Silver and Black Report

Here’s a list of Oakland Raiders that will be free agents this off-season with an explanation of their status after the 2011 season.

UFA: Unrestricted free agent; a player who has completed four or more accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

RFA: Restricted free agent; a player who has completed three accrued seasons and whose contract has expired.

OFFENSE

• Jason Campbell QB – UFA
• Khalif Barnes T – UFA
• Kyle Boller QB – UFA
• Michael Bush RB – UFA
• Rock Cartwright RB – UFA
• Stephon Heyer OL – UFA
• T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR – UFA
• Marcel Reece FB — UFA
• Samson Satele C – UFA
• Chaz Schilens WR – UFA

DEFENSE

• Darryl Blackstock LB – UFA
• Desmond Bryant DL – RFA
• Tyvon Branch SS – UFA
• Matt Giordano – UFA
• Quentin Groves LB – UFA
• Jarvis Moss DE – UFA
• Trevor Scott DE – UFA
• Lito Sheppard – UFA

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Jon Condo LS – UFA
• Bryan McCann – UFA

OFFENSE ANALYSIS

Undoubtedly, Campbell would like to be a starter and probably feels like he can lead a team. But those chances went down the drain in Oakland when he got injured and Carson Palmer was acquired. The problem for Campbell is that there may not be many jobs for him available. Very few teams are starving for a starter. Miami may be happy with Matt Moore, or they could passer in the draft, Cleveland is going with Colt McCoy, the Chiefs may be in the market for a new face, a return to the Redskins won’t be an option and Seattle, who may look for a quarterback, may look at Vince Young, Matt Flynn or Kyle Orton. A back-up role is his destiny, but where? In Oakland where Jackson showed confidence in him prior to his injury, or elsewhere where he could sneak up on a passer that may be on shaky ground?

Keeping Bush will be imperative. Spending big bucks on running backs isn’t the norm in the NFL, but the former 4^th round pick has little wear and tear on his body, is young and versatile enough to add some pop to any club lacking a ground attack. Oakland would have been in serious trouble if not for Bush’s presence. With questions surrounding Darren McFadden’s durability, the Raiders need to keep this tandem together. A franchise tag for Bush could be an option, especially if they fear he will depart to another club that could front-load a contract for his services.

Reece is a multi-dimensional weapon, out of the backfield or split out wide as a receiver. He is a match-up nightmare that Jackson cannot afford to lose.

Barnes was the weak-link on a very good offensive line this past season. But keeping cohesion in this group will be key. He’ll come cheap, so unless the Raiders are looking for a major upgrade, there’s no way he goes anywhere. Heyer was a serviceable back up, so unless someone showers him with a big contract or a starting role, which is unlikely, Oakland could retain his services. Satele was tough, played injured and gained the respect of Jackson throughout the campaign. That may be enough for him to be retained and keep the powerful left side in tact.

Boller will move on, especially if Campbell is retained. Terrelle Pryor will be third on the depth chart until further notice.

Houshmanzadeh or Schilens will move on. One has the full support of Palmer; the other is young and has a history of injuries, which will dampen interest league wide. If Hue Jackson thinks Houshmanzadeh has anything left in the tank, he’ll be retained.

SPECIAL TEAMS ANALYSIS

Jon Condo will be retained and paid well. Oakland tends to compensate their specialists and breaking up the dynamic kicking and long-snapping trio wouldn’t make sense. Cartwright is a emotional leader and a special teams ace. How much will they value that, especially with Hiram Eugene coming back in 2012?

DEFENSE ANALYSIS

Branch may draw enough interest league wide which could land him a contract big enough that would force Oakland to let him walk. He has youth on his side and is very versatile. The former 4^th round pick could be enticed away by a team in need of starting strong safety.

Chuck Bresnahan was a major reason why Blackstock was brought in. Good on special teams and there for depth, we’ll see if his fate is tied together with Bresnahan’s.

Groves has already mentioned the possibility of him playing elsewhere. Aaron Curry took his job and at this point, Oakland sees him as a one-way player on special teams. With Matt Shaughnessy’s return, it’s unlikely that Jarvis Moss returns, especially if they opt for other choices at end. They’ll likely pick between Moss and Trevor Scott. Scott is more versatile, but the injury he sustained in 2010 made him a non-factor in 2011. A change in defensive alignment could also sway which one stays.

Bryant has developed into a serviceable lineman in a rotation. Some team may be intrigued by his abilities, and if he gets a decent offer, the defender will depart.

Sheppard was picked up mid-season and will not be welcomed back. Especially with Michael Huff moving to cornerback and other youthful options at defensive back.

Follow @cottovic

Beat writer Paul Gutierrez reported that linebacker Quentin Groves could have played his last game with the Oakland Raiders.

In his article here, he quoted Groves as saying, “I might sign to another team next year.”

Groves continued: “You know, this league is funny. You can be here one year and gone the next. I could be here one day and gone the next. That’s the funny thing about this league. I pray I’m back though.”

The former Jaguar just wrapped up his second year with the Raiders. He started the campaign as a starter, but was replaced in the line-up when acquired Aaron Curry from the Seattle Seahawks before the trade-deadline.

“Yeah, I have no hard feeling toward the organization for what they did,” Groves said. “They went out and searched and found a better player, who’s a more natural hitter, put him in that spot and he did great so, I have no doubts, no regrets, nothing sad to say about that.”

Tyvon Branch touched on a few topics, mainly the team’s lack of discipline.

“Just getting smarter, go back and watch the film, see how we were making mistakes, the offsides and PIs and personal fouls. Try to eliminate those things,” said the free agent to be whom Hue Jackson wants back.

Cooper Carlisle put things in perspective, stating, “It’s definitely tough to swallow. If we win that game, we’re preparing for Pittsburgh. Instead, I’m cleaning shoes out of the locker.”

Follow @cottovic

On the eve of their biggest game since 2002, Oakland Raiders linebacker Quentin Groves gave me some insight on the team and their playoff hopes, and what he expects the O.co Coliseum to be like on Sunday afternoon.

Cotto: What’s the feel of the team knowing that a win and some help will get you into the playoffs?

Quentin Groves: We feel strong. We feel together as a team. We feel as though our backs are against the wall so we need to fight our way out.

Cotto: Looking back at the year, everything that has happened dating back to the summer, can you describe the road to this season finale?

Groves: Roller coaster – but we have had to deal with a lot of ups and downs, but through it all we have stayed together [as a] team. Hence we still have a chance to be in the playoffs.

Cotto: What do you expect out of the home crowd this Sunday?

Groves: I expect the “Black Hole” and the home fans to be electric!

Cotto: Eric Weddle and other Chargers have talked about keeping Oakland out of the playoffs… Is that just more fuel for the team?

Groves: We play football! That’s what we are going to do on Sunday — PLAY football!

Groves is in his second season with the Raiders. A key contributor on special teams, the linebacker also played a vital role early in the season as a starter before the arrival of Aaron Curry. His work ethic and professionalism has helped the team’s depth on defense and secure their ability to cover punts and kickoffs.

He was quoted earlier in the week,” This time of year you’re usually shipping your car home, making travel plans.”

Groves continued: “But now it’s all about getting that W.”

A win and some help and Oakland will be playoff bound.

SBReport.net would like to wish Quentin Groves and the rest of the Raider Nation a Happy New Year.

You can follow Groves on Twitter here.

Follow @cottovic

Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson continued his audacious play calling on Sunday afternoon versus the Cleveland Browns.

A week after calling a fake punt, that ended in a 35-yard run by Rock Cartwright, Jackson picked the right spot to pull off a fake punt.

He said, “We are going to do whatever it takes to win football games.”

