If he believes his team is a playoff club, I’m sure he envisioned the Raiders getting a berth with no so much on the line with one game left. Nothing is guaranteed this weekend: a loss would be crippling, and a win and not the right breaks in other games will leave this team with a sour taste in their mouth.

PRO BOWL ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY

Oakland could have a few players headed to the Pro Bowl, most notably kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Janikowski has never made the league’s all-star team, but his coach thinks he’s the only choice in the AFC this year.

“The guy is the best kicker in football,” Jackson said. “Are you kidding me? In my opinion, hands down. If he doesn’t make the Pro Bowl this year, then something is wrong. He should already have stock over there in the Pro Bowl and he doesn’t. He should. I’d be very disappointed if his name doesn’t show up. He’s as good as there is in football. Period.”

SAN DIEGO

Reality struck safety Eric Weddle really hard this weekend when his Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention. But that quickly changed, as now they want to cherish the role of spoiler in keeping their rivals out of the playoffs.

“I don’t want the Raiders to go. We have control over at least one more game, and who can go,” Weddle said. “We’re going to try our hardest to spoil their postseason and keep them out of it.”

Oakland may look at the tape of the Lions game and read Norv Turner’s comments and use that as a plan of attack this weekend.

“A lot of it is matchups and the style of offense. We have not played well against a wide-open spread offense,” Turner said of last Sunday’s loss. “We’ve struggled against teams that spread you out and use three or four receivers. Obviously their tight end had a big day. We were concerned about that going in. I thought we’d play better than we played, though.”
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Darren McFadden jogged lightly and worked with trainers during Tuesday’s practice session.

The Oakland Raiders injured rusher has been sidelined since October 23 with an injured foot that he sustained versus the Kansas City Chiefs. He’ll likely be out again this weekend, as the Silver & Black travel to Arrowhead for their final meeting of the campaign against their divisional foes.

Hue Jackson has stated for weeks that he expects McFadden’s return and just recently reported that he will not need surgery. Jason La Canfora on Sunday reported that McFadden will likely be out for the remainder of the season and the post-season, if Oakland qualifies.

Taiwan Jones and Bryan McCann were back at practice. John Henderson (knee) and Michael Huff (hamstring) were out. Jacoby Ford (foot) is not expected to suit up this weekend – he was injured during their Thursday night match-up at San Diego.

Yesterday, Oakland inked nose tackle Travis Ivey to the practice squad, presumably to aide a defensive line that could miss Henderson again this weekend.

CRENNEL ON THE RAIDERS

Romeo Crennel addressed the media today regarding their upcoming contest in Kansas City versus their rivals.

On Oakland:

“The Raiders, they are a very talented team on both sides of the ball and they always play us tough generally. I remember the games last year when we went out there and lost in overtime and then they came here and they got after us pretty good. So this year hopefully we can flip it a little bit because we went out there and got after them pretty good and then when they come in here this time hopefully we can get them. That’s what we are going to try to get done but they do have a lot of talent. I think our guys still have a good feel from the Sunday game but I am trying to get them to put that in the background and let’s focus on the Raiders because this is the most important game of the year.”

On the rivalry and do you hate the Raiders:

“Well as it turns out that’s the case, that’s the way I feel right now. I would like to win only one game this year and it happens to be the Raiders who are coming in. That’s why I tell the guys the next game is the most important game, and this being the Raiders makes it doubly important. We’re going to be fired up to play the Raiders. Anytime we play at home we are fired up, but particularly when the Raiders come to town. We’re excited about it, I’m excited about it. Sometimes, I told you, my demeanor is a pretty even-keeled demeanor so don’t take that as I’m not getting up for the game because I’m up for the game and our guys will be up for the game.”

On his team’s playoff hopes:

“I told the players yesterday, I said by winning against Green Bay, we’re still in the hunt and that’s all I want to hear about, is we’re in the hunt. And now we have to beat the Raiders and I want all the talk and focus to be about the Raiders.”

On Tamba Hali:

“Tamba comes to work every day. He comes to work every day and particularly on Sunday. He is relentless in rushing the passer, he works at his trade.”

STATS

• In 11 games versus the Raiders, Hali has tallied 6.5 sacks.
• The Chiefs are 31-13 against the Raiders since 1990. Kansas City leads the series: 55-48-2. Oakland last lost in 2006 at Arrowhead.
• Since Nov. 20, KC has held opponents to a 27.9 3rd-down conversion rate. Oakland was 1-of-9 on 3^rd downs versus the Lions.
• Last 5-games versus the Chiefs, the Raiders have averaged 151.4 yards rushing per game.

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If the playoffs were to begin today, the Oakland Raiders (7-6) would be on the outside looking in. After squandering a few chances to take a grip of the AFC West, the Silver & Black now will have to chase the Denver Broncos (8-5).

The surest way for Oakland to get would be to win their division. How can that happen? The Raiders need to win their last three games and hope for Denver to lose two of their final three; or fall to the Kansas City Chiefs. Hue Jackson’s bunch could also earn a wild-card berth, but many more things need to happen and a lot more help will be needed, since they will have to leapfrog the New York Jets and hope that others falter.

Here are a few reasons why they will or won’t make the playoffs:

Oakland will make the playoffs because Denver will falter.

Divine intervention may be part of the Broncos run to the top, but eventually you have to figure that teams will catch-up to Tim Tebow and the Denver offense.

They play the New England Patriots this week, then travel to Buffalo for a key road game on Christmas Eve. That could be the time where Oakland can sneak back to the top of the standings. After Todd Haley’s departure, Kansas City may pack it in on the final weekend at Denver. So with all the pressure now squarely on their shoulders and two tough weeks ahead, can the Broncos secure a playoff spot?

“Our mind-set now is to win the division,” said Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil.

Oakland will not make the playoffs because of penalties, bad defense and squandered chances.

The Raiders lead the league with 130-penalties. That lack of discipline always comes back to haunt teams, especially in games where you can’t give opponents second chances. Oakland just can’t get out of their own way and they’ve had several contests that have been penalty-ridden.

The defense is allowing 160.2 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks. Down the stretch, teams will try to take advantage of that, and with the high-powered Detroit offense coming into town, and the Chargers tallying 289-yards on the ground the last two weeks, Chuck Bresnahan’s unit will have quite the battle ahead of them.

Oakland already had their chance to distance themselves from the rest. One defensive stop in the second half at Buffalo during week-two, and they could’ve been 3-0 to start the season. A three-game home stretch with a bye in the mix, versus the Browns, Broncos and Chiefs yielded just one-win. A lifeless effort in Miami, paired with a trouncing at Green Bay gave away their lead.

Oakland will make the playoffs because of their experience last season.

The Raiders went 6-0 against their rivals, but there was no solace in those achievements after losing key games down the stretch versus Miami, Jacksonville and Indianapolis, while the Chiefs put away the division before the final weekend.

“It’s just tough because all through training camp, we knew that we had a team that could win the (AFC) West, make the playoffs and compete,” Michael Huff stated last season. “I guess we’re not going to get the chance.”

“We can’t go undefeated in our division and let games like Arizona slip away. We got to have those,” said Tommy Kelly after their loss to the Colts in 2010.

This year, they suffered through tough losses and have fought back to be a streaky club. They’ll need a little help, but if those lessons learned last season served their purpose, Oakland’s veterans will remind the club what’s at stake and finish the season strong.

Oakland will make the playoffs because of their schedule.

Their last loss in Kansas City was in 2006. Oakland has not lost three-games in a row since the 2009 season and they dominated San Diego the first time around this year.

If they can’t come home and defend their field against the Lions, it will be a tough road and they’ll surely not be deserving of a post-season spot. So a big effort this weekend is expected, and you couldn’t have picked two better teams for them to try to beat than the two bottom clubs in the AFC West.

Oakland will make the playoffs because they will get healthy on offense.

Now they are conflicting reports regarding Darren McFadden’s foot injury, and whether he’ll be back at all this season. But Hue Jackson refuted that yesterday stating: “And it’s not a season-ender. I mean, that’s what we said – it’s a sprained foot, Lisfranc [injury], whatever you want to call it. Basically the same thing. I think Darren will be back before the season’s over. And when we get him back, we’ll get him back.”

Oakland has skirted around the McFadden issue and the ‘he’s coming along’ company line is drawing the ire of the fans. If he does come back, that can surely jolt an offense in need of some big-plays out of the backfield and that has been grounded the last three-weeks, averaging 78.6 per game after being atop the league the first half of the campaign.  Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford will also get back into the mix and diversify their passing attack and special teams.

Carson Palmer has yet to play a game with McFadden or a healthy offensive roster.

Oakland will not make the playoffs because of their injuries.

Maybe McFadden will never be 100% the rest of the year. And if he’s not, there’s no guarantee he’ll even perform anywhere near like he has when he’s been healthy the last two years.

Michael Bush could be hitting a wall, as he has surpassed his career marks in touches and the passing game may never be the same with Ford and Moore consistently out of the line-up and Palmer never having a full complement since he has taken over the starting spot.

Oakland will not make the playoffs because of their lack of leadership.

Richard Seymour was acquired for moments like these; a team ready to turn the corner, primed to take that extra step… needing a leader with past experience to show them the way.

Whether limited by injuries or not, Seymour has paled as a leader, getting flagged often in keys games in vital spots or not showing up at all, as evidenced by his shut-out in the stat-box versus Green Bay.

If he can’t lead by example on the field, who will? Especially on a defense that has been allowing far too many yards and points.

On offense, will Jackson be the spark? Or will one of his players seize the moment?

Oakland will not make the playoffs because of Tim Tebow and the Broncos.

Yeah, it may just be some greater power. Marion Barber’s blunders have to be explained somehow. Denver has a knack of wining, and that’s all that matters this late in the year. And at this point, it’s hard to bet against a winner.

Oakland will make the playoffs because of their O-Line & Special Teams.

For most of the season, the Silver & Black’s offensive line, especially the left side, has been the backbone of the offense. Jared Veldheer and rookie Stefen Wisniewski can get back to being a force and aide an attack that will severely need a powerful force up front. Whoever is in the backfield should benefit from the line getting back into top form.

Same with the passing attack, as Carson Palmer has shown he can be dangerous when given time and some healthy weapons.

Having the best kicking tandem in the NFL will help. But if Ford, Moore and coach John Fassel can be difference makers and game changers, this could be a an advantage that could push Oakland towards January football.

Oakland will not make the playoffs because they have peaked already.

You can make the case that their best performance of the season was against the Jets in week-three, and their grittiest was versus the Texans on the weekend of Al Davis’ passing. A three-game winning streak that was halted in Miami may have been their high point and the start of anything that could go bad… which at this point, has.

They could still snag wins in all of their remaining games and still not make the playoffs.

TWITTER FAN REACTION – Why will the Raiders make/miss the playoffs?

“after Patriots beat Broncos, their confidence is shaken and lose two in a row.” – MandoVod

“no leadership at all!!!! no attitude, mojo, swagger whatever you want to call it!!!!” – cesarz77

“Offense inability to sustain long drives screws the defense. Which will screw their chances of making the playoffs.” – Gtwitten

“lack of discipline, lack of consistency, and not taking care of the ball will result in no playoffs.” – corona_mike

“the lack of discipline and bad coaching on the D side will be the reason why they don’t make the playoffs this year SMH” – Raiderfan_559

“Raiders offense built for speed, get their speed back they r in playoffs, if not they won’t win another game this year” – MattDanforth

“Reason the raiders will make the playoffs because mcfadden will be rested when he plays the teams on a whole other level” – robbiedorris
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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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