Silver and Black Report

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It was Lane Kiffin’s first game as head coach of the Oakland Raiders. At 32, he became the youngest man to coach a game in the NFL since Harland Svare, when he took over the Los Angeles Rams as a 31-year old in 1962. It was also the first regular season contest JaMarcus Russell missed during his rookie holdout.

Down 17 points, Oakland erased the deficit early in the 4^th quarter when Josh McCown led an eight-play, 70-yard drive, which ended in a scoring pass to fullback Justin Griffith. The home-opening crowd was electric and a new found enthusiasm was generated with the 21-20 lead, especially after Kiffin huddled his team after that score and urged his players to get stops.

That didn’t happen, as Jon Kitna quickly replied with a seven-play drive on the ensuing possession that finished with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Shaun McDonald.

McCown was intercepted on his following drive, Jason Hanson kicked a 23-yard field goal and after another turnover immediately after going up 29-21, the Lions put the game away with a Tatum Bell 14-yard score.

“In the fourth quarter, when it got loud, we didn’t blink,” Kitna said. “We kept executing and doing what we needed to do.”

“It just makes me sick,” McCown stated about his performance. “I dwell more on the negatives right now, the turnovers and the things like that. Those are the things that I go over and over in my mind.”

The starter for Oakland ended 30-of-40 for 313-yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Fans shouted for back-up Daunte Culpepper, but Kiffin was steadfast on who his quarterback was. “Fans have the right to their opinions,” Kiffin said. “After the third touchdown in a row they weren’t chanting for Daunte anymore.”

Sebastian Janikowski missed three field goals and Oakland had eight penalties. “We’re not finishing our drives and it’s something happening here or there,” Kiffin said. “Whether it’s a false start here or a missed assignment there, just something little.”

Calvin Johnson tallied four catches for 70-yards and a score in his NFL debut.

Ronald Curry had a touchdown and 10 receptions for 133-yards.

“We’re looking better,” running back LaMont Jordan commented. “You always want to look better than you did last year because we looked awful last year. Taking the next step is becoming a winning team, and we obviously didn’t do that.”

“It was in our hands,” outside linebacker Sam Williams stated after the 36-21 defeat. “We didn’t finish.”

Here are exclusive images from our game coverage from that afternoon:

Rookie Calvin Johnson exploited the Raiders secondary.

LaMont Jordan compiled 70-yards on 15-carries, as well as 89-yards receiving. In the above picture, he celebrated a third quarter score which cut the Lions lead to 17-14.

Jerry Porter had 2 catches for 26-yards.

Defensive lineman Tommy Kelly (#93) working against Jeff Backus.

During pre-game, Michael Huff, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stuart Schweigert got themselves amped-up. ”We want the game in our hands, and it was at the end,” Schweigert said after the loss. “We just didn’t stop them. That’s disappointing.”

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During the 2007 season, the Oakland Raiders traveled to Minnesota to face the Vikings in a battle of struggling clubs.

As Adrian Peterson watched from the sideline – due to injury – Chester Taylor tallied 202-total yards of offense and three scores, in a 29-22 Minnesota win.

The Vikings tried their best to keep Oakland in the game with four first half turnovers, which led to four of Sebastian Janikowski’s five field goals.

A banged up Josh McCown could not start, giving away to Daunte Culpepper, who had his best years as pro with the Vikings. “You can’t predict emotions,” Culpepper before his appearance at the Metrodome. “When you go to a place that you played before, obviously emotion is going to be part of it.”

Facing one of the league’s worst pass defenses, Culpepper ended 23/39 for 344-yards, one touchdown and one interception.

“I thought Daunte was a warrior today,” then Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said. “I thought he played really well.”

Some of the shinning moments for the Raiders included highlight reel receptions by receiver Ronald Curry. At the start of the 2nd quarter, he was able to jump between two-defenders and snare a bomb from Daunte Culpepper for a 49-yard gain. In the process of coming down with the football, Curry lost his helmet and controlled the reception as he hit the turf.

Oakland’s run defense was abysmal that season and at the end of the afternoon, it was their seventh time in twelve weeks that the Silver & Black allowed a rusher to break the 100-yard mark.

During post-game interviews, Warren Sapp took exception of Tim Dwight’s mental error at the end of the game. Dwight had a false start, which led to a 10-second run off and cost the Raiders a chance at a scoring chance.

“I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there,” Sapp said. “I’m going to know the snap count. I’m not going to jump offside on a spike play. Where the hell are you going? That makes no sense. Just when you think you’ve seen it all in 13 years, here’s something else.”

Warren Sapp (#99) and Thomas Howard (#53) didn’t have much to celebrate after the Vikings compiled 228-rushing yards and 478 total yards of offense on November 18, 2007.

Ronald Curry enjoyed his stunning 49-yard grab, after losing his helmet. He ended with 4-catches for 120-yards.

Here’s a link to the Monday Morning Musings’ article for this contest.

 

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Lane Kiffin got his first win as head coach of the Oakland Raiders during a week-three match-up versus the Cleveland Browns in 2007.

The then 32-year old learned a week earlier from Mike Shanahan, who called a time-out right before Sebastian Janikowski’s potential game winner against the Broncos. The Raider kicker nailed the first field goal, which was blown dead, but missed the ensuing attempt.

Browns kicker Phil Dawson was lining up for a final kick, but his initial attempt, which split the uprights, was disallowed after Kiffin called a late-second time out.

“The rookie coach learned something from the veteran last week,” commented wide receiver Ronald Curry.

Tommy Kelly blocked the final kick and Oakland snapped an 11-game losing streak with a thrilling 26-24 victory.

“I told [the official] I was going to call it, and he gave me the ‘You’re going to have to give me the signal,’” Kiffin detailed. “I guess I don’t have as many years in the league as Mike. I got it in a second later than I wanted, but it worked out.”

Derek Anderson drove the Browns from their own 9-yard line to the Raiders 23 in the final 1:04 without a time out. “I actually didn’t hear the timeout or the whistle,” Dawson said at the end of the contest. “I thought we had won the game. They did a good job of waiting until the last second to call the timeout.”

 

Here are some shots from the game from SBReport.net’s archive:

Kirk Morrison (#52) tallied his third interception of the season early in that contest.

 

Ronald Curry scored on a 41-yard pass from Josh McCown in the 2nd quarter and ended with 3-receptions for 62-yards.

 

LaMont Jordan (#34) had 29-carries for 121-yards and a touchdown. Facing a 3rd and 23 in the 4th quarter, Oakland moved the chains with a screen to Jordan that went for 27-yards, leading to a key Janikowski field goal. ”It feels good. It’s a good start,” Jordan said. “My name will be the one in the headlines, but I’m happy for my offensive linemen.”

 

Warren Sapp (#99) gobbles up Jamal Lewis. Cleveland’s leading rusher ended the game with 56-yards on 15-carries. ”They don’t ask you how you get them done, they just ask did you,” commented Sapp. ”We’re a ballclub that is trying to learn how to win. Last week, we took a step closer and this week we got over the hump.”

 

Michael Huff (#24), Stuart Schweigert (#30) and Gerard Warren (#61) swamp Joe Thomas on the game’s final play – a blocked field goal.

 

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Stay logged on to SBReport.net for exclusive coverage of tomorrow’s game between the Browns and the Raiders. SBReport will be there live to bring you images from the O.co Coliseum.

ESPN’s NFL draft expert Todd McShay answered one question regarding each team in the AFC West in a blog. He gave insight on what prospects may be a good fit for the Oakland Raiders at quarterback.

Here’s the excerpt:

“They have other needs, but if there is a guy like [Nevada’s] Colin Kaepernick is there in the third round, that could be a good fit. He has a big arm that the Raiders like. [TCU’s] Andy Dalton isn’t a perfect fit because of his arm, but it’s good enough. He could be a fit in the third round. I tell you what, [Arkansas’] Ryan Mallett could easily fall all the way down to No. 48. Oakland would have to think about it. He has the big arm. He is a risk, but he is an incredible value at No. 48.”

Here’s a look at the quarterbacks selected by the Raiders in recent memory:

JaMarcus Russell (1^st round 2007)

One of the biggest busts in league history.

Andrew Walter (3^rd round 2005)

Was best known for taking a beating during the 2006 season, behind a horrific offensive line.

Ronald Curry (7^th round 2002)

Drafted as a passer, converted into a serviceable wide receiver.

Marques Tuiasosopo (2^nd round 2001)

Career back-up who never got a shot to lead the Silver & Black. Had a chance to start in 2003, but sustained knee injury versus Lions.

**************

Hue Jackson has insisted that he’s happy with the current crop of targets on the Silver & Black, but you have to wonder what would have been going through the Raiders’ mind this morning if they had a selection in the first round after seeing Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones’ 4.39 40-yard dash and 11’3 broad jump. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, and coming off a 78-catch 1,100 yard campaign with seven scores in the SEC, it would have been enticing for the Raiders to give him a serious look.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The last time the Oakland Raiders faced the St. Louis Rams, running back Steven Jackson ran for 127-yards and 2 scores. St. Louis routed the Raiders 20-0 in front of ‘the Black Hole.’

Then Rams quarterback Marc Bulger was 11-for-22 for 137-yards. The tandem of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce combined for 7 receptions for 117-yards.

“It’s just embarrassing,” said then Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks, who was pulled in the fourth quarter in favor of Andrew Walter. “It’s embarrassing because we’re better than that.”

At that point, the Raiders were 2-12.

Ronald Curry was the lone spark in that abysmal home performance, hauling in 9-catches for 87-yards.

“I didn’t like it,” Brooks said of his benching. “I thought it was bad timing. I didn’t see any reason why I should have come out. But it was not my decision.”

Here are some images from that contest, pulled from our game coverage dated December 17, 2006:

Justin Fargas (#25) breaking away from Ram defenders.

Kirk Morrison(#52) tallied 6-tackles and a sack during the game.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The barrage of yards and points tallied by the Oakland Raiders against the Pittsburgh Steelers was quite impressive. Bruce Gradkowski totaled 308 yards passing in leading the Raiders to a stunning 27-24 victory at Heinz Field. Oakland score 21-points in the 4^th quarter and the last time they compiled 20 or more points in the final quarter of a game was on October 6, 2002 when they put up 21 in Buffalo during a 49-31 win against the Bills.

Daunte Culpepper was the last Raider passer to throw for more than 300-yards when he tallied 344 against the Minnesota Vikings on November 18, 2007. Coincidentally, the last time a wide receiver donning the Silver & Black amassed more than 100-yards receiving came in that same game when Ronald Curry gained 120 yards. Yesterday, Louis Murphy ended that 33-game receiver drought by a Raider when he finished with 128 aerial yards.

“You always visualize the game going into it, and you always picture yourself winning and doing very well,” Gradkowski stated after the contest. “That was exciting, and you wouldn’t want it to end any better.”

Gradkowski’s homecoming was like a dream come true. He brought along teammates to his family’s home to share a meal and then on Sunday, he feasted on the Steelers’ secondary with a career game.

“It’s been exciting to come back and share this with my family, and how happy I saw my mom and dad after the game, that’s awesome,” Gradkowski said. “But it’s awesome for our guys, too. I couldn’t be happier for our team.”

And that is what matters most when Gradkowski is out there – how the team fares. So far, so good, as the Raiders are 2-1 with their new passer and looking like a respectable offense.

Gradkowski is fiery and when he is on the field, the Raider offense appears to have more of a bounce in its step, a rhythm that it never had with JaMarcus Russell. But more importantly, when he is manning the position, the team plays better, his cast elevates their play and the production has been noticeable.

Wide receivers all of sudden are making plays. The offense is now moving the chains and compiling yards. Oh, and the play calling – the offense now looks more modern.

Tom Cable is now able to expand on his playbook, call a more diverse game and not worry about the limitations that his passer has.

Unlike Russell, Gradkowski is absorbing the playbook, extending plays, making things happen on the football field when a specific play is called or, he is improvising, using his head and feet to give  his Raiders a chance at something positive when the whistle blows or at the end of a drive.

“You kidding me? You’re coming home, his folks were in the stands, and to play the way he does, lead his team, hang in there at the end, make huge plays — big throws? Just a great job by him,” Cable noted after the contest.

Gradkowski is making this Raider offense a tougher one to defend. True he has a healthy Chaz Schilens to his disposal. Yes, Cable is finding ways to incorporate Darren McFadden into the scheme more seamlessly. But the passer who is able to help Cable run a more complex attack is what’s been the big difference.

And if this continues, there won’t be a quarterback controversy in Oakland…

Gradkowski will be the obvious choice to lead this team into 2010.

Langston Walker, who played at Guard when Robert Gallery was nicked stated, “Bruce is fiery. He’s yelling at us, screaming at us, running around like a banshee, but it’s all controlled. That’s how he gets it done. You saw the result.”

Cornell Green commented; “Bruce had something about him today. I don’t know if it was being home or just letting it all hang out, but he took control of the huddle. He’s cursing at people to hurry up. He brings that to the team. He brings that fire and that’s good.”

“When I am out there, when I am at practice, it is my offense and that is how I’m going to lead,” Gradkowski said after his 20-of-33 performance.

Gradkowski is impressing teammates, fans and opponents. But will all this be enough to astound the one man who may still believe that Russell is this organization’s future…

Yup, Al Davis will have to see more of this if Gradkowski wants to be a starter for the Silver & Black. The journey man who is the under dog is doing all the right things now.

Check that, forget about what I said earlier…I have a feeling we are headed toward a quarterback controversy in Oakland. It’s destiny.

The Oakland Raiders cleared salary cap space on Friday with the release of wide receiver Ronald Curry, defensive end Kalimba Edwards and safety Gibril Wilson.

After signing Nnamdi Asomugha to the richest deal ever for a defensive back and retaining Shane Lechler for four more years with a contract that was dubbed “the greatest ever awarded to a punter in the history of the National Football League,” Oakland needed some relief in order to move forward with their off-season maneuvering.

Curry, 29, was expected to be a casualty some time ago, as they saved nearly $2.3 million by taking him off the roster. After posting 117 receptions in two prior seasons, the former 7^th round pick struggled in 2008 with a meager 19 catches for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The wide-out was even benched midway through the season, which left him pondering his future with the team that gave him a chance to develop at wide receiver after starting his career as a quarterback on the scout team.

“It’s like the team gave up on me. You go from playing to getting one or two snaps a game, the decision is being made. I’m going to go out there and continue to work at practice, work at games and once the season’s over, the picture’s pretty clear,” Curry stated after his demotion.

Wilson was one of the major free agents acquired last off-season when the Raiders attempted to solidify the back-end of their secondary.

After winning Super Bowl XLII as a member of the New York Giants,Wilson cashed in on his success and inked a lucrative six-year, $39-million deal with the Silver & Black that included $16 million in guarantees and that would’ve  paid him $19.5 million over the first three years.

Wilson was one of the more outspoken Raiders in 2008, demonstrating good leadership on the field and during the tumultuous end of Lane Kiffin’s stay as head coach.

In November, he opened up and had one of the more compelling thoughts regarding the happenings in Oakland:

This is a soap opera over here, man. If this was New York there would have been about 50 media people around here. This is a soap opera. I just think we need to settle on something. We need to have a vision of where we’re trying to take this team. If you don’t have a vision and you’re just trying to plug in players, then you’re always going to get the same results. We’re not about losing. This is the first team that I’ve been in a situation like this ever since I been playing football. We gotta win. That’s all I’m worried about, getting a win. I’m getting phone calls from friends asking me what’s going on and all that stuff. Right now, to be honest, football’s not even really fun just because of all the losing and stuff. Coming to work is kind of hard. Now dealing with D getting cut and all that stuff…

One thing is losing and another is dealing with all the extra stuff. We have so much on our plate already. To deal with the extra stuff is not healthy for anybody, especially when you’re trying to get a game plan in and you’re trying to know what you’re supposed to do and all that. It’s not a healthy situation at all.

 The 27-year old tallied 96 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2 interceptions in his only season in Silver & Black.

Edwards started 11 contests for the Raiders and compiled 5 sacks. After signing a two-year deal, the 29-year old defensive lineman was scheduled to make $2.25 million in base salary in 2009. 

 

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

According to the NFL Network, the Oakland Raiders are ready to part ways with wide receiver Ronald Curry in a move that could save them up to $2.3 million in salary cap space.

Curry, 29, had been one of the more dependable players on the roster in recent memory. But after posting 117 receptions in two prior seasons, the former 7^th round pick struggled in 2008 with a meager 19 catches for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. A turf toe injury, inconsistent play and difficulties integrating him into an aerial attack that ranked last in the NFL in passing yards per game were just some of the reasons his numbers dipped significantly.

The wide-out was even benched midway through the season, which left him pondering his future with the team that gave him a chance to develop at wide receiver after starting his career as a quarterback on the scout team.

“It’s like the team gave up on me. You go from playing to getting one or two snaps a game, the decision is being made. I’m going to go out there and continue to work at practice, work at games and once the season’s over, the picture’s pretty clear,” Curry stated after his demotion.

After showing toughness and determination, sustaining season ending injuries only to bounce back and produce on teams that struggled, Oakland signed him to five-year, $20 million extension that included $8.5 million guarantees.

He said in November, “It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you go from that to not playing at all. Like I said, the picture’s pretty clear. I feel like my past kind of speaks for itself and I’ve shown that I can make plays and hopefully my talent will be wanted somewhere else.”

Reports are also circulating regarding the future of Kwame Harris. The one-year experiment at left tackle with the former 49er was a disaster and at this point, a situation that may not be salvageable for the Raiders.

The Raiders could free up an estimated $7.2 million if they release Harris, who has an $8.8 million cap number for 2009.

ANALYSIS:

Curry was a model citizen, worked hard to get on the field after season ending injuries and at times, appeared to be the lone productive talent on offense through the years. But he did not warrant the big contract bestowed on him and at best, he’s a complimentary receiver and not the type of target you can depend on as a ‘go-to’ guy.

He was not happy with the happenings with the club this year and soured throughout 2008.

Yes the Raiders have a lack of talent at receiver and need an infusion at that position, but they ranked at the bottom of the league with Curry, and with the cap being a major issue for them this off-season, it’s a move that Oakland has to make if they want to find JaMarcus Russell a top tier receiver an improve the rest of the roster.

Curry is a good player, but not at that price. Moreover, the drops, mental lapses and dip in play were signs of a player that may need a change of scenery.

As for Harris, the time has come for Oakland to purge themselves of inept players. And he was a main reason why the offense sputtered with his penalties, sloppy pass protection and malaise at left tackle.

Tom Cable tried to get something out of the former 1^st round pick and it didn’t work. Incredibly enough, the Raiders did structure his deal in a way where they could severe ties with him without major ramifications. Probably the lone silver lining in their decision to bring in a player who at times looked defeated after games with no signs of confidence in his abilities. 

 

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders placed wide receiver Ashley Lelie on injured reserve, ending his season and almost certainly his stint as a member of the Silver & Black.

In 13 games this season, Lelie has only 11 receptions for 197 yards and 2 scores.

The already thin and pedestrian receiving corps is expected to be without Ronald Curry this weekend because of a turf toe injury. His future is also in doubt, as there has been talk about the team parting ways with Curry and that his days may be numbered in Oakland after a disappointing season. 

Oakland has put four wide receivers on injured reserve in 2008; Javon Walker (ankle), Drew Carter (knee), Arman Shields (knee) and Lelie (calf).

With probably the weakest receiving unit in the league, the Raiders are averaging a league worst 142.9 yards passing per game. Their 6.0 yards per completion is 29^th in the NFL and the 26.8 pass attempts per contest is the worst in the league for the vertically challenged Raiders.

The Raiders activated Darrell Strong from the practice squad on Saturday.

STATUS REPORT – TEXANS

QUESTIONABLE

LB Xavier Adibi (groin)

PROBABLE

TE Clark Harris (illness), DE Jesse Nading (knee), G Chester Pitts (ankle)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

On Wednesday

LB Xavier Adibi (groin), G Chester Pitts (ankle)

On Thursday

LB Xavier Adibi (groin), TE Clark Harris (illness)

On Friday

RB Steve Slaton (not injury related)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

On Wednesday

DE Jesse Nading (knee)

On Thursday

DE Jesse Nading (knee), G Chester Pitts (ankle)

On Friday

LB Xavier Adibi (groin), TE Clark Harris (illness)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Friday

DE Jesse Nading (knee), G Chester Pitts (ankle)

STATUS REPORT – RAIDERS

OUT

LB Ricky Brown (groin)

DOUBTFUL

WR Ronald Curry (toe), WR Ashley Lelie (calf)

QUESTIONABLE

RB Luke Lawton (concussion)

PROBABLE

DT Tommy Kelly (knee), TE Zach Miller (shoulder)

Practice Report

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

On Wednesday

LB Ricky Brown (groin), WR Ronald Curry (toe), DT Tommy Kelly (knee), WR Ashley Lelie (calf)

On Thursday

LB Ricky Brown (groin), WR Ronald Curry (toe), WR Ashley Lelie (calf)

On Friday

LB Ricky Brown (groin), WR Ronald Curry (toe), WR Ashley Lelie (calf)

LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

On Wednesday

RB Luke Lawton (concussion), TE Zach Miller (shoulder)

On Thursday

DT Tommy Kelly (knee), RB Luke Lawton (concussion), TE Zach Miller (shoulder)

On Friday

RB Luke Lawton (concussion)

FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

On Friday

DT Tommy Kelly (knee), TE Zach Miller (shoulder)

 

Contact Author:  Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

MIAMI, FL – On the game’s opening drive, the Oakland Raiders in typical fashion looked out of sync, were non-threatening and went three and out. A Cooper Carlisle false start penalty on the first play put them in 1^st and 15 hole they could no dig themselves out of.

Then the Miami Dolphins drove 9 plays and 93 yards for a 7-0 lead.

On 3^rd and 7, the Raiders were flagged for a neutral zone infraction (Trevor Scott), which made the down a manageable 2-yard. On the ensuing play, Chad Pennington rushed for 7 yards and a 1^st down. Ultimately the drive was capped off by Ted Ginn’s first career rushing touchdown from 40-yards out.

Ronald Curry was the Raiders lone threat on their next drive, as he converted two first downs on receptions of 10-yards on the drive’s first play and a 9 yard grab on 2^nd and 8. But a deep toss to Curry, that was slightly under thrown by JaMarcus Russell, was broken up by cornerback Will Allen.

Allen blitzed on 3^rd and 8 a few plays later and got a sack, ending the Raiders drive.

Miami sputtered on their next drive. Tommy Kelly took down Pennington on 3^rd and 10 for his third sack of the season.

Johnnie Lee Higgins had a punt return of only 5-yards, as Jon Alston missed an assignment on the play.

Score: Miami 7 – Oakland 0