Silver and Black Report

The Raider Nation is not happy.

Well, more than anything, their bored with the current state of the club and feel like this team has abandoned any chance at improving this off-season via free agency. With an un-capped year, the sentiment from the Oakland Raiders fan base is that they should purge themselves of all the hefty contracts and unproductive players or, bring in some big names that can instill some semblance of hope for next season.

Here are a few moves the Silver & Black should make that make football sense and will appease their following.

Get rid of JaMarcus Russell

Yes, this relationship should be ended. Russell has not shown any leadership qualities, has a poor work ethic and has been completely inept when on the field. It’s so bad, that when Bruce Gradkowski came into games, he suddenly became the almighty savior and the entire offense sparked up because there was a competent passer in control of the huddle and game plan. Russell does have serious talent. But he’ll never channel that in a positive way – especially not in Oakland. The enormity of being the 1^st overall pick, shouldering the burden of a large contract and being the focal point of an organization that was sinking rapidly was not understood by Russell. Even if he goes somewhere else and the scenery is changed, Russell just does not show any urgency to be great – that huge signing bonus is enough for him.

Acquire Troy Smith or a vet QB; let them battle with Gradkowski

Troy Smith wants out of Baltimore. He would prefer to land in Cleveland, but Oakland may be a nice option for him. Smith would re-unite with Hue Jackson – his position coach with the Ravens – and get a fair shot to start in this league. If Smith thinks he can be atop a team’s depth chart, then competing against Gradkowski should be something he should embrace. Neither Smith nor Gradkowski have the natural talent that Russell had out of college, but both have intangibles that are far more desirable for a team looking to bounce back to respectability. Both will fight for their job and will give the Raiders hope at quarterback. If not Smith, bringing in another veteran, someone who has NFL experience, as a starter and had past success, that could also be an option.

Avoid picking up any veteran FA RB

Justin Fargas was let go. Partly, because it was time for the Raiders to hand over the reigns of the offense to Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Yes, both have major question marks, whether they can stay healthy or carry the load. But eventually, they have to let both of these young players get their deserved reps and demonstrate why they were taken in the draft. Staying away from a LaDanian Tomlinson or a Larry Johnson is the key. Why bring in a veteran rusher who will want to take away carries from McFadden or Bush?

Extend Zach Miller NOW

Since my vision involves purging, why not then transfer that freed money over to a very productive player. In 2011, Miller will be a free agent. So avoid any snags and deal in good faith with the tight end by keeping him in Silver & Black for the next 5-to-6 seasons. Since entering the NFL, Miller has improved his statistics every year. Quite the feat when you consider his one of the only options that are considered a threat on offense for a very feeble attack.

Lock up Seymour

Richard Seymour would be very happy if Oakland approached him with a respectable long-term deal that will ensure a boatload of money the next few seasons. This will also help the Raiders keep a key cog on defense and a solid leader to anchor this momentous turnaround they are looking for. No, he won’t command Julius Peppers money, but a 4-5 year deal worth around $55 million with about $22-25 in guarantees could get it done.

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable divulged to The Boston Globe his happiness with Richard Seymour and how glad he is to have him in Silver & Black.

“Look at what he brought to our team — the ability of opponents or lack thereof to run at him on that side of the line of scrimmage,” Cable commented.

Oakland tagged Seymour their exclusive rights franchise player, ensuring he stays at least one more season as a Raider.

“He was everything that I thought he would be,” Cable said.

Cable sees Seymour as a leader; a mentor for many of the young players and a successful talent that knows what it takes to win after coming from New England – a team that consistently performed at a high level and knew what it took to stay atop as a perennial winner.

“The thing that I was probably most excited about was how much he impacted our young players on our football team,” Cable said. “He’s been in the NFL for quite some time and knows how to prepare, how to get himself ready, how to take notes, the time it takes day to day, week to week as you go through the season and ultimately how to take care of your body.

“I think there was a lot of good lessons learned there for a bunch of young football players.”

Cable, while in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, was asked about wide receiver Javon Walker.

“Will he be there next year?” Cable questioned. “We’ll see.”

There is no denying that the Raiders need to improve on their play at the line of scrimmage – on both sides of the ball.

And cable addressed that stating, “I think both. You always have to look at it and see where you want to be in those two areas.”

He also continued about the importance of leadership on this club and how some veterans impacted the roster.

“Both [Seymour] and Greg Ellis brought a lot of that to our football team. And guys like Charlie Frye and Bruce Gradkowski I thought brought some of that to the other side of the ball. I don’t think you can ever have a team that can turn it around and start building something without that type of leadership in the locker room.”

What about Darren McFadden?

“Every time he’s gotten himself going and had pretty good production something has happened to either take him out of that game or not let him be as big a part in the next one. He’s a fine player and as he’s able to stay healthy for longer periods of time you’ll see more for what we all hope.”

Cable stated he never felt concern about his job after the season and operated as he would knowing he would be the head coach in 2010.

“No, it wasn’t. We went through the evaluation process. As I was told, ‘You’re under contract and we need to talk about everything.’ That’s what we did. There was a lot of speculation but the whole time I went to work every day and did what I knew I needed to do to get ready for the evaluation, get ready for the Senior Bowl,
ready for all those things that were coming up.”

He continued: “I was never told I wasn’t. . . . That’s the one misnomer. There was a lot of speculation. But every day I went to work and every day I got ready for the routine, the self-scout and all the things you’d normally do. So for me sitting back, I wondered what all the fuss was about. I just going to work every day.”

As for the development of Michael Huff: “I’ve always felt Michael was on the cusp of his breakthrough. He had it this year. Lionel Washington and those guys on defense really got him ready to go, and I thought he was outstanding the whole year from the first game all the way through the last one. It was definitely a breakthrough for Michael, and hopefully that’s just the sign of where he’s at as a player now and we can get a lot of big play from him.”

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

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.

Here is a list of Oakland Raiders that are ready to become unrestricted free agents next month. The following players are free to sign with another team in an uncapped season starting March 5. Info provided by NFLLabor.com.

• Cornell Green, RT
• William Joseph, DT
• Richard Seymour, DL
• John Wade, C
• Langston Walker, OL
• Sam Williams, OLB

Analysis

Seymour is the top priority of this bunch. If he is not signed to a long-term extension – as he would like – Oakland will tag him their franchise player. Williams is a solid special teamer, a guy who always finds a way to stick around and an all-around solid character off the field. Oakland will try to retain him at an adequate cost, which should not be that difficult since he’s not starter material anywhere else. Walker could be brought back for depth, but he’s obviously not a priority. In no way should Green be retained. Tom Cable defends him far too often and relies on the veteran unnecessarily. He’s been a faulty member of that offensive line for several seasons and inexplicably, he returns to the starting line-up every year instead of being jettisoned.

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.”

Sebastian Janikowski has a great leg and even better timing.

In 2009, he put together his best season as a pro. Now, a month away from his 32^nd birthday, the Polish place kicker is looking to land one of the priciest deals ever given to a kicker from the Oakland Raiders.

The team that drafted him with a first round choice back in 2000 will look to compensate Janikowski for his steady kicking for the last few seasons.

Reportedly, talks have already begun and the Raiders want to ensure he never hits the free-agent waters.

Back in 2004, Oakland inked him to a five-year extension that paid him $10.5 million and included $2.8 million in guaranteed money. At the time, Janikowski was the highest paid kicker in league history.

This past season, he past the 1,000 career point mark, becoming the all-time Raiders leading scorer while also obliterating his own team record for the longest field goal with a 61-yard conversion at Cleveland.

Oakland could use their franchise tag on him if they cannot come to an agreement.

If the year is uncapped, the Silver & Black will have more options with more tags to their disposal. Then, they could easily keep unrestricted free agent Richard Seymour and Janikowski by tagging both.

The Raiders last year had no issues keeping Shane Lechler and Nnamdi Asomugha. So I can’t foresee any hang-ups between the organization and Janikowski as they work out a deal to keep him in Oakland for the remainder of his career.

If a deal can be struck prior to the start of the free-agency period, it could free the team up to focus on Seymour, a player they cannot afford to lose and that may need to be tagged if a deal cannot be struck.

Shane Lechler and Richard Seymour were the only current members of the Oakland Raiders to be named on the National Football League’s All-Decade team.

The full squad was announced tonight prior to the Pro-Bowl in Miami and it also included former Raiders Randy Moss, Warren Sapp and Charles Woodson.

Lorenzo Neal who was with the team during the summer and waived prior to the season also made the squad.

Lechler is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time first-team All-Pro and a two time second team All-Pro.

In his 10-season with the Raiders, the former 5^th round pick has averaged 47.3 yards per punt and a 38.6 net average.

Moss spent the 2005 and 2006 seasons in the Bay Area.

Randy Moss in Silver & Black during the 2005 season

He compiled 102 receptions for 1,558 yards and 11 touchdowns after being acquired for Napoleon Harris, a 1^st round selection and a late round pick.

After Oakland traded him to New England, Moss found his stride again after a dominant start to his career in Minnesota and tallied 23 touchdown grabs, setting the league single season record.

Woodson was Oakland’s 4^th overall selection in the 1998 draft. The six-time Pro Bowl selection was the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Silver & Black.

He donned the Raider colors from 1998-to-2005.

This past season, he was voted the AP NFL defensive Player of the Year.

Woodson has 45 career interceptions.

Warren Sapp made a stop in Oakland during his illustrious career

Sapp spent 4-years with the Raiders. The boisterous defensive tackle tallied 19.5 sacks while in Oakland.

Seymour just finished his first season with the Raiders after being acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots.

NOTES

• Seymour is a three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and is a three-time first team All-Pro.
• Sapp is a four time first team All-Pro and a Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (XXXVII). He was also selected to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team. The former first rounder out of the University of Miami won the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He ended with 96.5 career sacks.
• Moss was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the year (1998), has been a seven time Pro Bowl selection and was the Pro Bowl MVP in 2000.

Tommy Kelly and co. should be happy with Mike Waufle

Several media outlets on Friday reported that the Oakland Raiders have hired Mike Waufle to coach the defensive line.

Waufle was the Silver & Black’s defensive line coach from 1998-to-2003 and was in that same capacity the last six campaigns. The Giants fired him earlier in the year.

Waufle was one of the more beloved coaches on the Giants staff for some time. His teaching techniques were applauded by standouts such as Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora – players who strived and were very productive linemen within his schemes.

Tom Coughlin admired his style – tough work ethic – as the former Marine was methodical in his approach with his players.

“I am extremely saddened by it,” Umenyiora reported to The Associated Press in an e-mail after his firing. “He is a great coach and we have a special relationship. I’m sure he will be OK though because there should be very high demand for a coach of his caliber.”

Waufle, 55, will inherit a unit with a lot of young talent.

But the biggest key will be the return of Richard Seymour. If Seymour is back in Oakland and Matt Shaughnessy and Desmond Bryant can continue to develop into competent contributors, this bunch could be very good.

Veterans like Greg Ellis, Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly should benefit from Waufle’s arrival.

But the keys here is how he will improve their discipline, gap control and make them a better run stuffing unit.

The Raiders have had one of the worst run defenses since 2003:

2009 – 29^th in the NFL – 155.5 yds/g

2008 – 31^st in the NFL – 159.7 yds/g

2007 – 31^st in the NFL – 145.9 yds/g

2006 – 25^th in the NFL – 134.0 yds/g

2005 – 25^th in the NFL – 128.1 yds/g

2004 – 22^nd in the NFL – 125.8 yds/g

2003 – 32^nd in the NFL – 156.9 yds/g

Dwaine Board was the Raiders defensive line coach last season.

So far this off-season, Oakland has done a great job adding good coaching to their sideline. But this is just one move – hiring Waufle. There are many to go, and one of utmost importance that we have awaited for weeks.

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…

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