Silver and Black Report

Phil Barber posted a blog on the Press Democrat web site regarding his conversation with former Oakland Raiders tackle Lincoln Kennedy.

Kennedy, who played 11-seasons in the league, gave some insight on the current losing drought the Raiders are in and the arrival of Warren Sapp to the team in 2004. The three-time Pro Bowler said Sapp’s presence and boisterous nature hurt the team more than helped it during a vulnerable period for the organization.

“And here’s the reason,” Kennedy stated. “Every interview I heard Warren do, he never accepted the silver and black like other castaway veterans. He always played that Buccaneer card. And I was pissed off at that as a veteran player. If they wanted you, they would have kept your ass, you know what I’m saying? If someone else gave you another chance to finish your career strong, accept that.

“He immediate became a figurehead on the team, an icon. And all I ever heard him talk about was his days at Tampa. Go back in the archives and look at any other player who had an impact on the Raiders, and you don’t hear that, especially among the castaways.”

Kennedy also talked about moving away from the game and the direction Oakland took along the trenches after his retirement.

“I remember the year I retired, I told the Raiders I couldn’t do it anymore,” Kennedy comented. “I sat across the table from Mr. Davis and said, ‘Look, you got a player named Langston Walker. He’s making seven figures. I couldn’t say, ‘Let him play my spot, I’ll sit back and watch.’ The competitor in me wouldn’t allow that. But if you want to draft for the future, you need to know where to go. That’s why I told him as early as I could, because there was also this young lineman out of Iowa named Robert Gallery. We were trying to leave the team in good shape.

“What we found out later, those players weren’t capable of stepping in. They didn’t have the talent or whatever to pick up where we left off.”

Barber will have more about the Raiders in an article on Sunday and their streak of ineptitude since 2003.

Best Offensive Player:

Zach Miller, Tight End – 66 rec. 805 yards 3 TD

It amazes me how on a horrendous offense, Miller continues to improve on his numbers on a yearly basis. Raiders don’t have many scary targets on offense. And Miller is not as dynamic as other tight ends around the league, but he sure is productive and a solid blocker.

Best Defensive Player:

Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback

Among the best defenders in the NFL. Asomugha is a complete defensive back and a better citizen.

Best Special Team Player:

Shane Lechler, Punter

The Pro Bowl talent ended with a 51.1 average, short of Sammy Baugh’s 51.4 record set in 1940. But he did break the net average mark with 43.9, topping the 41.2 he set last season.

Best Coach:

Lionel Washington, Defensive Backs

Tyvon Branch matured into a solid starter, Michael Huff had his best season as a pro, rookie Mike Mitchell gave the backfield a jolt and Asomugha is among the best. Washington did a solid job with this group.

Least Valuable Offensive Player:

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver

Nine receptions for 124-yards and one score. Two carries for 19-yards. This from the seventh overall pick in the NFL draft with $23.5 million in guarantees coming to him.

Least Valuable Defensive Player:

Chris Johnson, Cornerback

It’s hard to constantly be the target of opponents, especially with Asomugha on the other side. But Johnson gave up too many big plays and was a weak spot in a secondary that was solid to very good at times.

Most Improved Player:

Tyvon Branch, Strong Safety

He was a tackling machine around the line of scrimmage and developed into one of the upcoming SS in the conference.

Least Improved Player:

JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback

The stats were horrendous, his development was non-existent and when you get benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, you know things are bad. He went from being the first overall pick and possible savior to public enemy number one.

Best Rookie (Offense):

Louis Murphy, Wide Receiver – 34 rec. 521 yards 4 TD

He was fiery, injected life to a dead unit at times and was a gamer. Sure he had his drops, mental lapses and was sometimes the victim of bad calls from officials, but the 4^th round pick has legitimate potential to be a starting caliber receiver at this level.

Best Rookie (Defense):

Matt Shaughnessy, Defensive Lineman

He compiled four-sacks and played well in the interior when tabbed in the second half of the season with more reps.

Player Missed the Most due to Injury:

Robert Gallery, Left Guard

He missed six regular season games with a broken leg before returning to the line-up, but then he injured his lower back in December and Oakland shut him down for the season. By far the best offensive lineman they have.

Most entertaining player when entering the field:

Sebastian Janikowski, Kicker

He enjoyed his best season as a pro. He was 26-of-29, with his only misses coming from long distance.

Deserving of more carries award:

Michael Bush, Running Back

He ended the campaign with a team leading 589 yards rushing. Bush averaged 4.8 a carry and had the best two rushing performances by a raider this season (119 vs. KC and 133 vs. DEN).

Hardest Worker Award:

Justin Fargas, Running Back

Probably the least talented of the trio of rushers but no one runs harder or with more intensity.

The ‘I want out…’ Award:

Javon Walker, Wide Receiver

He signed a six-year $55 million deal with $16 million in guarantees in March of 2008. Since, he has been one of the biggest free-agent busts in league history. Walker has been inactive all season and left in the organizations doghouse.

Best Victories:

1. Week 13 – Raiders 27 – Steelers 24: A 21-point barrage in the 4^th quarter led by Bruce Gradkowski’s 308-yards passing and 3 touchdowns. The 35-point final quarter was exciting and full of big plays, including two Murphy touchdowns: one for 75-yards and the closing score from 11-yards out.
2. Week 15 – Raiders 20 – Broncos 19: Charlie Frye started, J.P Losman got a snap but JaMarcus Russell was the one who put a road block on Denver’s effort to make the playoffs with his game winning touchdown pass at Invesco Field. Michael Bush had 133 yards and a touchdown on 18-carries.
3. Week 11 – Raiders 20 – Bengals 17: The Bruce ‘Almighty’ Gradkowski stint started with a win. Oakland scored 13 second half points in a frantic finish. “As a team, we’re not really known for fighting back, and we came back,” rookie Louis Murphy said.

Worst Losses:

1. Week 7 – Jets 38 – Raiders 0: New York came in reeling; losing three in a row, missing Kris Jenkins after his injury a week earlier, a struggling rookie passer, a coach beleaguered by the media that had to travel to the west coast. Oakland allowed 316 rushing yards, led by rookie Shonn Greene, this after beating the Eagles a week earlier in the midst of back-to-back home games.
2. Week 3 – Broncos 23 – Raiders 3: Denver went 3-0 with a road victory in the Black Hole. Oakland was held to 137 yards of offense, and at the time, it was only the third time since 1993 that they had offensive outputs of less than 200-yards in ensuing weeks. Russell had only one passing yard in the second half and thus began the weekly booing’s in Oakland.
3. Week 14 – Redskins 34 – Raiders 13: Russell came in for an injured Gradkowski and sucked the life out of the offense. An offense that tallied nearly 200-yards of offense against the Redskins went to hibernation when Russell took over.

Best Moments of the Season:

1. Zach Miller’s 86-yard touchdown romp versus the Philadelphia Eagles that was aided by two stellar blocks by rookie Louis Murphy.
2. Bruce Gradkowski’s 29-yard game tying touchdown pass to Murphy with 33 seconds left versus the Cincinnati Bengals. On the ensuing kickoff, Brandon Myers forced a fumble which set-up Janikowski for a game winning 33-yard field goal. “He caused the fumble,” linebacker Sam Williams said. “That was unbelievable.”
3. Louis Murphy’s 11-yard touchdown catch with nine seconds left at Pittsburgh.
4. JaMarcus Russell’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Chaz Schilens with 35 seconds remaining to beat the Broncos at Denver, “They’re all special, but this one’s pretty high,” said Russell.
5. Janikowski nailing a 61-yard field goal in cold Cleveland.

Worst Moments of the Season:

1. Darrius Heyward-Bey’s bobbled pass deep in Kansas City territory that fell into the hands of a Chiefs defender. That turnover sealed the victory for the visiting rivals as Oakland drove late in the contest.
2. Russell being pulled after going 6-for-11 for 61 yards with 2 interceptions and a lost fumble against the Jets.
3. Johnnie Lee Higgins and Louis Murphy bumping into each other as they came off the line of scrimmage, and taking themselves out of the play against the Chargers.
4. Russell entering the game against the Redskins after Gradkowski was injured and then getting sacked six of the eight times Washington tallied sacks. “We had heard that Russell’s just had a tough time, and you could tell when he stepped on the field and the crowd started booing,” Washington defensive end Andre Carter said.
5. All of the Tom Cable off the field distractions.
6. Hiram Eugene getting pushed aside by Willis McGahee during his 77-yard scamper in the season finale.

Unit that was lackluster:

Punt and Kickoff returns

Whether it was Gary Russell, Jonathan Holland, Justin Miller briefly or Louis Rankin, the return units were non-threats to opponents. Even Johnnie Lee Higgins, who made a name for himself as an explosive punt returner in 2008 was quiet in 2009.

Hey look, I’m a starter award:

Michael Huff, Safety

Turned himself into a reliable player in the secondary after years of the Raiders waiting on this first round talent to turn the corner.

Hey look, I should not be a starter:

Cornell Green, Right Tackle

The penalty machine was at it again this season. Green may be the best option for the Raiders at right tackle, which demonstrates the need for them to upgrade that side of the offensive line.

Best Off-season Move:

Greg Ellis, Defensive End

Tied with Trevor Scott for the team lead with sacks (7).

‘We are waiting…,’ Award:

Darren McFadden, Running Back – 104 car. 357 yards 1 TD, 21 rec. 245 yards

Is it the lack of creativity on this offense? Do the Raiders need a better mind running the offense? Are the quarterback issues impacting him? Regardless of the excuses, McFadden has not been the explosive talent they had hoped for and certainly not the multi-dimensional weapon he can potentially be. Plus, he had 4 fumbles this season (3 lost) while missing four games due to injury.

Best Quote(s):

• “I don’t think we could have beaten an Oakland high school team today,” said Richard Seymour after the 38-0 loss to the Jets. Ironically, he stated earlier that week that Oakland would make the playoffs.
• “If you really want to look at it, you can go 8-0 and you might end up 10-6,” stated Chris Johnson. “There’s a possible way you can actually do it.”

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (4-8) will host the Washington Redskins (3-9). It will be the 11^th regular season meeting between both clubs with the Silver & Black holding a 8-3 edge including their victory in Super Bowl XVIII. Oakland has won four of the last five meetings including their last match-up during week-eleven of the 2005 season when Kerry Collins passed for 289-yards and the Raiders won 16-13.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

In three-games as a started, Bruce Gradkowski has elevated the Oakland aerial attack, which has tallied an average of 217 yards per game in that span. With Robert Gallery out for the season and the Raiders not running the ball all that well, rookie Louis Murphy emerging as a legitimate talent, Chaz Schilens back in the mix and a competent quarterback under center, its safe to say that the Oakland passing game is at its peak. They’ll get a formidable challenge from the Redskins this week who have the 5^th best pass defense in the league (190.2 per game), but in recent weeks against Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans – all teams in the top-10 in passing yards per game – they have allowed 819 aerial yards.

Last week in Pittsburgh, Johnnie Lee Higgins had his best game as a target in some time after Darrius Heyward-Bey was inactive due to injury. “Yeah, it was rough. You know me, I’m a fighter, I just hate sitting back and watching, I want to be out there, but I just do as I’m told,” Higgins told reporters on Friday. “I go out there and when my number is called, I go out there and I perform. Complaining won’t get you anywhere. When it’s my time to shine, I go out there and try and do it.”

What to Expect:

Samson Satele is expected to start at center with Chris Morris taking Gallery’s spot at left guard. Oakland has to have some cohesion along the trenches if they don’t want Gradkowski scrambling against a Washington defense that has tallied 28-sacks (12^th in the NFL). Short down and distances will be a key as well as other running situations in the red-zone. If Gradkowski can rally this team to another win, it will be a huge indictment on JaMarcus Russell as the Raiders usually struggle after wins and have rarely put together solid back-to-back performances during his time as a starter.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis’ knee has hindered him all week, limited his action in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for the game. Oakland will need a lively pass rush on Sunday due to the recent activity of Jason Campbell. Yes he has four interceptions in the last three contests. But he has also tallied 284 yards passing per game during that span.

Oakland has to bring the heat as they did versus the Eagles and Bengals in order to come away with a victory at home.

One player that helps in that aspect is Richard Seymour. And this week, he stated to the Boston Herald, “I still have an impact,” when talking about his play and the decision the Patriots made to deal him before the season. “Maybe I don’t get the glory all the time, but I free up somebody else and our team gets the success. I know what I bring to the table. They wish it was that easy to replace me, but it’s not.”

Trevor Scott could be freed up this weekend, and in two games at linebacker, he has three sacks, four quarterback pressures and five tackles for losses.

“Originally when they first said it, I was kind of shocked just because I’ve never really played it before,” Scott said. “But I just took it in stride and ran with it. It was one of those things where you’re thrown into the fire, and sometimes that’s the best way to learn.”

What to Expect:

Oakland is still susceptible to big plays against the run and pass, and can allow big chunks of yardage on the ground. But they have been stout in holding teams to field goals instead of touchdowns when they get the red-zone, forcing a key turnover or getting a vital sack to push the opponents place kicker out of field goal range. If John Marshall is able to get his pass rush going, Oakland’s secondary will be able to pick some errant throws and give their upstart offense a chance at some short drives.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

On Offense:

“We could have been 6-6 and fighting for something,” Jason Campbell stated on the team’s official Web site after throwing for a career high 367 yards and three touchdowns. “Instead we’re 3-9.”

Clinton Portis was place on injured reserve this week, so Quinton Ganther and Rock Cartwright will carry the load the rest of the way. The second year rusher out of Utah has been more productive than Cartwright in recent weeks and now will be the fourth rusher to start in the backfield for Washington in 2009.

“I’m getting the opportunity that I haven’t had to show people what I can do,” Ganther said. “I just worked harder than anybody. The longer you keep you feet in the door, the better opportunity you have.”

What to Expect:

Oakland’s secondary will be tested by Santana Moss (49 rec. 642-yards 3 TD), Antwaan Randle El (40 rec. 458-yards), Fred Davis (32 rec. 319 yards 3 TD) and Devin Thomas (23 rec. 287 yards 3 TD). Chris Johnson has been picked on playing opposite Nnamdi Asomugha and far too often, second year pro Tyvon Branch and the rest of the Raiders secondary have been caught out of position on big plays. Many times, Oakland’s rush defense has allowed unknowns to have big games at running back starting for injured starters. If Ganther is given his shot consistently, he could have a career day.

On Defense:

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth will miss his third game with a sprained right ankle.

Also, cornerback DeAngelo Hall will be out with a sprained right knee, as he will miss out on a opportunity to play against his former teammates During his eight-game stint by the Bay Area, Hall was torched and tormented by double moves and was a whipping boy of the fans after being traded and signed to an extension prior to the 2008 campaign.

“Al Davis told me it salary cap issues,” Hall said. “Coach Cable actually made the statement that they had somebody better behind me. So I kind of took a little offense to that, but I don’t have any hard feelings toward Coach Cable, the organization. It was a great, great, great time for me there, the short period of time that I was there.”

“DeAngelo’s a play-maker,” ex-corner mate Asomugha stated. “He wants to be free to go out and make plays and do what he does best. When you come here, you have to understand that you’re going to be in man-to-man 90 percent of the game. It was definitely something he wasn’t used to. It took some adjusting for him, and he never really got that full chance to adjust to that change.”

GAME NOTES

• In Washington’s first seven contest, they allowed an average of 17.6 points and 283 yards per game. In the past five, foes have amassed 23 points and 352 yards of offense per outing.
• Andre Carter has eight sacks in his last eight contests.
• Gallery’s spot on the roster could be occupied by Roy Schuening, who is able to play center and is currently on the practice squad.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Can the Raiders passing attack continue to move it downfield?

The 4^th quarter versus the Steelers was explosive. If they can continue that output, they’ll be able to make life easier for a running game that has been disappointing and could use a boost from Darren McFadden.

Will the Raiders’ run defense get plowed?

This is the type of game where the Shonn Greene’s, the Jamaal Charles’ and Bernard Scott’s go wild on Oakland’s run defense. Campbell has been throwing it for big yards, the Raiders can allow big yards via the pass, and if Ganther rolls, there will be a lot of booing in the Black Hole.

PREDICTION

Raiders 26 – Redskins 19

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on FOX with Dick Stockton providing play-by-play and Charles Davis handling color analysis. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KTVU Channel 2 and in Sacramento on KXTV Channel 40. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information was cited from the Official Oakland Raiders Web Site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 13, 2009, 4:05 p.m. ET | Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, OAK, CA

Home Team: Oakland Raiders (4-8) Home: 2-4 Road: 2-4

Road Team: Washington Redskins (3-9) Home: 3-3 Road: 0-6

LINE: Raiders are a 1-point underdog

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Starting left guard Robert Gallery is out for the remainder of the season with a lower back strain injury sustained against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.  Gallery hurt his back blocking on the trick hand-off to Darren McFadden and lateral to Bruce Gradkowski that loss 16-yards.

Tom Cable said after practice that the injury would require surgery. “He’s a very good player, was playing very well before he got hurt in Kansas City, so he comes back and gets back in the groove,” Cable stated. “It’s disappointing for him and our team. He’s not had these types of things that have kept him out of games in the past. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s the game, and it does it to a lot of people.”

The former number two overall pick in the 2004 draft has been Oakland’s best lineman since being moved to guard in 2007.

So far in 2009, Gallery has missed time in camp due to an appendectomy and six-regular season games with a broken leg suffered during a week-two contest. If Samson Satele is healthy and ready to start at center, Chris Morris will take Gallery’s position in the line-up. If Satele cannot see action due to his strained calf, recently acquired Langston Walker will start at left guard for the first time in his career and Morris will man the center spot.

In the six-games Gallery has played in, the Raiders are averaging 120.3 rushing yards per game. During the six-games he was out, the team ran for an average of 89 yards per contest.

OTHER NEWS

• Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and defensive end Greg Ellis did not practice today. Both are not looking to be ready for Sunday’s game.
• The game will be blacked out for the sixth time this season. Against Cincinnati, the recorded attendance was 34,112.

ANALYSIS

He may not be the dominant all-pro tackle many predicted he would become prior to the 2004 draft, but Gallery’s presence will be sorely missed along the Raider trenches. The 29-year old is the best offensive lineman on the Raiders and one of the better run blocking interior lineman in the AFC. His mobility and ability to pave lanes on counters, sweeps and trap plays will effect the production on the ground. And that will directly effect what plays Tom Cable is able to call as the season winds down. With Bruce Gradkowski at the helm, Oakland has not relied upon the vitality of their rushers, as oppose to when JaMarcus Russell was in the line-up. So leaning more on the passing game, their fiery quarterback and the development of their young targets is in order for the Silver & Black. The Raiders are not a physical bunch along the offensive line. When they have short down and distances or goal line situations, it will be interesting to see how they handle their play-calling.

Yesterday; one reception for 22-yards. For the season six catches for 96-yards. Oh, lets not forget his two-carries for 19-yards. Darrius Heyward-Bey has been in over his head in his rookie campaign.

The controversial seventh overall pick in April’s draft has done very little as a member of the Silver & Black. His route running has been critiqued; Heyward-Bey’s one virtue – his speed – has been a non-factor. Fellow rookie Louis Murphy has fared better, but until yesterday’s loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, Heyward-Bey has not been in the mix or been looked at to make plays when it counted most.

And when he had a shot to give the Oakland Raider fan base some glimmer of hope – he failed.

Heyward-Bey had a ball sail out of his hands and into the mitts of a Kansas City defender, sealing the Chiefs seventh straight victory in Oakland.

Oakland will stick to their guns that the product out of Maryland was who they wanted in the draft. They claimed to like his abilities as a pass catcher, but at this point there is no reason to believe that the one man calling the shots selected him based on one thing only – speed.

Far more polished targets such as Michael Crabtree (18 rec. for 215 yds.) and Jeremy Maclin (31 rec. 413 yds. 4 TD) were selected three and twelve picks later respectively. Percy Harvin (31 rec. 422 3 TD) went at the 22^nd slot to Minnesota. And Hakeem Nicks (23 rec. 407 yds. 4 TD) and Kenny Britt (22 rec. 351 yds.) were taken back-to-back at the end of the first round. But none has struggled or has been as dormant as DHB.

“I know Darrius works every day catching the ball,” said Chaz Schilens. “I’m out there with him. I don’t know what to say other than at game time, you’ve just got to make the play.

“That’s all there is to it.”

The rookie had an opportunity to do what Oakland drafted him for in the second quarter. And on one of the few times JaMarcus Russell was able to hit his target accurately, DHB let a 50-yard bomb near the goal line go right through his arms.

It’s too early to say he’s a bust. Yet its hard to bypass the fact that: a) Oakland could have taken far better targets at their slot in the draft, or b) could’ve had him a lot lower, paid less money and not be as scrutinized for it if someone was willing to move to their spot.

Matt Shaughnessy started in place of the mending Greg Ellis at defensive end. He recorded a sack and had 4 tackles (including one behind the line of scrimmage). The rookie was one of the bright spots during a 1^st quarter in which Oakland beat up the Chiefs offensive line and held their rushers to -4 yards and a measly 57-yards at the half. Oakland’s run defense was swarming at times and ended the contest allowing 112 yards on the ground. Their one blip was Jamaal Charles 44-yard touchdown scamper (KC first TD on the ground in 2009).

NOTES FROM SUNDAY

• Chris Johnson tallied his third interception of the season.
• Robert Gallery came back from his injury and started at LG. He had a costly penalty in the 2^nd quarter when Russell connected with Murphy for a 52-yard gain. The play was negated due to a tripping infraction. “It was one of those things, I’m not going to let the quarterback get hit,’’ Gallery stated after the game. “I can’t put myself in that situation. It is what it is. It cost us pretty big, so it’s a hard one to swallow.’
• Sebastian Janikowski’s streak is over. The hefty kicker connected from 50-yards, but missed a 45-yarder in the 3^rd quarter. The 20-consecutive converted field goals were the longest streak of his career.

OAKLAND – Oakland Raiders offensive lineman Robert Gallery spoke to the media today regarding his injury layoff and the status of the team.

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Today’s inactive players for the Oakland Raiders include; running back Darren McFadden, wide receivers Nick Miller, Chaz Schilens, and Javon Walker, Charlie Frye, tackle Cornell Green guard Robert Gallery and fullback Oren O’Neal.

For the New York Giants; wide receiver Ramses Barden, running back Danny Ware, cornerback Aaron Ross, linebacker Michael Boley, tackle Adam koets, linebacker Bryan Kehl, tight end Kevin Boss and defensive lineman Chris Canty.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report.net Columnist

QUARTERBACK: F

JaMarcus Russell continues to look lost, overwhelmed and his passing woes carried over this week again, which directly led to the ineptitude of the Oakland Raiders’ offense for a second straight contest. He was 12-of-21 for 61 yards and 2 interceptions. The 2.9 yards per completion was embarrassing. Oakland attempted to shorten routes, limit his attempts to dump offs and screens to his best players on offense – the running backs – and that still could not get the big-armed passer going. His interceptions led to ten Denver points. At the start of Oakland’s second drive, Russell was not able to hit his fullback on a short pass in the flat that Champ Bailey almost picked off. A play later, he went deep to Darrius Heyward-Bey, a poor decision due to the double coverage presented, being backed into your own end-zone and needing to be more of a game manager, playing smarter football in keeping your team in the game early, as the ball was intercepted by Renaldo Hill. His next throw was another overthrow to his speedy rookie receiver which fell into the hands of Andre’ Goodman. His best toss of the game was in the 2^nd quarter; an 18-yard rocket to Louis Murphy on 3^rd and 4 that hit his target in stride. Before the half, he appeared to hit his tight end for a gain of 29-yards, but a booth review determined that Zach Miller was not able to stay in bounds. Russell is not getting better. His confidence looks shot. And through this, Oakland is trying to run basic plays to get him out of the funk.

RUNNING BACKS: F

Darren McFadden looked fragile this afternoon. Denver rocked him a few times, which led to him going down easily on a few plays and coughing up the football in critical spots. On the second play of the game, a poorly executed screen pass, McFadden lost handle of the football. On 2^nd and 11 in the 2^nd quarter, he had the ball ripped out of his hands by Mario Haggan (a play that almost took them out of FG range) and in the 3^rd quarter, he fumbled away the possession in the red-zone during Oakland’s only realistic threat to hit paydirt. He ended with 12 carries for 45 yards. Michael Bush did not perform any better, tallying 20-yards on 6 carries. Justin Fargas recorded his first touches of the season in mop up duty. Luke Lawton made a cameo early in the game.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: F

Again, Louis Murphy was the lone receiver to record some touches, ending with 2 grabs for 25-yards. Bush led the team in receptions with 4 for 20-yards, but most of them were off broken plays, short dump offs that were ineffective, as opponents are not afraid of the Raiders vertical attack. Defenses are collapsing on the Raiders, which is causing a lot of traffic around the line of scrimmage. Heyward-Bey is not ready to handle a starting role in this league, and it is showing week-to-week. Javon Walker was inactive. Oakland is pinning their hopes on Chaz Schilens’ return; a receiver with only 15 career catches to ignite a dormant aerial attack. Zach Miller had 2 receptions; his 12-yard gainer on a 3^rd and 16 helped the Raiders set-up their lone scoring opportunity.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

This unit has gotten progressively worse since the 1^st half of the Charger game. They are not playing with any fire; they cannot push around anyone and are passive during run plays. Tom Cable’s favorite group is beaten at the point of attack consistently and it has a serious impact on their inability to run the football. They managed only 38-yards rushing at the half and 95 for the game. Robert Gallery’s presence was missing. Cornell Green would have added to his resume of penalties this week with another hold, but Denver had mercy on the Raiders and decline it to force a 3^rd and 10. Erik Pears had a false start infraction late in the game and looked mediocre at best in his first start as a Raider. The line allowed three-sacks and was out of sync for the majority of the game. Chris Morris was flagged for a holding penalty, negating a Raider first down and putting them in a 2^nd and 13 trap. Any success Oakland had running the ball came from rushing behind RG Cooper Carlisle.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

Well, after three-games, we can establish that not much has changed concerning the run defense. The Raiders are allowing 155 rushing yards per game, as they allowed a season high 215 yards against Denver on Sunday. Correll Buckhalter ran for 108 yards and the rookie Knowshon Moreno added another 90. From the start of the contest, Denver gashed the Oakland front-seven, attacking Greg Ellis on edge runs and pushing aside Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly in the interior. Richard Seymour was flagged for a personal foul on the opening drive of the 2^nd half. That 15-yard infraction gave Denver the ball on the Oakland 15-yard line, and two plays later, the Broncos hit paydirt to take a commanding 20-3 lead. The Raiders did not record a sack, nor did they even come close to Kyle Orton all afternoon. That lack of pressure let the Denver passer sit in the pocket comfortably and make solid decisions all afternoon. Oakland mustered up courage on Denver’s opening drive, stuffing 5 straight rushing plays before getting them off the field on 4^th down. Trevor Scott appeared out of position at times, as Denver took advantage of Oakland’s aggressiveness up the field.

LINEBACKERS: F

We observed poor tackling and an uneventful afternoon for starters Ricky Brown, Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Morrison was torched early by Brandon Marshall; not being able to stay with the explosive receiver on gains of 14 and 11 yards on Denver’s opening drive, and on 3^rd and goal on Denver’s first touchdown, a 2-yard pass on the Broncos’ second drive. John Marshall did not adjust early to Denver’s game plan, isolating the linebackers underneath with shallow routes and causing favorable man-to-man match-ups with some of their elusive targets.

SECONDARY: D

They only allowed 157 passing yards, but only because Denver played a conservative game at and Orton was able to go to shorter routes to get his team down the field. Nnamdi Asomugha tried to help in run support, but to no avail. He even got beat late surprisingly, as Orton connected wit Marshall on a very good pitch and catch for 17-yards. Stanford Routt was beaten a few times by Jabar Gaffney, once on a 15-yard gain to set up a 1^st and goal. On 3^rd and 11 in the 3^rd quarter, Gaffney drew a pass interference flag on Chris Johnson and a few plays later, the Raider defense looked lost on Daniel Graham’s 24-yard reception on 2^nd and 15. Rookie Mike Mitchell recovered a fumble and was in on the Raiders only stout series at the end of Denver’s opening drive that ended at the goal line. Michael Huff almost came up with another interception on one of the few plays Oakland actually got pressure on Orton. On a 3^rd and goal, the Raiders blitzed and Huff jumped in front of Orton’s dump off option. That play at the time saved a touchdown and held the Broncos to a 13-3 lead.

SPECIAL TEAMS: D

Jonathan Holland will not make anyone forget about Justin Miller. Holland was not very good, nor did he put any fear into the Denver coverage unit. Sebastian Janikowski nailed his 48-yard field goal attempt and Shane Lechler punted four-times for an average of 47.5.

COACHING: F

Tom Cable’s team was not ready for this game. Was that Josh McDaniels on the sideline or Mike Shanahan toying with the Raiders’ defense? Oakland was out of position, off-balance on defense and it took them far too long to adjust to Denver’s schemes. McDaniels is off to a 3-0 start with a quarterback that plays it safe, can manage a game and that puts his team in winning situations. Denver jumped out on the Raiders with a quick 7-0 lead. They opened the 2^nd half with an 8-play 80-yard drive to take a 20-3 lead and the Broncos did not punt till the game was already in hand during the 4^th quarter. John Marshall’s defense was pushed around and since the 1^st half versus the Chargers, they have looked like the same unit from 2008 with major flaws and schematic deficiencies. Cable will now have to play the role of psychologist to get his quarterback right, his defense back biting instead of barking and his overall team believing that they can avoid another miserable year before this type of play lingers and they reach a tough stretch in their schedule.

DENVER’S DEFENSE SETTING THE TONE

After three-games, Denver’s defense has allowed one touchdown, 16-points and opponents are averaging 78.3 rushing yards per game. They have tallied 5 interceptions this season, 10-sacks and have recovered three-fumbles to start the campaign.

Elvis Dumervil has six-sacks this season.

INEPT OFFENSE

Oakland for a second straight week could not tally more than 200 yards of total offense. It was just the third time since 1993 that the Raiders achieved such ineptness in back-to-back weeks.

The crowd let Russell know how they felt in the 2^nd half with constant ‘boos’ and chants that were unfavorable to the former number one overall pick.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Robert Gallery underwent surgery to repair a broken left fibula that could keep him out as much as six weeks.

“It’s not as easy as just plugging in a new left guard or a new center,” head coach Tom Cable said Monday. “You want to make sure it all gels together. If this was a week issue or something like that, maybe it’s pretty easy, but it’s not. I think you have to look at it as a month issue.”

Preliminary reports stated that Cable could opt to play either Khalif Barnes or Erik Pears at left guard; two players that are more adept at tackle spots. A long shot for the nod is Paul McQuistan, a career back-up who has stepped in due to injuries in the past for short spurts.

Gallery had started 34-straight games at left guard and was the best lineman on the Silver & Black.

Oakland must get back to running the football the way they did versus the Chargers in order to help out an anemic offense that has been hindered by the inconsistencies of JaMarcus Russell.

Losing Gallery won’t help. And re-shuffling the line won’t either.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how Cable will cope and adjust to finding new chemistry in the trenches and how he will direct this offense.

Chaz Schilens is on his way back. Cutting down the load on Darrius Heyward-Bey and making him a third option could help the aerial attack. And finding creative ways to get Darren McFadden the ball while using Michael Bush and Justin Fargas to move the chains on the ground will be imperative.

One thing will be a constant; Chris Morris at center.

Cable likes the way he handles the middle and the technique he brings to the trenches.

BRONCOS DEFENSE STOUT EARLY

After two games, the Denver Broncos have allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th in the NFL).

Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.

The Broncos are 2-0 on the strength of their newly revamped 3-4 defense. So if Oakland expects to threaten the upper half of the AFC West, they must play mistake free football on offense, establish the run and keep Russell upright on Sunday.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Starting left guard Robert Gallery sustained a fractured left fibula during yesterday’s victory in Kansas City. Based on early prognosis, the former first round selection will miss a month.

He departed the 13-10 win in the closing moments, although he suffered the fracture earlier in the contest. “I cracked back on a guy, and I heard it break,” Gallery commented after the game. “I just have to get it fixed and come back as soon as I can.”

Oakland then slid starting center Chris Morris to left guard and brought in Samson Satele to take over at center. Expect a similar formation on Sunday when the Raiders face the Denver Broncos.

CHANGES TOM CABLE SHOULD CONSIDER

Get Cornell Green out of the starting line-up ASAP

The starting right tackle is the weak-link in the trenches. Last week he was flagged for a false start, got infracted on a 3^rd and 4 in the 4^th quarter for a hold and yesterday, he added to his tally of penalties. Khalif Barnes has started to practice with the team since fracturing his left ankle in the summer. It’s time to speed him up during the week to get a more quality body in the trenches. “I’m just trying to go out there and practice every day,” Barnes said some time ago. But to his surprise, coach Tom Cable stated that the free-agent acquisition would be Mario Henderson’s back up at left tackle when he is fully healed.

Barnes is not a back up. Especially when Green is on the field ahead of him. The former Jaguar is not a guard and should be given action at tackle, as Raider fans have seen enough of Green and his inconsistencies.

Start Michael Huff ASAP

“I’m just getting more confident and studying film the right way,” said Michael Huff, yesterday. “It goes back to “… being around a Pro Bowl corner, the best corner in the game. That just helps me on my game.”

Yes, he is taking advantage of his limited action, seeing mostly reps during passing downs. But he is far more athletic and an upgrade over Hiram Eugene.

Huff received his first game ball in his four-year career in Oakland after the victory, and should be starting next to Tyvon Branch at free-safety. He has made good reads in the back-end of the secondary, attacked errant passes and made game-changing plays in the first two contests of the season. Eugene has played physical, but still he misses too many tackles and is a liability in pass coverage. Eugene played his best ball in special teams coverages yesterday, and that is a good sign, but long-term, its best that the team move their former first rounder back into the limelight.

When Schilens gets back, sit Heyward-Bey and keep Murphy on the field

Chaz Schilens may not be ready for this week’s game, but as soon as he gets back, unless Darrius Heyward-Bey lights up the league, Louis Murphy should push him out of the starting line-up. Murphy is more reliable at this point, gets open on short and deep routes, and is more adept at running cleaner routes for JaMarcus Russell. Heyward-Bey did record his first NFL reception yesterday, but at this point, he is a one-trick pony. He can stretch the field, but its not effecting defenses at this point, as defenders will give him a cushion and even if he pulls a safety away from one-side of the field, no one is there to take advantage of it. Cable said Schilens will be re-evaluated this Thursday.

He’s already pulling coverage toward him because of his speed, and that definitely showed up,” Cable said last week. “That is a part of his responsibility, and a big part. But at the same time, he’s got to grow in all facets, whether it’s blocking, catching, running the route, pulling the coverage, whatever that is. You just want to get him as close to a complete player as quickly as we can.”

Schilens and Murphy are the Raiders two best receivers right now. They should start. And a lighter load, a simpler set of duties for Heyward-Bey as the team’s third receiver should pay dividends as the year rolls on.

Use more two tight end sets

Rookie Brandon Myers played well enough in the pre-season to warrant more time. He is a competent blocker and can add a varying look to the passing game with his abilities to run routes. He surprised many in the summer with his solid production. And if you pair him with Zach Miller, teams may be shocked to see how fluid of a player he is.With the two TE set, less of  Oren O’Neal will be seen on the field, but that’s ok, because he may not be swift enough to get out of Darren McFadden’s way, and the 2^nd year pro out of Arkansas is at his best running on sweeps and tosses to the edges where the tight ends could show their value.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist