Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) will take on the Chicago Bears (0-1) in historic Soldier Field on Saturday. Both clubs last met in the pre-season in 1991, when the Silver & Black defeated the visiting Bears 13-10. Chicago lost 25-10 against the San Diego Chargers in their pre-season opener. Optimizing is high for both clubs in the summer, as Oakland is trying to snap out of their doldrums since the end of the 2002 season and the Bears are looking to head into the playoffs after a three-year post-season drought.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Charlie Frye, who was the incumbent as the third quarterback in the depth chart had season-ending surgery on his right wrist. Now, the door opens for Colt Brennan and Kyle Boller. Bruce Gradkowski is still not ready for action, so head coach Tom Cable stated that after Jason Campbell reaches his quota of snaps, Boller would come in and Brennan will have mop up duty.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Boller said. “Each day, each week, I feel more and more comfortable, getting to know the guys, getting to know the offense. It’s gone really well.”

Darren McFadden will not play on Saturday. “He is much, much improved,” Cable said, “and he is pretty close to being ready to go but, again, I am probably going to lean toward being more protective now.”

The Raiders inked tight end Eric Butler to take Frye’s spot on the roster.

On Defense:

Against the Cowboys, a couple of the young Raider linemen displayed their pass rushing ability. But what John Marshall wants is continued improvements in run discipline. Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston will be a integral part of the defense. But their growth as complete ends as the season approaches is vital.

“They had a really good start,” Richard Seymour said. “We definitely need them to carry that over into the season. Anytime you can start fast, as a young guy it definitely builds your confidence.”

As for the former Patriot, expect him to be cemented in the interior in 2010. “I’m still moving around but I’ve played primarily inside this camp,” he said. “We still have some packages where I move outside. So, we do a lot of different things defensively. It’s still training camp. We’re still in that mode.”

CHICAGO BEARS

On Offense:

This season, all eyes are on Jay Cutler and how he works with Mike Martz. But not just how he handles the Xs and Os, but how he grows into being a leader for the Bears.

“You could see he was a leader last year, but he wasn’t asserting himself as much as he is now. Right now, there’s no question, just in terms of speaking up and taking control of the offense. Before, he was just running the offense. Now, it’s his huddle, it’s his offense. All eyes are on him. And everybody knows who to look to,” said veteran tight end Desmond Clark.

Cutler is itching to play more this week after the cameo versus the Chargers, but any outcomes seen on the field in the summer won’t sway the strong-armed passer either way.

“We’re doing certain things. We’re mixing some stuff in there,” Cutler stated. “But, like I said before, preseason games don’t count. Once we get in that first week, the record is clean again and that really starts to count and the bullets are for real.”

On Defense:

”I think this will be a big rebound for our team,” Brian Urlacher says. ”We’re talented, and there’s no reason we shouldn’t win a bunch of games.”

The Bears ranked 17^th last season on defense, without the services of their leader (Urlacher) and without the presence of prized free agent and five-time pro-bowler Julius Peppers.

And how important is Urlacher? “He is the defense,” three-time Pro Bowl tackle Tommie Harris commented. ”He’s the heart and soul of the defense.”

With Rod Marinelli serving as defensive coordinator, the Bears can boast having some of the best minds aiding head coach Lovie Smith.

GAME NOTES

• The Raiders are not anticipating Chaz Schilens or Darrius Heyward-Bey to be available for the contest. Tony Stewart (ankle), Sam Williams (concussion), Chris Johnson (hamstring) and Paul Hubbard (hamstring) have already been ruled out.
• Bears QB Matt Gutierrez, signed on Wednesday after back up Caleb Hanie was injured, could be on the field on Saturday.
• Like the Raiders, the Bears WR unit has been in question all summer. They have a tight end that is productive (Greg Olsen) like Zach Miller, but more pop will be needed to fulfill Martz’s vision of his offense with Cutler. “I think that our receiver corps will be the strength of this team. You can put that in granite. There’s not very many things I would say are un-retractable, but that one is pretty strong,” Martz said in May.

GAME INFO

When: Saturday, August 21 – 8:30 pm ET

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable touched on a few topics on Wednesday, as training camp is about to begin. Here are some excerpts from his media session:

On the ‘intense’ teaching:

Cable: Well, last year I kind of described it as, if you’re looking at ‘em all as rookies or guys new to it, it’s just to start over. It’s just to kind of wipe the slate clean. We had a good offseason, obviously, put some good things in our football team in terms of personnel and all that. We’ve got a new offensive coordinator and some new things on defense, special teams. They’ve had it once already. We just want to start over teaching again from A, and work through to Z, and I think once we get through the situation, everything that’s planned over the next four days, it’ll allow us to hit it running Monday when we put pads on and go to work.

On the positive vibe and optimism:

Cable: I think you’ll find that out as you talk to the players yourself. That’s what today will be about for a good number of them. For me personally, there’s a lot of excitement but there’s also a lot of caution in that there’s a lot of work to do. I know we’re going to be a good team, and I’m not afraid to say that, and we’re going to go after the AFC West. I’m not afraid to say that. I believe that that’s what we’re going to do. It’s not anybody’s. If they picked someone for it already, that’s too bad. It doesn’t work like that. You’ve got to play the games. This team will be ready to do that.”

On Jason Campbell:

Cable: I’m excited about Jason, and while we’re at it, right now Jason is the starter. He’s come here today, or yesterday, like everybody else, and he’s going to go out in the first huddle and he’s going to do that. The first thing people are going to want to ask is, ‘Where is Bruce and the other guys fit in terms of competition and all that?’ Bruce hasn’t done anything for the last three months. He’ll catch up and he’ll get himself up to speed and he’ll go out and battle and all that. But as we move forward tomorrow morning and go to practice the first time, Jason will be in that first huddle.

I think there’s a lot of things. To me, I think his professionalism, first of all. I think his leadership. You don’t have to be a boisterous, outgoing, run-your-mouth kind of guy to be a great leader, and I think he’s even showed some of that already, just this morning in some earlier things that went on, what he’s capable that way. So actually those two
things, a guy guy’s are going to look up to and a guy who brings great professionalism to it. He loves it. It’s important to him. It was interesting talking to those guys last night after they got checked in, just how that whole group of quarterbacks — Paul (Hackett has) done such a great job with them – they’re so much further ahead and prepared right now than we’ve been. It’s a tribute to all those guys, and it starts with Jason.

On how the offense will look in 2010:

Cable: There will be some different things. It will all sort itself out when we get into regular season, and you really get to see us. I hope that we continue to run the football. That’s something that we brought here and has been developed here in the past few years. What we have to do is have a better, more productive passing game. And that’s where you’ll see the greatest difference.

On Richard Seymour:

Cable: Just the way you said it and the way it was reported, him getting off the bus first and all those things, it says exactly what it is. You’re talking about not only a guy who has had a tremendous professional football career but you’re talking about a great person, a guy that has some priorities that are important to him. One of them is being a good teammate. One of them is leading the young men that were just drafted. His choice to come on that particular bus with that particular group of guys speaks volumes. You mention that person getting that franchise tag, you work to try and get a deal, or not get a deal, if it’s going to be possible, he never once blinked. He never said, ‘You know, Tom, this is really bugging me, I don’t think I want to do it, I’m not going to be there.’ Never once. When I talked to him the whole time ‘However this works out, I’ll be there Day 1 ready to go.’ ”

On Greg Biekert:

Cable: “We just felt like … some of this is … you all know I have a passion for the history of the Raiders and for trying to keep connecting to them. One of the last really good teams that was here, obviously Greg was a part of that two-year span there. Just bringing him here, he’s a guy that I’ve gotten to know a little bit. His coming here helps us a couple of ways. It connects us back to what the Raiders have been, and it’s a guy who’s passionate, loves football and loves the Raiders. I just felt like we needed to get another coach on defense and that’s what we’ve done.

