Silver and Black Report

The NFL combine is under way, the Oakland Raiders are scouting potential draftees and the ball will begin to roll towards free agency and altering the roster.

COMBINE

Maryland left tackle Bruce Campbell is looking like first round talent after his workouts. Oakland has a need for offensive linemen, and when you see his vitals; an unofficial 4.78 40-yard dash, prototypical size (6-6, 314 pounds) and the physical traits he possesses, you quickly get the idea that this is the type of specimen the Raiders fall in love with. He just started 17-games in college and is getting attention for his attributes. You see this unfold and start thinking whether this guy is another Mike Mamula in the making. At least he’s saying all the right things.

“I feel everyone has room for improvement,” Campbell said. “But I feel like I have a little more. My first year, I’m really going to work on it because I really want to get in and play. I’m not the type of person who comes to the N.F.L. and is satisfied with just being here. I actually want to do something in the N.F.L.”

And Oakland has already talked to the prospect.

Rolando McClain is the top linebacker in this class. And he knows it.

“I think everybody’s pretty much interested,” McClain commented to reporters Saturday in Indianapolis. “The question is if I’m going to be available.”

The 6-3, 254 pound talent looks to be a lock to transition well to the next level. Oakland has a desperate need to upgrade their linebacker unit. But its hard to see Al Davis put that much value in a position so high in the first round that he generally fills in later rounds or through free-agency.

Last year, the Silver & Black tabbed Slade Norris in the 4^th round. In 2006, they selected Thomas Howard in the 2^nd round and in 2005, Kirk Morrison was chosen in the 3^rd round. The last time Oakland selected a linebacker in the first round was Napoleon Harris in the 2002 draft, but that was 23^rd overall. Prior to that, the last player at that position to get drafted that high by Oakland was Rob Fredrickson in 1994 (22^nd overall).

Russell Okung, another prospect the Raiders have been linked to suffered a groin injury at the combine. He had a good showing with a 5.17 second 40-yard dash and bench pressing 225-pounds for 38 repetitions. The Detroit Lions took a long look at him, but they are still expected to go with a defensive tackle.

If there is a trade atop the draft, and the Lions feel that Okung is their guy, this is where it could happen with the Buccaneers or Redskins moving up to Detroit’s spot.

TRADE TALK…

“Ah, there we go. You are trying to get me,” Rex Ryan said after asked whether or not Nnamdi Asomugha could be paired up with Darrelle Revis. “I get myself in enough trouble, alright. So I really don’t need your help to get me in trouble. I think I will pass on talking about any player that is under contract.”

Don’t look for the Raiders to move up the draft, unless someone they are targeting slips past the top three spots.

Oakland’s draft board could be the hardest to figure out in all the NFL. But due to the economic times, their inability to generate revenue like other top clubs and the amount of high first rounders they currently have under contract, the Raiders will feel comfy sitting at 8 overall and letting the chips fall where they may.

SEYMOUR TAG

Richard Seymour’s ‘exclusive’ franchise tag will net him at least $12.398 million for 2010 if he signs the one-year tender. The exclusive designation excludes the former New England Patriot to negotiate with another club. Seymour can’t sign the contract until March 5, the official start of free agency. Oakland will like to get the valuable lineman inked to a long-term deal.

Clancy Pendergast was added to the Oakland Raiders coaching staff in early February. This week, he decided to bolt the Silver & Black and become the defensive coordinator at California.

The Golden Bears had a vacancy on their staff when Bob Gregory departed to Boise State. Cal head coach Jeff Tedford filled the void with Pendergast and stated, “He has been a defensive coordinator on football’s biggest stage and will be a tremendous asset to Cal football.”

Pendergast has worked for Cleveland, Dallas and Houston before spending time in Kansas City (2009) and Arizona (2004-2008).

Although no specific role was assigned to Pendergast publicly, talked surrounded him working in the secondary with Lionel Washington.

Per ESPN, the Oakland Raiders will use their franchise tag on defensive lineman Richard Seymour if both sides cannot agree on a long-term contract extension.

Oakland acquired the five-time Pro Bowler prior to the start of the 2009 campaign for a 2011 first round draft choice.

If he is tagged, Seymour could make $12.398 million – the cost of the franchise label for a defensive end this upcoming season. Oakland has until next Thursday to decide whether or not to designate him as their franchise player.

Seymour was named in January to the All-Decade team and is a three-time first team all-pro and a three-time Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) with the New England Patriots.

Back in mid-January, he stated, “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.”

He continued: “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.”

In 2004, Oakland utilized their franchise tag on Charles Woodson two days prior to the deadline and after not being able to negotiate on a long-term deal, they took that tact again the following season keeping him around in 2005 with the pricey designation.

In February of 2008, Nnamdi Asomugha got tagged, as Oakland retained exclusive negotiating rights with the cornerback. A year later, he expected to be tagged again stating, “Last year, Al (Davis) called me the day before just to let me know he’s going to do it, and then they waited until the very last possible second.

“I don’t know how they’ll do it this year, but the expectation from my agent is that the tag will happen.”

Asomugha inked a three-year deal worth $45.3 million with $28.5 million in guarantees that off-season.

Seymour ended his first season in Oakland with 47-tackles, one forced fumble and 4-sacks.

He said at seasons end, “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.”

Yes – the New York Jets are looking to upgrade their other starting cornerback spot.

New York is not planning to pick-up a $10 million option on Lito Sheppard’s deal. He struggled with injuries all season and was torched in big spots in 2009. Ultimately, he was benched in the AFC Championship Game in favor of second-year pro Dwight Lowery.

And in that Rex Ryan defense where there’s a one-man island at one cornerback spot, and the emphasis is on blitzing with extra defenders from the secondary, Gang Green will be searching through many avenues this off-season to pick-up competent defensive backs that can play in their schemes.

But acquiring Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha will not be an option.

This past weekend at the Pro Bowl, both Asomugha and Darrelle Revis flirted with the idea of possibly blanketing the same defensive backfield.

“Me and Revis have been talking to Rex to try to do something,” Asomugha commened. “You may see us in the future. There’s a little bit of talk going on. Either he’s coming to Oakland or something else will happen.”

New York’s shut-down defender stated, “Me and him have talked about it, but I can’t really control that situation. I don’t know if he can either.”

All that talk was just playful banter.

It happens a lot every year in the Pro Bowl.

Neither is a free agent, and talk like that usually occurs when one player is going to be free to test his value in an open market and many other potential teammates try to recruit that player.

But players also envision themselves playing with other talents and conjure up dream scenarios that could lead to them sharing the same field donning the same colors.

This Asomugha/Revis talks is just that. Most likely a pipe dream that neither will probably get to see become reality.

Asomugha just inked the richest deal ever for a cornerback and has two more years remaining in Oakland.

Revis, the arguably NFL’s best cornerback this season, and the Jets will begin talks of an extension that will keep him there for the majority of his career.

So unless the Raiders decide its in their best interest to trade away their most marketable talent, a man beloved by their fan-base, the community of Oakland for his charitable work and his stellar play on the field, this Asomugha to New York talk, or Revis wearing Silver & Black has no chance at happening.

An Asomugha/Revis tandem would be dynamic to see. If you want to check that out, find a way to make that happen on your Madden video game.

“In a league where the art of man-to-man has kind of gone out of style, that could bring it back,” Asomugha said.

Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler was selected for the Associated Press All-Pro team.

The 33-year old received 48 out of a possible 50 votes from a panel of sports writers. It is Lechler’s 5^th all-pro selection after punting 96 times for an average of 51.1 and landing 30 of those kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Lechler enjoyed his best season as a pro, nearly breaking Sammy Baugh’s single season mark for gross punting average.

“It’s a good honor, something to be proud of, I really appreciate it. I’m truly humbled and honored.” Lechler stated on the official Raiders web site. “It’s an honor [to be part of the Raiders tradition of great punters], They’re all good guys who just went out and did their jobs on Sundays. That’s what I’m proud to be a part of.”

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was chosen as a 2^nd team All Pro.

Former Raider Charles Woodson was on the first team along with Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets.

“Being selected an All-Pro for the third time in my seven-year career with the Raiders is the most humbling honor of all,” Asomugha said. “I’m very proud to continue to carry the torch for a long line of Raiders cornerbacks that have had great success in this league. I’m truly honored and proud to be recognized.”

Oakland Raiders legend Willie Brown retired on Wednesday.

He commented to reporters outside the team’s facility, “I’m retiring,” and then stated “Yep,” as he went on his way when he was asked if he was serious.

Oakland has not made an official announcement, but per beat writer Steve Corkran, Raiders CEO Amy Trask stated, “Willie shall be remembered as one of the, if not the, greatest Raiders players of all time. We will honor Willie in the coming months.”

Brown just finished his 39^th year of service to the Silver & Black and the 15^th as the Director of Squad Development and defensive backs assistant. He was the secondary coach from 1979-88 and during that span, the team won Super Bowls XV and XVIII.

He played for the Raiders from 1967-1978 and tallied 54 interceptions during his illustrious 16-year career. In one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history, Brown returned a Fran Tarkenton interception 75-yards for a score during the Raiders 32-14 mauling of the Minnesota Vikings.

His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame came on July 28, 1984.

Brown stated on his way out on Wednesday that he had no knowledge of Tom Cable’s status with the Raiders and that all other coaches are still employed by Al Davis.

Michael Huff was reminded everyday of the importance Oakland places in solid secondary play.

“I’m wearing the number 24″ he said a few years back. “Willie Brown follows me around every day.”

And that legacy at cornerback that is rich in tradition in Oakland was also carried by another no. 24 that just won a defensive player of the year for the Green Bay Packers – Charles Woodson – who always praised Brown for aiding his development.

Current Raiders Pro-Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha stated once, “You’ve got to be able to play man if you play for the Raiders. It’s that simple.”

Not too many did it better, nor taught it as well as Brown.

According to beat writer Steve Corkran, the Oakland Raiders could be ready to pull the plug on Tom Cable.

In an article written after the 21-13 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, he stated that several people close to Al Davis believe that he is inclined to fire Cable and bring in a new head coach.

Cable replaced Lane Kiffin four games into the 2008 campaign and went 9-19 as interim/head coach.

For the most part, players have been supportive of Cable and have stated their desire for some continuity. If he is canned, the next coach to come in will be the sixth since Jon Gruden’s departure after the 2001 season.

Players lobbied after the 2008 season before Oakland took away the interim label.

“If (Al Davis) wants to ask or if he’s interested in our opinion, I’m sure any man in this locker room would vouch for (Cable),” commented running back Justin Fargas. “From just the way he’s treated us with respect and raised our expectations.”

After the Ravens game, others stated their thoughts:

“Sometimes it doesn’t take a coach two years, sometimes it does take him three,” Nnamdi Asomugha commented. “Tom during his speech today said, ‘This is a playoff team and next year we’ll be in the playoffs.’

He continued: “We started to get a rhythm, and we started to understand what we were doing. I would definitely try to get Cable back, just because that gives us some consistency.”

Cable took over the play calling during his span. But the offense lacked plenty of pop, mainly due to the faulty development of young players.

JaMarcus Russell is nearing mega-bust status, Oakland gambled taking speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey so high in the draft and Darren McFadden has not found his niche, nor has he been the explosive talent they expected upon his arrival.

Cable did make a move away from Russell, and when Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye took over, the offense appeared more respectable.

But how does Al Davis feel about that, as he has clearly stated in the past that Russell was his choice and believes in his future greatness.

Russell is guaranteed $3 million next year and slated to bank $9.45 million in base salary.

“There always is (hope) for anyone who has the talent,” Cable was quoted.

Among some of the lowlights during Cable’s tenure:

His team’s inability to put together solid back-to-back efforts and getting hammered the week after victories, being overwhelmed with the Xs and Os during contests, noted especially as Oakland was one of the worst teams offensively coming out of halftime and then there were the stories ESPN exposed about his history of violent behavior that brought unnecessary coverage and more negative public vibes to a team that is in the midst of seven straight seasons with 11 or more losses.

Oh, and lets not forget the Randy Hanson saga.

Cable has been a good soldier. He did turn around a horrid offensive line that allowed 72-sacks in 2006 and made them into a functional group. He turned Robert Gallery’s career around, made Mario Henderson into a starting caliber left guard, was at the helm when the team pulled off solid victories against playoff contending teams and gave this team some semblance of order after the Kiffin fiasco.

If Oakland does give him the boot, where do they go?

Are there better options for this organization that will legitimately embrace this job as Cable has? And will more change just add regression to a team that is in no shape to move backward after showing signs of life in 2009.

Cable may not be the best head coach out there; but he may be there best option.

Unless a proven commodity comes in and takes over and the owner finally loosens up and allows football decisions be made by others, more of the same will be seen.

Cable may be a better position coach than a head coach. He also may only be able to take these Raiders so far. Cable doesn’t give the impression of a coach that can take his team forwardnad make major steps to turning them into a contender. And if that’s the case and Oakland parts ways with him, Davis must open up the bank account and step away to let a premier coach run his fledgling organization.

If Cable stays, Davis must let him coach, run his team and give him help on the sidelines (i.e offensive coordinator) and allow him to do as he pleases to turn this ship around.

Like Gerard Warren stated: “Guys fought with a lot of effort this year, but 5-11 just don’t get it cut, man. We’re trying to be in the playoff race and go try to get this (Super Bowl) ring. That’s what the game’s all about.”

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

OAKLAND — Oakland Raiders’ quarterback Jamarcus Russell, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and receiver Chaz Schilens talk to the media after their loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Here is video of the sessions:

JaMarcus Russell
video management, video solution, video streaming

Chaz Schilens
video management, video solution, video streaming

Nnamdi Asomugha
video management, video solution, video streaming

Richard Seymour
video management, video solution, video streaming

Nnamdi Asomugha and Shane Lechler will represent the Oakland Raiders once again on the AFC Pro Bowl squad in January.

It will be Lechler’s fifth designation as a member of the all-star team and Asomugha’s third selection. The punter currently leads the NFL in punting with a 51.1 average while flirting with Sammy Baugh’s record 51.4-yard average from the 1940 season.

“I looked it up when I first got in the league and I’m still chasing him,” said Lechler earlier in the year.

Asomugha continued his stellar play at cornerback all season, drawing many praises as one of the better defenders in the entire league.

In February, the Raiders inked Asomugha to a three-year deal, making him the highest paid defensive back in league history.

“I am excited and happy for the Raiders who have been selected for the Pro Bowl,” Raiders Head Coach Tom Cable was quoted on their official web site. “It’s tremendous that they are being recognized as the best at their positions. They deserve it and the Raiders organization is proud of them. The Raiders have rich history and tradition and these players exemplify what it means to wear the Silver and Black.”

Zach Miller, who has improved his statistics in back-to-back-to-back seasons since entering the NFL, was chosen as an alternate. He currently leads the Raiders in receptions (59) and yards receiving (767) and is one of the better all around tight ends in the league.

Richard Seymour was also picked as an alternate with his 4-sacks playing along the interior of the defensive line. Oakland acquired his services from the New England Patriots for a first round pick in the 2011 draft.

The Pro Bowl will be played in South Florida on January 31, 2010.

ANALYSIS

Asomugha is Oakland’s best player and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He won’t garner league MVP recognition like Charles Woodson or Darrelle Revis, but he has been an upper echelon talent in this league for a few years now. When it is all said and done, Lechler may be the greatest punter who has ever donned a jersey. No one is better than he is and rightfully should draw Ray Guy comparisons as his career winds down. Miller can block, pass catch and is a model citizen. Other tight ends may be more dynamic, but he is reliable and highly productive on a terrible offense and for an attack that has very little weapons to draw attention away from his abilities. Yet he continues to get better and better. Seymour added a new element to the Raiders front seven in 2009. But the key will be whether or not Oakland can keep him around for a few more campaigns. His contract will be up, and the Raiders may be forced to designate him their franchise player this off-season. Seymour has not talked about his future in Silver & Black, but many signs point to him not yearning to stick around. May a huge contract at his age – something the Raiders are not afraid to do is dole out money to veterans – be enough to keep him?

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (5-9) face the Cleveland Browns (3-11). It will mark the 18^th meeting between both clubs with the Silver & Black leading 10-7. In their last meeting, Oakland blocked a late field goal to capture a 26-24 victory. The Browns are on a two game winning streak, something the Raiders will try to achieve with a road win – a feat that has been highly elusive in the short Tom Cable era.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

What to Expect on Offense:

The Raiders are moving forward with Charlie Frye. The passer cleared all tests after his concussion and has been practicing with the squad. Bruce Gradkowski has improved per Cable, but there is very little chance for him to see any action.

Justin Fargas is expected to miss the game on Sunday, which means more of the tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. Zach Miller has been limited during the week. There is a chance he may play, especially with Brandon Myers (concussion) looking like he may be inactive. Rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey will be sidelined once again and will probably not see action again this season.

With Cleveland allowing 149.6 yards per game on the ground, expect Oakland to support Frye with a heavy load of Bush and McFadden sprinkled in all over in varying formations.

What to Expect on Defense:

“We love that guy from when he was here,“ stated Thomas Howard about his former coordinator, Rob Ryan. “You always have a place in your heart for a guy like that. He drafted me and was my coordinator. But, hey, we’re on opposite sides of the field this Sunday and we’re getting after him. Like he said, it’s bedlam.”

This is a different defense than what Ryan last saw when he was their leader.

One key has been their ability to rough the passer, and Greg Ellis has been a huge part of that.  He was limited in practice again this week, but as I stated a few weeks ago, the Raiders will take it easy on him during the week and unleash the veteran on game day.

Don’t expect the Raiders to let up on their pass rush. They’ll continue to bring the heat with extra defenders in hopes of facilitating mistakes out of Derek Anderson.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Shane Lechler sounded very confident this week when talking about his squad’s ability to lock down the dangerous Joshua Cribbs.

“We’re going to do exactly what we did to [Devin] Hester, what we did to Dante Hall four years ago when he was at Kansas City,” Lechler reported this week. “ When you do (try to avoid the returner) it goes to show that you don’t trust your guys. I’m willing to put my guys up against anybody. I like my guys. My punt team is outstanding, they play their butt off every Sunday.”

CLEVELAND BROWNS

What to Expect on Offense:

Jerome Harrison’s 286-yard three-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs was epic. He broke Jim Brown’s team record and now faces a 30^th ranked rush defense that can allow big chunks on the ground and big games from unknown rushers.

Derek Anderson will start for Brady Quinn, but some his thoughts this week were with the looming change atop the organization, as Mike Holmgren agreed to take over as team president recently.

“I think it’s an audition for everybody,” said Anderson, who will try to impress his new boss now that Quinn is out with a foot injury. “We’ve all got to continue to do good things and make plays and just play and do the things we’ve been doing the last few weeks.”

What to Expect on Defense:

The Browns utilize a 3-4 scheme under Ryan and head coach Eric Mangini. And they have been wildly inconsistent, playing stellar against the Steelers once week and then looking like a sieve versus a feeble Chiefs attack.

Linebacker Matt Roth has been a pleasant surprise lately. He recovered a fumble and recorded a key sack last weekend. “Matt’s been great. I think he’s done an excellent job in terms of fitting in with the group. The guys seem to really enjoy having him here. He’s tough,” stated his head coach.

What to Expect on Special Teams:

Cribbs versus the special teams of the Raiders – it doesn’t get better than that. “Every single time I touch the football I’m like, ‘Hey, I’m going to go. Not just good field position, but this is going back to the house,’” Cribbs said. “My eyes light up, it’s like a kid on Christmas Day every time I get the ball.”

He now holds the NFL record for 8 kickoff returns for touchdowns. He may be able to add more scores in a different role, as a defender, per Mangini in the near future.

“He is a physical tackler. He is very aggressive. He has good ball skills in terms of his ability to locate the ball, pluck the ball. He’d be great with interceptions. He’d be a dangerous returner if he got a pick. I don’t think it’s going to happen short term, it could be something that evolves.”

GAME NOTES

• The Browns have won six of the last eight meetings versus Oakland.
• In Oakland’s five-wins, their margin of victory is an average of 2.8 points.
• “He was one of the only coaches that stuck by me when I was in the beginning of my career trying to learn the new position,” Nnamdi Asomugha said of Rob Ryan. “The amount of confidence he had in me was huge and it did a lot for my development as far as growth with the cornerback position. I owe a lot to him and he knows that already so it’s going to be great seeing him. He’s a favorite of mine.”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Cribbs vs. Oakland’s cover teams

Every time the ball is kicked to Cribbs, there is excitement and anticipation he will do something special.

Which Run Defense implodes?

Both teams can put out awful efforts stopping the run. With a record breaking rusher that came out of nowhere on one side and a talented duo on the other side, this could be a game decided in the trenches and by rushers.

PREDICTION

Raiders 23 – Browns 20

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Don Criqui providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Randy Cross 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 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 directly from the official Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 1:00 p.m. ET | Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cle., OH

Home Team: Cleveland Browns (3-11) Home: 1-5 Road: 2-6

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (5-9) Home: 2-5 Road: 3-4

LINE: Raiders are 3-point underdogs

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist