Silver and Black Report

FB Marcel Reece in action versus the 49ers

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens continues to show fragility and is expected to be out for three-to-six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery. Head coach Tom Cable had a media session yesterday and stated it’s a “three to six week issue.”

Schilens would have been a starter, even though he has not been able to prove himself as a starter since entering the league and has spent more time on the sidelines injured than on the field. This guarantees more playing time for Louis Murphy, who is Oakland’s best wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey would have seen time out there regardless being a first round pick last year and the owner wanting to see his speedy receiver in action. Oakland was very thin and had many questions along this unit to begin with, now, without a player they depended on, Hue Jackson will face some major hurdles in the passing game unless the youngsters develop quickly.

Running back Michael Bush will undergo a procedure on his fractured left thumb, but will not likely miss the opener. Bush will get the bulk of the load of the ground if healthy.

Jared Veldheer will dabble at center and tackle this week. He’s too raw and very inexperienced at both spots. More maturations will be needed, but expect the rookie to be in the line-up sometime this year, especially if Samson Satele or Langston Walker cannot entrench themselves at their respective positions. Tom Cable said of Satele, “ want to look at it. There were some things from last night’s game that I was not pleased with but there were also a lot of good things at the center position. I think the fact that Samson is ready to go is the most important thing right now.”

DE Jay Richardson and DL Alex Daniels will miss the final game of the pre-season.

Cable gave very little when talking about his special teams: “I felt like we were getting closer to that. I don’t know after last night that it’s any clearer than it was before but I’ve got an idea.” There is little indication on who will grab the return duties, but at this point, the veteran Yamon Figurs provides more consistency and a better option at wide receiver. Johnnie Lee Higgins has not been the same since getting rocked in the home opener in 2009.

Cable on Marcel Reece:  ”Well, I’ll say this: He just continues to get better. That’s the thing that he’s shown us is that, from one week to the next he’s going out and improving on whatever his negatives were from the week before. It’s starting to show up more and more that this guy, you can coach him, he’ll take it and he’ll go get it again. I certainly think that he’s really showing himself the right way.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here are some major storylines heading into training camp for the Oakland Raiders. Depending on the outcome of these stories, the Silver & Black could continue their miserable losing stretch or finally show signs of being a respectable football club.

• Can Jason Campbell stabilize the offense and be a starting caliber QB for Oakland?

In 2009, Campbell topped all his career marks with 327 completions, 507 attempts, 3.618 passing yards, 20 touchdowns a completion percentage of 64.5% and a rating of 86.4. That was with a Washington team that had a new offensive hierarchy practically every season and a leaky offensive line. The Raiders will gladly take numbers like that. But this is Oakland – a wasteland for talent many times – and if Campbell can’t continue his growth and prove to be a starting caliber passer, the Silver & Black will be shuffling to find a passer on their roster full of back-up signal callers.

• What will the offensive line alignment look like, and can it be cohesive?

Mario Henderson at left tackle and Robert Gallery at left guard are the only two players set in stone along the trenches.  Yes Samson Satele is the projected center, but nothing along this offensive line screams out solid or cohesive. They have some youthful alternatives in Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer, but giving rookies a lot of reps is always a risky proposition. Campbell’s success and the rush attack will be reliant in this group. If there is a mess on this unit, the offense will struggle mightily.

• Will the run defense be a joke, again?

The deficiencies here have been well documented since 2003. But now Richard Seymour has a year under his belt, John Henderson has been added and rookie Lamarr Houston looks promising. The woes of the defense have stemmed from their inability to stuff the run. More talent appears in place for John Marshall, but will it finally get fixed?

• Is the mix at linebacker the right one?

This revamped grouping will be interesting to observe. Kamerion Wimbley, Quentin Groves and rookie Rolando McClain are all new faces in 2010. And it’s conceivable that all three start together. Thomas Howard is under the radar for the first time in Silver & Black and veterans like Sam Williams and Ricky Brown at this point appear to be special team contributors. If the defensive line protects this group, they have enough ability to support versus the run. But how they fare against opposing passing attacks and play in space will be the major question mark.