Even if it’s Shane Lechler tossing his first NFL pass. The lob to Kevin Boss, who scored for the first time as a Raider, gave Oakland a 24-7 lead.

Special teams kept them alive last week when Sebastian Janikowski booted some long field goals and they got a blocked punt. Dating back to last year, John Fassel’s unit has keyed many Raider victories.

Jacoby Ford returned a kickoff 101-yards for a score as well.

And let’s not forget the containment of Joshua Cribbs. Oakland held the dangerous return man at bay, led by Quentin Groves, who was pushed back onto the depth chart with the arrival of Aaron Curry.

“How about the play Quentin Groves made on special teams, down there on [Cribbs]? That’s what a team is. I put a guy ahead of another guy and the other guy went and did his other job and made plays,” stated Jackson.

Jackson’s daring decision making almost came back to haunt the Silver & Black. He went for it on 4^th and 1 at the Cleveland 5-yard line, opting to pass on a easy field goal and expanding their lead to 27-10. The Browns drove the length of the field, got a score, recovered the onsides kick and struck fear into the Black Hole in the closing moments.

“I kind of live on the edge,” said Jackson. “It didn’t burn me.”

CURRY AT HOME

Aaron Curry played his first game as a Raider and ended with two solo tackles. He started at weak-side linebacker and had glaring miscues. Not too shabby of a performance considering he only had one practice in Silver & Black. “I thought the guy was out there flying around and trying to make plays. As I told you when I traded for him, I traded for him for a reason,” commented Jackson.

LEFT IS THE WAY…

Rookie left guard Stefen Wisniewski and left tackle Jared Veldheer continue to get stronger as a pairing, as Oakland continues to pound away with Darren McFadden on that side of the formation.

McFadden tallied 57 of his 91 yards and the score on carries to the left side yesterday.

Jared Veldheer is becoming one of the steadiest left tackles in the AFC.

OTHER NOTES

• Samson Satele sustained a sprained knee. Jackson stated he would be day-to-day and the center said he would be able to play next weekend.
• “I love it,” Shane Lechler said about the trickery. “This is a very, very aggressive staff. Hue is an aggressive play caller. Some of the chances we take on special teams, a few weeks in a row, it’s fun to play for him. You feel like you always have a chance.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Oakland never looked back after Jacoby Ford's electrifying return.

In their first game at home since the passing of Al Davis, the Oakland Raiders (4-2) defeated the Cleveland Browns (2-3), 24-17. Here is a look at today’s top performers:

Darrius Heyward-Bey

For a third consecutive week, the wide receiver posted very good numbers, ending with 82-yards on 6 receptions. This week, he looked sharp as a route runner, caught balls cleanly and looked very much like a ‘go to’ target. In the first quarter, he converted a 1^st and 15 with a 21-yard catch. Then in the 4^th quarter, working with Kyle Boller, DHB moved the chains on 2^nd and 7 with a 16-yard grab and on 3^rd and 5 for 15-yards.

Jacoby Ford

Immediately after the Browns tied it at 7 in the second quarter, Ford ran back the fourth kickoff of his career for a touchdown. It was the longest on his résumé, 101-yards, swinging momentum back to Oakland. He also had three receptions for 43-yards, one a 27-yarder on 3^rd and 7 on a drive that eventually ended in a field goal, giving the Raiders a 17-7 lead. The kickoff return for a score was reviewed, as Ford tiptoed near the sideline at full-speed after a missed tackle.

Shane Lechler

He tossed the game’s best pass, a short lob to Kevin Boss that led to a 35-yard score off a fake field goal attempt in the 3^rd quarter. It was the punter’s first ever pass in the league. After losing Jason Campbell due to injury, Kyle Boller came on, with Lechler serving as his back up. Lechler also averaged 48.5 yards per punt.

Matt Giordano

Recorded a sack early in the game against Colt McCoy and later clobbered the young passer on a blitz in the 4^th quarter. His coverage was solid, the run support he provided was helpful and the pressure he applied at times helped the Raiders derail McCoy’s rhythm.

Matt Giordano made some noise with his play versus the Browns.

DeMarcus Van Dyke

Jumped a route and almost got his hands on an interception. He wiggled quite a few times after throws his way, as he provided the best coverage to date, in his young career. Proved to be important since Chris Johnson was inactive again, so was fellow rookie Chimdi Chekwa. The Browns were held to 203-passing yards. “He’s talented, we drafted him for a reason. I think he’s doing a good job,” commented Hue Jackson after the game.

Kyle Boller

Ending 8-of-14 for 100-yards is not impressive, but he came in relief and did not make any crucial mistakes in a contest that ultimately was contested late. He made key throws to convert first downs and scrambled for 5-yards on a 3^rd and 4. On a 3^rd and 8 on Oakland’s ensuing drive, he ran for 3-yards, setting Sebastian Janikowski up for a 48-yard attempt that gave Oakland a 17-7 lead. “I’m really never a nervous guy,” Boller said in his post game conference. Some throws sailed, but otherwise, he settled in towards the end after a few drives.

Quentin Groves

He lost his starting job this week to Aaron Curry, but that did not derail his play on special teams. Had the special teams tackle of the day when he took down Joshua Cribbs on a kickoff return. “I’m a dynamic special teams player. I need to refocus on how I got into the league, playing special teams, making tackles, doing what I do, doing my part,” said Cribbs after the game, visibly frustrated about his role with the team.

GAME NOTES

• Kevin Boss’ touchdown reception on the fake field goal was his first as a Raider. “It’s just taking advantage of what the defense is doing,” Boss said. “It’s a pretty simple pass and a pretty simple catch. I think all the credit goes to Coach Fassel for being able to recognize it’s something we should take advantage of. And to Coach Jackson for having the guts to call the play.”
• Rock Cartwright, Matt Shaughnessy, Marcel Reece, Chris Johnson, Chimdi Chekwa, Bruce Campbell were inactive for the contest.
• Louis Murphy made his first appearance this season, targeted once, but failing to make the reception on a route in which he appeared to pull up on the ball due to the presence of the safety that was targeting him for a big hit.
• Tyvon Branch had an interception overturned, as officials saw the football hit the turf on the replay. The Raiders starting strong safety scooped from the turf a ball deflected off Mike Mitchell’s chest.
• Raiders had only five penalties in the contest, with only two in the second half.
• Oakland ran the ball for 151-yards. They held the Browns to 65-yards rushing the entire game, with only 26 of them coming in the second half.
• Early reports are that Jason Campbell broke his collarbone and could be out the remainder of the season. “This football team will be fine,” coach Jackson said. “This team is a little bit more resilient than everyone thinks they are.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

QUARTERBACK: B

Jason Campbell did not have to do much, as Oakland dominated on the ground and never were in a position in which they had to lean on their passing attack. In the 1^st quarter, on 3^rd and 11 on Oakland’s second drive, Campbell sustained a right knee injury scrambling for eight-yards. He returned after one-possession on the sideline and was a driving force on the Raiders first scoring drive. Campbell’s 20-yard scramble on 2^nd and 20 and 11-yard completion on 3^rd and 7 helped the Silver & Black take a 7-3 lead. That drive was capped with a Chaz Schilens 5-yard scoring reception. More key passes included a 3^rd and 10, 16-yard conversion to Michael Bush and slant on 2^nd and 5 to Schilens before halftime. That drive ended in a field goal, giving Oakland a 10-3 lead. Campbell ended 15-of-25 for 155-yards one touchdown and no turnovers.

RUNNING BACKS/FULL BACKS: A

Michael Bush has a knack for big games in finales. In 2008, his onslaught at Tampa Bay helped the Raiders finish the season strong. Today, he compiled 137-yards rushing on 25-carries and a score. He showed power and explosiveness today, especially on the 26-yard run that gave Oakland a 17-10 lead in the 3^rd quarter. That 9-play 75-yard drive was crippling to the Chiefs especially after they had tied the game at 10, minutes earlier. Bush also added four catches for 34-yards, including a nifty one handed grab. Marcel Reece, Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett all saw action, but it was Bush’s show.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: C+

The start of the game was disastrous for Oakland, when Darrius Heyward-Bey fumbled on their first offensive play. The end around was fumbled and the Chiefs took over at the Raiders 17-yard line. That helped Kansas City build their only lead of the contest, 3-0. Jacoby Ford had one catch for 35-yards and Louis Murphy tallied two receptions for 29-yards. Ford’s end around run, bouncing off defenders to get in from 10-yards out gave the Raiders a 24-10 lead. Chaz Schilens had his most productive outing with three catches for 24-yards and a score. Zach Miller ended with 31-yards receiving, but had a scary moment when he went out with an injury. When the tight end came back, Tamba Hali beat him for one of his 2.5 sacks. Brandon Myers had one catch for 7-yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B

The Raiders ran for 101-yards at halftime and ended with 209-total for the game. Four sacks were allowed and Campbell took some shots at times, but for the most part, they controlled the line of scrimmage against a very good run stuffing unit. Jared Veldheer had a false start in the 1^st quarter, an illegal use of hands penalty and was tormented by Hali a lot of the afternoon. Langston Walker was beat by Hali for one sack, had a two false start infractions on one drive. Samson Satele handled Glenn Dorsey and Cooper Carlisle and Robert Gallery played solid games all around in the interior.

DEFENSIVE LINE: A

Without Richard Seymour (inactive) and Matt Shaughnessy (left game with injury), Oakland applied constant pressure with their linemen. Matt Cassel was beaten to a pulp most of the day, which effected his play, ending 11-of-33 for 115-yards and two interceptions. Desmond Bryant dominated at times with 5-solo tackles, constant penetration and tallying a sack in one of his best games as a pro. Tommy Kelly again was a force and rookie Lamarr Houston had two tackles for losses and one sack. They held the Chiefs to 115-yards rushing.

LINEBACKERS: A

One of the better games all season by this unit. Rolando McClain closed out his rookie campaign with solid contributions versus the run and playing his best game in space when defending passes. Quentin Groves has had his moments in recent weeks and today, he darted across the line of scrimmage many times to stuff Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones or to force them into other tacklers. Kamerion Wimbley put up gaudy statistics with four solo tackles, two for losses and three sacks.

SECONDARY: A

Tyvon Branch was flying to the ball all afternoon and had a sack on 3^rd and 11 to start the 4^th quarter before the game got out of hand. Stanford Routt began the rout with his 22-yard interception return for a score. He jumped in front of Dexter McCluster and walked into the end zone to give the Raiders a 31-10 lead in the final quarter. Even when Cassel got his passes off cleanly, the Oakland secondary had good coverage on the Chiefs’ targets. Michael Huff had a solid tackle on Chris Chambers on a 3^rd down that was short of the first down marker and had a interception that set up Oakland’s score to go up 24-10.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Sebastian Janikowski booted a 38-yard field goal and Shane Lechler had five punts averaging 46.8 per with a long of 60-yards. Hiram Eugene had one of the better special teams tackle in the game late in the 4^th quarter and Ford tallied 36-yards on two kickoffs. Nick Miller was a non-factor and on one punt, he flipped the football to Branch to no avail.

COACHING: A

Tom Cable got his team to 8-8 and swept the AFC West by defeating a playoff bound team on the road. Kansas City played all their regulars and got whooped by a motivated Raider bunch. Oakland started sloppy, and again was victorious in a contest in which they tallied ten or more penalties (10-for-77 yards). But the second half pressure they applied and dominance at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball was the most impressive part of the win. Kansas City was held to 201-total yards of offense and were forced into two turnovers (had only 12 giveaways coming into the game). Without Seymour and Darren McFadden, Oakland made a huge statement for their embattled coach. Will he stay, or will Davis let him walk? After this win, it’s hard to imagine the Silver & Black letting him go.

GAME NOTES

• Cable is 17-27 as head coach of the Raiders.
• Inactives for Oakland included: wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins, cornerback Jeremy Ware, guards Daniel Loper and Bruce Campbell, running back Darren McFadden and defensive tackle Richard Seymour.
• Jarvis Moss had one sack and three QB hits.
• Kyle Boller was in on relief again, completing his only pass for 5-yards.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Quentin Groves
video management, video solution, video streaming

Tommy Kelly
video management, video solution, video streaming

LB Quentin Groves answers media questions in the locker room and also offers his insight on Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow. As a bonus, I included the Michael Huff interview where he chimes in with his thoughts on the game amidst taunting and chiding from fellow teammates in the background for his willingness to engage in the interview in the first place. “Huff…You got stiff-armed too! Hilarious!

QUARTERBACKS:

Jason Campbell – C

Again, Jason Campbell was knocked out briefly from the contest in the 3^rd quarter, but he was able to return to end the game. He wasn’t as sharp versus Denver as he was the last two-games, but he made solid decisions with the football and kept the chains moving with his steadiness. Campbell’s first interception was an athletic pick at the line of scrimmage by Kevin Vickerson, snaring the football at the line of scrimmage, within close proximity of the passer. In the 2^nd quarter, he scrambled for 25-yards and then connected with Louis Murphy for 14. He had a scoring pass to Zach Miller negated by a sketchy illegal formation infraction. A play later on 2^nd and 19, Campbell overthrew his fullback, Renaldo Hill hauled in the errant pass and returned it to midfield. One of his best tosses was a 20-yard deep out to Darrius Heyward-Bey. In the 4^th quarter, Campbell orchestrated a nice drive that featured a 15-yard completion to Jacoby Ford, a 4^th and 2 conversion to Miller and a 21-yard pass to Darren McFadden to set up a score. That drive, Oakland went up 39-23 with 3:37 remaining.

Kyle Boller – Incomplete

Had a relief appearance for a second straight game. This time around, Boller was not needed to make a crucial throw or direct the team in a vital spot.

RUNNING BACKS/FULL BACK: A

Darren McFadden piled up 116-yards on 20-carries. He added another four catches for 39-yards. His fumble in the 1^st quarter was costly. McFadden attempted to pitch the ball to Ford after a handoff on a reverse, but Jason Hunter’s recovery set up Denver at the Oakland 32-yard line. The Broncos would take the lead 14-7, but on Oakland’s ensuing offensive possession, McFadden busted a 20-yard run after a spin move at the line of scrimmage. He weaved for 36-yards, showing great patience on 2^nd and 9 a few plays later and eventually, Michael Bush tied the game at 14. Michael Bush had 12-rushes for only 24-yards, but hit paydirt twice during the contest. Marcel Reece demonstrated his versatility once again, hauling in a short toss, evading David Bruton and giving the Raiders a 30-20 lead at the start of the 4^th quarter after his 73-yard reception.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: D

Jacoby Ford was the best of his unit mates. His best catch came off a 26-yard crossing route. The exciting rookie opened Oakland’s offensive attack with a 71-yard end around to give the Silver & Black 7-0 lead in the 1^st quarter. Heyward-Bey had one catch for 20-yards, but excelled in his blocking. Murphy’s 14-yard reception was his best across the middle all season with a defender drapped over him. Zach Miller ended with four catches for 39-yards. He fought off a defender on a short toss to pick up 27-yards in the 3^rd quarter. Miller was mauled by Robert Ayers during a McFadden run that went for a loss of 4-yards and was infracted for a hold on a Ford end around.

OFFENSIVE LINE: B

The Raiders had 150-yards rushing at the end of the 1^st quarter (most in a quarter for Oakland since 1991). That tally was at 201-yards by halftime. Oakland only managed 63-yards the rest of the way, as Hue Jackson strangely enough attacked with the passing game on a rainy and muddy day in the second half. Samson Satele blocked off D.J. Williams on Ford’s opening score, Jared Veldheer and Robert Gallery dominated on the left side when Oakland asserted themselves on the ground and Cooper Carlisle was steady at right guard. Veldheer’s illegal hands to the face wiped out a 17-yard gain. Vickerson, who was blocking on Hill’s interception return, knocked Langston Walker out of the game in the 2nd quarter. Khalif Barnes was serviceable at right tackle, flagged only once, for a false start. This group did not allow a sack today.

DEFENSIVE LINE: A

Tommy Kelly was dominant at times today, nota3bly in the 4^th quarter stuffing Lance Ball for a four-yard loss prior to the safety. He had 0.5 sack, Matt Shaughnessy tallied 1.5 quarterback take downs and John Henderson continues to provide solid veteran play in the trenches. Richard Seymour did not finish the contest, but Oakland controlled the Denver ground game all day, allowing an ineffective 106-yards. Tim Tebow’s 40-yard run for a score jolted the Raiders. But they became more aware of his abilities as the game continued and minimized any damage the rookie can dish out with his legs. Knowshown Moreno was injured early, so Oakland lucked out not facing one of Denver’s most productive talents.

LINEBACKERS: A

Quentin Groves had his best game at linebacker all season. He was stellar in coverage, caging Moreno on a swing pass early in the 1^st quarter for no gain and then darting through the line of scrimmage late to take down Correll Buckhalter for a safety that increased the Raiders’ lead to 32-23. Roland McClain started at middle linebacker after being inactive last weekend, ending with four-solo tackles, including one for a loss. Kamerion Wimbley looked lost in coverage versus Ball on a pass that Tebow put right in the rusher’s breadbasket and should’ve been a score.

SECONDARY: B

Stanford Routt was Tebow’s target and the weak link during the contest. He just missed an interception on Tebow’s 33-yard scoring pass to Brandon Lloyd. Routt was also flagged for pass interference while working against Lloyd on a drive that ended with a Steven Hauschka 35-yard field goal to tie the game at 20. Tyvon Branch was busy, landing some big hits throughout the contest, stout in run support and active in blitzes. He ended with three tackles for losses.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

On a muddy field, Sebastian Janikowski was perfect, hitting field goals of 49, 35 and 47-yards. He also punted for the first time in his career (33-yards), when Shane Lechler was shaken up in the 2^nd quarter. Of Lechler’s three punts, two of them landed inside the 20-yard line. Hiram Eugene was stellar on the coverage units; recovering a fumble and altering the direction of Denver return men. Sam Williams also accounted for a big hit on punt coverage. Nick Miller’s 22-yard punt return and personal foul on Richard Quinn on the same play set Oakland up at Denver’s 24-yard line for a drive that ended with a score.

COACHING: B

Tom Cable’s team went back-and-forth against a Denver club that was primed for an upset with a rookie quarterback at the helm. Eventually, the Raiders controlled the game and won a contest that was crucial for any playoff hopes. At home, you don’t want to flirt with disaster, but the defense really did not face any unanticipated schemes against the Broncos. After Tebow’s scoring run – Denver’s best punch – Oakland did not fear the Broncos’ offense. With no Moreno, they didn’t face much danger of a steady ground attack. Nine penalties, three turnovers and 2-for-11 on 3^rd downs usually spell disaster, but not today. Oakland was unwavering, scoring on three-straight possessions in the second half and exposing the inadequacies of Tebow at quarterback. The rookie did what he was asked to do – manage the contest. He was tough, bouncing off defenders and fighting for every yard. He was poised at times and lucky others. The Raiders were the better team, and it showed as the game wound down.

NOTES

The Oakland Raiders have outscored the Denver Broncos 98- 37 in 2010. The 98-points is more than any team has scored in a single season versus the same opponent since 1970. Oakland’s final totals versus their rival this year (two-games):

• Total yards – 1,010
• Rush yards – 592
• First downs – 49
• Rushing yards allowed – 181

Seymour did not finish the game due to a hamstring injury. Knowshon Moreno was held out for most of the game due to an injury to his side/rib area.

Oakland is now 5-0 within the AFC West for the first time since 1988.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

There’s quite a few storylines between the Oakland Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both teams are looking to land playoff spots. Both teams aren’t looked at as threats in a top-heavy American Football Conference. And both share connections with ex-teammates.

John Henderson, Quentin Groves and Khalif Barnes used to play for Jacksonville. Kirk Morrison and Slade Norris used to don the Silver & Black.

“Big John was one of my favorites,’’ said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio. “Big, strong, powerful guy and a lot of fun to be around. It’s not easy to let go of guys like that. In the end we felt we did what we had to do as an organization.’’

In April, Jacksonville cut the two-time pro bowl defensive tackle opening up a starting spot for first-round draft pick Tyson Alualu.

“He can be nice all he wants,’’ Henderson said jokingly about his former coach and the complimentary comments Del Rio had for him. “I’ll put it up on the bulletin board. He knows it.’’

Del Rio reportedly slighted Henderson for pulling out of off-season drills, suggesting he wasn’t dedicated and faking a shoulder injury to steer clear of work.

“It’s going to feel good to go and whip somebody’s you know what,’’ Henderson said. “I wasn’t laughing. I hope he goes and puts it on his bulletin board, too. Because I know what he’s going to do.”

As for the match-up against the league’s second leading rusher – Maurice Jones-Drew, Henderson commented, “Powerful. Great running back. Going down Sunday. 1 o’clock, Jacksonville, Florida. Sixty-six degrees. Maybe 20. Maybe a little bit of rain. It’s going down.’’

Groves talked about his time in Jacksonville:  “I mean, they gave me chances, they gave me opportunities, you know, at the same time, but it’s whatever they want to say. If they want to say they didn’t put me in position, then they didn’t put me in position. I’m not gonna go tit for tat with these guys. Like I said, I strap it up on Sunday at 1:05 in Duval County and I’ll be ready. I’ll just tell you that I’ll be ready.’’

‘Captain’ Kirk,  a mainstay in Oakland for a few seasons talked to Bay Area reporters about his former team coming to Jacksonville and his observations of this edition of the Silver & Black:

“Both teams really like to run the football, both teams are going to be physical. It’s December football. I know how excited we are here for the opportunity that we have. I can only imagine what’s going on in that locker room down in Oakland . Guys are playing inspired football this late in the season. You haven’t seen that over there, I know I didn’t. We didn’t have that opportunity in the five years that I was there to be playing December with so much at stake and with so much on the line. It’s going to make for a nice atmosphere on Sunday afternoon.” – Morrison

OTHER NOTES

• CB Chris Johnson was back on the practice field today.
• MLB Rolando McClain was on the field, but wearing a protective boot.
• WR Chaz Schilens continued to work with the first-team.
• “They absolutely annihilated the Chargers,” said Del Rio of Oakland’s performance last weekend.
• The Jaguars have been fortunate in a few wins; claiming victory during contests where they committed six turnovers, had to kick a 59-yard field goal as time expired and a 50-yard Hail Mary pass.
• The Jaguars have scored fewer points (257) & have a worse point differential (minus-43) than four last-place teams.
• In 2009, Jacksonville was 7-5, in line for a playoff berth before losing 4-straight to end the season.
• Raiders TE Zach Miller vs. Jaguars TE Zach Miller

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist