It remains to be seen yet if Tarver is going to implement a 3-4 defense, but he may intend to in the long run while he obtains the appropriate personnel to do so. The Raiders currently have players on the roster that fit the 3-4 mold, but would need to add some pieces to institute the 3-4 correctly.

One factor that may play into a transition to the 3-4 defense if finding a way to escalate the play of

Linebacker Rolando McClain, who has struggled in Oakland, played in a 3-4 defense under Nick Saban at the University of Alabama

middle linebacker Rolando McClain. McClain played in Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense while attending Alabama and earned the Butkus Award in 2009, given to the nation’s best collegiate linebacker. McClain was questioned as to whether or not he would succeed as an inside linebacker in the 4-3 coming out of college and has largely not lived up to his expectations yet in Oakland.

Linebacker Aaron Curry, winner of the 2008 Butkus Award, could work as an inside linebacker next to McClain. Curry is a stout rush defender but has struggled in defending the pass. With head coach Dennis Allen’s exotic blitz packages, it could be beneficial to Curry due to his ability to get to the quarterback and to stop the run.

Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who played defensive end at Florida State, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns to play outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Wimbley responded by having 11 sacks in his rookie year, but then saw his sack numbers diminish before being traded to the Raiders in March 2010. Wimbley has since played well for the Raiders at the linebacker position, while being lined up as a pass rusher on passing downs.

One player that could struggle should the Raiders move to a 3-4 is defensive end Matt Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy has played well at defensive end, recording 92 tackles and 12 sacks in 35 games played for the Raiders. At only 270 pounds, Shaugnessy may be asked to move to the outside linebacker position for his pass-rushing abilities.

Defensive end Lamarr Houston has the athleticism and versatility to play as either a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle. While playing for the University of Texas, Houston played both defensive end and defensive tackle. Houston’s size, 6’3” and 305 pounds, along with his tenacity and motor make him an ideal candidate to be a 3-4 defensive end opposite of Seymour.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Richard Seymour has previous experience playing in the 3-4 defense. While on the Patriots in 2003, Seymour started 14 games as a 3-4 defensive end and finished with eight sacks and 57 tackles.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour had some of his best years while playing in the 3-4 defensive end position for the New England Patriots

A difficulty that the Raiders may encounter should they try and run the 3-4 scheme is the lack of a true nose tackle on the team. In order to run the 3-4 successfully, the defense must have a big-bodied nose tackle in the middle to take up space and help stop the run. The leading candidate currently on the team to be the nose tackle would have to be Tommy Kelly, who is listed at 6’6” and 300 pounds.

If Tarver and Allen should choose to run a 3-4 base defense, they may need to try and find a true run-stuffing nose tackle to insert in the middle of the defensive line. They will also need to pick up depth at the inside linebacker position. For now, it appears that the defense will play both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts as Allen stated, as it may take a couple of years to gain the personnel necessary for a full-time 3-4 defensive scheme.

Richard Seymour and Carl Nicks went toe-to-toe on Sunday evening.

SBReport.net was in attendance all weekend in Hawaii for the pro bowl and in the press box and sidelines during the AFC’s 59-41 victory.

Four Oakland Raiders donned the red all-star jerseys during the contest.

We’ll take a look at how they fared on Sunday:

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Janikowski finished 8/8 on extra points, earning the record for most points after touchdown in the game. He also converted on his only field goal attempt from 37-yards out. “Oh, that’s what happened?” said Janikowski, exclusively to SBReport.net in the locker room after the game, surprised he had a record in his first pro bowl appearance.

Jon Condo, LS

Condo was on both punt and kickoff coverage teams and was perfect on all of his snaps. Not one incident occurred, and the long snappers name was not mentioned with seamless snaps.

Shane Lechler, P

It must’ve been nice not to see any action as a punter. The AFC never called on Lechler, as his duties were mainly as a holder for Janikowski. “I didn’t punt today, I kind of like that,” said Lechler on the field after the game.

Richard Seymour, DT

Seymour started the game and had one tackle. After the game, he talked at length about Tommy Kelly, his new head coach Dennis Allen and what it means to be in the Pro Bowl.

Denver Broncos starting safety Brian Dawkins gave SBReport.net some insight on Allen. Seymour, Janikowski and Lechler also talked after the game. To watch the video, click on this link:

RAIDERS CHAT AFTER THE PRO BOWL

Here are more images from the event:

Brandon Marshall took home the hardware, earning MVP honors with six receptions for 176-yards and a record four touchdowns in the game. The Miami Dolphins target ”You never know when you’re going to be back,” Marshall said, “and I wanted to go all out today because it could be my last Pro Bowl.”

Rookie Cam Newton ended his season with 186-yards passing, on 9-of-27, for two scores and three interceptions.

Janikowski, Condo and Lechler were inseparable all weekend.

Two hall of fame bound players sat on the bench: Ravens MLB Ray Lewis and Seymour.

Raiders DL Seymour was in pursuit in the 1st quarter.

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Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler watch Janikowski's field goal soar through the uprights

Janikowski, the Raiders all-time franchise leading scorer, used the shootout as an opportunity to add yet another record to his kicking résumé. After tying the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal in week one against the Broncos, Janikowski finished the 2011 NFL season going 8/8 in the Pro Bowl on extra points, earning the record for most extra points made in a game in Pro Bowl history. San Francisco 49er’s kicker David Akers previously set the record with seven made extra points in the 2010 Pro Bowl.

Janikowski also made his sole field goal attempt from 37 yards out and had five touchbacks, including one that drew “oohs” from the crowd of 48,423 as the kickoff soared over the end zone with plenty of distance to make it through the uprights.

Punter Shane Lechler appeared in his seventh Pro Bowl but did not get the opportunity to show off his strong leg as the AFC chose to go for it on three of their fourth downs. Despite not being able to punt the ball, Lechler was able to be a part of Janikowski’s record-setting performance as his holder, just as he is on the Raiders.

Another familiar piece on the AFC special teams was Raiders long snapper Jon Condo who was making his second Pro Bowl appearance. In addition to serving as the AFC long snapper, Condo also saw time on the field in both kickoff returns and kickoff coverage.

Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI

On two occasions, the NFC went to their bag of trickery and called an onside kick to catch the AFC off guard. After the first one was recovered with ease by the NFC, the AFC was ready for it the second time but Condo failed to fall on the ball and the NFC recovered the ball.

Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour started the game for his seventh Pro Bowl but finished with only one sack in a game that saw mostly arm tackles and over 1,100 yards of total offense.

Janikowski wasn’t the only one on the field breaking Pro Bowl records. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald tied the Pro Bowl record for most career Pro Bowl touchdowns when he hauled in his second touchdown of the day in the first quarter to give the NFC a 14-0 lead early. The touchdown reception marked his sixth career Pro Bowl touchdown, tying fellow Pro Bowler and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall also set his own record en route to being named the 2012 Pro Bowl MVP. Marshall hauled in six receptions for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl record four touchdown receptions. The 176 receiving yards also marks the second most in Pro Bowl history.

Broncos safety Brian Dawkins gave time to let the Raider Nation know exactly who they are getting in their new head coach Dennis Allen, who was Dawkins’ defensive coordinator this season. To see the interview, along with interviews with the Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl attendees in Honolulu, watch the video below.

A fan shows his love for the Raiders while attending 'Ohana day

Fans from all over came to Honolulu to see their favorite NFL players take the field in the annual all-star game. As tradition, the NFL offers its fans an ‘Ohana day the day before the game takes place, allowing fans to come watch both the NFC and AFC practice live in Aloha Stadium.

‘Ohana Day serves as a family day, allowing families to enter the stadium at no charge to watch and attain autographs from their favorite players. The NFL provided a “kid’s zone” where kids were able to participate in contests, win prizes, and meet the mascots from various NFL teams.

Jerseys from all 32 teams were present in the stands, and the Silver & Black was no exception. The Raider Nation, who holds a strong following on the islands of Hawaii, was well represented at Aloha Stadium as they took advantage of a chance to watch their Raider representatives: Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, Jon Condo, and Richard Seymour.

Be sure to check back for more exclusive coverage of the Pro Bowl from SBReport.net.

Shane Lechler and Jon Condo pose for a photo at the Pro Bowl.

SBReport.net was live at Pro Bowl Ohana Day Saturday at Aloha Stadium, covering the league’s festivities prior to their all-star game.

Pro Bowl Ohana Day ran from 9 a.m. till noon and was open to the public. The NFL offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at the final AFC and NFC practices.

The Oakland Raiders had a presence at the event, with four pro-bowl selections.

Richard Seymour, Shane Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski and Jon Condo donned their conference jerseys. Raiderette of the year – Anna –  represented along with other AFC cheerleading representatives.

Here’s a look at the happenings, brought to you exclusively by SBReport.net:

It was all smiles for Lechler and Janikowski during the walk-through. Both specialist kept things light, as they enjoyed their first visit to Hawaii together. In 1991, the Raiders Jeff Jaeger and Jeff Gossett were teammates at the Pro Bowl. As November wound down, I posed the question:

Oakland Raiders: Is their kicking tandem the best ever?

Seymour spent time with the NFL Network. The defensive lineman is a seven time pro bowl selection, six time All Pro and three time Super Bowl champion.

2011, Raiderette of the year Anna, shined on the sidelines.

A faithful member of the Raider Nation says, “Aloha.”

Stay tuned for exclusive images from the Pro Bowl all weekend, only at SBReport.net.

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Punter Shane Lechler punts the ball against the Detroit Lions in week 16

Sunday’s game.

Due to the New England Patriots playing in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5 and numerous injuries around the league, the NFL was forced to replace a total of 16 players on the AFC roster. Unfortunately for the Raiders, none of the players invited donned the Silver & Black this season.

Earlier this month, the league named Raiders safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece as alternates for the Jan. 29 Pro Bowl game.

Tommy Kelly hoped to make his first Pro Bowl with Patriots Vince Wilfork going to the Super Bowl and Ravens Haloti Ngata out with an injury, instead, the league chose Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins and Miami’s Paul Soliai.

Kelly, who was also listed as an alternate for the 2011 Pro Bowl, finished the season with 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Atkins finished with 47 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while Soliai finished with only 27 tackles and no sacks or forced fumbles.

Reece also looked to make his first Pro Bowl, most likely being the next in line had the Ravens and their fullback Vonte Leach made the Super Bowl instead of the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Richard Seymour in the week 3 game against the Jets

Reece, who played as a wide receiver at University of Washington, once again played an integral part in Oakland’s offense when on the field. Reece only played in ten games this season, starting six, but finished with 17 carries for 122 yards and 27 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

With Reece and Kelly not getting the call, the Raiders lone four Pro Bowl representatives will be punter Shane Lechler, long snapper Jon Condo, defensive tackle Richard Seymour and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

Lechler, playing in his 7th Pro Bowl, averaged 50.8 yards per kick this season and broke the Raiders franchise record with an 80-yard punt that went sailing over the dangerous Devin Hester when the Raiders took on the Chicago Bears in week 12.

Seymour has been named a starter for the game and is also participating in his 7th Pro Bowl of his career. Seymour played in all 16 games, often through injury, and finished the season with 29 tackles, six sacks and two kicks blocked.

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski connects from 63-yards out to tie the NFL record

Janikowski’s roster spot marks the first time that the former first-round draft pick has made the Pro Bowl in his 12-year career. Janikowski hit 31 of his 35 attempts (88.6 percent) while connecting on seven attempts 50+ yards out, including a league record-tying 63-yard field goal against the Denver Broncos in week one on Monday Night Football.

Condo earned his spot in the Pro Bowl by being named the AFC’s “need” player, an honor that also sent him to the 2009 Pro Bowl.

Be sure to check back on SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of the 2012 Pro Bowl.

Long snapper Jon Condo earned his second Pro Bowl appearance this year

“To find out it worked out the way you needed it to and to lose this one,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “It’s going to be a long offseason.”

The Oakland Raiders had everything go right at another site to pave the way to a division crown. Kansas City handled their business and gave the Silver & Black a shot. The Raiders couldn’t close with a win and now they will be headed home for the winter.

“If you can’t stop a team with everything on the line, you don’t deserve to be a playoff team,” defensive tackle Richard Seymour said. “We didn’t get it done. So this one hurts. It stings for sure. It’s disappointing. It’s frustrating.”

Oakland ended the year 29^th in the league in yards allowed per game (387.6), 29^th in points allowed per game (27.1) and allowed a franchise-worst 31 TD passes this season.

Someone has to take the blame for that, especially since in key games, when they needed stops at any point late in contest, they failed; namely at Buffalo, in Oakland versus the Broncos and the collapse against the Lions.

“I think Chuck [Bresnahan] knows how I feel,” Hue Jackson said. “I’m disappointed over there. I have been. Chuck knows what I feel, and it’s not good enough.”

Bresnahan has far too much talent on that defense… and we all know the players aren’t going anywhere.

Jackson should feel the heat more for this collapse as well. For months, he danced around the Darren McFadden injury issue; he boasted about building a bully and proclaimed that the penalty issues would get fixed — all contributing factors to their playoff-less season.

The head coach commented: “To say I’m [mad] is an understatement. Obviously we got beat here at home, and it didn’t look like a football team that was hungry enough to go win the AFC West title. … “We didn’t play well. I’m not going to sugarcoat it.”

Oakland didn’t play well in their grandest stage. For the first time since going back to the Bay Area, the Raiders hosted eight-games that were completely sold-out. They managed to disappoint their fans in the franchises biggest game since their conference championship win versus the Titans.

A listless performance – one that  reflects bad on the coach.

“Maybe they thought that team was going to lay down. I told ‘em all week, I knew they weren’t. I told you guys. I told the media. I told them. That’s all I preached,” said Jackson.

Philip Rivers and the Chargers enjoyed ending Oakland's bid for a playoff berth.

His preaching’s were not good enough in 2011. He talked the talk, but could not walk the walk.

Jackson talked about the Raiders needing an attitude adjustment next season. This may be true, but the coach also may need to take a new tact when handling the team from week-to-week. He was a rookie coach; so we saw many questionable Xs and Os, time management issues and other flaws that can be learned from. He can also use now his free time to be introspective and realize what he can do better to elevate the play of his roster.

“What I mean by that, the killer instinct has got to exist here. It’s something I’ve talked about. You try to change it, change it, change it. You do a lot of different things, and I haven’t been able to get it changed,” Jackson said.

Changing that attitude in one-season is tough, but that was done in 2010 with Tom Cable – in 2011, they had to step forward.

It can be done and in the NFL, it has been proven that quick-turnarounds are possible. Which makes this season a disappointing one.

It’s an unstable league from year-to-year, and with the Raiders at 7-4 in late November; this is why Jackson has to look at this as a missed opportunity.

“I didn’t see it coming. It’s sickening. We’ve got seven months to think about it. We ain’t good enough yet,” stated Tommy Kelly.

He’s right. They are not good enough yet. But that doesn’t automatically mean that they’ll be next campaign.

MORE REACTION

• Carson Palmer: “Anytime you lose at the end of the season and your season is over and you don’t win the Super Bowl it’s difficult. It’s frustrating when you hear the other outcomes of other games and know what was there to be had — [it] just makes it that much worse, that much more difficult.”
• Richard Seymour: “It feels like a bad dream, for sure. But it’s reality. The reality of it is, we couldn’t stop ‘em when we needed to. I don’t think we stopped ‘em all day.”
• Tommy Kelly on whether he’ll watch the post-season: “I’m watching [the] History Channel and Fox Sports Soccer.”
• Vincent Jackson on ending the season for Oakland: “It wasn’t our goal to end their season, but it is kind of nice because we’re going home as well.”

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It’s a must-win game on Sunday for the Oakland Raiders (8-7) when the rivals San Diego Chargers (7-8) invade the O.co Coliseum. With a win and some help, the Silver & Black could either be a division winner, or a wild-card participant in the post-season. Either way, Oakland has to win and finish with an above .500 record for the first time since the 2002 season for a chance at the playoffs. “You have to embrace these moments because they don’t come around too often. You want to play your best football in the biggest games. As a competitor, you have to want that, but you have to enjoy it. It’s a fun time,” said Richard Seymour.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Oakland has to continue the trend of pounding Michael Bush at the Chargers. In seven career games versus San Diego, Bush has amassed 490-yards rushing (4.3) and four touchdowns, including his record breaking 242-yards from scrimmage performance earlier in the season.

“We’ve been doing a good job sticking to it and not getting behind where we have to turn to pass situations,” stated the running back.

Oakland has to play from in-front and pound away at the Chargers front-seven in hopes of demoralizing them but more importantly, keeping the attack balanced against a defense that has 13-sacks in their last four games.

On Defense:

Chuck Bresnahan’s unit is under scrutiny, but they’ll get back safety Michael Huff and may have a motivated Tommy Kelly, who was bypassed on the Pro-Bowl selection process.

“[Huff] gives you another outstanding competitor and another outstanding football player,” Bresnahan was quoted this week. “We’ll see where he’s at and judge it as the week goes on.”

Oakland’s secondary will likely be under a lot of pressure with Norv Turner possibly coaching his last game in San Diego and Philip Rivers wanting to go out with gun’s blazing.

The Raiders need to get a heavy pass rush and contain tight end Antonio Gates.

In 17 games versus Oakland, Gates has compiled 69-catches for 934-yards and nine touchdowns. That duty will likely go to Mike Mitchell.

Kamerion Wimbley had four sacks earlier in the season at San Diego, but has only tallied three others the entire campaign. The Chargers have been forced into seven turnovers in their last three games against Oakland, mainly due to the pressure placed on Rivers.

Kamerion Wimbley sacks Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

On Offense:

Rivers has always been a closer, and nothing demonstrates that more than his 25-3 record as a starter in December.

Despite throwing a career high 19 interceptions, he was selected to the Pro Bowl roster. And with talk of Turner’s possible demise, he’s motivated to end the season strong.

“I think it is evident what I feel about [Turner],” Rivers said. “It has been an unusual year and a rough year. Hopefully everybody here, coaches included, will be able to gear up and go back at it next year.”

Rivers has thrown for 4,314 yards and is just the fourth quarterback in NFL history with four straight seasons over 4,000 yards. With one more touchdown pass, Rivers will become just the sixth quarterback in league history with at least 25 touchdown passes in four straight seasons.

On Defense:

Shaun Phillips has been a Raider-killer in his career, compiling 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 13-games against Oakland.

But it was Eric Weddle who made headlines this week, not just for his Pro Bowl nod, but his desire to keep the Silver & Black out of the playoffs.

“I don’t want the Raiders to go,” said Weddle, who is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions. “We have control over at least one more game, and who can go. “We’re going to try our hardest to spoil their postseason and keep them out of it.”

The Chargers have struggled with spread-offenses, so it will be interesting to see if Oakland puts the game on Palmer’s abilities, or do they try to re-establish a ground presence?

GAME NOTES

• “Everybody in the locker room wants to win and wants to win now,” Shane Lechler said about the team’s playoff hopes. “My situation is, hopefully I get to see this thing go full circle. I had it great when I first got here. … Just to see it go full circle would be good.”
• Carson Palmer on the importance of Sunday’s game: “These types of games, especially when you get to play them at home. These types of games are why you do what you do in February, March, April, May when nobody is watching. It’s why you stay up late at night watching film. This is why you do that, to be prepared. … This is a big moment for this team and our fans.”
• Darren McFadden will be out.
• For the first time in 16-years, all eight home games have been sold out.
• DE Trevor Scott was named this year’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
• “I don’t know what the penalty thing is,” Tommy Kelly on Oakland’s record breaking penalty pace. “Coach stresses it, defensive coordinator stresses it, D-line coach stresses it.”
• Jacoby Ford will play on Sunday. Taiwain Jones practiced, but could be a game-time decision.

KEY MATCHUPS

Rivers vs. Oakland’s Pass Rush/Secondary

It’s been a strange season for the fiery passer, who will miss the playoffs but go to Hawaii in a few weeks. He’s into the rivalry and a huge statistical game versus a rival and keeping them out of the playoffs will be his motivation on Sunday.

Bush-whacked

San Diego was mauled by the Oakland offensive line in their first meeting. It will be in the Raiders best interest to start the game by establishing themselves on the ground and keep pounding on a defense that may want to go home early for the winter.

PREDICTION

Raiders 30 – Chargers 16
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The Oakland Raiders will have three representatives at the Pro Bowl this season: kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Shane Lechler and defensive tackle Richard Seymour.

Lechler will make his seventh appearance (’01, ’04, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’10, ’11) at the league’s all-star game. He leads the NFL with a 50.7 average per punt. More importantly, he has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.

This is the seventh selection for Seymour and his second with the Silver and Black. He has 6.0 sacks for the season and two season saving field goal blocks versus Kansas City last weekend.

Janikowski is going to Hawaii for the first-time. His is presently fifth in the AFC in scoring with 115 points, is the Raiders all-time leading scorer with 1,257 points and broke the team’s single-season scoring mark with 135 points last season when he was named a Pro Bowl alternate. The powerful left-footed kicker tied an NFL record with his 63-yard field goal just before halftime in the 2011 season opener at Denver.

ANALYSIS:

I stated earlier in the day that three Raiders would make the squad… and that’s what happened. Janikowski deserved his first nod; stellar all year even through an injury, as others around the league finally realized what Raider fans always knew…

That Janikowski is a very good kicker with a special leg.

Lechler is reaching elite status and in my book, is the greatest punter to ever lace ‘em up. Any other choice would have been insulting.

As for Seymour, you can argue that Tommy Kelly’s body of work was better this campaign, but as it happens often, the player with more fame and notoriety gets the call. Seymour was missing in action in a few games, was booted out of the Miami contest and was a penalty machine in other vital games. His veteran leadership is immeasurable and the team respects him highly. No doubt he will be a hall of famer, but at this juncture, Kelly may have been the right choice.

ALTERNATES

Per the Raiders: Safety Tyvon Branch, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, running back Darren McFadden and fullback Marcel Reece have all been named Pro Bowl alternates for the January 29, 2012 game in Honolulu.

ANALYSIS:

McFadden was the league’s best rusher and one of the more dynamic players in the NFL prior to his injury. At this point, Raider fans could care less if he’s healthy to play in the exhibition, rather wanting him on the field this weekend and in the coming weeks.

Branch deserved consideration, but his numbers did not stack-up with others, nor will he replace Troy Polamalu’s popularity. His game has evolved and Branch has become one the AFC’s best strong safeties. But more game-changing plays and his defense not allowing so many yards and points, especially late in collapses, will help him get to Hawaii in the future.

Reece is a fine fullback who last year made noise with his pass catching abilities. This year, he’s become a far better blocker and continued to be a threat as a target in the Oakland offense. Vonta Leach is a far superior blocking fullback and a key aspect to the Ravens ground attack. Injuries slowed him a bit, if not, Reece’s numbers would’ve trumped his total from last year and he would’ve been in.

OVERALL:

There’s nothing to gripe about  here…

Kelly surely deserved more recognition, but in the Pro Bowl, players always get in a year or two late, or stick around for a year or two too long. Oakland’s total number of pro-bowlers is just about right. McFadden would’ve been a shoe-in with a full complement of games and others like Branch, Reece and possibly Stanford Routt will have their chance in the future.

TIDBIT

In 1991, place-kicker Jeff Jaeger and punter Jeff Gossett made the Pro-Bowl together as members of the Silver & Black.

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Shane Lechler, P

Possibly the greatest punter in league history. He’s already been chosen six times to the Pro Bowl, an eight time All-Pro and now holds the franchise record for longest punt, set earlier in the season. Lechler leads the NFL with a 50.7 average per punt. More importantly, he has placed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line. The clear choice to represent the AFC in another Pro Bowl, anyone else would just be insulting.

VERDICT: LOCK TO BE SELECTED

Sebastian Janikowski, PK

Oakland’s place-kicker has attempted a league high 9 kicks from 50-yards or beyond. He has connected on six of them and is 9-of-10 from 40-49-yards out. His long of 63-yards on opening night tied the league record. This has been Janikowski’s finest year, despite suffering through a hamstring injury during the middle of the season. I said it early in the campaign, this may be the best tandem in league history for one season. In 1991, Jeff Jaeger and Jeff Gossett made the Pro-Bowl together as members of the Silver & Black. It should happen again in 2011.

VERDICT: LOCK TO BE SELECTED

Richard Seymour, DT

He has 6.0 sacks and two season saving field goal blocks versus Kansas City last weekend. The veteran should get the nod based on his past credentials, but in my opinion…

VERDICT: WILL LIKELY BE SELECTED, BUT TOMMY KELLY DESERVES IT MORE BASED ON HIS BODY OF WORK IN 2011.

Tommy Kelly, DT

Only Geno Atkins of the Bengals has more sacks (8.0) than Kelly (7.5) at defensive tackle. Kelly has been a quiet but steady presence. The problem is, the Raiders run defense allows 135.0 yards per game and Seymour’s notoriety gets him votes that maybe he shouldn’t get.

VERDICT: Kelly will miss the Pro Bowl, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the conference’s best tackles.

Tyvon Branch, SS

He leads the team in total tackles, has a sack and an interception. Always fiery and very good in run support, Branch has improved his game greatly with his coverage skills.

VERDICT: Not likely to make his first Pro Bowl. Eric Weddle, Reggie Nelson, George Wilson, Jon McGraw, Mike Adams and others, due to numbers, may sway the voters. It doesn’t help that Oakland’s defense ranks poorly.

Stanford Routt, CB

Stanford Routt was paired up many times with Calvin Johnson.

Only two other cornerbacks in the AFC have more interceptions. According to Football Outsiders, only Darrelle Revis ranks better in cornerback success rate.

VERDICT: Again, hard to pick an Oakland defender based on their defense, but if one of them does get in, it will be Routt.

OTHER NOTABLES

Marcel Reece had a fine year in 2010, but this year he didn’t have the impact or the numbers to warrant a Pro Bowl bid over Vonta Leach, who has been very good for the Ravens. Jon Condo always has a shot to make it due to his long-snapping prowess and defending on kicks and punts, and Darren McFadden would have been a lock if not for his foot injury.

FINAL PREDICTION: Three Raiders should make the Pro Bowl: both kicking specialists and either Seymour or Routt. I would be very surprise if others made it.
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