• Will a running back finally step up?

There is no denying that the Raiders have ability in the offensive backfield. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush could combine to give Oakland a solid ground game. But can either one break out? Who will give Hue Jackson the consistent battering ram they need to move the chains and control the clock? Their third rusher could be just as important, since McFadden will likely be used all over the formation to present match-up problems. Rock Cartwright or Michael Bennett are two veterans that could get more carries than expected because of Jackson’s intentions.

• Are the wide receivers young and exciting, or too raw and not ready for the spotlight?

Darrius Heyward-Bey could not have had a worse rookie campaign. But he did work hard during the off-season and is putting the effort in to prove naysayers wrong. That alone won’t change the opinions of those still wonder whether or not he can be a well-rounded target. Louis Murphy has starting caliber potential and Chaz Schilens wets the coaching staff’s appetitive, but his fragility is a major concern along with the looming question of whether or not he can be expected to play with expectations on him for a 16-game stretch. They are no veterans on this unit with past success and that could hurt Jason Campbell. The rest are late draft picks, projects and talents that may not make it on any other roster in the league.

• Is Tom Cable really the right coach for this team?

Cable has talked up the team and the new aura surrounding them. But it is his job to get them to believe they can win and ultimately, prove it on the field. That’s a difficult task considering their current losing streak and the sense of failure this Raider bunch has had since 2003. Another losing season and Cable will be gone. If Oakland wins and turns the page, Cable will be in a nice position to negotiate a multi-year deal to remain as coach.

• How much influence can Hue Jackson have in year one?

The offense has been anemic. The play calling, uninspiring. Enter Hue Jackson, who want to pound the football on the ground and make this offense more diverse. With Campbell at quarterback, Oakland can expand on their playbook and not be such an easy group to dissect for defenses. If Jackson can squeeze out a respectable offense out of this roster, he’ll be looked at as a savior in Raider land.

• Which young player(s) on defense shine in 2010?

McClain and Houston are two highly touted rookies. But Tyvon Branch, Trevor Scott, Matt Shaugnessy and Mike Mitchell are players that will receive significant playing time and can prove to be surprise performers. Oakland has a lot of youth on defense. If they get a few to play up to their potential, John Marshall’s group could be in the top half of total defense in the league.

• Who on special teams can shine other than the place kicker and punter?

Johnnie Lee Higgins was the break out player for the Raiders two tears ago. After a pedestrian performance from all their return specialists in 2009, a return to form for Higgins could help this special teams get back to respectability. Yamon Figurs, Jacoby Ford and Nick Miller will try to unseat Higgins. Sam Williams, Ricky Brown, Jon Condo, Travis Goethel, Mike Mitchell among others will have to cover kickoffs and punts a lot better. Which linebackers that are not in the starting line-up will wind up on special teams?

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Here are more views exclusive to SBReport.net of the Oakland Raiders Organized Team Activities (OTA). The Silver & Black are just weeks away from beginning their training camp and kicking off their pre-season campaign. Stay logged on to SBReport throughout the summer for a peek into all the happenings in Raider-Land.

Safety Tyvon Branch (#33) will be looking to break out in 2010. An underrated player in the AFC, his tackling ability around the line of scrimmage and coverage skills has improved since entering the league. Oakland boasts a young and talented defensive backfield that will only get better with Branch’s maturity and will get more recognition as the defender makes a name for himself this season.

Rookie Jacoby Ford (#12) is fast – very fast. In college, he was dubbed the “fastest player on the East Coast,” an attribute that Oakland will put to the test on special teams and as a wide receiver this summer.

Jerome Boyd (#30), a one-time linebacker, will try to sneak onto the roster as a safety. While in college, he was a two-time Honorable mention All-Pac 10 (2007-2008). Boyd was clocked running a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash in Oregon. Hiram Eugene is most likely his obstacle for a roster spot.

Elliot Vallejo (#62) is a 6’7, 315 pound tackle, who was initially signed to the Raiders practice squad on December of 2009. Released a few days later that season, Oakland brought him back on June 8, 2010. The offensive line is a major question mark for the Silver & Black, but it is unlikely that Vallejo impacts that depth chart, unless he has an impressive summer and Tom Cable’s bunch suffers crippling injuries.

Yes, the above image is of Darrius Heyward-Bey attempting to snag a pass during drills. All reports have been good so far. But his rookie season was so bad; you may have to temper the enthusiasm until the 2^nd year pro actually sees live action in a regular season game. Heyward-Bey was so bad in 2010; any signs of improvement will be received with high praise.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Jerry McDonald was on the mark when he stated in his blog that “there is no chance he’ll be traded,” when talking about Michael Bush. The Oakland Raiders intend to rely heavily on their ground game this upcoming campaign, with Bush being the focal point on the first unit as the primary ball carrier.

The two-headed monster of Bush and Darren McFadden need to step-up, and with the arrival of Hue Jackson and his desire to diversify the playbook, expect Oakland to depend on a third ball carrier as well.

McFadden, for his physical abilities, may be best suited as a jack-of-all trades; a multidimensional weapon that can cause match-up problems lined up as a receiver, or used in that same capacity out of the backfield.

Now that the Raiders feel that the competence level is a lot higher at quarterback, this will allow Jackson to implement new formations and more complex attacks.

But that will all stem off Bush’s ability to carry the load and McFadden’s skill set being utilized properly.

Michael Bennett may be that solid veteran that understands roles on a club and can contribute as the team’s reserved rusher. Rock Cartwright was also brought in to compete – and his working relationship with Jason Campbell could give him an edge.

Bush is definitely not going anywhere. And this running back grouping is by far the team’s deepest unit and one that will be expected to come up big in order for this offense to be functional in 2010.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Not much stands between Jason Campbell and the top of the depth chart

The Oakland Raiders just wrapped up their first full squad minicamp this past weekend. And after the three-day event, I stand by my opinion that Jason Campbell should be the starting quarterback for this club.

Bruce Gradkowski’s absence was noticeable. And his performances leading up to the season will influence what happens during the open competition. But no passer on this Raiders squad has the ability and capabilities of Campbell.

In an article published on April 25^th, I stated that Oakland should empower the former Redskin and make him feel at home, hand over the keys to the signal caller and give him something Washington was never able to do – security.

Competitions are always good for a job and no one is denying that Oakland needs to pick the best players for the job based on performances. But in this case, solidifying the quarterback position and giving Campbell a definitive nod will allow him to work at ease with Hue Jackson and bring to Oakland what they have needed since Rich Gannon retired…

A capable starting passer in the NFL.

OFFENSIVE LINE CHATTER…

Rookies Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer are imposing talents. And they appear to be viable candidates to either compete for starting jobs by the time the summer comes around or contribute in their first seasons. Campbell saw action at guard this weekend in trying to get him more reps with the second team and exposing the chiseled lineman to as many situations as possible. “We need to expose him a little bit,” Cable said. Samson Satele looks to have a nice gap between himself and anyone who will try to take his job atop the depth chart.

Robert Gallery is entrenched at left guard and Mario Henderson will go into 2010 looking to improve upon his first full campaign at left tackle.

Veldheer and Campbell talk during the minicamp

D-FENCE

Jay Richardson talked about his coordinator in an exclusive chat with SBReport.net last week, stating, “It’s fun. He plays an attacking style defense. John Marshall is a fundamentally sound coordinator. He wants everything done right all the time and he has a lot of personality. He does the best he can to try to get us going throughout the week, even though it gets tough sometimes, he sticks with it and he’s just one of those guys that is relentless. He has fun with it. We have a good time with coach Marshall.”

This weekend, Marshall was seen chewing out his unit during drills along with defensive line coach Mike Waufle. Oakland expects big things out of their trenches. Lamarr Houston comes off a solid first weekend and if he is able to make an impact immediately, the Raiders could have a nice mix when Richard Seymour comes back. Houston’s development under the supervision of Waufle will be a major storyline in 2010.

DMAC AND BUSH…

“Me and Michael (Bush) learned a lot from Justin. We’re just going to take the torch from him and just try to keep it going and get better every year.” Those were the words of Darren McFadden, who now has the duties of carrying the rock with Michael Bush now that the veteran is off the roster. The duo at running back will be pushed by Hue Jackson all summer and expected to be the back-bone of the offense.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders did very little at the start of the free agency period and for months leading up the NFL draft. This past weekend, with the selections they made, constant moving up and down the draft board and acquisition of Jason Campbell, Oakland has dramatically changed the outlook of the team for 2010.

But one more move would really get their fan-base buzzing and make them a legitimate breakout club for next season.

Finish the makeover and add a player that you’ve needed for years now – a Pro Bowl type defensive tackle. Sign John Henderson!

Reports this morning indicate that the Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to part ways with the 31-year old defender.

Jacksonville chose Tyson Alualu in the first round on Thursday, making Henderson and his $11 million, 2-year contract expendable. The cost cutting Jaguars were more inclined to go young in their rebuilding process. Oakland now should turn around and pick up the veteran in hopes of adding to their reloading program.

On March of 2006, Henderson had signed an extension worth $34 million and $13.4 in guarantees.

The 9^th overall selection in the 2002 draft, Henderson has been one of the more durable interior linemen in the NFL (missing only four games in eight seasons), equally adept at gobbling up space in the trenches and pushing the pocket, with his 29.0 career sacks. Not the bull rushing menace he was upon entering the league, Henderson is the type of tackle the Raiders need to help protect first round draft choice Rolando McClain and add bulk to a defensive line that has been horrid at stuffing the run since 2003.

Adding Henderson to this roster would help free up Richard Seymour, place him on the edge with rookie Lamarr Houston and second year talent Matt Shaughnessy. It will also give the Raiders a solid rotation along with Tommy Kelly and the Harvard product, Desmond Bryant. Any line that has the versatile Seymour and the hefty Henderson could potentially become one of the better ones in the AFC.

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants had reportedly expressed interest prior to his release, and could be the frontrunners for his services.

Oakland should not hesitate and gauge his interest. A signing like this would be the cherry on top of the sundae.

Maybe Quentin Groves, a teammate in Jacksonville who was just traded to Oakland, could convince Henderson to join him. Oh, then they’ll have to find someone to continue his slap facing pre-game ritual.

(Photo courtesy of: www.jaguars.com)

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable talked at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this weekend. He shot down the notion that the Silver & Black draft based on attributes only – how Oakland focuses on speedy prospects – “How about the best player? Let’s talk that way,” Cable said. “… We need to get better in some areas, and so at this thing (the combine), find who you think the best players are, whether they jump the highest or run the fastest. That shouldn’t make a damn difference. He has to be able to play football good enough for us to become a championship team.”

Oakland has been scrutinized for years about their draft strategies and in 2009, the received criticism for selecting wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey 7^th overall – who ended his rookie campaign with 9 receptions, 124-yards and 1 score.

Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt were chosen in the first round after Heyward-Bey – all out-performed the Raiders rookie and showed to have more potential in their initial seasons.

Cable also hinted to an open competition at quarterback after the abysmal season JaMarcus Russell had and the way the team looked when other passers where inserted into the line-up.

“We’re getting ready to start offseason and get to OTAs and minicamp and let the (quarterback) job be competed for,” he said. “I think that’s where we’re at in terms of our starting quarterback.

“I don’t think you would discount (using a pick on) that or any other position.”

When Cable catapulted Bruce Gradkowski atop the depth chart, the team had their best offensive outputs and scored victories at home versus playoff bound Cincinnati and on the road against Pittsburgh.

Players stated that the attack was far more dynamic and that there was a jolt of confidence when Gradkowski was in there, as oppose to Russell.

Third stringer Charlie Frye even had his chances to show what he could do, as Cable elected to go with the journeyman instead of Russell prior to a game against the Broncos when Gradkowski went down with knee injuries.

Could Charlie Frye have a chance to start in Oakland?

“(JaMarcus and I) have talked a couple of times,” Cable stated this weekend. “I know he’s working. I’m anxious for the off-season program to get started where you get a chance to see him all the time.”

Cable also addressed the rumors regarding the team’s intentions with their roster.

“We get a ton of calls about a lot of players on our football team all the time,” he said. “In fact, before I came in here I was on the phone about something. To me, that stuff happens in the NFL and it’s going to happen and it’s going to happen all the time. People call you and you listen and see if anything interests you or doesn’t interest you. Sometimes it’s crazier than you think. … You really just take the call and listen.”

Peyton Manning pointing towards the history books

One more win – that’s all he needs.

An Indianapolis Colts victory march next weekend versus the New Orleans Saints will place Peyton Manning at the threshold of immortality.

There is no denying his excellence as a leader, a stellar passer and his jaw dropping efficiency during the regular season. But the post-season is where greatness is achieved.

Joe Montana catapulted atop of the list of the game’s elite signal callers on the strength of four Super Bowl victories. Johnny Unitas, the consensus standard in which all quarterbacks are judged by, orchestrated the Baltimore Colts offense from 1956-1972 and won two NFL World Championship and a Super Bowl crown in 1970.

Manning is one more step away from joining that group and in my opinion, putting a lot of distance between himself and the likes John Elway, Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Brett Favre, Dan Marino or any other passer you want to throw into the mix.

As it stands right now, you can make the case that Manning is head and shoulders above many of those guys. But a win will undoubtedly cement that.

His resume is of historic proportions.

Manning is a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time second team All-Pro and the Colts all-time leader in career wins, passing touchdowns, pass attempts and completions, and passing yards.

But more notable than all those iconic marks, is the consistency he has played with throughout his career.

Manning entered the league in 1998 and endured a 3-13 campaign as a rookie. Since, the Colts have won 128 games while he has been under center, with only one losing season (6-10 in 2001). Indianapolis has notched at least ten wins in 10 of his 12 campaigns since taking him with the first pick of the 1998 draft, recording 14 victories twice (2009 and 2005) and at least 12 wins in seven of those years.

He’s been in the playoffs on 10 occasions and in Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears; Manning got his first ring and a Super Bowl MVP.

This Sunday, I believe he’ll get his second.

And for the passer that started since entering the league out of Tennessee, and every game since (192 in the regular season, 17 in the playoffs), aiming for Favre’s NFL marks for yards, touchdowns, completions and attempts is well within reach.

Manning has never had any major injuries, the Colts offensive line rarely allows him to get hit and his masterful way of playing quarterback and toying with defenses keeps his jersey clean year in and year out.

So no one is going to lose money predicting 5-to-6 more years of epic excellence. Especially when he averages almost 4,200 yards passing and 30 touchdowns a season.

Manning will have all the major statistical records if he plays long enough. I think he’ll have his second Super Bowl ring next Sunday night.

And when its all said and done, he’ll have his place as one of the three greatest quarterbacks in league history and be one the greatest players to ever don football pads.

That cheese is going down nicely this morning in Green Bay.

The New Orleans Saints ousted Brett Favre – who spent a year in New York Jet green before landing where he always wanted to go – when his Minnesota Vikings lost in overtime 31-28.

His last pass as a Packer, a crippling interception to Corey Webster in overtime, that propelled the New York Giants into the Super Bowl and a historic finish to their campaign.

His closing act as a Jet was a three-interception performance against the Dolphins.

“The hardest part is the finality of it,” Favre said after that game, “especially when you expect to go on.”

He didn’t go on to the playoffs after an 8-3 start in New York, but he did move on to Minnesota.

And with Packer fans dreading his arrival to the hated foe, and the Vikings making a push to a Super Bowl, Green Bay couldn’t have been happy to see Favre with the ball with two minutes left in New Orleans with a chance to fulfill his dream.

A Super Bowl was within reach. A chance at adding to his legacy was a few yards away. But Favre’s one-way destination was undone again by…

Well, Brett Favre.

His last pass as a Viking could be that interception he lofted into the hands of Tracy Porter.

The gunslinger that played recklessly throughout his career just crashed Minnesota’s dream of a Super Bowl into the ground.

Instead of just running toward the sidelines and picking up a few more yards for a game winning field goal attempt, the football God’s righted everything.

Favre’s offense never got to see the football field again.

A fitting sight for Packer fans that were left yearning another Super Bowl appearance a few years back when Favre tossed away their dreams and then held the organization hostage as he did many off-seasons.

He eventually got what he wanted. Favre got to the Vikings.

It took a short disingenuous stint in New York for it to happen, but he got his way.

Yesterday, Packer fans got their way.

“The year could not have gone any better, aside from us not going to Miami,” Favre said last night.

In Green Bay, even though their team team suffered a bitter playoff defeat, their year could not have gone any better after seeing Favre fizzle and being sent home with no shot at adding to his ring total.

Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour called the Dale and Holley show on WEEI Boston and talked about his trade to the Silver & Black, his time playing in the Bay Area and what the future may hold.

He opened the interview giving a description of happenings prior to the move to Oakland, stating that he was not in talks with the New England Patriots regarding an extension.

“We were not working on a contract,” stated Seymour.

The Raiders acquired the versatile lineman prior to the start of the season for their first round draft selection in 2011. In the final year of his contract, he was due $3.685 million after the swap, a move that surprised everyone throughout the league.

“It was definitely a shocker,” he commented. “I was definitely caught off guard by the trade.”

After the announced deal, many speculated whether or not he was going to report and why it was taking so long for him to make his way to Oakland. Be he cleared up the rumor stating:

“No, it was never anything like that. It was still a shocker. For me, it was how do I make this work. I have kids in school. What’s the best environment for them to be in?”

Seymour felt at ease, saying, “[The Raiders] were ecstatic to have me.”

He then talked about his year in Oakland, their acquisitions and what they need to do to get better.

“I think we got some players in there right now. They brought myself in, Greg Ellis…”

“I just think we have to get more consistent play, especially in some vital positions. And continue to bring in good guys and good coaches.”

The 30-year old said, “From a talent standpoint, this is one of the most talented teams that I’ve been on. But talent alone doesn’t get it done. I think you need to have a good combination and a steady mixture of both. We are still trying to figure that out.”

The radio host then asked about his pending free agency and the possibility of the Raiders using their franchise tag to keep him in Oakland.

“I’m in a unique situation where obviously, I played out my contract, I’ve one my time there and I’ve talked to Mr. [Al] Davis before I left and he said he would be getting in contact with my agent to try to work a deal out.”

Then, for the first time this season, Seymour outwardly stated his desire to stay in Silver & Black: “I would like to re-sign out in Oakland, because I think its always, when you can be a foundation piece and help turn an organization around, I think that’s a challenge for me.”

He explained why:

“I’m willing to take on that responsibility and that challenge and help being a part of bringing in some good guys that really can make a difference. I really enjoyed putting on the Silver & Black.”

TID-BIT

Seymour had interesting thoughts about certain players in the game and a football philosophy that was used in New England during their glory days.

“I just think now, over the course of time, I think I’ve seen where a lot of players now kind of obsess with everything that comes along with football. Whether it be the money, the fame, just the ability to take care of your family, travel around the country and maybe winning isn’t a priority.”

He continued, “When you evaluate players, and really find out what they are about I’ll take a less talented guy – If I was a GM – take a less talented but guy that really cared about football…

“A guy that is in the weight room, that is in the study room, doing everything that it takes to be a champion and that’s the guy you want in the foxhole with you.”

If I had the chance to ask Seymour a follow up after he made those comments, I would’ve loved to hear his thoughts on JaMarcus Russell, the quarterback situation in Oakland and whether or not that theory of wanting a player that yearned to win and how others just cash a check and move on, applied to anyone donning Silver & Black?

Just wondering…