Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

He posted on his Twitter account today, “Oakland has emerged as leader in Donovan McNabb sweepstakes. Doesn’t mean another team couldn’t get deal done, but Raiders are team to beat.”

On the networks NFL Live show, he stated the Silver & Black are the “clear cut favorites,” and that the organization is not worried about Philadelphia’s asking price or that McNabb has only one year left on his current deal.

A potential issue for the Raiders could be trying to ink both McNabb and defensive tackle Richard Seymour after the end of next season.

Seymour was tagged as the club’s franchise player this off-season and it will be imperative for Oakland to extend him if McNabb comes to town, or deal with two veteran players that could potentially want out once their contracts are up.

Staying in Oakland could be more enticing for the defensive lineman if McNabb comes aboard, as then he’ll see that the team is putting out an effort to get better and add talent to a club that has been one of the laughingstocks of the league since 2003.

Also, a trade to land McNabb could be consummated especially if the Raiders can add a few years to his deal.

The Raiders acquired DeAngelo Hall in 2008, but the deal became official once the cornerback was able to agree on a new seven-year deal.

A similar situation could occur here, as the Raiders may ask to negotiate with McNabb and his agent before locking themselves in a trade that will leave them in limbo with a passer that may want to test the free-agent waters after 2010.

McNabb could be tagged Oakland’s franchise player next off-season if a deal is not reached, but then they’ll have to pay an aging quarterback an excess of $20 million a year. And if Seymour is not locked in on a deal by then, Oakland will have to retain two major players that they would have given up vital compensation for, or face major scrutiny if either or both walk.

Another aspect to consider is how the team is forecasting the summer in terms of their quarterback depth chart.

JaMarcus Russell is still on the roster, being paid a copious amount of money so far, and at this point, they are so many conflicting reports about his ethic and weight this off-season, maybe the Raiders are finally realizing that if they were able to going to cut their losses, now is the time to do it.

With no salary cap ramifications in this un-capped year, its time for Oakland to cut their losses right now, especially if McNabb is a serious option.

And if bringing in McNabb means that Raider personnel now look at Russell in a different light, and that they no longer have faith in the former number one overall pick, then that will be a good thing. And if the Raiders realized that Russell at this point cannot be salvaged, and he is cut right after McNabb comes in, it will be one of the better moves they have made in some time.

McNabb gives the Raiders instant credibility and leadership. Bruce Gradkowski, for all the hard work he does and all the positive vibes he brings to the huddle, is not a proven, legitimate starting caliber passer in this league.

What would be a strange sight could be a sideline with both Russell and Gradkowski, while McNabb leads the team onto the field. Then they’ll have a Brinks Trunk worth of money invested in one position.

Hey its Oakland, we’ve seen them shower Javon Walker and other players with obscene deals.

Stranger things have happened…

The deal obviously circles around quarterback Donovan McNabb, with the Eagles pushing out of town the veteran to clear a jam at that position. But just recently, Nnamdi Asomugha’s name has been added to the equation.

Reports state that the Silver & Black would be willing to deal the cornerback, but the Eagles may be reluctant due to the massive contract attached to Asomugha.

From Oakland’s perspective; getting Asomugha’s landmark deal off the books could be enticing. He has one year left on a contract that will ensure him $16 million next season with a provision that could net him up to $20 million including an $8 million roster bonus at the end of this month.

The Eagles will be hesitant to take on such a burden, even though they’ll be relieving themselves of a quarterback that they may have to move at this point due to the poor handling of this matter.

And Oakland also makes for a good partner in this scenario due to the report that was disseminated by The Associated Press, which stated that a person close to the discussions gained knowledge about the Eagles insistence that whomever they deal with, must have a pick among the 42 selections in next month’s draft. The Raiders have the 8^th overall selection in the draft and the 39^th overall.

So far, the Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings have been linked as potential suitors.

The Rams can potentially snag a passer in the draft, Buffalo as well, and the Vikings are eagerly anticipating any word on Brett Favre’s future.

McNabb has led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games in 11 seasons. He continues to be very productive at 33-years old and is still a highly capable starter in this league.

As much as the Raiders love Asomugha and all he has done for the organization and community, this deal makes a lot of sense, especially if they can bring back a cornerback in the deal off the Eagles roster.

The Eagles shouldn’t have to break the bank to jettison McNabb. Financially, it makes no sense for them.

And as intriguing as this move would be, Oakland could use the financial relief and the sure handed presence at quarterback.

Asomugha exemplifies everything good in professional sports. He’s one of the few bright spots in this current era of Raider football that can be looked at with pride & poise. Since he arrived in 2003, Oakland has been on a monumental down swing. But he has established himself as a Pro Bowler and a philanthropist.

A fan favorite, Asomugha’s departure could be met with mixed reviews. Many will like the fact that his contract being off the payroll will only help the team gain more flexibility as they move forward. Others will scoff at that notion of trading away one of the lone bright talents that were developed during this time of misery.

But with JaMarcus Russell casting a dark shadow on this club and Bruce Gradkowski, an underdog, as possible candidates to lead this team going into 2010, a trade for McNabb makes almost too much sense.

McNabb undoubtedly wants to go to a contender. Oakland is not one.

And that could put a snag in his possible future in Silver & Black, as he’ll work under a one-year deal till he becomes a free agent in 2011. Then like Richard Seymour, the Raiders will have to convince McNabb to stick around.

So it will be imperative for Oakland to get an extension if any deal for McNabb does down.

If not, there could be quite a mess in trying to keep Seymour and McNabb past 2010.

The cons of a deal of this magnitude; you’ll be getting a quarterback who is aging, playing on a team that has a unsteady offensive line and questionable skill position talent around him.

The names are big, the stakes are high…

Oakland and Philadelphia have many reasons to make this deal – and to reject such a trade.

One team is operating under the gun; the other has millions of fans feeling like they’ve been looking down the barrel of one for seven years.

But once again, rumors swirl and the head coach has stated that inquiries have been made about the quarterbacks on his roster and that they are listening to potential deals.

“I’m listening [to offers] out there,” Reid said Wednesday, according to Philly.com. “I’m not saying I’m doing anything. But we’re keeping our ears open.”

And a reasonable partner in these trade talks could be the Oakland Raiders. At least one reporter – Andy Schwartz, CSNPhilly.com – has indicated that sources lean on Oakland and the Buffalo Bills as suitors for the 33-year old passer.

McNabb understands the business side of the NFL and for years now, has dealt with the constant banter of his pending departure from Philadelphia. And through that, he has not changed his stance in enjoying playing for the Eagles and his desire to bring a championship to that fan-base.

“My position hasn’t changed. I’ve said all along that I would like to win a Super Bowl and finish my career in Philadelphia,” McNabb wrote on yardbarker.com. “I understand the situation well and just hope whichever direction the Eagles decide to go in, they do it quickly. I think that would be best for me, Kevin, Michael, the Eagles, and any other teams involved.

“No matter what happens, I’ve already begun preparing to have an outstanding season in 2010.”

If there is any truth to this idea, any inkling that the Eagles are willing to move the passer that has been selected to six Pro Bowls, been the offensive player of the year (2004) that has compiled 32,873 passing yards, 216 touchdowns and led that organization to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple division titles, then Oakland should be in the mix.

Oakland’s current quarterback situation is a mess.

JaMarcus Russell has been a bust, will need a monumental turnaround to change the direction of his future and the Raiders, and at this point, cannot be depended on.

Bruce Gradkowski, for all his positive energy, ability to say the rights things and work ethic, is still not a reliable option to start in this league. For all the good he did in his short stint in Oakland last season, he still has to prove he can be a capable starting quarterback in the NFL.

McNabb’s arrival in Oakland will give them a legitimate shot to make that offense more than respectable. He’ll also be by far the team’s best passer and field general.

And even at his age and declining skill level – as McNabb was once a dynamic offensive machine with game altering prowess – he’s just better than anyone Oakland currently has.

I’ve stated my desire for the Raiders to purge themselves of Russell’s contract. And that will not likely occur, as the owner will try to milk every bit of play he can out of his prized big-armed draft pick.

I’ve also stated how important it will be for this team to add a veteran passer with a solid background or a reasonably young candidate to overthrow the current incumbents. And that scenario can be reality if Oakland recognizes that their current stable of passers are mediocre at best, and that’s with your fingers crossed in hopes that they can play at their peak.

The NFL is a quick fix league and from year-to-year many teams – yes even the Oakland Raiders – have the potential to make themselves legitimate playoff participants.

Trading for a McNabb may not be in the mix, but a move like that would go a long way in realistically moving this team out of the AFC West cellar and gaining the interest of their gloomy fan-base.

#10 – The greatest WR does it again – Super Bowl XXXVII

In a contest with very little entertainment value for Raider fans, receiver Jerry Rice continued his excellence in the big game albeit in a losing effort. His 48-yard touchdown reception gave the Raiders a glimmer of hope against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cutting their deficit to 34-21. It mainly added to his legacy, as he became the first player to haul in a touchdown pass in 4 different Super Bowls. His final tally career wise in Super Bowls – 33 catches for 589 yards and 8 scores.

#9 – Kenny King’s 80-yard Touchdown – Super Bowl XV

It was a simple dump off just away from the arms of the defender Herm Edwards. But King hauled it in and bolted for a record 80-yard score. The mark stood till 1997, but the damage it inflicted was long standing as it gave Oakland a 14-0 lead in an eventual 27-10 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

#8 – ‘The Assassin’ left his mark – Super Bowl XI

It was a convincing victory versus the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. But a lot of the Raider lore and history for being tough renegades, who just dominated and placed feared into opponents was acquired by one of the most devastating hits in football history – which happened in the game’s grandest stage. Jack Tatum knocked the helmet of Vikings’ receiver Sammy White. He stood over him admiring his work in a menacing fashion…

That was the ‘Assassin’ at work.

#7 – Rod Martin’s INT parade – Super Bowl XV

Jim Plunkett won the MVP in Super Bowl XV, but it was Rod Martin’s performance that will be remembered with his Super Bowl record three-interceptions. He tallied two championship rings with the Raiders, playing a vital role with key stops as well in the Silver & Black’s win versus the Redskins in 1984.

#6 – Davis celebrates his 3^rd Title – Super Bowl XVIII

After the Raiders whipped on the Redskins, owner Al Davis boasted about the victory and proclaimed, “Not only, in my opinion, are you the greatest Raider team of all time, I think you rank with the great teams of all times to have ever played any professional sport.”

#5 – Images of Madden – Super Bowl XI

John Madden led the Silver & Black to their first title. And in that game, video captured of him being animated on the sidelines, jumping (err, I think…) for joy and being carried away by his teammates will always be cherished by Oakland’s fan-base.

#4 – Rozelle and Davis – Super Bowl XV

The Pete Rozelle and Al Davis feud was epic. The Raider owner once stated that the legendary commissioner was a man ‘who will destroy the whole league if we’re not careful,’ while also calling him a ‘phony and a fraud.’ After the Silver & Black dismantled the Eagles, Rozelle awarded the Vince Lombardi trophy to Davis, head coach Tom Flores and congratulated the Raiders for being the first wild-card team in league history to win the Super Bowl. Quite an awkward moment and one that Davis cherished immensely at the time while stating it was ‘the finest hour in the history of the Oakland Raiders.’

#3 – Jack Squirek’s INT for a score – Super Bowl XVIII

It was the perfect storm for the Silver & Black. Ray Guy had pinned the Redskins at their 12-yard line. Joe Theismann was about to run an identical screen pass that torched the Raiders a few months earlier, but Squirek sniffed it out and turned a close game into a laugher with his interception return for a touchdown right before halftime, giving Los Angeles a 21-3 lead. Marcus Allen’s run was breathtaking, but Squirek’s play was pivotal in altering the momentum in the contest.

#2 – “Old man Willie…,” – Super Bowl XI

Willie Brown’s 75-yard interception return for a touchdown is one of the most iconic images captured in Super Bowl history. His intensity jetting down the sideline towards the end zone giving the Raiders a 32-7 lead capped what was a wonderful day for the Silver & Black as they captured their first Super Bowl victory.

#1 – Marcus Allen’s 74-yard run for a TD vs. the Redskins – Super Bowl XVIII

The Hall of Fame rusher danced around the Washington defense putting the last nail in the coffin with his stellar 74-yard scamper. Allen skipped behind the line of scrimmage before turning around and finding a crease as he cut back and ran to paydirt. At that point Los Angeles led 35-9. Allen won the MVP with his 20-carries for 191 yards and 2 scores.

If the Oakland Raiders want to validate the work put in by their head coach and his constant reminders to the media that this team is building towards something better, they must follow up yesterday’s 13-6 victory with another solid effort next weekend against the New York Jets.

Oakland ambushed the Philadelphia Eagles; a team who traveled to the west coast thinking they could leave with an easy victory, but departed instead feeling dejected and disappointed at their effort against an embattled team.

Now the Silver & Black are flying high. One win did not cure all their ills, but this one surely derailed the notion that they were looking down the barrel of another horrific season. The Raiders brought their lunch pale and went to work – they reaped the benefits of battling for an entire contest.

“It’s a matter of whether we go out and fight to win. Today we fought to win. That’s what you take from it. They deserved to win today,” said Cable.

So what’s next? A team that has a little Raider in them, that is going through some tough times of their own.

New York suffered their third straight defeat on Sunday at home against a struggling Buffalo Bills squad. The Jets committed 14 penalties, had six turnovers, five from their rookie passer and their boastful head coach is seeing how quickly things can change when you’re the focus of the New York media.

“The character of this football team is going to show,” Rex Ryan said, looking gloomy after the Jets overtime defeat. “We will bounce back. I understand I’ve said that three weeks in a row. But I believe it.”

In their three straight losses, the Jets played valiantly against a potent Saints attack, but were exposed offensively, allowed the Dolphins to rack up yardage with their ‘Wildcat’ attack on national television and it got worse with a mistake filled effort yesterday in front of their home crowd. Things have gotten progressively worse since their 3-0 start.

Mark Sanchez is no longer the golden boy. He is facing the growing pains of being a young NFL starter and the first real adversity of his career. “I’ve played six games and we’ve lost three and two of them I would say you can blame on No.6,” Sanchez said. “It feels pretty bad.”

The anchor of their defense – nose tackle Kris Jenkins – did not finish the game with a knee injury which Ryan described as being ‘severe.’ Damien Woody, their right tackle limped off the field and the once mighty defense that made some noise in the opening weeks of the season went into yesterday’s game versus the Bills tied for last in the league in sacks, and only got one against a makeshift Buffalo line and backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Now they have to travel to the west coast and face a Raider team that shocked the league with their play against the Eagles.

Can Gary Russell and the Raiders take advantage of a struggling Jets' defense next week?

Oakland has to take advantage of this situation. The Jets are made to order. New York is allowing 350 yards per contest and 148 rushing yards per game during their three-game slide.

The Raiders are coming off their best effort of the season, have a second straight home game, and a 3-4 record going into their game against the Chargers would mean a lot to the organization and their dissatisfied fan-base.

A win would mean that this head coach is finally getting to these players. That this group really does want to play hard for Cable and are genuine in their belief that things can change in Oakland.

“I’m happy we won,” Cable said, “but, you’ve got to know, I love this team and I’m not going to change what I believe in.”

We’ll start believing that things are truly changing in Oakland if they go out next week, learn from prior mistakes, grow as a team and take advantage of the scenario presented to them.

LAST TIME THEY MET:

Oakland defeated a Brett Favre led New York Jets squad last season 16-13 in overtime, in front of the faithful ‘Black Hole.’ Justin Fargas carried the ball 28 times for 74 yards. He will mostly likely get the start next weekend after a strong performance against the Eagles. Javon Walker had 5 receptions for 75-yards and a score. The defense allowed 242 yards rushing, but applied constant pressure throughout the contest. Trevor Scott broke out with two sacks, both on key 3rd downs, and Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 57-yard field goal to win the game – the longest in franchise history.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist