Silver and Black Report

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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Despite the Pro Bowl being an offensive shootout with little opportunities for field goals, Oakland Raiders placekicker Sebastian Janikowski was able to make his mark in his first Pro Bowl appearance on Sunday as the AFC came back to defeat the NFC 59-41.

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.

The 2012 Pro Bowl teams practiced in front of NFL fans for free at Aloha Stadium on Saturday under the beautiful Hawaiian sun.

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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(Image rights belong to Raiders.com)

This week, the Oakland Raiders officially announced the hiring of Dennis Allen to be their next head coach.

Allen, 39, becomes the 18^th coach in the organizations history, its tenth headman since thy returned to Oakland in 1995 and their seventh over the last ten seasons.

In their release, the team stated:

The Oakland Raiders will introduce Head Coach Dennis Allen on Monday, January 30, 2012 at noon.

As first reported by Kate Longworth of CSN Bay Area, terms of the deal are for four years.

Oakland, under Al Davis, operated differently than what we’ve seen early on with Reggie McKenzie, as the likes of Norv Turner, Art Shell, Tom Cable and Hue Jackson were generally given two or three-year deals when given the head coaching job.

No coach has been as successful in Oakland as Jon Gruden, who compiled a 40-28 record from 1998-2001 but left for Tampa Bay for four draft picks (first- and second-round choices in 2002, a first-round selection in ’03 and a second-rounder in ’04), along with $8 million paid over three years.

Lane Kiffin compiled a 5-15 regular season record.

Bill Callahan (2002-2003) was fired one year after taking the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII. In his second season, the team turned on him in the midst of its 4-12 season, and Davis felt Callahan had lost control of the players.

Here’s a list of Raider coaches in their history and their records:

• Eddie Erdelatz (1960-1961) 6-10 in the regular season
• Marty Feldman (1961-1962) 2-15 in the regular season
• Red Conkright (1962) 1-8 in the regular season
• Al Davis (1963-1965) 23-16-3 in the regular season
• John Rauch (1966-1968) 33-8-1 in the regular season (2-2 in the playoffs)
• John Madden (1969-1978) 103-32-7 in the regular season (9-7 in the playoffs)
• Tom Flores (1979-1987) 83-53 in the regular season (8-3 in the playoffs)
• Mike Shanahan (1988-1989) 8-12 in the regular season
• Art Shell (1989-1994) 54-38 in the regular season (2-3 in the playoffs)
• Mike White (1995-1996) 15-17 in the regular season
• Joe Bugel (1997) 4-12 in the regular season
• Jon Gruden (1998-2001) 38-26 in the regular season (2-2 in the playoffs)
• Bill Callahan (2002-2003) 15-17 in the regular season (2-1 in the payoffs)
• Norv Turner (2004-2005) 9-23 in the regular season
• Art Shell (2006) 2-14 in the regular season
• Lane Kiffin (2007-2008) 5-15 in the regular season
• Tom Cable (2008-2010) 17-27 in the regular season
• Hue Jackson (2011) 8-8 in the regular season

In January of 2010, SBReport published:

The Oakland Raiders: A carousel of coaches

That capsule highlighted the constant change with the Silver & Black and the circumstances around those hirings/firings, along with speculation regarding the likes of Sean Payton and Steve Sarkisian.

While in Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, Shane Lechler talked about his new coach,  who he has known since 1994. “He’s a pay-attention-to detail guy,” Lechler told CSNCalifornia.com. “I’m not saying we haven’t had that here before, but D.A.’s going to take it to another level.”

It’s not the first time that the all-world punter has been boisterous about head coaching happenings in Oakland. In January of 2011, he had this to say about Al Davis decision to let Cable walk: “I just looked at my wife. I can go through another head coach. It’s not fun.”

He continued, “I think this is going to be a huge set back for us, to tell you the truth. Tom was good and how he handled the whole dealing with Al [Davis] and all that situation. He was one of the better coaches I’ve had that can handle that part of it and not let part of it bother the football team. And that’s what I enjoyed about him.”

“Yes I do respect him,” said Lechler then of Jackson taking over. “Whether he can call plays and pull off the whole head coaching deal and deal with Al Davis on the side, I don’t know, that’s a lot on somebody’s plate.”

Tom Cable in one of his final contests with the Silver & Black on Nov. 28, 2010.

With the hiring, Allen also marks the first defensive-minded head coach since the late Davis hired Madden to replace Rauch in 1969.

Since, Flores and every other coach until Jackson had offensive pedigrees and a background as either a play caller or an offensive line staffer.

In a video on CSNBayarea.com, the new Raider coach stated, “I think they are an outstanding organization and it will be an honor to be able to work for them.”

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For the first time ever, both kicker and punter combination from both conferences in the league’s Pro Bowl is comprised from two teams.

The NFL will have an all-Bay Area special teams fest, as the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders have six representatives donning the all-star jerseys.

Yes – six. Even the long snappers got a nod to Hawaii.

Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler and Jon Condo will be on the AFC squad. David Akers, Andy Lee and Brian Jennings will on the NFC’s side.

“There must be something in the water,” said Lee, the 49er punter who averaged 50.9 yards per punt in 2011.

“It’s awesome to be here with my guys and to have my long snapper here,” Lee said. “For Dave to have his long snapper here, so it’s his rhythm that he’s been used to all season, it’s a really unique thing to share this with those guys that you spent all season with.”

Sebastian Janikowski kicking off in 2011.

“It’s fun,” the Raiders Lechler said, as he continued his excellent career in 2011 with a 50.8 average last campaign. “We’re going to see if one of these golf courses can let us get a six-some out here because we’re going to go play, us against them, and put a little money on the line.”

NOTES:

• Lechler is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine time all-pro.
• This will be Janikowski’s first Pro Bowl. He is Oakland’s franchise leading scorer, a holder of the league’s longest field goal (63-yards) and the longest field goal in overtime history (57-yards in 2008).
• Condo is a two time Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2011).

For more Pro Bowl coverage, stay tuned to SBReport.net, as our staff will be live in Hawaii bringing you images from the annual event.

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With the conference championship games completed last Sunday, the 2012 Pro Bowl rosters have been finalized and both teams have begun practicing in Honolulu for

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

Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain was ordered to stand trial on May 17^th. He allegedly punched a man, threatened to kill him, and firing a gun near his ear.

McClain is charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm.

The team did not impose any sanctions at the time of the alleged incident. McClain was in Alabama with the organizations permission so that he could attend the funeral of his grandfather.

His attorney, Billy C. Burney II, said the former first round pick denies firing the gun and being involved in any fight.

“At the end of the day,” Hue Jackson stated in early December, “there’s no question that he knows I’m disappointed with some things that occurred. And I will take care of that in-house.”

“If the league comes down on him,” Jackson continued, “then I’m going to come down on him like you’ve never seen.”

Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler, who’s enjoying the perks of being selected to the AFC All-Star team in Hawaii, talked about his new coach. “I think it will be a good fit for us,” said Lechler. “He’s a young, energetic guy. Smart guy. Been through a lot with Atlanta, then a lot with New Orleans, over to Denver and that defense. We’ll take all the help we can get right now.”

In 1995, Dennis Allen and Lechler were teammates at Texas A&M.

“I’ve known him forever. I think this will be a good fit,” commented Lechler.

On Sirius satellite radio, John Madden stated, “I don’t know Dennis Allen. Obviously, I wasn’t a part of that [hiring], but everything I hear about him is good and what the Raiders need. I think he’s a very bright guy, he’s a good teacher, he’s a disciplinarian and he’s demanding.”

Terms of his deal are being finalized and a press conference in Oakland could be held the week after the Super Bowl.

The one name that constantly pops up when chatter about the composition of his staff is bantered about is Kansas City defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas. Allen and Thomas are good friends; having a working relationship during their days in Atlanta.

Al Saunders may be retained for continuity sake and the fact that he’s well versed with many of the talents currently on the roster.

Saunders is one of the more respected coaches in the league and a candidate to remain as offensive coordinator. Mike Sherman, a former staffer in Green Bay, who also has connections to Reggie McKenzie could be added to the offensive staff.

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Unlike his dad, Mark Davis will be content with letting others run the show.

The National Football League’s All Pro team was selected this week and no members of the Silver & Black were selected.

Six Oakland Raiders received votes, but their cross bay rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, kept two stand out players off the squad. Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler, who will represent the conference in the Pro Bowl, were runner-ups to David Akers and Andy Lee.

Tyvon Branch, Richard Seymour, Jared Veldheer and Marcel Reece all received at least one vote of a possible 50 at each position by a national panel of writers that cover the league.

Now that the Raiders will have Reggie McKenzie as their new general manager, here are some initial thoughts on the hiring:

What’s his philosophy in selecting players and evaluating talent? Yesterday, I posted an article that gave you some insight into his thinking. But, we all know that when Al Davis was in action during the draft, it was all about the biggest, fastest and most decorated players.

Hue Jackson: There’s no denying his want for power and the fact that he wants to have his fingerprints on anything Silver & Black. But now he has a general manager he has to answer to. Jackson can now be held accountable for all the moves he has made and will be tied with the success or failure of Carson Palmer. McKenzie inherits Palmer, a depleted draft class and a team chopped full of talent that went on a slide after posting a 7-4 record heading into December. Will McKenzie even want to work with Jackson? It could also be one and done for the coach if McKenzie wants to do it his way. That may be the case if Oakland wants to start fresh and wash away the taste of a 2011 season that ended badly. And if Jackson does want too much power over the roster and becomes a nuisance, let the coaching search begin.

The Defense: It’s a matter of time for the ax to come down on a few staffers. McKenzie will likely see this unit in-fit to move forward and compete. Who stays, who goes… especially players will be very interesting.

Contracts: Palmer is here to stay — you can’t argue that. But what other contracts may the new g.m. see unfit? Will Stanford Routt’s contract be in jeopardy? Who will be asked to take a pay-cut or allocate their money elsewhere?

Free Agency: I’ve mentioned the importance of retaining Michael Bush, but now, it’s not just what Jackson may want, but what McKenzie will want to accomplish with the club with the future in mind. Jackson did the ultimate live for today move by trading for Palmer. In the NFL, some coaches live from year-to-year. Not general managers who have a plan for the organization and want to see them build towards consistency.

Green Bay crossover: McKenzie spent a lifetime for some as a Packer. So its natural for him to try to migrate some people over; whether staffers or players that he has had success with to Oakland. Darren Perry, Winston Moss, Kevin Greene and Mike Trgovac could all have a possible role with the Raiders once the defense begins to get revamped.

TE/WR Jermichael Finley, RB Ryan Grant, C Scott Wells, DL Johnny Jolly will be free agents. If Bush does not get tagged or signed, Grant could be an option. If Kevin Boss’ contract is not honored, Finley could be a dynamic addition and if Stefen Wisniewski is kept at guard and Samson Satele is not around, Wells could be replacement.

We’ll find out more about McKenzie during his introductory press conference and bring you more info on SBReport.net then.

MORE

Ron Wolf on McKenzie: “Well, he’s worked his way right from the bottom up, all the way up to the top. He’s gone as far as you can go in his particular area, personnel. He’s handled every aspect in the personnel office that one could handle. He’s signed players. He’s cut players. He’s involved with players in contractual disputes. He’s handled things with the union. He understands how contracts work. He understands how the money end of the game works. He’s negotiated contracts. But most importantly, he’s an exceptional judge of talent.”

Wolf on Mark Davis: “I think what Mark Davis’ deal is, he wants to bring the Raiders back to where they were, the glory years of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. I think that’s what he wants to do. I also think he’s smart enough to realize what he can and cannot do, what he’s capable of and what he isn’t capable of. So I think, rather than putting himself in the limelight, I would think that he is going to hire people that would enable him to bring out the best in the Raiders. He knows, I believe, Mark is smart enough to know what he can do, and he will only help in areas that he can help in. I don’t think he feels that he needs to be the front line guy here.”

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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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