“When you break it down, that is the true benefit. Not just Rolando, think about the mentality of where we’re trying to go defensively. You got to stop the damn run. So, you think about Greg Biekert, he plays at the University of Colorado, plays under Bill McCartney. I was a part of that program after he played, so I know what that legacy is and what that’s about, the toughness that you get coming out of that program. Then he comes here, he’s a seventh-round draft pick and really enjoys a tremendous career. But he was known for one thing: he played middle linebacker and, by God, he’s going to smash your face. That’s what he did. That mentality and his experience at doing that will bode well for our defense.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders announced on their Twitter account that defensive lineman Richard Seymour signed his exclusive franchise tender.

Seymour could net nearly $12.398 million this season, but the transaction will not deter him from signing a long-term deal with the Silver & Black if they choose to go that route. After acquiring the veteran before the 2009 campaign, Oakland has made it a priority locking up Seymour.

Recently, the former New England Patriots’ star skipped voluntary OTAs. Head coach Tom Cable stated during those sessions, “I don’t know that at this point,” regarding his future.

Cable did emphasize his value to the team, saying, “He’s come in and showed this young team how you prepare, how you take notes, how you work every week, how you take care of your body, you know, all the things that are really critical to being good for a long period of time. He was fantastic with that.”

In early May, Cable was quoted, “When we first got Richard last year, he jumped right into that role. A guy in the league for quite some time; he’s won the world championship a number of times, been to the pro-bowl a number of times…

“He’s come in and showed this young team how you prepare, how you take notes, how you work every week, how you take care of your body, you know, all the things that are really critical to being good for a long period of time. He was fantastic with that.”

Oakland traded away a first rounder in 2011 for his services and in January, he was named to the All-Decade team with his three-time first team all-pro selections and three Super Bowl titles (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.”

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.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Wednesday, the Oakland Raiders got some work in during their Organized Team Activities. Here is a breakdown of the highlights and lowlights:

After a year of inactivity where Oakland waited to place him on injured reserve as the season wound down – yet they continually placed him on the inactive list throughout the entire campaign – Nick Miller was observed working at wide receiver and battling Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie Jacoby Ford for what will be one of the few spots at the bottom of the depth chart and special teams. Per SBReport.net journalist DeMarcus Davis, “It looks like none of his speed is missing and seems 100%.”

First rounder Rolando McClain held his own against pro linemen, looking every part the middle linebacker Oakland has needed in some time.

Newly acquired Quentin Groves demonstrated very good speed to the edge, tracking down Darren McFadden on a sweep toss.

Rookie Stevie Brown picked off quarterback Charlie Frye after Thomas Howard deflected the toss in the end zone. Frye bounced back with a touchdown pass to Michael Bush.

Chaz Schilens will be out till training camp after undergoing a procedure on his left foot. “I think we’ll take our time with that, just to be smart,” Cable said. “I don’t want to do anything to set it back. If he’s there when we go to camp – which he will be – I’ll be happy with that.” This is one of the biggest reasons why the Raiders WR unit is a major question mark. If Schilens is expected to be a top contributor, how can he be expected to perform as a starter when he misses so much crucial time for development? Schilens is not a proven commodity and one of their starters – not exactly a guy that would start for the majority of the teams around the league – but a guy that Oakland will lean on with such a raw unit. If he can stay healthy during these days of learning, why should he be expected to finally ‘break-out?’

Tom Cable made it clear today. Terrell Owens is not being looked at as a possible enhancement to the questionable wide receiver corps. “We really haven’t had any discussion about that,” Cable said to the San Francisco Chronicle. “We’ve got a good, young receiving corps; it’s never been a point of conversation.”

What about Richard Seymour? “I don’t know that at this point,” Cable said, in regard of his future participation in OTAs prior to training camp. Seymour and the Raiders have been trying to negotiate a long-term deal. Cable talked about his defensive linemen recently, stating, “He’s come in and showed this young team how you prepare, how you take notes, how you work every week, how you take care of your body, you know, all the things that are really critical to being good for a long period of time. He was fantastic with that.”

Walter McFadden working during drills

Walter McFadden displayed his speed and shiftiness, covering Darrius Heyward-Bey when lined up against last year’s first round draft choice.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable was featured on the NFL Network tonight. In the taped piece, Cable talked about defensive lineman Richard Seymour and what he meant to the club, off-season goals and ultimately, what he expects his team will achieve in 2010. The coach will work this upcoming campaign with no security, as Cable is a lame duck on the final year of his contract.

On Rebuilding:

Well I think, you know, we are not so far away now. We are very competitive now. Primarily, is to get our young guys to grow up. We’ve kind of gotten a little bit younger in the last year and a half, at the same time, more talented, which is a key.

On the Richard Seymour acquisition:

When we first got Richard last year, he jumped right into that role. A guy in the league for quite some time; he’s won the world championship a number of times, been to the pro-bowl a number of times…

He’s come in and showed this young team how you prepare, how you take notes, how you work every week, how you take care of your body, you know, all the things that are really critical to being good for a long period of time. He was fantastic with that.

On key issues being addressed this off-season:

I think there’s two things. Confidence number one, and number two is ball security and the turnover takeaway deal, which effects the entire football team. Those are the two big things that need to get done for this team to take the next step.

On running back Darren McFadden:

I hope so. I think he’s been so close and then an injury issue comes up. He’s not been able to stay healthy for an extended period of time. He’s flashed. Big time flash. But I hope he’s ready to put it all together, we need him to.

Is this his team?

Yeah, I think going into last year I did. The ’08 thing was a lot of work, a lot of adversity, a lot of things getting used to. I was a [offensive] line coach one minute, the next minute I’m coaching the line and coaching the whole team. So you kind of, get through that, to survive. You try to improve it and the last six weeks of ’08 we played pretty good football and last year, we didn’t get off to the start we wanted to and I think that’s a key in this league.

But I certainly think its my team.

On the playoffs and Al Davis’ patience:

He’s not at all. You know, and shouldn’t be and neither am I. That’s what I see this team being in 2010. That’s a team that can get to the playoffs. That’s the next step.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Archived from 2008: Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski

The Oakland Raiders began their three-day minicamp on Friday with two practice sessions. They will continue with two more sessions today before they wrap up with one more on Sunday. Here are highlights, news and notes from Friday:

JaMarcus Russell was sheltered by the Silver & Black, specifically Eddie Anderson, who was a mediator and ring leader in controlling what questions were asked and what direction media members wanted to take the question and answer session. The former Raiders safety cut off any questions that had to do with any of the newsworthy issues surrounding the embattled passer.

As expected, Richard Seymour was not in Alameda, as Tom Cable stated that the team is trying to hammer out a long-term deal with the defensive lineman. He has not signed his exclusive franchise tag either. “We’re trying to get it done so he’s all ours,’’ Cable stated.

Running back Michael Bennett was trying out for the club. The veteran running back has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers.

Tom Cable’s observations:

“We had two weeks before we did that minicamp, there was kind of a lull in there and that was a reason for doing it right after the draft,’’ Cable reflected after last year’s bad start to camp. “I think it’s reflected in that the ball’s not on the ground and we don’t look like the Keystone Cops out there.’’

Jason Campbell’s impressions:

“I’ve been through about 10 of them, so somewhere along the like I’ve run a lot of these plays, trying to find the rhythm, get used to the guys around me and get back into the groove.”

“I’m just here to work. Just here to work, get better every day,’’ Campbell said. “ I’ll let coach Cable make that decision and Mr. Al Davis. My job is to come out here every day and compete, keep working on things and try to improve the offense.’’

What did the defense look like?

To start the camp, the defensive alignment looked like this: DE Jay Richardson, DT Tommy Kelly, DT Desmond Bryant, DE Matt Shaughnessy, LB Kamerion Wimbley, LB Rolando McClain, LB Trevor Scott, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Chris Johnson, SS Tyvon Branch and FS Michael Huff.

“I was looking at the playbook and there are some things that we didn’t do last year.,’’ Asomugha said. “Like always, it’s a matter of how well we do it at this time of the year and then in the summer as to whether we actually play it. So it’s going to depend on us and then how comfortable the coaches feel.’’

Hue Jackson…

One of the hardest working men on and off the field…

Bruce Campbell and Chris Cooper battle in the trenches, a little bit feisty for a minicamp…

Quarterbacks, JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller all got their reps in: “It means nothing. Don’t look anything into that. If you do, you’re wasting ink,” said Cable.

Oren O’Neal was waived. The fullback was slowed down significantly after his knee injury in 2008. Oakland’s fullback competition is wide open…

Ricky Brown will be limited all weekend…

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

In this second installment of SBReport’s exclusive interview with Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson, the 26-year old talks about his head coach coming back for one more campaign, the off-season and the Silver & Black’s fan-base among many other topics.

SBREPORT: You’ve been around a lot of solid veteran defensive linemen since you arrived: Warren Sapp, Derrick Burges, Greg Spires, Kalimba Edwards, Greg Ellis…what have you learned from those guys?

JAY RICHARDSON: “That’s a good point you make, I’ve had the privilege to be around a lot of good defensive ends, just good leaders, good players and all very different. All guys you can learn from.  When it comes to leadership, Greg Ellis was just one of those guys that is going to take charge, he’s just a perfect model for what a pro is supposed to be. But when I first go there, Derrick Burgess was here, and he was kind of like the man at the time, and who you wanted to look at, to see how to do things and the way he rushed the quarterback…he was just a real special athlete. I had the privilege of watching him rush every day, just trying to take what I could, such a tough player, just started to rub off on me. Obviously, we have [Richard] Seymour now, and he’s like a champion. A guy who has three rings, he’s been to the big show and I think it just helps a lot. It valuable to have someone like that on your team.”

SBREPORT: Not to many people know about your defensive coordinator. What’s John Marshall like during game days, the week leading to the game and now, in the off-season during camp and OTAs?

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

After a six-year stint with the New York Giants, Oakland brought back defensive line coach Mike Waufle this off-season. He was on staff when the Raiders and Giants were in the Super Bowl and has been credited for helping the careers of many successful defensive linemen. Tom Cable also has a connection with the tough coach, spending six years with Waufle at the University of California. Richardson talked about Waufle and answered a question regarding Cable’s return after speculation of his demise after the 2009 season.

SBREPORT: Mike Waufle is your new position coach. He was with the New York Giants when they won the Super Bowl recently and worked with many good linemen. Have you talked to him during the off-season and what do you expect out of Waufle?

RICHARDSON: “’Waf’ is real military man. He’s a serious guy, but he knows his stuff. He’s one of those guys that knows how to play defense. He’s been doing it for so long, he’s so technical about it and he has the formula down for everything. He knows exactly how he wants things done. It’s good to play for a coach like that because; you know when you are making a mistake, you know there is no gray area. As long as you do things the right way, you’ll be fine. He’s a very smart coach.”

SBREPORT: How does it feel knowing that Tom Cable will be back another season?

RICHARDSON: “Its good for us. You want some consistency. There can’t be a new coach every year; it makes it hard on a team trying to hold on to its identity. Under Cable, we’ve kind of grown as a team and we are still trying to polish it up. But he’s helped a lot in trying to get this team to, rallying the troops if you will and getting us all on the same page. Getting us all to understand what it’s going to take for us to win in this league and be successful as a team and not a group of individuals. So I think he’s very important to our team success.”

SBREPORT: When Jay Richardson is not playing football or training, what’s your day like during the off-season?

RICHARDSON: “Not nearly as exciting as you think. I do some grocery shopping, I play some video games. I relax, I try to do as little as possible. I’m out there paying bills, making sure my family is ok and just do the day-to-day normal stuff.”

SBREPORT: How do you approach the off-season; in terms of balancing your time off and recovering from the season, and working-out and trying to get better as a player?

RICHARDSON: “It’s been fun. I took it a little different this particular year. I took it a little bit more serious. Obviously a contract year and all of that. I just, I felt like this year, I had to be in the best shape of my life and you know, I didn’t do as much hanging out as I probably have done in the past years because this is a big year, not just for myself, but for this team, this organization and I think this is going to be a pivotal year in Oakland Raiders history. This is going to be a big one for us. So I just wanted to be ready for it. As far as my preparation goes, its at an all-time high when it comes to focus and trying to make it happen this year.”

During the draft weekend, Oakland parted ways with veteran linebacker Kirk Morrison. A teammate of Richardson since 2007, the defensive end gave his thoughts on his former teammate and what he meant to the squad.

“Captain Kirk man, I know…that’s the man. We are all going to miss Kirk. Kirk is just a good stand up guy. A good linebacker. A good player. A good smart guy. Any team that gets him, obviously, it was Jacksonville. They are fortunate to have him. He’s a real good guy in the locker room. Kirk is going to do his job and he’s a real classy guy. So, he’ll definitely be missed out here in the Bay Area.”

SBREPORT: The team is taking on a new look: Jason Campbell was acquired, the new draft picks, and JaMarcus Russell looks to be on the way out. What are your thoughts on that?

RICHARDSON: “Yeah, its crazy man. You just don’t know and as they say: you don’t know what you don’t know. All you can do is just worry about yourself. But at the same time, Jason Campbell, from what I have seen of him the last few years, it’s a pretty solid guy, a solid quarterback who knows what he’s doing. He needed a fresh start it seems, this was the best place for it to try to re-establish his identity at quarterback in this league and jump-start his career. I think there is a lot of potential in him, he’s a smart guy. You know, we have a good stable of quarterbacks. Charlie Frye can play. Bruce Gradkowski, we all saw last year, can go out there and hold his own and win games for us. It’s just going to be an interesting dynamic for us this year, going into camp with a lot of talent out here.”

SBREPORT: You’ve gone through tough seasons, but in all, what are your impressions of the fan-base and your start of your career?

RICHARDSON: “They are unbelievable. I remember when I got drafted, I never knew how many Raiders’ fans are nationwide, globally, they are really. I never watched a tons of Raider football in the Midwest, you just didn’t see too much of those games.”

“For a team that has had the lack of success, I guess I have to say, over the last half decade, no fans cheer harder, no fans travel better than our people out here and that’s a testament to the fans, that they believe in us no matter what’s going on, no matter what the situation is. I think that is just awesome. That kind of stuff gives us the energy, especially on game day, like those tough games, the Philly game. We went out, at home, against a playoff team that we beat, most of that you tribute to the fans just being there for us and giving us energy.”

He continued to talk about the direction of the club, stating, “Things are about to turn around. This team is so close to turning the corner and becoming a potential playoff contender year in and year out. We are a few pieces away, I think we have to gain our identity as a team this year and do it early on in the year and establish ourselves our first eight games and I know for a fact that we can do that. I believe it is going to happen this year. I think it’s going to be a huge year for us.”

SBREPORT: What are the next few weeks looking like in terms of mini camps etc.?

RICHARDSON: “We got mini-camp this weekend, we finally get to have the whole team together. This whole new team we have here. Have good practices: we have two on Friday, two on Saturday, one on Sunday and kind of see where we are at. Get everyone up to speed and then the next few weeks, we’ll be polishing that up, working out and building some sort of chemistry and get guys going. It should be fun.”

SBREPORT: You are also a spokesperson for “The Right to Read Foundation,” can you talk about your contributions there and your countless hours of work with The United Way and the local Boy Scouts.

RICHARDSON: “For me its fun. This was all stuff I was involved in, in my life growing up, so it only made sense that once I had a chance to help give back, to help kids that may have been in similar situations that I was in growing up –  it just made sense. As soon as I got out west, out here, my rookie year, there was an opportunity to, on Saturday mornings, to go to children’s hospitals. It was always voluntary. But I signed up. At least every other week, just because I can relate to a lot of the stuff kids are going through. Plus, it’s always just nice to go in there and cheer the kids up, especially in the hospitals. There are a lot of kids in a lot tougher situations than we are. And I think sometimes, our lives get stressful and we focus so much on ourselves and wondering how we are getting out of the situations we put ourselves into and we never stop to look back at the situations other people are in. Especially kids. Doing stuff like that keeps things in perspective.”

RICHARDSON NOTES:

• Participated in 48-league games; tallying 109 combined tackles and 7.0 sacks.
• While at Ohio State, the collegiate majored in African-American studies.
• Selected in the 5^th round (138^th overall) in the 2007 draft.
• His mother, Deborah Johnson, attended Ohio State, where she played rugby and graduated in 1979.

Here is a link to Jay’s Official Web Site & info about his foundation:

JayRichardson98.com

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

In this third installment of SBReport.net’s draft outlooks, the Oakland Raiders situation along the trenches will be analyzed. Both offensive and defensive lines have huge question marks and need serious upgrades during the draft.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Mario Henderson’s season at left tackle was mediocre at best. The 25-year old did not solidify himself completely at that spot and with the Raiders possibly targeting a tackle with their 8^th overall selection on Thursday, it’s foreseeable that Henderson could be moved to right tackle. Unless Oakland believes he can only get better there and they pick a tackle in the draft to move to a more dire side of the line – right tackle.

Cornell Green moved on and as it stands, Erik Pears and Khalif Barnes are the main candidates to start on the right edge. Langston Walker, who reached an agreement with the Silver & Black earlier in the month, was utilized at guard and tackle in 2009 and could be a wild card in the mix. The Raiders want to run the football more consistently with Hue Jackson at the helm, so Darren McFadden and Michael Bush need a consistent run-blocking line.

And as I see it, a new offensive philosophy; the return of a more power run game is in order for the Raiders.

Robert Gallery is entrenched at left guard, but if the Raiders do line up and try to bulldoze opponents, what does that mean for Cooper Carlisle (RG), who is not adept at such a style?

Chris Morris struggled at center and Samson Satele, who fared better, is not looked at as a reliable alternative.

OUTLOOK:

The Raiders would love to see Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) fall onto their lap. But if he does slip, the tackle won’t get past Kansas City. Trent Williams (Oklahoma) would be their next target and a very solid choice to finally stabilize an offensive line that needs to be upgraded – Oakland has an eye for Williams. For months Bruce Campbell (Maryland) has been linked to the Raiders due to the workouts he presented during his assessments. But I don’t believe the Raiders will reach in the first round for a consecutive draft for a player that can be had later in the round or when they select again in the 2^nd. Center is a position that really needs upgrade and there has been talk about selecting one.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Richard Seymour, Matt Shaughnessy, Desmond Bryant and Tommy Kelly are virtual locks to be in the line’s rotation in 2010. A lot of burden will place on Shaughnessy’s shoulders after a solid rookie campaign and the departure of pass rushing veteran Greg Ellis. And maybe too much, as Oakland should seriously look into adding a pass rusher during the draft.

The rush defense has been chronically bad for many years now. But the Raiders have generally neglected chances at adding support to the interior of their line, most notably, passing up the chance of taking Glenn Dorsey in 2008 in favor of Darren McFadden.

OUTLOOK:

Where will Oakland generate pass rush other than Seymour? Does the composition of this line give you any hope that they will finally be a respectable rush-defending group?

Oakland has to address the line in varying ways and add talent to a unit that will depend on Seymour to be dominant. Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida) is an intriguing prospect, but Jared Odrick (Penn St.), Carlos Dunlap (Florida) or Terrence Cody (Alabama) could be viable options with their 2^nd round selection.

Everyone from ESPN’s Adam Schefter to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has talked about the potential deal between the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles.

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.

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.